Ikon Pass Destinations
- Jennifer Chung
- Jul 10, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 8, 2023
The Ikon Pass is a snow-lover's gateway to a world of unrivaled mountain adventures. Offering access to over 50 iconic ski resorts worldwide, this season pass unlocks a winter wonderland of diverse terrain, pristine slopes, and breathtaking landscapes for skiers and boarders alike. With flexibility and convenience, the Ikon Pass provides ski enthusiasts with unforgettable memories on the slopes at an affordable price. Here is an overview of the ski destinations we have visited so far:
California
Believe it or not, the Golden State offers diverse ski and snowboard opportunities for winter enthusiasts. From the stunning peaks of Lake Tahoe to the breathtaking slopes of Mammoth Mountain, your next winter adventure awaits. Prepare to embrace the slopes and carve unforgettable memories.
Big Bear Mountain Resort/ Snow Summit/ Snow Valley
Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is a fantastic destination for winter sports lovers. BBMR is actually made up of 3 ski areas: Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley.
(Pictured: Top of the mountain at various times during the season.)
The main highlight of Big Bear Mountain Resort is its exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities within a close proximity. This is the closest destination to us for winter sports on the Ikon Pass, and is a destination we can leave for in the morning and come home for in the evening. It's important to note that due to this convenience for pretty much everyone in Southern California, the resort and surrounding areas can get crowded during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared for traffic and large crowds during peak season, and be patient, the mountains can only handle so many people. Also note that parking can vary, but BBMR is really organized about directing traffic to their free parking lots, and they have shuttles that run back and forth all day (even between Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.)
(Pictured: Snowboarding lessons for my 8-year-old.)
With multiple lifts and a wide range of trails catering to all skill levels, there's something for everyone. From terrain parks to an entire beginner area, BBMR has something to offer for every skill level in your family. My daughter took a few lessons here and I love how they have it set up. They even have a separate area for beginners where you can go stand and watch if you would like. It is very organized overall, and the instructors are wonderful as well.
(Pro Tip: Paying for a lesson also gives you a few hours to ride alone while your child is attending their lesson, depending on how long it is!)
On non-record breaking seasons, the resort's commitment to snowmaking ensures consistent snow coverage no matter what the season looks like. This, combined with well-groomed slopes, provides excellent conditions for carving down the mountain. The lift system is also very efficient, despite large crowds, I have always been impressed by BBMR's expertise in reducing wait times and maximizing your time on the slopes.
(Pictured: Conditions can vary greatly in the mountains of Southern California, check the weather and plan ahead!)
This efficiency, however, was not the case for Snow Valley for this season. It was disappointing to be stuck in long lift lines with barely any lifts running. With that being said, Snow Valley was just acquired by BBMR this season (22/23), so I would imagine that they are planning improvements to make sure Snow Valley is up to speed with the BBMR standard.
(Pictured: At Snow Valley, a slightly closer drive than Bear Mountain or Snow Summit.)
This last 22/23 season gave BBMR so much snow, I am almost certain they did not need to make snow all winter long. With that being said, be sure you are always checking the weather and road conditions before heading up to the mountains. Also, during winter, be aware of chain restrictions that might be in place before you journey up the mountain.
(Pictured: Enjoying some brews after some runs at BBMR.)
Overall, Big Bear Mountain Resort is a premier winter destination for all Southern Californians looking to hit the slopes. For experts and beginners alike, it is a great winter sports destination for the whole family. If you were looking for stays, or for other things to do in Big Bear, check out my other blog post:
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows is located in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Palisades Tahoe is comprised of two premier ski areas that offer a remarkable winter experience for both skiers and snowboarders. The natural beauty surrounding Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows alone is a simply breathtaking backdrop while you are on the slopes and makes the experience worthwhile on its own.
Palisades Tahoe is well-known for having hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. In addition to this, the resort boasts an impressive array of terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, Palisades Tahoe offers something for everyone. The resort's extensive lift system efficiently transports guests, and they just completed construction of their base-to-base gondola, which will take you from Palisades over to Alpine Meadows, and vice versa. Both areas within the destination feature excellent snow conditions, thanks to the region's ample natural snowfall. The Village at Palisades Tahoe is charming as well, and when we went they had a live band and local craft fair going on for everyone to enjoy.
(Pictured: Boarding at Palisades Tahoe and enjoying the Village.)
Combined, Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows offer an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience in the Sierra Nevadas. With their exceptional terrain, breathtaking scenery, and top-notch amenities, this winter destination provides a getaway that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Looking for more things to do while in Lake Tahoe? See my post:
June Mountain
June Mountain Ski Area, nestled in the beautiful Eastern Sierra region of California, offers a delightful winter experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. This charming resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and provides an idyllic setting for winter adventures.
(Pro Tip: June Mountain is known for being family-friendly for a reason. They typically offer a free season pass for children 12 and under as long as the adults have an Ikon Pass, Mammoth Mountain Pass, or June Mountain season pass.)
June Mountain boasts a variety of well-groomed trails that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The resort's terrain is diverse, with wide-open runs, tree-lined trails, and challenging bowls, ensuring there's something for everyone of all levels. This was a hidden haven compared to Mammoth Mountain, with fewer crowds compared to its sister resort, June Mountain offers a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing or snowboarding experience (with way less people). The main highlight of June Mountain (besides the lack of crowds) is its proximity to June Lake, offering a beautiful view on your way down the slopes.
