• How I learned to make and sleep in a Swedish snowhole – at minus 30C

    Kevin Rushby saw a way to fulfil his childhood dream with an adventure company in Sweden – but could he ski into the snowy wilderness on a twisted ankle?One British childhood winter experience remains the same, despite all the changes of the past century. It’s the one where you gaze out of the window, mesmerised by the falling snow, and start fantasising about building an igloo or a snow cave, then sleeping in it overnight. A few fortunate kids get to follow that up, but for most the
  • More Than 2 Million Ski Visits a Year: Idaho’s Snow Economy Is Bigger Than Many Realize

    More Than 2 Million Ski Visits a Year: Idaho’s Snow Economy Is Bigger Than Many Realize
    Since the 2020-21 ski season, Idaho’s ski resorts have exceeded two million skier visits each year, according to a new report commissioned by Ski Idaho, a local nonprofit association also known as the Idaho Ski Areas Association (ISAA).The report, similar to those released in other states by ski industry groups, covers the economic contribution of skiing to Idaho’s economy.It chronicled a mostly steady rise in ski visitation across The Gem State, with a peak of 2.5 million skier visi
  • Ski Area Near Denver, Colorado Pauses Operations To "Preserve Snowpack"

    Ski Area Near Denver, Colorado Pauses Operations To "Preserve Snowpack"
    Echo Mountain, a small ski area near Denver, Colorado, has paused operations just after opening due to “unseasonable weather conditions.” The ski area, which first opened for the season on December 13, 2025, announced earlier this week that it would close between Monday and Thursday (Dec 15-18), with plans to reopen on Friday, December 19. In doing so, Echo Mountain hopes to preserve its snowpack.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you
  • Four Backcountry Skiers Needed Help in Stowe. Here’s What They Did Right.

    Four Backcountry Skiers Needed Help in Stowe. Here’s What They Did Right.
    Earlier this month, Stowe Mountain Rescue, a team that serves the ski town of Stowe, Vermont, drew media attention when it revealed that unprepared skiers and snowboarders were being lured into the backcountry by enticing TikTok videos.Now, in a social media post on December 14, 2025, the rescuers are sharing the steps a group of four skiers took after getting lost in the snow around Stowe Mountain Resort. “They had several good things going for them,” Stowe Mountain R
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  • Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Heli-Skiing—How To Ski Canada's Northern Powder Highway

    Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Heli-Skiing—How To Ski Canada's Northern Powder Highway
    I rolled the dice to risk a week of skiing Alta Ski Area’s reliable snow (last season) for the chance to bag a day of heli-skiing in Golden, and ski at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. I hit the snow jackpot.Here’s where to ski, sleep, and eat on a weeklong trip along Canada’s Northern Powder Highway.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your fr
  • Forecasters Reveal When La Niña Could Finally Fade

    Forecasters Reveal When La Niña Could Finally Fade
    The climate phenomenon closely watched by powder hounds everywhere, La Niña, is still here, but it should last for only a month or two more before disappearing early next year.That’s according to the Climate Prediction Center, which, earlier this month, released an update on the status of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—the three-part pattern that includes La Niña. According to the Climate Prediction Center, La Niña is expected to contin
  • The Skier Who Built the Coolest Ski Brand You’ve Never Heard Of

    The Skier Who Built the Coolest Ski Brand You’ve Never Heard Of
    What makes a "core" skier? I'd say, it depends on who you ask.
    In the broadest sense, though, it's a person who truly dedicates themselves to the culture, the craft, and the artfulness of skiing. It's more than just someone who hangs out at "cool" ski areas, wears the trendiest outerwear, or portrays themselves a certain way in media–it's someone whose life revolves around skiing and whose aim is to shape the sport's future.By that definition, I'd say Laurent De Martin (LDM) is absolutely
  • 60 Inches of Snow Forecasted Out West—Is Winter Finally Here?

