Tabla de contenidos para November 2015 en Powder

Powder|November 2015

ALL TIME

TEMPERATURES ARE COLD—IN THE SINGLE DIGITS TO LOW TEENS. AWESOME STORM TOTALS—A FAIRLY EVEN 16 TO 24 INCHES OF POWDER FROM THE OGDEN-AREA MOUNTAINS SOUTH THROUGH THE PROVO-AREA MOUNTAINS. —UTAH AVALANCHE CENTER ALTA , UTAH MARCH 4 , 2015 Eric Balken and crew were patiently waiting out the last dark, frigid half hour before the arrival of dawn, perched atop the ridgeline above Rocky Point. A rosy pink haze gradually illuminated low-lying clouds. Photographer Adam Clark admits that perhaps they should have been shooting, but it was so beautiful they just stood in awe as early streaks of light erupted into a golden glow, parting what remained of the fog-like clouds. Below them was an immaculate landscape of untouched snow. Amie Engerbretson and Sierra Quitiquit skied first, followed by Balken.…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

SKI 93

WE’RE STANDING ON THE EASTERN EDGE OF CANNON MOUNTAIN, 1,900 feet above Interstate 93 where it winds through Franconia Notch. After traversing windswept granite fields and an enchanted forest of snow-capped fir and spruce trees, we’ve arrived at the rocky outcrop containing the cannon-shaped boulder formation that gives the mountain its name. Across the notch, the broad, craggy expanse of Mount Lafayette emerges from clouds that have been spitting snow all day. Ten minutes ago we’d stepped off the tram and bundled up against the face- and toe-freezing cold and 30-mph winds whipping across Cannon’s 4,080-foot summit. Now we’re about to drop in to a network of trails on the mountain’s precipitous backside. They all have names, but none of them are on the trail map. I’m on the final…

9 min.

Powder|November 2015

The Problem with Fake Snow

THE MERITS OF ARTIFICIAL SNOWMAKING have been debated since the first fake flake covered a snowless ski trail in the 1950s. Although the environmentally questionable practice didn’t fully catch on in the U.S. until the 1970s, today it is commonplace throughout the ski industry. In fact, in 2015, it’s easier to single out ski areas that don’t use human-made snow as opposed to those that do, as almost 90 percent of all ski resorts in North America utilize the technology. Even Auden Schendler, vice president of sustainability at Aspen Ski Company—a resort that is commonly referenced as a leader in environmentally sensitive ski practices—believes in it. “It’s the price of doing business, a necessary evil,” he says. “You can’t operate in the modern ski world at the level we do…

5 min.

Powder|November 2015

LONG JOHNS

Hopefully your mom already told you not to wear cotton in the snow. Beyond that, what makes a quality baselayer? A few key rules a good pair of long-underwear must follow: wick away sweat and dry quickly; insulate your body heat; move like a second skin; and not smell like rotten cabbage after a week of use. For those of us who don’t shower every day, merino wool, with its natural anti-bacterial properties that keep the garment odor-free, is the most functional (and pricey). They’re basically really expensive underwear, but this layer—keeping you warm in the cold and cool in the warm—is essential to everything we do outside. 1 TREW WOMEN’S CHILL TOP $139 | TrewGear.com To launch its new line of baselayers, Hood River-based Trew Gear handpicked a strong,…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

MOUNT SHREDLY GNARKANSAS, USA

Voted the Lower Northern Intermountain Region’s Best “Mid-Sized” Resort in 2007, Mount Shredly is renowned for its rustic mountain elegance epic terrain decent skiing, relative affordability, and Taco/Tequila Tuesdays at El Bandito, a local restaurant that’s not exactly good but does serve cheap shots. Also, there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that the new Shredly Village at the base of Secret Canyon was built on an ancient burial ground. That’s just something the locals say to keep rents down. Rest assured there’s a sensible explanation for any “paranormal” phenomena you may experience while shopping for Native Americanstyle artwork or exploring the real-estate investment opportunities. TICKET PRICES $100 Two years ago we lowered the ticket price to $60 and charged $20 for a beer. There was some grumbling, so last…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

the QUIET FORCE

WEDNESDAY IS SKI DAY AT MAMMOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Which, for parents of kids in the program, means an added level of complexity on Wednesday mornings. Not only do the kids have to be in the car by 7:35 a.m., with lunches, homework, combed hair, brushed teeth, and snow boots on the correct feet, but they also have to have their skis, boots, poles, goggles, helmets, gloves, long underwear, jacket, ski pass, sunscreen, snacks, bib, etc. One missing item could mean a kid gets stuck in the lodge all afternoon with a teacher. Or that a parent has to cut out early from work to go pick the child up. On one such morning last winter, just as the first bell rang, Oscar Ayala (not his real name), dropped his kids…

17 min.

