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 | March 7, 2024 1 Comment
Jay Peak, VT, Report: Pushing Myself Over the Edge on the Face Chute Report from Sunday, February 25th, 2024 Out of all of the East Coast resorts, Jay Peak is the one where I end up most. It’s diverse and challenging terrain, from steep groomers off the Jet Triple to tight glades like Timbuktu and Beaver Pond to its extreme Face Chutes directly under the tram; whenever I show up to Jay, I […] Conditions Report Liam Abbott | February 28, 2024 1 Comment
Why is That Tree Covered in Bras and Beads at the Ski Area? Every ski resort seems to have that one tree covered in bras, beads, boots, panties, and whatever people choose to toss on it. Many refer to it as the “panty tree.” There have been conflicting reports that debate when, where, and why panty trees came to be, so today, we must try to piece together the puzzle. Our earliest theory […] Brains Luke Guilford | February 5, 2024 5 Comments
Eldora, CO, Report: Weekend Warriors Arrive Report from January 21, 2024 The Resort Eldora is located about 45 minutes from Denver. On IKON boasting 1,400 vertical feet, 680 acres and 10 lifts, it’s a smaller hill for Colorado. But close to Denver and offers great terrain. Skiing We started the morning in Kremmling, CO, and made the drive to Winter Park for a few laps (and […] Conditions Report Brett Ploss | January 25, 2024 0 Comments
Alta Ski Area, UT, Planting Over 12,000 Native Plants This Summer Alta Ski Area, Utah, has always been a big advocate environmental conservation, but this summer, Alta Environmental Center is taking it to the next level by planting more than 12,000 native plants in- and around the ski area. Since 2008, Alta Environmental Center has been advising on and performing conservation efforts in Little Cottonwood Canyon, in an effort to preserve […] Industry News Tyler Hatch | July 14, 2023 0 Comments
The 9 Most Challenging Ski Resorts in North America Some people love the steep and deep. The challenge of big vertical, black diamonds, moguls, cliffs, and glades. For advanced skiers looking for something formidable, this list of the most challenging resorts is for you. #9 Palisades Tahoe, CA Palisades Tahoe is known for its legendary terrain. Deep powder, steep chutes, and big bowls give advanced skiers plenty of challenge. […] Brains Brent Thomas | June 27, 2023 3 Comments
The Top 9 Resorts for Tree Skiing in North America As you near the top of your chairlift ride, you undoubtedly start to think about what run you will go down. Do you want to rip a groomer? Find some untracked powder? Or maybe burn your quads on the moguls? But if you want an added challenge, perhaps it’s time for a tree run. Related: The 9 Best Independently Owned […] Brains Brent Thomas | March 6, 2023 7 Comments
Kelly Canyon, ID, Report: Fluffy Powder Through the Bowls, Trees, and Groomers Brought to you by Visit Idaho and Ski Idaho Report from Thursday, February 23, 2023 Snowboarding at Kelly Canyon today was the best possible way to cap off my road trip. The day was defined by mellow vibes, chill terrain, and DEEP snow. The resort operates on a unique schedule, so I didn’t show up until noon and still got the first chair […] Conditions Report Jesse | February 24, 2023 0 Comments