[sponsored by Ikon Pass]
![New England, Stratton, ikon pass,](https://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/stratton2-min.jpg)
Theย Ikon Passย currently delivers skiing and riding at 36 ski resorts via 74,000-acres across 3 continents, but one of the areas where this pass really comes into its own is New England.
In this corner of the country alone, Ikon Pass is offering unrivalled access to:
- over 15,000-feet vertical
- 5,182-acres of the finest skiing in the east
- 719 runs for all abilities
- 91 lifts
- a total average of over 1,200″ of snowfall
- 6 resorts within 5 hours of each other
New England is one of the planetโs most highly saturated skiing and riding areasโincluding six Ikon Passย destinations all within five hours of each other, Stratton,ย Killington Resort, Sugarbush, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon Mountain.ย New England skiing and the Ikon Pass are the ultimate combination.
Long weekend trip or snow-steeped staycation, all lie conveniently outside two major metros, New York City and Boston. As the new standard in season passes, the Ikon Passย and Ikon Base Passย maximize your winter shredding access on New Englandโs best terrain.
![New England, Stratton, ikon pass,](https://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/stratton-min.jpg)
Stratton, VT
Southern Vermont is home to โThe Birthplace of Snowboarding,โ Strattonโthe first resort to allow snowboarders on its trails. With its base area reminiscent of a quaint European village, Stratton boasts both premium powder on mountain and excellent off-mountain activities.
If itโs snowing, head to Slalom Glade, a steep, off-the-beaten path run with deep powder stashes. After your turns, experience the mountain at night on a Full Moon Snowshoe Tour, which ends with a cozy campfire, hot cocoa, and sโmores.
Killington Resort, VT
Drive just over an hour north, and youโll be ready to snap in again at Killington Resort, โThe Beast of the EastโโNew Englandโs largest ski destination with the longest season. This behemoth is home to Killington Peak, Vermontโs second tallest peak, and the Audi FIS World Cup.
Donโt miss trying your hand at Superstar, the World Cup race trail, and afterward, treat yourself to a Crabby Bloody Mary, complete with crab legโthe perfect finish to a day on the New England snow.
Sugarbush, VT
Farther north in Vermont still lies Sugarbushโcomprised of two mountains with highly diverse personalities to match. Lincoln Peak has luxury lodging and fine dining; whereas, Mt. Ellen embodies the throwback ski scene, complete with Vermontโs highest chairlift. Take the high-speed quad between the two base areas for a ride over Slide Brook Basinโs 2,000 wooded acres.
Tomorrowโs snow report says powder? Sign up for Sugarbushโs first-tracks cat skiing aboard the Lincoln Limoโa specialty snowcat fitted with 12-passenger cabin, flat screen, and cushy seats.
Loon Mountain, NH
Located just two hours from Boston, New Hampshireโs Loon Mountainย is the most accessible destination for big-mountain skiing and riding. Its award-winning progression of six terrain parks includes the nearly-mile-long Loon Mountain Parkโplus the stateโs only Superpipeโpromising fun for every level of skier and rider.
And warm up after a long day on the mountain with an atypical aprรจsโCaribbean-style rum punch at the Summit Cafรฉ, a tropical downpour of rum, grenadine, and fruit juice.
Sunday River, ME
Sunday Riverโs eight peaks are known for having New Englandโs most dependable snowโkeeping this Maine destination open from late October through early May. If youโre up for a challenge, take on this destinationโs steepest, most iconic mogul runsโWhite Heat.
Refuel mid-morning at Peak Lodge with one of Sunday Riverโs world-famous sticky cinnamon buns. Drenched with a creamy glaze and bigger than your face, this sweet treat pairs perfectly with a spicy Bloody Mary, complete with smoky vodka and candied bacon.
Sugarloaf, ME
While in Maine, drive two hours northeast to Sugarloafย where you can experience New Englandโs only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing. Summit by hopping on the Timberline Quad, where you can snap a selfie with Katahdin and Mount Washington as your backdrop.
For aprรจs, no trip to the Loaf is complete without trying โNew England Ski Resortโs Top Burgerโ: the legendary Bag Burger from The Bag & Kettle. Or try elevated mid-mountain dining at Bullwinkleโs, accessible only by snowcat.
Explore the complete Ikon Pass destination list at ikonpass.com.
While the Ikon Pass is still a good deal it pales in comparison to what it replaced, the Max Pass. If you look at the offerings in the Northeast (New England and New York) last season the pass included 13 resorts; this season it includes just 6. There were no blackout dates on last year’s Max Pass but there are on the comparably prices Ikon Base Pass.