First, there was my plan. Little Cottonwood Canyon, above Salt Lake City, Utah, is home to (in my opinion) the two greatest powder ski resorts in the world, Alta and Snowbird. If you know anything about skiing, then you鈥檙e familiar with them. So, when the forecast on Thursday March 30 was calling for 60 inches of late season snowfall, I assembled a hasty batch of homemade breakfast burritos, a box of Grape-Nuts cereal and honey, several apples, and two suspiciously overripe looking avocados and took off for my ski house at Alta听before the canyon shut down for avalanche hazards.

I wanted to be up there when the canyon鈥檚 Highway 210 shut down, because once the door鈥檚 locked, no one gets up and no one gets down. And that鈥檚 the point. We call these 鈥�,鈥� which simply means we鈥檙e up here skiing several feet of fresh powder and you鈥檙e, well, not here. I snaked up the canyon at 9 P.M. just before lockdown Friday night. Saturday dawned bright and glorious, shining down on a foot of new powder with mere handfuls of us lucky enough to already be in Alta.

Then the real storm hit and hit hard, and suddenly the situation became serious. Sunday was interlodge鈥攜ou don鈥檛 go outside, at all, for any reason. I moved to Alta full-time in 2016, and I grew up skiing here as a local, so I was familiar with the safety measure. The Alta marshal鈥檚 office literally requires chains across your door. To an outsider this might seem an extreme measure, but the slides in Little Cottonwood make it the most hazardous highway in the United States for avalanche danger.

I got a sense of just how dangerous things were before the storm even hit. Just a week before, a nine year old boy was playing outside an Alta home when the adjacent roof slid, burying him. This wasn鈥檛 fluffy powder鈥攊t was more like a pickup truck dropping onto you from ten feet above. The desperate family called 911, and it was their good fortune deputy marshal Ted Spencer was on duty and arrived a scant few minutes later. After making sense of the scene and bewildered family he set to work trying to rescue the boy.

鈥淗e wasn鈥檛 responsive when I found him but did have shallow respirations when we got him out,鈥� Spencer told me. A former ski patroller, Spencer located the buried child with his avalanche probe on his sixth probe strike. The family was spared a tragedy, thanks in a large part to a competent team response by all the town鈥檚 first responders, and in particular Spencer鈥檚 expertise.

There鈥檚 a high potential for devastation when you incorporate 2,000 feet of steep mountainsides and hundreds of tons of snow barreling down a slot canyon, and Little Cottonwood has 64 of them. It鈥檚 why avalanche science and mitigation are such serious pursuits for the professionals responsible for mountain public safety.

Sunday night delivered more powder, but the huge dump left my plan to ski fresh snow in peril, as sometimes the resorts close entirely when the snow gets too deep. Fortunately, Snowbird opened on Monday,听so I slapped on the boards and was at the tram in five minutes. Fifteen minutes later I dropped into the iconic double black diamond Mach Schnell. Not only that, I had it to myself. Untracked. Four runs in a row.

Each half-filled tram load was occupied by those who know they鈥檙e experiencing a once in a lifetime day. Snowbird general manager Dave Fields and I found ourselves together amidst enthusiastic grins. 鈥淗ow many people are on the mountain today do you think?鈥� I asked, wiping the snow off the top of my goggles and pulling it from my beard.

鈥淲ell, 700 total people are in the resort, but that includes all our employees,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o, I can鈥檛 imagine there鈥檚 more than a few hundred spread across the runs we have open.鈥�

We both smiled.

鈥淪o, as a favor, would you mind keeping it at that number for the rest of the week?鈥�

He smiled again before replying, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we have a choice.鈥� He鈥檚 a good man.

国产吃瓜黑料 the moving tramcar the snow was falling relentlessly. By 4 P.M. when the resort closed, Snowbird was closing in on its previous all-time accumulation record of 782 inches. That鈥檚 when Alta town marshal Mike Morey issued his first public announcement. All people within Alta and Snowbird boundaries needed to be indoors by 8 P.M. and there would be no anticipated lifting of interlodge.

Thus began 50-plus hours of bad food and boredom. The avocados had gone in the first lockdown along with the apples, so it鈥檇 have to be Grape-Nuts and burritos. I鈥檒l spare the details, save one. Wednesday morning it was still relentlessly snowing. Snowbird had passed its all-time record with 785 inches, and I was staring out at Mt. Superior across from Snowbird like a dog looking out the window longingly watching the neighbor鈥檚 puppy playing in the yard.

Meanwhile, Alta鈥檚 avalanche forecaster Dave 鈥淕rom鈥� Richards and his team of howitzer gunners were lobbing 105-millimeter shells at Superior hoping to dislodge the unprecedented amount of snow that was sitting atop an already unprecedented amount of snow. At 9:15 A.M. reverberations began to rattle the house. Large avalanches have a distinctive signature, a cross between roaring wind and a sense of vibration that鈥檚 terrifyingly haptic. I dropped my umpteenth breakfast burrito and rushed to the window to peer through the snow. A monster slide roared down the mountain, its cloud obscuring everything. When the spindrift cleared, I could see it had flowed over Highway 210 and crushed its way into Snowbird鈥檚 parking lot stopping just short of their power plant. It was a staggering display of natural power.

I texted Grom:听Congrats buddy. I think you destroyed Snowbird.

Him: Hehehe

Great for him, his job was to make avalanches, but I was still trapped and each day not skiing meant one less country club day. I ski Alta perhaps 100-120 days every year, but I seek these mystical crowd-free days out like an addict.

It鈥檇 been six days of storming yet only two clubs. Like love, you only get so many chances for them in your life. Fortunately, the snow tapered off in the wee hours on Thursday with an incredible 65.5 total inches. But that doesn鈥檛 mean we鈥檙e let out into the playground; there鈥檚 always the avalanche mitigation to wait on.

I called Grom to inquire about his plan to manage Alta. 鈥淲hat are you going to do?鈥� I asked.

鈥淚鈥檓 gonna issue bombs like they鈥檙e candy,鈥� said the 30 year veteran. Succinct, that鈥檚 Grom.

Still, Snowbird fired up before Grom opened Alta so I hopped in my 4Runner and drove the 1.5 miles down the highway. Unfortunately, their snow, while deep, had pancaked and the skiing on the lower slopes, while untracked, was, frankly, no good for skiing.

So, it was back in the 4Runner and a dash to Alta, where three lifts were running. As I transited, I passed Superior鈥檚 lower south ridge and crossed the monster鈥檚 detritus. I couldn鈥檛 believe that much snow could flow that far but I didn鈥檛 have time for contemplation, the Alta country club awaited.

I opted to skip the resort鈥檚 first lot, Collins, where a total of perhaps a dozen cars sat. I could see the lucky few hopping on Collins lift, heading for Alta鈥檚 legendary High Rustler and Greely runs. Instead, I thought I鈥檇 drive to the upper Albion lot to seek a wee more solitude. Elitist snobbery? Yeah, of course. No friends on powder days and all that.

I was unprepared for what awaited me there. As I crested the low hill leading down into the lot I was met with鈥� nothing. No employees or crew vehicles. No cars. Not one. I rolled to a stop by the ticket office and found marshal Mike Morey.

鈥淒id I miss the apocalypse announcement or something?鈥� I queried.

鈥淭he zombies are coming over Emma Ridge any moment,鈥� he deadpanned.

鈥淪eriously, where are the people?鈥�

鈥淵ou鈥檙e it.鈥�

鈥淔ine by me,鈥� I said, grabbing my K2 Waybacks. Mike and I share a history of military service and a mutual disdain for too many humans. 鈥淪ee ya.鈥�

I鈥檓 now going to share with you a closely guarded secret to Alta ski area. When everyone is rushing to High Rustler and Greely, head to the Sunnyside lift. No one goes there on big powder days. Therefore, you can have Vail Ridge all to yourself, as I did on that glorious third country club day.

That is until two hours later both resorts closed down completely when the Superior south ridge I鈥檇 been transiting slid naturally and buried the top portion of Snowbird鈥檚 Chickadee lift. Fortunately, no one was buried along with it but it was back indoors for the rest of the day. Sigh.

The next day the avalanche danger only accelerated so when Marshal Morey opened downhill traffic from 5 to 9 A.M., it was time to make my exit, but not before Grom called me out when he saw the early morning line of cars making their escape.

鈥淵ou leaving? I feel like that last scene in Platoon when Charlie Sheen gets on the helicopter and leaves everyone behind in Vietnam,鈥� he asked.

Sorry buddy, when the country club closes it鈥檚 time to go. Besides, a man can only eat so many breakfast burritos.

