Finding the perfect flight often feels like a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with an invisible algorithm. However, while airlines use complex data to hike prices, you can use the same logic to bring them down. By shifting your strategy from “buying a ticket” to “hacking the system,” you can save hundreds of dollars on your next adventure. Here are 10 essential tips for finding cheap flights.

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Posted from Wandertrivia

Below are 12 practical, travel-tested tips to help you pack less, stress less, and move more freely, whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure.

Before you even open your suitcase, write a list based on what you’ll actually do on the trip. Think in terms of activities and settings: walking all day, dinners out, beach time, chilly evenings; rather than vague categories like clothes or toiletries. This helps you avoid packing ‘just in case’ items that never leave the bag.

Once your list is done, trim it. Challenge each item with one simple question: Will I realistically use this? If the answer is “maybe,” it probably stays home. A shorter list upfront saves you from overpacking later.

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Reposted from Wandertrivia

Most of us have that one little blue book tucked away in a “safe place”, the spot we swear we’ll remember but always seem to forget up until the last minute before heading to the airport. When we finally find it, we do the same thing every time: flip straight to the first two pages. Those opening pages do far more than just list your name and photo. They’re filled with codes, hidden symbols, and subtle markings that help verify your identity and prevent fraud. Here we’ll decode the secrets behind those official-looking details tucked inside your passport.

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By Jane Sandwood

Some things in life are fleeting: snow melts, kids grow, parents get gray hairs. But skiing isn’t one of those things. It’s a recurring family ritual where generations collide on slopes and in lodges, creating memories that outlast frostbite and overpriced hot cocoa alike. But why does this matter beyond the Instagram‑ready snow shots? Why does repeatedly dragging your increasingly uncooperative teenager onto a slope actually keep families more connected across decades? Here’s the heart of it: skiing creates shared challenges that forge stories, cultivates traditions that become emotional anchors, and invites every age to participate in the same adventure. If you’ve ever watched a grandfather cheer on his granddaughter’s first snowplough turn or seen siblings laughing mid‑après ski, you know: there’s meaning here.

Shared Challenges, Shared Stories

There’s something almost absurdly unifying about nearly freezing toes, confusing trail maps, and the universal humiliation of falling on your rear end in front of strangers. Yet these shared challenges bound families in a way that quiet Sunday dinners can’t. When you face something a little hard—say, learning the difference between a pizza and a French fry on skis, in blizzard conditions, at 8 a.m.—you also create stories that get retold. Later, at birthdays or holiday dinners, those stories become the currency of family lore. “Remember when Uncle Greg face‑planted into the snowman?” isn’t just a funny line; it’s shorthand for “we survived that together.” Each shared challenge adds another thread to the family tapestry. Importantly, that tapestry doesn’t unravel over time, it gains layers. Kids grow up hearing about “the trip when Dad got stuck upside-down on the ski lift and waved like a maniac for help,” and suddenly that lift story means something—it’s proof that even grown-ups can be a little ridiculous, and that laughter is a family tradition.

Keeping Everyone Involved

One of the sneakiest benefits of skiing culture is that it invites every age to stay active, more than just physically. Research on winter activities for older adults shows that engaging in seasonal pursuits—everything from gentle indoor snow experiences to festive outings and low‑impact winter movement—doesn’t just improve balance or cardio, but it actually boosts social interaction and psychological well‑being. When seniors have reasons to be part of a family’s vacation rhythm, they don’t sit back and watch, but participate. Grandparents helping with ski school routines, offering encouragement from the lodge, or taking part in alternative snow‑related fun feel valued, seen, useful.

Rituals, Continuity, and Emotional Anchors

If you think about traditions as emotional bookmarks, skiing offers remarkably durable ones. Early breakfasts, trail‑side lunches, that one restaurant you keep returning to because “it just feels like us” — these rituals morph into touchpoints that signal: this is our time. They provide continuity in lives that otherwise spin in rapid, disjointed circles of responsibilities. These rituals matter because human beings are wired to cling to meaning. When a kid who once couldn’t stand in skis becomes the one adjusting their parent’s bindings, that’s a passing of the torch—a moment of generational flip that feels significant. It’s not engineered; it’s organic, and it loops back into deeper familial trust and belonging. Skiing gives families a recurring rhythm, something to anticipate and remember. Whether it’s renting the same cabin, racing down the same bunny slope, or indulging in the same absurdly expensive mulled wine, these repeated acts become emotional anchors. They remind us that no matter how crowded life gets with work, school, or mundane chores, there are spaces where we come together, breathe together, and remember why we opened up our hearts to one another in the first place.

More Than Snow and Sport                                                                Skiing, with all its glory and ridiculousness, gives you shared challenges, meaningful activity for all ages, and traditions worth returning to. And yes, you might end up with sore muscles and questionable tan lines, but you’ll also walk away with something far warmer: connections that stretch across decades, generations, and maybe even grudging teenage smiles.

