Silverton Mountain, southern Colorado’s premier ski area for those who crave steep lines and fresh tracks, has been sold to new owners. The couple who founded the mountain, Aaron and Jenny Brill, decided to sell to Heli Adventures Inc. Heli is an Aspen, CO-based company owned and operated by Andy Culp and Brock Strasbourger. The duo built their company over the last 7 years, and while this might seem like another corporate buyout in skiing, it’s not. Heli has said they’ll be leaving the entire Silverton employee team in place and want to uphold the resort’s reputation as an extreme skiers’ paradise.

The decision certainly did not come easy, as Aaron Brill was quoted as saying, “It’s a pretty emotional day.” Aaron broke ground on Silverton in 1999 after searching the American West for the ideal location to open a ski area for experts who wanted to escape the crowds. He pulled into Silverton in a retired UPS van and started scouting; a visual that reflects the tough and respected attitude the resort carries today. Aaron hand-dug the foundations for the lift towers, shipped a used double-seater chair lift out from California and filed mining claims with the Bureau of Land Management. According to The Colorado Sun, he bought 220 acres for “less than what it costs to buy a condo in Telluride.” It wasn’t until 2005 that the BLM approved his requests, and Silverton Mountain was born.

Aaron lawyered up, beating cases from those who opposed him, including an Aspen businessman who had wanted to build a $20 Million resort with a mountain-top restaurant and connecting gondola. Avalanche professionals cautioned him that the consistently unstable San Juan Mountain Range snowpack would be too dangerous. Aaron took their advice but carried on, creating a team of Ski Patrollers that are arguably the best in the country. “Everyone told me 24 1/2 years ago that we could not do Silverton Mountain without having fatalities all the time,” he said. “We have never had a snow safety fatality.”

Considering the brilliant reputation Silverton has and the years of hard work it took to get here. The Brills understandably had rigorous requirements for a buyer. They would have to keep the mountain’s 50 employees in place. They would have to share the vision for the ski area along with a strong passion for skiing, and they could not be ‘golf course-slash-real estate guys.’ Andy and Brock of Heli Adventures Inc. met this criteria with flying colors. We can only hope that they stay true to their word and work hard to keep Silverton Mountain the oasis that it is. As some have said, in the sea of corporate skiing, Silverton stands alone. A profitable business that supports the town it’s in, the mountain is living proof that resorts don’t need to gut the average workers of the ski towns they reside in. They can, in fact, boost themselves and the town.

As for Aaron and Jenny Brill, you’ll be able to find them at Silverton’s Alaska heli-ski operation, flying and skiing with guests from October through June. Silverton’s Alaska-based heli-skiing outfitter has 25 million acres of skiable terrain under their permit, and with Jenny and Aaron at the helm, will be flying for years to come.

Related:

A Voyage to Valle Nevado, Chile

The post Silverton Mountain, the Legendary Southern Colorado Ski Area, is Selling After 24 Years appeared first on FREESKIER.

A little gumption goes a long way. The new street edit from Level 1 SuperUnknown finalist Martin Longhitano, aptly titled “The Filth,” is proof of exactly this. If you haven’t heard of Longhitano, remember the name. The Australian ripper is one of a kind. Personally, I’d never seen a street skiing edit from Australia. I’m sure they’re out there, considering all the rippers that call Perisher Parks home. But that being said, it’s not an everyday sighting.

Perhaps that’s what makes “The Filth” so awesome. The features are sweet, and the style is unreal, but the fact that he’s doing this over more grass and dirt than snow is truly astonishing. From down rails to wall rides to tail taps on snow guns, Longhitano is a damn menace on the sticks in the best way. Hopefully, he’ll head north this December and keep the edits coming.

Related:

Arsenic Anywhere Presents “With The Right Girls” (WTRG)

The post “The Filth”— An Australian Street Skiing Edit From Martin Longhitano appeared first on FREESKIER.

Yesterday, September 26th, 2023 would have been Dr. Robb Gaffney’s 53rd birthday. Robb passed away at his home in Tahoe, CA surrounded by loved ones on September 22and after a heroic four year battle with cancer. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family in this time.

Robb was nothing short of a pioneering icon in the world of freeskiing. Along side his brother, Scott, he skied some of the most daunting lines at Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), penned the legendary book “Squallywood”, co-created the game of G.N.A.R. (Gaffney’s Numerical Assessment of Radness) with Shane McConkey, and was a key part of historic ski films such as ‘1999‘, ‘Immersion‘, and ‘Walls of Freedom‘.

Robb grew up in New York State’s Adirondack mountains, developing an affinity for the Tahoe area over time as his family went on many vacations out West. While studying pre-med at University of Colorado Boulder, Robb and his brother Scott would take road trips back to Tahoe, and it wasn’t long until he moved out there after graduation. He bagged groceries and worked in the mountain’s race services while skiing some of the most rowdy in-bounds lines on earth. Like everyone back then, he did it on 200cm skis with a smile on his face. (Next time you’re complaining about how you need a tune, just think about that). Two years and many epic clips and lines later, he migrated to Denver to finish medical school, where he tore up Arapahoe Basin, Berthoud Pass and everywhere in between. Then it was off to UC Davis for a four year psychiatric residency. As Ski Magazine reports, Robb would often head up to Tahoe and film ski segments during his short breaks from medical school.

While his dazzling skiing was and still remains mind melting and eye catching, it was his personality that made Robb the legend that we remember. He was, by all accounts, inclusive and caring, wanting everyone to get a piece of the joy he and his friends experienced on skis. He also recognized the risks, and while most skiers pushed the boundaries without second guessing, Robb spoke publicly on NBC and gave Ted talks on the importance of longevity and living through the dangers of action sports. Most recently, he openly wrote about his battle with cancer on CaringBridge and Instagram, opening the door for countless others to share and find peace in the pain they experience. Time and time again, his actions showed that he cared deeply for others.

His philosophy of fun and liberation ring true today, as the world seems to consistently take itself more and more seriously. In his closing speech from the 2011 G.N.A.R. movie, Gaffney aptly says, “My reason for getting involved is that I’m a firm believer that our world needs to stay open. Things like G.N.A.R, things that push the boundaries, they need to exist… Everything in the [terrain] park, everything in Big Mountain, everything in the race scene is pretty darn serious these days because everybody is getting so good at what they do… Bringing fun back into skiing is a really important thing”.

