• How To Use Your Multi-Resort Ski Pass This Summer

    How To Use Your Multi-Resort Ski Pass This Summer
    What good is a ski pass in the summer? Pretty good, actually. Many of the major multi-pass programs, like the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass, include perks that apply to the warmer months.
    These perks, which range from comped bike park tickets to free days at participating golf courses, may sway your decision-making process as you think about which multi-pass is right for you. Several passes also include access to ski resorts in the southern hemisphere, surely satisfying skiers in pursuit of keeping th
  • Yosemite Ski Area Opening Delayed, but 50+ Inches of Snow Is In the Forecast

    Yosemite Ski Area Opening Delayed, but 50+ Inches of Snow Is In the Forecast
    Yosemite National Park's ski area, Badger Pass, is in for a heck of a week!
    Like many other parts of northern California, Badger Pass has seen a slow start to the 2025/26 winter season. Originally, the ski area planned to open fon December 13, however that opening day was pushed back to the 19th, and subsequently the 26th, due to lack of snow. On December 10, the date was pushed back again to January 2, 2026, but with the update that ski patrol training was underway in anticipation of opening da
  • UDOT Is Finally Doing Something About Little Cottonwood Canyon's Ski Traffic

    UDOT Is Finally Doing Something About Little Cottonwood Canyon's Ski Traffic
    It's no secret that ski traffic in Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon has gotten a bit out of hand in the last few years.
    The never-ending line of cars winding up the canyon has earned the nickname the 'Red Snake' and has become a pain point for Wasatch skiers. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has proposed a number of solutions to the Red Snake, with varying degrees of support from the community.
    On December 17, 2025, UDOT announced a new plan to improve travel and reduce traffic in Lit
  • Black Mountain, an Affordable Hidden Gem, Shows Off New Ski Trail Map

    Black Mountain, an Affordable Hidden Gem, Shows Off New Ski Trail Map
    New year, new me. Black Mountain, a small ski area in Maine, is showing off a new trail map created by volunteers who poured “countless hours” into the project. In a social media post, the ski area thanked Nicole Carey for her mapping skills, alongside fellow contributors Keith Killian, Jeff Marcoux, and Lee McKay. See the updated map below.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
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  • Is the Ski Season Saved? Massive Snowfall Inbound for California and More

    Is the Ski Season Saved? Massive Snowfall Inbound for California and More
    A wet, active pattern is expected to continue through December 27, 2025, but snow is eventually expected to fall at ski resorts across California, Utah, the Northern Rockies, and the peaks of the Pacific Northwest.
    The weekend, December 20-21, 2025, starts with relatively warm storms in California and Utah, producing deep but denser snow at times, while Whistler in British Columbia stays cold enough for consistently higher-quality turns.
    By Wednesday into Friday of next week, the Sierra will fli
  • Crystal Mountain Is Finally Opening, but Parking Reservations Are Going Fast

    Crystal Mountain Is Finally Opening, but Parking Reservations Are Going Fast
    After a memorably messy introduction to winter—featuring pouring rain and damaged highways—Crystal Mountain, Washington, is making a comeback, perhaps faster than anyone expected.Thanks to colder temperatures and new snow, the ski resort popular among Seattle area skiers has confirmed a new opening date, with a caveat: Crystal Mountain has capped the number of parking reservations available, and they’re required seven days a week. Given the pent-up demand, the allotted par
  • Introducing 'Summit OG', POWDER's Sun Grown Cannabis Collab

    Introducing 'Summit OG', POWDER's Sun Grown Cannabis Collab
    POWDER is stoked to announce our collaboration with California sun-grown cannabis company Humboldt Family Farms (HFF) and embarc dispensaries.Officially launched last week, 'Summit OG' is an exclusive mix of HFF's indica-dominant strains 'Grapelicious' and 'Black Water OG'. The packaging is beautiful, featuring a bourbon-style decorative case and a unique jar that includes POWDER's original magazine cover from 1972/1973.Packaged at 14 grams and nearly 28% THC, Summit OG is the ultimate way to un
  • Where's The Snow? In Revelstoke, Canada, Apparently

    Where's The Snow? In Revelstoke, Canada, Apparently
    Earlier this year, I visited Revelstoke, British Columbia, for the first time and quickly fell in love with the charming town and gorgeous scenery. While I wrecked myself mountain biking on the way there, and didn't really get to enjoy much of their mountains, I saw enough to put it high on the list for a winter trip.
    I know now that Ullr, or the universe, or something, was baiting me. While I wait for winter to truly arrive in the Pacific Northwest, Revelstoke (Revy) is getting absolutely hamme
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  • Dreaming of a White Christmas? Here's Where Snow Is Expected