Julia Schneemann | September 26, 2025

The death of Italian ski racer Matteo Franzoso during a downhill training run in La Parva, Chile, has unleashed a wave of grief and a growing chorus of demands for change in how the sport—and specifically the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) manages risk. Franzoso, 25, died September 19 after a high-speed fall during downhill training—an accident that has sharpened scrutiny on training tracks, safety infrastructure, and the responsibilities of not just the Italian Ski Federation FISI, but also global organization FIS.

Earlier this week, the skier’s body was flown home to Italy and honored at a funeral in Sestriere, where he had grown up and first learned to ski. In the week since, athletes (past and present), coaches, and advocacy groups have spoken with unusual urgency about what must change if ski racing is to avoid more tragedies. It is the fourth death of a young athlete during training in the last 12 months and the third on the Italian team.

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Reposted from SnowBrains

“This is going to change the way people see Sundance in more ways than one.” – Sundance COO Czar Johnson.

New Chairlift a Major Addition to the 2024/25 Ski Season

Sun Peaks, BC, October 22, 2024 – Sun Peaks Resort will soon be launching the much-anticipated West Bowl Express, a high-speed, detachable quad chairlift that will transform the upper reaches of Tod Mountain. A project three years in the making, the chairlift marks a significant enhancement to the resort’s on-mountain experience, replacing the old West Bowl T-bar and more than tripling the skiable terrain accessible in the West Bowl zone.

The $12 million investment by Sun Peaks Resort LLP underscores the company’s commitment to providing world-class skiing experiences. The West Bowl Express Chairlift, from leading lift manufacturer Doppelmayr, will give skiers and riders faster and easier access to 169 acres of terrain—up from 54 acres directly serviced by the previous T-bar. The new lift stretches 800 metres longer than its predecessor, reaching an elevation of 2,093 metres at the new top terminal location, making it the highest elevation chairlift at Sun Peaks.

“The West Bowl Express provides improved access to higher elevation ski terrain, which could arguably become some of the most sought-after intermediate slopes on the mountain, paired with some of the best views,” says Erik Meertens, Senior Director of Mountain Operations and West Bowl Chairlift Project Manager. “We’ve worked tirelessly with our in-house team, as well as local contractors like Newport Structures, Northwood Group, and Summit Electric, alongside Doppelmayr, to bring this vision to life. Everyone is excited to see our guests back in this zone utilizing the new lift, and to hear their feedback.”

The new lift offers a 5.5-minute ride with 80 carriers (chairs) and an initial capacity of 1,800 people per hour. The top terminal location provides expansive views and direct access to the newly extended 5 Mile green run, connecting skiers back to the broader Tod Mountain trail network. The bottom terminal, at 1,780m, features the first carrier parking rail in Sun Peaks, where the chairs will be stored overnight out of the inclement weather and potential for rime (a type of frost) that are common at higher mountain elevations.

The West Bowl terrain, which features primarily blue (intermediate) runs, is expected to be a popular choice for a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. The new West Bowl inset trail map is now available for guests to view, showcasing the new and improved zone. One of three new trails—Whyte’s Ryde—is a tribute to Donald Whyte, a surveyor and one of the original Tod Mountain founders. Whyte, along with five other visionaries, accessed the West Bowl in 1959 by horseback and saw the future of skiing on Tod Mountain.

The West Bowl Express Chairlift represents the eighth quad lift at Sun Peaks and is poised to become a signature feature of the resort’s lift system. In addition to enhancing and improving access to the upper reaches of Tod Mountain along with its neighbouring lifts, the Crystal and Burfield quads, it builds Sun Peaks’ reputation as a premier ski destination, known for providing both exhilarating terrain and family-friendly skiing experiences.

“This project is a game-changer for the resort and our guests. Our goal as we move forward has always been to enhance the on-mountain experience,” says Darcy Alexander, CEO. “With the new West Bowl Express, we’re not just replacing an old lift—we’re expanding the possibilities for skiers and riders of all levels.”

Sun Peaks Resort invites media and guests to experience the West Bowl Express Chairlift this winter. The lift is set to be operational by the start of the 2024/25 season on November 16, weather depending. Be sure to explore the new trail map and plan your adventure in Sun Peaks’ enhanced West Bowl zone.

West Bowl Photo & Video Assets: Click here

NEW West Bowl Inset Trail Map: Click here

Updated Winter 24/25 Full Trail Map: Click here

About Sun Peaks Resort: Sun Peaks is a resort community in the heart of British Columbia and a year-round destination for guests in search of a welcoming and stress-free mountain experience. In winter, it boasts the second-largest ski area in Canada and is consistently recognized as one of the top ski resorts in North America. In summer, Sun Peaks offers a wide range of activities including an 18-hole golf course, lift-access downhill and cross-country mountain biking, hiking trails and a year-round lineup of events. Sun Peaks is recognized for its environmental policies and practices and was the first resort in North America and the only resort in Canada to earn the ISO 14001 designation for environmental management.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact:

Christina Antoniak
Director of Communications
Sun Peak Resort LLP
P: 778-694-6565
E: cantoniak@sunpeaksresort.com

by Mike Whitaker

ID One is a newcomer to the freeride world and they’re making a big splash. This very dedicated Japanese manufacturer is renowned for their World Cup mogul skis and there’s little argument that they are among the world’s best.

