Black Diamond PR highlights Best Ski Destinations To Book Ahead Now For Winter 23/24
There has never been a better time to plan ahead for the 23/24 ski season. With the recent release of next season’s Ikon Pass, skiers and riders can get lift access at more than 50 unique mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Pass holders can enjoy the lowest rates of the season and take advantage of all the early offers available, such as renewal discounts, Buy Now Ride Now spring skiing, and 0% interest payment plans. Perfect for those wanting to sample skiing over the pond or down under, whilst also enjoying a hop over to Europe. Read on to see our top picks for families, experts, foodies and everything in between across the four corners of the globe.
North America
Hit the Slopes in the Wild West at Steamboat, Colorado
With Colorado enjoying its best powder season in a decade, resorts such as Steamboat should be on the bucket list for UK skiers and riders. The resort’s patented Champagne Powder® has an average density of 6%, making for very light, dry, and smooth snow, widely regarded as the best in the world for skiing and boarding. Known for its western heritage, the third phase of Steamboat’s $200 million regeneration will open next season, which has seen modernisation on the mountain and in the resort’s base area. The new Wild Blue Gondola has become the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10-person gondola in the USA, while base area improvements include a new ice skating rink and food and drink hall. Ikon Pass holders can enjoy unlimited access along with 13 other North American ski resorts. www.steamboat.com
Ski in the Lap of Luxury at Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Situated 36 miles east of Salt Lake City, Deer Valley Resort features spectacular views from Mount Baldy all the way to the glistening Uinta Range. The ski-only resort prides itself on the quality of its visitor experience, limiting the number of guests they will allow on the mountain at any one time. Without the crowds, and with a fantastic network of high-speed lifts, visitors have no difficulty getting around. In association with Ski Butlers, Deer Valley offers a VIP Experience, with premium ski equipment, first tracks, line-cutting privileges, Olympians as private guides, luxury dining with Michelin-starred chefs, and more. www.deervalley.com
Take the Family to June Mountain, California
For an unfussy family trip, visitors to June Mountain Resort in California will find 1,500 acres of uncrowded slopes, beginner friendly terrain and a laid-back atmosphere. Known as the “family mountain” of the Eastern Sierra, kids under 12 can ski completely free at this resort, while ski schools and guides offer group and private lessons where riders are matched up based on age and skill level, helping children to make their first tracks. With breathtaking views of the surrounding slopes stretching through the Eastern Sierra Mountains near June Lake, visitors can enjoy true connection with nature and an unforgettable time with friends and family and plenty of bluebird days in the California sunshine. www.visitcalifornia.com
Ride in August at Mammoth Mountain, California
Standing at 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain in California is the highest chairlift serviced peak in California and in addition to the varied terrain and incredible powder, offers unbeatable views of the Sierra Nevada into Yosemite National Park. Home to 11 world-famous Unbound Terrain Parks and 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, this world-class resort is home to many professional skiers and riders. The resort recently announced that all winter operations will continue into July for the 23/22 season so Ikon Pass holders can make the most out of the pass and ski well into the summer months. www.visitmammoth.com
Iconic Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
With 4,406 of vertical rise, more than 3,300 acres of varied terrain, and an average of two skiers per acre, Aspen Snowmass is without a doubt one of the best North American resorts, and among the best places in the world for first class skiing. Skiers can enjoy massive mountain terrain at Snowmass, and ski the other three Aspen Snowmass mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk) using the Ikon Pass, all short rides away on free shuttles. Off the slopes, activity options range from dinner rides to slopeside bowling, as well as all the mountain town fun and amazing dining options that Aspen and Snowmass are famous for. www.aspensnowmass.com
Night Skiing at The Summit at Snoqualmie, Seattle
The Summit at Snoqualmie proudly offers the most night skiing in the US, with nearly 600 acres to discover under the stars. Located just an hour’s drive from downtown Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie offers fun for skiers and snowboarders visiting the city. Featuring famous steeps, backbowls, terrain parks, a Nordic centre and Tubing Park as well as fantastic terrain for beginners, The Summit operates 7 days, and 6 nights a week. The Summit at Snoqualmie is also accessible to Ikon Pass holders. www.visitseattle.org
South America
High Altitude Riding at Valle Nevado, Chile
Located 90 minutes East of Santiago at an elevation of 10,000 feet in the Andean Mountains, Valle Nevado is Chile’s premier ski resort, offering the largest amount of terrain and the most modern lift system in the Southern Hemisphere. Spread along the spine of a dramatic mountain ridge, the resort is perfect for travellers looking for some summer skiing and snowboarding. The resort is renowned for its wide-open terrain, world-class heli-skiing opportunities and, due to its high altitude, incredible snow conditions. www.chile.travel
Japan
Niseko United in Japan
Located in Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is Niseko United, one the country’s premier mountain destinations which is comprised of four ski resorts located on one mountain – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. Famed for the consistency and quality of snow, averaging 50 feet each season, Niseko United is a bucket list destination for any skier and rider on the hunt for fresh powder. Recent investments in accommodation and infrastructure make Niseko United an excellent destination for families and powder hounds. www.japan.travel/en/uk
Australia
Ski Down Under at Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia
In the heart of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains lies Australia’s favourite ski resort, Thredbo. This award winning ski resort boasts Australia’s longest ski runs and a wide variety of terrain from wide slopes to powder bowls that cater to all abilities. Sitting at an altitude of 1,365 metres above sea level, the picturesque alpine village of Thredbo has everything you need with lodges, cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars all conveniently located within walking distance from each other and the slopes. Enjoy a range of winter on and off mountain activities such as back country tours, iconic flare runs and fireworks every Saturday night, exclusive snowcat dinners and a sunrise dinner experience at Australia’s highest lifted point. www.visitnsw.com