Even though the words are well over a decade old, there is still just as much truth in them. Take the skiing seriously, but never take yourself too seriously; that seems to be the recipe that Robb, Scott, Shane, and many others lived by, and it’s a recipe that we can all benefit from as we share this community and sport with the next generation. Wether it’s medical school or the top of a stomach-dropping line, always give it your best with a smile on your face. That seems to be how Robb lived.

In truth, Robb was much more than an incredible skier. He was a great example of what a human can be. Selfless, adventurous, and passionate. His legacy is in every sense a continuing thread; one we carry on with every line we ski, every pole whack we throw, and every smile we share while spending time on the hill. Robb Gaffney helped bring the fun back into skiing, and it’s our job to keep it here! Thank you Robb, and thank you to our friends at Powder Magazine for the stellar time capsule of photos that show Robb in his element

Robb is survived by his wife, Andrea, and his children, Noah and Kate. If you’d like to help financially contribute to the costs of Robb’s medical treatment, a friend of the family has set up a GoFund Me.

Related:

World Premier of G.N.A.R. is Dec. 17 at Alpine Meadows

The post Freeskiing legend Robb Gaffney dies at age 53 appeared first on FREESKIER.

INTERVIEW • Jordan Grant-Krenz | PHOTOS • Anatole Tuzlak & CK9 Studios

The Blondes are not new to the ski scene. The trio, comprised of Emily Childs, Janelle Yip, and Tonje Kvivik, have spent almost 7 years in professional skiing. They each have unique backgrounds, from Janelle’s Slopestyle competitions to Tonje and Emily’s Freeride prowess. They’ve been around the world, done projects of their own as well as with media giants like Matchstick Productions, and even partnered with some of the largest brands in the sport. For three talented veterans who are pushing freeride skiing into the future, you’d think their pioneering days would be behind them. You’d be wrong.

With humility and exuberance, The Blondes decided to embark on the journey of making their own ski film with the help of the renowned CK9 Studios. CK9 is a British Columbia based production power house that blends thoughtful story telling with incredible camera work and post-production skills. Emily, Janelle, and Tonje enlisted their help as they wanted to direct and edit their upcoming 2023 film, ‘How Did We Get Here?’. Through injury, poor conditions, missed shots and the usual ups and downs of filming, the team pulled together an incredible two year project that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

We at FREESKIER were curious about their process, their thoughts on the film, and how they’ve been able to stay together despite their individual success. Through the conversation, it became clear that The Blondes are a gem of the ski world. They take their skiing seriously without ever taking themselves too seriously, and maybe that’s why they’re so damn fun to watch. Read on to see for yourself, and don’t forget tune in to ‘How Did We Get Here?’ this fall.

Editors Note: In the interview below, each athlete’s response is listed by their initials. Janelle Yip (JY), Tonje Kvivik (TK), and Emily Childs (EC).

Thanks for sitting down. For those who don’t know, who are The Blondes? How did this all get going?

JY: The Blondes are all three of us; myself [Janelle Yip], Emily Childs, and Tonje Kvivik. It was fate that brought us together I’d say. We all met pretty randomly. I was living in a house in Revelstoke, and it just so happened that Tonje took a room in that house. I met Emily through a mutual friend, and I remember how great our first few laps were together in the Revelstoke [terrain] park. 

TK: Emily and I met at a ski competition, but it was random chance that we all moved there the same year. We gelled as we found out that we had the same views on skiing, life, and partying. I was living in a run down trailer when I first moved to Revy, and Emily was living out of her car, but I think we were all pulled together by fate. It’s crazy that it all worked out. 

EC: Yeah, that pretty much sums it up!

Were you all brought together more by skiing or by each other’s personalities? 

EC: Tonje and I had competed together in a couple FWQ [Freeride World Qualifier] events. We noticed that we both skied the same lines, so you could say it was the skiing, but our personalities definitely clicked. We both hot tubed off this cliff with a flat landing, I think my DINs were low, so we had some good laughs over our crashes.

TK: And we both got the Sick Bird award, which you get for either doing something really stupid or really sick. I did something really stupid and Emily did something really sick, and at that point we were thinking okay, we should just be friends.

JY: We all had a few ‘Step Brothers’ moments for sure.

The fantastic Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly movie? 

JY: Yeah! [Laughs] There were some key times where we looked at each other and just thought, “Are we best friends now?”, but instead of going to do karate in the garage like they do in the movie we started a ski group.

What is one strength that each person brings to the group?

TK: Janelle is insanely funny. Whenever I look at videos from the winter I can’t stop laughing because she’s hilarious! It’s the best quality to have. She can make people happy even when things aren’t going the best. Her park background also helps her look at the mountain differently.  Emily is incredibly tough and it allows her to be very optimistic and lift people up. You need that when you’re filming. 

EC: I’ll add to that and say that Janelle is our organizer. She keeps us together, which in turn keeps us going. Tonje is the fearless, driven athlete that keeps us in shape. She’s the motivator.

JY: I would say that Tonje is always the one yelling, “We f*ckin’ got this”, and pushing our comfort zone in a good way. Naturally I’ll be pretty scared, and Emily will come up and assure me that I can do it. They’re both encouraging in different ways. It’s a great balance that all crews need. 

Where does this current project with CK9 Studios rank out of all the films you’ve done together? 

TK: This one is my favorite for sure. We’ve always done more or less the same thing together, but because of this project we got to really see a lot of different places and change it up. We went to my home, Norway, and explored new areas and to see these spots with them was incredible. Plus, we get to pick out the music we use which is a game changer.

JY: Everything about this was the dream project. We had creative freedom and that was the biggest plus for all of us. I’m in the CK9 office right now, so I can tell you we’ve really had 100% oversight from start to finish. They’ve been fantastic, listening to our notes and being very attentive. 

EC: The only other projects we’ve had full control over were our individual edits, so this was our first big feature where we could take the reins, so to speak. We’ve done Matchstick Production trips together, which were incredible, but this was a great new challenge to control it all. 

*During the call, Janelle told the team that they had recently received the rights to use a song by the legendary rock crew Heart. We won’t name the song, but judging by their excitement you can trust it’s going to be a segment to remember.*

CK9 Studios has certainly proven that they’re one of the best production houses in skiing right now. How did you connect with them? 

JY: We were at iF3 (International Freeski Film Festival) and Mark Warner from Low Pressure Podcast introduced us. We all got along right away and they pitched the idea of doing a movie together. After seeing their past works, we were obviously super stoked on that idea.

The North Face is also a big partner in this. How has it been working with a large and legendary company like them? 

