with big lines and dry pow, chile’s valle nevado is prime territory for skiers looking for turns when summer shuts down the north american resorts—plus it’s included on the ikon mega-pass (left). Breckenridge-based sarah barclay shows off her skills on the river. She works to get kids off of screens and into big trout (right). / left photo by Tom Winter, Right photo Courtesy Sarah Barclay
Still holding onto that powder high? When temperatures soar this summer, Ikon pass holders can fly south to cool off at eight ski destinations across South America and Oceania. The passes offer between five and seven days at each of the following Southern Hemisphere resorts.
Valle Nevado, Chile
2019 Opening Day: June 22
Location: Forty miles east of Santiago
Terrain: This 2,200-acre “Snowy Valley” tops out at just over 12,000 feet, averages 324 inches of white stuff per year and boasts panoramic views of the Andes mountains, including a towering 17,795-foot glacial peak. With such epic terrain, this area is also known for its world-class heli-skiing.
Events: Eclipse chasers will want to flock to Chile to be in the path of totality on July 2.
Thredbo, Australia
Opening Day: June 8
Location: Three-hundred and seven miles south of Sydney or 132 miles southwest of Canberra in Kosciuszko National Park; car rentals and shuttle services available at both airports.
Terrain: Thredbo has Australia’s longest runs, called the “Big 5”, which range from two to three miles long and drop around 2,200 feet of vertical. Don’t miss the iconic gumtree glades, accessed via the Snowgums chairlift.
Events: Plan your trip around one of the area’s rowdy full-moon dance parties on June 17, July 16 and August 14
Coronet Peak, New Zealand
Opening Day: June 15
Location: Ten miles north of Queenstown, New Zealand; bus transport available
Terrain: Although its highest peak sits at just over 5,000 feet, people love Coronet Peak’s proximity to downtown Queenstown, stunning lake views and consistent snow-making ability.
Events: Night skiing is popular here, with lifts running until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season.
The Remarkables, New Zealand
Opening Day: July 8
Location: Fifteen miles south of Queenstown, New Zealand
Terrain: These picturesque peaks feature sweeping bowls and seven terrain parks for practicing everything from hitting your first rail to 40-foot launches for experts.
Events: Ladies, grab your girlfriends and signup for one of the girls-only skills sessions throughout the season.
Mount Hutt, New Zealand
Opening Day: June 7
Location: Sixty-eight miles west of Christchurch, New Zealand
Terrain: The steep, semi-backcountry chutes, ocean views and long snowmaking season earned it a nod in the World Ski Awards as “Best Resort in New Zealand” the past several years in a row.
Events: Go for the Snowpalooza shenanigans in October to stretch your season to the max. When you come back, the snow will be falling stateside.
