Lake Louise (AB), Canada – It’s been said somewhere that your chances of scoring powder or otherwise exceptional conditions on an advanced-booked destination ski trip are, at best, in the 35% range. Based on the 25 cross-country or transatlantic expeditions I’ve made over the past six seasons, that figure seems to be about right. Like … Continue reading Late-Season Paydirt at Lake Louise
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 ski … Continue reading Taos, New Mexico: A Ski Resort Guide
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
Telluride, CO – The unique experience that is Telluride starts before the airplane wheels touch down. At 9,078 feet, Telluride Regional Airport is the highest commercial airport in the continental United States. Usually, flights reliably end with a descent into the destination airport. Not this one. No descent, no ears popping, just a gentle, level … Continue reading Telluride: Unique Town, Unique Skiing
Big Sky, MT –Upon my return home to Summit County, Colorado from Montana, I was hit with a bit of culture shock. While driving at turtle speed through the typical traffic jam in Breckenridge, I had plenty of time to glance up at the overcrowded ski slopes above me. People swarmed like ants, and not … Continue reading Moonlight Basin, Montana: Go Away
Big Sky, MT – Southwestern Montana’s Big Sky ski and snowboard resort was founded by legendary news anchor Chet Huntley, and for 20 years it appealed mainly to low intermediate skiers and those attracted to nearby Yellowstone National Park. The construction of the Lone Peak tram in the 1990s, however, brought lift access to some … Continue reading Big Sky and Moonlight Basin, Montana: The Sum of Their Parts