Two new boards, a 98mm under foot (JPOW98) and a 125mm under foot (JPOW125), are both superb in their own rights. And why not? ID One is a company that doesn’t make compromises. Their attention to innovative design, construction, and detail is commendable.

The JPOW125 is bred for deeper days and it rips. This is a standout ski in the category and you don’t need to be a superhero to love it. The JPOW125 only comes in 188cm, yet it is easily maneuverable, amazingly versatile, and enjoyably light weight. For those who point ’em’ and let them fly, this ski is FUN. It’s the skis’ precision and well-balanced reactiveness that first caught my attention; that and its ability to manage varying conditions with speed and ease.

Not everyone has the luxury of a chopper at hand, or the time to trek to remote places. We troglodytes must trudge through a resort to get to the goods. The JPOW125 is surprisingly manageable inbounds. The amount of camber it carries will catch your eye and it pays-off on-piste. Camber delivers greater and quicker edge engagement on the packed, and gives welcomed stability and control. The 125 draws into  turns nicely and delivers a respectable transition into the next.

I especially enjoy the 125’s camber/energy benefit in the deep snow. The JPOW125 caters to advanced and beyond skiers by nature. Anyone riding this ski will naturally have it loaded as they zip through the soft. It’s really fun and often advantageous to get the extra boost when the skis are released, whether it be into the next turn or over the ledge. How does the ski land? It’s 125mm under foot with a rockered tip, albeit relatively mild. The minimal tail rocker is even less pronounced and there’s good stiffness back there too. It lands and zooms away just fine, delivering both confidence and getty-up.

The skis are among the lightest in the big mountain category. Swing weight is of no concern here. And there’s no worry with the skis’ soundness either. The skis’ build-up is a proprietary secret. However, I do know the ski is a wood core, carbon fiber hybrid. One thing for certain is that the JPOW125 is built to the highest standard of performance.

For the more inbounds western-states rider, take the JPOW98 for a spin. This ski is akin to a fine sports car and it does a whole lot of things very well. Just like its big brother, it’s the skis’ reactiveness that grabs you. So many skis these days are literal slouches, not the JPOW98.

The JPOW98 is as good on the harder side of the hill as it is in the soft. Big dividends come from the skis’ wood core, carbon fiber construction, and its nearly full-camber profile. Such a profile is mostly absent among today’s all-mountain freeridrers.

Bumps is one place where these 98mm waisted boards show uncanny ability. I rode the 184cm and there is no other near its “wow” factor. This all-mountain ram charger changes its nature as it engages the snow with superb steering and tremendous confidence. The ski rips and, to borrow another’s expression, it is pinned to the snow.

Eighteen plus inches of fresh blessed the slopes of Snowbird while test spinning these racy little rockets and the JPOW98 made fun work of it. They did so in the after chop too. A tapered tip with just the right amount of rocker delivered all of the float needed without compromising the skis’ liken to be driven down the hill. The 98 carries camber nearly all the way to the very tail, where sidecut tapering and a rapid rise tail upkick take over. The amount of camber towards the tail speaks that the ski will not release easily in the pow. This is simply not true with the JPOW98.

Needless to say the JPOW98 is also the bomb on-piste. The skis roll into the turn with ease and precision, yielding to superb grip and rapid transitions. Tapered tips and tails give way to a rather aggressive sidecut delivering a variety of confident snappy turn shapes. This is the same technology as in multidimensional sidecuts, like the popular 3-D and now 4-D radius sidecuts.

The JPOW98 is lightweight, maneuverable, and powerful. Overall, the ski rips and is a top shelf everyday quiver ride for advancing intermediate skiers onward.

A Skis’ Width Says a Lot

by Mike Whitaker

If you want to know what a ski is designed to do, look at its waist width first. This midsection measurement is one of the more important considerations when choosing a ski. Waist width tells the story of what a skis’ intended use is. It may be a full floater for deeper days. It may be a screaming carver for slicing up the hard packed and corduroy. It may be an easy rider for beginners. Or it may be just the right ski you’re looking for?

The general rule and the place to start focusing your horizon is 90mm and below for packed conditions and 90mm and above as the snow gets deeper. Skis with narrow waists, generally 90mm or lower, make quicker turns and are better suited for carving on hardpack. Skis with larger waist, generally 90mm and above have more float, provide better stability, and easier turns when you head off the groomers.

The next determiner in the search for the perfect width is what type of terrain will the ski be used on?  If you’re headed out for a heli trip then 110mm plus underfoot. If you’re riding on and off-piste inbounds in places subject to big dumps like Utah, go 100mm to 110mm. If you’re seeking a do-it-all one ski quiver, look no farther than 90mm to 100mm for the West and mid 70s to mid 80s for the East.

An East – West consideration is a good benchmark. Most everyone understands hard snow in the East, soft in the West. This equates to going to the wider side of the intended use for the West.

Casual recreational skiers, us socialites who seek the apres ski scene and enjoy the pristine corduroy of Deer Valley, we head for mid 70s to low 80mm range regardless of East/West orientation. Racers and tip-em and rip-em junkies will be in the mid 60s to low 70s underfoot. So will serious bumpers who will dip into the low 60mm waists. Keep in mind that race oriented skis and performance mogulers are speciality considerations.

