The 9 Most Expensive Daily Lift Tickets in the USA Last Season Three-hundred-dollars. 300 big ones. A week’s pay or more for many full-time laborers in America—workers in the very same ski towns that charge these exorbitant prices for a day lift ticket. How do these honest people afford to go skiing? Or do they? Related: Understanding Dynamic Pricing in the Ski Industry It’s happening; daily ski ticket prices are reaching unprecedented […] Industry News Martin Kuprianowicz | May 12, 2025 30 Comments
8,736′ SR-4 Ebbetts Pass, CA, Is Now Open for the Summer Caltrans District 10 announced yesterday that 8,736′ SR4 Ebbetts Pass is now open for the summer. There is a lot of world-class backcountry skiing accessible from Ebbetts Pass. “#CalaverasCounty Caltrans officially RE-OPENED SR-4 /#EbbettsPass for the season to motorists today (5/8/25) as of 12PM Caltrans reminds motorists to #sharetheroad with cyclists, #MoveOver for highway workers, & #KnowBeforeYouGo w. Caltrans QuickMap […] SnowBrains | May 9, 2025 0 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | March 24, 2025 0 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | March 24, 2025 0 Comments
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, […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | March 3, 2025 0 Comments
Bogus Basin, ID, Report: Sunset Laps at Idaho’s Home Mountain 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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | March 2, 2025 1 Comment
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | February 14, 2025 0 Comments
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, […] Industry News Brett Ploss | February 12, 2025 0 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | January 29, 2025 2 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025 0 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | January 13, 2025 0 Comments
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, […] Industry News Brett Ploss | December 17, 2024 1 Comment
The Different Types Of Snow Conditions That We Experience On The Mountain It’s funny the names we have given for the variety of different snow conditions that exist on the mountain. For many of us, we like to describe the snow conditions we face as skiers and snowboarders as things we come in contact with day to day. We describe the snow conditions at times as types of food and often give the snow descriptive […] Brian Werner | December 17, 2024 38 Comments
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 […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | November 26, 2024 0 Comments
Wolf Creek Resort, CO, the First Major Resort to Open in North America The long wait is over. Ski season is finally here. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado, opened for the 2024-25 season yesterday after a storm dumped 26″ of fresh snow on the area, giving it an 18″ base. The first major resort in North America to open, Wolf Creek will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Related: Hometown […] Industry News SnowBrains | October 23, 2024 0 Comments
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, MT, is Now Open to Hikers and Bicyclists Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, MT, is now open over Logan Pass to hikers and bicyclists when the road crew is not working. When the road crew is working, the area between Bird Woman Falls Overlook and Lunch Creek may be closed. Any closures will be marked and signed. The Road Crew Closure is typically in place Monday through […] SnowBrains | June 21, 2024 0 Comments
9,945′ Tioga Pass (SR 120), CA, Opens for the Summer on Monday, June 10 Effective Monday, June 10, all roads leading to Mono County will be open to road warriors seeking escape in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Tioga Pass will officially open on June 10 at 7 am, marking the full opening of the three high-elevation gateway passes that close each winter season and providing access to the pure natural wonder of California’s Eastern […] SnowBrains | June 9, 2024 0 Comments
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY, Opens Aerial Tram On May 18, Begins Summer Operations, and Offers Access to Backcountry Skiing Reactivation of “Big Red” Kicks Off Summer Activities In Jackson Hole Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) in Wyoming is pleased to announce that its world-famous Aerial Tram will be open to the public beginning May 18, marking the official kickoff for summer operations at the resort. Related: Jackson Hole, WY, Featured on Next Monopoly Game Edition Available Winter 2024 Built […] SnowBrains | May 14, 2024 0 Comments
Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, CA, Open from Northwest Entrance to Devastated Area California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway 89 from the northwest (Manzanita Lake) entrance to the Devastated Area parking lot is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 11. Sunny skies are in the forecast. Visitors can enjoy spring activities in the Manzanita Lake area or spring snow conditions in the Devastated Area or the southwest area of the park. “The park […] SnowBrains | May 10, 2024 0 Comments
8,736′ SR4 Ebbetts Pass, CA, Is Now Open for the Summer Caltrans District 10 announced yesterday that 8,736′ SR4 Ebbetts Pass is now open for the summer. There is lots of world-class backcountry skiing accessible from Ebbetts Pass. “#EbbettsPass Caltrans reopened Ebbetts Pass today (5/09/24) at 2:00PM. District 10 Camp Connell & Woodfords Maintenance Crews did a great job clearing SR-4 this season!” – Caltrans District 10 The pass closed for […] SnowBrains | May 10, 2024 0 Comments
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