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Brett Ploss

Yeti Xtreme Verbier 2025: Inside the Freeride World Tour Finals

Report from March 20-23, 2025 We were on the ground in Verbier for all four days of the 30th anniversary of the Freeride World Tour Finals weekend—boots in the snow, camera in hand, and full access to the competition, the riders, and the events. From pre-dawn visual inspections to the final podium celebrations, we witnessed everything that makes the Yeti […]

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Brett Ploss | March 24, 2025
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Verbier, Switzerland, Report: On Snow During the Freeride World Tour Weekend

Report from Friday, March 21, 2025 The morning after the final stop of the 2025 Freeride World Tour in Verbier, Switzerland, we met at the Mammut booth in the heart of the Freeride Village—geared up and ready for a full day in the mountains. The mission: sharpen avalanche safety skills, explore gear trusted by professionals, and ski alongside one of […]

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Brett Ploss | March 24, 2025
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La Clusaz, France, Report: Skiing in the Footsteps of a Legend

Report from March 17, 2025 – La Clusaz, France Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, La Clusaz is a resort steeped in both history and tradition, offering everything from challenging terrain to a vibrant, passionate mountain culture. Known for its world-class freeride scene and stunning alpine vistas, it’s a favorite destination for skiers of all kinds. The resort […]

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Brett Ploss | March 23, 2025
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Kelly Canyon, ID, Report: Exploring East Idaho’s Best-Kept Ski Secret with Endless Potential

Report from March 2, 2025 – Kelly Canyon, Idaho Situated just outside Idaho Falls, Kelly Canyon Resort, Idaho, is an inviting, family-friendly destination that combines the charm of a local hill with the allure of a hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders alike. Nestled partially in the stunning Targhee National Forest, the resort offers diverse terrain, a warm community atmosphere, […]

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Brett Ploss | March 3, 2025
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Bogus Basin, ID, Report: Sunset Laps at Idaho’s Home Mountain

Skier Bridgette Johnson during sunset | Image: Bogus Basin Marketing Team

Report from Saturday, March 1, 2025 We arrived at Bogus Basin, Idaho, in the afternoon, greeted by the kind of spring conditions that make skiing this time of year so special. Considered the first spring by Idaho locals, reaching a high of 51°F, the snow was soft, the sun was shining, and the relaxed atmosphere was exactly what you’d expect from […]

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Brett Ploss | March 2, 2025
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Exploring Whitewater Ski Resort: The Heart of British Columbia’s Deep Powder

Report from Sunday February 9, 2025 We arrived at Whitewater Ski Resort in the heart of British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains, just outside the vibrant town of Nelson. Known for its deep snow, laid-back atmosphere, and world-class backcountry access, Whitewater has earned a reputation as a powder-seeker’s paradise. Our host for the day was Ross Lake, a longtime local and mountain […]

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Brett Ploss | February 14, 2025
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Freeride World Tour Returns to Kicking Horse, BC: Ski Men Bring Intensity and Innovation to the Ozone Face

On Saturday, February 10, 2025, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, British Columbia, welcomed the world’s top freeride athletes for the highly anticipated stop of the Freeride World Tour (FWT). Known for its steep chutes, wide-open bowls, and technical terrain, Kicking Horse provided an epic stage for athletes to showcase their skills. The event was held on the Ozone Face, […]

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Brett Ploss | February 12, 2025
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Sundance Mountain Resort, Provo, UT, Report: Snow Is On The Way!

Report from Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Skiing We embarked on a quick drive from Salt Lake City to Sundance Mountain Resort, nestled in the shadow of Mount Timpanogos. The last stretch through Provo Canyon offered breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the Provo River, setting the stage for the day’s adventures. Upon arrival, we boarded the Outlaw Express, a high-speed […]

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Brett Ploss | February 10, 2025
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MAJA: A New Era of Après-Schi in Austria and Beyond

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the DJ duo known as MAJA—composed of Munich, Germany native Mole and Salzburg, Austria, native Jean-Philippe—have redefined après-schi culture. Their exclusive, high-energy events combine cutting-edge house music with breathtaking alpine backdrops, creating a magnetic pull for a devoted international following. What began as a small experiment has blossomed into a movement that […]

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Brett Ploss | February 5, 2025
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Exploring Dolomiti Superski: A Four-Day Adventure Through the Heart of the Alps

Trip Report From January 21-24, 2025 Dolomiti Superski is a skier’s paradise, offering over 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) of slopes, 450 lifts, breathtaking scenery, and a rich cultural experience. We had the chance to explore this iconic region over four days, skiing from Val Gardena to Cortina D’Ampezzo and back while completing the legendary Grande Guerra Tour. Day 1: Val […]

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Brett Ploss | January 29, 2025
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Smugglers’ Notch, VT, Report: Light Powder—is This Vermont?

