Thanks for reading City and Slopes this winter. We have now published all of our stories for the season, including everything from our magazine. As we move forward, we're looking to expand our operations to be more year-round online, with our premium product being the print magazine during the winter, in collaboration with our partners at OvRride.

We are planning new and expanded multimedia offerings for next season to get excited about.

While our bread and butter is winter sports, throughout the year, we will publish content focused on things to do in New York City, day trips around the region, and surprising weekend getaways. Whether it’s hiking upstate or heading to the beach, we will explore destinations, subcultures, and conduct interviews with major cultural icons. We aim to ensure that New Yorkers have fulfilling adventures year-round—both locally, across the country, and abroad. And of course, we will continue to cover southern hemisphere winter sports, as we alluded to in our recent piece.

By no means does this mean the winter sports season is over—in fact, far from it. You can expect places in Vermont to remain open, possibly into May. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Tuckerman’s Ravine in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the best time to go is in April. Of course, our partners at OvRride still have several trips to Vermont (there’s a Sugarbush weekend trip next weekend) and Utah coming up that you can book. I’ve done both of these trips and I highly recommend them! Spring skiing and riding is honestly an awesome time to get out.

To our readers: We’d love to hear what you'd be interested in reading about in the coming months. To our writers: We are considering freelance pitches (once our budget is solidified). To our advertisers: We are seeking partnerships for our print magazine and online offerings. Please feel free to reach out by emailing me, the Editor-in-Chief.

Thanks again,

Andy

Today in New York, it’s sunny and thundershowers — mid to high eighties but with high humidity if it feels so much hotter. Millions of people across the city seek refuge with illegally opened fire hydrants or overflowing public pools. Speaking of urine, its stench is baked into our sidewalks — whether it be from your dog, your neighbor’s dog, or your neighbor.

Don’t get me wrong, summer in New York City is magical with lively rooftop parties, picnics in the park with your closest friends and if you have central A/C, the world is your oyster.

You are by far the most popular person at least for the season and to be honest makes “I have central A/C” to be the most seductive seasonally based pick up line.

Despite its magic, there is a place even more magical to go to — a place that doesn’t regularly smell like a neglected bathroom —the Andes Mountains in Chile.

The unrivaled fresh air is just a 10 hour flight away — dew south.

It’s a key destination for the avid skier or boarder that just can’t wait until December to hit the slopes.

Headed Uber and cabs with their gear — confusing drivers in the process — I opted for the nonstop to Santiago Chile’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport with the group of 18 I traveled with. Even upon arrival you know this place is something special simply the view from the parking lot leaves you in awe.

Choosing where to ski in South America is a bit challenging for the average traveler. That’s because the majority of the global press focuses on one key resort called Portillo.

I fell victim to that information gap. Part of the reason I wanted to try out Chilean skiing in the first place was because of the significant coverage of Portillo in the New York Times. The first time for me was a piece I read 15 years ago while I lived in steamy Houston, Texas. Escaping the often unbearable heat of the Gulf Coast was a motivator. A piece in the Travel section invigorated my curiosity. The report convinced me that at some point I would ski there. The stream of articles since then only reinforced that desire. That I would get to make regular “Andy In The Andes” pegged jokes was just an added bonus.

But once I got on the ground, a resort town off of the beaten path, at least from the context of global north, caught my attention. Situated near the town of Farellones there are three resorts — El Colorado, Valle Nevado, and La Parva — an area dubbed Tres Valles (three valleys).

Farellones is a short although treacherous drive from Santiago. The road is so daunting authorities only let people drive in one direction at a time.

Once you make up the zig zagging, stomach-churning mountain pass you are in a ski resort that (although close to a major city with a population bigger than Los Angeles, California proper, feels more like you are in a remote portion of the Andes Mountains.

There is no way around it; the altitude is a challenge. Even with medications like Diamox along with rest, water and chlorophyll drops, adjusting can be rough.

The highest of the three is Valle Nevado which has a skiable area as high as more than 12 thousand feet above sea level. If you opt to adventurously venture higher — which you’ll need to access by hiking — is Cerro Plomo peak which reaches around 17 thousand feet above sea level. El Colorado is the lowest — just shy of 11,000 feet.

Once acclimated the skiing varies in a way that U.S. ski resorts just can’t play ball with. First off, the terrain is actually fairly diverse.

There are runs that are really easy and great spaces to learn for beginners. Simultaneously there are challenging back country off-piste runs that appeal to experienced boarders and skiers.

I cannot overstate how important this is.

Snowbird, Utah – one of the United States’ most notoriously difficult ski resorts — a green circle there could easily pass as a black diamond on the east coast. The resorts alongside Farellones are properly assessed.

But even before your skiers or board touch the snow the first thing you notice is the whole resort is above tree line. The marked trails are separated by fences if at all.

There is an abundant variety of terrain to try out. It ranges significantly. From groomed trails that give the snow the manicured look — you can embrace the satisfaction of breaking through the serrated carvings of a snowcat or being the first to innocence of fresh untouched virgin snow where avid riders long to get fresh tracks.

Best of all, if you want to try both, it’s not a haul across the mountain. These runs are often right next to each other without the coniferous tree boundaries that are part of the standard in much of North America.

This is a blessing and a curse.

There is a lot of space to navigate and work on your skills and technique.

The mountain’s have stunning straight ways where you can pick up a superb amount of speed to show off. However with no trees it's much harder to navigate rocks and other troubled spots that could obstruct your path ahead.

That can turn your speed demon moment into a showcase for your potentially debilitating wipeout that can put you in a cast for months at a time (yes, I am speaking from personal experience on this one).

If you have an accident fortunately the resort is within an hour and half of some of the best hospitals in the country.

The lifts are an attraction in and of themselves in an intellectual curiosity kind of way. There’s a disproportionate amount of T-bar and J-bar lifts than chair options.

If you’re like me, this whole experience was brand new. Of my 30 years on the planet (27 of them skiing) I have never used a T-Bar lift in the states. At El Colorado, the chairlifts have their charm. The rustic and frankly scary maintenance adds to the authenticity of the ambiance. In one case, while on a triple chair I shared with two snowboarders the safety bar just broke off.

While it is scary, it has a certain unhinged charm to it. It gives you the authentic feel of a place that’s more about the experience rather than the looks. I’ll take good skiing over pretty chair lifts and gondolas anytime.

If you are looking for something aimed towards the most advanced skiers and boarders among us, Valle Nevado is considered the most challenging mountain in the area. It is rated both number one for the best expert terrain in South America and best intermediate terrain in all of Chile. It also has the most ambitious mountain village of the three— with a dusting of stellar culinary options.

More broadly speaking, Farellones isn’t a place that really caters to U.S. tourists quite like Portillo — a U.S. owned resort. Valle Nevado is — to an extent — the exception with the most robust village.

The mountain is used for early season training for the U.S. national ski team as well as Germany, Norway, Austria and Russia.

For the boarders and skiers without Olympic ambitions, this is not a ‘gringo’ heavy destination. Noticeably there are very few that speak any English. That’s very reassuring to the seasoned traveler that wants to escape the U.S.ification of much of the world.

Work on your Spanish and enjoy world class skiing at the same time— a win/win in my book.

Where to stay is a big question for your trip to Tres Valles. The town is brimming with warm and inviting cabins, world-class hotels and charming Bed & Breakfasts like The Powder Lodge.

The Powder Lodge is intimate. With wood fired hot tubs and its large family size solo shared dining table this place is perfect for a midsize group (like 15 or so) to get to know each other or even a place to make new friends or have a more private experience with your partner away from the hustle and bustle of larger lodging options.

Portillo is a visually stunning resort in its own right but there is plenty more to see and ski in the Chilean Andes. At the top of a winding treacherous mountain pass it embraces the beauty and rawness of the Andes, overlooking Hotel Portillo which has become one the single most iconic ski hotels in the world.

Disclosure: This trip was a travel opportunity with OVRRIDE — the backer of this publication.

The winter season is here and for some, it may be time to upgrade your skis, board, boots, kit and more. With so many excellent brands producing high quality equipment these days, choosing the right ski and snowboard gear can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not,  we are here to help with  City and Slope’s annual gear guide 

Here’s what we recommend for ski kits:

Rab Khroma Diffuse Ski Jacket and  Pants - $500 & $445

Mammut Stoney HS Ski Jacket and Pants - $499 & $350

The Mammut Stoney HS Ski Jacket and Pants offer a comprehensive solution for your winter adventures. The jacket's waterproof, breathable construction and comfortable European fit make it ideal for all-day skiing, while the pants provide reliable protection against the elements. With features like a helmet-compatible hood, multiple pockets, and reinforced hems, this is a practical kit that performs as good as it looks. 

Helly Hansen Sogn Tinden Shell Jacket and Sogn Bib Shell Pant - $475 & $375 

Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutap

Traversing or gliding across snow has been a common sport for millennia. Fragments of skis—primitive but unmistakably similar to the skis of today—found in the north of Russia date back to 6,000 B.C.

Theorized to be used as a means to cross swaths of frozen land and hunt, skiing eventually transformed from a tool of survival to an activity done for fun. While people have long sailed down the Alps on skis, the advent of film and television sent skiing global. Skiing and big-mountain explorations were captured by filmmakers like “Ski Bum” Warren Miller, while James Bond regularly escaped foes on the slopes. The sport became popular in many places around the world with the climate and terrain to support it—and even in places where it doesn’t, as is the case with Dubai’s indoor ski park.

