POWDER Magazine

Bare Chested Frenchman Attempts To Ski Across Wide River

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:00:33 +0200

Something happens to skiers as soon as the sun starts shining and the air gets warmer. We don't stop skiing. No, we just start skiing with significantly less clothing.

Watch as bare chested French skier Solan Dejouy attempts to gain enough speed to ski across a wide river in the spring sunshine:

Good thing he made it. That water looked mighty cold.

Here's an ignorant question I have as somebody who has never pond skimmed before- what do you do if you fall in the water?

Do you spend the rest of the day soaking wet? Am I lame for even asking?

I like spring skiing as much as the next guy, but being outside in 50-60 degree temps while being soaked in near-freezing water doesn't sound like it would be too pleasant.

Thankfully, Dejouy didn't have to find out considering he skimmed perfectly across the 59 meter river gap. That's 193.57 feet in case you were wondering.

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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.

Trees And Buildings Snapped Like Toothpicks By Avalanche

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:52:02 +0200

Here's a not-so-fun fact you probably already know: avalanches can be destructive.

How destructive, you ask? Destructive enough to flatten buildings and snap trees like toothpicks. Here's a video from filmmaker Tony Korologos that shows off the aftermath of an avalanche that struck Tanners Flat Campground, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, last winter.

Since my previous video has been so popular, here's some additional footage of avalanche destruction in Tanners Flat Campground, Little Cottonwood Canyon. pic.twitter.com/TL8s7DtZSu
— Tony Korologos (@TheGolfSpace) May 31, 2023

In case you missed it, Little Cottonwood Canyon, home to world-class ski resorts Alta and Snowbird, saw historic snowfall this past season. Both resorts in the Canyon surpassed their record snowfall totals.

And unprecedented snowfall in Little Cottonwood Canyon meant unprecedented avalanche activity.

The Canyon's already considered one of the most avalanche-prone locales in North America, but this past winter was a different ball game. According to the Utah Department of Transportation, 98 avalanches struck Little Cottonwood Canyon's State Route 210 during the 2022-2023 winter.

The fallout of consistent avalanche activity looks like what you just saw in this video from Tony Korologos: snapped trees and destroyed infrastructure. Repairs and a clean-up are certainly in order.

While I'd never wish for a bad snow year, it does look like Little Cottonwood Canyon could use a little less snow than last season. Missing out on a few pow days to reduce avalanche frequency seems like a fair trade-off.

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Alterra Mountain Company To Purchase Idaho's Largest Ski Resort

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:41:01 +0200

Alterra Mountain Company, which owns and operates more than a dozen resorts worldwide and sells the popular Ikon Pass, has just announced that they're acquiring Idaho's largest ski resort by acreage- Schweitzer.

The acquisition is a significant investment, and further amplifies Alterra's already-impressive portfolio.

Schweitzer joined Alterra's Ikon Pass a few seasons back as a partner resort. Pass holders had capped access depending on which pass they purchased.

The resort will most likely be opened for unlimited skiing to Ikon Pass holders following the acquisition like at Alterra's other properties.

Here's more information about how the transition will take place according to a press release sent by Alterra Mountain Company:

“With an incredible mountain in one of the most beautiful settings in the country and a world-class operating team, Schweitzer has everything we look for in a destination,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO, Alterra Mountain Company.

“The mountain has been a valued partner on the Ikon Pass for several seasons, so we’ve been able to see the exceptional team, community, and opportunities for continued investment up close.”

Tom Chasse, who has been with Schweitzer since 2006 will stay on as President and CEO. He will continue to oversee daily operations of the destination as well as future capital improvement plans, which include the development of the new Schweitzer Creek Village portal, adding approximately 1,400 additional parking spots with easy access to the new Creekside Quad lift. Eventually, Schweitzer Creek Village will also be home to a new day lodge and other skier amenities."

The deal isn't completed yet, but it should wrap up by the end of 2023.

It doesn't seem like a lot will change with Schweitzer in the near term, but stay tuned here with us at Powder Magazine for any updates on this breaking story.

More information about Schweitzer below.

Schweitzer Bowl Trail Map

Schweitzer Stats/Info:

Vertical: 2,400 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 2,900 ac.

Average Snowfall: 300 in.

Lifts: 10

Trails: 92

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: YES

Mega-Pass: Ikon

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Candide Thovex Is Getting Married

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:12:57 +0200

Candide Thovex is widely considered to be the greatest freeride skier of all time. Like most good debates, this one can't be won, but Candide's impact on skiing is undeniable.

