POWDER Magazine

The Gnarliest Runs From Skiing's Biggest Freeride Competition

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0200

The Freeride World Tour is skiing's biggest freeride competition, gathering riders worldwide to tackle gnarly faces with style and ease.

The FWT recently recapped the previous season, sharing the best lines from its men's field during 2023.

Check out the showstopping action below.

To me, there's one main takeaway from this video: last season, the level of competition on the FWT was higher than ever.

That is a contestable point, though. Over the years, the FWT has shifted towards a freestyle focus, rewarding riders who include tricks in their runs. Some fans aren't stoked about this pivot, viewing the change as counter to what the FWT's really about: high-speed, big mountain lines.

But, as a long-time fan of freeride, I'm on board with the change. There's this attitude that the moment a rider throws a trick, they're no longer a freerider—they're a park skier or freestyler.

The issue with that take is that the young guns taking over the men's field on the FWT, like Marcus Goguen, Max Hitzig, and Max Palm, can do both. They have top-notch freestyle and freeride skills, capable of mashing together both disciplines in awe-inspiring athletic feats.

To clarify any confusion, "freeride" refers to skiing technical big mountain faces with large drops, couloirs, and chutes. In contrast, "freestyle" emphasizes tricks. The former is about on-snow technique, whereas the latter requires superior air awareness.

Here's the run I'd pull out to prove that the FWT's next-gen aren't just park skiers masquerading as big mountain skiers.

Ultimately, this is a long way of saying that I'm incredibly stoked about the continued evolution of the FWT. Last season rocked, and next season will likely rock even harder. Stay tuned as we approach the first FWT event of 2024.

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We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.

Influencer Shows Why It's Important To Remember Ski Patrol's Number

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0200

Snowboard influencer David Muther, aka @halfcabking on Instagram, has grown famous for his humorous and safety-oriented videos in TikTok style, often including short conversations with other mountain-goers.

I know what you're thinking: a snowboarder being safe?

Watch David's video below and check out his snowboard safety tips for yourself.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Muther | Snowboarder (@halfcabking)

Jokes aside, David had some great advice to share to his 287,000 follower audience a day ago, when he reminded us all that "knowing ski patrols number is super important while riding."

The footage shows David riding down the hill when he spies another snowboarder walking down the trail. He asks him if he's good, and the man walking on the side (a little too calmly) says, "I think I broke my collarbone."

David then says, "hey, why don't I call ski patrol!"

A good move all around.

And please, if you break something, do not hike down the mountain! Ask for help from those around you and don't risk putting yourself in more danger to seek medical attention.

Especially with neck and back injuries, moving the affected area can lead to long-term issues such as, at best, delayed recovery, and at worst, paralysis.

Whether you are skiing the resort or a mountain that is more off-the-beaten-path, knowing who and when to call for help can prove vital whether the accident is minor or more serious.

Oftentimes, with concussions, for example, it is important to have someone who understands medical precautions and signs present to assess the damage.

Plus, the farther into the backcountry you get, the more minor injuries can be a serious cause for concern.

@halfcabking captioned his post, "This is a reminder to Save Ski Patrols when you head on the hill! If it doesn’t help you, it could help someone else . Northstar’s is 530-562-3444 #Be safe, be careful and Shred Happy!"

As things open up, this is great advice. Like David said, if it doesn't help you, it could help someone else.

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Washington Ski Resort Announces Delay Amidst Winter Storm Warning And Flood Watch

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0200

The Summit At Snoqualmie—a popular ski resort near Seattle, Washington—recently shared that it won't open this weekend, citing a lack of snow and uncertain weather conditions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Summit at Snoqualmie (@summitatsnoqualmie)

Despite the delay, a moisture-dense storm is arriving, bringing with it hope and possible disappointment. The Summit could see several inches—perhaps feet—of snow this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a storm warning for parts of western Washington, including Snoqualmie Pass.

But, as I teased, there's bad news. On Sunday, forecasters predict the snow level will go vertical, launching towards 5,000 feet and higher.

Should this forecast pan out, it'll mean one thing—rain, and lots of it. Consequentially, NOAA calls for a flood watch after the storm warning in Snoqualmie Pass starting on Sunday.

Pacific Northwest folks—I feel you. Crystal Mountain, Washington, is my home turf. Those Pineapple Expresses can deliver the goods or, in some cases, inches of rain. Nothing stings more than heavy snowfall followed by a snow level spike. But, at the very least, if you're a Washington skier, you're used to skiing refreeze. I know I am.

Still, the arrival of snow, even if it involves rain, could be good news. The Summit desperately needs snow, and depending on what the temperature does, parts of the resort's terrain network might not see rain. In an ideal world, some (or most!) of the storm's snow will stick around, establishing a base for the Summit.

I won't talk about the worst-case scenario, as it's already looking rough out there. Keep those cold thoughts coming while we wait to see how this storm pans out.

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Michigan Ski Area Wins USA Today's '10 Best Ski Resorts' List

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:43:38 +0200

Mount Bohemia, a legendary ski resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has been named the best in North America by USA Today's 2023 readers' choice poll.

The humble resort snagged the top spot from other heavy-hitters like Alta Ski Area, Utah, and Sun Valley Resort, Idaho.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mount Bohemia (@mountbohemia)

USA Today's reader choice polls involve two steps. First, a panel of experts enlisted by USA Today selects the best resorts in North America. Then, readers vote on their favorites from among these choices.

For the most part, USA Today's 2023 top ten list was predictable, with Western industry stalwarts dominating. However, some midwest sleepers, namely Mount Bohemia and Lutsen Mountain, Minnesota, snuck their way in, too.

