PeakRankings

1 month ago | peakrankings.com | Sam Weintraub

Part 1: The Original Growth of Skiing in AmericaBut before we take a look at what stopped ski resorts from being built in America, we have to cover how their development started in the first place. Skiing in America began as a niche activity introduced by Scandinavian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early adopters practiced the sport in snowy regions like the Northeast and the Sierra Nevada, where rudimentary skiing facilities began to appear.

2 months ago | peakrankings.com | Sam Weintraub

That said, media attention alone doesn’t explain the sharp rise in both the number of people affected and the severity of casualties this season. On top of the Red Lodge fatality, the Heavenly chair collision on Comet Express hospitalized five skiers, while the Flying Bear detachment at Attitash incident hospitalized another—far exceeding the injury counts of previous years.

2 months ago | peakrankings.com | Sam Weintraub

Earlier today, Alterra released the Ikon Pass product suite for the 2025-26 season. Adults can purchase a full Ikon Pass, which comes with unlimited access to 18 resorts and no holiday blackout dates, for $1,329—an increase of 6% from last year. An Ikon Base Pass, which offers unlimited access to 14 resorts with holiday blackouts, goes for $909, an increase of 5% from last year.

2 months ago | peakrankings.com | Sam Weintraub

On Tuesday, Vail Resorts announced its suite of Epic Pass products for the 2025-26 winter season. Access will remain similar to last year, meaning Epic’s terms will likely continue to undercut its main competitor, the Ikon Pass, although prices have increased across all levels of passes. The top-of-the-line Epic Pass, which offers unlimited access with no blackouts to all resorts owned by Vail, will start at just $1,051—an increase of 7%, a slightly lower rate hike than last year.

2 months ago | peakrankings.com | Sam Weintraub

Indy Pass just dropped some major updates for the 2025/26 season, including a streamlined renewal process, a promise of even more resorts, and details on pricing. For renewing pass holders, rates increase only slightly from last year. The adult renewal rate starts at $299 for the Indy Base Pass and $399 for the Indy Plus Pass. For the first time this year, Indy renewers can opt into the “Easy Renew” program, which guarantees a pass before inventory is released to the public.