ICYMI for May

Even though this amazing snow season is winding down, there’s still some important news for skiers and riders.

Here is our monthly ICYMI – in case you missed it – tidbits of this and that, including extended operating days at resorts in the US and Canada.

Utah

The state has received a record amount of what it markets as The Greatest Snow on Earth, including some 700 inches at Brighton and Alta.

Ski Utah reports these new closing dates for resorts still operating – if your favorite destination is not on the list, it has already closed for the season –

• Alta – April 23, 2023
• Brian Head – April 30, 2023
• Brighton – May 29, 2023
• Deer Valley Resort – April 23, 2023 (extended beyond original date!)
• Park City Mountain – May 1, 2023 – (extended beyond original date!)
• Snowbasin – April 23, 2023 – (extended beyond original date!)
• Snowbird – Open daily through May 14. Then open Friday–Sundays and holidays through Memorial Day. With no closing date in sight, Snowbird will continually assess operations past Memorial Day based on conditions.
• Solitude – May 21, 2023 – Open daily until May 21. More info here.
• Woodward Park City – to be announced for chair closure but the jib park is open until the snow melts!

Montana –

Big Sky is offering a selection of resort-specific passes for next season, including $60/day Twin Tips deal. Purchase before April 27 to get the low price. Big Sky is also an Ikon Pass member.

Alaska –

Alyeska Resort will join the Ikon Pass community for winter 23/24 with no blackout dates.  Ikon Base Pass holders will have access to five days, with select blackout dates. Alyeska Resort is also available on the Ikon Session Pass.

The addition of Alyeska Resort brings the list of Ikon Pass resorts 56 mountain destinations across 11 countries and 16 states.

Alyeska Resort is a playground for all levels of skiers and riders, located just 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska, in Chugach State Park, offering glacier-filled vistas and Northern Lights sightings. The mountain is home to a 60-passenger aerial scenic tram with panoramic views, 1,610 acres of varied terrain, 76 trails and over 669 inches of snow annually, plus seven dining experiences, including Seven Glaciers, a AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant with unparalleled views overlooking seven hanging glaciers.

Visit in March as I did a few years ago, and enjoy the start of the famous Iditarod Race in downtown Anchorage.  It’s a fun day with parades and other events.

Canada –

Whistler Blackcomb has closed the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola for the season.

But spring skiing is still accessible on Blackcomb Mountain on weekends until May 22, via the Blackcomb Gondola.

Elsewhere –

The winter ski/snowboard season is just beginning in Chile and New Zealand.  (Click here for details on the 70+ Ski Club New Zealand Trip this August.)

Season Passes –

Have you bought yours yet for next season?  Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective, Indy. All offer great deals for multiple destinations.  But don’t delay – early-purchase deals have expiration dates, and some passes have capped numbers, so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

See you next month!