The GOAT, as many call him, just announced in a series of Instagram photos that he's getting married to French model Ambre. Check it out:

Félicitations Candide!

What kind of wedding do you think Candide will have? You gotta go all-out if you're considered to be the greatest skier of all-time, right?

I'm personally hoping he has a big party at his home resort of La Clusaz, France. That seems appropriate.

Speaking of La Clusaz, remember when Candide broke the internet three times in a row with his 'One Of Those Days' videos? Good times. Good times.

Shoot. How about we all watch 'One Of Those Days 2' together for old time's sake? Ya know, to celebrate Candide's engagement. It's not like we need an excuse to watch it, but... whatever. I'm gonna watch it. Please join me.

Ahhh. There's nothing better than watching Candide Thovex ski like an absolute madman within resort boundaries.

Again, congrats to Candide and Ambre on their engagement!

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Secret Gondola Plan Exposed To Connect Smugglers' Notch With Stowe, VT

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:44:05 +0200

I had to double check my calendar when I saw the article by News & Citizen that was posted this morning. I confirmed that today was not April 1st and clicked with apprehension.

The day has finally come. A day I have been dreading for years.

The News & Citizen has just exposed through a public documents request that my beloved, low-key, usually uncrowded, and charming Smugglers' Notch Resort, VT is officially in talks with Vail Resorts about building a gondola to connect with nearby Stowe.

The parties intended for the information to be kept secret.

Stowe (trails in the background) as seen from the top of Madonna Mountain at Smuggler's Notch Resort. Credit: Matt Lorelli/Powder Magazine

For those unaware about Smugglers' Notch (Smuggs) and Stowe, allow me to enlighten you on why this proposed gondola is such a big deal.

We'll discuss the details of the gondola as exposed by The News & Citizen afterwards.

Smuggler's Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort are two of the largest ski resorts in Vermont.

They sit just a couple of miles away as the crow flies, but driving between the two resorts takes about an hour. This is because the road that connects the resorts in the summer is closed during the winter.

Sneaking a peak at Mt. Mansfield from Sterling Mountain. Credit: Matt Lorelli/Powder Magazine

Vail Resorts, the corporation that owns 37 resorts across the world, purchased Stowe back in 2017. Even before the acquisition, however, Stowe and Smuggs couldn't have been more unalike.

For example, Stowe is fitted with high-capacity, state-of-the-art lifts while Smugglers' Notch has held onto their original slow, two-seater lifts that were built in the 1970s.

The mountains are visible from one another, but they can feel like a world apart. This has caused deeply loyal Smuggs and Stowe communities to form over the last few decades.

Any Smuggs regular will tell you that they have no desire to ski at Stowe, and vice-versa.

That's exactly why the Smuggs faithful panicked when Vail purchased Stowe.

Stowe Gondola. Credit: Unsplash/Myles Bloomfield

Vail has a track record of snatching adjacent ski resorts and connecting them with a gondola (ex. Park City and Canyons, UT). What would stop them for trying to do the same thing with Smuggs and Stowe?

What would stop Vail Resorts from creating another mega-resort?

The Smuggs diehards feared that combining the resorts would change the entire vibe of their beloved resort, and deviate from its rich history.

The gondola, as exposed by The News & Citizen article, is planned for a similar spot that an interconnect trail between the two resorts once stood.

The proposed gondola is far from approved, but The News & Citizen reports that the deal has been ongoing for several years:

"Documents received in a public records request made by the newspaper revealed that discussions around a shared lift between the two resorts have gone on for six years, since shortly after Vail Resorts purchased Stowe Mountain Resort."

Just as I feared.

A meeting on March 13th, 2023 shows that the sides are coming closer to a deal.

Smuggs owner Bill Strizler met with state forest official Brad Greenough and Stowe Mountain Resort general manager Bobby Murphy about the gondola:

"According to meeting minutes, the resorts chose to go with a small gondola-style ski lift to minimize the environmental impact of the project, which will be built through a designated “natural area.”

The lift would contain 26 carriers across nine towers with a capacity of 1,200 passengers an hour with the estimated average trip from peak to peak lasting just over five minutes."
via The News & Citizen

Just .53 miles separates the summit of Spruce Peak at Stowe from Sterling Mountain at Smuggs (shown by Yellow line) via Google Earth

The meeting minutes and article did not mention how much riding the gondola would cost, when they plan to break ground, when it is expected to be finished, nor how it will change the skiing experience at both resorts.

