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Meat snack brand Chomps has announced a strategic "first-to-market" partnership with Ikon Pass, the premier ski and snowboard season pass provider. The year-long collaboration positions Chomps as the exclusive meat stick vendor for 2026 across seven major U.S. mountain destinations.

The deal represents a significant expansion of Chomps' distribution strategy beyond conventional retail, placing the product directly in front of millions of annual visitors in high-altitude environments where convenient, portable nutrition is in high demand.

Operational Footprint and Locations

The partnership grants Chomps a dedicated retail presence and year-round on-mountain signage at properties owned by Alterra Mountain Company. The agreement covers the following premier destinations:

• Colorado: Steamboat (Steamboat Springs), Winter Park Resort.

• California: Mammoth Mountain (Mammoth Lakes), Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Palisades Tahoe (Olympic Valley).

• Vermont: Stratton (Windham County).

By securing exclusivity in these high-traffic leisure hubs, Chomps aims to embed its zero-sugar, high-protein product into the "mountain ritual" of skiers and snowboarders.

Marketing Activation: Merch and Sampling

To amplify the partnership, Chomps is launching a multifaceted marketing campaign titled "Pack the Good Times."

• Lifestyle Collection: The brand is releasing a limited-edition winter merchandise drop featuring a custom scarf, a cozy beanie, and a Chomps variety pack, retailing for $49.95.

• Experiential Sampling: Beginning in February, the brand will host two-day sampling activations at four key locations: Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Mammoth Mountain, and Big Bear Mountain Resort.

• Sweepstakes: A consumer incentive offering a $2,000 trip to Steamboat, including lift tickets.

Stacey Hartnett, SVP of Marketing at Chomps, emphasised the focus on convenience: "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. By showing up on the mountain, we’re removing a real barrier by making high-quality, protein-forward fuel instantly accessible."

Ryan Blanchard, VP Brand Partnerships at Alterra Mountain Company, added: "Our community represents a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts: from the serious athletes to the family vacationers. Chomps understands that performing your best... requires quality fuel. 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."