The Pass Wars Heat Up: Epic vs. Ikon Pricing for 2025-26 and Beyond
Multi-resort pass competition intensifies as Ikon Pass prices reach $1,349 and Epic Pass comes in at $1,089 for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, an antitrust lawsuit has been filed challenging the market dominance of Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, and both companies are rolling out new youth pricing tiers to attract younger skiers.
Source: SnowBrains
Lake Louise Records Its Snowiest December Ever With 282cm of Snowfall
The Canadian Rockies saw exceptional early-season snow, with Lake Louise recording 282cm in December alone. Across British Columbia, 12 resorts topped 100 inches, though the western US saw a more modest start to the season.
Source: SkiBig3
BOA Closure Systems Expanding Across Ski Boot Lines for 2025-26
Atomic's Hawx Ultra Dual BOA leads a wave of new ski boots adopting micro-adjustable BOA dial systems. K2 also rebuilt its Anthem women's line from scratch, and Yardsale introduced innovative magnetic ski poles.
Source: The Ski Monster
FIS Alpine World Cup: McGrath and Shiffrin Lead Overall Standings
Norway's Atle Lie McGrath leads the men's overall World Cup standings, while Mikaela Shiffrin tops the women's field with 1,410 points. The 2024-25 season finals were held at Sun Valley, Idaho.
Source: FIS
Study: 53% of European Ski Resorts at Very High Risk From Climate Change
A major study warns that over half of European ski resorts face very high risk at 2°C of global warming. In the US, snowmaking now assists 89% of resorts, and Vail Resorts reported an 8% decline in visits linked to poor snow conditions.
Source: Euronews
Backcountry Boom Drives Record Enrollment in Avalanche Safety Courses
AIARE Level 1 courses are seeing record enrollment as backcountry skiing surges in popularity. Experts stress the essentials: beacon, shovel, and probe on every tour, with slopes between 30-45° presenting the highest avalanche danger.
Source: AIARENews articles link to their original sources. Check back regularly for the latest winter sport coverage, or follow us for updates.