JY: They’re certainly a big company but they have a very core family feel about them. They were really the first group to start athlete teams years ago, that was their idea and you can tell they’re passionate about it. It was daunting at first, but we’ve gotten to know people on a personal level which makes it so fun to collaborate. 

TK: You can tell they’re genuinely stoked about [our film] too. They have many different projects they work on each year but you can tell they care about them all. It doesn’t really feel like business, it feels like a team effort. 

Without spoiling too much, what’s the broad synopsis of the film? 

JY: The film is called ‘How Did We Get Here?’, and it’s different from our previous edits where we were just getting sketchy and seeing how to chuck ourselves off things. This one is more personal. We wanted to create something that describes how thankful we are for the lives we get to live, and shows the hard work we’ve put in to make it happen.

EC: It certainly focuses on our friendships together. There’s plenty of skiing, but the movie also dives into our lives and activities together outside of skiing. I don’t want to say too much and give it away, but it’s got a lot of cool factors to it.

TK: Like Janelle said, it’s a very personal ski movie. We got some incredible skiing in there but it really gives a bit of background, and how we’ve come together. The cinematography is also insane thanks to CK9 Studios. They are so talented and it shows in everything from the follow cam shots to the editing to the sound design. It’s going to be very different to watch from the projects we’ve done before, which I think people will love.

It sounds like it’ll be a great watch. What benefits do you see the ski community gaining from this film? Or what do you hope people will take away from it? 

EC: I don’t think our movie is necessarily more unique than others, because there are so many great films that come out every year. That being said, an all girls ski crew is certainly rare. The movie goes into more than just skiing, and I think for up and coming skiers it can be great and encouraging to see professional riders outside of their ski lives, which the film shows.

TK: I hope people walk away with a feeling that anything is attainable if you put your mind to it. We’ve all had to work multiple jobs at once just to keep skiing, or live in a shitty situation, but if we can do it so can others! If people are inspired to keep pushing for their aspirations, we’ve done our job. 

JY: Our careers in skiing are very random, and we take it seriously but try not to take ourselves seriously. I hope people get that in the film, and walk away with that in mind. 

Where was the most memorable place you shot last season? 

TK: For me it was my home, Norway. I’ve always dreamed of bringing my Canadian friends to Norway and showing them this weird and lovable little country. Our guide, Sol Idland from 62 North, was fantastic. Even though we didn’t have the best snow it was such a great adventure to new spots I hadn’t really explored.

JY: Norway would be my vote, too.

EC: I agree, it was a memorable place especially with these two. This project has been a two year process, so we’ve had some incredible stops along the way. Janelle’s injury certainly extended our timeline too, but it was incredible to see her come back so strong and it made the whole journey that much more rewarding.

What was your injury? Was it challenging to get back into skiing after your recovery?

JY: I kneed myself in the face pretty badly on a road gap landing and broke a bone in my face just below my eye. These guys were instrumental in helping me get back on skis. They were getting after it the whole time, and were so encouraging when it came to my return. I was certainly phased by the whole thing, and the possibility of repeating a flat landing or something else is scary to say the least. But it pushed me to go hard the next year, and I’m so lucky I had this crew to help me.

TK: Janelle came back super strong, it was incredible. Obviously something like that is tough mentally, but I couldn’t see any limitations in her skiing from it. 

EC: It was a shock seeing her get hurt, and a shitty feeling when there’s not much you can do about it. But to come back and charge like she has, it’s been really inspiring. 

*The Blondes noted that their upcoming movie touches on the injury and Janelle’s comeback in more detail. A great story for anyone coming off of a traumatic injury in the mountains and looking to bounce back.*

What three songs are going in the queue when you’re all heading up to the mountain?

JY: I have a whole Led Zeppelin playlist that I rip on the way up. “Your Time is Gonna Come” might be my favorite.

TK: Anything by 50 Cent. “Back Down” or “Many Men”. When I’m about to drop in on a line I’m playing 2Pac though, for sure.

EC: “Mariah Carey Christmas Album”, or anything by Lil Wyane for me.

Are there any skiers that inspired you last season?  

TK: Hannah Epsteyn! She’s 15 and already just so awesome. 

JY: I think the Milk Box Girls are doing the woman ski crew thing way better than we ever have! They’re so talented. I mean Addy [Rafford] is such a great filmer and skier it’s wild. 

EC: Molly Armanino is one that comes to mind. She’s such a strong rider and a great person.

What words of advice would you give to young skiers trying to make their own version of The Blondes come to life? 

TK: Don’t care too much about what other people think. Go out there and be passionate, have fun and work hard. It sounds corny but things can fall into place easier than you think. That being said, have a plan. Know what else you love and how that could work out, too. There’s so many great things to dive into, don’t limit yourself. 

EC: Do it because you love it. And if you keep loving it, keep doing it. If not, there’s many other roads that open up.

JY: There’s such a strong Instagram branding mentality in skiing these days but you can’t focus on that too much, or it’ll suck the life out of the process. Go find your friends and rip around, don’t worry about the Instagram bullshit. But like Tonje said, have a backup plan! We’ve always had our own backups. It’s important. 

EC: And for god’s sake, don’t take it too seriously. We like to think that it’s all a joke, and it just keeps getting funnier! 

The Blondes would like to thank everyone who has helped bring ‘How Did We Get Here?’ to life, and extend their deep appreciation to the team at CK9 Studios. 

Related:

Trailer Time ’23: FREESKIER’s Ultimate Guide to Ski Movie Teasers

The post [Q&A] The Blondes chat about their new film, ‘How Did We Get Here?’ – The trials & tribulations of creating a top tier ski movie appeared first on FREESKIER.

Andy Parry and Will Wesson have been runnin’ and gunnin’ with LINE Traveling Circus for longer than some young skiers have been alive. And guess what? They still rip, they still make great episodes, and they still have their knees (somehow). Season 16 is kicking off with an adventure to Norway. Press play and you can meet some new friends who tame the Norwegian park like nobody’s business. Take a trip to the Hallingplast factory, see how your favorite PE pipes are made. Do they butter them up to make them a smoother slide? You’ll have to watch to find out. Shoutout to Jake Strassman for another killer edit. A new season of Traveling Circus means only one thing… winter is coming. Get those planks ready, it won’t be long now.

TC Crew: Andy Parry, Will Wesson, Mitchell Brower, Pete Koukov, Robert Ruud, Bendik Oye, Leo Landro, Andreas Hatveit, and Friends!

Related:

Burrrlapz is BUMPIN’ in its first-half season recap, “Checker Head”

The post LINE Traveling Circus 16.1 ‘Den Norske Stilen’ – The gang heads to Norway in the season 16 kick off appeared first on FREESKIER.

