Ski season is in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited to chase the best of both worlds in March—sunny bluebird days or fresh powder storms. That’s the beauty of van life in spring: you’re free to roam wherever the snow (or sunshine) calls! With rising pass prices and the renewed popularity of multi-resort passes, van lifers are uniquely positioned to get the most bang for their buck out of the Ikon Pass.
In this fully updated guide for 2025, we’re taking you on an epic 4,600+ mile journey to visit all 22 resorts on the Ikon Pass west of the Mississippi River. We’ve incorporated details from our original trip, plus new tips and links to help you make the most of your adventure—covering everything from overnight parking spots and stealth camping to local après favorites and scenic drives.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Trip Overview & Quick Facts
3. Resort-by-Resort Breakdown (All 22 Ikon Pass Resorts West of the Mississippi)
4. Extended Tips for Van Life & Road Tripping
5. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Why March is Perfect for a Van Life Ski Tour
By the time March rolls around, the snowpack is typically at its deepest, with many resorts enjoying consistent storms mixed with sunny, milder weather. In other words, prime conditions for a van-based road trip. Whether you’re chasing late-season powder or simply cruising groomers under blue skies, you’ll find a sweet spot in March.
Why the Ikon Pass?
The Ikon Pass grants you access to some of the best ski areas in the country, and if you’re traveling by campervan or RV, you can easily hop between mountains, exploring each resort’s unique vibe. We’ve curated this itinerary so it’s van-lifer friendly, with details on parking, camping, and local insights.
2. Trip Overview & Quick Facts
• Total Distance: ~4,600 miles (loop route; start at the resort closest to you)
• Number of Resorts: 22 Ikon Pass mountains (west of the Mississippi)
• Ideal Time Frame: 3–4 weeks (but can be condensed or extended)
• Road Trip Style: Loop (jump in at your nearest point)
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3. Resort-by-Resort Breakdown
Below are all 22 Ikon Pass resorts west of the Mississippi, with overnight parking information, alternate camping suggestions, local après tips, and links to help you plan.
1) The Summit at Snoqualmie
• Location: ~1 hour from Seattle, WA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,996
• Average Annual Snowfall: 428 inches
• Overnight Parking: Yes, $30/night. Reservations Required
• Alternative Camping: West Summit NF-55 (Tinkham Rd)
• Pro Tips:
• For steep runs, start at Alpental before checking out the other base areas.
• Night Skiing: The Summit has over 500 acres open after dusk—the largest night skiing area in the U.S.
• Après: Dru Bru (local craft brewery), plus Squatch Box hot dog food truck.
Driving Tip
Head east on I-90 to connect with your next resort, Crystal Mountain, ~2 hours away. Enjoy views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and the Cascades.
2) Crystal Mountain Resort
• Location: ~2 hours from Seattle, WA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,600
• Average Annual Snowfall: 466 inches
• Overnight Parking: Yes, $45/night. Reservations Required
• Alternate Camping: National Forest on the White River, Forest Road 7160, Chinook Pass Trailhead
• Pro Tips:
• Must-Ride: Mt. Rainier Gondola (2,400 vertical feet, stunning views).
• Après: Fireside Cantina for tacos & margs.
• Lot B often hosts van lifers and RVers—friendly crowd to park alongside.
Driving Tip
From Crystal, plan about 8 hours to reach Mt. Bachelor (longer but scenic route recommended). Pass through views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood en route to Bend, OR.
3) Mt. Bachelor
• Location: Near Bend, OR
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 4,323
• Average Annual Snowfall: 462 inches
• Overnight Parking: Yes, $40/night. Reservations Required
• Alternate Camping: Edison Butte Sno Park, Kapka Butte Sno Park
• Pro Tips:
• Rated #1 in Oregon for expert terrain.
• Check out the Cloudchaser lift for 13 trails and 650 acres of terrain.
• Après: Clearing Rock Bar—try the local Mazama Bloody Mary.
