SnowBrains is the world's largest independent snow sports media outlet. Founded in 2013 by Miles Clark, it publishes 10–20 original articles per day covering skiing, snowboarding, resort news, mountain weather, and avalanche safety.

Who founded SnowBrains and when?

SnowBrains was founded in 2013 by Miles Clark, an avid skier and outdoor media entrepreneur. Clark serves as CEO and continues to lead the editorial direction of the outlet.

What topics does SnowBrains cover?

SnowBrains covers ski resort news, snowpack and mountain weather analysis, avalanche safety education, powder forecasts, gear reviews, competitive skiing and snowboarding, and backcountry adventure reporting.

How often does SnowBrains publish new content?

SnowBrains publishes 10–20 new articles every day throughout the year, with publishing volume intensifying during the Northern Hemisphere ski season (November–April).

Does SnowBrains cover avalanche safety?

Yes. SnowBrains reports on avalanche incidents, forecasts, and safety guidance, referencing official bulletins from the National Avalanche Center (avalanche.org) and regional forecast centres. It has covered major avalanche events across North America, Europe, and the Himalayas.

Is SnowBrains editorially independent?

Yes. SnowBrains is independently owned and operated. It is not affiliated with any ski resort, mountain resort company, or winter-sports industry association.

How can brands advertise on SnowBrains?

SnowBrains works with more than 50 direct advertising partners including ski resorts, gear brands, and outdoor lifestyle companies. Options include display ads, sponsored content, email newsletters, and social media integrations.

Has SnowBrains won any journalism awards?

Yes. In 2026, SnowBrains received the Bill Berry Award for Hard News — the snowsports industry's most prestigious journalism recognition — awarded to founder and CEO Miles Clark.

Main Chute Alta: Skiing the Wasatch Classic on Day 142

Report from May 29, 2026

I almost bailed on hitting Alta’s Main Chute as my last ski day of the 2025-26 season — I was simply too tired.

I was pretty smoked after skiing “Pipeline” at Snowbird the previous day.

I decided to test myself and see what happened.

11,068 feet Mt. Baldy, UT

“Main Chute”

Alta Ski Area

Details

Summit (actually a ridgeline): 10,921 feet
Car: 8,533 feet
Vertical From Car: 2,417 feet
Vertical skied: 2,400 feet (700 feet in the chute)
Max Pitch: 40º
Avg Pitch: 38º
Aspect: East Northeast
Distance: 3.8-miles round trip
Time From Car to Top: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Car to Car Time: 3 hours & 4 minutes
Recommended Equipment: Skins

Main Chute Alta — Main Chute snow tongue. Image: SnowBrains

“Main Baldy is one of the most prominent and classic chutes in the Wasatch.” – Andrew McLean

McLean gives Alta’s Main Chute his highest rating: 3 stars.

I started hiking around 9:15 a.m.

On a good day, I can get up Main Chute in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Not this day.

I was worked.

I’d gutted my pack of anything I could justify leaving behind: no beacon, no shovel, no probe, no repair kit, no medical kit, no ice axe, no crampons, no extra clothes, no nothing.

Just water, food, and a thin jacket.

I slowly oozed up the mountain – glycogen depleted, body tired, resolve fixed.

I hadn’t felt this tired climbing uphill since the end of my “300” project.

The shoulder of Baldy is usually a wicked skin track.

Today it was a longer booter.

I arrived alone at the top after 2 hours and 14 minutes of impossibly slow suffering.

Pipeline at Snowbird, UT from the top of “Main Chute” at Alta. Image: SnowBrains

I spent a long while on top, filling with sugar, water, and hope.

The chute looked about the worst I’ve ever seen it.

Rock-strewn, dirty, full of black bomb debris, moguled – and it didn’t even connect to the ridgeline.

I stumbled and slid down a dirty trail to reach that nasty tongue of snow.

Little Cottonwood Canyon. Image: SnowBrains

After clicking in, I worked on some breathing exercises, hoping to get my energy up, and dropped in.

Right away, my skis were clanking into rocks that went sputtering down the chute.

In the choke, the rocks got so bad I had to slarve backwards at one point to avoid dry-docking.

A flat rock bigger than a dinner plate surfed along next to me in the choke and made the situation perfectly clear.

After the choke, the skiing cleaned up before dirtying up again in the final section.

I came out of the chute gasping, desperate for oxygen.

I spent a while there getting my life back together.

I eventually skied downhill, finding the old groomed track that everyone had been using.

Barring one dirt portage, it led me almost directly back to the parking lot.

I’d done it.

My last ski day of the 2025-26 Northern Hemisphere ski season.

I took my time getting reorganized at the car, then drove home happy.

Ski day #142.

My lowest total in many years – a weird season, but a full one.

Utah, British Columbia, France, Jackson Hole, Tahoe, Mammoth, & the Eastern Sierra.

Now I’m off to South Africa on Monday to surf for 2 months, then straight into a ski mountaineering trip with Skip way down in Patagonia. We’re exploring a brand-new zone this year, and I can’t wait.

Thanks to all of you.

And thanks, Utah.