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March, 2025

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Epic pass awesome

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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
Hey guys I’m going to blow up vail resorts and probably rob Katz’ house too. Anyways I’m so glad I bought my pass before prices went up at midnight for the 25th time, good thing I checked my email. Its ok that I have to live in a flatscreen tv box for a little while to save up a months worth of rent to afford it, at least they are focused on building cool terrain park and the lines are short
3 years ago
47 1
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
4/10 the thing is the epic pass is the cheapest pass in most regions, so that part of your post sort of ruined it IMO
3 years ago
4 31
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
U are right eheath I am so glad it is the cheapest pass out of all the 2 options for my area
eheath4/10 the thing is the epic pass is the cheapest pass in most regions, so that part of your post sort of ruined it IMO
3 years ago
49 2
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SHROG_THE_GOAT
Posts: 44 - Karma: 141
Vail resorts does not cater to skiers. They cater to families who want to spend their money on the most expensive things vail has to offer. They’ve stripped all of the ares around their resorts of free and paid camping, so you’re forced to pay for an expensive condo or have a friend in the area to stay with. The terrain park comment is complete bs the parks are getting smaller each year and everyone knows it. i’m convinced that once vail buys out all the resorts they want they’re going to ramp up the epic pass cost exponentially, up to the 10,000s range. Ikon is definitely the way to go because they don’t buy the resorts they just make a season pass deal and leave the resort to do their thing. Not to mention most vail employees are underpaid and leave after a season because the company is corrupt af and doesn’t treat anyone well unless they make a massive salary.
3 years ago
26 1
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
Shrek_IDkon is definitely the way to go because they don’t buy the resorts they just make a season pass deal and leave the resort to do their thing.

Ikon ruins tons of resorts my dude, its just as evil.
3 years ago
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SHROG_THE_GOAT
Posts: 44 - Karma: 141
If you’re going to support vail get tf off newschoolers and join some family skiing group on facebook because that kind of negativity against skiing will never get praise here. Vail doesn’t exist for skiers, they exist to make skiing more enjoyable for high class families and less enjoyable for people who actually want to spend their season skiing
3 years ago
18 2
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
eheathIkon ruins tons of resorts my dude, its just as evil.


Ikon will be vail within the next 10 years unless some sort of industry specific anti trust bill is passed before the buyout, which will never happen because nobody gives a fuck about skiing
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
eheathIkon ruins tons of resorts my dude, its just as evil.


Douchey entitled locals whos entire identity is based around living in a mountain town ruin resorts.

Its also bullshit that the Ikon passholders are second class citizens and have to make reservations and all that. I don't own an Ikon and it doesn't line up for me Loon is the only hill I could day trip and its always been too busy to ski on weekends but its fucked up that people who pay good money for it don't get to use their 5 or 7 days whenever the fuck they want.
3 years ago
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
PeppermillRenoDouchey entitled locals whos entire identity is based around living in a mountain town ruin resorts.


You’re complaining about “locals culture” and you ski at Loon? I grew up in New England and have no idea wtf you’re talking about, the gatekeeping is basically non-existent compared to the west.

also, locals who work hourly jobs and contribute to local businesses, fundraisers, taxes etc. deserve to feel some type of way about people driving in from cities where there’s cheaper housing and more jobs, clogging up the roads and resorts, and then (at least here in Tahoe) leave fucking trash everywhere and dip. That is the textbook pass holder/weekend skier here in my eyes unfortunately

**This post was edited on Jul 28th 2022 at 5:33:38pm
3 years ago
17 0
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Whackson
Posts: 466 - Karma: 4,030
yungspliffyat least they are focused on building cool terrain park

*Big Boulder has entered the chat*
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
PeppermillRenoDouchey entitled locals whos entire identity is based around living in a mountain town ruin resorts.

Its also bullshit that the Ikon passholders are second class citizens and have to make reservations and all that. I don't own an Ikon and it doesn't line up for me Loon is the only hill I could day trip and its always been too busy to ski on weekends but its fucked up that people who pay good money for it don't get to use their 5 or 7 days whenever the fuck they want.