Author note: As I write this one week later, Little Cottonwood remains closed and both resorts passed their all-time records.听

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Skiers enjoying fresh powder at Utah鈥檚 Snowbird ski resort watched in horror as two Black Hawk helicopters from the National Guard crashed just beyond the ski area boundary on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred just before 9:30 A.M., and videos and images of the incident flooded social media in the ensuing hours. The Utah National Guard later that the two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion had crashed during a training exercise.

Video by Jacob Oster

— Utah Daily Snow (@WasatchSnow)

None of the crew sustained serious injuries in the incident, officials said.

Skier Jacob Oster, 29, of Salt Lake City was riding the Mineral Basin Express chairlift with two friends when he heard the helicopters flying through the canyon. He turned around and saw the two aircraft slowly approach an open area of snow near the base of the lift and begin to descend.

That鈥檚 when Oster noticed that the operation didn鈥檛 appear to be going as planned. The helicopters kicked up huge plumes of powder that had fallen Monday night, and the aircraft quickly disappeared in a billow of snow.

鈥淲e heard this loud noise, like a bang, and then saw that the rear helicopter seemed to have crashed and we just saw rotor blades catapulting everywhere,鈥� Oster said. 鈥淧ieces of [the helicopter] just went everywhere, and then we were just in shock. It felt surreal.鈥�

His ski companion, , caught the incident on video and they published it on Oster鈥檚 .

Here is a video of the Blackhawks crashing while we were riding down Mineral Basin around 9:30 am. Military buddy I was riding with recognized the Hawks coming in to land. So far sounds like everyone was ok from what we鈥檝e heard. Thankfully! Video cred: Tom Carney

— Cory Inman (@IM_Inman)

Oster and his friends watched from the top of the lift as officials climbed out of the downed machines. Ski patrollers rushed to rope off the crash site, which was just a few hundred yards from the Mineral Basin Express lift line, he said. Patrol then funneled skiers up the Mineral Basin Express and Baldy lifts and shut down the Mineral Basin area.

https://twitter.com/Knewz_Currently/status/1496246956061954048

鈥淎 lot of people saw it happen,鈥� Oster said. 鈥淭he rest of the day you heard people telling different stories of how it happened.鈥�

During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, National Guard officials said that the crews experienced whiteout conditions just before the crash. After one helicopter impacted, its rotor flew through the air and struck the tail rotor of the other helicopter, causing it to crash as well. Images on social media showed one of the helicopters on its side and the other lying flat in the snow.

Oster said the National Guard鈥檚 explanation fit with what he saw with his own eyes.

鈥淭he snow was like chalk,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 cannot imagine they were able to see anything when they were trying to land.鈥�

Photos from KSLTV show one Blackhawk sitting upright, the other on its side without its main rotor blades.

— Fire Aviation (@FireAviation)

Officials said no skiers were injured, despite the crash site鈥檚 close proximity to the Mineral Basin Express lift. The National Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Jared Jones, the aviation public affairs officer for the Utah national guard, that the exercise was part of a routine training for helicopter crews.

鈥淏oth summertime and wintertime mountainous training, including dust and snow conditions, including, we call it full white out condition,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚n combat, there are places you have to land sometimes that are that difficult and so we do train to that standard.鈥�

Jones said although the landing zone was near the Mineral Basin Express, skiers were not in danger.

Oster said he saw debris from the helicopters shoot into the air during the crash, but the pieces luckily traveled away from the lift line.

鈥淚 was not prepared to see anyone die today,鈥� he said. 鈥淎ll in all, things turned out.鈥�

The post Two National Guard Helicopters Crash near Utah鈥檚 Snowbird Ski Resort appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 that time of the year again, when Ski releases the results of its annual Reader Resort Survey, ranking the top ski resorts in North America. And after the pandemic season we all made it through, it was anyone鈥檚 guess which resorts were going to come out on top. In the West, where travel was less restricted, many of you said that you made most, if not all, of your typical ski trips鈥攁side from Canada, as borders were closed. That said, we did see a bump in responses for smaller, , and more appreciative comments about them, as well.

Not surprisingly, the West鈥檚 biggest resorts bore the brunt of the frustration from readers, with comments about interminably long lift lines and packed slopes dominating the responses this year. Readers both lamented the loss of skiing鈥檚 softer side鈥攍imited access to the dining and apr猫s facilities, less camaraderie after a day on the slopes鈥攁nd celebrated just skiing without all the bells and whistles. While we anticipate a return to normalcy at ski areas this winter, we acknowledge that the pandemic changed how we ski at the resorts鈥攁nd that some of us are opting not to, with a newfound love of backcountry skiing.

Whatever the coming season will look like for you, we hope you can use these rankings to inform your vacation choices. As one wise reader wrote, 鈥淭here is no one resort that 鈥榟as it all鈥�. People need to decide what鈥檚 important to them.鈥� We couldn鈥檛 have said it better ourselves.

Top 30 Resorts in the West

30. Palisades Tahoe, California

Overall Score: 7.83
Strengths: Challenge, Variety
Weaknesses: Grooming, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淵ou can find whatever you鈥檙e looking for at [the former] Squaw/Alpine. The combo of the two gives every resort skier the they鈥檙e looking for. There is enough development at both mountains that give sufficient apr猫s options but without ruining what makes these mountain American classics. The appeal of Tahoe will almost be focused around the lake. Doesn鈥檛 matter what is built around the base of the mountain, they can鈥檛 beat the star attraction of Lake Tahoe. They are beginning to turn away the local and semi-local patrons by trying to overbuild around the resort and ruin what makes the mountain unique.鈥�

29. Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 7.84
Strengths: Snow, Value
Weaknesses: Dining, Local Flavor

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What Readers Say

鈥淧erfect blend of family-friendly groomers and wicked inbounds extreme terrain. Who can beat the Utah powder, really? The resort isn鈥檛 crowded, food and such are good and reasonable. Did I mention the skiing? The powder? Only downside is there is really no nightlife to speak of but then again, you鈥檙e there for skiing and with the steeps, chutes, trees and cliffs, you鈥檙e too fried to party all night and be able to hit it again the next day.鈥�

28. Snowbird Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 7.85
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family, Local Flavor

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What Readers Say

鈥淪nowbird is for skiers and boarders. The snow-sliding experience is epic for those of intermediate abilities and greater. People ski hard and crash early so they can do it all over again the next day. There is little 鈥渘ightlife,鈥� hardly an issue for those struggling to stay awake much after 8 or 9pm. For those with less interest in the mountain experience, metropolitan Salt Lake City is well under a half hour away and offers the wide variety of options one would expect in any major city.鈥�

27. Alta Ski Area, Utah

Overall Score: 7.89
Strengths: Snow, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Grooming

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What Readers Say

鈥淎lta is purely for skiing. The terrain variety is amazing and fun for any level skier. It is the resort where I jumped my first big cliff, and is the resort I took my kids to so that they could jump their first cliff. It holds memories and experiences that expanded my skiing reality and love of the sport. I would recommend this resort to anyone. It has all that you need to enjoy a great day on the mountain, whether you stop for lunch or pull it out of your ski jacket pocket.鈥�

26. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

Overall Score: 7.91
Strengths: Lodging, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Service, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淗eavenly is beautiful! The views cannot be beat, desert on the Nevada side and the lake on the California side. Most days are sunny and there is so much terrain to cover. The resort has dining options, but venture out (not far), and you will find great local options. Overall, Heavenly lives up to its name, especially when it comes to the weather and views, but it can be extremely busy and you will spend a lot of time waiting in line and riding lifts to get to everywhere on the mountain.鈥�

25. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Overall Score: 8.04
Strengths: Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access, Apr猫s

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What Readers Say

鈥淏ig Sky was my bucket list ski trip. And it didn鈥檛 disappoint! I love everything about this mountain. It鈥檚 got terrain for days. A true skiers鈥� mountain. What it lacks in nightlight and dining options, it makes up for in terrain. I tell people who want to come to Big Sky, if you want to party, it鈥檚 not the place. If you want to ski your butt off, go now.鈥�

24. Keystone Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.06
Strengths: Family, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Snow

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What Readers Say

鈥淚鈥檝e spent the past ten years skiing in Colorado, and out of all the resorts, I keep coming back to Keystone. It has the right mix of steep and deep tree runs, groomers, and fast access to all of it.鈥�

23. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, B.C.

