Ikon Pass 2026/27: What Changed for Families
7 new resorts, a Premium tier, and spring access — here's what it means for your family
Updated April 2026. Ikon Pass pricing and resort access verified against ikonpass.com.
Ikon Pass 2026/27 is on sale now, with adult pricing starting at $1,399. The headline changes: seven new resorts join the network, a formal “Premium” tier structures access to the most sought-after destinations, and a “Buy Now, Ride Now” program gives purchasers immediate spring 2026 access at select resorts.
For families, the changes break down into two themes: Midwest expansion (three new resorts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan) and Canadian depth (SilverStar in British Columbia). The Premium tier formalizes what was already implicit — resorts like Deer Valley and Aspen Snowmass are structured separately from the Base Pass. Here's what each change means for your family's 2026/27 ski planning.
New 7-Day Destinations
SilverStar Mountain Resort, British Columbia
The standout family addition
SilverStar is the most meaningful addition for families this season. The resort centers on a painted Bavarian-style village where kids can walk between ski school, the ice rink, and restaurants without a car or shuttle. Cross-country skiing, tubing, and skating give non-skiing family members full days of activity. At Okanagan pricing, it's significantly more affordable than Whistler or Revelstoke for comparable family infrastructure. This is where Snowthere can be most specific — we have a full family evaluation with terrain breakdown, childcare details, and cost data.
Granite Peak Resort, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's largest ski area • No Snowthere review yet
Located in Wausau, Granite Peak is the first Wisconsin resort in the Ikon network. For Midwest families in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois who can't easily get to the Rockies, this is a drive-to option that makes the Ikon Pass work as a season-long product rather than just a destination trip purchase. We haven't evaluated Granite Peak for families yet — we'll add a full review when we have enough data on childcare, beginner terrain quality, and ski school programs.
Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota
Minnesota's largest ski area • Lake Superior setting • No Snowthere review yet
Four interconnected mountains on the North Shore of Lake Superior give Lutsen a destination feel that most Midwest ski areas lack. It's about 4.5 hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul — a viable long weekend drive for Twin Cities families. The scenic lakeside setting adds travel value beyond the skiing itself. We don't have detailed family infrastructure data yet (childcare availability, beginner terrain assessment, accommodation family-friendliness), but Lutsen's regional reputation suggests it serves families well.
Snowriver Mountain Resort, Michigan
Upper Peninsula • Formerly Big Powderhorn • No Snowthere review yet
Another Midwest addition completing Ikon's regional expansion. The Upper Peninsula is beautiful but remote — this works best for Michigan families or as a stop on a multi-resort Midwest road trip. Likely a budget-friendly option. We don't have family-specific data yet and won't stretch thin information into false depth.
New Bonus Mountains (2-Day Access)
Three new bonus mountains offer 2-day access each. These work as add-ons to regional trips rather than trip justification on their own.
- Tamarack Resort, Idaho — Emerging resort south of McCall with a growing reputation. Two days complements an Idaho ski trip anchored by Sun Valley.
- Giants Ridge, Minnesota — Iron Range Minnesota, part of the Midwest expansion theme. Nordic skiing heritage and strong outdoor family culture. Works as a complement to a Lutsen trip.
- Devil's Head Resort, Wisconsin — Close to Madison, accessible for Southern Wisconsin families. Small but a useful local add-on.
Ikon now has 9 bonus mountains total. These provide season variety without requiring dedicated trips.
The Premium Tier
The Ikon Pass (not Base) now formally includes access to six “Premium Destinations.” If any of these resorts are on your family's wish list, you need the full Ikon Pass rather than the Base.
One of the highest-rated family resorts in North America
Dedicated family mountain (Snowmass)
Substantially improved family infrastructure
Strong family programming
Purist mountain — less suited for young beginners
Sleeper family pick near Ogden — no Snowthere page yet
Family verdict on the upgrade: If Deer Valley or Aspen Snowmass is in your plans, the Ikon Pass (over Base) pays for itself in a single trip. If you're mainly using unlimited-access resorts like Steamboat or Winter Park, the Base Pass may suffice.
Buy Now, Ride Now — Spring 2026 Access
Purchase a 2026/27 Ikon Pass now and get spring 2026 access at select destinations. Spring skiing with kids is underrated — warmer temperatures, softer snow, longer days, and shorter lift lines make for easier family days on the mountain.
Not all spring destinations are equally family-suited. Resorts at higher elevations with later closing dates tend to maintain the best conditions. If you're buying for next season anyway, the spring access is a bonus — but only plan around it if you're near a resort that stays open and maintains family programming through April.
What These Changes Mean for Families
The Midwest expansion is a geographic play. Ikon is broadening its regional appeal, and for families in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, the pass now works as a season-long product rather than just a destination-trip purchase. That's a meaningful shift.
The Premium tier formalizes what was already implicit: some Ikon resorts are structurally more premium than others. Families should evaluate whether their wish-list resorts fall in the Premium category before choosing between Ikon Pass and Ikon Base.
SilverStar is the single most meaningful addition for families specifically — affordable, village-based, and purpose-built for family programming. Ikon also continues to hold an edge over Epic in Japan (10+ resorts vs. Epic's 2) and New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new resorts were added to Ikon Pass for 2026/27?
Four new primary destinations with up to 7-day access: Granite Peak (Wisconsin), Lutsen Mountains (Minnesota), Snowriver Mountain Resort (Michigan), and SilverStar (British Columbia). Plus three new bonus mountains with 2-day access: Tamarack Resort (Idaho), Giants Ridge (Minnesota), and Devil's Head (Wisconsin).
Is the Ikon Pass worth it for families in 2026/27?
If your family skis 5+ days per season across multiple resorts, the Ikon Pass typically pays for itself. The 2026/27 additions make it especially compelling for Midwest families who now have 9+ regional options. The Premium tier is worth evaluating if Deer Valley or Aspen Snowmass is on your list.
What is the Ikon Premium tier?
The Ikon Pass (not Base) now formally includes access to six "Premium Destinations": Deer Valley, Aspen Snowmass, Alta, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, and Snowbasin. If any of these are on your family's wish list, you need the full Ikon Pass rather than the Ikon Base Pass.
Which Ikon Pass 2026/27 changes matter most for families?
SilverStar's addition is the standout for families — it's a village-based, family-programmed resort in BC's Okanagan at lower cost than Whistler. The Midwest expansion (Granite Peak, Lutsen, Snowriver) matters for regional families who previously had few Ikon options within driving distance.
Not Sure Which Pass Fits Your Family?
Take our 2-minute quiz to get personalized resort recommendations, then match them against Epic and Ikon coverage.