Featured Image: Courtesy of Niseko United
It’s been a busy week for Alterra Mountain Company and the Ikon Pass. First announcing the addition of Utah ski areas Brighton and Solitude, then Taos Ski Valley to the Ikon Pass earlier this week. Next, the company announced its partnerships with Pacific Northwest and Midwest ski areas The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Cypress Mountain in British Columbia and Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan yesterday. But the fun doesn’t stop there. This morning, Alterra Mountain Company announced yet another partnership with Niseko United, a four-mountain ski resort on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, for the 2018-19 Ikon Pass.
Known for it’s plentiful, pristine powder, Japan is the third continent available to Ikon Pass holders to take their skiing international this upcoming season. Comprised of four, interlinked mountains, Niseko United includes Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri–giving the resort a total of 2,191 skiable acres. Located just two and a half hours from the Chitose Airport, Niseko is regarded as one of Japan’s top-tier ski area thanks to its 50 feet of annual snowfall.
“We are delighted to give Ikon Pass holders the opportunity to spread their wings and immerse themselves in the deep powder of Japan’s premier destination, Niseko United,” said Colin Hackworth, president of Hanazono, in a press release. “The Ikon Pass is expanding and the cultural beauty, huge winter snowfall and culinary delights of Japan await. We are truly pleased to partner with the world’s most iconic mountain destinations and to be a part of the Ikon Pass community.”
Niseko United will offer a total of seven days at its four resorts on the Ikon Pass and five days with 10 blackout dates (Dec. 26-31, 2018; Jan. 19-20, 2019; Feb. 16-17, 2019) on the Ikon Base Pass for the start of the 2018-19 season.
“Niseko United is an ideal partner for the Ikon Pass, offering some of the best ski and snowboard terrain on the planet, blanketed in its renowned deep, plentiful snow,” said Erik Forsell, chief marketing officer of Alterra Mountain Company in that same press release. “Japan’s mountains are a longtime bucket list destination for skiers and riders, and we are so excited to open up this part of the world to Ikon Pass holders, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves into the Japanese culture and snow.”