Powder|November 2015

ALTA UTAH

Alta Ski Area is known for its quality of powder snow, diverse terrain and amazing beauty. Offering skiing since 1938, Alta is one of three ski areas in the United States that does not allow snowboarding. Its traditions of developing powder skiing technique, servicing its guests in warm, traditional lodges and the quest to preserve a quality ski experience have made Alta a destination for those looking for an authentic experience. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 551” TICKET PRICES $89 VERTICAL DROP 2,020’ SKIABLE ACRES 2,200 NUMBER OF TRAILS 116 NUMBER OF LIFTS 7 PARKS AND PIPES N/A BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open gates NEAREST AIRPORT Salt Lake City International Airport (40 minutes away). LOCAL BARS PDog Bar @ Alta Peruvian; Sitzmark @ Alta Lodge; Saloon at Goldminer’s Daughter; Eagle’s Nest @ Alta’s Rustler…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

BRIDGER BOWL MONTANA

“A big mountain experience with a friendly locals vibe.” Organically grown and locally owned, this nonprofit resort is a skier’s paradise. Ridge terrain thrills adrenaline junkies with an impressive variety of steeps and natural features. On the flip side, mellow skiers have easy access to 500 acres of low-angle powder and groomers plus a place to warm up in the brand new Alpine Cabin. The college town of Bozeman, only 20 minutes away, provides great restaurants, music and entertainment. You will not find many, if any other, ski resorts quite like this Montana gem. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 350” TICKET PRICES $54 VERTICAL DROP 2,600’ SKIABLE ACRES 2,000 NUMBER OF TRAILS 75+ NUMBER OF LIFTS 8 PARKS AND PIPES 1 PARK BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Access zones and gates- indicated on map with…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT WYOMING

Jackson Hole was founded on a simple but bold idea: having courage and conviction in your dreams. Nearly 50 years later, Jackson Hole continues to evolve as the last true bastion for those to dare to live this dream. This winter, JHMR celebrates its 50th season and “Born to be Wild” spirit with special events and new additions to the mountain. Join us on December 19th for the grand opening of Piste Mountain Bistro and the new Teton Lift, offering an additional 200 acres of lift-access skiing and riding. Three new groomed runs and extensive glading will enhance the experience of classic Jackson Hole terrain. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 459” TICKET PRICES $110 VERTICAL DROP 4139’ SKIABLE ACRES 2500 NUMBER OF TRAILS 134 NUMBER OF LIFTS 13 PARKS AND PIPES 7 PARKS…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

SNOWBIRD UTAH

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort offers a unique mountain experience with 500 inches of average snowfall and 3,240 vertical feet of legendary terrain. This season, Snowbird is introducing over $35 million in resort improvements all designed to enhance the guest experience at Utah’s most accessible, yearround resort. Upgrades include The Summit at Snowbird, a renovated Cliff Lodge, increased snowmaking and RFID/smartcard passes. With a new facility at the top of the iconic Aerial Tram, featuring dining, retail and unmatched views of the Wasatch Mountains, it’s going to be the best season ever at The Bird. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 500” TICKET PRICES $98 VERTICAL DROP 3,240’ SKIABLE ACRES 2,500 NUMBER OF TRAILS 168 NUMBER OF LIFTS 13 PARKS AND PIPES 1 PARK BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY The Snowbird Ski Patrol Office has daily…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

