What's New in North America in 2023?

There is something to excite every skier this year, from first-timers to the most experienced.

Two of our customers' favourite Canadian resorts, Panorama and Sun Peaks, have been added to the IKON Pass programme this season! The pass gives skiers unlimited access to multiple resorts for the entire season. Other major North American destinations on the programme include Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Palisades Tahoe and Sun Valley.

Both resorts are a fantastic addition to the programme. Sun Peaks boasts Canada's second largest ski area and an exciting programme of non-ski activities, while Panorama offers world-beating ski-in ski-out convenience and appeals to all ages and abilities. We're particularly excited that these two are now on the IKON Pass as it offers skiers the opportunity to combine these with other nearby IKON resorts such as Banff, Revelstoke and RED for a thrilling Canadian Rockies ski safari.

Skiers are being whisked up Whistler Mountain faster than ever this winter. Whistler's Creekside Gondola and Big Red Express chairlift have been expanded, giving skiers much faster access to the top of the mountain. The existing six-seater gondola has been replaced by a new high-speed, eight-person gondola, and the quad chairlift has been converted to a high-speed, six-person chair.

The upgrades will greatly reduce wait times on Creekside and increase uphill capacity by 35%. All this means less time queueing and more time on the slopes - fantastic news if you love skiing in North America's biggest ski area.

Already one of the most convenient ski-in ski-out resorts in North America, the accommodation in Panorama just got a whole lot better. A multi-million dollar investment has transformed the old Pine Inn into The Approach - a fresh and modern mountainside hotel right at the base of the slopes. The new accommodation houses 104 rooms, ranging from singles to slope-side suites, and boasts breathtaking mountain views as well as modern and innovative facilities.

Situated right in the centre of the resort, it's within easy reach of the excellent eateries, restaurants and bars in the Panorama village, and just a short walk from the ski rentals and ski school. And with the Mile Express chairlift just outside, guests can be out the door and carving up the snow in minutes.

We're pleased to hear that Kimberley have reconstructed the Northstar chairlift after it was sadly damaged by arson in December 2021. Northstar is back up and running already!

With a reputation as a traditional, no frills resort, RED Mountain Resort has significantly invested in guest experience in recent years, and this year is no exception. You can look forward to full food & beverage service, liquor and delicious offerings from breakfast through to après at the brand new base lodge if you find yourself at the bottom of the Topping Creek chairlift this winter. The new construction is a continuation of the fantastic Topping area which only opened in 2019/20.

If you're lucky enough to be in Palisades Tahoe this winter, you can be one of the first aboard an impressive new gondola connecting the bases of Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows. The long-awaited gondola line will be 2.2 miles long and will transport 1,400 riders from base to base every hour, providing access to more than 40 lifts and 6,000 acres of glorious skiing. With the two resorts combined, this will be one of the largest ski areas in North America.

Palisades Tahoe has also brought its history up to date this year. The historic Red Dog Triple, first used in the 1960 Olympics and one of the resort's original lifts, has been replaced with a detachable 6-pack chair.

As part of their gargantuan masterplan 'Full Steam Ahead', Steamboat has made major improvements to the ski area and facilities in the town for the 2022/23 season.

On the slopes, the new beginner's area Greenhorn Ranch will transform the first-time skiers' experience. Rather than being kept at the base of the slopes, chairlifts and magic carpets will whisk Steamboat's beginners up the mountain to learn their first turns. The lower leg of the Wild Blue Gondola now also extends to Greenhorn Ranch.

Life in the base area is about to get a whole lot better too. Opening mid-way through the winter, The Range food & drink hall will feature four new eateries serving tacos, churros, ramen bowls and pizzas to help keep you fuelled for your days on the mountain. Now open in the heart of the town square, you can swap skiing for skating at the new Skeeter's Ice Rink.

Deer Valley has traditionally been aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers, so it's exciting to be able to announce that the resort has expanded access to beginner terrain this season. The new Burns Express chairlift, debuting on the Wide West learning area, provides greater access to teaching terrain for the ski school.

It's no wonder that Deer Valley consistently ranks as America's Best Ski Resort. The immaculately groomed and uncrowded slopes make it nothing short of a joy to ski. And if you're a first-time skier, you can travel to Deer Valley knowing there will plenty of great skiing on offer for you.

More chairlift news! This time from the Sierra Nevadas in California. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort has replaced the triple North Bowl lift with a new, high-speed quad. The new lift will reduce wait times and increase capacity by 40%, so you'll have more time to enjoy the extensive terrain and serene tree skiing of California's largest resort.

At Ski Safari, we're big fans of spas at ski resorts - in fact they're a kind of hobby for us - so we're glad to see one at such a wild and rugged resort! Alyeska Resort is introducing the first Nordic Spa in America's most northern state, providing a welcome break from the 'steep 'n' deep' skiing at this phenomenal ski location.

You can enjoy a luxurious time while embracing the stunning surrounding scenery. Hot and cold plunge pools, saunas and social relaxation spaces will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the slopes once again.

Breckenridge has a new lift upgrade. The fixed-grip double on Peak 8 will be replaced by a high-speed four-person chair and increase uphill capacity by nearly 70%.

Jackson Hole is also improving its lift system and replacing its Thunder chairlift with a faster and more powerful detachable quad.

Snowbird is revamping its iconic Aerial Tram with new cabins. The original tram cabins transported millions of skiers over the course of fifty years and travelled a total of 794,994 miles. The new cabins feature a sleek exterior design and floor-to-ceiling windows.