Now, I don't want to say that Mount Bohemia claiming the number one position is an upset. It's not. Mount Bohemia is a very special place, home to deep snow and a uniquely tight-knit community. Had I participated in the USA Today poll, I would've thrown my hat into the ring for Mount Bohemia—the love the UP ski resort received from USA Today is well-deserved.

That being said, Mount Bohemia was an underdog here. The resort isn't a "destination" like Sun Valley or Vail Ski Resort, Colorado—it doesn't have honkin' ski-in/ski-out mansions or swanky hotels. Much of the lodging available at Mount Bohemia comes in the form of humble yurts and log cabins. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if many of USA Today's poll participants had never heard of Mount Bohemia. The place is a hidden gem.

But perhaps that's precisely why Mount Bohemia is the 2023 champion. The little resort isn't trying to be something it's not, focusing instead on what really matters—the skiing—and nothing more. In an industry where everything besides the skiing is becoming all-consuming, the no-frills approach must have struck a chord for USA Today's readership.

Congrats to Mount Bohemia and the rest of the resorts to make the top ten list!

Here's the list courtesy of USA Today:

1. Mount Bohemia, Michigan

2. Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta

3. Winter Park Resort, Colorado

4. Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota

5. Heavenly Mountain, California

6. Palisades Tahoe, California

7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

8. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

9. Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire

10. Alta Ski Area, Utah

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Skiers Hit BC's Rogers Pass In Early-Season Conditions

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:40:16 +0200

Footage just surfaced of people skiing the STS Couloir in November. Yes, one day ago, two people recorded their ascent and descent of the ski touring route in BC.

The creator, a talented and ballsy underground skier, Ben Soneff, wrote "not many options for skiing in Rogers pass this November. Headed up to STS for my buddy Mat's first turns of the year."

The video opens with footage of the skiers skinning up the mountain through what looks like fresh, although somewhat sparse, snow at Roger's Pass in British Columbia.

Roger's Pass is part of BC's extensive backcountry, and is often associated with deep powder and long, steep runs.

Avalanches are a real risk, so many people hire Revelstoke backcountry guides to take them beyond the resort.

Revelstoke is the nearest lodging area, and it is an hour away. The driving is also pretty gnarly. My family went through Revelstoke using my uncle's car, and came back with a gnarly crack in the windshield. Some of those rocks on the road are no joke... sorry, man!

Roger's Pass is part of the Winter Permit System, so in order to ski it, you need to obtain a permit from Roger's Pass Discovery Centre. You also need a national park pass from Glacier National Park.

Then you have to make sure the area you want to check out is open. Luckily, there's an app for that.

Located in Glacier National Park, Canada, the 700-meter north-facing couloir from the Cheops West Ridge is an extreme line, let alone in conditions like those seen here with rocks poking up and a bony exterior for the mountain.

STS Couloir is 46 degrees. That is steep. For context, Corbet's Couloir in Jackson Hole is somewhere around 40 degrees.

Check out Corbet's Couloir for context below.

The STS Couloir route, up and down, usually takes around 5 or 6 hours to complete, because of how much uphill has to be dealt with to enjoy the steep descent.

The creator addressed this, writing, "variable snow kept us from opening things up but it was a nice start to skiing bigger lines this season. Hopefully more to come!"

We can't wait to see it.

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Wisconsin's Largest Ski Resort Opens For The Season

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:14:47 +0200

Granite Peak in Rib Mountain State Park in Wisconsin is the fourth tallest resort in the midwest, and considered the top resort in Wisconsin, but who cares about numbers... it's open!

Just today, Granite Peak posted a video of ecstatic lift-riders with the caption, "We’re back! Welcome to #season86 at Granite Peak. Let’s get this show on the road!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Granite Peak Ski Area (@granitepeakskiarea)

A number of trails are open, including Summit Trail, Sundance, Exhibition, Meadow, Hot Cocoa, and Aspen (the terrain park will have features, the exact number is unknown... guess you'll have to go check it out for yourself!)

For lifts, Comet 6, Blitzen 3, and Blizzard Carpet will all be open for business.

Granite Peak was established (for skiing purposes) in 1937, making it one of the first ski areas in North America.

In the beginning, the mountain had six runs and a half-mile long lift powered by an 85 horsepower Ford V-8 motor with a standard truck transmission.

Fun fact about Rib Mountain: called a "monadnock" by geologists, it is the second highest point in Wisconsin and is also the tallest mountain at 700 feet above the surrounding plains.

One commenter on Granite's celebratory post speaks all of our minds, "And I missed it because of school."

Well, TGIF, right? (Holding back comments about traffic and crowds at the resorts, taking a deep breath and thinking about fresh pow.) Right?

Check out Granite Mountain's map below.

Granite Peak Stats/Info:

Vertical: 700 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 400 ac.

Average Snowfall: 60 in.

Lifts: 7

Trails: 68

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: YES

Mega-Pass: Legendary

Stats courtesy of Granite Mountain.

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Watch Sammy Carlson's Instant Classic 'KAMASE', Win A Heli Skiing Trip

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:00:00 +0200

A subtle, yet palpable, shift took place in skiing when Sammy Carlson released his short film called OVERTIME in 2019.

With OVERTIME, Carlson made it clear he wasn't interested in conforming to the model of gaming algorithms and flooding social feeds with an endless stream of clips.

KAMASE

Sammy Carlson

Instead, his subsequent series of annual short films cemented him into skiing's general conscience as one of the best freeskiers on the planet.

Modern skiers yearn for more Sammy Carlson, but he doesn't seem interested in turning into a content factory anytime soon.

He bet on himself, and it's paid off. His edits are the closest thing to 'appointment television' that we have today.