SUN VALLEY IDAHO

Places like this are a rare find. It’s a place steeped in ski lore and legend. Founded by intrepid mountaineers. Home to people who are as real as the mountains, rivers and trails that surround them. It’s a place that’s unique because the people that live here make it, and it’s been that way since the world’s first chairlift was built on its slopes in 1936. It’s a place where growth and culture haven’t stripped away the true mountain experience. Today, 80 years later, legions of devoted skiers and boarders still embrace “The tradition”—a visit to Sun Valley. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 225” TICKET PRICES TBD VERTICAL DROP 3,400’ SKIABLE ACRES 2,154 NUMBER OF TRAILS 121 NUMBER OF LIFTS 18 PARKS AND PIPES 5 PARKS 1 SUPER PIPE BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Roped…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB BRITISH COLUMBIA

This winter marks Whistler Blackcomb’s 50th anniversary season. Originally opening for skiing in the winter of 1966, the resort has been going beyond to leave its mark on the ski industry since day one. From cutting-edge film shoots, to breaking Guinness World Records with the construction of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, to achieving its dream of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010, Whistler Blackcomb has many milestones to celebrate. There has never been a better time to check Whistler Blackcomb off your bucket list than this historic season. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 468” TICKET PRICES $125 VERTICAL DROP 5,280’ SKIABLE ACRES 8,171 NUMBER OF TRAILS 200+ NUMBER OF LIFTS 37 PARKS AND PIPES 5 PARKS 22’ SUPER PIPE BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open gate policy, with gates located on…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

CMH HELI SKIING CANADA

In 1965 our founder, Hans Gmoser, invented Heli-Skiing. Since then, CMH has staked out an exclusive 3 million acre region across 11 unique areas – amongst the best skiing mountains on earth. At onethird the size of Switzerland, our available terrain is large enough to be its own sovereign state with a wealth of untapped virgin powder fields and a chief export of euphoric skiing experience. What are you waiting for? Open the door to a lifelong obsession. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 470-780” VERTICAL DROP up to 7,000’ EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN 3 million acres YEARS IN BUSINESS 50 TYPES OF CATS/HELI ’S Bell 212, Bell 407, Bell 206 SEASONAL DATES Early December to the first week of May PRICE RANGE From $4,110 CAD to choose your own adventure. DOWN DAY ACTIVITY Day long…

2 min.

Powder|November 2015

URBAN APPRECIATION

E-MAIL POWDERMAG@POWDER.COM TWITTER @POWDERMAGAZINE FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/POWDER Urban skiing isn’t me throwing on my tall-T, baggy pants, and having a cop chase me for hitting a rail at Boulder High School. Kade Krichko captured this in the February issue (“Street Roots,” 43.6). He showed that urban skiing has roots that represent broader social issues, like skiers more focused on the sport than sponsorships, and many who come from urban centers of the East with “blue-collar” upbringings. The world has a vision of skiing as a realm of I-70 resorts with $15 cups of chili and wealthy foreigners. Krichko’s piece showed a different viewpoint where grit, camaraderie, street smarts, and a love of freestyle merge to form something real, true, and under the radar. Thanks for showing that viewpoint. Massimo Alpian Boulder,…

6 min.

Powder|November 2015

A Call to Arms

WHEN I WAS A KID, most Sunday mornings went like this: After a terrible struggle, I dressed and followed my family to St. James, where we found our pew and listened to Father Tom. Sunday mornings during the winter were different. We did not go to church. We went skiing. My parents never explicitly spoke about the switch in venue, it was just the way they prioritized life. The other day, though, my mom called to ask if she and my dad should buy a season pass. I didn’t know what to tell her. This had never been a question. Their optimism was waning, she said. Last winter, the snowpack in our home state, Oregon, was at 16 percent of average. We were talking about climate change transforming our mountains…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

The Wasatch Shuffle

ON THE SURFACE, it’s hard to see similarities between Park City’s Deer Valley Resort and Big Cottonwood Canyon’s Solitude Mountain Resort. Since its founding in 1981, Deer Valley has made much of its money through real estate, selling hobby-mansions to guests looking for ski valets, spa treatments, and mornings filled with immaculate low-angle groomers. Meanwhile, Solitude has spent the past three decades selling season passes to families who boot-up in the parking lot and, on any given powder day, would trade their minivan for one more run down Honeycomb Canyon. So, many were surprised last October when Deer Valley bought Solitude. To some it felt personal. It’s one thing for Vail Resorts to buy Park City Mountain Resort—which happened the month before—that was one conglomerate buying another, and there isn’t…

5 min.