    60 Inches of Snow Forecasted Out West—Is Winter Finally Here?
    A strong, multi-wave storm pattern will drive frequent snowfall across the Western United States and Canada through Sunday night, December 21, 2025, with the biggest overall totals in the Pacific Northwest, but there are limited storm chasing options because most resorts in this set remain closed.
    The best open midweek powder target is Banff Sunshine, Alberta, on Wednesday, with Whistler also delivering a meaningful refresh and improving snow quality as snow levels drop late week.
    In the Norther
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  • The Best Pair of Ski Gloves Don't Cost $200, They Create Memories

    The Best Pair of Ski Gloves Don't Cost $200, They Create Memories
    This story originally appeared in the print magazine POWDER 2026 Photo Annual. Copies are still available while supplies last. Click here to get yours.Tough EnoughThe snus-lipped Norwegian looked down at my hands and asked, "Are you wearing garden gloves?" As we shuffled our way through the haphazard Argentinian lift line, I responded by lifting my straightened fingers. “These?” I said, “These are Tough Guys.” “They look like something my grandmo
  • Avalanches Broke Free at Two Unlikely Ski Areas This Week

    Avalanches Broke Free at Two Unlikely Ski Areas This Week
    Avalanches aren't a threat to skiers at Wild Mountain, Minnesota, but as the ski area reported over the weekend, they can happen when conditions align.An avalanche occurred on 'The Wall,' the ski area's only double-black diamond trail, on December 14, 2025. Wild Mountain posted an aerial photo of the avalanche debris with an explanation of how the slide occurred.Did Mother Nature dump copious amounts of snow on Wild Mountain to trigger the slide? Did a ski patroller from a western resort acciden
  • Scott Ends Telemark Boot Production, Leaving Free-Heel Skiers Scratching Their Heads

    Scott Ends Telemark Boot Production, Leaving Free-Heel Skiers Scratching Their Heads
    Just like they mellowly carried on producing telemark boots for the better part of thirteen years, Scott Sports is quietly leaving free-heel behind. As of mid-November, telemark consumers began reporting that Scott customer service was divulging that the brand had ceased producing telemark boots. And Scott USA winter sports brand manager Jacob Quirion confirmed as much, saying also over email that “there are currently no plans for new product development in this category.” That
  • Banff Ski Resort Lake Louise To Open 200 Acres of New Terrain This Week

    Banff Ski Resort Lake Louise To Open 200 Acres of New Terrain This Week
    Just weeks after the start of the season, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta, is preparing to unveil 200 acres of brand-new terrain alongside an accompanying lift this Wednesday, December 17.Dubbed the Richardson's Ridge expansion, the swath of slopes includes beginner and intermediate trails, serviced by the Richardson’s Ridge Express, a high-speed quad. The area is found in Lake Louise’s Back Bowls, where the Ptarmigan and Paradise lifts already deposit skiers atop largely advanc
  • Skier Poll: How Often Should You Buy New Skis?

    Skier Poll: How Often Should You Buy New Skis?
    The POWDER Weekly Poll is back, and after long discussions with the Department of Polls and Skier Opinion, we’ve decided to build on the momentum of our latest vote.Last week, we asked skiers how many pairs of skis they own. The resounding answer? Three to five pairs, indicating that most respondents had a sizable, but not ostentatious, quiver. Now, we’re looking at that question from a new angle: how often do you buy skis?It’s a simple query
  • Best Ski Accessories of 2026, As Recommended By Our Testers

    Best Ski Accessories of 2026, As Recommended By Our Testers
    Powder aims to feature only the best products and services.If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Getting kitted out for ski season isn’t just about finding the perfect outerwear, skis or boots. Completing your kit involves finding the right accessories to keep you comfortable and performing at your best throughout the season. Lucky for you, we've been testing all manner of accessories for skiing, and here's a list of some of our favorites from the past year.&n
  • Skiers May Not Be Surprised by NOAA’s Snow Drought Update, but It Still Hurts