Overall Score: 8.07
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family, Lifts

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What Readers Say

鈥淥ne of my favorite ski resorts in Western Canada. The terrain is difficult and the double blacks are extremely challenging. However, for an advanced or expert skier, this is one of the best mountains in Western Canada to really push your skills and experience some of the best steep skiing in the West. Excellent tree runs, bowls, chutes, glades, and gullies. Not a family or beginner- friendly mountain.鈥�

22. Mammoth Mountain, California

Overall Score: 8.09
Strengths: Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 absolutely love Mammoth. It lives up to its name as the place is Mammoth! It鈥檚 cool to ride the Gondola and look out to see all the lifts and terrain available. If you want black and double- black terrain, they鈥檝e got it. You want blues, they have that too! You need some greens for the first-timers and young ones, they have that as well. Well-groomed with fast long runs but also plenty of untouched terrain that鈥檚 great for powder or bump skiing. If you want to really ski, go here!鈥�

21. Crested Butte Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.11
Strengths: Local Flavor, Apr猫s
Weaknesses: Snow, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淲hat can you say about a beautiful ski town? It鈥檚 called Crested Butte. This place has charm. The skiing is out of this world with some really dry pow and terrain that鈥檚 meant to challenge you and humble you.鈥�

20. Vail Mountain, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.12
Strengths: Dining, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淰ail is an amazing place. It鈥檚 vast, stunningly beautiful, and has terrain to challenge any level of skier. The Back Bowls, especially Blue Sky Basin, are incredible, and are worth the trip just on their own. However, the sheer size of the place can sometimes be intimidating, and for an intermediate skier like myself, it can be easy to get in over your head, so it鈥檚 important to map out your day in advance and talk to some people with local knowledge to get the lowdown.鈥�

19. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.14
Strengths: Value, Access
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淟oveland is old school. Affordable. No frills. In the day lodge (practically the only base-area amenity) you鈥檒l see tables of locals who all know each other. They all greet each other by name. Everyone boots up inside, gets a cafeteria coffee and chats at big round tables. It鈥檚 so warm and convivial as well as affordable. Must be one of the least expensive day tickets in the state if not the nation. Very friendly, uncrowded, old-school vibe. Reminds me of Vermont in the 鈥�70s before base area villages were even a thing. If you want a mellow, affordable, no stress, no frills day that will leave you relaxed and peaceful, this is the place.鈥�

18. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.16
Strengths: Value, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Family, Lodging

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What Readers Say

鈥淚f I am taking a trip to Colorado, I always make it a point to ski A-basin. I love how it鈥檚 a mountain and not a resort, giving you just what you need. Plus the parking lot tailgating is always fun.鈥�

17. Breckenridge Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.20
Strengths: Apr猫s, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淏reck offers the ambiance of a small town with big-mountain skiing right outside your door. The variety of terrain, excellent grooming, outstanding local lodging/dining/entertainment options and easy access from Denver make it my top pick for Colorado skiing.鈥�

16. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.20
Strengths: Grooming, Service
Weaknesses: Value, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淏eaver Creek is the best-kept secret in skiing. Just ten miles west of Vail, it gets 1/4 of the skier traffic, with terrain that in some cases eclipses that of its older brother. It鈥檚 the only place in the United States where you can sample a mainstay on the World Cup downhill circuit. I guarantee you鈥檒l never forget the first time you ski past the double-black diamond warning sign that says 鈥楻ace conditions may exist鈥� and plunge over the Brink, not knowing whether said conditions exist until after it鈥檚 too late to turn back.鈥�

15. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Overall Score: 8.21
Strengths: Challenge, Snow
Weaknesses: Family, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淓ver since I can remember or maybe since the first time I saw Warren Miller鈥檚 鈥淪teep and Deep鈥� (which was when I was pretty young), it was a dream of mine to ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. This dream came true during the 鈥�19/21 season, when my parents and I got out there for a few days. I absolutely loved the chutes at Jackson Hole! Even with poor snow conditions they were still fully covered, and they are long enough to have a lot of fun. I can鈥檛 say Jackson Hole would be my first recommendation for beginner skiers, but it is an absolute must for people who are looking for some awesome steep terrain.鈥�

14. Lake Louise Resort, Alberta

Overall Score: 8.23
Strengths: Access, Variety
Weaknesses: Lodging, Overall Satisfaction

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What Readers Say

鈥淟ake Louise has dry snow and it鈥檚 windy so it refreshes most nights even without new snow. You can find dry fresh pow days after a snowfall. The Lake has more expert terrain than the other areas close to home. The avy crew is the best around and the trail crew farm snow better than most ski hills anywhere, capturing our dry snow as it blows over the mountain leaving fresh lines each morning. The views from the hill are some of the best in the world of endless snow-covered mountain peaks. It鈥檚 like a dream鈥攏o really, just ask people who come here from around the world. There is always good skiing to be had at the Lake, you just need to go.鈥�

13. Park City Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.24
Strengths: Access, Dining
Weaknesses: Snow, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淚f you are traveling with a larger group, Park City is sure to meet the needs of everyone in your party. The mountain is so ginormous, if you can鈥檛 find terrain that interests you, it probably doesn鈥檛 exist anywhere. The town of Park City has plenty of shopping and dining options. Overall, Park City should serve any traveling group well. With a huge selection of on-mountain terrain, in-town shopping and dining, and lodging to fit any need, if you can鈥檛 find what you need here, you probably aren鈥檛 going to find it anywhere else.鈥�

12. Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.25
Strengths: Family, Lifts
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

Read the resort review and get trip-planning tips: No.12, Winter Park Resort

What Readers Say

鈥淢y husband and I try to visit all the different resorts in Colorado in order to find our favorite, and out of the eight we have visited, Winter Park ranks up at the top for both of us. The mountain has a good flow, lift lines were short, the runs were challenging, but not too challenging. It was an overall great experience as we skied first to last lift!鈥�

11. Copper Mountain, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.30
Strengths: Lifts, Access
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淐opper has a huge variety of terrain spread across this large resort, so there are plenty of options for every level. Great, long groomers in both lower-intermediate and upper-intermediate ranges. Limited truly extreme terrain, but even some pockets of deserving double-diamonds in several locations. And much more and better tree skiing than most people know.鈥�

10. Steamboat Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.40
Strengths: Family, Dining
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淎 great family resort. Lots of terrain on the mountain and lots of things to do off the hill. The area around the resort and the town have lots to offer. Great restaurants, bars and a few breweries make Steamboat a great destination. Spring skiing is fun and the outdoor apr猫s facilities are a fun time. They even have live music daily outside. 鈥�

9. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Overall Score: 8.42
Strengths: Local Flavor, Value
Weaknesses: Grooming, Snow

(Photo: Grant Gunderson)

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What Readers Say

鈥淥nce you have skied or snowboarded in Whitefish, you will always want to come back. It is the perfect mountain to ski, snowboard and apr猫s-ski for beginners, experts and everyone in between. It has everything you want and nothing you don鈥檛 want.鈥�

8. Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.45
Strengths: Lifts, Service
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 hate letting people in on our secret but sharing is caring. Our resort is one of the best. They work hard for opening day and maintain the mountain so well during the ski season. It can be super busy on Saturday but that鈥檚 because the secret is out.鈥�

7. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Overall Score: 8.45
Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Access, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 love the mountain and the vibe of TSV鈥擨鈥檝e been traveling there every winter for over 22 yrs. It has a feel all its own, and their Adult Ski Week program is unparalleled鈥攅very time I go I advance my skills. Everyone should experience Taos at least once, but it鈥檚 addicting! They get a good amount of snow each season, but even during dry spells the snow is kept in great condition.鈥�

6. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.50
Strengths: Variety, Dining
Weaknesses: Value, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淭elluride is our favorite resort for two reasons. First, the most beautiful ski area, hands down, in the US. Secondly, for the most part, best snow you鈥檒l ski anywhere. A perfect blend of light, yet dense, so you鈥檒l ski better on this snow than on any other. A complete boost for the ego.鈥�

5. Banff Sunshine, Alberta

Overall Score: 8.59
Strengths: Lifts, Snow
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Challenge

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What Readers Say

鈥淥nce you take the gondola up the mountain you have a variety of lifts to take you to several different peaks with virtually no lines. And the best part is your pass only gets scanned once for the gondola and then never again! On each run I can take easier paths while kids do more challenging runs, then we meet at the lift for another long run.鈥�

4. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

Overall Score: 8.55
Strengths: Variety, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Snow, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淲histler is the total package. You鈥檙e surrounded by beautiful mountains and there is a village at the base of the mountain that you can walk to with nightlife and very good restaurants. Everything is right there. You never have to travel again once you get to your destination. And the snow is typically awesome!鈥�

