What's New In Colorado For Full-On Ikon Passholders
In the 2024-2025 season, Ikon Pass holders can look forward to past, present and future upgrades at the four Colorado mountains that take the mega-pass for unlimited access.
At Copper Mountain, five of the seven high-speed chairlifts on the hill have now been upgraded. Installed in 1994, the Timberline Express quad is now a six-seater. The replacement lift is part of the Copper's multi-year upgrade to the mid-range visitor "Western Territory" -- what longtime Copper-ites knew as the easy West Village.
The new Timberline Express will increase capacity into the upper portion of Copper's dedicated beginner and intermediate terrain that includes longtime favorite cruisers Copperfield and Jacque's Pique.
The detachable six-pack defines the upper reaches of the Western Territory and, along with the venerable fixed-grip Lumberjack and other high-speeds Kokomo and Woodward -- formerly the High Point double -- provides a comfortable setting for skiers and riders who need to learn and progress before heading east onto Copper's tougher terrain.
As the closest major mountain to Boulder and Denver, Eldora has put its renovation energy into the a new base lodge. Located at the base of Eldora's learning area and adjacent to Little Hawk, EZ and Caribou lifts, the 12,000-square-foot Caribou Lodge will house a children's center, cafe, restrooms, retail shop, and space for rentals and lesson signup. It also will be the headquarters for Ignite Adaptive Sports.
The mountain and its operations are up for sale this season, as owner Powdr Corp. is refocusing its resources into Woodward action sports parks (Eldora does have a limited Woodward facility). However, officials say nothing will change. That includes parking fees, which continue as $10 for vehicles with two or fewer occupants on weekends, holidays and powder days (more than 10 inches).
At Winter Park and Steamboat, this season is time to pause and plan. Winter Park has submitted ambitious plans to the U.S. Forest Service that include town-to-mountain gondola and rail service, a "ski-back" trail to the village, massive terrain expansion into the Vasquez Bowl area, and a new Discovery Park learning area. A revamped snowmaking system goes in this season, the first major upgrade since the 1970s.
Steamboat officials will take a breather this season, after completing a multi-year renovation of the base area, installation of a two-stage gondola, and expansion of upper mountain terrain.
