Huge Snow Prompts Early Openings at 13 Ikon Pass Destinations

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big bear mountain resort, california, opening day
Big Bear Mountain Resort, CA, after a huge snowstorm this week. Credit: BBMR

DENVER, CO, November 11, 2022 โ€“ Thanks to recent storms, cold temperatures, and the hard work of mountain operations and snowmaking teams across North American destinations,ย Ikon Pass holders can enjoy early openings at 13 destinations throughout California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Idaho, and Canada, offering skiers and riders bonus days on the slopes.

COLORADO

WINTER PARK RESORT –ย OPEN

Winter Park Resort had its earliest opening ever on Halloween, Monday, October 31. Lifts are now spinning 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday and starting at 8:30am on weekends.

ARAPAHOE BASIN –ย OPEN

The longest ski and ride season in Colorado officially began on October 23 at A-Basin. The Legend is fully open for the season, operating seven days a week.

ELDORA –ย OPEN

Eldora opened today, November 11, kicking off its 60th anniversary season a full week ahead of schedule. One run is open, the Hornblower-to-International top-to-bottom blue run, served by the Alpenglow six-person chair, and a small terrain park is open in the base area.

ASPEN SNOWMASS –ย OPENS 11/19

Recent snowfall dumped over three feet of snow, allowing Aspen Mountain and Snowmass to open earlier than expected on November 19, originally scheduled for Thanksgiving.

CALIFORNIA

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN –ย OPEN

After opening early on November 5, Mammoth has received up to 70โ€ of fresh powder over the past 72 hours, allowing top to bottom skiing and riding via 11 lifts and two gondolas. With incredible early season conditions, Ikon Pass holders will have even more lifts and terrain available for the weekend.

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT –ย OPENS 11/12

Opening day at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit is tomorrow, Saturday, November 12, with lifts spinning from 8:30am to 4pm. Both mountains will be open to Ikon Pass holders and guests, with Snow Summit scheduled to be open daily, and Bear Mountain open Friday-Sunday until further notice. Get ready to find park features at Bear Mountain on Opening Weekend and early next week at Snow Summit.

PALISADES TAHOE –ย OPENS 11/18

Palisades Tahoe will kick off the winter season on November 18, after receiving more than three feet of snow, including 39โ€ in the past 72 hours. Watch for the opening of the new Palisades Tahoe Base to Base Gondola in December, which will connect the two base areas of Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows.

UTAH

SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT –ย OPEN

Solitude Mountain Resort had its earliest opening since 2013 after receiving 79โ€ of snow, allowing lifts to start spinning for Ikon Pass holders on November 10, and for all skiers & riders on November 11. Military & veterans also ski for free on Veterans Day, November 11. Solitude has now received 92โ€ though November 11.

BRIGHTON –ย OPEN

Brighton opened today, November 11, with three lifts running and free skiing and riding to all active military and veterans. The mountain has received 60″ of snow since October 22, including 31โ€ in the past 72 hours.

SNOWBIRD –ย OPENS 11/18

The mountain received over 32โ€ of snow, building a 67โ€ base and bumping up Snowbirdโ€™s opening day by two weeks to November 18.

WASHINGTON

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN –ย OPENS 11/18

Crystal Mountain will kick off its 60th anniversary season on November 18 and will be the first Pacific Northwest destination to open (after being the last to close last winter season). Cold temperatures allowed the snowmaking teams to work their magic so Discovery Chair, Quicksilver, and Chinook Express can spin at 9am on Friday, 11/18 and at 8:30am on Saturday, 11/19 and Sunday, 11/20.

IDADO

SCHWEITZER –ย OPENS 11/19

With three feet of snow dumping on the mountains, Schweitzer is offering skiers and riders a bonus weekend by opening on November 19 and 20. The last time the mountain opened before its projected opening date was during the 2017/18 season.

CANADA

SKIBIG3 –ย OPEN

The 22/23 winter season is underway at Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Lifts started spinning at Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort on November 3 and November 4, respectively. Mt. Norquay opened yesterday, November 10, with excellent snow coverage thanks to intense early season snowfall over the past three weeks.

Ikon Pass is on sale now atย www.ikonpass.com. For all opening dates, please checkย hereย or visit each destinationโ€™s website.ย For more information on Ikon Pass, please visitwww.ikonpass.com.

red mountain resort, British Columbia, Rossland, ikon pass,
Image courtesy of Ikon Pass

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