Nah, Ikon legit ruined Solitude, once a fun mountain to ski at was immediately overrun by Ikon pass holders who are not just tourists, but actually cheap locals who never bought a pass before now ski every pow day cause its cool.
3 years ago
9 1
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
Whackson*Big Boulder has entered the chat*


Not sure if you’re saying it’s gotten better or worse since being bought but there’s def a few resorts where they have purposely run the park scene into the ground. Heavenly is the glaring example for me. Very legit park for the longest time, competed with Sierra at Tahoe and was one of the pioneer resorts for half pipe skiing. Now? Tiny. They’ve made it blatantly obvious that if you want park, go to Northstar bc they only want tourists and first time skiers at heav. Literally got apprehended by the yellowjackets for skiing backwards… guess it’s a liability thing. Blew my mind
3 years ago
6 0
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3334 - Karma: 32,053
yungspliffyNot sure if you’re saying it’s gotten better or worse since being bought but there’s def a few resorts where they have purposely run the park scene into the ground. Heavenly is the glaring example for me. Very legit park for the longest time, competed with Sierra at Tahoe and was one of the pioneer resorts for half pipe skiing. Now? Tiny. They’ve made it blatantly obvious that if you want park, go to Northstar bc they only want tourists and first time skiers at heav. Literally got apprehended by the yellowjackets for skiing backwards… guess it’s a liability thing. Blew my mind


100 percent change for the worst. Used to be the spot for park riders on drifter pass. Then vail made it EPIC. It was Loaded w features and it was constantly changing. Easily the best fuckin jumps too. The elevation is mad small but we’d still ride for 10 hours straight and not get bored… now it’s gutted and they’ve had a broken lift for maybe 3 years now (they only have 4 lifts in total)
3 years ago
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Sht_eatn_dog
Posts: 114 - Karma: 1,382
Ski street….
3 years ago
5 8
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
Sht_eatn_dogSki street….


Stupid take. Also, you’re from west virginia. Guess there’s a correlation there
3 years ago
16 1
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cyphers
Posts: 1826 - Karma: 20,882
eheath4/10 the thing is the epic pass is the cheapest pass in most regions, so that part of your post sort of ruined it IMO


i hope rob katz is at least taking you out to dinner considering how often you ride his meat
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
eheathNah, Ikon legit ruined Solitude, once a fun mountain to ski at was immediately overrun by Ikon pass holders who are not just tourists, but actually cheap locals who never bought a pass before now ski every pow day cause its cool.


Huh?

Isn't that an unlimited mountain on the Ikon pass and therefore Ikon is the same thing as having a season pass?

Yeah people only ski powder because its cool and trendy... sorry people like the same thing you do.
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
PeppermillRenoHuh?

Isn't that an unlimited mountain on the Ikon pass and therefore Ikon is the same thing as having a season pass?

Yeah people only ski powder because its cool and trendy... sorry people like the same thing you do.


yeah it cut the season pass at solitude in 1/3 you wouldnt get it cause you are a ski tourist, youve never been a local in your life.
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
eheathyeah it cut the season pass at solitude in 1/3 you wouldnt get it cause you are a ski tourist, youve never been a local in your life.


Being a 'ski tourist' has gotten really shitty because of Epic and Ikon do you have any clue how difficult it is to book a hotel room on short notice for a Friday or Saturday at any of the good resorts?

But if you don't like it maybe get a new hobby (and let someone else moderate this forum) or go somewhere not on a super pass?

The western lower 48 mega resorts are overrated anyway I don't need to go back to any of them Alyeska and the Alps are my jams and Inner BC will be back in play once Canada ends the vaccine tyranny. Can't wait for this winter.
3 years ago
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partyandBS
Posts: 5648 - Karma: 88,016
So Vail Resorts was ruled a monopoly and could no longer purchase resorts in CO and then Ikon became a thing and that collaboration allowed for VR to acquire more resorts (CRested Butte in CO)

We are now moving to 2 primary passes and its what the corporation wanted the whole time. They will become the 2 power houses and out compete the rest. Does Epic and Ikon want to out do each other? Sure. But they absolutely want the other to grow so they can also grow. Both part of the same 7 headed dragon.
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
partyandBSSo Vail Resorts was ruled a monopoly and could no longer purchase resorts in CO and then Ikon became a thing and that collaboration allowed for VR to acquire more resorts (CRested Butte in CO)

We are now moving to 2 primary passes and its what the corporation wanted the whole time. They will become the 2 power houses and out compete the rest. Does Epic and Ikon want to out do each other? Sure. But they absolutely want the other to grow so they can also grow. Both part of the same 7 headed dragon.


I think its great I don't ski Epic/Ikon resorts and love that people stick to those hills and leave mine alone. People who live in these places don't even want to ski at their local hill anymore its so busy lol. Yeah I feel terrible for people who own property in elitist mountain towns.