3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.68
Strengths: Nightlife, Lifts
Weaknesses: Value, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淎spen is a wonderful vacation for Coloradans looking to get away from the closer-to-Denver mountains. Downtown Aspen is fantastic and as a somewhat local you can still feel at home and not under the pressure to buy into a ritzy trip. Highlands is a family favorite, but Bonnie鈥檚 at Ajax is still one of the best鈥攖ake a break to grab a sweet treat and coffee.鈥�

2. Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.74
Strengths: Family, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淒eer Valley has been the best resort we have skied at thus far. The customer service is exceptional, the Utah powder is like no other, the food/restaurants/amenities/apr猫s both at the resort, and in town, are exceptional. I recommend Deer Valley, and Park City, to everyone. These are the reasons why we have skied there numerous times and will continue to go back every opportunity we get.鈥�

1. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Overall Score: 8.91
Strengths: Grooming, Service
Weaknesses: Access, Snow

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What Readers Say

鈥淪un Valley is just magical. The village and the Lodge can鈥檛 be topped. The mountain is perfectly maintained and has perfect pitch on every run. The history makes it fun to be a part of. The Holding family are supreme stewards of this jewel. 鈥�

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You won鈥檛 find spring music festivals and the听typical end-of-season听festivities at ski resorts this year鈥攖he pandemic is still not over, as much as we want it to be鈥攂ut that doesn鈥檛 mean spring skiing has been canceled.听Conditions ranging from听powder to听slushy corn snow are on offer well into April in many states, and best of all, most of the midwinter crowds are now gone. Here are some of our favorite picks around the country for spring ski trips.

Breckenridge, Colorado

plans to stay听open through Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the longest operating ski resorts in the country. With a summit elevation of nearly 13,000 feet, snow at the top of the mountain stays cold here even as the weather starts to turn.听Breck鈥檚 big spring festivals,听like Breck Pride and the听concert-packed Spring Finale,听are on hold this year, but the ample sunshine and laid-back vibes are not.听 for skiing (day tickets from $179), so plan ahead. For a day off from the slopes, head to the听, which has听doubled its fat-bike rental fleet due to increased demand. And the 60-room (from $179), a five-minute walk from the Quicksilver Lift, has three snow cabanas serving homestyle shared plates from the hotel鈥檚 Cabin Juice restaurant. Finally,听be sure to check out the new 听in town for its eclectic tasting menu and music-inspired wine list, offered in one of two cozy six-person yurts in its front yard (from $115 per person, minimum of four people; 脿听la carte dishes are available inside).

Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon

Spring at听听usually means beer festivals, banked slalom races, and pond skimming. This year听some of that will still take place, but mostly听you鈥檒l come for the sunshine, a ski season that extends听into May, and the chance to听 at the base听(overnight parking permit from $4). The ski area currently sells a听 (from $239) that鈥檚 valid for the remainder of the season. For a fun听Pacific Northwest road trip, hit up听, also on Mount Hood,听known for its extra-long season, and听, less than three hours away in Bend, with听great spots to听 come this time of year.

Killington, Vermont

is known for having one of the longest seasons on the East Coast, typically staying open into May or even June. Show up on a sunny spring weekend and you can lap soft bumps under the Superstar quad, then tailgate in the parking lot with coolers and grills. The resort鈥檚听 (from $249) gets you unlimited access from now until the end of the season at both Killington and neighboring听; your pass will also score you听 at the 听(from $266).

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California

Billed as the spring-skiing capital of the U.S.,听听frequently gets听ample amounts of snow through March and April, which means the two neighboring resorts can stay open well into May (they鈥檝e even been known to reopen for the Fourth of July). Typical spring skiing here includes music festivals like听 (on hold until听2022) and on-mountain revelry like the听 and the Cushing Crossing Pond Skim, also听both likely on hold this year. No matter: you can still ski perfect corn snow off Sherwood Chair at Alpine, then hang out in a lawn chair in the Subway parking lot while eating a bratwurst from the听. Ikon听pass holders can score up to 30 percent off lodging at the听 (from $598) through Memorial Day.

Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Spring skiing in Michigan brings mild temperatures, deep snow depths, and sweet late-season deals. Head to the Upper Peninsula鈥檚 , which averages over 270 inches of lake-effect snow annually听and has two main lifts and four shuttle busses that access 585 acres of rugged, ungroomed terrain. Mount Bohemia tends to stay open until the end of April,听and on spring weekends, you can ski until 5 P.M. Sleep in a 鈥攖he resort鈥檚 spring-break special includes lift tickets, meals, and lodging from $75 per person听per day.

Sugarloaf, Maine

usually hosts its popular Reggae Fest in mid-April. That won鈥檛 happen this season,听but spring at the Loaf is still a guaranteed good time, and the mountain usually stays open until the end of April. If you for next season, you can start using听it now to ski the rest of this month (from $569). The resort still听plans to host its popular East Coast Pondskimming Championships on April 17. Book a room at the听 (from $287), which has a brewery inside.听

Snowbird, Utah

Boasting Utah鈥檚 longest ski season,听 has been known to stay open until early July after听deep-snow winters. This year is looking promising, with more than 300 inches of snowfall already on the slopes. Plus, April and May can still bring big storms to Little Cottonwood Canyon. When it鈥檚 a bluebird day, there鈥檚 no better place to be than listening to live music on the Plaza Deck after a day听skiing laps off Snowbird鈥檚 legendary Cirque. From now until May 2, you can听 slopeside at Snowbird, including lift tickets, starting at $145.

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Picture a canyon that鈥檚 so steep and narrow and gets so much snow that avalanches can come cascading down the mountain and cover parking lots, roadways, and even buildings. That鈥檚 what can鈥攁nd does鈥攈appen in Utah鈥檚 Little Cottonwood Canyon, the steep, narrow gorge听home to the and ski areas. The canyon sees an average of 545 inches of snow each year听and is one of the most active avalanche zones in the country, with 64 different slide paths.

Last week听a series of massive storms dumped 96 inches on Alta and 88 inches on neighboring Snowbird over a handful of days. The storm shut down Little Cottonwood Canyon for a record-breaking 60-hour interlodge, an event in which听everyone in the canyon except critical workers are required to stay indoors due to the high avalanche danger.听

鈥淥ne of the best ski resorts in the world is built in one of the most active avalanche zones in the world,鈥� says Jake Treadwell, Snowbird鈥檚 director of mountain operations. 鈥淥nce you reach a critical level, where we鈥檙e seeing natural avalanche activity on the highway, we have to put people inside and lock the doors for their protection. We call it interlodge. It is the only way to keep people safe.鈥�

An interlodge can happen a few times each winter and usually听lasts a couple of hours or possibly overnight. In February 2020, the canyon had a 52-hour interlodge, the longest in recent memory.听

I was there听for this month鈥檚 event鈥攊nside a room at听Alta Lodge with my husband and our two young children for two and a half days. The kids occupied themselves with books, puzzles, and craft bags generously provided by the front desk, in between bouts of running laps (in masks) down the hotel hallway. I tried to get some听work done,听and practiced听yoga in the small space between the beds. I joked that it was the world鈥檚 plushest prison, with meals听delivered to your room and a slopeside view of a mountain you were听allowed to look at but not touch. Other hotel guests seemed to be doing Zoom calls throughout the hotel, ordering drinks from the bar to take back to their room, or borrowing books from the library in the lobby.

On day two, around 6:45 A.M., all hotel guests were alerted to听something called maximum security:听everyone had to vacate their rooms and head to the lobby or locker room, which were deemed the safest parts of the building during the most severe avalanche-control work. That lasted for over three hours. Although we sat separated and had worn our听masks, being packed into a room during a pandemic while avalanches are triggered above you is not exactly a comfortable feeling. We were all relieved to be released back to our rooms after that.

Utah鈥檚 State Route 210鈥攖he roadway that travels up the canyon toward the ski areas鈥攈as a Utah Department of Transportation Highway Avalanche Hazard Index of 766, the highest in North America. More than half of the route lies in an avalanche runout zone. When road crews and ski patrol are conducting avalanche-control work, the road is closed to keep travelers safe. Last week it was closed for three days.听

鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 happen very often where we have a three-day closure. It鈥檚 not unheard of, but it is rare,鈥� says John Gleason, public-information officer for the Utah Department of Transportation. 鈥淭he type of storms we were seeing, and the amount of snow we got in Little Cottonwood Canyon, it was staggering. You had all of that fresh snow on top of a weaker base, and that really made the conditions prime for avalanches. Because of its proximity to traffic and the number of slide paths, it鈥檚 one of the most challenging avalanche-control areas in the country. There鈥檚 no room for error.鈥�

The state鈥檚听Department of Transportation, Alta and Snowbird鈥檚 ski patrol, and the town of Alta work together to mitigate avalanche danger by setting off controlled slides using everything from a howitzer artillery gun to Gazex exploders to explosives dropped from a helicopter.