Again, this deal is far from over, but it seems like the two sides are nearing an agreement.

I feel a pit in my stomach as I write these words.

Smuggs is where I learned to ski, and I have long hoped that I would bring kids of my own someday to learn in a similar environment.

It might sound dramatic, but I, along with thousands of others, are worried that an interconnecting gondola between the two resorts could be the first domino to fall.

Smuggs will most likely then invest in bigger and faster lifts to keep up with Stowe.

That might sound like a good thing to outsiders, but believe it or not, the charm of Smuggs is rooted in their preservation of old school chairlifts.

It's a long, slow way to the top of Madonna Mountain at Smuggs. I wouldn't want it any other way. Credit: Matt Lorelli/Powder Magazine

A full-on acquisition/takeover from Vail Resorts could be on the table as well. I wouldn't doubt it for a second.

Today is a sad day, but the gondola isn't a done deal just yet. You can bet your butt that I'm going to do whatever I can to fight it.

Hit me up if I can help.

Click here for the full article by The News & Citizen.

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Amateur Skier Panics As He Tumbles Over Cliff

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:06:45 +0200

Skiing's all about the ups and downs.

Some days, you're making turns through untouched powder. On others, you're sliding head-first over a cliff like the skier in this video. Mondays, am I right?

View the original article to see embedded media.

Few things in life are scarier than losing control in a no-fall zone.

One moment you're happily skiing along. The next, you're headed towards your potential demise as your life flashes before your eyes.

Due to their infrequency, these types of accidents tend to sneak up on you. I've gone months, even years, between crashes that make me question what the heck I'm doing on the slopes in the first place.

Then it happens, and after nearly being sent to the next life, I'm left sitting in a pile of snow, thinking, "Huh, skiing is pretty dangerous." I imagine the skier in this video had a similar internal monologue.

My most recent close call involved two classic pre-crash factors: low light and a hidden drop-off. I came blasting out of a chute before suddenly going airborne off a cliff I couldn't see.

Due to my unpreparedness, I rocketed backward and slammed into a mercifully soft landing. Despite the muted impact, my helmet was left with a dent, ultimately leading to its replacement.

And that's why, dear skiers, you gotta always stay on your toes. I don't mean to be macabre, but whenever we head off-piste, we're often only a tiny miscalculation away from learning why ski resorts require that guests sign liability waivers.

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Peak Express Liftline Treated To Air Jordan 360 At Whistler

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:49:51 +0200

The liftline for the Peak Express chairlift on Whistler Mountain, BC can get extremely long on a powder day, but at least there's usually entertainment.

Air Jordan, a series of cliffs that dangle above the Peak Express, sits within perfect view of the hundreds of skiers waiting to get on the lift.

Watch what happens when a skier attempts a huge 360 on Air Jordan with a full audience on hand. Listen to their reactions:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pablo Galvez (@pablogalvz)

Video posted to Instagram by Pablo Galvez.

Nicely done!

According to some digging I did in the comments, the skier in the video above is Westan Lubin.

Hand up, I don't anything about the guy, but he's probably going places if he has the ability/guts to throw a big 360 off Air Jordan with hundreds of people watching.

Here's another clip of him on Air Jordan that's significantly less clean, but as impressive as the first. The crowd reaction is even better:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Westan (@westan_lubin)

These videos were filmed earlier this season.

Whistler Blackcomb is now closed for the winter season and has transitioned to summer activities including their iconic bike park.

That's a shame as I could watch people sending Air Jordan with a full lineup on the Peak Express all day long.

Until next year, friends!

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Rad Old-Timers Go Barefoot Snowboarding

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:33:34 +0200

Brian Wilson starts the video below by saying: "These are the right kind of friends.", and I couldn't agree more. Who wouldn't want friends in their 50s that ride snowskates barefoot?!

FYI- Snowskates are a type of snowboard that switches out bindings for the grip tape of a skateboard. Check out the awesome video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brian Wilson (@wilsonpenguin)

The right kind of friends indeed Brian. Indeed.

I can't be 100% sure, but this video seems like it was filmed on the closing day of a mountain somewhere out west. That actually amplifies the story, in my opinion.

I'm guessing that these three old dudes planned this little barefoot snowskate romp to celebrate the end of the season. That's pretty darn cool.

Getting old can 'suck', according to most people, but it doesn't have to. I see getting old as the ultimate free pass to do whatever the heck you want (within reason).