Well friends, the wait is over. Carlson is dropping his new film titled 'KAMASE' today, December 1, 2023 at 12:00PM PT. Check it out below:

As part of the film's release, Carlson has partnered with Black Ops Valdez (Alaska) to give away an incredible heli skiing trip for you and a friend. The details are below:

WHAT: KAMASE/Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing Giveaway

WIN: (2) 3 day all-inclusive heli skiing trips courtesy of Black Ops Valdez

HOW:
-Follow and tag @blackopsvaldez

-Upload your favorite ski photo/video and tag who you would want to go heli ski with and why we should pick you

-Use HASHTAG #KAMASEBlackOpsheli to enter

KAMASE Heli Ski Giveaway

KAMASE/Black Ops Valdez

POWDER's Ian Greenwood spoke with Carlson in-depth about KAMASE in a recent interview. Click here to check it out.

I was given an unexpected opportunity to ask Carlson a few more questions about KAMASE, and I simply couldn't resist.

Like many of you, Carlson is one of my favorite skiers to watch. It would have been silly to not fire a few questions his way.

The plan was to include a couple of quick Q&As to build out the article, but Carlson went above and beyond what I asked of him. Instead, he provided insightful and thoughtful answers that help us understand him as a skier, and as a person.

Without further ado, check out our Q&A below:

Sammy Carlson/KAMASE

Photo: Kueny Pearson

What motivates you to keep progressing with each film you work on?

"My love for skiing.

Skiing continues to be my main driving force in life. I feel the most alive in the mountains, I don't really have the words to describe my love, but it's deep. It's such a powerful feeling riding out the bottom of a dream line, or stomping a trick exactly how you envisioned it in your mind.

Skiing has always been there for me throughout my life, it still brings me so much joy. It's given me my highest highs and helped me get through the lowest of lows, and ultimately shaped the person I am today. The mountains have been my greatest teacher in life.

Sammy Carlson. Revelstoke, B.C.

Photo: Daniel Ronnback

I'm very grateful for everything that skiing has taught me. Essentially my whole life is built around my love for skiing, and I try my hardest to stay true to the sport that has giving me so much. It's easy to get caught up in BS along the way and get distracted, but at the end of the day when I step into my skis, I can get away from all that.

At the end of every season, I want more and know my work isn't done. I recognize this opportunity wont last forever, but while that fire continues to burn inside I can't waste it. Every year is a new year and skiing is my voice, my art form.

I try to work my hardest to represent for the sport and push my self along the way while being wise and not taking stupid risks. If I don't put in the work, I can't expect to ride tuff. That motivates me to stay focused on and off the hill.

Sammy Carlson. Valdez, Alaska

Photo: Dan Stewart

It's amazing what you can accomplish with hard work and dedication. We always put so much into these films. I'm very grateful to work along side such a talented crew.

From the riders to the cinematographers and post production crew, I'm really grateful for everyone involved with the films year after year and proud of what we accomplish together. I wouldn't have the opportunity without such amazing sponsors. The main reward for me is getting to ride such amazing lines and focus my energy on what I love doing, being able to share it with everyone else is a bonus and I hope my skiing inspires others to follow their passions in life as well."

What lessons have you learned the 'hard way' in your career?

"Attitude is everything. Don't feed into the haters. I've reacted in situations in the past that ultimately took me further away from my goals.

Sometimes people want to bring you down, but you gotta be strong and not feed into it. I've used a lot of negative experiences to drive and motivate me to go in even harder and help me accomplish my goals.

Also, a dream with out a plan is just a wish, this couldn't be more true.

"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold", a Bob Marley quote that has stuck with me. Skiing is not a competition, it's not about winning but living a life of freedom.

If you ski to win, it will all be over one day, but the feelings of joy and friendships can stick with you forever."

Check out a clip from KAMASE below:

V1-0013_02-Kamase-Quik-SingleClips-9X16 (0:23)

How does it feel when your peers refer to you as one of the best skiers on the planet?

"It's an honor, it feels really good to have all the hard work that goes into it be recognized. I know a lot of skiers that deserve more so I'm grateful for the opportunity. I'm still very much connected to the 15 year old me riding on Mt. Hood dreaming of the life I'm living now. It's been a journey and I'm grateful for all of it."

What was an unforeseen challenge with filming KAMASE?

"Starting off the season, we planned to shoot most the year in British Columbia and finish up in Alaska at Black Ops.

Going into our filming window there was a nasty (DPWL) deep persistent weak layer across Canada that was not worth the risk. Knowing what we wanted to shoot we decided to just avoid the backcountry entirely to not put anyone at risk and completely eliminate our chances of triggering the beast.

We decided to switch it up and go over to Japan and start shooting there. We ended up scoring. It snowed over 10 ft while we were there, and we walked away with some epic footage.

A good reminder you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather. This is so crucial for making ski films. If you plan too much you can get skunked. Every season presents new challenges and it doesn't really get easier, I've learned if you want to put out good video parts, you gotta put in the work and always be ready. The mountains can be unpredictable, always be ready.

Sammy Carlson. Valdez, Alaska

Photo: Sammy Carlson

What do you have planned for this season?

"Picking up where we left off in Alaska. I got to step into some of my bigger, more technical lines last season. It was an epic experience, but I didn't quite get it the way I wanted to.

I left a few lines on the table, and I'm stoked to ride more with my brother from another Vinzenz Keller. Also planning something special with Armada and the rest of the team over there."

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We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional skier or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.

Australian Ski Resort Resurrects Winter With Manmade Snow

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:43:28 +0200

Winter in Australia has been wrapped since mid-September. It was a tough run for Australian resorts, with Mother Nature doling out minimal snowfall.

But the aftershock of a challenging season isn't stopping Mt. Buller from resurrecting winter.

Here's the latest from Mt. Buller.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mt Buller Parks | Australia (@mtbullerparks)

Months after the season concluded, Mt. Buller is hosting the Summer Shred Sesh with manmade snow.

