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Avatar photoBrent Thomas

Skier, mountain biker, fitness enthusiast, native Oregonian, and SnowBrains staff writer. Father to three and husband to one.

Top 11 States for Outdoor Lovers

hike mountain sun outdoors

If you live for fresh air, scenic trails, and weekends that start with a backpack or a pair of skis, the U.S. has no shortage of states where the outdoors is more than just a backdrop but a way of life. From alpine peaks to desert canyons, rolling forests to rugged coastlines, some states stand out for their access to […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 25, 2025
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17 Not So Obvious Bucket List Experiences for Skiers and Snowboarders in the U.S.

Most skiers and riders have a mental list of the usual bucket list items, such as visiting specific resorts or finally going heli-skiing. However, the mountains are full of lesser-known gems that only locals may know about, which can be just as memorable. From riding special lifts, conquering challenging runs, or basking in unique moments, the not-so-obvious experiences often turn […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 20, 2025
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Utah Man “Racer Tom” Surpasses 11.4 Million Vertical Feet Skied for the Season, Breaking His Own World Record

racer-tom-11-million

The last time we checked in with Thomas Hart, aka “Racer Tom,” was two months ago when he was on the cusp of breaking his own world record for vertical feet skied in a season. This was from the 2023-24 season when he logged 8,513,340 vertical feet. He also predicted that he would go over 10 million by the end […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 19, 2025
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Teton Pass, WY, to Close for 60 Hours Later This Month to Repair Damage from Catastrophic Landslide

wyoming

Updated June 19, 2025 at 7:14 a.m. PT In early June 2024, a catastrophic landslide caused a massive section of Teton Pass Road (Wyoming Highway 22) to collapse near milepost 12.8, severing a vital commuter route between eastern Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) had been monitoring deep cracks that first appeared days earlier, but overnight, the […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 19, 2025
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Oregon’s Ski Resorts at Risk as Key Insurer Exits Over Liability Laws

A growing insurance crisis is threatening the future of Oregon’s outdoor recreation industry, with ski resorts sounding the alarm after a major insurer announced it is pulling out of the state. Safehold Special Risk, which has provided coverage for iconic destinations like Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge, is ending its business in Oregon, citing the state’s unfavorable legal environment […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 19, 2025
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Petition in Place to Honor Late Professional Rider Joel Alamo with Trail Naming at Trestle Bike Park, CO

The mountain biking community is coming together to honor the life and legacy of Joel Alamo—a celebrated BMX and mountain biker whose influence extended far beyond the trail. Known not only for his skill and speed, Alamo was also widely regarded as a source of positivity, humor, and support within the biking world. Now, almost 250 people have signed a […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 18, 2025
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“I’m a Skier So I Hate Warm Weather”—Can You Suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer?

ski lift

We are well into June and the summer solstice is right around the corner, signaling the start of the warm season. It is usually around this time of year that I feel the doldrums of summer set in—and summer has only just begun. I likely feel this way because ski season has long ended, there are no good sports to […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 18, 2025
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Indy Pass Offering Free Season Pass to Anyone With a ‘Ski Indy’ License Plate

indy pass

For fans of the Indy Pass and the growing movement toward independent ski resorts, there’s now a new way to show your support and get rewarded for it. Say hello to the Indy License Plate Club, an offbeat, fun initiative that gives you a chance to earn a free Indy+ Pass just by sporting the right vanity plate on your […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 17, 2025
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The 7 Biggest Threats to the Future of Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding have long been beloved winter traditions, drawing people to the mountains for both adrenaline and escape. But behind the lifts and powder days, the industry faces serious challenges. Based on community discussions and expert concerns, the future of snow sports depends on how the industry responds to a range of emerging threats, including climate change and cultural […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 17, 2025
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The 5 Ski Resorts in the U.S. with the Weirdest Names

Purgatory Resort Chair 1 the resorts recent addition is the only 6 pack chair at the Colorado resort. credit Expedia

