Destination: Good Times

Winter resorts are not all the same. Whether we’re talking culture, food and drink scene, or unique natural attractions, every mountain puts its own stamp on the “great ski vacation.” But whatever tops your priorities list when hunting for the ideal ski destination, Ikon Pass, the ultimate multi-mountain pass, gives you access to 50+ world-class destinations all over the globe — resorts with the best scenery, après, and snow anywhere.

Here are our top spots for taking the perfect on-piste selfie, unwinding (or winding it up!) at an après-ski party, and discovering the purest powder. Get ready to find your good times with the Ikon Pass.

Destination: Best Views

Photo: Matador Network

There’s something particularly eye-catching in these destinations, where mirror-like lakes and sparkling glaciers elevate the already alluring mountainscapes. Whether you’re looking for that GoPro action shot or your new Instagram bio pic, it’s impossible to find a bad angle of these picture-perfect peaks when you’re on the slopes.

Palisades Tahoe, California

Winter mountain scenes are mesmerizing, but when those fluffy white peaks and emerald forests are reflected in the sheer blue surface of Lake Tahoe, everything is kicked up a notch. For the money shot, take the Lakeview Chair at Palisades Tahoe and have your selfie stick at the ready. Face west to capture the lakeshore behind you or east for far-reaching views across the Sierra Crest.

Dolomiti Superski, Italy

Eighteen breathtaking peaks make up the Dolomites mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Italian Alps. See them all with the Ikon Pass, your key to a kingdom of 12 resorts in the region. Head to Martino di Castrozza to capture the majestic Pale di San Martino, or live la dolce vita in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where scenes of For Your Eyes Only were famously filmed. And don’t miss an audience with the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Marmolada, with her glacier ice crown in Arabba.

SkiBig3, Banff, Canada

The big-name mountain resorts of SkiBig3 in the Canadian Rockies offer three big photo opportunities, too. Get an aerial view of the snow-fringed Lake Louise in all its turquoise glory from the viewing platform, take some fun selfies using the Selfie Cam at Banff Sunshine, or recreate Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1953 pose on the North American Chair lift at Mt. Norquay, the best lookout in Banff National Park.

Zermatt Matterhorn, Switzerland

The mighty Matterhorn is the planet’s most photographed mountain — and you’ll soon see why. This witch’s-hat-shaped peak soars to 14,691 feet above sea level on the Alpine border between Switzerland and Italy. Position yourself in front of Schwarzsee Lake to capture a shot of the Matterhorn reflecting back at itself, or snag a selfie from the top of Rothorn, at 10,180 feet, part of the storied Zermatt Matterhorn resort.

Destination: Liveliest Après

Photo: The Wobbly Barn

A great ski trip is as much about what’s happening off the slopes as on them. From bougie champagne bars to DJ sets in ’70s saloons, these Ikon Pass resorts are renowned for their après-ski options.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Party among the A-listers at one of the opulent mountain bars at Aspen Snowmass, where champagne showers are forecast daily. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro may look like a quaint cozy cabin overlooking the Maroon Bells, but it’s considered one of the continent’s liveliest après spots. There’s also the sun-soaked patio at Ajax Tavern, where plain old French fries just won’t do. Order a portion of their drool-worthy truffle fries with your drink while you soak up some of Aspen’s finest views.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Unstrap and unwind in the heart of Teton Village at Jackson Hole’s quintessential après establishment: the Mangy Moose, established in 1967. With its heaping portions, famed spicy margaritas, and legendary live music, it’s no wonder Forbes Traveler named this two-story saloon one of the 10 Hottest Après-Ski Bars in the World. RPK3 is another happy-hour favorite, with specials like the cheese fondue and the “Happy Meal”: a 16-ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon and shot of Ten High whiskey.

Killington Resort, Vermont

Come for the steakhouse with its renowned soup, salad, and bread bar, stay for the ski boot dance party that rocks into the night. Constructed with salvaged wood from 10 New England barns, The Wobbly Barn has been a Killington après beacon for more than 50 years. The Lookout, with its award-winning jumbo wings, is another Vermont staple. Fun fact: Before emerging as an après icon, it served as Killington’s first ski lodge when it opened in 1958.

RED Mountain, British Columbia, Canada

According to Powder Magazine, Rafters at RED Mountain is one of the best après-ski destinations in the world, and it was voted top après-ski bar in Canada by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice. Their nachos are infamous and the Canadian craft beers on tap only sweeten the deal — join in the bar-wide sing-a-longs while you’re sipping a pint. Rafters also offers weekend Shred Specials, as well as the popular “No Shower Happy Hour” for skiers and snowboarders who want to relax after a long day on the slopes.

Destination: Deepest Powder

Photo: Ikon Pass

Nothing beats those bluebird days when your skis or board carve fresh, fluffy first tracks. The resorts below are blessed with some of the finest powder year in and year out. In fact, one went as far as trademarking their white stuff.

Mammoth Mountain, California

This Golden State gem is California’s highest resort and hosts one of the country’s longest seasons, often lasting into July and August. Hike to the Hemlocks on the backside of Mammoth Mountain for in-bounds powder pillows when it snows. And don’t miss the steep-and-deep laps you’ll get on the Chair 22, Wipe Out, and Drop Out chutes.

Steamboat, Colorado

The snow at northern Colorado’s Steamboat is so uniquely fluffy, they trademarked it in the 1950s after a local rancher said it “tickled his nose like champagne.” The secret behind Champagne Powder®? It contains just 6% water compared to the average 15% in most other destinations. The entire 2,965 acres at Steamboat is covered in the flocculent stuff — among its snowiest runs are Ted’s Ridge, Buddy’s Run, and the hike-to terrain at the top of Mount Werner.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Positioned on the legendary Powder Highway in BC’s Kootenay Rockies, Revelstoke isn’t for the faint-hearted. Home to North America’s longest vertical drop, incredible cat and backcountry skiing, and an annual 540 inches of snowfall, Revelstoke is brimming with fantasy-level powder. If the conditions look promising, sign up for Revelstoke’s First Tracks program to hit the slopes before the masses. You’ll want to strap on your fat skis for this one.

Arai Snow Resort, Japan

With an average 69 feet of annual snowfall, Arai Snow Resort on Honshu island holds the title of “Japan’s Best Ski Resort for Powder” from the Ski Asia Awards. In fact, nearly 80% of Arai’s terrain is made up of off-piste powder pillows like the fabled Funaishi area. If you’re at Arai after a fresh dumping during peak season, head to the Zendana Bowl for some of the best drops. Boarders will also want to check out Mamushi, home to some of the country’s top ridge, cliff, and treed terrain.

Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon gets some of the planet’s coldest, driest, and deepest powder — and the best of the best can be found at Solitude Mountain Resort, which receives 42 feet of snowfall annually and offers thrilling rides on uncrowded terrain. Take the short, steep hike to Fantasy Ridge (10,400 feet) to fly down Black Bess or the equally steep Honeycomb, the resort’s longest run at 3.5 miles.

Destination: Good Times

From your backyard to your bucket list, get ready for good times ahead. The 24/25 Ikon Pass is now on sale. Drop into ikonpass.com and lock in your pass at the lowest price and best savings. Then start dreaming about that perfect selfie, bumping après, and powder faceshots. Where will you go first?