Cannon is getting a new tram, Waterville a 6 pack with a bubble so you can work and send emails and shit my NH pass is great. Burke Jay and Smuggs aren't on either when I want to drive further and spend the night I like staying in Burlington theres always a good concert to attend weekends in the winter.

Alps, Inner BC, and Alaska are what appeals to me if I am getting on a plane not fucking Copper or Breck.
3 years ago
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HiHowAreYou
Posts: 524 - Karma: -3,355
Don't like the crowds? Get some skins and grow some legs. Cheap, multi-resort season passes are here to stay.

3 years ago
4 1
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9572 - Karma: 71,107
eheathIkon ruins tons of resorts my dude, its just as evil.


I prefer Ikon to Vail. No Yellow Jackets with Ikon, and they also seem to retain the mountain's staff and HR peoples
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
BigPurpleSkiSuitI prefer Ikon to Vail. No Yellow Jackets with Ikon, and they also seem to retain the mountain's staff and HR peoples


Vail does the same shit, they're both evil man, saying ikon is better is just willful ignorance.
3 years ago
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hoodratz47
Posts: 12027 - Karma: 9,569
More people are just skiing and boarding all the fuck over. My dinky one lift 1000 feet vert family ski area has blown the fuck up. and I'd also say 1/4 9f the parking lot is from skinners



We just have to accept the fact more people than ever are skiing. And yeah eventually the bubble will burst
3 years ago
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Level1
Posts: 147 - Karma: 29,866
eheathVail does the same shit, they're both evil man, saying ikon is better is just willful ignorance.


Man… for a dude who’s spent more than a decade of his life in freeskiing it’s insane that you’re spouting opinions this dumb.

Ikon owns Mammoth and Big Bear and they have some of the best parks in the world. Vail has slashed or eliminated the park budget at every single resort they own.

How can you possibly look at them as the same?
3 years ago
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Lenny-
Posts: 1609 - Karma: 9,042
Level1Man… for a dude who’s spent more than a decade of his life in freeskiing it’s insane that you’re spouting opinions this dumb.

Ikon owns Mammoth and Big Bear and they have some of the best parks in the world. Vail has slashed or eliminated the park budget at every single resort they own.

How can you possibly look at them as the same?


Willful ignorance. Copper and Aspen Snowmass also have top teir parks yearly and are both affiliated with Ikon.

**This post was edited on Jul 29th 2022 at 3:36:02am
3 years ago
10 1
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Willskiforfree
Posts: 929 - Karma: 3,167
eheath4/10 the thing is the epic pass is the cheapest pass in most regions, so that part of your post sort of ruined it IMO


Enough tho but yeah what up e heath love you bro but fucking cool it what a fucking dumb comment Jesus

**This post was edited on Jul 29th 2022 at 5:34:21am
3 years ago
6 0
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skierman
Posts: 8564 - Karma: 8,863
Level1Man… for a dude who’s spent more than a decade of his life in freeskiing it’s insane that you’re spouting opinions this dumb.

Ikon owns Mammoth and Big Bear and they have some of the best parks in the world. Vail has slashed or eliminated the park budget at every single resort they own.

How can you possibly look at them as the same?


"willful ignorance"
3 years ago
7 0
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jpkellner
Posts: 6 - Karma: -16
These threads convince me time and time again to buy a sled and just rip back country w the boys
3 years ago
6 0
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partyandBS
Posts: 5648 - Karma: 88,016
Level1Man… for a dude who’s spent more than a decade of his life in freeskiing it’s insane that you’re spouting opinions this dumb.

Ikon owns Mammoth and Big Bear and they have some of the best parks in the world. Vail has slashed or eliminated the park budget at every single resort they own.

How can you possibly look at them as the same?


Ikon doesn’t ‘own’ anything so those pass partnerships could dissolve in the distant future but your point is still valid.


Ikon is better for parks. Power is part of the Ikon offering in addition to Mammoth and Big Bear. Powdr acquired Woodward and has since doubled down on parks while VR has taken a significant back seat.
3 years ago
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C.R.E.A.M
Posts: 3002 - Karma: 4,699
As someone who has spent the last few seasons riding Mammoth I have to say that yes, the Ikon pass really dials up the crowds, especially on weekends, but I feel like the resort is still really well managed. I don't know to what degree Ikon's management team involves itself with the day-to-day management, if it takes more of a hands off approach or does actually involve itself, but they are making the right decision (relative to some other resorts I've visited). The only gripe I heard when talking to resort staff and locals was that the masking policy at peak covid caused a lot of friction between staff and patrons, and that wages needed to increase. These are both nation wide phenomenon that I hear in pretty much every sector of business, this is not an isolated incident to Mammoth/Ikon/Skiing.

