Winter News From Ikon Pass And Alterra Mountain Company
Winter is here and Alterra Mountain Company is ready, with new chairlifts, tantalizing dining experiences and exciting programs ready to welcome skiers and riders for an iconic season and beyond. Please see below for more information.
IKON PASS NEWS
Skiers and riders can soak up the magic of the Matterhorn this season as Zermatt became the first European destination partner to join the Ikon Pass. The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps.
This winter, Alterra Mountain Company also announced it will acquire Sugarbush Resort in Vermont, bringing the company’s total to 15 year-round destinations throughout North America. Located in Vermont’s scenic Mad River Valley, Sugarbush Resort is home to two distinct mountains, a health and recreation club and the Sugarbush Resort Golf Club.
USA NEWS
Steamboat, Colorado
In November, Steamboat opened its runs with a newly refurbished and speedy gondola. With the addition of 12 cabins, more advanced machinery and easier step-on access, the Steamboat Gondola now takes guests up the mountain almost 38% faster than in previous seasons.
Ikon Pass holders are also able to access trails once the sun goes down with unlimited access to night skiing and snowboarding, Thursday-Monday, from December 2019 to March 2020.
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park celebrates its 80th season this year with a host of new ventures, including a new Sunnyside Chairlift at Mary Jane. Skiers and riders are now able to reach classic runs such as Columbine and Sleeper in less than four minutes. Rippy’s Mountain Tavern is now also open in the heart of the Village, offering farm-to-table dining, craft beer, specialty cocktails and live music.
From 10 January 2020, the Winter Park Express will resume service from Denver Union Station to the slopes of Winter Park. Running on weekends and the first two Fridays of each month, the Amtrak train is the most convenient and enjoyable way to get to the resort and the only Ski Train in the U.S.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
In November, Deer Valley Resort was announced as the United States’ Best Ski Resort at the prestigious World Ski Awards for the seventh consecutive year. The award recognizes the exceptional service given to guests at this ski-only mountain.
December also saw the launch of Club 1981, an exclusive membership for Deer Valley skiers, which includes season passes, complimentary food and drinks, ski valet service and lounge access. Single, couple and family membership options are available.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California
On 29 February 2020, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will host Leap of Love, a collective Leap Day mountaintop wedding. Up to 50 couples will get married or renew their vows at the picturesque High Camp Upper Observation Deck before a laid-back gathering in the Terrace Bar & Restaurant and group ski down 3.2 miles to The Village at Squaw Valley.
This winter season has also seen the addition of a new Treeline Cirque Chairlift at Alpine Meadows which takes skiers and riders from the base area to Sherwood Ridge in just five minutes.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain has unveiled a number of new renovations this winter including a new bar and restaurant. The latter, Canyon BBQ, serves delicious BBQ staples such as brisket and pulled pork – perfect after a day on the slopes.
Mammoth Mountain has a reputation for long winters and this season will see a $1.3 million upgrade to is snowmaking systems, ensuring that the destination continues to open early year-on-year.
CANADA NEWS
Tremblant, Quebec
This winter, Tremblant will unveil Le Nomade, a new mobile food truck. Le Nomade will visit various locations around the mountain and serve delicious themed menus, such as Smokehouse and Tex-Mex. Exact opening date TBC.
Tremblant will also see major upgrades to the Pedestrian Village including renovations at the sumptuous La Forge Bistro-Bar & Grill, and the addition of new virtual reality games – including two race car simulators – that are fun for all the family.
CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, British Columbia
In December, the Bobbie Burns Lodge reopened following an extensive, $8.4 million renovation. As well as a complete redesign of rooms and the addition of a new guest wing, the Lodge also unveiled a new four-person private Heli-Skiing program. With trips selling out 18 months in advance, this expansion will allow even more skiers and riders to experience CMH Heli-Skiing.
Bugaboos Lodge is looking ahead to summer with new Trail Running Retreats. Beginning in July 2020, trail runners will be able to access undiscovered areas via helicopter, where breathtaking wilderness awaits.
