The 2024-25 ski season featured some of the most significant labor actions in decades, real concerns about safety and infrastructure, and continued questions about accessibility in the evolving ski economy—but some notable signs of resilience as well.

The first phase of the biggest U.S. ski resort terrain expansion in decades brings some notable strengths, although one major topographical limitation hurts its effectiveness.

A comprehensive overview of every type of ski lift you will see on your winter vacation, including surface lifts, chairlifts, gondolas, tramways, mountain railways, and snowcats.

With this addition, one of the most underrated mountains in the East joins the Ikon suite.

Blue square trails will also be rebranded as red trails, while Deer Valley may be next on the annexation list.

A comprehensive analysis of the factors that have made new U.S. ski resort development essentially impossible since early 1970s, plus the notable attempts that have been made since then.

While lift accidents have historically been rare and isolated events, this season has seen several incidents make national headlines. And these failures haven’t been restricted to just one lift type, one company, or even one country.

The European cross-border Ischgl/Samnaun dominion also joins the pass, as do four new regional “Bonus Mountains”. Meanwhile, Windham Mountain Club becomes the first-ever Ikon partner to exit the pass.

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.