After 60 hours, the interlodge was lifted听and people in the canyon were allowed outside, but the roadway remained closed. Which meant that last Thursday, the ski areas were able to open exclusively听for those already there. Snowbird operated with five lifts, including the tram, and had just a few hundred people at the resort.听

鈥淲e call it country-club skiing. It happens maybe once every four or five years鈥攚hen you get to experience the ski area with so few people,鈥� says Treadwell. 鈥淔or the people who were there, it鈥檚 a truly magical day.鈥�

The post The Ups and Downs of My Interlodge Ski Saga appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This is a developing story. For the latest information on the status of resorts听and protocol, visit听individual resort websites.

Ski season is going to happen this year. But it won鈥檛 look like it used to. Resorts around the U.S. are听using input from state and local health guidelines听to operate as safely as possible. In place of crowded apr猫s-ski bars and packed gondolas, you鈥檒l see extra-long, spaced-apart lift lines, skiers in full-face coverings, and take-out lunches eaten outside. Many听resorts will also require advance reservations, so be sure to听check for capacity updates before you go.

Beyond operating and safety protocols, we wanted to know听what some of our favorite ski areas听around the country have planned for this winter, so we called up places like Taos, Big Sky, and Breckenridge to see what鈥檚 on tap.听

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Opening day: November 30. Though the resort usually opens earlier in the month, a later opening date should allow for more snowmaking and natural snowfall to ensure听there鈥檚 enough听terrain for skiers and riders to spread out. 听

Passes and tickets: The (from $1,049)听gets you unlimited access to Copper, and pass holders won鈥檛 need a reservation to ski. You鈥檒l buy听.听Any ticket purchased听more than 12 days ahead of time will be mailed to you; otherwise,听you鈥檒l grab it from on-site pick-up boxes.

What鈥檚 new: The resort is implementing an for parking. Whether you鈥檙e skiing, tubing, or just coming to walk around the village, you鈥檒l need to book a parking spot in advance. If you ride 听or get dropped off, you won鈥檛 need to make a reservation.

Lessons: Copper will kick off听the year by offering only for groups of up to six people who are related. Starting in 2021, additional youth ski and snowboard programs should be available.

Before you go: Check the听 for updates and the听听for notifications.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Opening day:听November 26 for Aspen Mountain and Snowmass; December 12 for Aspen Highlands, and December 18 for Buttermilk.

Passes and tickets: You can ski seven days at Aspen Snowmass on the Ikon Pass听or two days on the ($489)鈥攚ith either, you鈥檒l need to in advance. A limited number of lift tickets will be sold, so听book yours at least 72 hours ahead of time. Tickets can be delivered to your local lodging or collected from pick-up windows.听

What鈥檚 new: Aspen is expecting a 20 percent decrease in visitors this year, due in part to the lack of international tourists and corporate groups it often attracts, which means fewer听crowds this winter.

Uphill access: Known for its liberal uphill policies, the ski hills of Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands听will continue to allow uphill ski access during lift-operating hours, but this year听you鈥檒l need to stick to designated routes and check for closures due to capacity limits. The ski area鈥檚 fourth hill, Aspen Mountain, will only allow uphill access before or after the ski day.

Don鈥檛 miss: A $2.5 million renovation of , atop Snowmass, is now complete. A sit-down lunch includes slipper service, where you can swap ski boots for (freshly cleaned) slippers. Make a reservation, as capacity will be limited.

Before you go: Check the听 for updates, be sure to download the听, and stay abreast of what鈥檚 happening with听this听, launched this year.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Opening day: Breckenridge plans to open exclusively to those听who have any level of an 听(from $999) beginning November 13. Single-day tickets won鈥檛 be sold until December 8.

What鈥檚 new: All Vail Resorts, including Breck, will be starting the season with a听 for Epic pass holders. So听book your ski days in advance鈥攜ou鈥檙e allotted up to seven priority days (which vary by resort)听that听can be made well ahead of time, while other days can听be reserved the week of. This听reservation system will open for the season on November 6. Skiers and riders will now be allowed to bring their own lunches into lodges. If you plan to rent ski or snowboard gear, book online ahead of time and get it delivered to wherever you鈥檙e staying.

Don鈥檛 miss: is installing a new clear dome, which can be reserved for property owners and guests in an existing group who want to apr猫s responsibly in a heated, private slopeside space听with beverage听service and mountain views.

What鈥檚 closed: Full-service bars will likely not open for indoor service, but beer and wine will be available to go at most lodges and markets.

Before you go: Check the听, and be sure you have the听 for updates.

Big Sky, Montana

Opening day: November 26.

Passes and tickets: Big Sky may limit the number of season passes sold this year, but as of press time, they鈥檙e on sale and won鈥檛 require reservations. The Ikon Pass grants you seven days at Big Sky, for which you鈥檒l need to make a 听to ski. The Mountain Collective Pass听gets you two days here, and at this time, reservations for Mountain Collective pass holders aren鈥檛 required.

What鈥檚 new: The Lone Peak Tram will open this year, with face coverings required and limited capacity. The resort is also considering a new boot-pack route to offer听skiers and riders a way to climb Lone Peak from the top of Dakota lift,听bypassing the tram. Also, this winter听the public will be able to access the 8,000-square-foot Yellowstone Conference Center as a bigger indoor space for lunch and hot-chocolate breaks.

Early ups: New this year, an unguided first-tracks program called will let skiers and riders load the Ramcharger 8 lift at 8 a.m., an hour before everyone else. You鈥檒l need to purchase an Early Access ticket online听(from $60), and only a听limited number of them听are being sold.

Before you go: Check the听 for updates, and be sure to听.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Opening day: November 26.听

Passes and tickets: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort pass holders听won鈥檛 need to make reservations to ski, but Ikon听pass holders鈥攚ho get seven days here鈥攚ill need to book a spot. Mountain Collective pass holders, who get two days at Jackson Hole, do not need to make reservations at this time. The resort will sell a limited number of daily tickets;听buy听them听online at least 14 days in advance for the biggest discount.听

What鈥檚 new: If you want to skip the tram, skiers and riders will be allowed to boot-pack up Rendezvous Bowl via the East Ridge Traverse. Those interested in trying out a pair of demo skis this season听can now rent gear from seven different locations at the base of Jackson Hole, as well as two hotels鈥斕�(from $480) and 听(from $370)鈥攐r request delivery to your lodging.

Early ups: Book a and you鈥檒l have an option to upgrade for early tram and gondola access. This winter听the general public will be able to load Teewinot, the Sweetwater Gondola, and the Apr猫s Vous chair 30 minutes earlier than the resort鈥檚听9 A.M. opening time, to help spread people out from the base area.

What鈥檚 happening: The invite-only听, an event which听features top skiers and riders launching into the famed Corbet鈥檚 Couloir,听will return for its fourth year this winter. It鈥檚听scheduled to run听February 16 to 21, 2021, via听livestream.

Where to stay:听When you book a well-designed vacation rental with听听(from $95), amenities include听a no-contact check-in,听bundled lift tickets, and a fridge stocked prior to your arrival.

Before you go: Check the听, and download the听, which now features听real-time updates on lift wait times, parking access, and other information.

Snowbird, Utah

Opening day: Snowbird plans to open, conditions permitting, on November 30. By kicking the season off a bit later than usual, the resort hopes to have expanded terrain, more snowmaking, and as many lifts open as possible starting from the first day.

Passes and tickets: Ikon听pass holders get seven days at Snowbird, and no reservations to ski will be required, but you will need to . If you鈥檙e buying a day ticket, get it online ahead of time, and plan to pick it up from self-service kiosks scattered around the base area.

What鈥檚 new:听All visitors to Snowbird arriving by car will need to make a reservation for parking. The will still operate but at reduced capacity and with a face-covering听requirement.

Lifts: The tram will operate at just 25 percent of its usual winter capacity; however,听anyone not skiing or riding won鈥檛 be allowed up to the top of the mountain this year.听

Before you go: Check the听, and get the soon-to-be-released Snowbird app, which will have wait times, parking information, and other critical updates.听

Park City, Utah

Opening day:听November 20.

Passes and tickets: If you have any version of the Epic Pass, you鈥檒l need to make a听 to ski. For day tickets, rather than buy a regular lift ticket in advance (pricing to be announced), opt for the more affordable听听(from $107 a day), a low-commitment version of the Epic Pass. The Epic Day Pass also gets you between one and seven days, and, yes, those still require听a reservation.

Lessons: Group lessons for the four-and-under age group won鈥檛 be available this year.

