MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2018

24 ML BLUE SPRING 2018 UP FRONT Some major changes are coming for the 2018/19 season pass structure at Blue Mountain…And Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Tremblant, Aspen Snowmass, Ski Big 3, and a slew of other internationally renowned snow destinations across the continent. With access to 26 mountain resorts, the Alterra Mountain Company-inclusive Ikon Pass sets a new precedent for how we’ll ski/ride and explore winter. Instead of limiting yourself to what’s nearby or next on your hit list, you can now accommodate multi-resort ski trips with the Ikon Pass’ partnerships with the best in the business. This comes with some changes to the season pass layout at Blue—stay with us. First let’s be clear that there is the Ikon Pass and the slightly dialed down Ikon Base Pass. The Ikon Base Pass includes unrestricted skiing and riding at Blue Mountain plus 9 other winter destinations, and up to 5 days at each of the remaining 15 Alterra and partner resorts. The new Ikon Pass—for the “I Want It All” crowd— gives you unrestricted access to 12 of the most iconic mountain destinations in North America and up to 7 days of skiing or riding at each of the 13 other destinations. With the introduction of these new passes, the old-school Super, 6X7, and Night Pass are not returning to Blue for 2018/19. But for those with a penchant for Ontario lake-effect snow, and who might only manage to get away to the odd alternate destination, the Ikon Base Pass is your jam. People may argue that they have no burning desire to travel to ski/ride, but now they can dream bigger. The new Ikon Passes will give Ontarians new appreciation of the access they have in their backyard, while also making it easier to rock a snow trip for the ages. Your Ikon Pass already includes it. No excuses anymore. To put it into perspective, let’s imagine you’re a loyal Blue rider, but you also frequent a west coast or Rocky Mountain resort at least once per year—let’s use Revelstoke as an example. A classic Blue 5X7 ® Pass and a 3-day Revelstoke getaway is going to wax you upwards of $600, and that 5X7 ® is going to nix you from riding on pristine weekend days at Blue. But for less than the cost of a day lift ticket more than the 5x7 ® price, you get Super Pass-esque unlimited access to your backyard hill, and access to Revelstoke included in the cost… as well as discounts on retail, food and beverage, and lodging at select locations. The cherry on top is that the Ikon Base Pass also permits you to ride at Revelstoke for 5 days. You’re welcome. Still want a middle-of-the-road Pass that’s a little lighter on the wallet? Blue’s most popular Season Pass, the 5X7 ® is still available for winter 2018/19. The 5x7 ® will be valid for access 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 3:30 pm to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. New next season, you can use your 5x7 ® on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. What’s not to love? —Nelson Phillips The new Ikon Passes will give Ontarians new appreciation of the access they have in their backyard, while also making it easier to rock a snow trip for the ages. LESS IS NOW MORE: SEASON PASS SHAKE UP Just a few of the resorts you can visit with an Ikon Pass. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ASPEN SNOWMASS; SUGARBUSH; REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT/ERIC BERGER; BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT/NELSON PHILLIPS.