5 of the Most Dangerous Ski Areas in the World Lifts can provide the public access to terrain that might not be advisable for the majority. While there are hundreds of locations around the globe with obvious dangers, here are a few examples that stand out among the rest. La Grave, France Made famous in the US in the 90s by the likes of Doug Coombs (who met his untimely […] Brains Christopher Leach | June 29, 2024 4 Comments
[PHOTOS] The Steeper Side of Hokkaido, Japan Japan has a reputation for an abundance of snow but is not typically known for steep terrain. Those with insider knowledge of skiing in Japan are likely aware that Happo One, located near Hakuba on the main island of Honshu, boasts fantastic steeps. However, the north island of Hokkaido is often dismissed for its lack of steep terrain even by […] Brains Christopher Leach | July 19, 2023 0 Comments
Fire-Ravaged Trams at Chamonix, France, to be Replaced in 2024 Lift-served access to the summit of Les Grands Montets ski area in the Chamonix Valley is slated to finally return in 2024 after a disastrous fire disabled service in 2018. As reported by Snowbrains at the time, the mid-station fire destroyed the structure that connected both the cable car from the valley floor in Argentière to mid-mountain, and the […] Industry News Christopher Leach | July 5, 2023 0 Comments
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Plans Replacement of Legendary Staunies Lift One of the most visually stunning and perhaps improbable chairlifts ever constructed, Forcella Staunies, once steeply ascended a wide couloir in the middle of Cristallo, one of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s most imposing peaks. Located at Cortina’s Faloria ski area, the lift closed in 2016 due to mechanical failures. Staunies included a mid-station, where the majority of skiers unloaded. Only those with […] Industry News Christopher Leach | June 26, 2023 0 Comments
Hometown Mountain Shoutout: Discovering the Hidden Charm of Willard Ski Area, NY Ask any young skier who grew up near Saratoga Springs, NY about Willard, and you’ll likely get the same resounding response: “Willard sucks.” On paper, there doesn’t seem to be much to love about it – 500 vertical feet, two chairlifts, a handful of surface lifts, 16 trails, and a tubing park. But for many, this small ski area perched […] Industry News Christopher Leach | May 23, 2023 0 Comments
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