Report from Friday, January 10, 2025 We arrived at Smugglers’ Notch (or “Smuggs,” as the locals call it) in the early afternoon. The drive was easy, and we found parking conveniently in the front of Lot Three, just a short walk to the Madonna & Sterling Base Lodge. The resort spans three mountains: Morse, Madonna, and Sterling. We began our […]

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Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025
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Gunstock Mountain, NH, Report: Night Skiing During Glow and Throw

Report from Saturday, January 11, 2025 Glow and Throw Last Saturday, Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire hosted Glow and Throw, a glowstick-themed night terrain park competition that brought together local skiers and snowboarders. The event occurred at the Pistol lift’s base, where the mountain’s terrain park crew had created a hike-to rail jam specifically for the competition. Participants showcased their […]

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Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025
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Whiteface, NY, Report: Skiing With Local Legend Jeff Hopkins

Report from Thursday, January 9, 2025 We arrived at Whiteface Mountain, New York, in the early afternoon, approaching the largest vertical drop in the Northeast. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with snow-covered peaks and towering evergreens setting the tone for our visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the local legend, Jeff Hopkins. A late-start skier with large […]

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Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025
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Gore Mountain, NY, Report: Last Day of the Winds, Snow on the Way

Report from Thursday, January 9, 2025 After a two-hour drive from Burlington, Vermont, we arrived at Gore Mountain, the largest ski resort in New York State. The temperature was a biting four degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills at the summit plummeting to a staggering -45 degrees. This marked the third consecutive day of a rare wind phenomenon, with gusts reaching […]

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Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025
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CEO Davey Pitcher Discusses the Wolf Creek Ski Area, CO, Expansion Project

Wolf Creek Ski Area, nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is celebrating its 85th season this year. Renowned for having “The Most Snow in Colorado,” with an average of 430 inches annually, Wolf Creek attracts skiers not only from across the region but also Europeans eager to explore the American West. The majority of patrons come from Texas, […]

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Brett Ploss | December 17, 2024
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Your Guide to Ski Areas in Michigan’s Mitten

This comes from someone who has skied all 23 of the 2024-25 operating Mitten resorts… In February 2024, I completed my seven-year quest to ski all 23 operating ski areas in the Mitten (lower half of Michigan). This includes at least multiple rope tows, as some areas do not have chairlifts. Now that these resorts will be opening in the coming […]

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Brett Ploss | December 13, 2024
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Wolf Creek Ski Area, CO, Conditions Report: Strong Early Season Conditions as the 85th Season Ramps Up

Report from November 24, 2024 Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado, opened a month ago as the first major ski resort in North America. Wolf Creek opened 100% of its terrain by mid-November, the earliest ski area in the country to claim that feat, thanks to its usual early-season snow. So it was high time to pay a visit, especially after […]

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Brett Ploss | November 26, 2024
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Ski Portillo, Chile, Closing Day 2024, Report: Is it 2025 Yet?

Report from September 21-22, 2024 Ski Portillo is just over two hours from the Santiago Airport. Although bus, private driver, and helicopter transfers are available, we opted for a rental car. The drive through the foothills was full of vineyards, which made for a great halfway stop. Once in the valley, traffic started to slow behind trucks traveling through the […]

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Brett Ploss | September 24, 2024
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Refugio López, Argentina Backcountry Report: Incredible Late Season Skiing In South America

Report from September 17-18, 2024 Day 1 We started the morning in San Martin de Los Andes, where we spent the previous day at Cerro Chapelco, a four-hour drive from Cerro López. The drive during daylight along the Ruta de Los Siete Lagos was incredible. Passing through national parks, stunning miradors of calm lakes reflecting the Andes, and the occasional […]

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Brett Ploss | September 20, 2024
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Cerro Bayo, Argentina, Report: The Most Scenic Ski Resort in The World?

Report from Tuesday, September 17, 2024 We drove two hours from San Martin de Los Andes along the Ruta de Los Siete Lagos to get to the base of Cerro Bayo. The drive was filled with stunning miradors of the lakes along the route. It was necessary to drive slowly as cows decided our lane was the best place to […]

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Brett Ploss | September 20, 2024
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