Ability is another important width factor. Beginners through advancing intermediates benefit from a narrower ski. Narrow sided skis are easier to control, advance learning better, and just more enjoyable for this target group. They are more nimble, more responsive, and take less effort to initiate a turn. And it’s easier to learn and perfect carving on a narrow ski.

Narrow Skis – Frontside Carvers, Racers, and Progression Skis

For beginners to intermediates, these skis hover in the upper 70mm waists and are soft to bend. They are lightweight, easy to turn, and forgiving of mistakes.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are race skis. These skis are in the 60mm waist range and are designed for one purpose: to rip. They are powerful, unforgiving, and fast. Racers are finely tuned athletes with legs of steel that can bend and control these merciless rockets.

In the middle of the narrow group lie skis that linger in the mid 70mm to mid/upper 80mm waists. These boards encompass a wide range of abilities from advancing intermediates to superheroes. The narrower they are the quicker they are edge to edge and the tighter they turn. The stiffer they are the faster they go and the more unforgiving. They begin to offer some float as they become wider, better managing the occasional venture off-piste. They are not, however, built for powder days and you’ll be much happier opting for something wider.

Wide Skis – Powder Performers

At about 104mm and up in the waist, these boards excel in the soft and deep. They’ll handle chop, mashed, and crud too. These skis are maneuverable and are becoming easier to ride and more versatile, opening up the back bowls and side gates to even intermediates. Many sport midsection camber and hold a respectable edge on harder conditions but not without some extra work and technique. They’re highly focused towards the soft, thus they are not generally considered an everyday rider. However, if you haunt places like Alta, Kicking Horse, or a heli camp, these are everyday riders.

Mid Fats – The Boards In-Between

These are skis with waists from the mid 80mm to 100mm or so. They are designed to tackle everything fairly well and that they do. From pristine corduroy, to powder, and everything in-between these are the everyday, all-mountain go-to sticks. They’ll carve with confidence. Float a foot or better of fresh. They wield chop, crud, and even bumps.

Those that spend most their time on-piste, occasionally venturing off, will look towards the narrow side of this group. This also holds for those who need Eastern ice performance and those who are progressing. Soft snow seekers will look to the wider side. They’ll benefit from the added float and powder stability.

Whether you’re looking for an East Coast performer or a Western States slayer, skis in this group make a greater part of the mountain more accessible for everyone.

Bumpers

Contrary to what many influencers say, the best mogul performers are narrow. World Cup athletes ride skis near 60mm underfoot. Us mortals also benefit from a narrow ski when it comes to a mogul ride. As skis have become more versatile, boards upwards of 90mm have become very manageable in the bumps, even fun. Still, go narrow if bumping is your thing. Look to the 60mm waist range if you’re a zipperline ninja. Go to the mid 70mm/80mm range for a more human ride and more versatility out of the bumps.

Bumps are fun but a lot of people struggle here. Usually, it’s the wrong ski – skis that are too wide, too long, too stiff. Stick to skis on the softer side with an early rise tip rocker. They should be about nose high and not too much sidecut. And for heaven’s sake, run the other way when someone recommends a mogul ride that’s 95mm in the waist.

Confused by the recent introduction of multi-radius wizardry? You’re not alone. Start asking questions and you’ll quickly get a variety of differing views. To get a good handle on what this new buzz can do for us, it’s important to understand the design characteristics that make a ski turn. At the forefront is a ski’s sidecut. Sidecut refers to the way the right and left side of the ski are shaped. It’s the hourglass curvature we see when the ski is lying flat on the ground.

Sidecut determines the type of the turn the ski is designed to make and that lets us know in what conditions the ski likely performs best. Sidecut is measured in millimeters (mm). These dimensions are generally printed on the ski in the following format: 132-84-120. The first number represents the tip width. The second is the waist(underfoot), and the third is the tail. 

The difference between the widest points (tip and tail) of a ski and the narrowest (waist) tell us how the ski will turn. Skis with a large differential will make tight turns, such as when a ski’s dimensions are 134-84-120 there is a 50mm difference between the tip and the waist. Skis like this are known as short radius. Skis with a lesser differential like 134-104-120 make longer turns, and these skis are known as long radius. The greater the differential from tip and tail towards the waist the tighter it will turn and vice versa.  

Click here to see how sidecut helps us turn. 

Ski length is a critical variable in relation to sidecut. Manufacturers generally do not alter dimensions for different lengths. Short lengths have greater curvature (deeper sidecut) and will turn tighter than longer lengths where the sidecut is elongated by lengthening the ski. Therefore, a ski in one length will perform differently than the same ski in another length, sometimes distinctly differently.

Sidecut also plays into stability. Long radius sidecuts (elongated curvatures) offer more stability, especially when the ski is running flat (straight) and in conditions like powder, chop, or crud. This comes with a caveat. While longer radius sidecuts initiate and exit turns more smoothly, offering more stability, they make wide sweeping turns and gain speed quickly. Short radius sidecuts deliver quicker, tighter turns and better manage speed control. However, they are often quirky, squirrely, and harder to control when running flat, in powder conditions, or crud.

