Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – It was gusto from the get-go. Diana, my longtime Italian ladyfriend, charged her last run of an ace morning on the grand ski slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, firing expert turns down a chute called Eye of the Needle, so named for the rock formation one threads at the top of … … Continue reading Italian Ski Fling
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
Golden (BC), Canada – I really remember just a few snapshots from the collision… a sharp voice shouting from behind me… something big moving from left to right in front of me…and my friend Greg’s hands protecting his face as he watched the spectacle from the passenger seat. It seemed as though we’d tagged … … Continue reading Kicking Horse: Skiing Adventure in the Canadian Rockies
Girdwood, AK – Since the early 1990s, Alaska’s Chugach range has become legendary for long and steep helicopter ski runs in a deep maritime snowpack. Most operators are based in Valdez, and the risk of poor weather and limited visibility leading to repeated no-fly days is well known. I was therefore attracted to Alyeska … … Continue reading North by Northwest: Skiing Alaska’s Alyeska Resort & Chugach Powder Guides
Eden, UT – We stopped at the bottom of the bowl to look back up the hill. Four tracks, just four, stretching skyward for over 1,000 vertical feet…and only four of us standing there to witness our handiwork. That, folks, is the essence of Powder Mountain, a little known deep snow nirvana perched high … … Continue reading Powder Mountain: Skiing Below the Radar
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
Taos Ski Valley, NM – Taos Ski Valley is perhaps the last major North American ski resort still operated by its founding family. Swiss immigrant Ernie Blake developed this tough and remote area after World War II and succeeded in creating a unique ambience via small European-style family lodges and personalized service, particularly the … … Continue reading Taos, New Mexico: A Ski Resort Guide