Sun Valley, ID – El Niño made for a late start to winter in both the East and many parts of the West in 2006-07. As usual we had our ski trip planned months in advance, and some worry set in as travel dates drew near. Without any bounteous snowfall on the horizon by February, … Continue reading Skiing and Opulence Combine at Sun Valley
Crystal Mountain, WA – Virtually unknown to skiers outside the state of Washington, Crystal Mountain is a local’s ski area with world class terrain and copious amounts of snow. With more than 2,300 acres spanning 3,100 vertical feet in-bounds (2,612 feet lift-served), and an avalanche controlled backcountry more than doubling it’s acreage, Crystal Mountain ranks … Continue reading Crystal Mountain, Washington: Undiscovered World-Class Gem
Mt. Baker, WA – A late start to winter with a dearth of snow and snowmaking temperatures in the eastern U.S. made for tough times for the die-hard eastern skier in the early part of the 2006-2007 ski season. Desperate times meant desperate measures. With news of a snowstorm dropping 12 feet of snow on … Continue reading Baked at Baker
North Creek, NY – I first visited Gore Mountain during graduate school in the mid 1980s. The southern Adirondack ski and snowboard area felt like an intermediate local hill just north of the ever-growing Capital District surrounding Albany, with lots of crowds, long lift lines, and a lack of challenging terrain. For most of the … Continue reading More at Gore: Skiing in the Southern Adirondacks
Rossland (BC), Canada – We left central New York with over a foot of snow on the ground and a forecast for a warm week ahead, a perfect time for a western ski trip. The mountains of British Columbia have captured my heart over the past few years and keep me coming back to explore … Continue reading Red Resort: Warm Canadian Hospitality
Nelson (BC), Canada – Let’s just put this into simple terms: a day spent with Valhalla Powdercats in the Valhalla Range of British Columbia ranked amongst the very best days of skiing ever experienced in my entire 32 years in the sport. Snowcat skiing, while not as luxurious as heli-skiing, is still a gratifying way … Continue reading Nirvana in Valhalla
Nelson (BC), Canada – Are you looking for a ski vacation that is a little different than the usual? One that’s unlike any you may have ever taken in the United States to the resorts of Colorado, Vermont, Utah or Tahoe? Maybe one that does not involve mega-resorts and condos, or even high speed chair … Continue reading Whitewater: Ultimate Powder Paradise