Video: Snow King S-Chute Run
An afternoon run down one of Snow King's S-Chutes — a rare tree-cut ski run that requires hiking to get to. The resort hadn't gotten any new snow in days, yet conditions were still powdery.
California Bars Day-of Ticket Sales at Ski Resorts This Season
To limit mountain capacity and discourage last-minute traveling, California will no longer allow resorts to sell day-of lift tickets this season. Resorts are also asked to limit parking to ticket and pass holders only.
Many Holdout North American Destination Resorts to Open This Week, Parking Reservations at Copper and Snowbird Already Filling Up
By the end of this week, most of the resorts we’ve reviewed will be open for the 2020-21 season. With COVID-19 still a factor, we’ve detailed the access information for each of these mountains here.
Master Plan Deep Dive: Snow King
Last week, Snow King received approval from the USFS to proceed with its master plan, clearing a major hurdle to implement the ambitious expansion. In the wake of this news, we decided to take a look at the plan’s most notable proposals and potential impacts for seasons to come.
State of Resort Season Pass Policies for the 2020-21 Season
After examining the early-season pricing and assurance differences between Epic and Ikon, we decided to do the same for standalone season pass products. Some mountains offer excellent protections, while others are risky buys.
(Expired) $249 Cooper Season Pass with Partner Days
Colorado’s Cooper Ski Area has announced heavily discounted early-bird 2020-21 season pass prices. But for those primarily interested in the cheap access to partner resorts, the pass’s assurance policy is risky.
Jackson Town Council Approves Snow King Gondola
Earlier this week, Jackson, WY’s town council unanimously voted to approve construction of the proposed gondola at Snow King resort. The 8-passenger gondola, which will replace the resort’s Summit double chair, will be permitted to operate for night skiing.
Indy Ski Pass Adds Snow King, White Pine, Winterplace, and Buck Hill
The Indy Pass has added two-day access to four additional resorts for the 2020-21 season. Theoretically, passholders will now be able to ski for 112 days next season if they hit every resort on the pass.
(Expired) Limited $108 Silverton Season Passes ($206 with Partner Resort Days)
Silverton Mountain has announced that they’re selling a very limited number of significantly discounted 2021 unguided season passes. This unpatrolled resort, which only has one chairlift and requires avalanche gear, is offering base passes for just $107.95 ($99 + $8.95 shipping).
Off Peak Podcast Episode 1: Ikon Steps Up
We discuss Ikon’s recent moves to accommodate pass holders affected by COVID-19, as well as a lift disappearance mystery that no one seems to be able to get to the bottom of. We also answer some questions from our listeners.