Skiing became the sport we know today in Norway thanks to the country’s history with skiing that made its way into military training and eventually competitions, personified by Sondre Norheim. Norheim crafted his own skis and dominated early competitions in the late 1860s and 1870s. Skiing spread in popularity across Europe and debuted in the first Winter Olympics in 1924 in Chamonix, France, with Nordic and jumping events.

Skiing in the Olympics has since grown into five main ski events: alpine, cross-country, jumping, freestyle, and a combined event consisting of both jumping and cross-country racing. Mogul, ski cross, halfpipe, and slopestyle are newer additions to the freestyle event.

Skiers like Olympian Bode Miller became household names. Athletes Sarah Burke and Shane McConkey captured the hearts of fans across the globe before untimely deaths. Others jumped from success on the slopes to parallel careers as entrepreneurs, including heli-skiing mountaineers Doug Coombs and Dean Cummings, and those who started their own ski companies, including Tanner Hall and the late JP Auclair, who founded Armada. Those and more skiing athletes have continued to evolve the sport. The X Games include new, 21st-century events like slopestyle and ski superpipe, and hosts informal competitions in urban skiing.

Meanwhile, mere mortals who have viewed these superheroes are curious about how best to explore on snow, and what gear to get. Curated breaks down seven types of skiing, along with the type of equipment you’ll need, notable figures, and a basic history of that type of skiing. Continue reading to learn more about options you might want to try.

Alpine/downhill skiing

Those who know skiing primarily via the Olympics are probably most familiar with the competitive side of alpine, aka downhill, skiing. But the everyday skier isn’t necessarily focused on speed. Accessing terrain—via mechanized options, including chairlifts, gondolas, rope tows, and magic carpets—is one of the aspects that sets this type of skiing apart from those that require human power to ascend the mountain before gliding back to the base.

Different options of skis allow skiers to choose the perfect ski to manage the surface they’re gliding across on a given day. Width, stiffness, and dimensions are altered to make skis that handle different conditions. Carving skis—often used in the American northeast or generally in icy conditions—are thinner, with edges set at different angles to facilitate carving into the ice while skiing.

Skiers in the Western states—with consistent natural snowfall or “deep pow”—make more use of wider skis that are excellent for fresh powder. Those who want one ski to handle everything turn to all-mountain skis. Because there are so many subtypes within this discipline, there’s a style that fits every personality and every degree of fitness or thrill-seeking tendencies. Downhill bindings are also different from those used in other disciplines: The heel is locked down to the binding through the boot.

Mikaela Shiffrin now holds more world records in the downhill discipline than any other American skier, and Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark still holds the record for most World Cup wins overall.

Telemark/free-heel skiing

Telemark is an old-school kind of skiing that’s becoming a bit of a lost art. It’s mainly seen in downhill skiing in-bounds, though one uses a similar technique and bindings for backcountry and freeskiing. Telemark bindings have a free-heel boot, which is useful for lunging and carving. 

One notable record in the sport is that of Rainer Hertrich, a snowcat operator who telemarked every single day for eight years, logging 100 million vertical feet. Some skiers in this discipline share Hertrich’s drive —and others just like the freedom and options the sport gives them.

While such telemark skiers are becoming a rare breed, those who practice it are a voracious community who are currently pushing to bring telemarking into the 2022 Olympic Games, which could restore its popularity.

Cross-country/Nordic skiing

The first Winter Olympics, in 1924 at Chamonix, included a “Nordic combined” event that included both cross-country and jumping, as well as a separate jumping event.

Cross-country skis are long and light, perfect for transporting oneself a maximum distance with minimal effort—important, given that these skiers get no help traversing the mountain. And like telemark skis, the heel is free. Classic cross-country involves gliding in a parallel motion, on either tracks or off-piste, while skate cross-country involves pushing off diagonally in a movement similar to ice skating, on tracks designed specifically for this discipline.

Because this sport can take skiers into the depths of the wilderness, it’s appealing to those seeking the peace inherent in that environment. Other participants use cross-country skiing as cross-training for other sports, including competitive cycling.

Backcountry skiing (also known as alpine touring)

Exploring the backcountry gives you access to untracked (or at least less-tracked) powder and terrain in off-piste areas, but you typically have to “earn your turns” by “skinning” up the mountain. Specialized lighter-weight alpine touring (AT) bindings will be especially helpful when climbing up the mountain.

Alpine touring boots help with allowing greater foot mobility and strength in instances where you’re skinning uphill. Then, of course, there’s the need for a lot of aerobic capacity and lower-body strength. Those with bigger budgets and less desire for an uphill workout can also get to virgin snow via snowcat or helicopter. This type of skiing attracts adventurers as well as those who love the calm of the wilderness.

What’s most important to bring with you on backcountry excursions is knowledge, certification, and respect for the dangers of out-of-bounds skiing. The risk of backcountry skiing is heightened for those who are not trained in avalanche safety. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more people than usual flocking to the slopes in the 2020–21 winter season, many of them inexperienced. This resulted in the season tying the record for most deaths due to avalanches in the U.S., with 36 lives lost.

Before contemplating a backcountry adventure, it’s advisable to complete an avalanche safety course, and learn how to use a beacon, a probe, and a shovel.

A beacon is an electronic device that communicates with other beacons for the purpose of alerting those nearby to someone stuck under deep snow. A probe is used to pinpoint the horizontal location of a person buried following an avalanche. Additionally, it can be used as a measuring device that gauges the depth of snow. Before you go backcountry skiing, tracking avalanche conditions for the day is a must. There are several apps for exactly this. Finally, backcountry skiing should never be undertaken alone. It’s also a good idea to gain plenty of practice in controlled environments and to bring a first aid kit and food and water.

There’s also sidecountry skiing, on terrain that is outside of the ski area boundary and usually less-traversed because of the advanced skills and/or hiking or skinning required to get there. Ultimately, sidecountry skiers are at a higher risk as there is no ski patrol or avalanche mitigation in the sidecountry. Sidecountry skiing is often where people get hurt because it is more easily accessible, lulling inexperienced skiers into a false sense of security.

Ski mountaineering

One step beyond backcountry skiing is mountaineering, which may involve traversing the mountain by foot at times while carrying your skis, as well as additional gear, including crampons, rope, and an ice axe.

This sport attracts the adventurous and those who possess—or want to develop—multiple skillsets for exploring the mountain. Knowledgeable ski guides can help those getting into mountaineering with introductions to difficult terrains and best practices for enjoying this more extreme form of skiing safely. Like any enterprise that takes skiers to isolated or rough terrains, it’s smart to go with friends or form small groups that retain the independence of ski mountaineering adventures while providing safety in numbers. Mountain climbing and building endurance to high altitudes are helpful for making the most of mountaineering.

Freestyle skiing

“Go big or go home” is one of the common refrains in freeskiing, where athletes seek out cliffs to jump and chutes. Even non-skiers love to see the feats of athletes in the films created by industry icons including Warren Miller and Teton Gravity Research.

Freestyle skiing, aka freeskiing, started as a reaction against the more-regimented discipline of ski racing and evolved over the years due to new options in terrain and gear. In addition to defined downhill runs, freestyle skiers look for resort-built and naturally occurring features. Terrain parks built specifically for the sport include jumps, boxes, and rails.

Wayne Wong is one of the godfathers of the sport, and today’s freeskiers are chasing some of the same thrills. Mogul skiing was added to the Olympics in 1992, with ski cross added in 2010 and halfpipe and slopestyle added in 2014, but events like the X Games and other international competitions capture as much attention.

Adaptive skiing

Disability isn’t a word in the world of adaptive skiing. Technology that’s been tweaked to help with mobility challenges, and/or partners for those without sight, allow almost anyone who’s seeking the joy of gliding on snow to do so. Finances don’t have to be a show-stopper either, as there are organizations like Washington state’s Outdoors for All that rent or share sit-skis and other adaptive gear, as well as training and the chance to be part of a community, including racing.

Top adaptive skiers participate in the Paralympics, which encompass the alpine and Nordic skiing disciplines. Paralympic skiing competitions include athletes with physical disabilities like amputation, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users, and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

This story originally appeared on Curated and was produced and

distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

This story is syndicated and was originally published by Stacker

While Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado, may be home to some of the best American ski resorts, big mountains usually come with long lift lines and expensive stays. Utah, for example, welcomed 6.7 million visitors to its ski slopes in the 2023-2024 season. So, if fresh powder, uncrowded slopes, and cheap lift passes get you stoked, then you're probably looking for a lesser-known destination for your ski trip this winter.

As any skier knows, winter weather predictions can be a toss-up at the best of times. But the 2024-2025 forecast seems solid for the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies—according to NOAA's annual winter outlook, released in October 2024, a La Niña weather pattern will likely bring wetter, colder conditions to northern regions of the U.S. On the other hand, southern states like New Mexico can expect both warmer temperatures and lower-than-average amounts of precipitation.

That said, the Pacific Northwest isn't the only great place to carve some lines this ski season. To help you find a few under-the-radar resorts, Stacker consulted Bryan Battles and Michael Murphy—both of whom have extensive knowledge of ski and snowboard spots in the United States—and used resources, including OnTheSnow, to come up with five noteworthy resorts off the beaten path that deserve a little love.