The central component of the event is a terrain park, complete with a bevy of freestyle features. Other festivities include refreshments, access to the resort's trampoline park, and a pump track.

The event goes off at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow (Australian time) and, if last year's Summer Shred Sesh is anything to go off, Mt. Buller locals are in for a rollicking good time. Click here for more information.

As Mt. Buller writes in the event's web description, "The 'Summer Shred Sesh' is a seriously fun combination of both seasons."

That's a mantra I can get behind. Summer shredding, in whatever form, is tough to beat.

Of course, I love skiing in the winter—powder turns are great and all that. But the allure of skiing without its obvious drawbacks—cold toes, biting winds, the list goes on—is undeniable. Who wouldn't want to combine our favorite sport with a day at the beach?

I'd suggest that you mosey on over to Mt. Buller, but odds are, if you're reading POWDER, you're a Northern Hemisphere resident gearing up for winter. For us Yankees, summer is out of sight and out of mind. Now, all we need is a little more snow.

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Whistler Skier Gets Real: "We Need Snow"

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:17:36 +0200

In a YouTube video shared earlier today, outdoor content creator James Pavelick (of Rise & Alpine) explored Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia's piste.

His findings? More snow is desperately needed—the lower portion of the mountain had little to no coverage this week.

The story was better on the upper reaches of Blackcomb and Whistler, where skiable runs currently exist. However, said runs are still home to rocks and early-season obstacles.

It's an unfortunate state of affairs—several resorts across the Pacific Northwest have struggled to open this month due to unseasonably low snowfall.

But, thankfully, there's a silver lining. A significant storm is expected to hit the coast this weekend, starting today, Friday, December 1st. While snowfall totals vary depending on the location, Whistler Blackcomb could pick up 10+ inches.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued the following warning for this afternoon and evening in the Sea to Sky area: "An intense frontal trough will bring snow to inland areas of the south coast tonight. Snow is expected to develop early this evening, and become heavy overnight."

The storm's timing couldn't be better. With a bit of luck, Mother Nature's special delivery will get Whistler Blackcomb and its fellow Pacific Northwest resorts to a more tenable position coverage-wise by the end of the weekend.

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Austria Experiencing "Unreal" Start To Ski Season

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:07:38 +0200

Do you ever see footage that makes you drool? We did, when a video in Reddit/skiing showed some delicious, wide open glades with buttery soft pow and only two people on 'em.

The video was from Leogang, also known as Saalfelden Leogang. With 32 lifts and 40682 feet of vertical, all Leogang needs is snow... and it has that!

View the original article to see embedded media.

The filmer wrote, "Powstria keeps delivering at Leogang. Expecting more than a meter of freshies next couple of days. Unreal start of the season."

Skiing is a wildcard, because each season is fresh and exciting. That's what we tell ourselves when there isn't as much snow as the last season: things are always changing, right?

In Austria, things certainly did.

Last year, resorts across Europe struggled to open and stay open as there just wasn't enough snow to operate as normal.

Specifically, according to MetMatters, a meteorology society, "Kitzbühel, Austria, has seen a decline in natural snow cover due to rising temperatures, which has led to a shorter ski season and increased reliance on snowmaking equipment."

"In fact, a UN report over a decade ago identified Kitzbühel as a likely early victim of climate change, yet thanks to snow farming, they’ve managed to extend their season to 200 days from October to early May (albeit very limited outside the main season)."

Watch a quick news report on climate change's effects on skiing in Europe below.

Albeit the continued presence of climate change, Austria is seeing some serious snow right now.

What do you think, does this bode as a good or bad sign for us on the West Coast of the US? Are you planning a European ski trip now?

Remember, it's Europe. No sweatpants, even in the base lodge. And if you blow it... you're from Canada!

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Vail's Keystone Resort Opens Uphill Access For The Season

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:53:43 +0200

Keystone Resort, Colorado, has opening uphill access for the season.

The resort shared the details of its uphill access plan in an Instagram post shared earlier today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keystone Resort (@keystone_resort)

From the caption:

"Uphill access is ready for the season! With the opening of The Edge trail, our two designated uphill routes are now open:

From River Run Village:

River Run Trail > The Edge > Spring Dipper to Dercum Summit.

From Mountain House Base Area:

Schoolmarm > Jaybird > Spring Dipper to Dercum Summit."

It's noteworthy that this access isn't available at all times. Uphill travel is prohibited at Keystone when the resort is open. If you hit the skin track in the morning, you must be off Keystone's piste by 8:15 a.m. Uphill evening travelers can't start skinning until 30 minutes after Keystone has closed for the day.

Review the following rules provided by Keystone for further information:

Stay off of all posted CLOSED trails
Abide by all posted signs, including all closed signs
Make themselves visible to approaching snowmobiles or snowcats
Wear reflective clothing, stay to the middle of the trail
Wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight (when it is dark or twilight)
Snowcat winching may be in progress, obey all closures
No dogs, other than service animals, are allowed on the slopes at any time
Uphill access is not allowed until 30 minutes after the close of lifts for the day
Users must be off the mountain 15 minutes prior to opening of the lifts to the public for the day
The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and the trails are not patrolled outside of normal operating hour, users assume all risks associated with access
Uphill access users are asked to obey all rules and regulations associated with the use of National Forest land

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Mammoth Mountain: "It's Time To Pop The Top" For First Time This Season

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:37:38 +0200

Due to its high elevation allowing for colder temperatures and snowmaking galore, Mammoth often gets an earlier start to the season than its neighboring mountains in other parts of California.

This season was no different, as Mammoth is open top to bottom while Palisades and Alpine are still offering limited terrain (we thank all the snowmakers for their hard work)!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mammoth Mountain (@mammothmountain)

In an Instagram post yesterday, officials at Mammoth announced that it's "Time to POP THE TOP! Cold temperatures this week allowed for solid snowmaking. Hard work from our snowmakers and Cat Crew is the right formula to expand TOP-TO-BOTTOM."

