IKON: $207 Million For New Gondola, Improvements, Terrain Expansions

After a whirlwind of a year that saw many resort groups hold tight to any and all available capital, Alterra Mountain Company is moving full-steam ahead with some $207 million in planned improvements at its Ikon Pass flagship resorts.

Related: How To Squeeze Every Last Dollar Out Of Your Ikon Pass

The major improvements include the addition of a "Base-2-Base" gondola that will connect Squaw Valley to its neighbor Alpine Meadows as well as a large redesign of the current gondola square at Steamboat Resort plus a terrain expansion. Other improvements involve a redesign of the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, a new SnowPark Base Area at Deer Valley, and approximately $31 million earmarked for technology system enhancements that resort officials hope will cut wait times, make the transaction process contactless, as well as improve user experience on the Ikon Pass app.

With so much to unpack, let's take it one-by-one in terms of size and impact...

Base-2-Base Gondola | Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows

https://vimeo.com/131798412

Project Stats:

- $60 Million

- 6,000 acres of skiable terrain

- To be the 3rd largest ski area in North America

- 16-minute ride

- 360-degree views

Announced in 2015, the plan to bring a "Base-2-Base" gondola to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has been a long time in the making but it appears as though the plan is moving forward after receiving initial approvals. The ride is estimated to take only 16 minutes between resorts, offering guests unprecedented, multi-resort access in the Lake Tahoe area. The project, which is slated to cost some $60 million, will include two main terminals, two mid-station terminals, as well as the addition of new base areas.

Gondola Square Redesign + Terrain Expansion | Steamboat Resort

Project Stats:

- $135 Million

- Completion scheduled for 22/23 ski season

- 650 new acres of skiable terrain off Pioneer Ridge

- To become 2nd largest ski area in Colorado

This summer, Steamboat Resort will embark on a series of major improvements that are slated to be completed in their entirety by the 2022/2023 ski season. The majority of the capital will be spent on a complete redesign of the Gondola Square area, including a relocation of the base gondola terminal, added amenities and restaurants, and reduced stairs throughout the base village. In addition to those creature comforts, expert skiers will be delighted by an additional 650 acres, all of which will be accessible via the Pony Chairlift.

Other Projects:

Main Lodge Renovation | Mammoth Mountain

A beloved relic of the skiing's past, Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge will see an overdue update that is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2023. The multi-use space will incorporate boutique dining, guest services, an adventure concierge center, as well as residences for sale, and much more.

Snow Park Base Area Redesign | Deer Valley

The Snow Park Base Area at Deer Valley will undergo a complete redesign, allowing for better arrival and departure options for those visiting the area. There will also be an expanded "ski beach" area where people will be able to take in the world-class apres scene.

Enterprise Technology Systems

Alterra will invest some $31 million into its enterprise technology systems. They hope to improve transaction processes, shorten wait times, and make their Ikon Pass app more user-friendly than ever before.

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