Powder|November 2015

Sweet Jane

AH, SKI TOWN DATING LIFE. When the euphoria of that first season spent reaping the nighttime rewards of being fresh meat in a town full of people who don’t know your history wears off, the reality can be worse than any hangover. In the harsh light of day, playmates who once seemed so new and exciting become boring and/or embarrassing, and the only people left are either not worthy of consideration or busy enjoying life in the friend zone. And then one day, while surveying the bleak, post-Apocalyptic wasteland that is your small-town love life, you see it glimmering in the distance: A breakup—a newly freed single person throwing shackles to the wind, sprinting into view on the horizon. Like a desert mirage, it all seems so tantalizing until you…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

The Purist

HIMAY PALMER AGE: 57 LOCATION: Telluride, Colorado OCCUPATION: Shuttle driver/painter ROOTS: A product of suburban Midwest skiing at Wisconsin’s Majestic Hill, Himay Palmer moved to Telluride in 1985. He has since become a fixture there while living in nearby Ophir with his wife and 16-year-old son. Those closest to him say he embodies the work-to-ski lifestyle, running a painting crew all summer while clocking in for the night shift as a shuttle driver during the ski season. He is recognized as often for his Sasquatch-like yelp echoing through the trees on a powder day as he is for a ski style all his own, milking every run, leaving behind beautiful, distinguished tracks. □ My earliest memories in life are of skiing. They’re vague memories, but I remember the cold and…

2 min.

Powder|November 2015

THE CAST

Devon O’Neil is a writer and skier in Breckenridge, Colorado. They called him “Devo” in high school. He’s still working on a better nickname. TEN YEARS AGO, they used to let you race for first T-bar. The closure ropes were strung across the entry to the lift maze, so that’s where you stood, in an informal and disorganized mass of people and parkas, everyone kind of knowing who got there first but no one very interested in abiding by that order. For many of us, it was always a highlight of any powder day. And for the most part it was friendly, one of the few times when all the local jonesers convened in the same place to chase the fresh snow. Soon enough—once the steep terrain was open—we would…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

ANGEL’S SONG

“When you have the opportunity to do the things you want to do, you need to make it happen.” Every spring, Angel Collinson piles into her fire-truck-red Toyota Tacoma, named Clifford Maximus, and drives to the Utah desert. She brings a tent, her yoga mat, and animal tarot cards. Following an increasingly whirlwind winter, she uses the time to find clarity and reset herself. As she was driving the truck on an unpredictable red dirt road near Buckhorn Canyon one afternoon last May, she told me why she was feeling vulnerable: It had been a difficult winter. After winning the Powder Award for Best Female Performance in December, 2014, she felt overwhelmed with pressure. Around that time, her car was stolen and she lost $20,000 worth of gear. Later, she…

14 min.

Powder|November 2015

ALYESKA ALASKA

Alyeska Resort is truly a playground for all levels of skiers. Offering 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named trails and over 650” of snow annually, Alyeska lives up to its reputation as steep and deep. Whether you are just starting out in the sport or looking to challenge yourself, you can find it here. With heli operations, visitors to Alyeska Resort can access up to 750,000 acres of backcountry terrain while lift access skiing provides action on no-fly days. Award-winning dining and spa keeps skiers well fed and feeling relaxed while the Sitzmark slopeside concert venue keeps the party going! ANNUAL SNOWFALL 650” TICKET PRICES $70 VERTICAL DROP 2,500’ SKIABLE ACRES 1610 NUMBER OF TR AILS 78 NUMBER OF LIFTS 7 PARKS AND PIPES 2 Parks 1 Pipe BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT WASHINGTON