When it comes to ski resorts, the name on the sign can be as memorable as the slopes themselves. While many resorts boast classic, picturesque names, others take a far quirkier approach, choosing names that raise eyebrows, spark laughter, or inspire curiosity. We asked our readers: What ski resort has the weirdest name? These were the resorts that proved that […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 14, 2025
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Is the Automotive Industry Influencing What Skis You Buy?

suv

Looking at automobile sales over time, one thing becomes clear: SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. Currently, SUV sales are more than cars and trucks combined, and in 2022, accounted for 46.6% of new car registrations in the US. Although sedans still have their place, Ford, Dodge, and Chrysler no longer offer mid-size four-door sedans. If you take notice of all […]

Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 14, 2025
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The Snowiest Resort From Each U.S. State During the 2024-25 Season

As lovers of the sport, we obsess over snowfall totals, and every ski season brings a new set of snowfall stats, with the 2024-25 winter being no exception. While the usual heavy hitters mostly lived up to their reputations, a few unexpected contenders racked up big totals too. We took a look at the snowiest ski resort in each U.S. […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 11, 2025
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Hyland Hills, MN, to Host Backyard-Style Summer Rail Jam Event

minnesota

Hyland Hills Ski Area, Minnesota, is bringing winter vibes to summer with a unique Summer Rail Jam on Wednesday, June 11, from 3 to 9 p.m. This backyard jam-style event will feature a mini terrain park setup using stowed-away snow, giving skiers and snowboarders a rare chance to hit the rails in the middle of June. The event is split […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 9, 2025
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Timberline Lodge, OR, Report: Soft Joyous June Turns

Report from June 6, 2025 I hadn’t been skiing in over a month and a half. With our summer schedule filling up quickly, I knew I had to make a trip up to Timberline Lodge sooner rather than later.  It turns out that early June is a great time to go, as there is plenty of snow and the busyness […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 6, 2025
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Internet Debate Resolved: How to Properly Buckle Your Ski Boots

order

Your ski boots are arguably the most important piece of gear you own. An ill-fitting boot can make your ski day miserable. That is why it is often recommended that you should get custom-fitted boots if you plan to spend any significant time on the slopes. This ensures the fit will allow you maximum performance from your skis without losing […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 5, 2025
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5 Ways to Supercharge Your Skiing and Snowboarding Experience

powder

Are you ready to elevate your riding skills to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner aiming to carve down blue runs with confidence or an advanced skier looking to master double blacks, some specific strategies and actions can dramatically enhance your performance on the slopes. This guide isn’t your typical nuances of how to tweak your form to improve […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 4, 2025
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11 Top Ski Brands and Their Equivalent Automobile Brand

AI

Skis can feel a lot like cars, where some brands are built for speed and precision, others for comfort and versatility, and a few are just plain flashy. If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite ski brand would be if it were a car company or what it says about you, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | June 2, 2025
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Top Ski Resorts Launch Global Alliance to Push Sustainable Tourism

Ski Kitzbuehel

A group of major international ski resort operators has joined forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing their industry: climate change. On May 7, 2025, at the Interalpin trade show in Innsbruck, Austria, leading resorts from across Europe, Scandinavia, and even New Zealand formally launched the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance, marking the first global effort of its kind […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | May 31, 2025
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AZ Snow Zone Brings Year-Round Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding to Phoenix, AZ

arizona

A new kind of snow sport experience has landed in the desert of Arizona, and it is completely indoors. AZ Snow Zone, the nation’s first indoor dry slope facility of its kind, has opened its doors, offering skiers and snowboarders a place to ride throughout the year without needing snow or mountain elevation. Founded by local snowboard enthusiast Joshua Sinclair, […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | May 29, 2025
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Utah Tourist Economy to Take $132 Million Annual Blow from Sundance Film Festival Moving to Colorado

utah park city

After more than four decades of calling Park City home, the Sundance Film Festival is officially packing up and moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. The announcement came two months ago and marks a significant cultural shift for Utah, as well as a potentially devastating economic one. Related: Sundance Film Festival to Relocate to Boulder, CO, in 2027 Organizers from […]

Avatar photo Brent Thomas | May 29, 2025
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