What Separates a Double Black Diamond from a Black Diamond? In North America, the common metric for displaying terrain difficulty is by using a combination of colors and shapes. From easiest to most difficult the system goes green circle, blue square, black diamond, and double black diamond. Although there is a “common” method for trail rating, it’s important to note that there is no underlying organization that determines what each […] Brains Luke Guilford | December 23, 2024 3 Comments
The 5 Best Books for Beginner Skiers Getting started with skiing can feel like facing a daunting counterculture. As a lifelong skier, I experienced a similar feeling to when I first got into surfing, where all I could think about was the core locals who might sock me in the face and leave me to get pounded by wave after wave. But as I got more experience […] Brains Quintin Mills | December 21, 2024 0 Comments
These are the Oldest Aerial Trams in North America That are Still in Use for Skiing Aerial Trams are an incredible marvel of engineering wonder. These mega machines can move large crowds to impossible destinations with ease. Aerial tramways were originally utilized in North America to transport mining ore from precarious locations to mills that refined the precious metals. It wasn’t long until they began to use these tools to shuttle people uphill which gave way to […] Industry News James Pulfer | December 16, 2024 1 Comment
Capturing the Thrill: The Evolution of Ski and Snowboard Videography In a world where adventure sports and social media merge seamlessly, snowboard videography has become an art form, blending athletic skill, visually appealing aesthetics, and boundary-pushing action. But how did it get here, to a place where a few minutes of filmed adrenaline can captivate millions and create the sport’s next superstar? The First Snowboard Films: Capturing a New Culture […] Brains Jack Bynum | December 16, 2024 0 Comments
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 […] Brains Brett Ploss | December 13, 2024 0 Comments
How Vail Resorts’ Mt. Brighton Operates and Creates Snow in the Midwest Amid an Ever-Changing Climate Located in a metro area of nearly 5 million people and at an elevation of only 230 feet, Michigan’s Mt. Brighton might not initially sound like a destination resort. However, thanks to its state-of-the-art snowmaking abilities and varied terrain, Mt. Brighton operates successfully even under some of the most unpredictable weather conditions in the country. Since 1960, the well-known resort […] Brains Joseph Kaufmann | December 11, 2024 1 Comment
The 9 Most Affordable Ski Towns in America If you are looking for a mountain getaway, it is no secret that ski towns can be pretty spendy. From lodging, lift tickets, dining, and more, the cost can add up significantly. Thankfully, Upgraded Points has published its latest report on the most affordable ski towns. The study looked at a list of 50 of the most popular ski towns […] Industry News Brent Thomas | December 9, 2024 0 Comments
The 5 Best Places in the World to Heli-Ski Heli-skiing is considered the ultimate ski experience and is on many die-hard skiers and snowboarders’ bucket lists. As adventure seekers of this exhilarating sport search for the ultimate snow-laden escapades, the world’s best heli-ski operators rise as the gatekeepers to this unparalleled alpine experience. Related: 7 Bucket List Experiences Every North American Skier Should Check Off Each individual will have […] Brains Brent Thomas | December 9, 2024 0 Comments
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