Crystal Mountain is Washington’s largest and highest elevation ski area, located less than two hours from Seattle. The sprawling expanse of the terrain flows over half a dozen peaks and basins; explore 2,600 acres of everything from wide-open bowls to challenging steeps and expansive backcountry. Experience breathtaking views and access to some serious vert from the top of the 8-passenger Mt. Rainier Gondola. An average of over 480 inches of annual snowfall gives powder enthusiasts plenty to smile about. New this winter – kids 10 & under ski free anytime so grab the whole family and check out this Northwest jewel. SEASON HIGHLIGHTS March 4-6, 2016: IFSA Junior Nationals March 14-17, 2016: FWT Level 4 Qualifier March 26, 2016: Dirt Bag Ball April 15, 2016: Bikini Downhill ANNUAL SNOWFALL 486”…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN CALIFORNIA

At 11,053 feet, Mammoth boasts the highest summit of any California resort, making for deeper, higher quality snow, beautiful views and a season that can last until July. And with 3,500 skiable acres, 400 inches of snowfall and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, we enjoy re-earning our reputation as California’s big mountain home each and every season. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 400” TICKET PRICES TBD VERTICAL DROP 3,100’ SKIABLE ACRES 3,500 NUMBER OF TRAILS 150 NUMBER OF LIFTS 28 PARKS AND PIPES 11 PARKS 3 PIPES BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open boundary. Off-permit area not patrolled. TERRAIN BREAKDOWN Beginner 25% Intermediate 40% Adv/Exp 35% NEAREST AIRPORT Mammoth-Yosemite Airport [MMH], 10 min from town LOCAL BARS 53 Kitchen and Cocktails, Yodler, Lakanuki, Clocktower LOCAL RESTAURANTS Campo, Sushi Rei, 53 Kitchen…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT UTAH

An undiscovered gem, Solitude is pure, authentic and untarnished Utah territory. Featuring over 1,200 acres of terrain, ranging from groomed runs to powder glades and Nordic trails, a variety of charming lodging options and dining choices are available. Located in one of the snowiest canyons in North America, and only 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Solitude is the best kept secret in Utah. Serene or extreme, there’s nothing between you and the perfect mountain day. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 500” TICKET PRICES $79 VERTICAL DROP 2,047’ SKIABLE ACRES 1,200 NUMBER OF TRAILS 66 NUMBER OF LIFTS 8 PARKS AND PIPES N/A BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open boundary. For full policy visit skisolitude.com. TERRAIN BREAKDOWN Beginner 20% Intermediate 50% Adv/Exp 30% NEAREST AIRPORT Salt Lake City International Airport, 30 min from resort…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

TAOS NEW MEXICO

Flanked by sacred wilderness, rugged peaks and multicultural vibes, there’s a reason Taos Ski Valley sits in the center of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Located 50 miles south of the Colorado border, Taos Ski Valley is a mystical haven for 300+ inches of bone-dry powder stashes and some of the most untamed chutes, bowls and glades in North America. And with nearly half of all trails rated for beginners and intermediates, its unpolished charm and cheeky mountain rituals welcome anyone with a spirit of adventure. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 305” TICKET PRICES $86 VERTICAL DROP 3,250’ SKIABLE ACRES 1,294 NUMBER OF TRAILS 110 NUMBER OF LIFTS 15 PARKS AND PIPES 2 PARKS BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY No backcountry access from TSV’s boundary. NEAREST AIRPORT Albuquerque, NM, 150 miles away Santa Fe, NM, 97…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

WHITEFISH MONTANA

With varied terrain on all aspects, it’s easy to find good snow every day of the season. Snow created by Pacific moisture, cooled and dried by Canadian air, falls consistently in these Rocky Mountains and sticks around due to the lack of crowds. Local skiers call it “magic snow” since four inches skis like twelve. Speaking of locals—they’re the happiest on the planet. It could be the snow, or the unparalleled views of Glacier National Park, or the fact that they’ve settled down in a fun-loving town. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 300” TICKET PRICES $73 VERTICAL DROP 2,353’ SKIABLE ACRES 3,000 NUMBER OF TRAILS 105 NUMBER OF LIFTS 14 PARKS AND PIPES 5 PARKS BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open boundary TERRAIN BREAKDOWN Beginner 12% Intermediate 40% Adv/Exp 48% NEAREST AIRPORT Glacier Park International…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