In summary, June Mountain Ski Area offers a charming and family-friendly winter experience amidst the breathtaking Eastern Sierra scenery. With its varied terrain, excellent snow conditions, and family-friendly atmosphere, it provides a memorable getaway for skiers, snowboarders, and winter enthusiasts of all ages.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain also located in the stunning Eastern Sierra region of California (within close proximity to June Mountain) and is an exceptional ski resort known for its vast terrain and reliable snowfall. Mammoth Mountain stands as a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world and is somewhat of a rite-of-passage for Californians who are interested in snow sports. One of the most impressive features of Mammoth Mountain is its extensive ski area, which spans over 3,500 acres. With over 150 named trails and a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet, the resort provides a thrilling and varied experience for all skill levels.
(Pictured: Time spent at Mammoth Mountain.)
The resort's snow conditions are known for being consistently excellent, thanks to its high elevation and abundant snowfall. During this 22/23 season, they actually broke their all-time snowfall record. This consistent snowfall allows for fantastic skiing and snowboarding experiences on well-groomed trails and in powder-filled bowls.
(Fun Fact: Mammoth Mountain was the first destination to allow snowboarders.)
(Pictured: Snowboarding in July following Mammoth Mountain's historic 22/23 winter season.)
Mammoth Mountain's state-of-the-art lift system efficiently transports guests up the mountain, minimizing wait times and maximizing time on the slopes. Despite how busy it gets at Mammoth Mountain, the staff is excellent at managing crowds and wait times. The resort's commitment to enhancing the guest experience is evident in the modern infrastructure and excellent maintenance of the facilities during your visit.
Aside from its remarkable skiing and snowboarding opportunities, Mammoth Mountain also offers a wide range of winter activities and amenities. Off the slopes the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes offers a vibrant atmosphere with a range of accommodations, restaurants, and après-ski options. For more information about Mammoth Mountain off of the slopes, see my post:
The breathtaking natural beauty surrounding Mammoth Mountain is a constant reminder of its remarkable setting. Surrounded by towering peaks, expansive valleys, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth creates a majestic backdrop for all of your winter adventures. Additionally, the region's abundant sunshine adds a touch of warmth to the mountain experience, especially during spring skiing opportunities.
(Pictured: Enjoying a beer after a day on the slopes in Mammoth.)
With its vast terrain, reliable snow conditions, up-to-date facilities, and stunning scenery, it's no wonder that Mammoth Mountain is regarded as one of the most premier destinations for skiing and snowboarding in North America. If you ever find yourself in the area, it is worth the visit. Also, while you are in the area, here are some more things to do along highway 395 and the Eastern Sierras:
Colorado
Embrace the winter wonderland of Colorado with exhilarating snow activities! Prepare to hit the slopes for epic skiing/snowboarding adventures in world-renowned resorts. Glide through pristine powder, where Colorado offers endless snowy delights amidst breathtaking landscapes for all winter enthusiasts.
(Pro Tip: If you are flying to Denver, I would recommend trying to book with Southwest. They have an excellent bag policy when it comes to flying with your snow gear.)
(Pictured: Flying to Denver.)
Copper Mountain
(Pictured: Photos from Copper Mountain.)
Copper Mountain is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is a premier destination for winter adventure seekers. Copper Mountain offers diverse terrain and world-class ski slopes, including one of the longest runs I have ever taken to this day. I liked Copper Mountain particularly for how small it was. It did not seem to have much of a village, and there were only some cabins near the slopes. Because of this, it did not feel crowded at Copper Mountain at all during our time there. In fact, it was a really quiet and relaxing experience on the slopes. This is an excellent destination to visit if you are looking to avoid large crowds.
Winter Park
(Pictured: Boarding and enjoying drinks at Winter Park.)
Winter Park, located just 67 miles from Denver, Colorado, is a winter paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Boasting over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including groomed runs, moguls, and glades, it offers something for all skill levels. The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of winter activities, such as tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. With breathtaking mountain vistas and a charming village, Winter Park is the perfect destination for a memorable winter escape.
Steamboat
Steamboat Ski Resort is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and is famous for its legendary Champagne Powder® snow. Spanning over 2,900 acres, the resort offers a wide range of ski slopes and is my personal favorite of all of the destinations that I have been to so far. You take the lifts up and can spend the entire day on the back of the mountain without ever having to go back down to the base. Mind you, we went in April, so I would imagine that the conditions are incredible during the peak winter season, considering we had a fabulous time right before their closing day. If I had to pick one place to go back to next season, it would definitely be Steamboat.
(Pictured: On the slopes at Steamboat.)
Another thing I wanted to note was that I felt the food at the Steamboat resort was a step-above your average ski resort food. The sandwich I ordered was even presented nicely, which I am not used to when visiting a destination. This is a small touch, but sometimes the little things make all the difference!
(Pictured: Food & drink at Steamboat.)
With the Ikon Pass, you gain access to a remarkable collection of premier destinations across the globe (although we still have yet to make it that far!) From the powdery slopes of Colorado's Steamboat Springs to the picturesque mountains Mammoth Mountain, let this guide showcase the extraordinary adventures waiting for you. You are guaranteed to embark on a journey of endless good times and unforgettable experiences with the Ikon Pass.
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