    Skiers May Not Be Surprised by NOAA’s Snow Drought Update, but It Still Hurts
    Skiers closely watching the forecast won’t be surprised to hear this news: according to NOAA, much of the West faces a snow drought as the 2025-26 season gets underway.The agency shared a screenshot of a map published by the National Resources Conservation Service covered in red markers, indicating a lack of snow. The map catalogs snow water equivalent (SWE) totals—the measure of the amount of water contained in the snow pack—and in almost every basin being measured, the S
  • "17 Inches of Water" Reported at Stevens Pass Ski Area Amid Washington Floods

    "17 Inches of Water" Reported at Stevens Pass Ski Area Amid Washington Floods
    Another staggering stat has emerged from Washington’s ski resort industry, which has faced heavy rain and continued opening day delays in the past week as the state tangles with the aftermath of serious floods. Stevens Pass, a popular haunt for Seattle area skiers, saw 17 inches of water over a five-day period, according to a recent social media post. Stevens Pass noted that, thankfully, the resort remains “in good shape,” but communities on both sides of Stevens Pass
  • Holiday Valley: Miles to Powder

    In Western New York, I earn my miles. Between work during the week and recreation on the weekends, a lot of life happens on rural roads. My car has been incredibly reliable, carrying me to countless trailheads and ski areas over the years. On the way to Holiday Valley, I hit a milestone as the odometer rolled over to 333,333 miles. Triple threes, on a ski day, headed into the hills? That felt like a good omen. For the second » Read More »
    The NYSkiBlog: NYSkiBlog.com
  • The Best Number of Skis To Own, According to 4,500 Real Skiers

    The Best Number of Skis To Own, According to 4,500 Real Skiers
    Welcome, welcome, welcome. The hardworking scientists at POWDER’s Department of Polls and Skier Opinion have returned with another trove of insightful results.
    This time, the eggheads asked the skiing masses about how many tools they need to get the job done. The results, while hardly shocking, might help you better understand your fellow skier. Have you amassed more skis than others? Are you getting by with a smaller quiver than most?Find out below.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Lo
  • The 6 Best Snowmobiling Destinations in the U.S.

    The 6 Best Snowmobiling Destinations in the U.S.
    Snowmobiling is like the motorized, rural cousin of skiing. It's still a winter sport, and you can still make pow turns, but that's about where the similarities end. However, there's a significant crossover population between the two sports, and lots of places you can do both.
    Whether you're one of those snowmobilers who can't remember the last time they clicked into a pair of skis, a skier who uses a sled for deep backcountry access, or a complete novice, there's a handful of fantastic sled des
  • I Tried Surfskating to Prep for Winter—and the Results Surprised Me

    I Tried Surfskating to Prep for Winter—and the Results Surprised Me
    Powder aims to feature only the best products and services.If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.I've been skiing for nearly 30 years, and I this has easily been the least snowy early season I can remember in over a decade. A snow report this week from JHMR read: "Rise and shine, Jackson. One more wet inch fell on the upper mountain over the past 24 hours, but we're now poised to enjoy our first solar rays of the season as sunshine and clouds prepare to dance across
  • The 6 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. for a Girls' Trip

    The 6 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. for a Girls' Trip
    As much fun as it can be to ski with the guys, sometimes, you just need a girls' ski trip.
    You can ski all the gnarly lines and deep pow you want without any of the usual testosterone, and then hit the spa on your rest day. A girls' trip isn't necessarily going to be better at one resort than another, but rather, an all-girls trip is special in itself.
    However, there are definitely a few ski areas that are easier to get to than others if you're planning with your long-distance buds, and there's
  • Looking for Powder? These Are the 8 Best Places to Ski in December

    Looking for Powder? These Are the 8 Best Places to Ski in December
    If you’re a skier, you’ve likely heard the news by now. Some mountains are enjoying a speedy introduction to winter; others aren’t. This season, in particular, the divide feels more dramatic. In the Northeast, over a hundred inches of snow have fallen at places like Jay Peak and Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont. Meanwhile, across the West Coast, from California to Washington, loads of popular destinations haven’t opened yet. The problem? You guessed it: warm temperatu
  • Our 25 favourite European travel discoveries of 2025

