Niseko United now becomes Japan’s only Ikon Pass partner resort for the 2018/19 season.

Ikon Pass holders can now ski Niseko for up to seven days a season along with a truly stellar lineup of North American ski resorts. Many of the Ikon Pass’s 35 partner resorts are household names – Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear, Jackson Hole, Revelstoke, Alta, Snowbird and Thredbo in Australia. Niseko United now joins that list afterer announcing it will become Japan’s only Ikon Pass partner resort for the 2018/19 season. Ikon Pass is a new global ski pass focused on connecting the most iconic ski resorts across North America, Australia and Japan. With the addition of Niseko United, Ikon Pass holders will now have access to more than 72,000 skiable acres over three continents. Japan is home to some of the planet’s most plentiful and light snow, making Niseko United a bucket list destination for any skier and rider on the hunt for fresh powder. With Niseko United also a full member of The Mountain Collective, Niseko is set to become a member of one of the largest passholder communities on earth.” Niseko United is regarded as Japan’s premier international ski resort and has been most awarded as “Japan’s Best Ski Resort” by the World Ski Awards. Niseko consistently receives 50+ feet of cumulative powder snowfall every winter, and at 42 degrees north of the equator on Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido, it is perfectly situated to crystalize moisture picked up from the Sea of Japan. As such, Niseko United is famous for the consistency and quality of its powder snow, which has been recorded as having just 7% water content. Niseko United has also become famous over the past two decades as the gateway to international skiing in Japan, with billions of dollars of investment having been invested in accommodation and infrastructure. Niseko United has long been famous domestically as an onsen (hot spring) resort, and it is renowned for its dining and après scene. “We are delighted to give Ikon Pass holders the opportunity to spread their wings and immerse themselves in the deep powder of Japan’s premier destination, Niseko United,” said Colin Hackworth, President of Hanazono, Niseko Japan. “The Ikon Pass is expanding and the cultural beauty, huge winter snowfall and culinary delights of Japan await. We are truly pleased to partner with the world’s most iconic mountain destinations and to be a part of the Ikon Pass community.” “Niseko United is an ideal partner for the Ikon Pass, offering some of the best ski and snowboard terrain on the planet, blanketed in its renowned deep, plentiful snow,” said Erik Forsell , Chief Marketing Officer of Alterra Mountain Company. “Japan’s mountains are a longtime bucket list destination for skiers and riders, and we are so excited to open up this part of the world to Ikon Pass holders, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves into the Japanese culture and snow.” Access Niseko United will offer 7 days total across its four resorts on the Ikon Pass, and 5 days total on the Ikon Base Pass with 10 blackout dates (Dec. 26 - 31, 2018; Jan. 19 - 20, 2019; Feb. 16 - 17, 2019). From a week-long vacation to unlimited days, the Ikon Pass was built with the guest in mind, to provide the best experience possible. With 35 destinations, in 12 states, four Canadian provinces, on three continents, the Ikon Pass is the gateway to a like-minded community, enduring memories, and the most iconic destinations on the planet. The Ikon Pass launched in January 2018 and is a collaboration of industry leaders - Alterra Mountain Company , Aspen Skiing Company, Boyne Resorts, POWDR, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Sugarbush Resort, Taos Ski Valley, Thredbo and Niseko United. Each demonstrates integrity, character and independence that is reflected in their mountains and guests. For more information, please visit www.ikonpass.com. About Ikon Pass The Ikon Pass is the new standard in season passes, connecting the most iconic mountains across North America, Australia and Japan, delivering authentic, memorable snow adventures. Brought to you by Alterra Mountain Company, the Ikon Pass unlocks access to a community of diverse destinations you want to ski and ride, including Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain and Eldora in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky in Montana; Stra on, Killington and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan; The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Cypress Mountain in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta, and Snowbird in Utah; Thredbo in Australia; and Niseko United in Japan. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s largest heli-skiing operation. For more information on the Ikon Pass, visit www.ikonpass.com . About Niseko United Niseko United is the joint name for the four independently-owned ski resorts occupying different quarters of Mt Annupuri - Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU, Niseko Hanazono Resort, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri Ski Area. At 42 degrees north of the equator on Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido, Niseko is famous for the consistency and quality of its powder snow, which has been recorded as having just 7% moisture content. All resorts have slopes and terrain to suit complete beginners to professionals, and you can ski, board or bus between all with ease. Niseko is located in the southwest of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido – 60 miles south of the island’s capital Sapporo, and New Chitose International Airport (CTS), hp://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/ . Media Contact Kristin Rust Alterra Mountain Company Director of Public Relations [email protected] 303.801.7271 Niseko United Media Contact Scott Mountford Niseko Hanazono Resorts (Niseko United) [email protected] +81(0) 136-21-2500