Who on the mountain is going to tell three dudes in their 50s that they're not allowed to snowskate barefoot? Nobody. Now imagine they were three young teenagers... Different story, right?

Shout out to Brian Wilson and friends for keeping the vibe alive.

Here's another clip of them goofing off for good measure:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brian Wilson (@wilsonpenguin)

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Do Cellphones Affect Avalanche Beacons?

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:17:23 +0200

The advent of the modern smartphone has thrown a bit of a wrench into the use of avalanche beacons/transceivers due to signal interference.

Avalanche beacon maker Backcountry Access has produced the video below to test how close a cellphone and transceiver must be together to disrupt a signal.

Check it out:

In addition to watching the video, please read the full caption below. It includes valuable information that will come in handy the next time you're in avalanche terrain.

Backcountry Access:
"[Edge]ucation meets myth busters: cell phone interference edition. In this video, BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly demonstrates the effects of a cell phone when searching with an avalanche transceiver. He uses an old analog transceiver to illustrate what electromagnetic noise sounds like, then replaces the analog transceiver with a Tracker4 to show the effects on a modern, three-antenna digital transceiver.

When your beacon is in transmit mode, there are no tangible effects of a cell phone on a transceiver search, even if they are very close together. In search mode, you can experience loss of receive range and even false readings if your cell phone is within a few inches (or several centimeters) of your searching transceiver.

The bottom line? Follow the “20/50” rule. Store any electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches—or one “hand width”—away from your transmitting beacon. In search mode, keep your searching beacon 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronic devices. This is one arm’s length, which is good search technique anyway!"

If there's anything you take away from this video, it should be the 20/50 rule:

"Store any electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches—or one “hand width”—away from your transmitting beacon.

In search mode, keep your searching beacon 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronic devices. This is one arm’s length, which is good search technique anyway!"

Stay safe out there, friends!

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Skier Equipped With Paraglide Wing Buzzes Alpine Waterfall

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:00:54 +0200

The year is 2023, and the hybrid sport of speedriding/speedflying is taking the action sports world by storm. Speedriding combines skiing with paragliding for a high adrenaline rollercoaster ride that unlocks the ultimate level of freedom.

Watch as Salt Lake City, UT-based speedrider Carl Weiseth takes a daring speedriding flight through over a glorious waterfall in the mountains of Utah:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carl Weiseth (@carlweiseth)

Wow. Wow. Wow. What else is there to say other than WOW?!?!

I'm drawn to ski when I feel like life is getting away from me. Skiing scratches my itch for wanting ultimate control with the option for unfettered freedom and creativity.

I never thought anything could provide that feeling better than sliding on snow. Little did I know that it's possible to slide on snow and freakin' fly!!!!

How does one get started in speedriding? Hit me up if you know how I can begin to dip my toes in the sport.

Until then, I'll enjoy watching talented speedriders like Carl Weiseth soar over cliffs and waterfalls. I'll never get bored of that.

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Jed Waters and Liam Baxter Throw Down At Mammoth Unbound

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:40:08 +0200

Mammoth Mountain is a spring and summer skiing paradise. And no, they're not paying me to say that. It's just that I've spent the past month watching clip after clip of skiers having an absolute gas with Mammoth's cornucopia of terrain park offerings.

And when you've seen what I've seen, not concluding that Mammoth is the place to be during the warmer months is impossible. This video from Line athletes Jed Waters and Liam Baxter is another drop in the resort's already-overflowing spring skiing bucket.

Perfect. While I'm not the biggest park skier around, I'm known to hit jumps and the occasional rail when things soften up in the spring. Mammoth's Unbound parks look prime for these sorts of spring shenanigans.

And how about the skiing from Jed Waters and Liam Baxter? These guys know what they're doing, putting two wacky Line ski models, the Blade, and the Sakana, to perfect use.

I'm itching to get back on skis, if you can't tell. Sure, I love watching all the fun being had at Mammoth and elsewhere. But deep down, it makes me jealous. Like, really jealous.

Barring a surprise ski trip to California, though, it's looking like I'll need to sustain myself on memories of my final day on the slopes and online ski videos if I'm going to avoid succumbing to a vicious bout of summer skier fever.

If you have the schedule flexibility to make it down to Mammoth this summer, the resort plans to keep spinning its lifts until at least July, weather and conditions permitting.