Eat: For dinner, is offering dine-in service, take-out meals for a family of four, and frozen entr茅es to cook at your lodging, like chef-prepared lasagna, plus free delivery. The restaurant will also sell an听array of boxed to-go lunches that you can听bring听to the ski hill.

Don鈥檛 miss:听 is hosting听virtual mixology classes and online whiskey-education courses. Pick up a bottle of bourbon, and learn how to make a proper old-fashioned at your condo.

Before you go: Check the听, and be sure you have the听 for updates.

Taos, New Mexico

Opening day:听November 26.

Passes and tickets: Taos Ski Valley will operate at 50 percent capacity this season, which means that both day ticket听(available on October 15; prices to be announced) and season pass (available on October 9; from $450) holders will need to reserve spots in advance.听If you buy an Ikon Pass, you鈥檒l get seven days at Taos听and听will need to make a reservation before you show up. The Mountain Collective Pass gets you two days here, with no reservations needed.

Travel restrictions: As of press time, if you鈥檙e traveling to New Mexico from a state on the high-risk list for COVID cases, then you鈥檙e required to听.

Start your day: Get a green-chile-smothered breakfast burrito and a coffee to go from , located inside the , which is set to reopen听this winter. The resort is going cashless, so plan to pay for everything鈥攆rom dining to rentals鈥攂y card.

Stay here:听听(from $250)鈥攖he resort鈥檚 newest ski-in, ski-out hotel, was closed for the summer听but is expected听to听reopen for winter at 65 percent capacity. Its听restaurant, , is currently open for online ordering and takeout.

Before you go: Check the听.

Sugarloaf, Maine

Opening day:听To be announced.

Passes and tickets: The (from $649), on sale until October 12, gives you access to both Sugarloaf and Sunday River;听the Ikon Pass gets you up to seven days of skiing here; and the Mountain Collective Pass gets you two days. Currently, no reservations will be required for any of those passes. Lift tickets can be purchased online听and, unlike many resorts, at walk-up ticket windows the day of. You鈥檒l also find ten听new automated kiosks around the base area to pick up lift tickets purchased ahead of time.

What鈥檚 new: Gone are the days of human ticket checkers. Sugarloaf has installed radio-frequency identification听gates that you鈥檒l ski through to scan your passes before听loading the lifts.

Travel restrictions: coming from outside of a handful of nearby states are required to show a negative COVID test result or self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the state.

Transportation: You can still ride the free shuttle around the area, but plan on wearing a face covering, and expect capacity to be cut in half.

Before you go: The听 has more details, and be sure to download the听. The听 will post updates on听operations and conditions.听

Stowe, Vermont

Opening day: November 20.

Passes and tickets: All guests using an Epic Pass will need to make a听 to ski at Stowe this winter. Lift tickets will only be sold online after December 8 for designated days.

Travel restrictions: Vermont currently has听 in place, so if you鈥檙e coming from outside its borders, be sure to read up on quarantine requirements before you pack your听bags.

Lifts: The gondola will be open. Face coverings will be required, and only related groups will be allowed to load听together.

For your convenience: You can now get take-out orders or groceries delivered to your door, thanks to听, the area鈥檚 first (and only) food-delivery service.

Before you go: Check the听 and the听 for the latest updates.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Opening day: Mammoth tends to be one of the first ski resorts in California to open. This year听the resort will start cranking the lifts听November 14.

Passes and tickets: Walk-up day tickets won鈥檛 be available, and those听purchased in advance will be sold on a limited basis, so expect to secure them at least seven days in advance. Skiers and riders with an Ikon Pass have unlimited access to Mammoth and won鈥檛 need to make reservations, as of press time.

Drink: has a socially distant beer garden that鈥檚 open for patio dining and beer tasting, or order online to pick up a growler to take back to your pad.

Soak: Squeezing into a natural hot springs with strangers isn鈥檛 a great idea this year, and many of the steaming pools around Mammoth can get crowded in a normal year. Instead, book a private tub and winter campsite or room at听 (from $60), 50 minutes northeast of town.

Before you go: Check the听, and download the free听.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California

Opening day: November 25, conditions permitting.

Passes and tickets: There鈥檚 no reservation system here for skiing and riding. Ikon pass holders get unlimited days at Squaw Alpine; Mountain Collective pass holders get two days. There will be no walk-up ticket sales, and advance tickets will be offered on a limited basis. If you buy a ticket more than ten听days ahead of time, it can be mailed to you.

What鈥檚 open: Ski and ride schools will be operational, with new regulations in place. The Funitel and aerial tram are slated to open with face coverings required and social-distancing efforts in place.

What鈥檚 closed: The popular sunset happy hours at High Camp, atop the tram, won鈥檛 be available this year, though restaurants there will be open. Favorite festivities,听such as听the holiday torchlight parade and moonlight snowshoe tours, aren鈥檛 currently scheduled, but the springtime is likely to go on, pending local ordinances.

Eat here:听, which opened last year in Squaw Valley Village, has online ordering and swift take-out service.

Before you go: Be sure to check the听 and听 or the听 for the latest on parking and mountain capacity.听

Sun Valley, Idaho

Opening day: Sun Valley鈥檚 Bald Mountain will open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, with nearby Dollar Mountain to follow on December 12.

Passes and tickets: You won鈥檛 find a reservation system at Sun Valley this winter, though lift tickets may be restricted to minimize crowds, so be sure to get there early. Epic pass holders now get seven days of skiing or riding at Sun Valley, and even though the Epic Pass requires reservations at Vail-owned destinations, at this time you don鈥檛 need a reservation to use your Epic Pass here.

What鈥檚 new: This winter, a high-speed quad replaces what was the resort鈥檚 oldest chairlift, Cold Springs, and skiers and riders will be able to spread out on 380 acres of new skiable terrain, located on Bald Mountain鈥檚 south side.

For your convenience: If you need to leave items behind, there will be a bag-check station outside the lodge.

Before you go: Check the听 and听 for updates.

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Caroline Gleich moved to Salt Lake City听from her native Minnesota when she was 15听and has been skiing Utah鈥檚 Wasatch Range听ever since. She began making a name for herself as a professional听skier when she was just 18, and in 2017, she became the first woman to climb and ski all 90 lines in听Andrew McLean鈥檚 iconic 1998 guidebook听The Chuting Gallery.听Last year听she climbed Mount Everest in an effort to promote gender equality in sports. Now 34, Gleich uses her influence as an athlete to promote issues like climate change, cyberharassment, and clean air quality. We asked her to share her favorite places to ski in her home state.

Deer Valley Ski Resort

Why Go: Gleich mostly skis in the backcountry, but if she doesn鈥檛 have time for a full backcountry tour in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons, then she鈥檒l ski in-bounds at听. 鈥淚f I can鈥檛 ski perfect untracked powder, then I like perfect groomers,鈥� she says. 鈥淕oing to Deer Valley feels like a day to restore.鈥�

Need to Know: According to Gleich, one nice thing about the Park City resorts鈥攚hich include Deer Valley and 鈥攊s that they don鈥檛 see the same weekend crowds as the ski resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, like Alta and Snowbird. Which means that Deer Valley can be a good bet even on a busy Saturday. 鈥淒eer Valley limits the number of tickets they sell, so even on the craziest days, you won鈥檛 be waiting in lift lines for too long,鈥� she says.

Where to Ski: She prefers the terrain accessed via the and the upper part of the mountain, like Lady Morgan, Bald Mountain, and Flagstaff Mountain. 鈥淚t鈥檚 higher up, so the snow stays nice,鈥� she says. Plus, the cookies at the Silver Lake Lodge are hard to beat.

For Apr猫s-Ski: Get a Bloody Mary at the bar of the ski-in, ski-out听, and have dinner at听, a new farm-to-table restaurant in Park City that Gleich loves.

