Ikon Pass Expands Influence in Midwest Ski Scene

Expansion of Ikon Pass in the Midwest

The Ikon Pass has historically had a limited presence in one major ski region of the United States. Before the 2025-26 season, the only partners in the Midwest were at Boyne Mountain and the Highlands at Harbor Springs. This was significantly fewer than what the Epic and Indy passes offered in the area.

This situation started to change this winter with the introduction of the Ikon bonus mountain program. This initiative allows for two days at select mountains, including Buck Hill and Wild Mountain in the Midwest. This approach enables smaller mountains to become partners without committing to the full 5/7 days, which could lead to overcrowding.

New Partnerships and Changes

Yesterday’s announcement marked a significant shift in the Ikon Pass’s presence in the region. The pass now includes Midwest Family Ski Resorts, offering five to seven days at Granite Peak, Lutsen Mountains, and Snowriver Mountain Resort. Additionally, Devil’s Head in Wisconsin is joining as a bonus mountain, even though it is not owned by Midwest Family.

However, there is an issue: Granite Peak, Lutsen, and Snowriver have been part of the Indy Pass for years. Typically, both Indy and Ikon prefer their partners to be part of a single major multi-mountain pass. It appears that these resorts have chosen Ikon over Indy for the upcoming season.

Reasons Behind the Decision

For Indy passholders, this move is frustrating due to their long-standing relationship with the pass. Those who want days at these mountains can currently get them at a lower price through Indy. However, the Ikon Session pass offers lift tickets that can be used at all three locations, along with other destinations on the pass.

A key factor in this decision might be that Midwest Family realized there is potential for people to want more days at their mountains. The Indy Pass only offers two days at each partner, plus a discounted third day.

Midwest Family Ski Resorts explained their decision on their website:

“As early Indy Partners, we greatly admire the Indy Pass and its growth to include over 200 ski areas. However, as the Midwest’s only large, full-service mountain destinations across a 10-state region, our new partnership with the Ikon Pass offers unparalleled flexibility. While our Legendary Pass continues to provide unlimited access to our home resorts, the Ikon Pass grants several days at each of our three locations plus the opportunity to explore more than 70 iconic mountain destinations across North America and around the globe.”

Ikon’s Focus on Destinations

I think these three Midwest ski resorts make the most sense for joining a larger pass. Ikon tends to focus on destinations, and this description applies to these three mountains. They are large ski resorts that attract visitors from beyond the local area, differentiating them from other ski areas in the region.

Indy’s Response

The Managing Director of the Indy Pass, Erik Mogensen, issued a statement saying they weren’t informed until the official announcement came out. Indy has one-year deals with its partners, meaning there’s a chance they could go to another pass. Passholders who signed up under the assumption that these three are being offered refunds. He also left the door open for them to stay on.

Future Outlook

While it is disappointing to lose these ski resorts, Indy will be fine. Indy is planning to have at least 300 partners for the 2026-27 season. There are many independent ski resorts in the region, and there are probably a few names Indy is thinking of in case they lose a few partners. For example, Indy already has one partner situated near Snowriver Mountain Resort: Big Powderhorn.

What comes next regarding multi-mountain passes is uncertain, but it shows how challenging it can be for ski resorts to navigate this environment.

Image Credits:Lutsen Mountains, Ikon Pass

Categories:Ski News