These resorts prove there is no need to spend $200 on a lift pass to enjoy top-notch trails. One of the destinations offers the biggest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains; another claims to have the most snowfall in Colorado and includes the world's deepest geothermal hot springs, a real treat after a long day on the slopes.

This list is for the skiers and snowboarders who dare to take the road less traveled to glide down fresh, untouched snow. They might be lesser-known destinations, but they don't sacrifice a big-mountain experience and do have enough acreage for you to spend an entire weekend shredding the slopes.

Follow in the paths of Olympic athletes down black diamond trails, and traverse gnarly parks with these ski destinations.

You may also like: Inflation's toll on 2023 holiday plans—and how American travelers have changed

Lost Trail Ski Area, Montana

Sitting atop the Continental Divide is Lost Trail Ski Area, on the Montana-Idaho border. Usually overlooked for its more popular and expensive neighbor, Big Sky, this family-owned destination in Sula was founded to keep skiing affordable and accessible. For the 2024-2025 season, an adult day pass costs just $68. And with steeply discounted prices for older adults and a free lift pass for children 5 and younger, it is hard to find a more family-friendly option.

Lost Trail also has 69 trails and 300 inches of annual snow, making for reliable powder days. Off the slopes, the nearby Triple Creek Ranch offers a real taste of Montana with beautiful log cabins, horseback riding, and dog sledding. If the water isn't frozen, be sure to grab a fly-fishing pole to check out phenomenal angling on the Bitterroot River.

Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia

Those living on the other side of the country will be happy to know they can skip the flights out west, as country roads will take you to a mid-Atlantic ski destination worth the drive: Snowshoe Mountain. Lift prices fluctuate depending on the day, though for the 2024-2025, on some weekdays, they're as low as $50. And if you're an Ikon Pass holder, you can ski for free.

The resort features 244 acres of terrain, not as many as others but enough to fill a weekend with friends. With snowmobile tours, terrain parks, night skiing, and a tube park, Snowshoe has a lot to offer.

After a day on the slopes, warm up at the Old Spruce Tavern with slow-cooked beef brisket and a Happy Trails IPA, or check out the shops at Snowshoe's quaint village.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado

Colorado offers 28 ski resorts, among which are some of the most popular in the U.S., including Snowmass, Breckenridge, and Vail. But if you want to find the most snow in the Centennial State, head to Wolf Creek Ski Area in Pagosa Springs. For the 2024-2025 season, adult day passes start at $91 and there are discounted prices for older adults and kids, so visitors can enjoy one of the best destinations in Colorado without breaking the bank.

Skiers and snowboarders can also take in panoramic alpine views while shredding through 133 runs, from beginner to double black diamond slopes. Afterward, soak in the "world's deepest geothermal hot springs." Skip the long lines and crowded slopes for this gorgeous resort OnTheSnow named the #1 small ski area in North America. And you don't have to leave your furry family members behind on this adventure—dogs are welcome.

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

Just 46 miles from the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort sits the not-so-famous Grand Targhee Resort in Alta. This fun-filled mountain is a hidden gem. On the west side of Grand Teton, skiers can find deep snow and slopes for all levels. Its 2,602 acres of skiable terrain give you enough room to shred all weekend. Explore the backcountry of the Teton Range with guided tours, or participate in one of the many races and competitions the resort hosts. At night, skiers can relax in the heated outdoor pool or trade in their poles for bloody marys at the Trap Bar & Grill, which touts live music. The laid-back atmosphere of Grand Targhee and its excellent trail system make it one of the best-kept ski secrets.

Whiteface Mountain, New York

Whiteface Mountain offers the greatest vertical drop (3,430 feet) east of the Rockies. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this Wilmington, New York, mountain stands 4,867 feet tall. The high peak gets overshadowed by destinations such as Vermont's Killington Ski Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort.

Only a five-hour drive from New York City or Boston, it is easily accessible from multiple major airports. You can also ski Skyward, the Olympic-worthy black diamond trail athletes raced down in the 1980 Games. Whiteface was also voted #1 for down day activities in the East by Ski Magazine in 2019. That means when you tire of shredding its 94 trails or landing tricks at the terrain parks, you can stroll through the Adirondacks' breathtaking walk at High Falls Gorge.

We may still be comfortable in the 2024-2025 ski season, but that hasn’t stopped Vail Resorts from preparing for the 2025-2026 winter season. While the Northeast experiences a season comparable to snowfall at resorts out West, the team at Vail Resorts is gearing up for next season by releasing early bird prices for its Epic Pass.

The Epic Pass, which makes up a significant portion of the ski resort operator’s revenue, will be priced at $1,051 for adults and $537 for children. It includes unlimited, unrestricted access to some of the most iconic mountain resorts in the world, including their namesake Vail, as well as Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler, and, of course, one of our regional favorites, Stowe in Vermont alongside many other household names.

The early bird price comes with a bigger price tag than this past season. Prices began at $982, an 8% increase over the previous year. This continual price escalation has driven away some consumers, as I reported for Bloomberg Businessweek earlier this year.

For skiers and riders willing to shell out more money than last year, Epic Pass holders will also enjoy access to renowned global ski destinations, including one of my personal favorites—Telluride, Colorado; Rusutsu Japan (check out our partner OvRride’s annual Japan trip, which goes there, by the way); and Verbier 4 Vallées in Switzerland.

For those who prefer a more flexible option, the Epic Local Pass offers access to 29 resorts at a lower price—just $783 for adults and $407 for kids. The Epic Local Pass provides access to many of the same popular destinations as the Epic Pass, but with some restrictions on destination resorts.

If you splurge on an early bird pass this year, Epic Pass holders will receive 10 Buddy Passes and Ski With a Friend tickets, allowing skiers and riders to bring friends and family along for a discounted lift ticket experience.

The price hike follows a slew of bad press for the company this year. Amid high-profile ski patrol strikes at Park City during the peak of the early season, activist investors pushed for the publicly traded company to shake up its c-suite.

by Tik Root

This story was originally published by Grist.

Trudging across the top of Bromley Mountain Ski Resort on a sunny afternoon in January, Matt Folts checks his smartwatch and smiles: 14 degrees Fahrenheit. That is very nearly his favorite temperature for making snow. It’s cold enough for water to quickly crystallize, but not so cold that his hourslong shifts on the mountain are miserable.

Folts is the head snowmaker at Bromley, a small ski area on the southern end of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The burly 35-year-old sports a handlebar mustache, an orange safety jacket, and thick winter boots that crunch in the snow as he walks. A blue hammer swings from his belt.

It is nearing the end of the day for skiers, but not for Folts. He’ll work well into the evening preparing the mountain for tomorrow’s crowd. Cutting across the entrances to Sunder and Corkscrew, he heads toward a stubby snow gun used to blanket Blue Ribbon, an experts-only trail named in honor of Bromley’s founder, Fred Pabst Jr. The apparatus stands a few feet high, with three legs and a metal head that’s angled toward the sky. Two lines that resemble fire hoses supply the device with water and compressed air, which it uses to hiss precipitation into the air. As the water droplets fall, they coalesce into snowflakes. 

“If it was warmer I’d be a yeti,” says Folts, referring to wetter snow that, if conditions were just a bit balmier, would leave him abominably white. But at these temperatures the powder he’d just made bounced lightly off his sleeve. “That’s perfect.”

Yet perfect fake fluff like Folts’ poses a climate conundrum. On one hand, making snow requires enormous amounts of energy, which creates planet-warming emissions. On the other, a warming planet means that artificial snow is increasingly essential to an industry that, while admittedly a luxury, pumps over $20 billion annually into ski towns nationwide. The good news is that, in the face of these growing threats, resorts have been dramatically improving the efficiency of their snowmaking operations — a move they hope will help them outrun rising temperatures.

American ski areas logged more 65 million visits last season. A sizable chunk of those likely came during Christmas week, when a resort can make — or lose — a third or more of its annual revenue. The Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day weekends are similarly vital. But ensuring that there’s a surface to slide on is an increasingly fickle business. 

Snowpack in the Western U.S. has already declined by 23 percent since 1955, and climbing temperatures have pushed the snowline in Lake Tahoe, California — which is home to more than a dozen resorts — from 1,200 to 1,500 feet. A recent study found that much of the Northern Hemisphere is headed off a “snow-loss cliff” where even marginal increases in temperature could prompt a dramatic loss of snow. 

By one estimate, only about half of the ski areas in the Northeast will be economically viable by mid-century. Research suggests that Vermont’s ski season could be two to four weeks shorter by 2080, while another study found that Canada’s snowmaking needs will increase 67 to 90 percent by 2050. At Bromley, snow guns have been essential for years; without them, the resort’s mid-January trail count would have likely been in the single digits, rather than 31.  

Opening terrain, however, comes at a cost. It takes a lot of horsepower to move water up the hill under pressure, and compress the air the guns need to function. Bromley’s relatively small operation, which produces enough snow each season to cover about 135 acres in three or more feet of the stuff, chews through enough electricity each year to power about 100 homes. All that juice adds nearly half a million dollars to the resort’s utility bill.