There’s another reality to how a ski turns. The turning character that we experience when we swoosh down the piste is additionally ruled by the terrain and our ability. 

Skier ability is a biggie. Applying the right angulation, pressure, and rotation to get the desired turn while maintaining control and confidence is historically learned from countless hours of experience. But the masses of skiers don’t have countless hours to learn this. Nor do they desire to own a quiver of short and long radius skis to tackle each specific terrain condition they may encounter. And why do they have to if technology can step in, aiding things along and making the whole skiing experience more enjoyable? 

The quest of ski brands is to produce a ski that performs across a variety of terrain and conditions while being able to serve varying degrees of ability. The latest piece of this puzzle lies within a new trend in sidecut technology. These skis have multiple radius values printed on their topsheets, generally three, and now even four.

Blending multiple radii into a ski’s sidecut is nothing new. As the first carving skis hit the snow in the 1990s, it was quickly discovered that the new hourglass design could be taxing outside of groomed trails. Even on groomed runs some of these skis proved difficult to release out of a turn. Designers countered by altering sidecut curvature. 

Still most skis remained focused upon a single turn radius for a long time. We increased edge angle and pressure while adding more rotation when we wanted to turn tighter than the intended radius. Making a short turner like a slalom cut go long takes some finesse, as these skis need to be feathered. All of this requires refined technique. With the onset of rocker technology, ski designers began to get creative and start mixing things up. We quickly learned that a one act show just isn’t as fun, nor does it have the versatility.

Sidecut is taking a leap forward with multi-radius applications. This evolutionary technology is looking at how sidecut can better relate to camber, rocker, pressure, and flex to create fun, confidence, and control in relation to terrain and ability.

What we get is a more easily attainable variety of turn sizes and shapes combined with enhanced stability and control. When the ski is running flat or slightly on edge it is running on the longer tip and tail sidecuts yielding confident stability, easy turn initiation and exit, and smooth sweeping turns.

As we tip into higher edge angles and naturally build pressure at the center of the ski, the long radius sidecuts give way to the midsection (waist) short radius where tighter turning is accessed. And voila, we’re ripping beautiful tight carves on the same ski.

Moving into the next turn, the midsection radius eases back into the benefits of the longer radius tip and tail. This all happens rather intuitively and is smoothly unnoticeable. Overall, the ski is very predictable and offers a wider variety of performance over traditional sidecut technology.

There’s a host of wins happening here. Short radius sidecuts require less effort to maneuver and react faster. The ski becomes more responsive and agile when the midsection radius is engaged. The resulting shorter, quicker turns are helpful with speed control and in tight spaces like trees and narrow runs.

Maneuverability is key in moguls. But a short radius carver can be tricky. Meshing a long radius sidecut into the tip eases turn initiation and inhibits the ski from hooking into a deep carve, throwing us off balance and racing out of our intended path. Tossing-in an elongated tail radius makes it easier for everyone to release into the next turn and it helps stabilize the ski while doing so. 

Zipping through pristine powder among legendary back bowls favors long sweeping stable turns. So does the chop and crud that follows. The path of enjoyment in these types of terrain and conditions are not high edge angles and tight turns. It’s a more direct path of shallower edge angles that engages the smooth and steadfast tip and tail radiuses. Limiting edge angle to these same long radius sidecuts on groomed or packed surfaces serves up confident edge grip and energy transfer for dynamic GS turns and higher speeds. And should you find yourself in imminent need or just be in the hanker for a quick turn, all you have to do is tip to engage the underfoot. Multi-radius sidecuts literally conform on demand.

The sidecut combination is generally short radius in the midsection with longer radiuses in the tip and tail.  The blending of multi-radius sidecuts is the result of a long progression of trial and error and they haven’t always worked so well. A few skis are the opposite with long in the midsection and shorter in the tip and tail. These are mostly powder oriented freeriders and they can be hooky.

 Three radius technology has been an effective integration for the past few years on skis from brands such as Volkl, Atomic, and Fischer. A four sidecut technology is now being introduced. The idea is to tighten up the sidecut transitions for quicker tip engagement at higher edge angles for more aggressive skiers without compromising versatility and ease of handling, and it works. Volkl’s new 4D Radius Drive delivers a ski with noticeably more performance for seasoned skiers without diminishing approachability or efficiency to advancing riders. You’ll find Volkl’s sidecut wizardry on the new Mantra M7, the Secret 96, the new Blaze 104, and the Blaze 94 for the 2024-2025 model year.

 Volkl and others like them are onto something. What a vast majority of skiers seek is a do-it-all ski. They’re looking for one that they can hop on and feel confident on the first day of their vacation, one that will (within reason) take them from the groomers to the powder and everything in between, and one that will stay with them as they progress. There’s a golden ticket in developing skis that do a lot of things well across a variety of terrain and conditions and that cater to a broad swath of ability all in one package.

Keep in mind that multi-radius sidecut alone does not achieve the level of performance we’re speaking of here; that it happens in conjunction with a finely tuned coalescence of flex, camber, and rocker. It’s the whole package that achieves this level of performance. And there are skis in the marketplace that employ similar sidecut technology that are not branded as multi-radius, but I suspect some soon will be.

