A new perk from Ikon Pass gets skiers access to first tracks at 14 mountains
Though many travelers are eagerly anticipating the start of summer and the return of beach vacations, diehard skiers and snowboarders are instead busy planning next year's ski season and eagerly awaiting the first snowfall.
Winter sports enthusiasts know it's not only much easier to book the best slope-side hotels on points when you plan ahead, but also that ski passes are cheaper the earlier you buy, too.
The Ikon Pass team previously announced spring skiing started early at some resorts this year. That's great news for those of you who can still visit either Mammoth Mountain or Squaw Valley Resorts which will remain open until the end of May. Next season's newly purchased passes can get you on those mountains this season, too.
Now, Ikon Pass has announced a new benefit for season ticket holders that's sure to have you shopping for snow pants instead of swimsuits.
The program, announced today, is called Ikon Pass First Tracks, and it's a new benefit for winter 2021 and 2022 passholders. It grants first access to untouched powder and corduroy just to Ikon Pass holders, before the lifts open to the public. Fresh powder and no crowds? Where do we sign up?
Ikon Pass First Tracks
Ikon Pass First Tracks will be available one designated morning per month in January, February and March of 2022 at each participating Ikon destination during the 2021 and 2022 winter season. Designated days will most likely vary by destination and will be announced (along with more details) by Nov. 1, 2021.
Ikon Pass First Tracks is currently being planned for the following 14 North American resorts in the Ikon Pass network: Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, Snowshoe, Crystal Mountain, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort.
This fresh powder perk will apply to the 2021 and 2022 Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Base Plus Pass and Ikon Session Pass based on pass access.
Other Ikon Pass Benefits
Ikon Pass holders unlock access to 45 mountain destinations across five continents — though the vast majority are right here in North America. This includes popular spots in the Rockies such as Steamboat and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado; Alta and Deer Valley in Utah; and Taos in New Mexico. East Coast residents are also covered with access to resorts like Stratton, Killington-Pico and even Showshoe Mountain in West Virginia. However, different types of Ikon passes grant access to different resorts.
Ikon Pass: Unlimited skiing/riding at 15 destinations, plus up to seven days at another 28 — with no blackout dates
Ikon Base Pass: Unlimited/skiing/riding at 13 destinations, plus up to five days at another 28 — with limited blackout dates
Ikon Session Pass 4-Day: Four days total at 37 destinations — with limited blackout dates
All Ikon passes come with free Adventure Assurance, including credits in the case of COVID-19 closures and the option to defer the value of an unused pass, no questions asked. And, if you decide you're no longer interested in skiing next winter, you can elect to defer by Dec. 9, 2021, and put the entire purchase price as a credit toward a 2022 to 2023 pass.
Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders also have access to a variety of on-mountain discounts at ski school, on rentals, at retail shops and on lift tickets for friends and family. For more on Ikon Pass pricing and details, check out our Ikon Pass purchase guide.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.