But Bill Cairns, Bromley’s president and general manager, says the system is actually much more efficient than it was just a decade ago. “I used to spend about $800,000,” he says. He’s now able to produce more snow for around half the price. “The reduction in cost with snowmaking has totally been a game changer.” 

Powder days start with specks of dust high in the atmosphere. As they fall, water droplets attach to them, forming snowflakes. Ski areas like Bromley replicate this natural process using miles of pipes that feed water and compressed air to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of snow guns scattered across a mountain. 

Early guns mixed compressed air and water inside a chamber, and then used air pressure to propel water droplets skyward through a large nozzle. This was the type of system Fred Pabst Jr., of beer family fame, spent $1 million installing in 1965, making his resort one of America’s earliest adopters.

“It was a black art. We knew nothing,” says Slavko Stanchak, whose inventions and expertise have made him a legend among snowmakers. It was an era when energy was relatively cheap and resorts would rent rows of diesel-powered compressors that threw whatever snow they could generate on the hill. But as energy costs rose in the 1990s and early 2000s, so did the impetus to innovate.

“We focused on making the process viable from a business standpoint,” Stanchak says.

He eventually launched a consulting company that helped ski areas, including Bromley, design or improve their snowmaking operations. On the water side of the equation, Bromley spent the 1990s improving its piping network and added a mid-mountain pump to help get H2O from its ponds to its trails. (Much of the water eventually returns to the watershed during the spring melt.) But the amount of water needed to carpet a ski hill in snow remains relatively fixed from year to year, so there are only so many efficiency gains to be had. Compressing air is what really eats into a budget.

“The air is where the little dollar bills fly out,” says Cairns, adding that two diesel compressors can consume a tanker truck of fuel every week.

The 1990s also saw more efficient snow guns come to market. Tinkerers discovered that devices with multiple small holes, instead of a single large aperture, could utilize water, rather than air pressure, to force fluid upward. This allowed them to move the compressed air nozzles to the outside of the barrel, where they would primarily break the water stream into droplets — a far less strenuous function than forcing them out of the gun.

“An old-school hog might use 800 cubic feet per minute [of compressed air]. This one here uses about 70,” Folts says, pointing toward a tower gun from the early 2000s that stands about 15 feet tall and, unlike the ground guns on Blue Ribbon, can’t be easily moved. Up the hill sits a newer model that can get by on closer to 40 cubic feet per minute, or CFM, and a bit farther down the slope is the resort’s latest tool, which under ideal conditions can use as little as 10. That’s a roughly hundred-fold increase in efficiency.

The state-backed Efficiency Vermont program urges resorts to swap in as many of the more efficient devices as possible. “That work got a real big boost in 2014, when we did the ‘Great Snow Gun Roundup,’” explains Chuck Clerici, a senior account manager at the organization. Before then, it had been doing a handful of sporadic replacements. The roundup retired some 10,000 inefficient models statewide, and, overall, Clerici says snowmaking operations are now using about 80 percent less air than they used to.

While Efficiency Vermont doesn’t separate savings that are the result of snowmaking upgrades from, say, those tied to building improvements, it reports that its efforts to help ski resorts use less energy have saved more than a billion kilowatt hours of electricity between 2000 and 2022. That’s nearly a million tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions or the equivalent of taking more than two gas-fired power plants offline for a year.

“The bigger projects we’ve had over the years have been snowmaking projects,” says Clerici. “We don’t have that many instances in the energy-efficiency realm where you can swap something that uses one-fifth of the energy.”

Standing next to the building that houses Bromley’s air compressors, Cairns points to a concrete slab with two manhole covers that once fed massive underground diesel tanks. “Underneath was fuel,” he says. To his right is a large pipe marked where the carbon-spewing generators used to connect to the rest of the snowmaking system. Now it’s cut off.

Bromley is among the many snowmakers that have been able to eliminate, or drastically reduce, its dependence on diesel air compressors. Electrifying the job has also allowed some resorts to incorporate renewable energy. Bolton Valley, in Vermont, features a 121-foot-tall wind turbine. Solar panels now dot the hills of many others, including Bromley, which leases a strip of land beside its parking lot for a solar farm. The array produces more than half the power its snowmaking system consumes.

America’s snowmaking industry has been historically based on the East Coast, where natural snow can be especially elusive. But that’s changing. “We’re doing a lot more work out West,” says Ken Mack, who works for HKD Snowmakers, one of the largest equipment manufacturers. One of the company’s executives recently moved to Colorado to help meet demand. 

The snow guns that HKD sells currently may be reaching the limit of how little water and compressed air they use. “We’re probably getting to a point where we’ve gone as low as we can go,” says Mack. That’s required finding gains in other arenas.

One step snowmakers can take, says Mack, is to better track how much energy they use, ideally in real time. He’s in the midst of trying to help revive a metric called the Snowmaking Efficiency Index, or SEI. It’s a measure of how many kilowatt hours it takes to put 1,000 gallons of water worth of snow on the hill, something Stanchek pioneered years ago but never quite took hold. (For reference, under ideal circumstances it takes about 160,00 gallons to cover one acre in one foot of snow.)

If publicly released, such data could provide transparency and allow ski areas to boast about their efficiency. That’s particularly appealing given that sustainability and environmental stewardship are increasingly top of mind for consumers. But because SEI varies considerably from mountain to mountain, and by temperature, it will likely be most effective as a tool for resorts to compete against themselves, rather than each other.

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This year, Bromley’s SEI ranged from about 23 in the warm, early weeks of the season to mid-teens when temperatures dropped. Cairns consistently tries to beat those numbers and can monitor them from his office. If the number ever spikes, he can search for an open gun, leaking water line, or other culprit.

“Anything below 20 is really good,” Cairns says. “So we’re trending the right way.”

An arguably more revolutionary development in snowmaking is the move toward automated systems that can be operated almost entirely remotely. One obvious benefit is reducing the need to find people willing to schlep around a mountain in the dead of night, when temperatures can dip into single digits. More importantly, automation allows resorts to ramp snowmaking up and down quickly, which is particularly useful as global temperatures climb. 

Snowmaking can occur when the mercury drops to about 28 degrees F (though the process is optimal at around 22 degrees or less); a threshold Mother Nature sometimes crosses for only brief periods. When it does, resorts can take advantage with a press of a button, instead of having to spend the time dispatching a crew out to fire up all those guns. The ability to operate in shorter time windows also means less energy is needed to run pumps and compressors — and get people up and down the mountain.

“You’re done sooner,” says Mack. Where it might take 100 man-hours to cover a trail, automation could cut that to 20 or 30. “It’s absolutely a savings. But it also gives you a little bit of reserve if you need it.”

Europe is far ahead of North America when it comes to automation, in part because governments have subsidized the daunting expense of running electricity and communication lines across a mountain. The cost of installing the technology can quickly run into the millions and, without subsidies, the benefits for American ski areas have been limited largely to smaller mountains in warmer climates, such as in the mid-Atlantic, where it is vital to surviving. But bigger resorts in snowier locales, including Stowe, Stratton, and Sugarbush in Vermont and Big Sky in Montana, have been testing the equipment.

“The future of snowmaking is definitely going to be automation,” says Cairns. “It’s just a lot of money, and nobody really wants to subsidize that yet.”

Bromley is testing one semi-automated gun that could avoid the wiring issue. It uses the existing compressed air supply to spin an internal turbine that creates just enough energy to run a small onboard computer. By monitoring the weather conditions, it can automatically adjust the rate of water and air flow to produce optimal snow.

“Those guns don’t need any power,” says Folts, as he finished adjusting the position of one gun and moved to the next. “That’s kind of another next level.” 

Until then, Folts and his crew lumber on into the night, one gun at a time.

This article originally appeared in Grist. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org

Each year as the weather turns and winter approaches, skiers and snowboarders eagerly prepare for their favorite activity. While the rush of carving through fresh powder (or hard pack here in the east) is undeniably exhilarating, it can be taxing on your body. For this reason, it's important to prioritize warm-up and stretching routines to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

Neglecting these routines can lead to disaster and cut short your season. So, let's explore the importance of warm-up exercises and stretching techniques tailored specifically for skiers and snowboarders. A proper warm-up is crucial for a successful day on the mountain. Before strapping on your boots and bindings, take the time to warm up your muscles and joints. It may be challenging, especially if you went wild at apres ski the day before, but waking up a bit earlier and dedicating time to warming up is essential.

A gradual and targeted warm-up routine prepares your body for the physical demands of skiing or snowboarding. It reduces the risk of strains, sprains, and muscle soreness while enhancing overall performance on the slopes. With a little stretching, your body will be warmed up and ready to channel your inner Kai Jones. Incorporate a dynamic warm-up that involves active movements mimicking the motions performed while skiing or snowboarding. Start with light aerobic activities like jogging or jumping jacks to increase your heart rate and promote blood flow. Though you may look ridiculous to your friends, you'll be laughing when you're not sore the next day. Once your blood is flowing, incorporate the following exercises:

Leg Swings: Stand near a wall and face sideways with one hand on the wall. Swing one leg forward and backward 10-15 times, then switch legs. Repeat the process for both legs while facing the wall. These exercises will loosen up your hips and improve flexibility. Arm Circles: Extend your arms out to the sides and make small circular motions with both arms. Gradually increase the diameter of the circles over 30 seconds. This brings blood flow to your shoulders and upper back, priming them for the day.

