In January 2018, Alterra Mountain Company introduced the Ikon Pass, giving skiers and snowboarders access to 50+ locations across the globe. Much like Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, the Ikon Pass allows diehard skiers like myself to spend $1,000 each season to shred spots all over the world for up to five to seven days at each location or unlimited access. Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, and Palisades Tahoe are three resorts on the Ikon that offer unlimited access all season. Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and Aspen Snowmass give full Ikon Pass holders up to seven days per season and five days for Ikon Base Pass holders. The flexibility and diverse set of locations on the Ikon Pass is next to none, in which purchasers can make their money back on their investment skiing just four days at a place like Aspen Snowmass.

Buying the Ikon Pass allows skiers and snowboarders to visit some of the largest resorts in the world by skiable acreage. Below is a list of the 8 largest resorts in skiable acres on the Ikon Pass, ranging from multiple continents and countries.

#8 Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort – 4,323 acres 

In eighth place is Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, located 22 miles from Bend, Oregon, and the largest resort in the Pacific Northwest. Skiers and snowboarders have access to 12 lifts and over 100 trails to choose from. Full Ikon Pass holders get up to seven days and Base Pass holders get five days each season to check out the volcanic peak’s fantastic terrain and 385 inches of average snowfall annually.

#7 Aspen Snowmass – 5,517 acres

Aspen Snowmass comes in at seventh place on the list with over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain across four resorts: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. While Aspen is widely known for its nightlife and luxurious shops downtown, the skiing and snowboarding options are infinite between the four resorts. Experts enjoy Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, The Cirque at Snowmass, and Hero’s at Aspen Mountain. With the resorts being fairly separated across the Aspen Snowmass area, it is highly unlikely for someone to experience all of the terrain in one trip. Any takers?

#6 Big Sky Resort – 5,850 acres

Coming in at sixth place is Montana’s behemoth ski area, Big Sky Resort at 5,850 acres. Skiers and snowboarders have 38 lifts and 291 runs to choose from. The Lone Peak Tram takes guests to the summit for a rate varying between $10-$40 for skiers/snowboarders and scenic riders. Much like Jackson Hole‘s tram ride to the summit, only experts should consider riding down the terrain off Lone Mountain. Otherwise, guests can always think twice and take the tram back down, with no damage done. 

#5 Palisades Tahoe – 6,000 acres

Palisades Tahoe is the fifth largest resort on the Ikon Pass at 6,000 skiable acres. Between the Palisades Side and the Alpine Side, Palisades Tahoe offers some of the most legendary terrain in California with 42 lifts and 270 trails. The iconic KT-22 lift and the recently added Base to Base Gondola give Ikon Pass holders unlimited days of access to scenic views of the Sierra Nevadas and a wide variety of terrain. It is a must-see spot for anyone looking for a top-notch thrill.

#4 Grandvalira Resorts Andorra – 7,599 acres

Next up in number four is the small country of Andorra’s Grandvalira Resorts with over 7,500 acres of terrain. The Ikon Pass allows five to seven days of access to three resorts: Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal, and Grandvalira. The three resorts are spread across the Pyrenees range in Europe and are all within 32 square miles of each other. With over 123 lifts and 215 trails, Ikon Pass holders never have trouble keeping busy when paying a visit to Grandvalira Resorts. 

#3 SkiBig3 – 7,748 acres

In third place we move back to North America where SkiBig3 gives Ikon pass holders over 7,700 acres of terrain to shred. SkiBig3 is made up of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay in the province of Alberta, Canada. Ikon Pass holders are granted five to seven days combined at all three resorts and won’t spend more than 90 minutes traveling between each village. Banff is known for its insurmountable views year-round and hardcore ski terrain, making it a bucket list trip for tourists of all different kinds. 

#2 Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley – 29,405 acres

We now head back to Europe for the remainder of the list, as number two, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, boasts over 29,000 acres of skiable terrain. Situated in the French Alps and at the base of Mont-Blanc, Chamonix offers five resorts with five to seven days of access combined on the Ikon. Grands Monte’s, Les Couches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere, and Le Brevent are the five resorts that Ikon pass holders can utilize when making the trip to Chamonix. Not to mention, all five ski areas are within 25 square miles of each other, making it super easy to access over 67 lifts and some of the world’s best backcountry skiing in the shadows of towering Mont-Blanc.

#1 Dolomiti Superski Area – 29,652 acres

At the top of the list, we head to the Dolomite Alps of Italy where the largest ski area, Dolomiti Superski, possesses a whopping 29,652 acres of skiable terrain. Ikon Pass holders get five to seven combined days of access to 12 different resorts, 450 lifts, and 887 trails. Therefore, Ikon Pass holders need to pick ski areas wisely when traveling to the Dolomites. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Arabba Marmolada are some of the more popular destinations in the Dolomiti Superski area with their rich history, amazing food, and top-notch skiing. Such a large variety of terrain and villages to choose from gives me a headache, so an opportunity to just catch a glimpse of the Italian Alps is good enough for me.