Another Arsenic project? Yeah, it’s gonna be a good one! In this mini tour de Utah, skiers Marist Wrenn, Ella Andrews, Drew Hooker and Marea Adams head to Woodward Park City and Brighton Resort, with only Wrenn and Hooker holding it down at the latter destination. This crew absolutely tears, and their skills on a rail are incredible. They slide metal like Ovechkin slides on ice, friggen naturals. While there’s no shortage of great female skiers, these four certainly represent WTRG. With winter a stone’s throw away, we can only hope to see more from Hooker and the crew this winter.

Do you want to look as fresh as they do? Do you want to tear up the park as well as they do? Truthfully you probably can’t, but you can get one step closer by copping some Arsenic Anywhere gear. Owner, operator, manufacturer, marketer and proprietor Dan releases new merchandise regularly, so don’t fret if what you’re looking for is sold out. There will be more up soon. Rest easy knowing your dollar is going towards a brand that represents and supports the best parts of freeskiing. Plus, the high-quality materials and beautiful designs speak for themselves. This is NOT a paid ad, Arsenic is just that good. Anywhere with the right people. Enjoy Marist Wrenn, Ella Andrews, Drew Hooker and Marea Adams in WTRG.

Related:

[Age Gap] Taylor Lundquist interviews Michelle Parker

The post Arsenic Anywhere Presents “With The Right Girls” (WTRG) appeared first on FREESKIER.

Featured Image: Photographer Emily Tidwell captures skier Janelle Yip while filming in Japan for Matchstick Productions 2023 film, ‘The Land of Giants’

It’s a delightful September evening. There’s a chill in the air as you step outside and… what’s this? A yellow leaf nose dives to the ground. You’re stunned, shaking in your custom baby seal leather boots. “Does that mean what I think it means?” you ask as a smile creeps across your face. Yes, anxiously excited skier, it does. It means that it is officially ski movie trailer season. Which, as everyone knows, is the precursor to ski movie season, which is the precursor to ski season. The real deal. The whole tamale. The Great Bambino. To break down that math for you and put it in simple terms, it’s almost ski season. Get hyped!

The barrage of trailers that emerge this time of year can be tough to keep track of. With so many good ski films coming out, we’ve compiled some of our favorite teasers so you can find them all in one place. There’s sure to be some that we missed, so keep your eyes peeled, but this is a good place to start if you’re looking for what to expect on the big screen this fall. The official 2023 FREESKIER guide to ski movie teasers (in no particular order) lies before you.

Related:

Trailer, Tour Dates and More for Matchstick Production’s 2023 film, ‘The Land of Giants’

The post Trailer Time ’23: FREESKIER’s Ultimate Guide to Ski Movie Teasers appeared first on FREESKIER.

Finland’s own Joona Kangas has dropped a glorious two-minute edit on the internet, and we’re all better because of it. Joona recaps his best tricks from this year’s Kimbo Sessions and last year’s Jossi Wells Invitational. His control, finesse and style are simply unmistakable as he glides around two of the best builds of 22/23. Behind the lens is none other than Brady Perron, Björn Eklund and Ethan Cook, an all-star trio of filmers, if there ever was one. While this edit is short and sweet, the cinematography alongside Joona’s otherworldly skiing will surely have you hungering for colder temps and a few hot laps.

The Jossi Wells Invitational is returning September 15-17, 2023. Cardrona, NZ is once again hosting the legendary event in all its glory. Check out the full event page here for all the info you need, and don’t forget to tune in for the event. Looking for more action from Kimbo Sessions? Our friends at Downdays.eu recently put out a new recap video along with Magnus Norsteng. Of course, there are also the beautiful recap edits that Björn Eklund put out on the Kimbo YouTube page as well. Feast your eyes!

From YouTube: Joona Kangas at Kimbo Sessions 2023 and Jossi Wells Invitational 2022.

Filming: Brady Perron, Björn Eklund, Ethan Cook

Skiing + Edit: Joona Kangas

Music: emkay – Drop Down Re-Bound EP Craigie Knowes Ltd

Thank you to Kim Boberg and Jossi Wells!

Related:

Dani Bacher takes home Rider of the Week at Kimbo Sessions

The post Joona Kangas delivers the heat from Kimbo Sessions and the Jossi Wells Invitational appeared first on FREESKIER.

For 21 years and counting, 4FRNT has been shaping freeride and powder skis that dominate in performance, and this year’s lineup is no exception. In preparation for the season, get decked out with new gear from 4FRNT Skis. One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 gift card to 4FRNT.com that can be used on skis, apparel or whatever you’re missing from your gear closet.

MSP Collection

For 2024, 4FRNT re-engineered this collection with an updated core composition so you can enjoy quicker turn initiation and more energy. If a nimble ski that holds up at high speeds is your jive, strap on a pair of MSPs, and you’ll enjoy side hits, groomers and bumps like never before.

HOJI Collection

Designed hand-in-hand with legend Eric Hjorliefson, this collection of big-mountain skis goes to work on and off the resort. They shred steep and deep, and with 4FRNT’s new 4-LOCK technology, uphill performance is more efficient than ever without compromising on the downhill.

FREERIDE Collection

Need a freeride weapon that slashes on all terrain? 4FRNT’s FREERIDE collection is your best bet. Designed to surf powder and pivot on a dime, 4FRNT delivers.

Enter the Sweepstakes via the link above by September 14th at 11:59 pm for the chance to win #byskiersforskiers.

Enter the sweepstakes via the link above by September 14th at 11:59 p.m. MST for the chance to win.

#byskiersforskiers.

Related:

Eric Hjorleifson 2021 – Old dog, same incredible tricks. Hoji is still one of the greatest skiers in the world

The post [GIVEAWAY] Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree to 4FRNT Skis appeared first on FREESKIER.

Photography: By Edward Clem

The distance from Bozeman, Montana, to Santiago, Chile, is 6,017 miles, which is over 1,500 miles further than mainland Europe. While Chile may seem like another world, you’ll arrive after 14 hours of travel with a lone stop in Atlanta (if you’re flying the same route I took). A happy detail of my voyage down South was that after waking up for my red eye, I received a full night’s sleep thanks to the last row of an Airbus A350. Once I touched down in Chile, I was comfortably operating on EST, no different than being in New York City.