Squats: Warming up your legs is vital for a successful day on the mountain. Perform a series of controlled squats to activate your leg muscles, particularly your quads, while improving stability. Focus on keeping a flat back and pushing your hips back on the descent while gradually increasing the depth of your squat for an improved range of motion. After warming up, it's time to stretch. Stretching beforehand improves flexibility, prevents injuries, and enhances overall performance.

Try the following stretching techniques:

Quadriceps Stretch: Stand straight up and pull your heel towards your glutes. Hold for 20-30 seconds on each leg to stretch your quadriceps muscles.

Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the ground with one leg extended in front of you and the other bent with the sole of your foot against your inner thigh. Reach forward, aiming to touch your toes while maintaining a straight back. Hold for 20-30 seconds on each leg.

Calf Stretch: Stand facing the wall and push your hands into it while extending one leg back. Press that back leg's heel toward the ground until you feel a stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.

To maximize the benefits of your warm-up and stretching routine, keep the following tips in mind:

Feel Don't Force: Ease into your warm-up and stretching. Feel the stretch without forcing it, gradually building up pressure.

Focus on Your Pain Points: On certain days there are specific parts of your body that feel a little tighter than others. Pay more attention to these problem areas on those given days an hold those stretches a little bit longer.

Breathe and Relax: Don't hold your breath. Proper breathing helps bring oxygen to the muscles.

Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key. Drink water throughout the process.

Taking the time to warm up and stretch will help you make the most out of your day on the mountain. This routine will not only help prevent injuries, but it will also improve your performance. Start slow, build into your warm-up, and let your body thank you as you gear up and hit the slopes for your skiing and snowboarding adventure.

Writer: Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutapres

Photos by Andy Hirschfeld

Model: Leah Sherman

An exclusive Montana resort wants to turn sewage into snow so that its rich and famous members can ski its slopes in a winter season that’s shrinking because of climate change.

The Yellowstone Club — a ski and golf resort just north of Yellowstone National Park that counts Bill Gates, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel among its members — has asked the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for a permit to allow it to use wastewater for snowmaking operations on its ski slopes.

About a dozen other ski areas across the U.S. have used wastewater to make artificial snow before, but the Yellowstone Club would be the first in Montana. The technique has also been used in Europe and Australia.

Officials at the club say the program would not only ensure the slopes can open on time, usually in late November and early December, but also replenish the area’s watershed and keep streams running longer into the season. And it would allow the growing Big Sky resort area to handle its increasing wastewater volumes.

“It’s an outside-the-box-idea,” said Rich Chandler, environmental manager for the club. “But it also checks a lot of boxes.”

Is it a safe plan for the rich and famous who will occasionally ingest it when they wipe out on the slopes? The short answer from state officials is yes. The method is safe for people and the environment as long as there is close monitoring to ensure contamination levels stay within standards, according to an environmental analysis.

But, the state officials said, that analysis did not study potential pollutants for which there are no environmental standards in wastewater, such as traces of prescription drugs.

A similar effort to turn wastewater into snow was controversial at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort near Flagstaff. To combat snowless winters there, the resort in the early 2000s purchased wastewater from Flagstaff and pumped it from the treatment plant to the ski area, where it would be turned into snow and sprayed onto the San Francisco Peaks.

That drew protests from the Hopi Tribe, which said the artificial snow posed risks to public health and the environment and would desecrate a mountain it considers sacred. The tribe lost a legal challenge to prevent the Arizona ski areafrom moving ahead with the plan. In December 2012, the ski area fired up its snow guns and started making powder.

During the legal fight, environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, raised specific concerns about how wastewater can reduce local aquatic populations and cause some male fish to take on female appearances and reproductive traits.

Wastewater’s effect on human health also raises concerns. Although modern water treatment can eliminate many pollutants — and, in some instances, prepare that water for human consumption — some elements still escape the process, specifically pharmaceuticals. The research is in its infancy, but a 2017 study by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization found that only half of the pharmaceutical compounds were removed in the water treatment process. It noted that evidence suggests some of the chemicals could affect human reproductive systems, too, just as studies have shown on aquatic life.

“Modern wastewater treatment plants mostly reduce solids and bacteria by oxidizing the water. They were not designed to deal with complex chemical compounds,” said Birguy Lamizana-Diallo, program management officer at the United Nations Environment Program and an expert on wastewater treatment.

Officials in Montana are quick to point out differences between their plan and what happened in Arizona. For one, the ski area near Flagstaff often makes all its snow from treated wastewater, whereas the Yellowstone Club will use it, at least initially, on only about 10% of the 2,700 acres of skiable terrain and usually only in October and November to create a base layer for its ski runs. Come December, most of the snow people would be skiing and riding on would be natural.

But perhaps the biggest difference between the two projects is the level of support the Yellowstone Club has for its plan, which is backed by environmental and conservation groups including the Gallatin River Task Force, the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators and Trout Unlimited.

The idea to turn Big Sky’s wastewater into snow has been brewing for more than a decade and emerged from a collaboration between the Yellowstone Club and other local groups concerned about depleted snowpack due to climate change, which could starve area creeks and streams of water later in the season.

Yellowstone already uses treated wastewater to hydrate its golf courses, and in 2011 it teamed up with the Montana DEQ and the Gallatin River Task Force to see if they could safely turn the same water into snow. Chandler, the club’s environmental manager, said they successfully turned a half-million gallons of wastewater into 2 acres of snow about 18 inches deep.

Kristin Gardner, executive director of the Gallatin River Task Force, said the snowmaking process effectively re-treats the wastewater by blasting it out of a filtered snowmaking gun that atomizes the water.

“It’s an added layer of security for the human health side of things,” Chandler said.

Chandler said the information gathered from the pilot study forms the core of the ski club’s application with the Montana DEQ. A draft permit tentatively approving the project has been issued by the state agency, and a final decision is expected later this year.

Officials at DEQ said that the wastewater used to make snow will be treated to the highest standards possible and that they can issue permits only to projects that will not pollute state waters. But the effect of pharmaceuticals remains uncharted territory. Amy Steinmetz, public water supply bureau chief, said that neither the DEQ nor the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has standards to specifically treat wastewater for pharmaceuticals.

“The science is still emerging on that,” she said.

If the DEQ does issue its final permit this year, the Yellowstone Club will most likely begin turning wastewater into snow in late 2022. It would then be required to post signage advising skiers not to consume the snow. Similar signage can be found at Arizona Snowbowl.

Chandler said that the Yellowstone Club is proud of the collaborative work and that, ultimately, the process will benefit the community and watershed. Making more snow and increasing the snowpack during the winter, Chandler estimates, will increase the summer runoff in area creeks by about 19 days, a big win in the increasingly arid West. It’s also better than the alternative, he said: treating the wastewater and then just pushing it directly into the Gallatin River.

“It’s not like the Earth is producing more water, so we have to use what we have effectively,” he said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more aboutKFF.

Here’s what we recommend for base layers:

Dale of Norway Vail Crewneck Baselayer and Aksla Baselayer Pants - $163 each

The Dale of Norway Vail crewneck baselayer and Aksla baselayer pants are a comfortable and versatile solution for skiers and snowboarders. Made from soft merino wool, these baselayers are both warm and breathable, making them suitable for a variety of weather conditions. Flat seams and a sleek user friendly design minimize friction allowing for maximum comfort while skiing and riding. Whether worn as a base layer or a fashionable après-ski piece, the Vail crewneck and Aksla pants provide a reliable option for winter sports enthusiasts.

Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight ¼ Zip Merino Wool Base Layer Shirt and Aspect Midweight Merino Wool Base Layer Bottom - $79.95 & $69.95

The Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight ¼ Zip Merino Wool Base Layer Shirt and Aspect Midweight Merino Wool Base Layer Bottom are high-performance baselayers designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind. Made with (m)Force Technology for enhanced durability, these garments check off all three major baselayer boxes: exceptional warmth, breathability, and odor resistance. Add in a comfortable fit and enhanced moisture-wicking properties and you have a reliable choice for whatever winter sport you choose. 

Hot Chillys Men's Balaclava Hoodie and Micro-Elite Chamois Tight - $90 & $70

The Hot Chillys Men's Balaclava Hoodie and Micro-Elite Chamois Tight offer a reliable and comfortable base layer combination for cold-weather activities. The balaclava's versatile design allows you to, not only keep your body warm, but your face and head too thanks to the built in balaclava. The odor-resistant fabric of the top and bottoms make them a practical choice that  provides exceptional warmth and durability. With their blend of performance and comfort, these base layers are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a dependable undergarment.

Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutapres

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed how we work. Countless employers temporarily went full remote. Others like AirBnb Dropbox stayed that way. 

Then there is the freelance workforce. According to Upwork’s annual Freelance Forward Report, the sector grew by 3 percent in only a year’s time. As of the 2022 report, 39% of Americans freelance

The Monday - Friday 9-5 in the office work structure is increasingly becoming a thing of the past. The change hasn’t hindered productivity according to a recent study by Boston College and The University of Cambridge.

That means the focus of work life balance is taking center stage signaling the rise of the blurred line between where work stops and play begins. Whatever that is worth, that does mean that in many cases, you can work from just about anywhere including in the ski lodge. 

That resonates with me as a member of the freelancer landscape. I can get more done in less time and be able to dedicate that idle time to other pursuits like—just spitballing here—skiing.