Driving Tip
From Mt. Bachelor to Palisades Tahoe is ~7.5 hours. Consider a pit stop at Crater Lake National Park for scenic winter views.
4) Palisades Tahoe
• Location: Near Tahoe City, CA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 6,000 (includes Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley)
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Stealth camping is common around Lake Tahoe, but check local regulations. (Dispersed camping in the basin is typically not allowed.)
• Pro Tips:
• Two mountains in one: Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley, linked by shuttles and a gondola.
• Look for the Olympic flame from the 1960 Winter Games.
• Après: Le Chamois in the Olympic Village, always lively.
Driving Tip
About 3 hours to June Mountain from Palisades if you head south via US-395. Soak in the Sierra Nevada scenery along the way.
5) June Mountain
• Location: Near Mammoth Lakes, CA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,500
• Average Annual Snowfall: 250 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not specified
• Alternate Camping: June Lake, Grant Lake overlook, Mono Lake Viewpoint, Crestview Rest Area
• Pro Tips:
• Known as the “family-friendly sister” to Mammoth, with beautiful views of June and Grant Lakes.
• For a dose of adventure, consider a guided backcountry tour with Sierra Mountain Guides.
• Après: The Antler Bar at June Mountain Chalet.
Driving Tip
Just 25 minutes from June Mountain to Mammoth Mountain—enjoy easy, scenic driving on CA-158.
6) Mammoth Mountain
• Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 3,500
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Mammoth Scenic Loop, Crestview Rest Area, Laurel Springs
• Pro Tips:
• Surrounded by natural hot springs—perfect for post-ski relaxation.
• Check out our Eastern Sierra Travel Guide for more tips on camping and local attractions.
• Après: Clocktower Cellar for a basement bar vibe with good happy hour deals.
Driving Tip
From Mammoth, 5 hours to Big Bear Mountain Resort, heading south through the Eastern Sierra. Keep an eye out for Mt. Whitney near Lone Pine.
7) Big Bear Mountain Resort
• Location: Near Los Angeles, CA
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 438
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~100 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Mill Creek National Forest, Cougar Trailhead
• Pro Tips:
• Iconic for pioneering the world’s first terrain park in the 90s and first in-ground half pipe in the 80s.
• Free rides around Big Bear Lake with Mountain Transit if you have an Ikon Pass.
• Après: Snow Summit’s 26,000-square-foot sun deck—perfect for soaking up SoCal rays.
Driving Tip
A long haul (~13 hours) east to Taos Ski Valley, NM. Consider splitting it up with a stop at Joshua Tree or the Grand Canyon.
8) Taos Ski Valley
• Location: Taos, NM
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,294
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches
• Overnight Parking: Yes, $25/night (Reservations Required)
• Alternate Camping: Walmart Taos, Carson National Forest, The Road to Taos
• Pro Tips:
• Largest ski resort in New Mexico, with diverse terrain.
• Check out Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area for 30+ km of Nordic trails.
• Après: The Bavarian Restaurant for hearty German cuisine.
Driving Tip
~6 hours north to the Colorado Front Range. You’ll pass through Colorado Springs and Denver en route to Eldora Mountain Resort.
9) Eldora Mountain Resort
• Location: Near Boulder, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 680
• Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not typically allowed (limited parking emphasis on public transit)
• Alternate Camping: Nederland Park & Ride, Boulder Creek Parking, Roosevelt National Forest
• Pro Tips:
• The only Colorado resort serviced by RTD public transportation.
• Après: Bacon Bloody Mary at Timbers Taphouse in the base area.
• If you’re exploring Boulder afterward, the free weekend shuttle is a great option.
Driving Tip
~1.5 hours to Winter Park, heading west over the Continental Divide via Berthoud Pass.
10) Winter Park Resort
• Location: ~67 miles from Denver, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 3,081
• Average Annual Snowfall: 327 inches
• Overnight Parking: Sometimes allowed by contacting security (970-726-1500); 3–4 nights max in 30 days. Details
• Alternate Camping: Corona Pass Entrance, Forest Road 128
• Pro Tips:
• Try the locally brewed Mary Jane Ale (Upslope Brewing).