VOODOO MOUNTAIN SNOWCAT MICHIGAN

Welcome to the first commercial snowcat operation east of the Rockies. Voodoo Mountain opens this year with 14 runs and snowfall of close to 300 inches for the year. Ski with just 17 other guests as you explore the new ski area in the Midwest and great terrain with views of Lake Superior from each run. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 273” VERTICAL DROP 700’ YEARS IN BUSINESS 1 EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN 100 acres NON-EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN N/A TYPES OF CATS/HELI ’S 2 PistenBullys SEASONAL DATES 12/20 – 4/20/16 PRICE RANGE $150 per person per day / $1,850 for whole cat DOWN DAY ACTIVITY Ski at Mount Bohemia ski resort NEAREST AIRPORT Houghton-Hancock, 35 miles away NEAREST TOWN Lac La Belle, 4 miles away LODGING AMENITIE S/AVAILABILIT Y Bar/restaurant, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, log cabins, and…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

VOICE

IT’S HARD TO TAKE SIERRA QUITIQUIT SERIOUSLY AS A PROFESSIONAL SKIER. The 26-year-old Park City native’s web edits overflow with giggles, hula-hooping, yoga, furry animals, and skateboarding in short shorts. Her segment in Warren Miller’s 2014 No Turning Back was a love story with a bathing suit scene. The year prior, starring in her first ski movie, Sweetgrass Productions’ Valhalla, Quitiquit played the bewitching and ethereal part of Ayla, but she didn’t ski in the film. Rather, she spoke of spirituality around a psychedelic fire, stared hypnotically into the camera, and enticed the men with her long hair and sinuous limbs. Two years later, Quitiquit hasn’t shed Ayla. That’s who she is. Unlike Ayla, however, Quitiquit is a skier. She grew up racing across the West Coast. In Warren Miller’s…

4 min.

Powder|November 2015

Shooting Gallery

SKIER Olle Regner LOCATION Kebnekaise, Sweden Regner PHOTOGRAPHER Mattias Fredriksson SKIER Collin Collins LOCATION Galena Summit, Idaho PHOTOGRAPHER Tal Roberts SKIER Dylan Hood LOCATION Salt River Range, Wyoming PHOTOGRAPHER Ben Galveda/TGR SKIER Eric Hjorleifson LOCATION Esplanade Range, British Columbia PHOTOGRAPHER David Reddick SKIER John Ware LOCATION Hailey, Idaho PHOTOGRAPHER Tal Roberts SKIER Sage Cattabriga-Alosa LOCATION Neacola Mountains, Alaska PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Clark/TGR SKIER KC Deane LOCATION Squamish, British Columbia PHOTOGRAPHER Mason Mashon…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

Extreme Michigan

LONIE GLIEBERMAN HAS NEVER MUCH CARED FOR THE RULES. It’s part of the reason that, before age 30, he’d left the Canadian Football League as one of the most controversial presidents in sports (he dated a cheerleader and threw an X-rated home game Mardi Gras celebration). It’s also why he got into skiing—an industry he considered less confining—just to be nearly laughed out of business for proposing an entirely ungroomed, gladed ski area on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Sixteen years later, the 47-year-old has grown Mount Bohemia into the destination for challenging skiing in the Midwest—a 900-vertical-foot ski area on the southern shores of Lake Superior that skipped condos in favor of a few base yurts and a hostel, while boasting nearly 300 inches of annual snowfall. Never one to sit…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

THE GUARDIAN

Snow is falling at the weapons complex on Peruvian Ridge. Onno Wieringa cranks the wheel on the howitzer and aims the 105-millimeter barrel at the white sky. He handles the Korean War-era weapon with respect, his dark silhouette stark in front of the white movie screen of falling snow. The range of the howitzer is about seven miles, and each winter Wieringa’s avalanche team fires some 300 rounds to control the massive snowfall in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. “You can imagine there are a few things within seven miles that you’d want to be careful about,” says Wieringa, as he aims his gun. He’s referring to the weapon, but the same could be said regarding the decisions facing Wieringa, the general manager—and guardian— of Alta, one of the most revered…

8 min.