But how do you make it work when you are on the road or hitting the slopes?

BE TRANSPARENT 

As a freelancer, my clients know that my time is divided. I work in a deadline driven environment. As long as I meet those deadlines I am all set. I can essentially do my work from anywhere. 

If you live and work by this framework, listen up—-If you’re getting on a plane, in transit, or in a place with non-reliable wifi, communicate that with your team. 

Remember while you are on your workation not everyone is, that means during the time, it’s important that you communicate your situation with your colleagues. Make sure those who rely on you aren’t left in the dark.

KEEP A SCHEDULE

Personally I subscribe to a work model that is three hours on– one hour off. That keeps me productive while also not wasting my time idle while I could otherwise maybe take a few runs. This obviously varies depending on your work environment. If you have a meeting scheduled, it might be best to work a bit before the meeting and a bit after. Then hit the slopes when you’re not.

KEEP YOUR TIMEZONE IN MIND

If you work in New York and out at a resort in Utah, maybe working later in the day is a better choice. You can catch the first chair and get a few hours of riding / skiing while your colleagues are getting ready for the day back in the city.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT RESOURCES  

For whatever it's worth some ski lodges aren’t exactly well connected wifi and phone signal wise. If you are posting up in the lodge for a few hours cranking out whatever work you do that is important to keep that in mind. 

That can be an issue at some of the smaller resorts. Other locales with much larger ski villages have co-working spaces —- a godsend for digital nomads. There are options in places like Whistler, Solden, and Jackson Hole.

These may be great options if you also need space to take some phone calls or print documents.

Robust ski towns also have their fair share of coffee shops you can post up at for a few hours like Stateline near Lake Tahoe, Killington and Aspen. 

This post in conjunction with The Work From Home(ish) NYC Newsletter — your go to guide to the best remote workspaces in New York City. Subscribe now and join their remote worker collective.

Andy Hirschfeld is the Editor-In-Chief for City and Slopes Magazine. He’s in charge of editorial direction and production. He also is a regular contributor to outlets including Al Jazeera English,  Fast Company, Marketplace, Time Out, Slate Magazine and many other notable publications. He’s the creator of the WFHishNYC newsletter. He has appeared on Ticker News, CGTN, TYT, NPR, and Newsnet. Previously he produced for Bloomberg, CNN and CBS News. An avid skier, he’s hit the slopes in eight states and three countries. When he’s not skiing and reporting, you can find him cooking, swimming, fencing or biking around New York City.

The winter season is here and for some, it may be time to upgrade your skis, board, boots, kit and more. With so many excellent brands producing high quality equipment these days, choosing the right ski and snowboard gear can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not,  we are here to help with  City and Slope’s annual gear guide 

Here’s what we recommend for snowboard boots:

Snowboard boots:

K2 Orton Snowboard Boot - $449.95

The K2 Orton Snowboard Boot offers a unique and innovative design. Its one-piece rubber lower with integrated mesh provides superior waterproofing, warmth, and dryness. The dual-zone BOA® Fit system ensures a customizable fit for various foot shapes and sizes, while the stiffer flex makes it ideal for aggressive riders who enjoy carving and jumping. The eco-friendly materials used in its construction demonstrate K2's commitment to environmental responsibility, also making the Orton a great option for eco-conscious consumers.

Vans Infuse Snowboard Boot - $419.95

The Vans Infuse is a versatile and comfortable snowboard boot that caters to the more experienced riders. Its adjustable Flex Control System allows you to fine-tune the stiffness to your preference, while the reliable hybrid Boa lacing system and supportive liner ensure a secure, cozy and almost custom fit. The Infuse excels in both resort and backcountry conditions, making it a great choice for all-mountain riders. While it might be a bit stiff for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders will appreciate its performance and durability.

Nidecker Kita W Snowboard Boots - $399.95

The Nidecker Kita W boots are a great option for advanced female snowboarders seeking a high-performance boot. The stiffer flex along with the snug fit provides excellent edge control and responsiveness, especially when charging challenging terrain. While the fit is on the tighter side they are surprisingly comfortable and extremely well constructed thereby guaranteeing long-lasting performance. While they may be too stiff for beginners or intermediate riders, experienced snowboarders will appreciate the Kita W's precision and power.

Burton Process & Yeasayer Snowboards (sponsored) $519.95

Lets talk about HAPPY MEDIUM. We love these boards for that exact reason! Not too stiff, not too soft, These all mountain twin boards will have you ripping all over the place. Take em up high and look for softer snow, or keep em down low and ride the park. Looking for a catch free ride? Grab this board in Flying V, looking to prioritize grip and edge control, pure pop camber will have you locked down!

Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutapres

This article first ran in the winter 2024 edition of City and Slopes Magazine

If you are a budding content creator the happenings on and around the slopes are nothing short of an obvious goldmine. Whether you are an up and coming snowboarding TikTok influencer or an aspiring National Geographic nature photographer, there is a place for you.

To capture great POV video on the slopes you’ll want a smaller device that you can mount on a backpack strap or the top of your helmet.

Nothing screams adventure sport content creator quite like GoPro.

The easy to use device makes your videos of these exhilarating experiences in a terrain park, off piste or on a solid groomed trail that much more engaging. The Hero 10 is the model I recommend. It’s waterproof down to a staggering 33 feet — which is helpful for snow sports…I guess.

Insta360 is also a great way to go. This brand has an all in one kit. With that being said, none of these options are particularly cheap.

If you’re more of a DSLR dude like me (and yes, this is a shameless plug for my work) nothing is more appealing than bringing your professional grade camera to the summit. The quality is unmatched in my opinion.

But with that comes the inherent risks that come with snow sports like those dreaded wipeouts. If you can break your bones or tear your ACL, you can definitely break a delicate DSLR.

The right bag can make all the difference.

If you are going the backpack route, you want one that allows you to grab your camera quickly. Plus you want a bag that provides ample protection from the elements.

My personal favorite options are from the appropriately named F-Stop Gear. Atlas Pack and Thule are also highly recommended brands.

Waterproof Hip Pack

Another option is a hip pack. This allows pretty easy access to your camera. These work well to shoot at your leisure. Topo Designs has some great options.

Shell Camera Cover

The last thing you want — well at least close to it — is a wet camera. That means— at best —bad pictures— that’s why you will definitely need to invest in a shell cover for your camera. Peak Design has some great options available at REI.

From our partners at OvRride:

Join us for the We Love Snow Party hosted by your favorite winter ski shop and sporting goods store! Doors open at 7 PM, and don’t forget to bring your ID for check-in—this event is 21+ only. Enjoy a live DJ, refreshing beer and wine, light snacks, and a raffle with awesome prizes up for grabs.

While you’re here, be sure to say hi to our amazing event partners, Paragonand GORE-TEX Outerwear On Demand. See you there!

Get YOUR Tickets!

Andy Hirschfeld is the Editor In Chief of City and Slopes Magazine. In addition to his role here he writes for a wide range of cultural, business and political stories. His work has appeared in Al Jazeera English, The Daily Beast, Slate, CNBC.com, and many other notable publications. He previously served as the anchor of The Business Report. He is the creator of the WFHishNYC newsletter. He also regularly appears on radio and tv platforms to discuss his reporting including NPR, Marketplace, Ticker News and CGTN among others.

Here’s what we recommend for skis:

K2 Reckoner 110 -  $749.95

With a mid-fat waist and twin-tip shape the Reckoner 110 is suitable for a variety of conditions from deep powder to groomed runs and everything in between. The ski's new model is an example of how modern ski design can create a durable ski with intuitive handling thereby ensuring a smooth and responsive experience for skiers of all levels. While it may lack the stiffness that aggressive freeriders crave, the Reckoner 110 is an excellent choice for those seeking a fun and versatile ski that can handle any terrain.

Völkl Mantra 7 - $849.99

The new Mantra is a modern day ripper with a twist. Its new 4 radius sidecut enhances turn initiation and float, making it suitable for various conditions. Whether carving GS turns on groomers, navigating tight glade turns or floating through powder, the Mantra 7 delivers exceptional performance and stability. Völkl's Tailored Titanal Frame and Tailored Carbon Tips offer advanced stability and responsiveness, making this ski an ideal choice for skiers seeking a versatile resort ski that can also handle off-piste terrain.

Rossignol Sender Soul 107 - $699.95

The Sender Soul 102 is designed to make your all-mountain ski day an enjoyable one. This playful option excels at carving turns, popping off side hits, and even exploring soft snow. Although it is not the most aggressive ski on the market, most skiers will appreciate the lighter feel of the skis that make them playful and forgiving nature that makes the Sender Soul a great option for those looking for a fun everyday resort ski.

Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutapres

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but just getting away for a trip can be more stressful than you might think. According to Forbes, more than half of Americans report not using all of their paid vacation days—and that’s just those fortunate enough to have PTO in the first place, as nearly a third of US workers go without. Of those who do take time off, over half say they’ve found themselves working while on vacation anyway.

In a perfect world, everybody would have as much time off as they needed, and the ability to spend it actually decompressing. In our real world, however, we have a realistic solution: the day trip. Getting away for a short time can do wonders for your well being, and in many cases can also be more fun and less stressful than a longer vacation. You don’t have to be all-or-nothing about your vacation, especially when it comes to trips to the slopes.