    Dreaming of a White Christmas? Here's Where Snow Is Expected
    Skiers, perhaps more than anyone else, appreciate a white Christmas.
    Sure, they might be opening packages and spending time with their family on the holiday itself, but once those obligations pass, they’re jetting off to the mountains as soon as they can.This year, with wet and warm weather souring the start of the ski season in many places, a white Christmas is more desirable than usual. Thankfully, a turn in the forecast is signaling that some skiers—and snow fans—might be re
  • Earthquake Rocks Alaskan Mountains With Mile-Long Landslides and Destruction

    Earthquake Rocks Alaskan Mountains With Mile-Long Landslides and Destruction
    On December 6, 2025, the St. Elias mountain range was hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Canadian Yukon/ Alaska border.
    According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake's epicenter was roughly 230 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Hundreds of aftershocks were recorded following the initial quake, with the largest measuring 5.7 in magnitude.
    There was no Tsunami warning with the quake and, luckily, no immediate reports of damage or injury,
  • Supreme Launches Ski Collaboration With Popular Brand, Sells Out Instantly

    Supreme Launches Ski Collaboration With Popular Brand, Sells Out Instantly
    Supreme—the brand associated with skateboards and hype-beasts—is officially selling skis.The planks, built by Völkl, were part of Supreme’s latest drop and include the brand’s unmistakable logo on their topsheets and bases. One set is bright red. The other set is covered in black and white camouflage.Check out the photos of the skis below. Continue reading for more information on these hype-beast planks.The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a
  • Après-Ski, Without the Ski

    Restaurants, bars and hotels have gone full après-ski, hold the skiing.
  • A Hot Pink Carousel Touches Down in Switzerland

    Plus: Norwegian ski sweaters, an antique-filled hotel in Jakarta and more recommendations from T Magazine.
  • Close Call: Japanese Snowboarder Dodges Bear in Tense Video

    Close Call: Japanese Snowboarder Dodges Bear in Tense Video
    If you ever needed a reminder that we’re temporary guests—not residents—at ski resorts, let this be it. Who are the real homeowners? The wildlife, like birds, deer, and, yes, bears.In a widely shared video, professional snowboarder Makoto Kuroki chronicled a close bear encounter on the slopes around Hakuba, Japan, the popular winter destination brimming with ski resorts. Kuroki’s footage caught the bear seemingly mid-charge. Thankfully, the snowboarder was already on
  • British Columbia and Alberta Ski Resorts Are Blanketed by Snow, Again

    British Columbia and Alberta Ski Resorts Are Blanketed by Snow, Again
    British Columbia and Alberta are racking up big snow totals, while parts of the Western US are just starting to spin lifts in the next two weeks.
    Last week, much of interior BC got walloped by snow right in time for resorts like Kicking Horse, SilverStar, and Whitewater to open for the season. Over the weekend and beginning of this week, the border of Alberta and BC got even more snow. Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and parts of BC have been beneficiaries.The Purcells and surrounding area have see
  • Major Ski Access Road Could Remain Closed for "Months" in Washington

    Major Ski Access Road Could Remain Closed for "Months" in Washington
    Washington state's Highway 2, which connects the popular ski resort Stevens Pass to the broader world, will be closed for “months,” according to Governor Bob Ferguson, as the state picks up the pieces amid a period of intense flooding.The road has already been closed for several days between Skykomish and Leavenworth, casting more uncertainty on Stevens Pass’ ski season, which was already off to a rough start: the mountain, like others in Washington, hasn’t opened yet bec
  • Lindsey Vonn's Secret Weapon? Her Coach.

    Lindsey Vonn's Secret Weapon? Her Coach.
    “Good turns, C’mon Lindsey, roll with and work all of the terrain,” were the encouraging words shouted by Aksel Lund Svindal, moments before Lindsey Vonn shot out of the start house at this past Sunday’s super-G race, in St. Moritz.The 41-year-old Vonn was hot off her first World Cup victory in more than seven years and pursuing a third consecutive podium on the Corviglia course at the glamorous Swiss ski resort. With slightly less magic in her performance on this day, Vo
  • This Freestyle Skier’s Latest Video Left Us Seriously Confused (in a Good Way)

    This Freestyle Skier’s Latest Video Left Us Seriously Confused (in a Good Way)
    Have you ever done a backflip and landed with your legs crossed, as if you were sitting in an armchair?
    In the unlikely event that you answered yes, you’d be in good company with Pierre Rochat, a maestro of skiing witchcraft who operates under the social media moniker @till_i_break_it. There are echoes of Andy Parry’s “wizard tricks” or Vincent Gagnier's creative grabs in Rochat’s skiing, but points of reference are rare. Rochat combines butters with a dizzying
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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