Copper Mountain, CO (March 2002) – Peeling back the curtains, a kaleidoscope of light patterns played upon the otherwise pitch-dark slopes above the new village, emanating from a series of high-powered projectors perched atop 30-foot high wooden poles. Further up the mountain, snowcats purred as they prepared the features in the terrain park. Below, the … Continue reading Mining Copper
Beaver, UT – It was an eerie quiet. As the sun descended into the cleft of Beaver Canyon, I was the only known person within 20 miles. Literally. n Granted, it was a Sunday night. It was still somewhat surprising, however, that I was the only overnight guest at southern Utah’s Elk Meadows Ski & … Continue reading Elk Meadows: Living In Your Own Private…Utah
Brighton, UT – Each of Utah’s four Cottonwood Canyons resorts – Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton – has its own unique character and spirit. For skiers only, Alta exudes charm through its exceptional terrain and throwback culture. Snowbird delivers steeps, snowfall and creature comforts on a grand scale. Solitude provides just that – lots of … Continue reading Brighton: Where Utah Learns to Ski
Avon, CO – Pass through the town of Avon, cross the Eagle River on the bridge named simply "Bob," and you’ll soon know something’s up. If you somehow miss Beaver Creek’s Reception Center, you’ll know right away because a security gate will prevent you from going any further. n Huh?? A ski area that’s actually … Continue reading Beaver Creek: Dee-Luxe
Bromont (QC), Canada – It seems that small dogs don’t understand their size. What other explanation could there be for a Chihuahua that attacks a Rotweiller? You’d think that the little guy would pick his fights more carefully, but he doesn’t. The fur on his back rises, and he stands his ground. The Rotweiller, recognizing … Continue reading Ski Bromont: The Chihuahua
St.-Philémon (QC), Canada – It was around 10:30 p.m. when I pulled into the tiny pastoral village of St.-Philémon, Québec. René Godbout, Massif du Sud’s general manager, was convinced that I would never find my condo in the dark, and therefore made arrangements to meet me in the parking lot of the hamlet’s only gas … Continue reading Massif du Sud: A Personal Stash
Mont-Tremblant (QC), Canada – When ski resort conglomerate Intrawest purchased Québec’s Tremblant resort in 1991, it bought a mountain largely thought to be past its prime. A true ski history mogul, Tremblant had fallen on hard times and was floundering financially. It’s amazing what a measly little $800 million will do! n All of this, … Continue reading Tremblant: Music For the Masses