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Man Attempts Never-Been-Done Snowboarding Golf Trick Shot

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:37:15 +0200

The snowsports to golf pipeline is strong.

So strong, in fact, that this snowboarder felt compelled to bring his iron to the slopes before attempting a never-been-done trick shot. See it below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sane! Gang (@sanesnowboarding)

As a lifelong skier, I've never succumbed to the temptations of golf carts, greens, and hole-in-ones. Is it because I'm above golf? No. It has more to do with how terrible I am at sports involving hand-eye coordination.

It's not that I haven't tried. My friends have dragged me to numerous driving ranges and golf courses. During each admittedly pathetic trip, I found it difficult to hit the ball, connecting with grass more often than white. As you can probably guess, ending the ball in the right direction was a non-starter.

I came to this video with this hilariously bad golf career in mind, meaning I was floored by the skills on display by @hoer_th, the trick-shotting snowboarder. If I dedicated all my time and energy towards pulling this one off, success would probably take the better part of a decade. And, in the wise words of internet legend Sweet Brown, "Nobody got time for that."

Thus, I'll leave the green and the new-fangled combinations of golf and snow to the pros like @hoer_th. Unless someone out there really wants video proof of my terrible golfing skills.

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Eric Pollard Asks 76-Year-Old Dad To Test New Skis

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:34:30 +0200

Skiing's one of the greatest interpersonal glues out there. It forges bonds between parents, partners, best friends in the making, and chairlift acquaintances. Something about sliding on snow makes us closer to the most important people in our lives.

The shared passion for skiing led to this heartwarming between pro skier Eric Pollard and his 76-year-old dad, Chip.

In this clip, Chip's testing a prototype of a ski built by Eric Pollard's brand, Season Eqpt.

Season Eqpt.'s unique in discouraging customers from buying new skis year after year. To do so, they defy the ski industry convention of releasing fresh top sheets each season; the brand's ski models are completely black, regardless of the production year.

Another broken mold: they've also done away with gendered skis, instead accounting for various body sizes and skill levels via a bevy of ski length and stiffness options.

Eric Pollard taking the helm of his own ski company makes sense, given his long and illustrious career. The Oregonian skier was a pioneering member of the twin-tip ski movement, founded the classic production studio Nimbus, and designed skis and top sheets for Line skis before moving on to Season Eqpt.

Watching this clip, which was shot at Timberline Lodge, Oregon (they'll be open all summer for skiing!), it's apparent where Eric's love for the sport came from: his dear old dad.

"It’s gratifying to see someone really connect with a ski I helped design, even more so when that someone is responsible for introducing me to skiing," he wrote in the caption of his post.

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Ripley, The Avalanche Rescue Dog, Loves Playing Tug More Than Anything In The World

Wed, 31 May 2023 21:13:50 +0200

Hello Powder Magazine readers. I'd like to introduce to a friend of mine. Meet Ripley (@rescue_dog_ripley), an Avalanche Rescue Dog that works at Sun Valley, ID.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ripley last season, but more on that later.

Before I get all sappy about this god girl, check out the hilarious video below of Ripley refusing to let go of her tug toy that's hanging from a tree:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Avalanche Rescue Dog (@rescue_dog_ripley)

If there's one thing about Ripley, it's that she absolutely LOVES to play tug.

I visited Sun Valley this past January to see what Sun Valley's Avalanche Rescue Dog team was all about. Keep reading below for my story:

It took a while for my eyes to adjust as they transitioned from the blinding sunshine to the dimly-lit ski patrol yurt. I felt Ripley before I saw her.

She greeted me with a playful rub against the legs, a few sniffs of my bibs, and then she darted off to play with fellow avalanche rescue dog in training Wally.

Check out a recent picture of Ripley (right) and Wally (left) below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Avalanche Rescue Dog (@rescue_dog_ripley)

The dogs chased each other around the table as their human handlers told me what they do on a daily basis. Admittedly, I was a bit distracted by the flurry of fur racing around the yurt.

I love dogs. What can I say.

Ripley started to get a little antsy after about 20 minutes of talking inside the yurt. She clearly wanted to go outside to burn off some steam.

It wasn't long before I found myself laying face up inside a snow hole that had been dug for me. I got settled and whipped out my phone to record the experience.

The ski patroller let out a small chuckle at my nervous face as he filled in the opening of the hole with snow and icy blocks.

Surprisingly, I was fairly comfortable inside my personal snow cave. It was warmer inside than out due to blistering winds and a frigid arctic chill that settled in over the northern Rockies.

