The IKON pass is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive ski passes worldwide, giving skiers and snowboarders access to more than fifty resorts and some of the best snow on the planet. With just a single ticket, you get unlimited access to all the IKON pass resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, and Mammoth Mountain, as well as seven days each at some of the most iconic ski resorts in the U.S. — Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Alta Ski Area, to name a few. You can also experience skiing in Canada, Japan, and Europe.
Although it pains us to admit it, there is more to a skiing or snowboarding holiday than just the snow. Before you open that email browser to tell us we’re wrong, think about this: what would your ski holiday be without boasting about how you had the best line of the day over some après ski? And if you don’t get proper rest, what will happen to your riding? We don’t know about you, but we’re not eighteen anymore and can’t jump up after a night on our buddy’s sofa, wade through empty cans, and hit the slopes. We need a proper hotel with proper facilities, and these are the best hotels on offer at U.S. IKON pass destinations.
The Cliff Lodge – Snowbird
One of North America’s most iconic ski lodges, The Cliff Lodge is positioned to give you unparalleled views of Snowbird’s ski runs or down the majestic glacial valley carved into the landscape. This ski-in/ski-out accommodation is a short walk from Snowbird’s pedestrian village, where you will find bars, restaurants, and ski stores. But perhaps the best part of The Cliff Lodge is The Cliff Spa, with a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, salon services, yoga studios, and a fitness center. In the west wing of The Cliff Lodge is The Cliff Club. These luxury condominiums step it up a notch and are available for groups ranging from two to 10 people.
The Westin Monache Resort – Mammoth Mountain
This rustic, elegant hotel is just five miles from the Mammoth Mountain ski area, it’s close enough to the ski run that the heated outdoor swimming pool at the resort overlooks the mountain for an incredible view. The stunning alpine views inside your room will have you planning your next runs from the balcony or warming yourself by the fire. There’s a fitness center for you to get your sweat on in the evenings or to stretch out aching muscles if you’ve been shredding hard, as well as an in-resort restaurant. Fancy dining in? Your suite has a fully fitted kitchen for post-ski fuelling.
The Village – Palisades Tahoe
With a choice of standard or premium rooms, you can guarantee comfort and relaxation after skiing or any other winter activity in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Each unit is privately owned, giving them their own, unique feel, decorations, and furnishings; it’s a home-away-from-home. Most units are fitted with a gas fire and have private balconies, with the premium rooms furnished with fully equipped kitchens. In the evenings, you can choose one of eight outdoor hot tubs to relax in, along with a fitness suite and billiards lounge. The best part is that this is just moments from the ski lifts.
Cambria Hotel – Copper Mountain
Just minutes from the ski lifts and the Center Village of Copper Mountain, this hotel is ideally located and set up as a base to rip one of the most popular mountains on the IKON pass. The rooms are furnished in a minimal and modern way, with class and comfort extending into the hotel’s communal lounges. You can relax in one of Cambria Hotel’s heated outdoor pools or around an outdoor fire pit while looking over your day’s ski area in the evenings. Alternatively, get your sweat on in the hotel’s fitness suite or have a drink at Element 29 — check out the periodic table if you’re not sure why it’s called this — bar and boutique.
The Little Nell – Aspen
The Little Nell bills itself is: “Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel,” and it’s making it a top choice if you want to live in the lap of luxury with the lifts right outside your door. The Little Nell features both guest rooms and suites, with complimentary mini bars with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Once you’re out of your room, you can take advantage of The Little Nell’s ski concierge, heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, and its Michelin-recommended restaurant, Element 47. Looking for some après-ski fun? The Ajax Tavern is just steps from the gondola. Don’t worry about bringing your furry friends, The Little Nell features pet-friendly rooms with special pet food menus and the hotel also offers dog walking and dog sitting services.
The Steamboat Grand – Steamboat
Located right at the base of Colorado’s Steamboat Ski Area, the Steamboat Grand features standard hotel rooms, condos, and, if you want to splurge, penthouses. Some of the deluxe rooms come with their own fireplace, balcony, and whirlpool tubs for relaxing after a hard day on the slopes. If you want to venture out of your room, the Steamboat Grand has a large, year-round heated outdoor pool with two hot tubs, a full-service restaurant as well as a poolside bistro. And, if you really want to relax, you can book a time in the hotel’s spa, the Rocky Mountain Day Spa at the Grand, featuring massages and a variety of other treatments.
Bonus: Higashiyama – Niseko Village, Hokkaido
If you’ve never experienced Japan, make this the year you do. The IKON pass gives you seven days of riding at the Niseko United ski area, with over two thousand skiable acres and nearly twelve miles of backcountry skiing. The Higashiyama sits in the mountains, offering rooms and suites as elegant as the views around them. The focal point of the Higashiyama is the Onsen — a traditional Japanese hot spring bath renowned for its healing power and purity — which includes both indoor and outdoor baths overlooking the mountains. There is also a fitness suite, just in case a day of shredding neck-deep powder isn’t enough exercise, and traditional Japanese food is on offer.
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