The Best Ikon Pass Destinations

Why our Mountain Travel Experts Love it: Don’t forget your cowboy hat when heading to Steamboat, Colorado! This authentic mountain town, steeped in Western heritage, sits in the Yampa Valley, surrounded by rugged mountain views. Famous for its champagne powder and legendary skiing, Steamboat is also home to must-visit geothermal hot springs.

Steamboat Mountain offers something for everyone. Beginners can cruise the gentle trails off Bashor Lift, intermediates will love the long blue groomers and experts have a blast in the legendary glades. For powder stashes and stunning views, hit Christmas Tree Bowl, or take on Mahogany Ridge’s extreme terrain with cliffs, chutes, and glades.

After the slopes, Steamboat’s laid-back downtown is full of Western charm, with great dining, unique shops, galleries and breweries—perfect for a well-earned après drink.

Highlights: Known for its Champagne Powder snow, the area has famous geothermal hot springs, a rich Western history, a charming downtown with expansive restaurant options, and quaint shops, everywhere from short and gentle beginner terrain to expert-level skiing. 

Closest Airport: Yampa Valley Regional Airport -22 miles (30 minute drive)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Aspen Snowmass is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders, offering four distinct mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. With its cozy ambiance and stunning views of the Elk Mountains, it's easy to see why Aspen is world-famous.

Snowmass, the largest resort, is celebrated for its family-friendly vibes, convenient ski-in ski-out accommodations and its lively village. Aspen Mountain (Ajax), located conveniently in the heart of town, is favored for its convenience, challenging terrain and steep slopes. Aspen Highlands is a favorite among experts, especially for its legendary Highlands Bowl. Plus, don't miss Cloud Nine, a European-style après hotspot known for its champagne showers. Buttermilk, ideal for beginners and families, is also famous for its terrain parks and is home to the annual ESPN X Games.

The town of Aspen itself is as captivating as the mountains, offering luxury shopping, fine dining vibrant arts and world-class accommodations. Aspen Snowmass blends incredible skiing, exclusive charm and breathtaking scenery, making it a bucket-list destination for all.

Highlights: Four mountains to choose from, free transportation between Snowmass and Aspen, extensive terrain for all skill levels, great foodie scene, high-quality snow conditions and stunning views of the Elk Mountains.

Closest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASP) - 6 miles (15 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Soak in stunning views of the Teton Range at the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Known for iconic features like the Aerial Tram (“Big Red”), Corbet’s Couloir and the Old West charm of downtown Jackson, this world-class resort is a bucket list destination for ski enthusiasts.

Spanning 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and averaging over 450 feet of snowfall annually, Jackson Hole is a mecca for mountain adventure-seekers and ski veterans. Beginners, don’t worry—there are plenty of welcoming trails and gentle slopes designed for newcomers, as well as dedicated areas to help build your confidence and skills on the mountain. 

Ride the 100-passenger tram to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain for breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons, and enjoy freshly made waffles at cozy Corbet’s Cabin. Off the slopes, Teton Village offers slopeside lodging, dining and shopping. Just 15 minutes away, downtown Jackson boasts the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, high-end boutiques, galleries and Western charm. Jackson Hole is a must-visit with something for everyone, from après and nightlife to legendary terrain and family-friendly activities.

Highlights: Courbet’s Couloir, two terrain parks, and four Burton Stash parks with features for every level or style, fun shops, restaurants, and atmosphere at the base of the mountain in Teton Village, 400-500” of light powdery snowfall annually, cap daily capacity for a decrease in crowds.

Closest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) - 17 miles (45 minute drive)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Chamonix, the birthplace of alpine skiing and host of the 1924 Winter Olympics, is a beacon of mountain heritage. Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, this renowned French Alps destination offers world-class skiing, breathtaking views and gourmet mountain dining. With five distinct resorts—Grand Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flégère and Le Brévent—Chamonix caters to families, beginners and experts alike.