To @Level1 's comment, I am now in my early 30's and park laps are happening less and less, but there is a TON of awesome park at Mammoth. Big Bear has a lot of park too, but that's because what else would you offer at Big Bear/Snow Summit. Their terrain is limited and not challenging, there was a conscious marketing decision at both of those resorts to gear them towards the fuck-boy-wanna-be-Transworld-snowboard kids who wanna vibe like its the 90's. The local Big Bear Lake residents hate what those resorts bring from the San Bernardino and LA area.

@eheath lumping Ikon and Epic passes together is apples to oranges, holding up Mammoth vs.Big Bear/Snow Summit is also misrepresentative.

Looking forward to bullshit responses from the summer circus. Smokes, lets go boys
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
Level1Man… for a dude who’s spent more than a decade of his life in freeskiing it’s insane that you’re spouting opinions this dumb.

Ikon owns Mammoth and Big Bear and they have some of the best parks in the world. Vail has slashed or eliminated the park budget at every single resort they own.

How can you possibly look at them as the same?

I didn't even bring up park skiing and I will likely never use park skiing as a measure for a ski resort ever again. I understand that's important to alot of ppl on NS, but you're calling me out on something I didn't even talk about.

I'm not defending either company, they are both evil in my mind. Ikon pass is profiting off a surge in ski demand and resorts like solitude we're completely ruined by the ikon pass. This goes the same for some resorts vail has taken over as well, I think it's perfectly fine to compare them.

In my mind, there are two epic/ikon pass holders. 1. People who buy the pass for their local mtn and 2. Tourists who only travel to the resorts at the busiest times and only buy the pass for their trips.

Do both offer good deals for tourists? Yes, but the increased number of skiers because of the cheaper pass makes the experience worse for many people.

If you want to blindly judge a corporate resort owner on just park skiing then ya of course ikon is better but that doesn't mean the ikon pass doesnt ruin the experience at other resorts.
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
WillskiforfreeEnough tho but yeah what up e heath love you bro but fucking cool it what a fucking dumb comment Jesus

**This post was edited on Jul 29th 2022 at 5:34:21am


I was simply poking a hole in his satirical post maybe you should 'cool it'
3 years ago
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9572 - Karma: 71,107
I'm just imagining a world where they try to put yellow jackets on chips run. Obviously neither is best but if I had to choose between companies for bird, it's absolutely ikon
3 years ago
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skierman
Posts: 8564 - Karma: 8,863
eheathIf you want to blindly judge a corporate resort owner on just park skiing then ya of course ikon is better but that doesn't mean the ikon pass doesnt ruin the experience at other resorts.



What other resorts have they ruined aside from Solitude? That's the only resort you bring up as an example because it was a hidden gem but Vail has ruined far more resorts than Powdr by a long shot. And this is Newschoolers, a website created for park skiing. Of course its fair to use that as a metric to how fucking horrible Vail is.
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
BigPurpleSkiSuitI'm just imagining a world where they try to put yellow jackets on chips run. Obviously neither is best but if I had to choose between companies for bird, it's absolutely ikon

They wouldn't it's not a slow zone. Literally have had 1 interaction with a yellow jacket, it's so overstated. not defending Vail, there are numerous other things you could bring up that is more detrimental than yellow jackets.
3 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61893 - Karma: 125,994
skiermanWhat other resorts have they ruined aside from Solitude? That's the only resort you bring up as an example because it was a hidden gem but Vail has ruined far more resorts than Powdr by a long shot. And this is Newschoolers, a website created for park skiing. Of course its fair to use that as a metric to how fucking horrible Vail is.


Basically everyone from any resort they added that weren't already owned by alterra, alta/snowbird Jackson Aspen etc

Kind of funny how you all will shit on Vail and basically get the pitch forks out but will defend alterra out of spite basically.
3 years ago
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9572 - Karma: 71,107
Yeah, I'll shit on Vail any day of the week, I will also shit on Ikon for overcrowding resorts on powder days, but when it comes to which is better and which is worse, Vail is the clear worse choice. What has been promising this year is seeing Alta start to move away from Ikon.
eheathBasically everyone from any resort they added that weren't already owned by alterra, alta/snowbird Jackson Aspen etc

Kind of funny how you all will shit on Vail and basically get the pitch forks out but will defend alterra out of spite basically.
3 years ago
6 1
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partyandBS
Posts: 5648 - Karma: 88,016
BigPurpleSkiSuitYeah, I'll shit on Vail any day of the week, I will also shit on Ikon for overcrowding resorts on powder days, but when it comes to which is better and which is worse, Vail is the clear worse choice. What has been promising this year is seeing Alta start to move away from Ikon.