I held on tightly to Ripley's favorite chew toy in my other hand as I heard the ski patroller yell out a command from a distance. My breath billowed into clouds, and all was quiet for about 35 seconds.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I heard Ripley digging furiously above my head. She had found me in this simulated avalanche burial in less than one minute.

Ripley dug with the help of her handler for another 30 seconds before she jumped into the hole with me, grabbed her favorite chew toy, pulled me out of the hole, and we then played a very exciting game of tug filled with high-pitched words of praise.

Check out the quick video I shot of Ripley digging me out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matt Lorelli (@matt_lorelli)

Avalanche rescue dogs are absolutely incredible creatures, and I felt so lucky to see Ripley work/train in that fashion.

If you see Ripley out at Sun Valley next season, say hello, and ask her handler if it's okay to pet or play with her.

Tell Ripley that Matt Lorelli from Powder Magazine sent you.

She definitely remembers me.

You can learn more about Sun Valley's Avalanche Rescue Dogs here.

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Australians Tackle Each Other To Win Vintage $5k Ski Race

Wed, 31 May 2023 19:59:35 +0200

The dog days of skiing were the wild west. We're talking no helmets, 200 cm straight skis, and hectic ski races that'd make the liability department of any modern ski resort have a conniption.

This video, which documents a brutal no holds barred mogul race in Perisher, Australia, is a hilarious example of the types of events that flew in the past but certainly wouldn't be permitted now.

Hilarious.

This video covers a now-defunct event held at Perisher called the "Dash For Cash." The rules, or lack thereof, are straightforward: you run up a hill, ski a mogul field, and then run up another hill—first person to the $5000 wins.

The nixing of the "Dash For Cash" makes sense when you look at it from Perisher's perspective. Encouraging a crowd of skilled amateurs to ski as fast as humanly possible is the perfect recipe for serious wipeouts, and in today's liability-waver-laden world, serious wipeouts mean one thing to ski resorts: potential lawsuits.

I get dumping the "Dash For Cash." I really do. However, part of me would love to see the return of this wild event. It was hectic, definitely dangerous, and an example of pure skiing history.

Sanitizing the skiing experience by eliminating somewhat-questionable events, while reasonable, also dulls the wacky, anything-goes attitude that initially made snow sports so special.

Perisher Resort Stats/Info:

Vertical: 1,165 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 3,076 ac.

Average Snowfall: N/A

Lifts: 47 (including surface lifts)

Trails: N/A

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: YES

Mega-Pass: Epic

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Skier Defies Reality By Hovering Effortlessly Above Snow

Wed, 31 May 2023 19:29:21 +0200

Speedriding, also known as speedflying, is a paragliding and skiing hybrid that is taking the extreme sports world by storm.

The video below shows athlete Robin Issartel hovering effortlessly above the mountain as a photographer snaps shots. Check it out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blizzard Skis (@blizzardskis)

Issartel must have caught the perfect updraft to hover there so easily. That, or he's practicing some form of witchcraft/voodoo magic.

That would make sense come to think of it. Issartel definitely sacrificed a goat, said a few hexes, drew a pentagram, and summoned the powers of the devil himself to film this video.

Oh? You think I went too far? You haven't see anything yet.

ACTUALLY... I head through the grapevine that speedriders are humanoid aliens from the center of the earth. Turns out that they can fly without the support of a paraglider or a wing, but they mask their abilities so they don't blow their cover.

Bet you didn't expect to read something like that on Powder Magazine did ya?

Well, my beloved reader, you can always expect me to writer some dumb sh*t whenever a dumb thought crosses my mind.

Today was one of those days.

Sorry.

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Utah Ski Resort Selling Chairs From Historic Lift

Wed, 31 May 2023 18:55:07 +0200

Anyone in the market for a chairlift?

I'm not, unfortunately, mostly because I wouldn't have a place to put it. I mean, I could remove my couch, TV, and desk to make room, but that doesn't sound like an efficient use of space.

Progress is underway on the Eagle Express upgrade. You will have a chance to take home a chair from Utah's first high-speed detachable chairlift later this summer. Stay tuned for more details in July.

🎥: @GoPro #GoPro pic.twitter.com/YqOE6sXryf
— Solitude Mountain Resort (@SolitudeMTN) May 30, 2023

As you probably figured out from this post, the chairlift would come from Solitude Mountain Resort's Eagle Express quad. The Utah-based ski area is replacing the Eagle Express and, based on this post, is looking to sell off the decommissioned chairs to stoked skiers.