Confident control across the spectrum of terrain and conditions once required a plethora of refined techniques in angulation, pressure, steering, and body positioning. And it took a quiver of skis. That’s just not the case any longer. Ever evolving ski technology is doing a ton for us and sidecut is a critical element. Multi-radius helps us superiorly tackle more of the mountain and the various terrain conditions that come along. Don’t hesitate to give the new multi-radius boards a spin. They’re fun, approachable to a range of abilities, and deliver a lot of performance.

U.S. Resort Operator to Create Largest Ski Area in South America

Published May 10, 2024

SAMANTHA BERMAN

The majestic and sprawling Tres Valles region of the Andes—7,000 skiable acres that stretch as far as the eye can see—is home to some of the best skiing on the globe. The region’s three ski resorts of Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado are close enough to ski between but operated by different entities. Until now.

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Reposted from Ski Magazine

Report from Monday, February 5, 2024

We live in the age of mega passes that allow skiers and riders the opportunity to visit many different mountains throughout the season. There are different types of choices to select from deciding which pass to choose, ranging from national to regional options. The Indy Pass offers skiers the opportunity to visit over 180 resorts, on three continents, with two days at each resort. One thing all skiers love about the Indy Pass is that it supports independent resorts, which keeps the history and essence of skiing alive. 

One of those resorts on the Indy Pass is Montage Mountain located in the Pocono Mountains and is right off of Interstate 81 just outside of Scranton, PA. It first opened in 1984 with seven trails and expanded in 1987 and added its North Face Complex for an expert-only ski/board area. It now has 27 trails and claims to have the second steepest vertical slope in the east with its signature trail, “White Lightning.” 

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Posted from SnowBrains.

by Paulie | February 12, 2024

Brought to you by Taos Ski Valley

An all-time winter skiing or snowboarding getaway is waiting for you at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico.

Home to North America’s sole full-immersion camp, Ski Week at Taos is a standout program at a premier mountain paradise where you’ll cultivate the skills to slide right into skiing like an absolute legend.

Taos founder and all-around mountain-man icon, Ernie Blake was dipping his ski tips beside hosen-clad downhillers across the European Alps when he first noted the special brilliance behind the concept of a Ski Week. Ernie knew straight away that to transplant Ski Week to Taos Ski Valley was a recipe for success. All he needed was the ‘magic ingredient’ and it arrived in the form of Jean Mayer.

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Posted from SnowBrains.

Small towns reclaim abandoned ski areas as nonprofits

By BRITTANY PETERSON

CUCHARA, Colorado (AP) — It’s been the longest wait, their whole lives, in fact. But Race Lessar and Landen Ozzello are finally right where they want to be, on a snowy slope close to home, molding snow into a ski jump.

Their local ski mountain just reopened.

“I’m happy that it’s open for at least one year,” Lessar said. It opened as a nonprofit, and that may be the key. “I didn’t know that there was a hope,” he said.

His ties to the mountain are so close, he’s practically named after it. His dad used to race here and named his son for what brought him joy. Chad Lessar first skied on hand-me-down gear and later worked summers at a nearby ranch to earn money for more nimble racing equipment.

“We’ve never been very rich,” Chad said of Huerfano, one of the poorest counties in the state. “It’s nice to see a little area open up on the cheap,” he said. The ski runs here are short, but the fact it’s affordable just might be enough to keep it up and running.

The STRIDE organization held a ski competition in Massachusetts that was open to all kids and adults with disabilities. NBC News’ Kate Snow reports on how those who are physically or visually impaired have been preparing to compete.

STRIDE’s Great Race, a competitive Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Race, is an entry level competitive event for disabled skiers & riders from across the Northeast. 

An inspiring day of individual victories and monumental successes realized on the race course at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA.  The event is open to all adaptive skiers of any age, skill level, or disability.

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Posted from NBS News

The Best Time of Day to Fly to Avoid Cancellations, According to New Data

It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

I bet you didn’t know that 10th Mountain Division veterans started at least 62 ski areas in the USA.  10th Mountain Division vets even started Vail and Aspen.

“After the war, ex-soldiers from the 10^th Mountain Division fired-up America’s modern ski industry. They published ski magazines, opened ski schools, and established ski areas, including Vail, Aspen, Sugarbush, Whiteface Mountain and others. At least 62 ski resorts have been founded, managed, or employed head ski instructors that were 10^th Mountain Division veterans.” – thestormking.com

The 10th Mountain Division.  That name is legendary in the ski & snowboard industry, but not many know much about these guys. I’ve looked into this group and have been blown away by what they did during the war and what they did for skiing in the USA.  In light of recognizing Veterans Day today, I’d like to share some basic information about the legendary 10th Mountain Division and what they did for us in war and in peace.

