STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTOS BY JOHN BOYDSTON

Sun Valley will renew its pass partnerships with Ikon Pass and The Mountain Collective for the 2024-25 ski season.

And it will offer new benefits for those that purchase Challenger or Challenger Platinum passes in full by April 30. They include tickets for friends and family this spring and a lift ticket or mountain biking or foot traffic this summer.

Meanwhile, a new active military discount will offer active service people half price off 15-Day and Freedom Found passes.

Sun Valley’s 2024-25 season passes are now on sale, and those who buy them now will gain unlimited access for the rest of Sun Valley’s 2023-24 season.

“We’ve got a lot to look forward to next season with the Seattle Ridge chairlift replacement, which will improve skier circulation and terrain access to some of Sun Valley’ most intermediate, family-friendly terrain and, more recently with the Sunrise expansion, some of its best off-piste terrain, too,” said Pete Sonntag, general manager and vice president of Sun Valley Resort.

“But this year isn’t over yet and this March has proven to be some of the season’s best skiing and riding with incredible late-season snowfall. By purchasing next year’s Challenger pass early, skiers and riders will gain unlimited access for the rest of our 2023-24 season for free, as well as some enhanced summer benefits.”

In fact, the Elkhorn lift and terrain are now open on Dollar Mountain, meaning 100 percent of the resort can be accessed.

Sun Valley Resort, which introduced the new Challenger and Flying Squirrel lifts this winter, will continue its multi-year improvement plan this coming winter season. In a month’s time it plans to embark on replacing the Seattle Ridge Chairlift, which was built in 1996.

Pending National Forest Service approval, construction will begin in April 2024, with the new lift opening in December 2024.

Here’s are the season passes available for the 2024-25 season:

Sun Valley Challenger Platinum: New this season, for passes purchased before April 30, receive one summer lift ticket (mountain bike or foot traffic) and two additional friends and family vouchers that are valid for the 2023-24 or 2024-25 season. Unlimited skiing and riding at Sun Valley’s Bald and Dollar Mountains as well as unlimited skiing at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, UT. Purchase of a Challenger Platinum Pass comes with an Ikon Base Pass (24-25 winter access only) and 50% off single-day lift tickets at all Mountain Collective resorts.

Sun Valley Challenger: New this season, for passes purchased before April 30, receive one summer lift ticket (mountain bike or foot traffic) and two additional friends and family vouchers that are valid for the 2023-24 or 2024-25 season. Unlimited skiing and riding at Sun Valley’s Bald and Dollar Mountains as well as unlimited skiing at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, UT. 50% off day window tickets at all Mountain Collective partner resorts starting the 2022-23 winter season. Ikon base pass is not included with this pass option.

Ski Free This Spring Benefit: Guests that are new to the 2024-25 Sun Valley Challenger or Sun Valley Challenger Platinum Pass will receive unlimited access to Sun Valley for the remainder of the 2023-24 winter season. This benefit is available to guests that pay in full at time of purchase, ineligible with a payment plan.

Military Benefits for Active Military Members: New this season, active military members will receive 50% off 15-Day and Freedom Found passes purchased at the window with valid active military card.

Purchase passes at https://www.sunvalley.com/tickets-passes/season-passes/

The Ikon Pass, which Sun Valley was part of this season, is now made up of 58 global destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Alyeska Resort, Mt. Bachelor, Schweitzer, Crystal Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Steamboat, Snowmass Winter Park, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Taos Ski Valley, Deer Valley, Solitude, Brighton, Alta, Snowbird, Snowbasin, Stratton and Sugarloaf.

And the Mountain Collective pass offers two days at each of its world-class destinations for a total of 50 days of access and 50 percent off additional days without any blackout days. Destinations include Banff Sunshine, Revelstoke, Niseko United, Chamonix, Valle Nevado, Alta, Arapahoe, Asen Snowmass, Jackson Hole and Snowbasin.

Ikon Pass: Ikon Pass holders will receive seven days of unrestricted access at both Sun Valley and 10 Friends & Family discounts of 25% off day window tickets at both resorts.

Ikon Base Plus Pass: Ikon Base Plus Pass holders will receive five days with holiday restricted access at Sun Valley and 8 Friends & Family discounts of 25% off day window tickets at both resorts.

Ikon Base Pass: Ikon Base Pass will not receive access to Sun Valley.

Mountain Collective Pass: Mountain Collective Pass Holders will receive two days of unrestricted access at Sun Valley and an additional 50% off day window tickets for pass holders after using their two days.

THINKING GOLF?

Sun Valley Resort golf season passes are now available for the 2024 season with passes set to increase June 1. To learn more visit https://www.futureofsunvalley.com/