The more places you visit, the happier your brain

According to a 2020 study from researchers at New York University, Columbia University, and the University of Miami, spending time in a wide variety of places has positive effects on your brain, which translate to positive effects on your mood. While taking a single, long trip has its benefits, it’s also the vacation equivalent of putting all your eggs in one basket. Longer trips can wipe out your financial reserves and quickly eat up the time you’re able to get away from work and other responsibilities.

On the other hand, day trips create less of a concentrated drain on your resources, allowing you to spend less at once and enjoy the novelty of multiple new places. Trying out different day trip locations stimulates the novelty and reward centers of the brain. What’s more, researchers investigating how anticipating an experience affects the brain at Cornell University and the University of California found that just looking forward to a trip has mental health benefits.

The more day trips you’re able to take, the more chances you get to reap the emotional rewards. While there are some areas where one mountain has a monopoly for miles, chances are that if you live within a couple hours’ drive of one slope, there are more peaks to visit where that came from. Hunter Mountain, Belleayre, and Catamount" are all a quick drive (or bus) from New York City.

Happy brain, happy body

There’s a well-established link between physical and mental wellbeing—basically, when your brain is happy, the rest of you tends to follow suit. One paper published in Psychology & Health found evidence that the positive experience of a vacation was potentially protective against metabolic symptoms like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. And the more trips a person was able to take, the more their risk decreased: according to researchers, “metabolic syndrome decreased by nearly a quarter with each additional vacation taken by participants.”

One of the best things about skiing and snowboarding is the chance they give you to unplug and get outdoors.

Spending time in nature can help abate everything from high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, according to a study conducted at the University of Michigan, to heart disease. By taking day trips, you can spread those benefits out, rather than concentrating them during one time period.

For beginning skiers and snowboarders—like myself—one day on the mountain can be more than enough. Taking a day trip to the mountain may just be the perfect way to minimize the stress of a vacation, while maximizing the benefits and getting just the right amount of mountain time.

Lindsay Lee Wallace is an enthusiastic amateur snowboarder based in New York City. Her work focused on culture and health equity has appeared in TIME, Slate, Teen Vogue, SELF, and elsewhere.

We teamed up with our pals at Ovrride (the backer of City and Slopes Magazine) to give you a guide to some of the best restaurants and bars for a quick bite after a day at the slopes. All locations in this guide are near drop off and pick up points for Ovrride’s day trip offerings which include Catamount, Hunter Mountain, Bellayre and many others. 

There’s nothing worse than being hungry and cold after a long bus ride. Luckily, all of Ovrride’s New York-based stops land you amidst a multitude of restaurants and bars that you can pop into before crawling into bed for the night. If you’re too tired to make a decision on your own, check out these options picked especially for you. 

Complied by Sonia Weiser and Andy Hirschfeld

MANHATTAN

REI Soho + Burton NYC-SOHO (Greene between Spring and Broome)

Fanelli Cafe

Hearty Americana awaits at Fanelli Cafe, a Soho staple since 1847. Great for families with kids as well as adults craving a kid's menu, Fanelli serves classics like pizza, mozzarella sticks, grilled cheese, hot dogs, burgers, and spaghetti and meatballs as well as soups, salads, and many other sandwiches. 

Champion Pizza

A few steps above dollar pizza but with equally accommodating late-night hours, Champion Pizza boasts a full menu of pies both large and small as well as individual slices, calzones, and brick oven rolls. In addition to meat-topped pies, they also have vegan and vegetarian options. You can also opt for gluten free crusts if that’s your thing.

Soho Park 

A block or two south of REI is Soho Park, a neighborhood biergarten with the best kind of happy hour in town — one that’s all day everyday. The bar vibe and street food brings the apres vibe to the heart of Manhattan. The full bar serves everything from beer (obviously) to a refreshing Aperol Spritz. The menu is hearty. Order up a burger, chicken sandwich or chili to tackle your hunger. It’s almost as if the ski lodge was close to the F train. 

Union Square (Pret a Manger 17th and Broadway)

Max Brenner

After a day of skiing or riding, you can’t say you didn’t earn your dessert. Famed Chocolate Bar Restaurant, Max Brenner serves up drinks, a full dinner menu, and no shortage of sweets well into the night. For a well-balanced meal, try a decadent cocktail like the chocolate martini and tiramisu, along with alfredo pasta, and a giant cookie. Located on Broadway between 13th and 14th Sts, the restaurant is just a quick walk around Union Square from the drop off point.

Coppelia

24-hour joints are on the decline but Coppelia is here to stay. The Cuban restaurant serves breakfast all day as well as a hefty menu of snacks like tacos, nachos, and empanadas; arepas; sandwiches; burgers; entrees (mostly meat and fish); and sides. While there are vegetarian options available, Coppelia is far more of a carnivore’s fun house, however both plant-eaters and meat-eaters alike can enjoy a tropical cocktail or spiked milkshake. 

Alaluna Ristorante 

This place you must consider if you are looking for something a bit more fish centric. This west village place is still a bit of a walk but well worth it. This Italian spot came onto our radar at this year’s New York Wine and Food Festival, what captured our attention was the Tuna Lasagna — a twist on a classic favorite and it works. The marriage of flavors is a force to be reckoned with. Alaluna is a lot on the higher end compared to some of the other restaurants on our list but this lasagna is just one you cannot pass up.

Upper East Side (86th St between 3rd and Lex)

Gracie’s Corner Diner

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic diner like Gracie’s.Unpretentious and open 24/7, this old-school spot has truly anything you could possibly want ranging from standard americana comfort food to very Upper East Side comfort food like matzoh breit, blintzes, and challah french toast, making it the perfect way to end a long day at the slopes. Top off your dinner with a slice of pie or cheesecake before calling it a night. 

Bocado

This bistro on the corner 87th and Lex is the elevated neighborhood fare you’d want after returning from a day on the slopes. Bocado has a diverse menu with everything from Steak Frites and Pan Seared Branzino to sandwiches like Burgers and a Turkey Club. The crab cake burger is one of our favorite items on the menu. With a full bar, this elevated bistro is a must try if your stop is on the UES. 

Hell’s Kitchen/Time Square (TD Bank) 9th and 42nd + Midtown West-Gotham Market (11th Ave between 44 and 45th)

Rudy’s

If you’re looking for cheap beer and a rowdy crowd, look no further than Rudy’s. Open daily until 4am, Rudy’s is a Hell’s Kitchen mainstay, with a tightly knit crew of regulars and a steady influx of tourists lured in by the prospect of a free hot dog with any purchase. It can get quite packed, so if you’re carrying loads of gear with you, better watch so you don’t hit anyone. 

Ollie’s Sichuan

Nothing hits the spot quite like chinese food after a day on the mountain. Ollie’s Sichuan on 42nd should be your go to if you are in the area. The menu is wide and features something for everyone from Americanized chinese food staples like Chicken and Broccoli to more traditional dishes from Western China so if Pig Feet with Spicy Peppercorn is more your jam, the menu features that too. 

The North Face UWS (73rd and Broadway)

Amsterdam Ale House 

With healthier fare than the average pub—they even have salads!—as well as a kid’s menu, Amsterdam Ale House is an all around crowd pleaser. Plenty of appetizers to share with the table plus hot soups by the cup or bowl, pizza, pasta, burgers, and other satisfying entrees to replenish yourself after a hard day’s work. The bar is just as stocked: beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails flow late into the night. 

The 74th St Cafe 

Inside a supermarket is not the place you’d typically find a great sit down restaurant. The 74th St Cafe — on the second floor the upper west side Fairway Market has the vibe of an elevated diner with top quality burgers, filling entree salads, and mouth watering matzoh ball soup but also is a great place to find a decent steak or even crab cakes. Its eclectic menu, central location and casual atmosphere makes it a solid option for dinner with friends after a day on the slopes. 

Dive 75

Jello shots anyone? The aptly named Dive 75 (it’s a dive bar on 75th st.) has everything you need to feel like you’re back in college: board games, beer, candy, and a fish tank. Come for classic and unique brews, stay for the local characters. Not the best find if you’re starving, though.

The winter season is here and for some, it may be time to upgrade your skis, board, boots, kit and more. With so many excellent brands producing high quality equipment these days, choosing the right ski and snowboard gear can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not,  we are here to help with  City and Slope’s annual gear guide 

Here’s what we recommend for snowboards.

Jones Rally Cat Snowboard - $449.95

The Jones Rally Cat is a playful and forgiving freestyle board that's perfect for riders looking to have fun in the park and on the mountain. Its soft flex and 3D spoon nose and tail make for a smoother ride while at the same time giving riders the ability to butter, press, and pop off features. In addition to the leveled out ride, the Rally Cat will surprise you with its edge hold and stability, allowing it to handle a variety of terrain. Although it might not be the fastest or most stable board on the market, its affordability, versatility, and fun-loving nature make it an excellent choice for the average rider.

Korua Transition Finder - $549

The Korua Transition Finder is an excellent choice for the average snowboarder seeking a versatile, affordable board. Its damp nature reduces chatter making it very cruisy and suitable for various conditions, while its capable all-mountain performance ensures you can shred confidently on any terrain. Take it with you on all your trips whether you're a freestyle enthusiast, a freeride adventurer or just tooling around on piste,  the Transition Finder offers impressive versatility and value, making it a great addition to your quiver.