• Uphill Access: Must read and sign policy, $25 for an uphill armband.
• Large variety of terrain for all levels.
Driving Tip
~1 hour to Arapahoe Basin over the scenic route via US-6 and Loveland Pass.
11) Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin)
• Location: Near Denver, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,428
• Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not allowed
• Alternate Camping: Pull-off areas on Loveland Pass
• Pro Tips:
• Called “The Legend.” Summits above 13,000 feet.
• Don’t Miss: The East Wall Chutes + Pallavicini for steep thrills.
• Après: 6th Alley Bar and Grill at the base.
Driving Tip
A quick 30 minutes to Copper Mountain. Consider resupplying in Frisco or Silverthorne along the way.
12) Copper Mountain
• Location: Near Frisco, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,465
• Average Annual Snowfall: 305 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Vail Pass Rest Area, Scenic Pull Over
• Pro Tips:
• Rocky Mountain Coaster (5,800 feet long).
• Free Snow Cat to Tucker Mountain for fresh powder on a dump day.
• Après: JJ’s Tavern in East Village—famous Tavern Nachos.
Driving Tip
~2 hours to Steamboat, heading north via US-9 and CO-131 through Kremmling.
13) Steamboat
• Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,965
• Average Annual Snowfall: 313 inches (Champagne Powder®)
• Overnight Parking: Yes, in lower levels of Gondola Square and Steamboat Grand Structures. Details
• Alternate Camping: Routt National Forest, 296 Gravel Campground
• Pro Tips:
• Nicknamed Ski Town USA. Champagne Powder® is trademarked here.
• Hot Springs: Strawberry Hot Springs or Old Town Hot Springs.
• Après: Timber & Torch near the base area.
Driving Tip
~3 hours south to Aspen Snowmass, passing through Glenwood Springs. Don’t sleep on the Hot Springs in Glenwood if you missed the chance in Steamboat.
14) Aspen Snowmass
• Location: Aspen, CO
• Acres of Skiable Terrain (Four Mountains): 5,517 total (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Buttermilk)
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches
• Overnight Parking: Varies. Check Aspen Snowmass parking info
• Alternate Camping: Stealth (limited) or lodging in surrounding towns.
• Pro Tips:
• Aspen Mountain (Ajax) for lively après at Ajax Tavern.
• Aspen Highlands for the famous Highland Bowl.
• Buttermilk for beginner/family-friendly terrain.
• Snowmass for the largest acreage.
Driving Tip
~6 hours northwest to Deer Valley (Park City, UT). Pass by Dinosaur National Monument or explore in western CO.
15) Deer Valley Resort
• Location: Park City, UT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,026
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not specified
• Alternate Camping: Home Depot Park City, Park City City Hall, Walmart in nearby areas
• Pro Tips:
• Ski-only resort (no snowboarding).
• Tree runs at Centennial Trees off Lady Morgan; steeps at Empire.
• Après: Montage’s Après Lounge (yurts serving fondue, etc.).
Driving Tip
~1 hour to Brighton Resort (via Salt Lake City if Guardsman Pass is closed in winter).
16) Brighton Resort
• Location: Near Park City, UT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,050
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~500 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Very stealthy stealth camping—few official options
• Pro Tips:
• The only Utah resort with 100% of terrain accessed by high-speed lifts.
• Powder Day: Hit Great Western lift first.
• Après: Molly Green’s (classic A-frame bar with legendary nachos).
Driving Tip
Just minutes to Solitude—they’re neighbors in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
17) Solitude Mountain Resort
• Location: Near Park City, UT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 1,200
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~500 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Stealth camping; no official iOverlander spots in winter
• Pro Tips:
• Hike Fantasy Ridge for Black Bess and Honeycomb Chutes.
• Après: The Thirsty Squirrel—great name, great spot.
Driving Tip
~30 minutes to Snowbird (backtrack via Salt Lake City, then up Little Cottonwood Canyon).
