Chomps Fuels the Slopes in Exclusive Ikon Pass Partnership

CHICAGO, IL – January 15, 2026 – In a strategic move that merges high-altitude adventure with high-protein nutrition, meat snack brand Chomps has announced a year-long partnership with Ikon Pass, making it the official protein partner and exclusive meat stick vendor for the premier ski and snowboard season pass. The collaboration places Chomps' products directly in the hands of millions of outdoor enthusiasts across seven major U.S. mountain destinations, marking a significant push beyond traditional retail channels and into the realm of experiential marketing.

This first-to-market agreement for the rapidly growing snack company is designed to meet active consumers precisely where and when they need fuel the most: on the mountain. The partnership launches as health and wellness resolutions are top of mind, tapping into a powerful consumer trend demanding convenient, clean-ingredient foods that support an active lifestyle.

Redefining On-Mountain Snacking

For decades, on-mountain dining has been synonymous with high-calorie, low-convenience options like burgers, fries, and pizza. While satisfying, these foods often fall short for the modern, health-conscious consumer looking for sustained energy. Chomps aims to disrupt this paradigm by offering its line of high-protein, zero-sugar meat sticks in lodges and retail locations across the partner resorts.

This initiative directly addresses a major shift in consumer behavior. The U.S. protein snacks category, valued at over $24 billion, is growing three times faster than the overall snacking market. Today's consumers, particularly those engaged in athletic pursuits, are actively seeking out functional foods that provide what market analysts call "efficient nutrition." Chomps, with its 10+ grams of protein per stick and commitment to 100% grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free turkey, is positioned perfectly to meet this demand.

"Today’s consumers don’t want to think harder about eating well, they want it to be easier, especially in moments when they’re active and on-the-go," said Stacey Hartnett, SVP of Marketing at Chomps. "By showing up on the mountain, we’re removing a real barrier by making high-quality, protein-forward fuel instantly accessible, so people can spend less time worrying about what to eat and more time enjoying every moment of their adventure."

To ensure direct engagement, the brand will host two-day sampling activations beginning in February at four key destinations: Steamboat and Winter Park Resort in Colorado, and Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California. These events will offer skiers and snowboarders a chance to try the product firsthand, creating memorable connections at the peak of their activity.

A Strategic Alliance of Experience and Fuel

The partnership is a calculated business strategy for both Chomps and Ikon Pass parent company, Alterra Mountain Company. For Chomps, it provides unparalleled access to a massive and highly targeted demographic. The U.S. outdoor recreation participant base has swelled to a record 181.1 million people, representing nearly 60% of Americans over age six. This audience, which is also becoming more diverse, is primed for products that enhance their outdoor experiences.

By securing year-round on-mountain signage and a dedicated retail presence, Chomps bypasses the crowded grocery aisle to build brand loyalty in a high-impact environment. This direct-to-experience model is increasingly seen as a powerful tool for brands to forge authentic connections with consumers.

For Alterra Mountain Company, the collaboration enhances the value proposition of its Ikon Pass and improves the overall guest experience—a key focus for resort operators. Providing convenient, quality food options addresses a known pain point and reflects a commitment to guest wellness.

"Our community represents a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts: from the serious athletes to the family vacationers. Chomps understands that performing your best, whether you’re on the slopes, the trails, or just keeping up with the kids, requires quality fuel,” said Ryan Blanchard, VP of Brand Partnerships at Alterra Mountain Company. “This partnership ensures that when you’re grabbing a quick bite between activities, you have access to real, sustained energy that keeps you going all day.”

The exclusive agreement covers seven premier destinations: Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Stratton, and Palisades Tahoe.

From Snack Company to Lifestyle Brand

This partnership is about more than just selling meat sticks; it represents Chomps' ambition to cultivate a lifestyle brand deeply embedded in the culture of outdoor adventure. To that end, the company has launched its first-ever lifestyle collection, a limited-edition winter drop featuring a custom scarf, a cozy beanie, and a Chomps variety pack for $49.95. This move allows fans to embrace the "mountain mindset" and gives the brand a tangible presence beyond the snack wrapper.

Furthering this community engagement, Chomps is also launching a sweepstakes offering one winner a $2,000 prize to spend at Steamboat, complete with lift tickets and a supply of Chomps products. These initiatives are designed to foster brand loyalty and build a community around shared values of health and adventure.

This move aligns with the brand's impressive growth trajectory. As a minority-owned, family-operated, and Certified B Corporation, Chomps has broadened the appeal of the meat snack category, which was traditionally male-dominated. With projections to approach nearly $1 billion in sales and significant investments in expanding production capacity, the company is positioning itself not just as a competitor to legacy brands like Slim Jim, but as a leader in the broader healthy snacking space.

The partnership with Ikon Pass is a clear signal of this ambition, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of modern consumer trends and a bold strategy to meet them head-on, right on the slopes.