Growing up as an avid consumer of ski media, skiing in the middle of summer in a true winter wonderland was a fantasy that never escaped the back of my mind. So, when the phone rang, and a trip to the legendary Valle Nevado resort with FREESKIER was offered, I accepted without even considering what prior engagements lay on my calendar. I didn’t really know what to expect, but if I did go into this trip with any expectations, they were all blown out of the water by the mountains, locals and fantastic crew that greeted me upon arrival in Santiago.

At a latitude of 33 degrees south, Valle Nevado roughly equates to that of Phoenix, Arizona, if you translate it to the Northern Hemisphere. The opportunity to ski exists thanks to the sheer scale of the Andes, with the base area of Valle sitting at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, dwarfed by Cerro El Plomo looming overhead at 17,783 feet. The weather in Santiago was cool and comfortable, but as our team ascended the impossibly windy road to the resort, the cacti disappeared, and fresh snow from the previous night quickly replaced the foreign flora.

Eager to get back on snow after a long break and record heat throughout the United States, the crew skipped formal introductions and quickly dawned our ski gear to get out on the hill and explore the massive terrain of Valle Nevado. Skies were blue, snow was fresh and Jonah Williams, Brooks Curran, Hannah Melinn, KJ Read, Charlotte Hoeft and I did our team building in the most natural way possible—sliding down snow-covered mountains on two pieces of wood.

The stoke was high on day two, with more bluebird skies and plenty of fresh snow to be found for those willing to seek it. Valle Nevado is a massive resort, and we barely managed to scratch the surface of what it has to offer.

Valle is kind of like a massive terrain park. All above treeline, the rolling and open mountains are dotted with wind lips, natural hits and gullies full of powder days after the storm. KJ Read sends a wind lip deep in the dramatic Andean backdrop.

Just because Valle doesn’t always have a Mt. Baker-esque snowpack, that doesn’t mean there aren’t stashes to be found several days after a storm. The diversity of aspects and elevation meant that we were finding nipple-deep powder and big smiles throughout our entire trip.

The harsh alpine landscape of the Andes does not lend itself to too much wildlife viewing on our trip, but we did manage to spend time with this Carancho Cordillerano, who was hanging with the crew at the top of the tallest lift at Valle.

The scale and sheer size of the mountains in Chile left all of us with a constant sense of awe.

I didn’t know much about Chilean wine going into this trip, but it is just as good as anything I’ve had in France, Italy or the United States. Jodie Shmidt and Aaron Stover, the winners of the FREESKIER x Valle Nevado trip giveaway, joined us for this all-inclusive wine tasting, and one might say we had a little bit too much fun.

Much like Salt Lake City, Santiago lies deep in a valley that is prone to inversions and frequent smog in the winter. Valle Nevado is perched far above the pollution, and when the wind blows in, you can often steal glimpses of the massive metropolis only 30 kilometers away.

Jonah Williams was so inspired by the service of Chilean restaurants that he decided to emulate it atop a ridge overlooking the city as we settled in for a sunset to remember.

As we gathered our belongings and set out for the long ski down, Jonah took a few moments to reflect on the majesty of the evening we had just experienced. Good wine, good friends, new mountains and the thrill of skiing in such a foreign place put on a high that will last a long time.

As the last day on-snow rolled around and the powder started to become harder to find, we spent our morning hunting fresh corduroy and jealously looking at the forecast. Just as we were set to leave, a massive 200-inch storm was set to descend upon the Andes. Funny how things work sometimes.

Our last afternoon was spent in Valle Nevado’s small but perfectly manicured terrain park. Two large rails and two pristine jumps provided the perfect opportunity for Jonah Williams to practice his best impersonation of the giant Andean Condor bird.

As we headed down the ‘cuarenta curvos’ (that’s 40 turns for non-Spanish speakers) away from Valle Nevado and back towards the city, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this short trip was the beginning of a long and storied relationship with Valle Nevado and Chile as a whole. As great as the skiing was, the culture, people, scenery and food make visiting Chile an experience that would be worth pursuing even without the amazing recreating it offers. Once back in Santiago, we were greeted by a city that would take years to properly explore. The next two days were spent seeing, smelling and tasting the colorful capital of Chile, and bathing ourselves in the rich history of the city that feels more like a European capital than I ever would have dreamed possible.

Taking a break from the dog days of summer in the United States and hopping on a flight down to Chile is something that every skier should try to do once. If you’re anything like me, a few days spent at Valle Nevado and a few days exploring Santiago will quickly prioritize it to being something every skier should do more than once.

Related:

10 reasons why you need to get to Valle Nevado, Chile this summer

The post A Voyage to Valle Nevado, Chile appeared first on FREESKIER.

PHOTOS • Dylan Robinson | SKIER • Drew Jolowicz | WORDS • Jordan Grant-Krenz

As we in the Northern Hemisphere

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There are legends of the ski world; those who helped create the spot, culture and community we know and love. Then there’s Matchstick Productions (MSP). The iconic film company has been documenting freeskiing in feature films for over three decades, longer than many professional skiers have been alive. You’d assume that with such an extensive and unparalleled resume, they’d be close to calling it quits. You’d be wrong.

MSP is still pointing the camera at some of the best in the sport and telling stories that attract both veteran skiers and newcomers alike. This year, they’ve turned the story away from the human element and towards the god-like mountains that beckon our attention. Fittingly, their 2023 film is titled ‘The Land of Giants’. The crew heads to the most staggering mountain ranges the world has to offer. From Alaska to British Columbia, Japan to Norway, MSP touches on the elements that bring us together and unite as skiers across the globe. Of course, you’ll still find unbelievable skiing from riders like Sam Kuch, McKenna Peterson, Sammy Carlson, Mark Abma, Logan Pehota, Caite Zeliff and many more of the world’s best. Seriously, check out the full lineup listed in the YouTube comments. It’s as stacked as can be.

Dive into the trailer to get your chest-poundingly excited, and take a look at the Fall 2023 film tour destinations (listed below) to find a stop where you can join in on the party of the year with some of the best people in the community! We can’t wait to see you out there. Click here for tickets.

From YouTube: The story of man vs. mountain is one that has captured our imaginations for centuries. But what if MSP flipped the script? What if, instead of focusing on the human element, we took a closer look at the mountains themselves? That’s the premise of The Land of Giants, a new ski film that explores the most iconic mountains on Earth.

From the Fjords of Norway to the spines of Alaska, we will get to know and understand the canvas that creates the most mind-melting moments in skiing. But most importantly, we’ll come to appreciate their sheer beauty and power. Captured with revolutionary cinematography combined with genre-bending music, The Land of Giants is not to be missed.