18) Snowbird
• Location: Near Salt Lake City, UT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,500
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~500 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Stealth or Town of Alta’s designated parking
• Pro Tips:
• Typically the longest ski season in Utah.
• Steep terrain, check out Mineral Basin on a powder day.
• Après: The Tram Club (below the Tram Deck).
Driving Tip
Only 2 minutes to Alta—both share Little Cottonwood Canyon.
19) Alta Ski Area
• Location: Near Salt Lake City, UT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,614
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~547 inches
• Overnight Parking: Parking reservations required; no general overnight
• Alternate Camping: Town of Alta’s designated overnight (link)
• Pro Tips:
• Ski-only mountain.
• High Traverse (High-T) for accessing much of the advanced terrain.
• Ski With a Ranger tours (weekends at 1 pm, top of Sunnyside).
• Après: Goldminer’s Saloon—try an Alta Bomb (espresso + PBR).
Driving Tip
~5.5 hours to Jackson Hole up through Idaho, or pass through northern Utah/Wyoming.
20) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
• Location: Teton Village, WY (near Jackson, WY)
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,500
• Average Annual Snowfall: 459 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not permitted
• Alternate Camping: Public land west of Highway 89. Town of Jackson does not allow overnight parking (strictly enforced).
• Pro Tips:
• Longest continuous vertical in North America (4,139 ft).
• Expert terrain: Corbet’s Couloir is legendary.
• Après: Mangy Moose (live music, hearty food).
• “Sloshies” (alcoholic slushies) from local gas stations—delicious but strong!
Driving Tip
~3.5–4 hours via Teton Pass and Idaho farmland to Big Sky in Montana.
21) Big Sky Resort
• Location: Near Bozeman, MT
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 5,800
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches
• Overnight Parking: Not specified
• Alternate Camping: Big Sky Shopping Center Parking
• Pro Tips:
• Biggest single mountain in the U.S.
• Big Couloir is a bucket-list run (requires avalanche gear & permission from Ski Patrol).
• Après: Scissorbills Saloon (classic Montana vibe).
Driving Tip
~7 hours from Big Sky to Schweitzer Mountain in northern Idaho, passing through Bozeman and Missoula (good refuel and restock stops).
22) Schweitzer Mountain
• Location: Near Sandpoint, ID
• Acres of Skiable Terrain: 2,900
• Average Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches
• Overnight Parking: Yes, $20/night (Details)
• Alternate Camping: Lakeview Park, Free Public Lots, Walmart
• Pro Tips:
• Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, but still offers serious glade skiing (check Kohli’s Big Timber).
• Après: Head into Sandpoint to enjoy live music at The Hive (info).
4. Extended Tips for Van Life & Road Tripping
1. Watch the Weather:
• March weather can swing from blizzards to spring sunshine. Keep an eye on road closures and chain laws.
2. Stealth Camping Etiquette:
• Respect local rules, minimize noise, and leave no trace.
3. Stocking Up on Supplies:
• Major towns near each resort (like Bend, Boise, Seattle, Denver) have grocery and department stores.
4. Check for Pass Updates:
• Resort participation can evolve yearly. Verify details with Ikon Pass before hitting the road.
5. Conclusion
There you have it: 22 incredible resorts, thousands of acres of terrain, countless après-ski memories, and the freedom that only van life can offer. Whether you’re hunting fresh powder or enjoying sunny spring laps, this 2025 Van Life Ski Guide ensures you’ll get the most out of your Ikon Pass in the western United States.
Ready to roll? Hit the road, tag us @dm.vans in your photos, and share your epic adventures. If you need a van or want to upgrade your current setup, check out our DM Vans Inventory.
Safe travels, happy shredding, and we’ll see you out there!
— The DM Vans Team
ps. Check out our favorite #vanlife ski trip on our YouTube channel here!
Disclaimer: Resort and parking details are subject to change. Always verify with the resort’s official site or the Ikon Pass site for the most current information.