Snow is Big News Up Here

Web sites, television stations, newspapers and radio stations are all talking a lot about snow up here in Canada, both on the west coast and in Ontario. Among the stories making headlines:

Once again, there is no snow in Ontario: Blue Mountain is down to a paltry six runs today thanks to a completely insane January [...]

In-Bounds Avalanche at Big White

If you keep track of snow-related news, you may be aware there’s been an avalanche at Big White, a popular BC ski resort. The avalanche took place Sunday morning, while the resort was open, in-bounds.
In-bounds. It’s the first time an avalanche has struck Big White while the resort was open, and certainly the first I’ve [...]

The Economic Impact of Being a “Skier Only” Resort

Wow, even the Wall Street Journal has picked up the story of Taos, which announced last month it was going to lift its ban on snowboarders. According to the journal, the decision was rooted in pure economics:

According to the National Ski Areas Association, the majority of skiers who skied more than a day at a [...]

Throw Down in a “Skier Only” Resort, Earn Five Grand

I have to hand it to you, our readers. You are making great comments and sending along fantastic articles. This post is based on yet another great comment, one from bry who points out in a comment that Burton is paying $5,000 to the best video documenting an instance of “poaching” — that is, snowboarding [...]

Globe and Mail Travel: Follow the Snow

The Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper, is running a special travel section this weekend on skiing and snowboarding. Among the highlights:

A look at what’s up at Whistler Blackcomb (a given, due to the Olympics).
A closer look at Telluride.
How to find and ski/ride a World Cup run in Canada.
Rescue at Chamonix, a first-person overview [...]

Some Major Alberta Resorts to Lose Jumps

I can’t believe I missed this controversy, which I just clued in to after passing through Afterbang tonight: Lake Louise, Nakiska Ski Area, Fernie and Kimberley Alpine Resort are all banning man-made jumps from their terrain parks.
My guess would be the resorts don’t want to assume the liabilities inherent in allowing your guests to [...]

Colorado Ski Area Improvements: A-Z

Statesman.com has a nice overview of improvements to popular ski areas in Colorado this winter. New glades at Copper Mountain? Cooool.

Whistler Launches “Podcasts”

Maybe my interpretation of a ‘podcast’ is slightly different than the real one, but this looks more like a promotional video to me. Anyway, regardless, at least they’re trying.
What am I talking about? The new Whistler Blackcomb podcasts, which resemble a segment you would see on the local resort channel than anything else. But it’s [...]

Whistler Gets Dumping, Opening Early? (Confirmed)

Now this… is some snowfall.

I WANT TO GO! I WANT TO GO NOW!!!
Edit: Whistler is mulling an early opening as a result: “Operations crews and all front line staff are going full steam ahead to prepare the mountains for the upcoming winter season. Official opening day is November 22 but with outstanding snowfall this week [...]

Props to Banff (And Surrounding Areas)

The Chicago Tribune has a nice overview of the ski/snowboard scene in Banff, including what it’s like to ride Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Marmot Basin (I hadn’t even heard of this third one, but it looks pretty rad).
The article reminded me that I really need to get to Banff this winter.
In the meantime, with [...]