Matchstick Productions Fall 2023 Tour Stops

Dates as of 8/28/23 – check MSP’s website (linked above) for added dates

October 7 – Crested Butte, CO

October 9 – Boulder, CO

October 10 – Denver, CO

October 11 – Golden, CO

October 12 – Aspen, CO

October 13 – Breckenridge, CO

October 16 – Seattle, WA

October 18 – Wenatchee, WA

October 19 – Vancouver, BC

October 20 – Whistler, BC

October 23 – Portland, OR

October 24 – Bend, OR

October 26 – Palisades Tahoe, CA

October 27 – Park City, UT

November 3 – Ridgeway, CO

November 3 – Steamboat Springs, CO

November 4 – Sun Valley, ID

November 6 – Bosie, ID

Related:

Armada welcomes 13-year-old Walker Woodring to the team with AR Family Portrait

The post Trailer, Tour Dates and More for Matchstick Production’s 2023 film, ‘The Land of Giants’ appeared first on FREESKIER.

For every well-known skier, there are five hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Pierre Emile Rochat is one of those skiers. His name has yet to hit the mainstream, but he’s been putting in the work for years. Gaining recent traction on his Instagram, it’s evident that Pierre is becoming a fan favorite. The French skier is one of the most creative riders we have come across. He loves a screamin’ seamen, will flip off almost anything, can butter for what seems like miles on end, and makes you wonder whether or not he has springs in his skis (or his knees). Either way, it’s mind-blowing to watch.

His athleticism and determination are unquestionable, and his content is filled with clips of him eating sh*t for what seems like hours on end, all in pursuit of whichever trick is on his mind. It’s always great to see a skier who isn’t afraid of falling on camera and even welcomes it. Pierre is proof that it’s not where you ski that counts; it’s how you ski it.

Related:

Alex Hackel and Magnus Granér talk X Games Real Ski, The Bunch, and the hard work behind stacking clips

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Featured Image: Vail Mountain, Courtesy Vail Resorts

The anticipation for the upcoming ski season is palpable, and for some of us, the excitement never truly stopped. We’ve been eagerly awaiting Epic’s unveiling of projected opening dates, and the day has finally come. And with summer’s unusually high temps, we’re ever more excited than usual. Leading the charge, Keystone sets the tone by securing the earliest anticipated opening date of the season—mid-October. 

The stoke doesn’t stop there. Epic’s North American resorts are set to follow suit with opening dates in early Nov-Dec 1. Plans are subject to change depending on when Ullr decides to bless us with pow, so say a prayer to the snow gods for a season like last year. Winter is on its way!

Keystone Resort

Mid-October, 2023 (pending early season conditions)

Breckenridge Ski Resort

November 10, 2023

Vail Ski Resort

November 10, 2023

Beaver Creek Resort 

November 22, 2023

Crested Butte Mountain Resort 

November 22, 2023

Heavenly Ski Resort

November 17, 2023

Northstar California Resort

November 17, 2023

Park City Mountain

November 17, 2023

Whistler Blackcomb

November 23, 2023

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

December 1, 2023

Stevens Pass Ski Area

December 1, 2023

All opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions. Skiers have until Labor Day (Sept. 4) to lock in an Epic Pass for the 2023/24 season before prices increase. To learn more about the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Day Pass, Epic Military Pass or the Adaptive Epic Pass, read more here.

Related:

FREESKIER On Location: Sun Valley

The post Epic Releases Opening Dates for North American Resorts appeared first on FREESKIER.

This summer, FREESKIER will be bringing you content to keep you cool as the temperature rises. We get it, your mind hungers for a day of frozen faces, beaming smiles, soaked socks and bottomless turns. Whether you’re practicing a pretz 2 at Mt Hood or just daydreaming, we’ll be hooking you up with movies, edits, news and more to keep you stoked and satisfy that ski itch until you can get back to doing the real thing.

The one and only Alex Hackel has fired up a YouTube podcast, and we couldn’t be more pumped for it. For the inaugural Pilot episode, Alex is joined by his good friend and fellow member of The Bunch, Magnus Granér. The two dive into X Games Real Ski, the pros and cons of the heavily debated competition, Magnus’s 2017 Gold Medal edit, Alex’s 2020 and 2021 Real Ski grind and more. While X Games Real Ski is currently out of commission, this talk brings up very good points about why it’s necessary to create more ways for young skiers to jumpstart their careers and to get the attention of brands and people that can give them the opportunity to keep skiing. Dive into the 20-minute chat to hear these two greats give their takes.

Hopefully, this podcast, and others like it, continue well into the future. The Mayrand Podcast is another athlete-driven podcast that you’re sure to love if you don’t already listen. It’s important for those who have built their livelihoods around skiing to be able to express their views and thoughts and hopefully contribute to positive progression in the sport and culture. Stay tuned for more action from Alex, Magnus and the rest of The Bunch!

For a full list of the video parts mentioned in the Podcast between Alex and Magnus, check out the video comment section on YouTube.

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‘Many Fantasies Later’ – The 11th film from The Bunch is a surrealist triumph

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This summer, FREESKIER will be bringing you content to keep you cool as the temperature rises. We get it, your mind hungers for a day of frozen faces, beaming smiles, soaked socks and bottomless turns. Whether you’re practicing a pretz 2 at Mt Hood or just daydreaming, we’ll be hooking you up with movies, edits, news and more to keep you stoked and satisfy that ski itch until you can get back to doing the real thing.

Walker Woodring (Instagram alias @walker_shredz) has been making waves in recent seasons as one of the greatest up-and-coming skiers the sport has ever seen. Now, at just 13 years old, he handles himself in the air with more composure than most of us are able to in our lifetimes. Whatever they’re giving these young rippers in Park City, where Woodring spends most of his winter, is some magical stuff. His coordination and athleticism are stunning, but it’s his dedication and love for the craft that truly make Woodring a stand-out freestyle skier. He made headlines in 2022 in the Matchstick Production film Anywhere From Here and is sure to be putting out stellar segments for years to come. Last week, Armada released Woodring’s AR Family Portrait, an edit and biography page that the iconic brand puts together for its professional athletes. Get to know the young phenom a bit better, and keep those eyes peeled for him this fall on the big screen. There’s no doubt Woodring will be pushing skiing into the future.

For Armada’s full web page on Woodring, click here.