That is huge, as Mammoth has 3100 feet of vertical drop from top to bottom.

Mammoth also just received a cool new inch of snow in the last 24 hours. Save some for the rest of us!

A mustached man wearing a knit sweater laughs into the camera, then jokes, "everyone's always asking when the top's going to open! Well, now is the time... leave those troll comments below, because this Friday, December 1st, the top opens with access to Cornice Bowl."

Today, the Upper Panorama Gondola will open for skiing and riding with access to Cornice Bowl and Road Runner.

Mammoth Mountain noted that Cornice Bowl is advanced terrain and early season conditions may be encountered.

I had my own early season blunder as I went in some delicious looking glades, only to come down to a rock pile, just scarcely covered enough to make it nice and slippery when bootpacking out of there!

Safe to say, gambling with early season conditions can be like Russian roulette!

Skiing and riding continues out of Main Lodge and The Mill (Chair 2). Broadway (1), Stump Alley (2), Face Lift (3), Unbound (6), Discovery (11) and the Panorama Gondola are all expected with access to 20+ trails and 2 terrain parks.

We continue to blow snow and will open up more terrain access as conditions allow.

Related: Mammoth Mountain Resort

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Canada's Second Largest Ski Area Packs A Punch

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:45:00 +0200

The metaphorical cat was let out of the bag a long time ago when it comes to many of Canada’s world-class ski resorts. Whispers and tales of deep powder, big mountains, and steep terrain have spread to the far corners of the globe since the middle of the 20th century.

An American skier looking for adventure might overlook Canada due to the notable popularity of its largest resorts, but one diamond is still lying unscathed amongst the rough.

Sun Peaks Village

Reuben Krabbe

Sun Peaks, located in interior British Columbia, is Canada’s second-largest ski resort by skiable acres, and yet it flies under-the-radar for many skiers.

The resort itself is an anomaly, and more closely resembles a European resort with its own ski-through village filled with locally-owned cafes, shops, and eateries. The terrain follows suit.

Steeps, deeps, groomers, and plenty of interior B.C.’s light and dry snow awaits the American adventurer without the fear of long lift lines and over-crowded slopes.

Sun Peaks is defined by well… its peaks!

Three mountains rise from either side of the valley floor to form Sun Peaks’ expansive terrain. Each peak has a unique personality in and of itself that creates a ‘choose your own adventure’ feel for skiers and riders.

To better explain the variety and size of Sun Peaks, keep reading for our mountain-by-mountain breakdown.

Mt. Tod

Mt. Tod's alpine awaits.

Reuben Krabbe

Mt. Tod is the ‘OG’ mountain at Sun Peaks, having first opened in 1961.

The resort’s forefathers were stunned by the towering ‘Top of the World’ area above Crystal Bowl and the endless opportunities for alpine descents. Their vision was the first building block to creating Canada’s second largest ski area.

Advanced skiers can take their pick on Mt. Tod.

Challenging terrain can be found nearly 360 degrees off the top of the Burfield and Crystal lifts in the resort’s alpine areas. These above tree line landscapes offer unobstructed views of the valley below and endless opportunities for ‘pick your own adventure’ lines.

Skiers looking to test the structural integrity of their knees on exhausting yet smile-inducing steep and deep trails should look towards runs like ‘Kookamungas’, ‘Chief’, and ‘Challenger’. These are classic Sun Peaks runs (which was originally known as Tod Mountain before expansion) that have been making legs sore since the 60s.

Mt. Tod has terrain for every skier.

Reuben Krabbe

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a short hike into ‘Gil’s’ off-piste area in the alpine of Mt. Tod. This expansive zone rewards skiers who don’t mind earning their turns with powder leftovers for days after the storm.

One of the nicest parts of Sun Peaks, and especially Mt. Tod, is that nearly all of these advanced/expert runs have beginner and intermediate runs accessed from the same chairlifts. Meaning, you can pick and choose when you want to push yourself, and take a break when your quads feel like they’re hot enough to cook a platter of poutine.

Mt. Tod makes for an excellent place to ski with the family for this reason as well. Advanced skiers can duck into the steep and deep and meet the rest of the family back at the lift.

It doesn’t get much better than that, eh?

Mt. Morrisey

Skiing fresh powder on Mt. Morrisey with Sundance (looker's right) and Sunburst Lift (looker's left) in the background.

Reuben Krabbe

Mt. Morrisey takes inspiration from one of Batman’s rivals ‘Two-Face’. No, one side of the mountain isn’t burned, but the duality of the terrain is worth noting.

The skier’s right side of the mountain is loaded with Sun Peaks’s most pleasing groomed runs.

Rather than clear cut wide-open paths, these Blue and Green rated groomers are littered with sensibly spaced trees that gives skiers a feeling of blissfully descending through a meadow.

Essentially, Sun Peaks asked: ‘How can we make skiing groomers fun for everybody?’ and hit the nail on the head with trails like ‘The Sticks’, ‘Still Smokin’’, and ‘Mid-Life Crisis’.

Finding fresh leftovers on Mt. Morrisey

Reuben Krabbe

The skier’s left side of the mountain is where Morrisey dons a more intense look.

The majority of these runs are Black or Double-Black rated due to their pitch and exciting terrain features. Runs like ‘Lint Trap’, ‘Static Cling’ and ‘Agitator’ offer incredible views of the village below while requiring focus and precision from advanced skiers.

Morrisey is one of the best places on the mountain to stack vertical whether you’re cruising cord through a meadow or hanging on for dear life in the steep and deep.

Sundance

Cruising on one of Sundance's groomed runs.

Reuben Krabbe

Sundance is Mt. Tod’s little brother, but don’t be mistaken, it offers plenty of fun for the whole family, no matter your ability.

