The Ultimate Ski Road Trip with the Ikon Pass

By Megan Hanson

If you’re like me (and a lot of Coloradans), you faithfully buy your ski pass each year with the best intentions to visit more than just the nearest resort. And with more than 40 destinations, the Ikon Pass offers plenty of tempting mountains to experience. Now, with the addition of Escape’s camper van rental in Salt Lake City, it’s easier than ever to cross a bunch off your list on an iconic ski road trip with the Ikon Pass through Colorado and Utah! While this itinerary starts in Denver and ends in SLC, it works just as well in reverse! 

Colorado’s Front Range Skiing

After picking up your campervan in Denver, it’s a short two-hour drive (in good traffic) west on I-70 to some of the most sought-after mountains on the Ikon Pass. Acclimate to the altitude right away with a stop at Arapahoe Basin, known for its elevation with some of the highest in-bounds terrain in North America on its East Wall. 

A-Basin’s newest terrain, The Beavers, offers deep powder among the trees, while the mountain’s Front Side offers beginner and intermediate runs for those still getting used to their skis. After a day on the slopes, heading west on Loveland Pass for just a few miles offers more than a few opportunities to turn off and camp for the night!

 The next day, a quick 24-mile drive will have you at Copper Mountain. The ideal place to perfect your form, Copper is home to the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center and is where many Olympians take their training turns each fall. While there’s enough terrain to keep you busy all day, I’d suggest heading out after lunch to reach your next destination before the sun goes down.

Skiing in Colorado’s Western Slope And Aspen

Aspen-Snowmass is the crown jewel of the Ikon Pass and known as much for its après as it is its four iconic mountains. Enjoy your evening before making camp in the nearby White River National Forest. One of the least crowded mountains in Colorado, there’s no need to wake up early. The hardest part of your day will be picking which mountain to hit — and it is worth staying more than one day to hit each one during your ski road trip! 

While Aspen Mountain in the heart of downtown offers gorgeous views and a variety of terrain, nothing compares to Aspen Highlands, where, if you’re willing to work for it, turns in the famous Highland Bowl will have you eyes-deep in powder — just make sure you don’t miss the incomparable views of the Maroon Bells.  

Using the Ikon Pass in Park City, Utah  

The Ikon Pass offers more than 10,000 acres of terrain in Utah, so before you drop off your van in Salt Lake City don’t forget to enjoy a few of them.

It’s skiers-only at Deer Valley Ski Resort, where manicured groomers and luxury on-mountain amenities will have you feeling first-class. For any boarders in your group, both Snowbird and its next-door neighbor Alta offer heaps of snow for every skill level. Make first tracks in Snowbird’s Mineral Basin, some of Utah’s best skiable acres, before going bottom to top to finish off your day at Alta’s Alf’s High Rustler run. 

Spend a night in Park City, just 30 miles outside of Salt Lake City, before dropping your van off at the depot the next morning to complete your trip!

There’s no excuse for not using your Ikon Pass to the fullest this ski season! Book your Escape Camper Van at our Denver or Salt Lake City depot today and hit the road for the ultimate ski road trip with the Ikon Pass!