From Armada – Nobody loves skiing more than Woodring. If there’s snow on the hill and a lift turning, Woodring will be out there shredding. Based out of Park City, he’s a relentless ball of energy with the talent and a bag of tricks that are the envy of skiers twice and three times his age. Walker’s the future of freeskiing, the face of the next generation, and he’s already here. See what he’s been up to in the latest Matchstick Productions film.

Related:

‘Truck Talk’ – Tune in to Mike Hornbeck, Phil Casabon, and Spencer Milbocker on a midwest ski safari

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This summer, FREESKIER will be bringing you content to keep you cool as the temperature rises. We get it, your mind hungers for a day of frozen faces, beaming smiles, soaked socks and bottomless turns. Whether you’re practicing a pretz 2 at Mt Hood or just daydreaming, we’ll be hooking you up with movies, edits, news and more to keep you stoked and satisfy that ski itch until you can get back to doing the real thing.

Unless you’ve been hibernating with a friendly family of bears for the past few winters, the name Lucas Wachs will be familiar. If you don’t know him by name, perhaps you’ve stumbled across his well-curated Instagram page or his fantastic short film released last season titled ‘RECREATE.’ Maybe you saw him shredding in the Strictly film ‘Wildcard,’ Level 1’s ‘Romance,’ Matchstick Production’s ‘Huck Yeah!’, LDM and crew’s ‘From Switzerland With Love,’ or a handful of other incredible projects that have graced the big screen over the past few seasons. (All of those movies are well worth a watch… or a rewatch). And if none of those ring a bell, then today is your lucky day because you’ve just discovered some of the greatest content in modern skiing along with one of skiing’s finest; Lucas Wachs.

Lucas grew up in Bend, Oregon and has amassed an impressive resume that has taken well beyond North America’s West Coast. However, it was throughout this continental coast that he honed his prowess and precision for riding massive spines and techy lines in British Columbia, Alaska, Washington and beyond. He’s a creative skier with a dialed technique that allows him to gracefully paint faces that many others would stumble down. But I’ll let his skiing speak for itself. Lucas recently released a composition of his favorite lines from the 2022 shot on POV. This five-minute edit gives you a first hand look at his line selection, and how oftentimes, what looks like an easy rip is actually a mind numbing drop that just appears easy because of the rider. We figured it was only right that we dial up the man himself to ask about the edit, his process, and more.

Full Q&A below

How has summer been? What are your favorite activities when you’re off the snow? 

It’s been great. I’m working for a friend, doing an addition on a house and getting a lot of playtime in as well. I like to ride my mountain bike, skate and surf. Been doing a bit of trail running too. Trying to spend as much time outside as possible. 

What was your favorite zone featured in your recent 2022 POV edit, and why? 

I got to go to Haines, Alaska and had a pretty fun session there. That was super eye-opening to me. Seeing those mountains in person and getting to ski them was pretty incredible. 

Were there any lines that stood out to you, for better or worse, while you were going back through this footage? 

Kinda hard to think of any that stand out more than the others, but I’d say that the line at the end of the edit was a pretty fun one. It was steep, and I got to play with the sluff a little bit and just had a blast on that one. It was sort of short but included some fun tech moves. 

The final shot of the edit with you and Sage [Cattabriga-Alosa] seemed like a fantastic moment. What’s been the most meaningful part of skiing with a legend like him? 

I’d have to say the most meaningful thing about skiing with someone like Sage is that watching him ski is super fun, and he’s just an absolute ninja with a really crafty and smart way of approaching terrain. Beyond the skiing abilities, he’s a great dude to hang out with and shoot the shit. I’m lucky to have shared some good ski moments with him.  

The song you paired your clips to is a heater! Does music play a big part in your skiing as well as your editing process? 

Thanks, man. Yeah, it’s probably the most important part of a video. If the music sucks in a project or video, it can make it unwatchable in my opinion. I draw a lot of inspiration from surf, skate, and snowboard movies. They’ve usually got great music that isn’t corny or over the top. 

On that note, what are two go to tracks that get you dialed in during the car ride to the mountain? 

Pretty much any Black Sabbath or Metallica.

What’s your go-to backcountry pocket snack?

Probably some good salami and sharp cheddar.

What does this winter hold for you? Any big projects our readers should know about? 

I’ve got a movie coming out with Level 1 that will be dropping this fall! 

Who is one skier (or more if need be) that continues to inspire you each season?

I’d say Sammy Carlson is always on top of the game. I also really enjoy watching and shredding with Sam Kuch, Cole Richardson, Logan Pehota and the Blondes crew. They all know how to do it right. 

You could probably answer this one with a book, but in what ways has skiing influenced you as a person, and why do you think skiing should continue in future generations? 

Skiing has pretty much shaped my whole life. I have devoted everything to it, and it has given me the most meaningful friendships, life lessons and more clarity than I could have imagined. It’s a no-brainer; it needs to continue for future generations for many reasons. Being outside and in nature is so important, especially for the younger generations that are so tapped into screens and devices. Getting them out and having human/natural connections is extremely important for mental health. It also is a huge form of creativity, individualism and shows the rewards that come with athleticism and going out of your comfort zone. All positives in my book.

Related:

[Q&A] Beau-James and Jackson Wells launch new flick Bracket Creep

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This summer, FREESKIER will be bringing you content to keep you cool as the temperature rises. We get it, your mind hungers for a day of frozen faces, beaming smiles, soaked socks and bottomless turns. Whether you’re practicing a pretz 2 at Mt Hood or just daydreaming, we’ll be hooking you up with movies, edits, news and more to keep you stoked and satisfy that ski itch until you can get back to doing the real thing.

Along with a handful of the wildest skiers in the game right now, the Buldoz crew descended on Switzerland’s Gran Masta Park in late March this winter. Thankfully, skilled video wizard Gavin Rudy was there with a camera in hand to capture the action. While the massive competitions and such receive the majority of media time, it’s events like this that keep skiing fun and innovative. You won’t spot the GoPro banners or Audi signs here. And while it’s great that large companies want to pour money into skiing, it’s equally as necessary, and as exciting, to see a groups come to together for the love of the sport. Thanks to everyone involved for pushing skiing into the future! Mini parks, massive tubes, the one and only “let’s burn some shit” flaming rail jam, and much more; the Buldoz Invitational truly had everything one could hope for.

From YouTube: thank you gran masta park adelboden lenk and thank you buldoz

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Featured Image: Courtesy of UDOT

It’s not every day that you see an eight-mile-long gondola alongside the road. Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has taken a creative approach to the ongoing traffic issue at Little Cottonwood Canyon. No widening of the highway here! A gondola will be their answer to getting to and from Alta and Snowbird. But that’s not all UDOT’s doing to combat ski traffic. Public bus services are being increased and parking lots expanded. John Gleason, UDOT Director of Public Relations, breaks down the three phases of the project.