The majority of these runs are Blue-rated groomers, but Sun Peaks makes excellent use of the gladed terrain in between the trails. ‘Lonesome Fir’, ‘Three Bears’, and ‘Bug Out’ are towards the mellow side when it comes to gladed skiing, but they’re fun nonetheless. They’re perfect for giving your legs a break after sending it on Mt. Tod without sacrificing the fun of skiing fresh powder through the trees.

A skier goes for the grab on one of Sundance's terrain parks. Mt. Morrisey in the background.

Reuben Krabbe

Terrain park skiers and riders will find a fun and progressive series of features under the Sundance Express. These are the only parks on the mountain, and they’re laid out in a way that riders of all abilities can challenge themselves from top-to-bottom.

Here’s an inside scoop that might encourage you to check out the terrain regardless of your ability- The Sundance Express spins a half-hour earlier than the Sunburst and alpine lifts on Mt. Tod.

It’s an ideal place for your first lap or two of the day.

Sun Peaks Stats/Info:

Sun Peaks Trail Map

Sun Peaks Resort

Let’s be honest, all of this talk about Sun Peaks’ various terrain is intriguing, but we’ve yet to cover the most important thing- the actual stats. Without further ado, feel free to marvel at Sun Peaks’ impressive stats!

Vertical: 2,894'

Skiable Acres: 4,270 ac. (second largest in Canada)

Average Snowfall: 237 in.

Lifts: 13

Trails: 139

Glades: 19

Alpine Bowls: 2

What more can we say? Sun Peaks is a gem of a destination that checks all of the boxes for the American skier looking for an adventure.

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'Teton Brown' Turns Jackson Hole Skiing Up A Notch

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:45:00 +0200

Jackson Hole is to skiers what the North Shore of Oahu is to surfers: a place athletes go to prove themselves where the greats have laid down their tracks.

That's what Tristan Brown, aka "Teton Brown" did. And then he made a movie out of it.

What makes this film great, besides the beautiful color grading and undeniable ripping going on, is the sense of insight you get from hearing Tristan explain his motives to ski.

So often we forget that all it takes to make something of your life is to pick a goal and go for it.

As a former ski racer, Tristan explains he was inspired by the big mountain skiers before him, but it's hard to feel like one has an impact when so many dangerous lines have already been skied, and skied ˆwell.

Tristan "started creating a checklist of the most death defying lines around Jackson Hole."

His criteria for himself was similar to the scoring of the FWT, only a little more mellow in exact bar-setting. "I want to ski these fast, smooth, and add a trick, if possible."

Tristan says he not only met his goals, but surpassed them. Some of the lines he skied he believes were first tracks, ever.

He also went sober for the season to focus on skiing instead of getting stuck in the rut of hangovers and anxiety, another inspiring aspect of Tristan's journey.

With cinematography from Hayden Lynch, Morgan Shields, Matt Fornaris, and Derek Depeiro, there is a poetic, soulful feel to this film you don't always find from fast-paced ski edits.

And with appearances from Veronica Paulsen, Connery Lundin (another one of my all-time favorite skiers, and a Tahoe local!), insane drone shots, exciting POVs, cinematic editing, music from ODESZA, and a stoke-inducing storyline, HYPER FOCUS is a must-watch while we wait for the snow to fill in.

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Idaho Resort Opening With $5 Lift Tickets

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:30:00 +0200

In Idaho, Brundage Mountain Resort is offering a Preview Weekend on December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with the Easy Street chairlift open.

Best of all, lift tickets are just $5, including the cost of a new RFID card, which all guests are required to have. Everyone who already has a 2023-24 Winter Season Pass can pick up their card and ride the lift for free.

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A post shared by Brundage Mountain Resort (@brundagemtn)

Although the resort is still waiting for a thicker layer of snow to cover the trails, Brundage Mountain has been making snow in the base area all week thanks to the low temperatures.

This, of course, has allowed Brundage to open Easy Street.

There are options, according to mountain officials. A number of small freestyle terrain features will also be open for the preview weekend.

But for $5, can anyone really complain?

Brundage Mountain General Manager, Ken Rider weighed in on the conditions. “We’re getting things rolling this weekend thanks to our base-area snowmaking, but we’re hopeful that we’ll all be riding the upper mountain on natural snowfall very, very soon.”

Soon could really mean soon in this case, as Brundage Mountain is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

NOAA Forecasters are predicting 4-8 inches of snowfall between Thursday evening and Saturday morning, with an additional one to two feet of snow expected between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest snow expected during the day Saturday.

“Our team is trained, ready, and fired up to get the season started,” says Rider. “We’ve got Easy Street rolling this weekend, and we’ll be working hard to open more terrain and lifts as soon as Mother Nature delivers the goods.”

Brundage Mountain Stats/Info:

Vertical: 1,921 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 1920 ac.

Average Snowfall: 320 in.

Lifts: 5

Trails: 70

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: NO

Mega-Pass: Indy

Stats courtesy of Brundage Mountain.

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American Racer "Heartbroken" After Season Ending Injury

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:15:00 +0200

Professional downhill ski racer Erik Arvidsson suffered every skier's worst nightmare: tearing your ACL.

In a somber post to IG 2 days ago, Erik wrote, "I'm gonna ******* miss these dudes this year. Heartbroken to have torn my ACL and LCL on the last training day before the start of the World Cup season."

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A post shared by Erik Arvidsson (@erik_arvidsson)

The Instagram slideshow shows the actual ACL-tearing event, which is pretty gnarly to watch. Erik even made the disclaimer, "Don’t scroll to the right if you don’t want to watch someone toss an ACL..."

The video shows Erik whipping down a GS course, full speed, only to catch an edge, eject from one ski, and slide on his back down the slope, probably in massive amounts of pain.

