Avatar photoBrent Thomas

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

RED Mountain Resort, BC, Drops 2nd Promotional Teaser for Canada’s Newest Lift-Accessed Bike Park

RED bike park

The countdown is officially on: RED Mountain Resort in Rossland, British Columbia, is gearing up to open its brand-new lift-accessed bike park on June 21, 2025. To celebrate the milestone, the resort has launched Episode Two of a stunning two-part video mini-series along with its new RED Mountain Bike Park website—complete with a trail map, pricing, FAQ, and everything riders […]
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The 5 Most Impactful News Stories of the 2024-25 Ski Season

vail, patrollers, paramedics

The 2024–25 ski season in North America was one of the most eventful in recent memory, marked by inconsistent snowfall, major resort expansions, labor strikes, and shifting dynamics across the industry. From transformative infrastructure projects at top destinations to ski patrols walking off the job in high-profile disputes, the season was a reflection of both the ski world’s growing pains […]
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The 7 Most Underrated States in the U.S. for Skiing and Snowboarding

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, a handful of states often dominate the spotlight like Colorado, Utah, and Montana. However, some of the best powder, unique terrain, and unforgettable mountain experiences can be found in places that fly under the radar. These underrated states offer everything from pristine slopes and stunning backcountry to affordable lift tickets and smaller crowds, […]
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Who Reopened and Who Closed in 2024-25 as the Number of Operating U.S. Ski Areas Continues to Be in Flux

Views of Lake Tahoe from Homewood Mountain Resort. Photo Credit: Homewood Mountain Resort

The number of active ski areas in the United States is subject to change each season due to various factors such as weather conditions, financial viability, and operational decisions. Thankfully, The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast tracks these changes meticulously and has stated that as of the 2024–25 winter season, there are 501 operational ski areas across the country. This […]
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OnTheSnow.com Announces 2024-25 Visitor’s Choice Awards Including Best Ski Resort

Every year, ski and snowboard enthusiasts from around the world weigh in on their favorite winter destinations through OnTheSnow.com’s annual Visitors’ Choice Awards. Powered by thousands of ratings and reviews from real users, these awards highlight the resorts that deliver exceptional experiences across a range of categories, including terrain quality, après-ski scenes, family-friendly features, terrain parks, and overall value. Whether […]
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Utah Man on Pace to Ski 10 Million Vertical Feet this Year to Break His Own World Record

Last year, SnowBrains reported on the incredible story of Tom Hart, also known as “Racer Tom,” who set the world record for most vertical feet skied in a year when he logged 8,513,340 vertical feet. The record was certified by the Guinness World Records after Hart meticulously met all the requirements to prove his accomplishment. Now, during the 2024-25 season, […]
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2026 is Your Last Chance to Ski or Snowboard in Japan Before Big Changes Come for Tourists

Powder Skier Niseko

For years, Japan has been a bucket-list destination for skiers and snowboarders around the world, offering legendary powder, stunning alpine vistas, and a unique blend of culture and hospitality. But if Japan’s slopes have been on your radar, 2026 may be your best chance to enjoy them under the current conditions. Starting in mid-2025, a series of sweeping tourism reforms […]
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Steamboat, CO, Father and His 4 Kids Ski Over 10 Million Combined Vertical Feet this Season

steamboat

Earlier this year, SnowBrains covered the remarkable story of four young siblings who set a goal to all ski over a million vertical feet this season. Jeff Gebauer is the father of Liam, 13, Roman, 12, Fiona, 10, and Eric, 8, who all passed the million-foot milestone for the season on February 15. Reaching the million-foot milestone was something the […]
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North America’s 11 Most Influential Ski Resorts That Have Shaped the Industry Today

tahoe

Although North America was not the birthplace of skiing, many of its resorts have had significant influence on the sport. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the powder-filled bowls of British Columbia and the icy slopes of the East Coast, North America’s ski resorts have done far more than offer a place to carve turns—they’ve helped shape the entire […]
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POWDR Corp. Announces It Will Not Sell Mt. Bachelor, OR, After All

Mt.BachelorSign

After nearly eight months of speculation and anticipation, POWDR Corp. announced on Friday, April 4, that it will no longer pursue the sale of Mt. Bachelor. The company, which has owned the Central Oregon resort since 2001, stated that it had evaluated all factors involved and ultimately decided to retain ownership “indefinitely.” “There are numerous factors involved in evaluating a […]
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Why the ‘ONE Wasatch’ Concept of Interconnected Resorts in Utah Hasn’t Come to Fruition

utah

For years, the concept of ‘ONE Wasatch’ has fascinated skiers and snowboarders who dream of an interconnected ski experience in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. The proposal aims to link six major ski resorts—Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley—via a series of lifts and runs, creating one of the largest ski networks in North America. It would include […]
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Washington Man Sets World Record by Skiing Over 137,000 Vertical Feet in 12 Hours at Alpental Ski Resort

On March 7, 2025, Rob Bernhoff of Woodinville, Washington, clicked into his skis, took a deep breath, and launched into a relentless pursuit of history. Over the next 12 hours, he would carve his way down the slopes with impressive endurance, claiming the unofficial world record for the most vertical feet skied in a single day. From 9 a.m. until […]
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Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Reveals Plans to Build 1,700 Foot-Long Lift-Accessed Skate Park on Upper Whistler Mountain

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, renowned for its world-class ski terrain and breathtaking mountain scenery, is taking a bold step to redefine its summer offerings. In response to the indefinite closure of summer skiing on the Horstman Glacier, the resort has announced the construction of a massive lift-accessed skate park on the upper slopes of Whistler Mountain. This groundbreaking project, set […]
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What Would be the Best Superpowers for Skiers and Snowboarders to Have? These are our Top 7 Picks

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We’ve all thought about it. The idea that if we just had a superpower, how much our lives could be enhanced. As skiers and snowboarders, harnessing a superpower could make an immense difference in doing something we already love. Imagine carving down a mountain with superhuman precision, effortlessly floating over powder, or never feeling the burn in your legs no […]
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