Lib Tech T. Rice Orca - $699

The Lib Tech T. Rice Orca Snowboard is a versatile choice for riders seeking to perform in powder and at speed. Despite its surfboard like shape, it provides excellent edge hold, making it ideal for carving on hardpack or powder. The rocker hybrid profile allows riders to link turns with ease, while the volume-shifted design makes for a shorter board thereby allowing a more maneuverable experience. As an added bonus, a portion of every Orca sale contributes to the conservation of Salish Sea killer whales, making it a sustainable and socially responsible option for environmentally conscious snowboarders.

Burton Process & Yeasayer Snowboards (sponsored) $519.95

Lets talk about HAPPY MEDIUM. We love these boards for that exact reason! Not too stiff, not too soft, These all mountain twin boards will have you ripping all over the place. Take em up high and look for softer snow, or keep em down low and ride the park. Looking for a catch free ride? Grab this board in Flying V, looking to prioritize grip and edge control, pure pop camber will have you locked down!

Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long-time contributor to many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  @allaboutapres

This article first ran in the Winter 2024 edition of City and Slopes Magazine

The views expressed belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect City and Slopes’ official position on the issue.

I’ve been making the argument for years now, that the rivalry between skiers and snowboarders is antiquated.

Sure, it’s fun to be competitive, and to divide ourselves into tribes. But when I tell my coworker “Oh, I’m going skiing this weekend,” the first thing he says probably shouldn’t be, “But I thought you were a snowboarder.”

It’s the same thing, man, we do the same thing. We both wildly lose control falling down a snowy mountain and take faceplants on the knuckles of jumps. It really isn’t that dissimilar.

As a lifelong snowboarder, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a skier say, “Get outta here, snowboarder!”

Even in jest, it’s sort of… annoying? Like, extra. Like, “Oh you like pineapple on your pizza? Let’s not get pizza together.”

On a ski-lift, if you’ve got mixed company, you can get a little tangled, what with the feet and the one strap, and the skiers trying to just look straight forward, and the snowboarders unhooking and dangling their board from one tender foot. You might get things twisted around the footrest so that when everyone goes to put the bar back up, it gets stuck and you get it unstuck dangerously late so that everyone almost misses the off-ramp. Nobody wants to have to ride all the way back down the mountain on the lift like one of the ski-less lifties at the end of their shift. Nobody wants that. But regardless, it’s okay, because snowboarders are pretty sharp and try not to do that too often.

My self-assurance is way too fragile for all of my skier buddies to be ragging on me all day when we’re out on the mountain. Sure, no matter how hard I try, I will never beat you in a race, but we’re going to the same place. As long as there’s no slight uphill grade. In that case, I will absolutely need to either unstrap and hop, or hang onto your pole while you laboriously tow me up the traverse. Thanks for that by the way.

The history of the notorious skier vs. snowboarder rivalry dates back to the dawn of snowboarding in the 60s and into the 70s and 80s, when the snowboard wasn’t called a snowboard yet, but a snurfer, modeled after surfboards and created by surfers trying to keep the party going all winter-long.

Admittedly, back at the height of the craze in 1985, the crude plank of wood was quite dangerous, and was putting a lot of people at risk–mostly the kids riding the snurfers, but also the wholesome, conservative skiers in neon ear warmers who were trying to mind their own business, skiing moguls and practicing their pizza and french fries.

Eventually, with some luck and a lot of trial and error, Jake Burton, and innovators like him, were able to standardize and commercialize the board into the sport we know today. By now, technologically, we can do basically all the same stuff as skiers can.

These days, there remain a few last outposts of self-proclaimed skier superiority by continuing to forbid snowboarders from skiing (yes, skiing—it’s the same verb). Two are in Utah, Alta and Deer Valley, and one is in Vermont, Mad River Glen.

Some years ago, when I went to Alta with a group of skier friends, if I had attempted to ride the lift with my snowboard, management surely would have chopped my board in half and forced me to ride down with separated feet. And so I had to learn to ski just to enjoy the mountain that day. It was my first time ever ski-skiing, and it was actually quite easy and enjoyable, comparatively. I don’t know how people can just allow themselves to be challenged so little and have such freedom of movement.

Ultimately, I think we all want to be accepted for who we are. We all got into this sport for similar reasons. It’s fun. We feel hardcore. It’s good exercise. We get outside. We can bond with friends. And we can feel the unbridled magic of shredding that sweet sweet pow pow. If I do it on one stick, or you do it on two, let’s just call a rose a rose, ride the lift together, and meet up for a beer at 4:30.

Jacob Moss is a filmmaker based in Bushwick, Brooklyn. His work has been featured at Vice and USA Today. He learned to snowboard at ten by building little jumps on his backyard hill. His favorite mountain is Cannon in Franconia, NH, and he likes getting lost in the trees. When he's not filmmaking or snowboarding, he rock climbs, mountain bikes, reads dystopian fiction, plays guitar, and goes to shows.

this article first ran in the Winter 2024 edition of City and Slopes Magazine

Locating the freshest powder stashes often means ascending to great heights—as in, thousands of feet of elevation. To wit: Telluride’s highest lift-served terrain sits at 12,515 feet, while Snowbird tops out at 11,000 feet. Even if you’re playing the mid-thousands, you’re going to feel it.

Our bodies start to really notice the reduced oxygen levels above 6,000 feet. About 20 to 30 percent of people may develop altitude-related illness once they reach 8,000 to 9,000 feet, says Dr. Elan Small, an emergency medicine physician and Wilderness Fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. That number grows the higher you go. In order to avoid missing out on a ski day, follow these tips so you can get acclimated to the new heights safely.

Give Yourself Time

Rushing up to the mountain directly from the airport can be tough on your body, especially if you’re arriving from sea level.

“The biggest thing that can help prevent altitude illness is controlling your rate of ascent,” Dr. Small tells City and Slopes. Build in a buffer day. Acclimatize by spending 24 hours exploring the sights in Denver, Salt Lake City or Calgary, for example, before heading up to your mountain of choice.

Be Aware Of Common Symptoms

Headaches, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea are all relatively common reactions to being well above sea level. If you develop a few of them, as well as muscle weakness or feeling like you don’t want to eat, you may have acute mountain sickness (AMS), the most common altitude illness.

Drinking water, abstaining from alcohol (yes, you can forgo that post-run beer for a day or two), and pain relievers can help.

Want to prevent AMS? Acetazolamide (or Diamox) is the most frequently prescribed treatment, according to Dr. Small; you take one pill twice a day, starting the day before you arrive at altitude, to reduce the chances of getting sick. (Always consult a doctor about the best treatment plan for you.)

Listen To Your Body

Don’t push yourself if you’re feeling off. “Significant physical exertion at altitude can increase your risk of acute mountain sickness,” Dr. Small says.

It’s OK to take a rest day and enjoy some tubing or hot tub time instead. In fact, it’s smart to wait to strap into your boots until your second day at elevation so your body has time to adjust.

Know When To Call The Doctor

No ski turns are worth serious illness. If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of days or they worsen, Dr. Small recommends descending to lower altitudes and contacting a medical professional. If you have severe trouble breathing, begin to feel unsteady, or become confused, he says to seek emergency medical care.

Daliah Singer is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Denver. Find her writing in outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler, Hemispheres, and Smithsonian Magazine. When she’s not adventuring in the Rocky Mountains—or hopping on a plane to some far-flung destination—you can find her curled up with a good book.

The Ski season is upon us, and while it’s one of the most exciting and yearned for winter escapes, the costs of lift tickets, gear, and après-ski indulgences can quickly add up. While some skiers look to Europe for better deals, the last-minute booking app, HotelTonight, offers an affordable way to enjoy top ski destinations a bit closer to home.

When hotels have unsold rooms, HotelTonight loads them onto the app for incredible last-minute rates. It’s an ideal app for avid skiers looking for their next winter stay. According to

January 2024 booking data from HotelTonight, the average daily rates for the ultimate ski getaway started at just $129 in prime destinations like Tahoe, California, Stowe, Vermont, Park City, Utah and more. Travelers can save up to 30 percent on room rates when booking these last- minute trips to hit the slopes through HotelTonight.

Here are the top HotelTonight listings that ski enthusiasts can book now to save on their stay and splurge during their wintery adventures this season:

Tahoe, CA

● Everline Resort & Spa (Tahoe - North Lake): Ski-in/out access to the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Guests can also hike + enjoy the hot tubs and spa on-property.

● Gravity Haus Truckee Tahoe (Tahoe - North Lake): Rustic-boutique style property constructed entirely from sustainable materials.

● Station House Inn (Tahoe - South Lake): Hosting guests since 1972, the inn is walkable to alpine lake, private beach, ski resorts, shops, dining and casinos.

Stowe, VT

● Field Guide Lodge: Lodge-inspired décor with a blend of rustic New England &; modern, chic, located near the slopes and charming downtown.

● Tälta Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark: Adventure buff & heaven on earth from biking, skiing, fishing, or hiking.

Park City, UT

● Black Rock Mountain Resort: Located on the edge of the High Uintas Wilderness, yet only minutes from the action of Park City.

● Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection: 5 minutes to world-class skiing, Main Street strolling & mountainside adventuring.