Erik thanked the team behind him as he braves these difficult times.

"Thanks so much to all the @usskiteam doctors, physios, coaches, athletes, and support staff who have helped me start to get things organized for the long road back. As @akilde told me yesterday I am not the first and I won’t be the last. I’ll be back soon."

Park or big mountain are often seen as the most dangerous side of skiing, since the odds of getting injured are higher when you're trying new tricks and hucking your body off cliffs.

But racing can be dicey, too: when you're going at high speeds down an already-tracked-up and rutted-out course, injuries can and do occur.

Around 20,000 skiers suffer from ACL injuries every season. To reduce your risk, The Institute for Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine advises doing thigh and hip exercises to strengthen the muscles to take the strain off your ligaments, to do core exercises to improve stability, and build up your muscle tone in general.

Basically, train on and off the mountain to make sure you are using safe form and your muscles are prepared for the stress of skiing.

Erik is in good hands, and we're keeping our fingers crossed for Erik's fast return.

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Ski Area Begs Others To File Complaints Against Energy Supplier

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0200

"15 degrees and the sound of silence? Why are we not making snow? Great question...."

A frustrating situation prompted Caberfae Peaks to request that visitors file complaints against Consumers Energy due to frequent power outages.

Caberfae Peaks wrote, "we are currently experiencing our 3rd power outage in 5 days. All 3 of them due to old, fragile, outdated power lines that supply our resort."

"We have lost power for the 2nd time in 12 hours. We have been in communication with Consumers Energy for the past 15 years working with them to upgrade the lines. They have upgraded some, but not all. Consumers Energy refuses to make it a priority due to our remote location and lack of population."

"If you care about Caberfae Peaks, please help us and file a complaint with the Public Service Commission. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete and the link is below."

https://mpsc.my.site.com/complaints/complaintform

We reached out to Pete Meyer of Caberfae Peaks to hear more about the situation directly from the mountain.

How many people do you want to sign the petition? How many do you think it would take to see changes from Consumers Energy?

We wanted to get as many of our locals and skiers and riders to file a complaint with the Public Service Commission as our power supplier, Consumers Energy, was not reacting to our outages. We have old & fragile transmission lines that travel 4.5 miles through the National Forest to our resort. They often fail and burn in half, due to the electrical load that we put on them.

What do you want to see changed?

We would like to see Consumers Energy upgrade the lines. They have completed work on two sections, but have not done the remaining sections.

What is your proposed timeline for these changes?

Our proposed timeline was 5 years ago, when they did the original two sections. No work has been done since.

Why should Caberfae resort goers care about this petition?

Caberfae’s skiers & riders should care about this as it greatly affects our ability to get the ski area open. Not to mention outings during the summer wedding season.

Why should non-Caberfae resort goers care about this petition?

Non-Caberfae skiers should care is it also affects their power. When we lose power, it affects the local neighborhoods as well. We live in a rural area, and the ski area helps to bring a lot of tourism dollars to the area. Small mom and pop shops, gas stations, area hotels benefit from the visitation at Caberfae.

In a stroke of good news, Pete informed us that "Consumers Energy has responded less than 24 hours after the social media post. They received a lot of public pressure and have now started the process of rebuilding the lines. It has been a tremendous turn of events in the last 24 hours. Many thanks to all of the media coverage."

We're glad to hear it. See you out there!

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Canadian Ski Resort Removing Intermediate Terrain From Famous Chairlift. Here’s Why.

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0200

Perched at 7,000 feet, Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia's Polar Peak chairlift punches upwards into the high alpine, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding Lizard Range. Beneath the humble three-seater lies several committing descents, some of which are "no fall zones."

This natural terrain network isn't friendly to those making their first tentative turns—to ride Polar Peak is to accept that you're entering "experts only" terrain.

Or, at least, that'll be the case this coming ski season at Fernie. For years, Polar Peak's terrain wasn't just a slice of Mother Nature's unfiltered creations. Humans—Fernie's management team—also had a hand in shaping what skiers encountered when they offloaded Polar Peak. When I skied Fernie last season, a somewhat gentle, intermediate road lived on the skier's right side of Polar Peak, presumably constructed so guests of multiple skill levels could enjoy the vistas at the top of the chair.

Polar Peak standing tall.

Fernie Alpine Resort/Aaron McCartney

But that intermediate road is now gone. Fernie has returned Polar Peak to its natural state. It's a seemingly counterintuitive move, as several major resorts throughout North America strive to maintain skill-level accessibility across all of their terrain offerings. For instance, Whistler's Peak Chair isn't just a freeride mecca where a false move could land you in the hospital—it also houses a beginner run called Matthew's Traverse that can deliver fledgling skiers to gentler slopes.

In some cases, this accessibility-first approach isn't possible. You'd struggle to squeeze a beginner run into Big Sky, Montana's Lone Peak Tram terrain network. However, many resorts capitalize on the opportunity when the option to construct a mellow run exists amidst more committing terrain. Making The Slopes Fun From Day 1, an article published in 2022 by The New York Times, explored the burgeoning emphasis on the beginner skiing experience, noting that multiple North American resorts, like Beaver Creek, Steamboat, and Copper Mountain, have recently invested in constructing beginner zones—sometimes altering the mountainous landscape in the process.

I'll always back initiatives that seek to expand skiing beyond its core audience—there's room for everyone in our shared sport. However, against this backdrop of beginner forward developments, Fernie's decision to do the opposite—preserving natural terrain even if it limits who can access a small portion of its piste—will probably be comforting to those seeking unaltered slices of the mountain during lift-accessed days.