When did UDOT know they needed to add an additional means of public transportation in the mountains?

In Senate Bill 277, the 2017 Legislature approved the use of $100 million for transportation improvements in areas with recreation and tourism activity that currently experience significant congestion. With that criteria, UDOT established a prioritization process, and the Transportation Commission identified four areas that warranted further evaluation.

Little Cottonwood Canyon was identified as a priority area for environmental study through the Transportation Commission prioritization process.

UDOT began an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the spring of 2018 for Little Cottonwood Canyon, with the purpose of substantially improving roadway safety, reliability, and mobility on S.R. 210 from Fort Union Boulevard through the Town of Alta for all users on S.R. 210.

Originally, UDOT proposed solutions for ski traffic, such as widening the highway and increasing bus routes. What ultimately led to the gondola plan being selected?

Gondolas have been studied for many years prior to the EIS as a potential component of mobility enhancements for the canyon. While the gondola is a long-term transportation solution for the canyon, UDOT will address the transportation challenges of today with a phased implementation plan based on available funding, including components of the Enhanced Bus Service Alternative with no canyon roadway widening. 

PHASE 1

When implemented, Phase 1 will include improved and increased bus service scaled to meet demand (with no canyon roadway widening), constructing resort bus stops and a mobility hub at the Gravel Pit, tolling, and winter roadside parking restrictions. Increased bus service, tolling and resort stops will be assessed further for Big Cottonwood Canyon in Phase 1. Phase 1 is anticipated to be operational in the fall of 2025.

PHASE 2

Based on available funding, Phase 2 improvements will include widening and other improvements to Wasatch Boulevard, constructing snow sheds, and implementing trailhead parking improvements.

PHASE 3

Implementation of Gondola Alternative B in Phase 3 is dependent on available funding. During this phase, UDOT will construct a base station with 2,500 parking spaces near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where all users would travel directly to the base station before loading a gondola cabin. Each gondola cabin can hold up to 35 people, and travelers could expect a cabin to arrive every two minutes. Once the gondola is operational in Phase 3, bus service in Little Cottonwood Canyon would be discontinued.

UDOT identified Gondola Alternative B with phased implementation of an improved and increased bus service as the selected alternative based on its transportation performance, cost, and impacts on the natural and human environment and, because funding is not yet available for the gondola, the ability to implement mobility enhancements sooner.

Gondola Alternative B overall best meets the project purpose and need for long-term transportation needs for the canyon primarily because of its reliability; it operates in a separate alignment from the roadway, avoiding delays related to adverse weather, crashes, slide-offs and slow-moving traffic.

Gondola B has the highest visual impacts but low impacts on the watershed, wildlife movement and climbing boulders. 

What will the cabin look like?

This will be determined during final design during Phase 3. Cabin designs allow a variety of configurations and seating and standing combinations: such as 18 to 20 seated and 15 to 17 standing or about 26 if all are seated or more if all are standing. 

Will the gondola be safe to ride during extreme weather and high winds?

The gondola system could operate while it is snowing and in wind speeds up to 68 miles per hour and would likely be able to continue to operate during weather events that would require the road to close or become congested because of the bad weather. It should also be noted that the gondola alignment would be located at the bottom of Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is less prone to the type of strong winds that can stop the Snowbird Tram, which is near the ridgeline of the mountains.

During interlodge events, road access on S.R. 210 is shut down as well while UDOT performs avalanche mitigation. During these events, people are not allowed outside in the upper canyon, and so, to avoid delivering passengers into a hazardous conditions, the gondola would not operate except for emergency situations. 

How many stops will the gondola offer?

The gondola will provide direct service from the base station to Snowbird and Alta, one stop at each resort, two resort stops in total.

Walk us through the construction motorists can expect in the years before this project is complete.

UDOT has identified potential construction impacts such as air quality, noise, traffic, etc. and the measures that would be taken to minimize those impacts. 

This is discussed in greater detail in the Record of Decision, Section 6.12 Mitigation Measures for Construction Impacts (pdf page 95).

Related:

Colorado ski traffic is about to get a whole lot better with CDOT’s I-70 expansion at Floyd Hill

The post Utah moves forward with an eight-mile-long gondola to Alta and Snowbird appeared first on FREESKIER.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Vermont Community Foundation

Massive amounts of water pooled in the small ski town of Ludlow, Vermont, demolishing homes, businesses and the famous Okemo Mountain Resort. Located just three hours from Boston, Okemo has been a Vermont skiing staple since opening in 1956 and holds the title of having the largest vertical drop in the state. With over 121 trails, Okemo is one of Vermont’s largest ski resorts, so news of its damages has been tough on the vibrant community of skiers. The flooding started in July due to unexpected torrential downpours, causing locals to kayak through the roads they once drove on to reach Okemo. The flood was unsparing and reached Okemo Resort seeping into lodge buildings. 

We’re all worried about the effects of the flooding on the 23/24 ski season. FREESKIER sat down with Okemo Resort for the latest report on the situation.

The terrain is accustomed to rainy weather, so “physical damage to Okemo Mountain Resort was minimal,” explains Joe Healy, Communications Manager at Vail Resorts. “We received some bumps and bruises, but nothing that cannot be fixed.” For those wondering how the gondolas are working after the flooding, Okemo has seen “erosion caused by the heavy rains and flowing water, but no impacts to machinery or equipment. The shovel and excavation work patching up those areas is nearly complete,” said Healy. Minor repairs are on their way and will be completed well before you slip on your favorite pair of sticks next winter. As for now, “The Adventure Zone at Jackson Gore, Okemo Bike Park, scenic chairlift rides and all food-and-beverage services are expected to open on Thursday, July 27,” explains Healy.

During this difficult time, the Okemo community “opened up Jackson Gore Inn and the Coleman Brook Tavern, both located in Jackson Gore Base Area, for breakfast and dinner” for anyone displaced by the flooding, as well as anyone in need of a warm meal. Okemo’s endless support doesn’t end there. To help their riders back on their feet, Okemo “provided truckloads of Nature Valley Bars, Gatorade and other supplies to the community in addition to machinery for the removal of debris,” said Healy. 

Ludlow aftermath | PHOTOS: Courtesy of Vermont Community Foundation

The skiing community is powerful, so if you would like to help Vermont skiers back into their boots use this link to donate to Vermont flooding relief. 

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