    The most exciting places our writers came across this year, from untouched islands in Finland to an affordable ski resort in Bulgaria and the perfect Parisian bistroOn a midsummer trip to Ireland, I saw dolphins in the Irish Sea, sunset by the Liffey, and misty views of the Galtee Mountains. The half-hour train journey to Cobh (“cove”), through Cork’s island-studded harbour, was especially lovely. As the railway crossed Lough Mahon, home to thousands of seabirds, there was wate
  • Ski Mountaineering at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics—Everything You Need To Know

    Ski Mountaineering at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics—Everything You Need To Know
    Cameron Smith of Team USA in action during the Sprint Race during the 2025 ISMF Ski Mountaineering World Championships Sprint Race on March 6, 2025 in Monthey, Switzerland.FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty ImagesWhat Is Ski Mountaineering?Ski Mountaineering, or SkiMo as it is often referred, will make its much-anticipated debut as the newest Winter Olympic sport at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.Olympic SkiMo will bring together 36 competitors (18 men, 18 women) competing for t
  • Telluride Ski Patrol's Contract Negotiations Are Heating Up

    Telluride Ski Patrol's Contract Negotiations Are Heating Up
    Telluride Professional Ski Patrol's contract negotiations with the resort's parent company, Teleski, have reached a critical point.
    As the ski area opened for the 2025/26 ski season earlier this month, its ski patrollers officially started work without a contract.
    The union then announced that it rejected Teleski's most recent contract offer on Thursday, December 11, 2025.Keep reading for more.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here
  • National Weather Service Issues Warnings as Widespread Snow Hits Multiple States

    National Weather Service Issues Warnings as Widespread Snow Hits Multiple States
    Widespread cold and snow are set to hit several states across the northern half of the United States ahead of the weekend, where the National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories, advising of slick roads and challenging travel conditions.The band of chilly weather stretches from eastern Montana through West Virginia, also including the Dakotas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, too, face National Weather Servic
  • The Professional Skier's Guide To Whitefish, Montana

    The Professional Skier's Guide To Whitefish, Montana
    Sponsored StoryWhen Parkin Costain was young, he had a ski routine he called “dishwashers.”He’d find a dense clump of trees, which weren’t uncommon at his home resort of Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana, and ski straight through them. Did he ever get taken out by the trees? Nope. “I was pretty good with my line choice,” he said. Costain maintained that skill into adulthood. Now a globetrotting professional skier, he’s appeared in Teton Gravity Res
  • Washington Ski Season Delay Continues, but Hope May Be on the Horizon

    Washington Ski Season Delay Continues, but Hope May Be on the Horizon
    As a period of heavy rain and flooding passes through Washington, the outlook for local skiers is looking grimmer—and wetter—with resorts revealing that, no, the chairlifts won’t be spinning this weekend.Still, cooler temperatures could start to turn the season around as soon as next week.Keep reading for more.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.Mission Ridge's Mimi
  • Snowmobiler Rescued After "Very Large" Avalanche Buries Them in Montana Backcountry

    Snowmobiler Rescued After "Very Large" Avalanche Buries Them in Montana Backcountry
    In the backcountry near Cooke City, Montana, a snowmobiler was fully buried for between 12 and 15 minutes after being caught by a “very large” avalanche, but survived, according to local avalanche forecasters.The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center first encountered and reported the slide on Thursday, later learning more details about the buried snowmobiler.The Center said that the snowmobiler was wearing an avalanche transceiver and riding with a partner, but it isn’t kn
  • American Ski Legend Lindsey Vonn Claims Historic Victory in Switzerland

    American Ski Legend Lindsey Vonn Claims Historic Victory in Switzerland
    Another chapter has been added to the fairytale comeback story of American ski racing legend Lindsey Vonn.On Friday, she sped down the downhill course in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and, with the fastest time of the day, won and set a new record—on a reconstructed knee, no less. Vonn, 41, is in her second season after exiting retirement with dreams of competing at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. With the win in Switzerland, she became the oldest skier ever to win a World Cup race.

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