Avatar photoBrent Thomas

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

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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Mt. Norquay, AB, Offering $18.67 Lift Tickets to Celebrate Canadian Heritage

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Skiers and snowboarders looking for a deal and a chance to celebrate Canadian pride are in for a treat this spring. Mt. Norquay, a historic ski resort in Banff, Alberta, is inviting guests to hit the slopes for just $18.67 on April 2. This special promotion commemorates Canada’s rich history and the resort’s nearly century-long legacy as a proudly Canadian-owned […]
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Bogus Basin, ID, Increases Season Pass Prices 20% for the 2025-26 Season

Powder at Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin Ski Area, located just outside Boise, Idaho, is a unique ski resort that operates as a non-profit. Its mission is centered on affordable recreation, community engagement, and reinvesting in its facilities to benefit skiers and snowboarders. Since it is managed by the Bogus Basin Recreation Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all revenue generated from lift tickets, season passes, […]
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Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Suspends Summer Ski Camps Indefinitely Due to Glacial Recession

hortsman glacier

Summer camps on the Horstman Glacier at Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, have long been indispensable for anyone who wants to ski and ride in the summer. Located high on Blackcomb Peak, the glacier typically opens from early June to mid-July for freestyle and race camps. It is one of only a few places in North America where you can ski and ride […]
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Seattle Skier Dies in Tragic Tree Well Accident at Mt. Bachelor, OR

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A skier tragically lost his life at Mt. Bachelor on March 17, 2025, after falling into a tree well and becoming trapped in deep snow. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Shelkey of Seattle, Washington, was found unresponsive by fellow skiers who worked desperately to free him before beginning CPR. The emergency unfolded at 3:04 p.m. when Deschutes County 911 received […]
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All the Latest Updates on Locals’ Plan to Purchase Mt. Bachelor, OR

[Updated March 10, 2025] On August 22, 2024, POWDR Corporation announced it was selling Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, Vermont, to local pass holders, as well as three other resorts, including Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, which it has owned since 2001 and is the largest ski resort in the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after the announcement, a local group, now called Mount Bachelor Community […]
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Reflecting on 5 Years Since COVID-19 Shut Down Ski Resorts and How it Has Shaped the Industry Today

Five years ago, the ski industry came to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented shutdowns across North America. In mid-March 2020, just as ski resorts were gearing up for the busy spring break season, operations were abruptly halted due to government mandates and growing concerns over virus transmission. For some, this is a sensitive subject, as […]
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The 9 Sketchiest Ski Resort Access Roads in North America, According to SnowBrains Readers

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The drive to the mountain is an integral part of the ski day adventure, setting the tone for the excitement and anticipation that awaits on the slopes. However, reaching some of the best ski resorts often means navigating treacherous roads that can test even the most experienced drivers. From steep inclines and hairpin turns to icy surfaces and unexpected snowstorms, […]
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Expansion at Copper Mountain, CO, Will Create the State’s 2nd Largest Resort Featuring North America’s Highest Lift

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Copper Mountain, Colorado, has received approval from the White River National Forest (WRNF) to move forward with an ambitious expansion and upgrade plan to expand terrain and modernize its lift system. This master plan aims to improve mountain circulation, expand access to high-alpine terrain, and elevate the overall guest experience. Copper Mountain’s Bold Expansion Plan On February 27, WRNF officially […]
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How a Frugal Family Put the Indy Pass to the Test on a Week-Long Road Trip

Brundage Mountain Resort

The Indy Pass, a cost-effective alternative to major ski passes like Epic and Ikon, designed to introduce skiers to smaller, independent resorts, was launched in 2019 with 34 member resorts, growing to more than 230 worldwide. It aims to make skiing more accessible by offering two-day access to participating resorts at a fraction of the cost of larger ski destinations. […]
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These 4 Young Siblings Have All Logged Over a Million Vertical Feet This Season

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In the last few years, skiers and snowboarders have had some impressive accomplishments logging big vertical feet on the ski hills. There have been 100,000+-foot days, five million vertical feet in a season, or more, including a world record. Also, we recently saw the first person to log over 20 million vertical feet on the Ikon app. Related: How Tracking […]
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