Powder|November 2015

WHATEVER, MAN

THE WHO: It was 2002, or 2003, nobody really remembers or cares. Who won that first year? Eh—not really the point. This, we know: Crested Butte Mountain Resort was putting on a tele festival, and in addition to tele cross, tele slopestyle, and a tele freesking competition, JW Smith and Alan Bernholtz pitched another kind of race… to the bar. The organizers were, like, “No.” “So me and JW were, like, ya know, ‘Fuck it,’” remembers Bernholtz. “We don’t need someone to tell us we can do a race from the top to town.” Because it was an unsanctioned event, and physically really intense, they called it the 8-Ball Rally. THE WHAT: “It’s a ski race from the top to the bar,” says Zach Marquis, who knows his 8-Ball. He…

3 min.

Powder|November 2015

THE ROCK

Angel Collinson, 24, wrote this piece as her college entrance essay at 17. She received a full academic scholarship to the University of Utah, but eventually gave it up to focus on her skiing career. Read more about Collinson on page 100. AMONG THE JAGGED EDGES of painful learning experiences or the soothing branches of euphoric memories, our souls are interspersed throughout stories we create every day that make up our life. What stories we choose to tell, remember, and learn from compose the essence of who we are. My essence is something like this: My seventh birthday was spent in a small town in Wyoming. My family’s summer passion of hiking, camping, and spending every moment possible in the wilderness far away from any civilization was put on hold…

4 min.

Powder|November 2015

The Time Is Now

Every year, around this time, when the days get shorter and the sunlight takes on a slightly different and richer hue, I get antsy. Shops rotate their summer gear for winter toys. Ski resorts host job fairs. And familiar faces saddle up on barstools to talk about their excitement for winter, planning dream trips and tossing what-ifs around a table littered with half-empty pint glasses. The arrival of winter is a fresh start, a chance to wipe the slate clean. Our hopes for the deepest winter in recent memory are alive and fresh, not yet dashed by an over-exaggerated weather report. Nothing is set in stone. So what are you going to do? Where are you going to go? This is the time of year when my mind races. I’m…

24 min.

Powder|November 2015

BIG SKY MONTANA

Big Sky Resort, located between Bozeman, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park, is the Biggest Skiing in America with the sensation of endless terrain boasting two acres per skier. Guests come to leave crowds and traffic behind. Lap ski runs with hardly a wait with seamless skiing over four mountains providing a magnitude of intertwined terrain levels and notably the desired steeps of the Lone Peak Tram. An average of 400” of snow and historically minimal snowfall fluctuations provides a season of consistent snowfall, not to mention the plethora of activities that go beyond skiing. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 400” TICKET PRICES $56-106 VERTICAL DROP 4,350’ SKIABLE ACRES 5,800+ NUMBER OF TRAILS 300+ NUMBER OF LIFTS 34 PARKS AND PIPES 7 PARKS BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Backcountry access gates are located off of Lone…

2 min.

Powder|November 2015

GRAND TARGHEE WYOMING

Grand Targhee Resort, a hidden paradise tucked in the Western slope of the Tetons, is ready for another winter averaging 500” of light, Teton powder. The high alpine barrier socks storms in, dumping endless supplies of snowfall across 2,602 acres of glades, bowls, and chutes. Skip the crowds, and enjoy untracked runs that are yours for the taking. Where rustic slopeside accommodations, Western charm, and a big mountain feel come together for the dedicated skier or rider. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 500” TICKET PRICES $75 VERTICAL DROP 2,270’ SKIABLE ACRES 2,602 NUMBER OF TRAILS 96 NUMBER OF LIFTS 5 PARKS AND PIPES 2 Parks BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open gate backcountry access TERRAIN BREAKDOWN Beginner 10% Intermediate 70% Adv/Exp 20% NEAREST AIRPORT Jackson Hole Airport, WY, 54 miles away LOCAL BARS The…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