Alta Ski Area听

Why Go: 鈥淚 cut my teeth skiing听 for so many years,鈥� Gleich says. 鈥淚t was my gateway to backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. I love being so connected to nature there. You have big, unadulterated views听and a real sense of the wilderness. Plus, it feels听like you have to exert some human power by sidestepping or traversing to get to the good places.鈥�

Need to Know:听 is the spot for coffee before skiing. 鈥淎nd they have tasty waffles and empanadas,鈥� adds Gleich. If she鈥檚 driving up from Salt Lake City, she also likes听, near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Where to Ski: Gleich mostly laps Alta鈥檚 beloved Collins lift, where you can access steep shots off the High Traverse, like Jitterbug or Alf鈥檚 High Rustler. 鈥淚 also love to ski Alta with my nephews and my 88-year-old dad, who鈥檚 had a hip replacement,鈥� she says. 鈥淗e mostly likes to ski Sunnyside, Sugarloaf, and Supreme.鈥�

For Apr猫s-Ski: Get French fries and a beer at the听 inside the new听. Then head for a soak at the听, located on the rooftop of the听听at Snowbird Ski Area, next door to Alta.听鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing place to unwind,鈥� Gleich says. 鈥淭hey have a saltwater pool, a hot tub, and a eucalyptus steam room.鈥�

Mount Superior

Why Go: 鈥淥ne of the most iconic runs in Utah is the south face of听,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淭hat mountain is like the heart of the Wasatch. It鈥檚 one of my favorite places to go. It鈥檚 got everything鈥攁 beautiful, big-mountain face that gets incredible sunrise light, an exposed ridgeline that feels like an alpine climb, and from the top of the peak, you can see far in every direction. It鈥檚 also very close to Salt Lake City. You can be standing on the top of this peak in just two or three hours鈥澨齛fter arriving at the airport.

Need to Know: As with all backcountry areas, before you go, read the avalanche forecast from the听,听carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them. The Utah Avalanche Center has听 for backcountry education in the area. Or hire a guide:听 leads backcountry tours up Mount Superior.

Where to Ski: 鈥淪uperior is really popular鈥攊t鈥檚 a classic ski descent,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淭here are so many features and nooks you can continue to explore.鈥�

For Apr猫s-Ski: You can ski Superior at dawn and be down at Alta having coffee and breakfast after sunrise. 鈥淥r get to Alta for first chair after skiing Superior,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淎t听 at Alta, you can get a warm breakfast sandwich and a nice cappuccino.鈥�

Millcreek Canyon Road听

Why Go: The top section of听, closed during the winter, is a good spot for newer backcountry skiers who want to test their skills on low-angle, low-avalanche-danger terrain. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l skin through a beautiful, dense forest,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like forest bathing. It鈥檚 very quiet.鈥�听

Need to Know: The trail climbs about 1,200 feet over听roughly four miles. The side of the road is usually groomed, so it鈥檚 also popular with nordic skiers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun tour for people who鈥檝e never toured. You could tow kids in a sled or skate-ski, too,鈥� says Gleich.

Where to Ski: It鈥檚 pretty straightforward: Drive up Millcreek Canyon until you can鈥檛 drive anymore. Park, then start skinning up the closed road. 鈥淵ou basically skin or cross-country ski up, then ski down the road,鈥� says Gleich.

For Apr猫s-Ski: One of Gleich鈥檚 favorite places to grab dinner in Cottonwood Heights is a new, family-owned Vietnamese restaurant called听. 鈥淭hey have pho that they stew for over 24 hours,鈥� she says.

Grizzly Gulch

Why Go: 鈥淲ith climate change in the Wasatch, we鈥檙e seeing our snow lines move higher and higher. On years when we don鈥檛 have much lower-elevation snow,听 is one of the places you can ski-tour consistently,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the birthplace of avalanche research and a part of the history of snow safety in the U.S. It鈥檚 a really important place for people taking avalanche courses and getting into backcountry skiing.鈥�

Need to Know: There鈥檚 a piece of proposed legislation called the听 that seeks to preserve around 80,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in the Wasatch, including Grizzly Gulch, which Alta has听 its ski area into. It鈥檚 an听. 鈥淚 love Alta. But I鈥檓 opposed to any plans to develop Grizzly Gulch,鈥� says Gleich.

Where to Ski: Grizzly Gulch has protected, north-facing terrain, so the snow here stays cold and light. 鈥� is a good place to go tour in Grizzly Gulch,鈥� says Gleich. 鈥淚t鈥檚 got nice, open-spaced trees,听good snow quality, and is lower angle, with minimal avalanche terrain above.鈥�听

For Apr猫s-Ski: Head to the听 inside the Alta Lodge. 鈥淚t鈥檚 small and intimate and a fun place to grab a drink after skiing,鈥� Gleich says.

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I鈥檝e been skiing for 42 years and have been lucky enough to ski all over the world, including spots in Europe, Japan, and听Alaska. I鈥檝e had lots of incredible powder days, but the best powder day I ever had was in Utah.

It happened 22 years ago. I had just graduated from college and moved to Vail, Colorado, to do some ski bumming. My father met up with me, and we drove to Snowbird in Utah, where my dad鈥檚 cousin had a time-share. When we got there, dark clouds rolled in, and it began to snow. Within a few hours, there was a foot of fresh snow on the ground. It kept听coming down. We were 鈥渋nterlodged鈥濃�攁n event where听avalanches are so likely that it鈥檚 not safe enough to go outside the property鈥攆or two days.

Just as cabin fever began to set in, the skies cleared, avalanche-mitigation bombs echoed through Little Cottonwood Canyon, and, after a few hours, the lifts started turning. On my first run, the snow was chest-deep and billowed over my head. I鈥檇 heard plenty about how Utah had the 鈥済reatest snow on earth鈥� (it鈥檚 even printed on the state鈥檚 license plates), but I鈥檇 always been skeptical. As it turns out, it鈥檚 a scientific fact. Utah鈥檚 dry, cold atmosphere produces snowflakes called dendrites, which are thin and crystal-like听and听so light and fluffy that, when skiing through them, they make you feel buoyant without causing a lot of resistance. As such, powder skiing in Utah is the closest most people will get to floating in space.

That was how I felt all day, but it was my last run听that was truly remarkable. A ski patroller we听met on the chairlift told us he was opening up a new section of the mountain. We followed him, just my father and I, and听after he pulled the rope, he said, 鈥淕o for it.鈥� I found myself on a 45-degree slope, bouncing through the untouched terrain, simultaneously choking on snow and yelping with joy. The impossibly long trail seemed to go on for several minutes. When I finally stopped, I was plucking crystals out of my ears and drunk with euphoria.

I鈥檝e made many more ski trips to Utah since. After all, with ten ski areas less than an hour from the Salt Lake City airport, incredible backcountry terrain, and almost guaranteed powder (each season听Utah averages 18 storms that deliver more than 12 inches of snow each), it鈥檚 arguably the best ski destination in North America. I鈥檝e never been disappointed鈥攁nd this guide will听ensure that you get the most out of Utah skiing, too.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Bring your ski boots and apparel, but leave your skis at home. If you鈥檙e fortunate to hit a big storm, then you鈥檒l want wide powder skis. That said, even in Utah there can be several consecutive weeks of high-pressure systems that yield听sunny skies and no snowfall. If that鈥檚 the case, you鈥檒l need either a pair of mid-fat, all-mountain skis, which will handle chopped-up snow and bumps better, or, if groomed trails are your jam, narrow carving skis. , founded in Park City, rents a wide array of Rossignols and will drive to wherever you鈥檙e staying and adjust the bindings for you in your living room. If you want to swap out the skis you鈥檙e using, it鈥檒l drive back and do so ($65 per day).

Buy one of these passes. There are five multi-resort passes听worth considering that work at Utah ski areas.听Depending on where you鈥檙e going to ski and how many days you plan on skiing, buying one听makes a lot of sense. For example, a day ticket at Deer Valley costs $160. But an $800 听will get you five days of skiing there, plus five days at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. The $1,100 version of the pass gets you seven days of skiing at each ski area. Other options include:

• : $989, unlimited access to Park City and Snowbasin
• : $649 buys you a one-day ticket at each of the 15 Utah resorts
• : $509 for two days of skiing at Alta Ski and Snowbird, plus 50 percent off each additional ticket
• : For only $45, fifth-graders can ski or ride three times at each of Utah鈥檚 15 resorts; sixth-graders get one day at each

Don鈥檛 miss getting into the backcountry. There are lots听of听reasons why, including听guaranteed powder turns even weeks after a storm, zero crowds, amazing views, and terrain options that you probably can鈥檛 find at most ski areas, such as couloirs and powder pillows. In Utah, there are several ways to get into the backcountry. will take you ski touring throughout Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons. And its staff听doesn鈥檛听just guide but also provides instruction, like how to most efficiently skin uphill and how to best tackle the deep snow on north-facing slopes. Lots of that terrain is mellow enough that even intermediates can handle it. For more advanced skiers looking for long ascents and gnarly descents, UMA guides tour clients to the 40-degree pitches, bowls, and chutes in the Lone and Twin Peaks Wilderness areas ($219听per person for a group of four). No backcountry experience is needed, but those looking to head out on their own next time can enroll听in one of the company鈥檚 .