The 10th Mountain Division trained in various places from 1943-1944, including their base at Camp Hale (9,200 ft near Leadville) in Colorado and at Cooper ski area.   Mountaineering experts Jim & Lou Whittaker (first American to summit Everest & founder of Rainier Mountaineering Inc., respectively) were hired to train these men in Camp Hale and on Mount Rainier, WA.  The 10th trained hard to live, sleep, climb, ski, and fight on snow in the harshest conditions.  During maneuvers, the 10th would lay down their skis on the snow, throw their double sleeping bags on top of that and call it good for the night.  This training created some of America’s strongest soldiers, and they were called on to prove it.

In late 1944 the 10th was shipped to Italy, fought courageously against the Nazis in many battles, and saw 114 days of combat.

After World War II, many 10th Mountain Division warriors came home to the USA and continued skiing.  10th Mountain Division veterans started much of the US ski industry. It’s valid to say that the USA’s ski industry would never have become widespread without these warriors.

The 10th Mountain Division still fights on today.  The 10th has been involved in both the Afghanistan & Iraq wars since 2001, and they’re still out there.

Every time I see that 10th Mountain Division sign on highway 89 in Lake Tahoe, I think of these guys and what they did for our country and for skiing. Thank you to the 10th and all of America’s warriors.

The 10th Mountain Division in WWII:

– Arrived in Italy on January 6th, 1945 & immediately entered combat

– Fought in the roughest terrain of Italy during WWII

– Saw combat in  Cutigliano, Battle of Monte Castello, Monte

Della Torraccia-Mount Belvedere,  Canolle,  Mongiorgio, Torbole and Nago.

– 992 killed in action

– 4,154 wounded in action

– 114 days of combat

– 1  Medal of Honor (John D. Magrath)

– 3 Distinguished Service Crosses

– 1 Distinguished Service Meda

– 449 Silver Star Medals

– 7 Legion of Merit Medals

– 15 Soldier’s Medals

– 7,729 Bronze Star

– The division was awarded two campaign streamers

 The goal was clear: defeat the Nazis who were entrenched high in the snowy mountains of Italy. Drawing together an elite group of champion skiers, mountain climbers and European mountaineers, the U.S. Army created the 10th Mountain Division, America’s only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit. From the intensive training atop the Colorado Rockies to the spectacular night climb of Italy’s Riva Ridge – where the 10th scored their biggest victory against Hitler’s troops – Fire on the Mountain tells the thrilling story of these rugged, courageous men in all their glory. – Fire on the Mountain Movie

MORE 10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION INFO:

by Wikipedia

The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) is a light infantry division in the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. The division is a subordinate unit of the XVIII Airborne Corps. Originally constituted as a unique mountain warfare unit, the division was the only unit of its size in the US Army to specialize in fighting in mountainous and arctic conditions, thus earning the division the “MOUNTAIN” tab. Today, the division retains its “mountain” designation for historical purposes and is organized as a light infantry division.

Originally activated as the 10th Light Division (Alpine) in 1943, the division was redesignated the 10th Mountain Division in 1944 and fought in Italy’s mountains in some of the roughest terrain in the country. Following the war, the division was deactivated, reactivated, and redesigned as the 10th Infantry Division in 1948. The division first acted as a training division and, in 1954, was converted to a full combat division and sent to Germany before being deactivated again in 1958.

Reactivated again in 1985, the division was designated the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) to historically tie it to the World War II division and better describe its modern disposition. Since its reactivation, the division and/or elements of the division have been deployed numerous times. The division has participated in Operation Desert Storm(Saudi Arabia), Hurricane Andrew disaster relief (Homestead, Florida), Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope (Somalia), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), Operation Joint Forge (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo), and several deployments as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (Sinai Peninsula). Since 2001, the division and its four combat brigades have seen over 20 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, respectively.

Suicide Six Pilgrimage

March 16, 2022

by Brownski

The second coolest thing about Suicide Six is it’s name. Suicide Six. It sounds gnarly and dangerous. According to legend, it got its name when the original owner was contemplating moving his rope tow from a smaller, low pitch parcel across the road. Somebody looked at the steep face of hill number six and declared that trying to ski it would be suicide. That’s a great story.

The coolest thing about Suicide Six is that it’s where lift served skiing began in the United States, all the way back in the nineteen thirties. It’s the site where the engine from a Model T Ford was re-engineered into a rope tow for the first time – in the United States at least.

I’ve had the intention to at least stop by and check the place out for a long time. Since it’s on the Indy Pass, I’ve felt the pull of the place even more the last few years. Something always gets in the way. This year, I made a plan to take a few days off during my older son’s school break in March. We would take advantage of the Indy Pass to visit ski resorts we hadn’t been to before.

I planned out an epic five day loop of New Hampshire and Vermont. Like always, events intervened. It turned I was needed at home on Saturday and in Albany on Friday. Just like that, the plan morphed into two and a half days of skiing instead of five.

READ MORE

Posted from NYSkiBlog.com

It’s Been 29 Years Since Hollywood Made a Great Ski Flick and I’m Getting Impatient

The Science of Bootfitting

Aunika Skogen

January 28, 2022

Bootfitting is a science. Each foot is a unique recipe of measurements, and a good boot fitter, like a scientist, will combine that information to find your “sole-mate.” Ski boots are the most important piece of gear to invest in when it comes to ski equipment. And a great knowledgeable boot fitter will help build the perfect foundation for you to ski comfortably and efficiently all day. Nick Manely is one of those boot fitters. He’s been a boot fitter for ten years now, helping hundreds of skiing enthusiasts find their perfect match.