Steeped in history, Chamonix's has drawn visitors for over a century. Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for 360-degree views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, or admire Mont Blanc from the charming town below. After a day on the slopes, relax in the charming village, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, vibrant après-ski scene and many shops. For an authentic alpine experience with rich history, phenomenal skiing, and unforgettable food, Chamonix is hard to beat.

Highlights: Five distinct mountain resorts with terrain for all levels, intense off-piste terrain, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering for adventure seekers, Aiguille du Midi views, close airport accessibility for easy travel, and a vibrant après-ski scene.

Closest Airport: Geneva Airport (GVA) - 52 miles (1-1.5 hour drive) 

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Zermatt stands out as one of the few resorts offering skiing 365 days a year, thanks to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise—the highest glacier ski area in Europe at 12,740 feet. With year-round snow and slopes, it’s a true skier’s paradise. Even better, Zermatt’s slopes connect to Italy’s Cervinia Resort, allowing for cross-border skiing, passport-free, adding an exciting international flair.

Zermatt is also an ideal destination for families, offering kid-friendly ski areas, a ski school and breathtaking views from the Glacier Paradise. Its car-free village ensures peace and quiet, with transport via train, electric vehicles and even horse-drawn carriages.

Consistently ranked among Europe’s best, Zermatt boasts 223 miles of terrain, consistent snow, high-speed lifts and minimal crowds. The charming town offers a mix of Swiss, Italian and French cuisine, with accommodations for every budget. Whether you’re seeking lively après-ski or a quiet drink, Zermatt caters to every taste. Zermatt delivers stunning views, world-class skiing and authentic Swiss mountain charm—perfect for an unforgettable alpine escape.

Highlights: Skiing 365 days of the year, views of the iconic Matterhorn, a charming European car-free village, ski and eat in multiple countries in one day, luxury and budget-conscious accommodations, bars and restaurants for every taste.

Closest Airport: Geneva Airport (GVA) - 78 miles (3-4 hours by train or car) , Zurich - 133 miles 3.5-4 hours by car or train), or Sion- 46 miles (1-1.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Nestled in Utah’s stunning landscapes, Deer Valley is consistently ranked among the world’s top ski resorts by Travel + Leisure, Ski Magazine and Forbes. Known for its luxury, top-tier amenities and impeccable service, Deer Valley delivers an unmatched mountain experience. With 2,000 skiable acres and terrain for all skill levels, there is something for everyone. The resort’s renowned ski school and scenic Wasatch Mountain views enhance the experience. Plus, a 3,700-acre expansion is on the horizon, doubling its size.

Deer Valley’s skier-only policy, daily skier limit and upscale amenities like fine dining, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces and luxurious bathrooms make it truly serene. Off the mountain, Snow Park Village at the base of the mountain offers dining, luxury accommodations and shops, while nearby Park City—famous for the Sundance Film Festival—provides après-ski, local cuisine, breweries and bars and boutiques just 10 minutes away.

Highlights: Luxurious ambiance, renowned ski school, exceptional service, skier-only resort, low crowds, excellent on-mountain dining, consistent snowfall, and excellent powder conditions.

Closest Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)  - 39 miles (45 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts Love it: Located in the Eastern Sierra Range, Mammoth Mountain is California’s premier winter ski resort, offering 3,500 skiable acres. Beginner-friendly trails are on the front side, while the higher elevations are a dream for expert skiers, featuring heart-pumping chutes, bowls, cliffs, couloirs and bumps - a true playground for seasoned skiers and riders. 

With over 400 inches of annual snowfall, Mammoth is renowned for some of the best powder in the world. Its long ski season often runs from November to May, and even into June during iconic "powder apocalypse" years.

Renowned as a top-tier après-ski destination, the village offers amazing slopeside lodging along with live music, entertainment, seasonal festivals, wine walks, DJs, excellent dining and shopping. 

Highlights: A mecca for intermediate and expert skiers, world-class terrain parks, legendary long winters with skiing available from November through May and sometimes June, highest elevation ski resort in California at 11,053 ft. 

Closest Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) - 6 miles (13 minute drive) or Reno-Tahoe International Airport - 160 miles (3 hour drive)