For Fernie, it was a question of expectations, logistics, and providing a consistent, quality terrain offering. Regularly grooming the intermediate road on Polar Peak proved too challenging for the payoff, as the chair experiences high winds and inclement weather. "If we could get a cat up there on a regular basis, you know, you could have some decent corduroy," says Tyler Steen, Fernie's ski patrol director. However, "It was extremely challenging to get a snowcat up there."

Therefore, the "intermediate" demarcation on Fernie's trail map could sometimes be misleading when conditions didn't cooperate. One season, when Polar Peak temporarily operated without the road, Steen found that the lift's experts-only incarnation "provided a better product" and aligned more closely with skier expectations.

Inclement weather is the name of the game at Polar Peak.

Fernie Alpine Resort

With the elimination of the intermediate road from Fernie's trail map, intermediate or beginner skiers won't be enticed to try runs on Polar Peak that they might be unable to handle, a development Steen—ever safety conscious—calls "great." Steen also confirms the decision doesn't come at the cost of Fernie's other intermediate offerings, "We have unlimited amounts of intermediate terrain at our resort."

View hunters, you're covered, too. While Polar Peak might have top-notch vistas, plenty of other lookouts exist on the mountain sans expert skiing.

The added benefit is the establishment of Polar Peak as an unadulterated big mountain playground for those pursuing high-octane skiing experiences. "Polar Peak was meant to be without any kind of human-made interruptions being cat tracks, roads, and things like that," says Steen. This season, when you ride Polar Peak, it'll be just you and the mountain—minus the hoots and hollers of other skiers, of course.

But what good is a freeride haven if you can't access it? Steen explains that improving weather management practices at Polar Peak was another goal. The heavy storms that battered the resort season after season weren't just a problem for maintaining Polar Peak's intermediate road—they also frequently barred the lift's opening altogether. Steen says the patrol team tried everything, like snowblowers, to keep the lift spinning during storms, yet there would still be times when "we just deemed that a no-go zone until the storm" ended.

The lift line against a backdrop of rime-encased rock outcroppings.

Fernie Alpine Resort/Mark Shannon

From a skier's perspective, Fernie's challenges with Polar Peak are evident. During my trips to Fernie over the years, Polar Peak was usually the last lift to open on any giving day—if it opened at all.

The solution might lie in a snowcat set to live at the top of Polar Peak season long. Steen has worked with Fernie's maintenance team to install a modified snowcat—complete with a custom "barbeque cover"—at the lift's summit terminal. This way, when a storm arrives, Fernie's snow management crew can act fast, potentially leading to quicker openings for Polar Peak. "We feel fairly confident that we might have found the right tool for the job," says Steen.

These changes—the road removal and snowcat installation—are potentially transformative for Polar Peak. The chair and its terrain will no longer awkwardly straddle the gray area between intermediate and expert, with the promise of faster opening times and additional double black diamonds to boot. If anything, Polar Peak's terrain alteration furthers the sentiment I expressed earlier in this article. There is room for everyone in skiing, including expert skiers seeking unfiltered high-altitude terrain—without hitting the skin track, that is.

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Skier Loses His iPhone On Huge Jump

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:01:58 +0200

Austrian professional free skier (and 8 year FWT competitor) Fabio Studer and Freeride World Tour competitor Max Hitzig (who won the Kicking Horse stop last year) were pushing the limits of big air when things went a little off track.

Fabio announced that the duo "lost an iPhone. Follow cams with a phone brings its own risks and we have been definitely a bit too fast on this one."

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A post shared by Fabio Studer (@fabiostuder)

The worst phone loss experience I've had recently (besides dropping my phone in Lake Tahoe last weekend, but that's another story) was back when I had a flip phone in high school.

That thing got dropped off multiple lifts, skied over, snowed on, and never failed me. Long live flip phones!

People shared their own lost phone stories in the comments. One user said, "once i was with a friend in a powder freeride, and when we got down the mountain, he realized i had lost his phone. In the evening, we found a way to geo-localize the phone, which was still on. In the morning, we went where the GPS told us, and luckily we found the phone by coincidence 80 ft higher than the gps told us... my friend was so happy."

Redbull's Instagram account commented, "like a phone in a snowstack."

What's your worst phone loss story? Did it happen on the hill?

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Vail Resorts Acquires Iconic Swiss Ski Resort

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:29:13 +0200

Vail Resorts, headquartered in Colorado, owns and operates 41 mountains, including Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Park City, Vail (obviously), Whitetail, Mt. Snow, Stowe, and Attitash.

But now, the Alps are calling as Vail Resorts announced that Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland is joining their vast network.

The Alps are calling! We are excited to announce that Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland will join our network of resorts. After closing, it will be our second resort in Europe. Learn more: https://t.co/Mlw75FWqkg pic.twitter.com/oTBnsDySiL
— VailResorts (@VailResorts) November 30, 2023

"After closing, it will be our second resort in Europe." Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland was the first, which Vail Resorts acquired in 2022.

The most recent deal cost Vail Resorts a cool 136 million dollars, but it will be well worth it as Crans-Montana is extremely upscale, attracts over 3 million visitors annually, and hosts lots of large events, such as the World Ski Championships which it is scheduled to host in 2027.

Watch a short video introducing Crans-Montana below.

Previously, Crans-Montana was owned by CPI Property Group, but Vail has expressed interest in growing the mountain's media presence through increased outreach and advertising.

Crans-Montana will certainly start to attract North American skiers, especially those already tied to Vail Resorts in the US.

Crans-Montana was also the location of Monster Energy's female freeski film "SKIVAS," (skiers + divas), Coline Ballet-Baz's project featuring 10 of the best female skiers and snowboarders pushing the boundaries of freeskiing and enjoying some sweet terrain.

Watch SKIVAS by Monster Energy below.

Crans-Montana Stats/Info:

Vertical: 3182 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 34595 ac.

Average Snowfall: in.

Lifts: 22

Trails: 139

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: NO

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