And these aren't your average chairs. The Eagle Express quad, which will become a six-seater after upgrades are complete, was the first high-speed detachable in Utah. We're talkin' about owning a piece of ski history, folks.

The Eagle Express upgrade is only part of Solitude's larger $16 million plan to improve resort infrastructure and operations. Other improvements include expanded snowmaking infrastructure, three new Wyssen avalanche control towers in Honeycomb Canyon, and the development of more mountain bike trails in the Moonbeam Express area.

For those curious, Wyssen avalanche control towers improve snow stability management efforts by allowing ski patrol to detonate explosives remotely.

While I'm sure locals are sad to see the historic Eagle Express quad go, with skier demand on the upswing, the new six-seater should improve the resort experience at Solitude.

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Skier Sends White Ribbon Of Death Through Rocky Chute

Wed, 31 May 2023 18:37:20 +0200

As an off-piste skier, you have one of a few options if you're looking to get gnarly: cliffs, chutes, and steep lines. In some cases, you can work all of these natural features into one run.

This upload, from Reddit user @paulm096, is all about the chutes, involving tight turns through narrow rock corridors at Palisades Tahoe.

View the original article to see embedded media.

There's little margin for error in this one. One false turn or caught edge, and you run the risk of tumbling into a rock wall. Not ideal.

A Reddit commenter provided important context for those who haven't skied these lines at Palisades Tahoe. "Video will never do justice to how steep and narrow this is," they wrote.

That's a general theme with head cam footage. For whatever reason, GoPros and their ilk never seem to fully capture the gnarliness of a line.

To ascertain the difficulty of a run filmed by a head cam, I rely on the following assumptions: If it doesn't look steep, it's probably pretty steep. If it does look steep, it's really, really steep.

These clips were shot in the Ambrosia Chute area near Eagle's Nest at Palisades Tahoe. The Palisades side of Palisades Tahoe (previously called S*uaw Valley) is now closed for the season, but the Alpine side, which used to be its own resort called Alpine Meadows, will remain open for weekend skiing until July 4th.

Approximate location of Ambrosia Chute marked in red.

Palisades Tahoe

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Powder Review: Dynastar M-Pro 108

Wed, 31 May 2023 17:23:19 +0200

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In a Nutshell

The Dynastar M-Pro 108 is a beastly, directional charger that wants you to drive it down the fall line, and never let off the gas pedal. It is a demanding, yet rewarding ski with an addictive blend of power and stability that will leave you foaming at the mouth for another lap.

Length Skied: 192 cm
Weight: 2434; 2441 g/ski
Stated Dimensions: 139-110-129 mm
Stated Sidecut: 22 m
Recommended Mount Point: -13 cm from true center

Intro

Dynastar’s 23/24 “freeride” series consists mainly of the M-Free lineup and M-Pro lineup. The former is more freestyle oriented, the latter is more traditional and directional. The M-Pro 108 is the biggest, meanest ski in Dynastar’s lineup and one of the most aggressive skis we’ve been on this year. It has a layer of titanal in the core to enhance stability and suspension. As someone who enjoys riding larger, stiffer skis, this is a fantastic build and I could feel the power of the ski's layup from the first lap.

Length and Mount Point

I skied the M-Pro 108 in the 192 cm length, with its very directional mount point at -13 cm from true center. As someone who prefers to mount skis slightly forward, I was a bit nervous about this mount point. However, the rocker present in the front of the ski gives the M-Pro 108 more than enough maneuverability to make this mount point comfortable.

It should be noted that the M-Pro 108 actually measures 110 mm underfoot in the 192 cm length, but for the 182 cm version, it measures 108 mm underfoot. I find this to make perfect sense proportionally. For the ski’s main use in powder and mixed conditions, I prefer this slightly wider platform.

If you find yourself torn between using the 182 cm version, or the 192 cm version, I would recommend erring on the side of caution. Even as a 6’4 190 lb person, I found the 192 to be a beefy, demanding ski. I’m sure that the 182 cm version would be plenty stable for most skiers as it has the same layup as the 192.

Where does the M-Pro 108 shine?

