Black Diamond Clients Set Up For Winter 19-20

SEASON PASS UDPATES

Ikon Pass expands into Europe debuting with Zermatt, Switzerland

Soak up the magic of the Matterhorn as Zermatt becomes the first European destination partner on the Ikon Pass. Ikon Pass holders now have access to snow at 41 global destinations across five continents. The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain in the picturesque Alps. Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, with no blackout dates. . www.ikonpass.com

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado joins the Ikon Pass

The Ikon Pass community continues to grow with the addition of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. A-Basin is located just over 60 miles from Denver and boasts the longest season in Colorado, with many seasons running until 4th July. Affectionately known as “The Legend,” A-Basin sits on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains and offers a high-alpine, big-mountain experience, paired with a laid-back atmosphere. There are five other Colorado ski resorts on the Ikon Pass including Steamboat and Aspen Snowmass. www.ikonpass.com

Rusutsu, Japan joins the Epic Pass

Rusutsu resort in Hakkaido joins the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass for the upcoming 19/20 winter ski season. The pass now gives visitors access to 11 resorts in Japan on top of the 10 resorts already available in the Hakubu Valley for 10 days. Rusutsu is a world-class resort home to endless layers of deep powder and well-groomed slopes. The terrain boasts a large ski area that covers three mountains with an average of 12-14 meters of fresh snow falling each season. Laden with trees, this resort is one of the best for treeline skiing suitable for all abilities. www.japan.travel/en

RESORT RENOVATIONS

Bobbie Burns lodge renovation at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, British Columbia, Canada

The Bobbie Burns lodge is undergoing an $8.4 million renovation which will see upgrades to existing rooms as well as a new guest wing, allowing for more single rooms (perfect for solo travellers) and a new four-person private Heli-Skiing programme, launching December 2019. CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures is the world’s first Heli-Skiing company and gives skiers access to three million acres of terrain – roughly x20 bigger than all of North America’s ski resorts combined. www.cmhheli.com

New gondola at Steamboat, Colorado

Construction of a new $15 million gondola is well underway at Steamboat ski resort in Colorado. Replacing the existing gondola, the new model will feature 12 additional cabins – bringing the total to 137 – and more speed, resulting in an increased uphill capacity from 2,600 people per hour to 3,600. The new gondola is anticipated to open in November 2019. www.steamboat.com

NEW HOTELS

W Aspen now open

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, W Aspen and The Sky Residences are now open in Aspen, Colorado. 88 rooms and suites make up the property, each designed with fresh Alpine style in mind. There are après opportunities aplenty from the WET Deck,­ an all-weather rooftop with a hot tub, fire pits and DJ area, to 39°, a late-night underground cocktail lounge. The hotel also has a fitness centre and swimming pool for those in need of some downtime. www.colorado.com

LOGE Breckenridge opening autumn 2019

LOGE Breckenridge is a new hotel and hostel centrally located between Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain ski resorts in Colorado. The urban property is set to be one of the hottest new stays for the millennial crowd. Visitors will be able to enjoy use of hammocks, Yeti drinks coolers and complimentary bike hire during the warmer months. The property will also have large hangout areas where it’ll hosting movie screenings and live music across the weekend. www.colorado.com

Oliver Hospitality Acquires Station House Inn, South Lake Tahoe

Oliver Hospitality recently acquired the Best Western Station House Inn and its Lewmarnel’s Food & Spirits in South Lake Tahoe, California. Renovations on the hotel and restaurant are imminent and the rebrand will consist of a vintage motel called Station House Inn with a revamped design, f&b and social areas. Located in South Lake Tahoe, a paradise with its sparkling alpine lake, majestic mountains, and local culture, the Station House Inn is ideal for getaways and ski vacations located within walking distance of casinos, Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Ski Resort. www.tahoesouth.com  

Park Hyatt Niseko opening 2020

Park Hyatt is scheduled to open on 20 January 2020 in Niseko, with bookings available now. The new luxury mountain retreat will offer spectacular views of the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei. Through the use of carefully curated art, cuisine and contemporary design, Park Hyatt makes for the perfect stay – suites and oversized guestrooms will feature large living and dining areas as well as private onsens for an additional touch of luxury. The hotel will have an on-site restaurant, spa, pool, kids programme and fitness centre. Additionally, the resort will have its own ski valet service to organise guests’ ski passes, rentals and of ski school lessons. www.japan.travel/en

EXCITING OPENINGS

Tokyo debuts Snow Machine festival 2020

From 1-4 March 2020, Tokyo will host Snow Machine, a brand-new boutique alpine festival bringing four snow-filled days of music and culture to the slopes of Hakuba. Hakuba is just three and a half hours from Tokyo and is the largest alpine mountain-range in Japan. The festival is perfect for holiday goers to enjoy ramen and onsens with their après. The festival line up will include Peking Duk (DJ Set) and What So Not, duo Hermitude, chart topper Illy Rich and more. www.japan.travel/en

Hakuba Mountain Beach, Nagano Prefecture, now open

Hakuba Mountain Beach opened on 26 July 2019. Located in the famed Japanese ski resort at 1,400 meters above sea level, this is not the typical place for a spa day. Visitors can lounge on hammocks, take a dip in one of the inviting bubbling Jacuzzi’s, or step into one of the two four-person gondola saunas. The new mountain beach is scheduled to stay open throughout the winter season, allowing for a taste of summer during the snowy months. www.japan.travel/en

 Finnair launches new direct flight to Sapporo

Finnair will launch a new direct flight route from Helsinki to Sapporo on 15 December 2019. Previously, powder hounds have had to change in Tokyo before flying on to Hokkaido Island. Opening just in time for the winter season, the new route will operate twice a week from 15 December 2019 until 27 March 2020 when the season ends. www.japan.travel/en