• Related: How To Choose The Best Ski Boot For You

First, an analysis of your foot is done based on measurements, including the length, width, instep, and volume of your foot. All of this information creates a unique recipe that influences what brand, flex, and style of boot will fit your foot, like a glove. Even your calf will impact how a boot will fit. Boots are the foundation of your skiing. Your ski day can be cut in half without proper support or fit.

The most important characteristic of a proper fitting boot is that it fits tightly enough to become one with your foot. Picture a bouncing basketball, like the ball your foot and boot capture and recycle energy generated by skiing. A good boot fitter’s goal is to find a boot that will become one with your foot to efficiently reuse that energy all day.

Since the boot and your foot will act as one, your skis will have a more precise reaction to movement, whether you’re carving up the groomers or ripping through a mogul field. By recycling the energy generated in each turn, your body will have to work less and be rewarded more. As a result, skiing will become easier as you will have a precise connection with your skis. Boots do not have to be painful – happy feet equals happy skiing. According to Nick, the perfect boot should be comfortably tight, just shy of a “Pink Floyd” boot, comfortably numb.

Nick explains how the most challenging part about fitting a boot is describing how a ski boot should properly fit and convincing the customer that it is their size. When a customer shoves their foot into a boot, and their toes immediately slam to the end, their first thought is it’s way too small. Because of this, 50% of boot fitting is purely psychological.

Footbeds also provide an essential amount of support no matter the arch. Even people with the flattest feet can benefit from a footbed, as it allows for support for your foot. With different options like custom footbeds customized to your feet or just drop-ins sized based on the arch, it can provide more natural support for your foot, allowing it to further become one with your boot.

Nick’s top 5 rules for a proper fitting boot:

1. 1. Make the boot one with your foot
   2. A complete surround sound fit; every part inside the boot should be touching the foot.
   3. Nothing should be in the boot except for your foot and proper fitting ski sock.
   4. Proper arch support; footbeds are necessary to build a solid foundation for your foot. Even those with flat feet need footbeds.
   5. Put the boot on when it’s warm. Don’t leave it in your car overnight the day before your trip or drive up to the mountain with it in the back of your truck.

There is a lot to account for when fitting a boot. But Nick recommends keeping KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid – in mind. Don’t overanalyze and trust your boot fitter. Most often, the first boot they bring out will be your perfect fit. They did a lot of “sole-searching” before bringing it out for you to try it on!

Posted from SnowBrains

The mysterious code means a passenger is flagged for additional—and sometimes invasive—TSA screening.

By Jack Bantock, CNN

January 20, 2022

Falling with style

In 2016, Italy’s Ivan Origone flashed down a run of the La Forêt Blanche resort in France, clocking an average of 254.958 kmph (158.42 mph) across his last 100 meters to set a new world record.

For perspective, the World Air Sports Federation states that the terminal speed of the human body freefalling in a stable, head down position is between 240 and 290 kmph (149.13 and 180.2 mph) — speed skiers are effectively plummeting through the sky.

Unsurprisingly, such descriptions dictate that, though skiing generally is wildly popular, speed skiing is very much a niche vocation — especially for British skiers, given the relative lack of snowy mountain peaks.

Yet Jan Farrell, Great Britain’s most successful speed skier of the century, is the exception to the rule.

READ MORE…

Posted from the Valley Reporter

Legendary Trail Map Artist James Niehues Announces New Original Work Collection

Clay Malott | October 5, 2021

For over 30 years, artist James Niehues has painted ski resort trail maps all around the world. Chances are if you’re a skier, you’ve seen his incredible work before. Niehues has drawn maps for over 200 resorts worldwide, including legendary mountains such as Jackson Hole, Whistler Blackcomb, and Vail.

On October 19, 2021, James Niehues will release his first set of 10 originals showcasing the breadth of his work spanning resorts across the United States, including select original paintings and sketches of Brighton, Mount Hood Ski Bowl, Northstar, Killington Pico, Okemo, and Heavenly. Two of the original works being released, Snowmass and Telluride, are some of the rarest works in Niehues’ collection, as they feature his early work with Snow Country Magazine from over 25 years ago.

Niehues also announced a collaboration with Wagner Skis, who will feature his art as graphics on their custom skis. 

“It is an honor to work with [James], someone whose art has been a part of so many skier and
snowboarders’ lives,” says Pete Wagner, CEO & founder of Wagner Custom Skis. “We’re excited
about the connection our customers feel to his iconic artwork and to their favorite ski
destinations, and that we’ll now be able to offer a Niehues design to further personalize their skis
like no other.”

In addition to releasing his originals, Niehues will also be making available a single, one-time-only digital non-fungible token (NFT) for Snowmass and Telluride Ski Areas with proceeds supporting the Colorado Snowsports Museum. Additional details will be available later this month.

Visit jamesniehues.com to view his incredible prior artwork and his original collection beginning on October 19.

Posted from SnowBrains