A lot of places have started moving away from offering a full season pass on the Ikon due to crowding and instead moving to 5 or 7 days each. Crystal and A basin are both reducing day limits.
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
BigPurpleSkiSuitYeah, I'll shit on Vail any day of the week, I will also shit on Ikon for overcrowding resorts on powder days, but when it comes to which is better and which is worse, Vail is the clear worse choice. What has been promising this year is seeing Alta start to move away from Ikon.



How is Ikon better they fuck their customers over and force them to make reservations. Way more blackout days.

Vail at least treats you like someone who paid money Alterra cucks you with no tram or anything good at the best spots.

I don't buy either though these passes are for posers/gapers. I think they are both awesome they keep all the douchebags chained to the overhyped resorts I don't have any interest in visiting.
3 years ago
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Sht_eatn_dog
Posts: 114 - Karma: 1,382
Your dad paid for my pass. Ask him. Calling me dumb but it takes you months to save a grand. You the dumb fuck here bud. Quit bitchin bitch
yungspliffyStupid take. Also, you’re from west virginia. Guess there’s a correlation there
3 years ago
1 5
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yungspliffy
Posts: 194 - Karma: 1,906
Sht_eatn_dogYour dad paid for my pass. Ask him. Calling me dumb but it takes you months to save a grand. You the dumb fuck here bud. Quit bitchin bitch


The post is satire retard. Congrats on being from the meth capital of the world, how’s the tap water down there?
3 years ago
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9572 - Karma: 71,107
PeppermillRenoHow is Ikon better they fuck their customers over and force them to make reservations. Way more blackout days.

Vail at least treats you like someone who paid money Alterra cucks you with no tram or anything good at the best spots.

I don't buy either though these passes are for posers/gapers. I think they are both awesome they keep all the douchebags chained to the overhyped resorts I don't have any interest in visiting.


I'm speaking from the point of view of if Vail or Alterra were to become involved with your local resort, not as an Ikon passholder. Vail fucks your resort more than Alterra fucks your resort, but both of them fuck your resort.
3 years ago
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -726
BigPurpleSkiSuitI'm speaking from the point of view of if Vail or Alterra were to become involved with your local resort, not as an Ikon passholder. Vail fucks your resort more than Alterra fucks your resort, but both of them fuck your resort.


Well if you get the Ikon Base pass with your local resort season pass enjoy being treated like a worthless piece of shit if you want to visit JH, Aspen, or Big Sky or any of the other reservation only places.
3 years ago
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Level1
Posts: 147 - Karma: 29,866
eheathI didn't even bring up park skiing and I will likely never use park skiing as a measure for a ski resort ever again.


Maybe that's the problem?
3 years ago
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9572 - Karma: 71,107
PeppermillRenoWell if you get the Ikon Base pass with your local resort season pass enjoy being treated like a worthless piece of shit if you want to visit JH, Aspen, or Big Sky or any of the other reservation only places.


I will be getting my snowbird pass, perhaps altabird, but thus far just bird. Maybe someday I'll do an Ikon and trip around, but I'd rather work remotely and live on a dirtbag budget somewhere for a month or two than do one trip for a week. I think if you ski, and respect local culture, then you get respected. If you show up somewhere, and are an entitled ass, then people will hate you no matter what pass you're on.
3 years ago
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skierman
Posts: 8564 - Karma: 8,863
eheathBasically everyone from any resort they added that weren't already owned by alterra, alta/snowbird Jackson Aspen etc

Kind of funny how you all will shit on Vail and basically get the pitch forks out but will defend alterra out of spite basically.


Yeah except I'm not defending them. They're both shit but one is a bigger pile of shit that's literally eliminating park skiing.
3 years ago
3 0
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skierman
Posts: 8564 - Karma: 8,863
eheathliterally have had 1 interaction with a yellow jacket


eheath doesn't ski fast.
3 years ago
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860media*
Posts: 1575 - Karma: 10,519
Only thing good about Vail is the $20 min wage starting this season...
3 years ago
1 0
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