MOUNT BOHEMIA MICHIGAN

Mount Bohemia is one of the premier places for tree skiing in North America. With an abundant snowfall of close to 300 inches a year and almost 500 acres of tree skiing, Bohemia has the perfect set up for great inbounds backcountry skiing. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 273” TICKET PRICES $59 VERTICAL DROP 900’ SKIABLE ACRES 550 NUMBER OF TRAILS 103 NUMBER OF LIFTS 2 PARKS AND PIPES N/A BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Please respect ropes. Do not ski alone. Do not go in closed zones. TERRAIN BREAKDOWN Beginner 0% Intermediate 3% Adv/Exp 97% NEAREST AIRPORT Houghton-Hancock, 35 miles away LOCAL BARS North Pole Bar (at the base of Bohemia) Bear Belly, Mariner North, Ziks, and Brickside Brewery. LOCAL RESTAURANTS North Pole (on site) Quincys, Eagle Harbor Inn, Pines, Bear Belly, and Mariner…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

STEVENS PASS MOUNTAIN RESORT WASHINGTON

Located on the Cascade Range just east of Seattle, Stevens Pass is a Washington winter playground. Averaging 460” of annual snowfall makes Stevens Pass a powder Mecca. Offering plenty of in-bound steeps, cliffs and chutes along with easily accessible backcountry allows for some serious variety of terrain. Stevens offers everything from classic Northwest tree skiing to the most varied terrain parks in Washington. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 460” TICKET PRICES $69 VERTICAL DROP 1,800’ SKIABLE ACRES 1125 NUMBER OF TRAILS 37 NUMBER OF LIFTS 10 PARKS AND PIPES 4 PARKS BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Open backcountry policy with multiple access points covering all aspects. NEAREST AIRPORT Wenatchee, WA (65 miles), SeaTac, Seattle, WA (90 miles) LOCAL BARS Bulls Tooth Pub, Foggy Goggle, Icicle Brewing Company LOCAL RESTAURANTS Bull’s Tooth Pub, Foggy Goggle, Idlewild…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

TELLURIDE COLORADO

Telluride Ski Resort offers spectacular skiing and riding opportunities in southwest Colorado. Tucked among the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in North America, Telluride has unmatched terrain consisting of 127 trails and over 2,000 acres for everyone from the true beginner to extreme advanced. In addition to incredible terrain, the resort offers world-class dining, sophisticated shopping options and luxury hotels for a complete resort experience. Non-stop flights are available from eleven major hubs, and the free gondola transportation system makes getting around Telluride easy ANNUAL SNOWFALL 309” TICKET PRICES $81-122 VERTICAL DROP 4425’ SKIABLE ACRES 2000 NUMBER OF TRAILS 127+ NUMBER OF LIFTS 18 PARKS AND PIPES 3 PARKS BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY Available only through specific gates in the resort boundary. Any skier or snowboarder who is caught…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

ALASKA RENDEZVOUS GUIDES INC ALASKA

The Rendezvous Lodge and Heli-Guides is your home for an adventure of a lifetime. Our unique location is surrounded and protected by seven enormous peaks, resulting in our famous “Blue Hole” weather effect (aka more flying days). From the adrenaline and excitement in the mountains to the bar that never sleeps; the Rendezvous is where luxury meets extreme. Your experience here is not limited to a single life-changing moment; you’ll come back year after year. There is a package for everyone; the Rendezvous is where the ninety-nine percent meets the one percent. Everyone speaks the language of high fives. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 1,000” VERTICAL DROP 4,000+’ YEARS IN BUSINESS 16 EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN Tons NON-EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN Millions of acres TYPES OF CATS/HELI’S A-S TAR B2 ’S SEASONAL DATES MARCH 5 - APRIL…

1 min.

Powder|November 2015

MIKE WIEGELE HELICOPTER SKIING BLUE RIVER , BC

With over 45 years of Helicopter Skiing, Mike Wiegele’s continually strives to set the standard for safety and quality of service with an unbelievable product. Having more ski terrain than all of North America’s ski resorts combined and only welcoming up to 100 guests a week, they are able to offer their guests the best untouched pristine powder. With access to a full pro-shop of powder skis and snowboards from Atomic, Volkl and Burton the guests are ready to hit the Cariboo and Monashee mountains with some of the most experienced guides in North America. ANNUAL SNOWFALL 400” YEARS IN BUSINESS 45+ EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN 1,200,000 acres NON-EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN N/A TYPES OF CATS/HELI ’S 10 Helicopters – Bell 212 & A-Star. 1 Snowcat – Piston Bully 300 SEASONAL DATES Early December…

2 min.