The M-Pro 108 is a fantastic ski for a resort powder day, as well as the mixed conditions that follow a storm. The stiffness and width of the M-Pro 108 make it a great choice for staying on top of fresh snow, but its true strength is motoring through the chopped snow you will encounter after your first lap. Particularly in wide-open areas where you can open up the throttle, the M-Pro 108 is a crud-busting monster. When most people have decided that the enticing open bowl is too chopped up to ski, you won’t have to worry about that being an issue. Drop in, pressure the shovels, and just let this beast charge over anything in your path. Condensed powder, fresh moguls, not-so-fresh moguls, the slow sign that wronged you, it doesn’t matter, the M-Pro 108 will happily flatten it all.

Another place I find the M-Pro to be superior is landings. I certainly don’t claim to be the best skier on the mountain, but now and then I do like to get airborne. The M-Pro 108 is an incredibly supportive ski with a wide, stiff shovel, and I never worry about whether I’ll end up tumbling forward over the front of the ski when I land.

Even though the M-Pro 108 is not necessarily designed with groomers in mind, I enjoyed skiing groomers on the M-Pro 108. As it happens, the same qualities that make the M-Pro 108 stable and powerful off-piste translate extremely well to on-piste skiing. The M-Pro 108 may not be quite so quick edge to edge as a narrower ski, but it is a fantastic tool to support you at higher speeds. It also has a decent amount of camber, giving it more life on groomers in a way that other skis designed for off-piste skiing tend to lack.

Photo: Matt Stacy

Where does the M-Pro 108 make some compromises?

As with any directional ski, the M-Pro 108 is a bit of a pain to turn and pivot at slower speeds, and in tighter terrain, particularly compared to its more freestyle-oriented counterpart, the M-Free 108. While the front of the ski has a fair amount of rocker, the flat tail of the M-Pro 108 can get hung up in heavier, wet snow. If you find yourself skiing tight trees, or in low visibility frequently, it might not be the right option for you, and I’d recommend taking a look at the M-Free 108 instead.

Additionally, the M-Pro 108’s design makes it difficult to recover if you find yourself in the backseat, holding onto the tails of the ski. Being forced to avoid skiing backseat will improve your technique, but a little wiggle room goes a long way when it comes to enjoying a ski. Again, if you want something more forgiving and surfier, check out the M-Free 108.

Another thing that often is overlooked when discussing a ski is the weight. Everyone wants to think they can handle a big, heavy ski, and they’ll be able to reap the rewards all day long. Not true! We can’t all be superhuman in our strength, and riding a big ski like the M-Pro 108 all day long may tire you out. It certainly tired me out, but I had a lot of fun before it did.

For more comparisons to to the M-Pro 108, check out our list of the best wide all mountain skis.

What would a perfect day on the M-Pro 108 look like?

You get to the base of your home mountain. The weather forecasters who had said it would be cloudy all day were dead wrong. 12 inches of snow that fell last night blankets the mountain, and a few wisps of cloud fade away to present a blue sky. First lap: Wide, sweeping turns through an open powder field. Second Lap: More of the same. Once the fresh lines are completely taken by the afternoon, everyone else seems to struggle while you effortlessly blast through the tracked powder, driving your skis. After you’ve had your fill, you ski back to the car, wipe the snow off your fresh M-Pros, and get ready to do it again tomorrow. More snow is on the way.

Skier Nearly Plummets Backwards Over 40-Foot Cliff

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:00:00 +0200

Social media posts reminiscing about this past ski season are typically fun, powdery affairs involving face shots and deep turns. It was one of those seasons, at least if you lived in the West.

But this video, from skier Carson McCarron, is less laid-back pow turn and more terrifying close call on a classic (and gnarly) line at Whistler Blackcomb. Check it out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CARSON MCCARRON (@carsonmccarron)

An incredible save. You really, really don't want to ski backward off the middle platform of Air Jordan.

Skiing Air Jordan, the line Carson McCarron rides in this video, involves taking on two cliffs in a row. First, you jump off a 15-footer before briefly gaining your wits to send it off the second, larger cliff that's somewhere between 30 and 50 feet tall.

Since the line is visible from the popular Peak Chair, would-be Air Jordan senders must perform in front of a large, captive audience.

It's a scene on bluebird powder days when the Peak Chair lift line is at its longest. Everyone's chatting hopefully about their next run before someone points out that a skier's lining up Air Jordan.

A dormant wave of energy builds in the crowd as they look upwards. When the skier crashes back to Earth after attempting Air Jordan, the group releases a collective cheer augmented by the sound of ski poles excitedly clanging together. On Air Jordan, you get props whether you land or not. It's the trying that counts.

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