If touring isn鈥檛 your thing, you can fly or ride into the backcountry.听, a heli-ski operation based out of Snowbird and Park City, has access to 170,000 acres of terrain鈥攅verything from gently rolling slopes to steep tree-filled lines. You鈥檒l get breakfast and lunch, six to ten runs, and ski thousands of vertical feet ($1,600 per day). , with 43,000 acres to play on, is another option. Cat rides only take between five and ten minutes and gain you access to bowls, chutes, and, should you be so inclined, cliff drops. After six hours of fast laps, you鈥檒l be ready for a hot tub and a beer ($629听per day).

How to Get There

There are arguably no ski areas in the country easier to get to than those in Utah. Ten of the state鈥檚 15 ski areas are located within an hour鈥檚 drive听from Salt Lake City International听Airport (in addition,听Eagle Point, Brian Head, Cherry Peak, and Beaver Mountain are two to 3.5 hours away), which sees around 700 incoming and departing daily nonstop flights from almost 100 destinations.

When I lived in New York City, I would get in the car on a Friday night and, due to traffic, it would take me six hours to drive to the听closest ski area in New England. I soon figured out that a nonstop flight from New York to Salt Lake City took just a hair over five hours, and, after landing, I was at the ski area in about an hour. After skiing all weekend, I could hop on a red-eye, pop a melatonin, and be back at my desk in the city just after 9 A.M. on Monday morning. And rather than chattering on New England ice for two days, I was choking on powder.

What鈥檚听the Best Time of Year to Ski Utah?

The season usually begins in mid-November and runs until late April. Other than the short shoulder seasons, Utah is constantly packed with people. But since the state gets consistent snowfall throughout the season, finding fresh powder is less of an issue than dealing with crowds. The best-kept secret is that some of the biggest storms hit Utah in late spring.

My second-best powder day ever was on April 15, 2015, at Alta.听It snowed around听two feet, and, because crowds are much lighter in the spring, I skied deep, untouched powder from bell to bell, never waiting in a lift line.听Added bonus: several Utah ski areas host , many of which can last weeks or up to an entire month. These apr猫s-ski bashes include live bands, pond skimming, and makeshift outdoor bars.

Hit These Ski Areas

For the Powder Hound: Alta Ski Area/Snowbird

Combined, the two ski areas just southeast of Salt Lake City have nearly 6,000 vertical feet of the best in-bounds terrain in Utah. With the proper pass (see above), you鈥檙e allowed to ski between them, ticking off classic lines like High Rustler at听听(day tickets from $60)听and Tiger Tail at听听(day tickets from $50).

Where to Stay

Snowbird has five options, including the sprawling 500-room 听(from $160) and听听(from $100), which has 35听rooms right in the pedestrian village. Alta has five historic inns that are all independently owned,听located at the base of听the听Wasatch mountains, and similar in price, but they vary in offerings.听Its oldest structure, the 58-room听听(from $329), got a swanky upgrade last year. Eighteen months听of renovations yielded , an on-site game room with a pool, arcade games, and karaoke;听guest rooms with sliding barn doors听and leather furniture;听and a new spa, where you can request the High Altitude Recovery, a combination massage and stretching session that can work out the kinks from a long day on the slopes.

The Terrain

It鈥檚 not all gnar. Beginners practice their skills on low-angle terrain at Snowbird in the Baby Thunder Family Area, and intermediates hit the groomed trails off the Collins lift at Alta. Experts, though,听will truly find their听groove here. Ski steep glades and chutes off Alta鈥檚听Supreme chairlift, then head through the Keyhole, a connector between Alta and Snowbird that features open faces and drops. At Snowbird, head to the Gad 2 chairlift and ski Tiger Tail, a 40-degree pitch that funnels into steep glades. If you have top-notch听backcountry skills, head across the canyon and skin up Superior, a two-to-three-hour climb with a big payoff: couloirs and deep snow.

Signature Trail

Though it鈥檚 not often open and requires boot-packing, a trek up to Alta鈥檚听听is well worth the hourlong climb. The 40-degree steeps and narrow chutes will test everything you鈥檝e got.

The Town

Alta and Snowbird are ski areas. There is no town per se. That said, the base-area hotels have decent dining, and there are shuttles between the ski areas that can transport you to them. The best restaurant is probably , inside the at Snowbird. It serves everything from grilled salmon to gourmet shepherd鈥檚 pie with elk meat.

The听Bottom Line

There鈥檚 not a lot going on in Little Cottonwood Canyon other than skiing鈥攚hich is fine. Alta and Snowbird are where you go if you want to ski hard and don鈥檛 care much about the apr猫s or nightlife scene. If that is a priority, go to Park City (see below).

For the Family: Park City

Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport,听听(day tickets from $108) is spread over 7,300 acres, making it the largest ski area in the United States. Since it鈥檚 situated right in the town of Park City, which is flush with restaurants, bars, and shopping, it鈥檚 also the Utah ski resort with the most to do when you鈥檙e not skiing.

Where to Stay

There鈥檚 no shortage of options in the area, from pricey ski-in, ski-out hotels to pet-friendly vacation homes. For those听who听want the former, the听听(from $750), which opened in June, has 700-square-foot rooms and two-story, two-bedroom suites, plus听nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and, in the summer, fly-fishing. For something more affordable, 鈥檚 property-management portfolio has more than 150 lodging options within the听Park City area, ranging from one-bedroom condos to full homes (from around听$200).

The Terrain

Much of the terrain at Park City is family friendly. Last year听the ski area introduced High Meadow Park, a new learning area for beginners that鈥檚 about halfway up the mountain and can be accessed via the Red Pine Gondola. The wide-open, gently graded slope is always well-groomed. Intermediates will love the听cruisers off the King Con lift听but should also venture over to Iron Mountain, which has some of the best low-angle tree skiing in the state. Experts with the gear and know-how will want to do the ten-minute hike up Ninety-Nine 90 and drop out of the backcountry gate from there. The run down Upper East Face from the top of the mountain is worth it: it鈥檚 a leg burner that鈥檚 steep and often full of moguls.

Signature Trail

King鈥檚 Crown is often overlooked, because it鈥檚 a pretty easy groomer. But what makes it special are the views: panoramic glimpses of the Wasatch mountains and the town of Park City as you arc down the slope.

The Town听

With so many dining options, it鈥檚 tough to go wrong in Park City, but here鈥檚 how I would approach the day: Fuel up on the soft scrambled eggs at Harvest before heading to the mountain. After skiing, grab a cocktail at the , an award-winning whiskey distillery that鈥檚 right in town, then cruise Main Street, checking in on everything from high-end cowboy boots at to the latest ski gear from the apparel company听. For dinner head to and try the chicken-fried rabbit. Then finish things off by drinking and dancing at the . Of course, the kids will want to check out Park City鈥檚 newest addition, , an indoor skate park that will open in December with 70-foot jumps and a 22-foot halfpipe.

The Bottom Line

Serious skiers won鈥檛 be blown away by the terrain at Park City, but there鈥檚 probably no better ski area in Utah for a family vacation, someplace where your kids can have fun on the slopes and you can all enjoy the good food and drink.

For the Solitude Seeker: Powder Mountain

Though (day tickets from $95) has gotten some decent press over the years, it still feels like a hidden gem. You won鈥檛 find massive crowds here, even on powder days, and the听lodges are total throwbacks鈥攔un-down buildings with tiny kitchens that still serve greasy burgers and pizza.

Where to Stay

There鈥檚 no hotel at Powder Mountain, but there are plenty of condos. One-to-four-bedroom condos can be rented from 听(from $95), which also gets you access to the community pool and Jacuzzi.

The Terrain

Spanning 8,464 acres, Powder Mountain it has more skiiable terrain than听any other resort听in the country.听Beginners should start the day at the Sundown area and slowly make their way to the Hidden Lake area. Along the way, you鈥檒l tick off several blue and green groomed runs, and you might even feel brave enough to try some of the low-angle terrain that鈥檚 just off-piste. Intermediates should head straight听to the Paradise lift and ski the open bowl directly off the top of it. Experts should also head to Paradise, but at the top, follow the lift down to the ridgeline and drop into the steeper shots on either side. Then invest in a couple $25听single-ride snowcat tickets. The cat will drive you to the base of James Peak. Hike the peak (it will take about 30 minutes), then ski all the way back to the Paradise lift鈥攁 2,500-foot descent with听open bowls, trees, and drops.

Signature Trail

Woody鈥檚 World has it all:听steeps, trees, and open shots that all funnel back onto the ski area鈥檚 access road. From there, follow the singletrack down the road to catch the bus back to the mountain.

The Town

Powder Mountain is working on building a village near the top of the ski area, but it won鈥檛 be complete for several years. Until then听there are the nearby towns of Eden, 15 minutes south, and Huntsville, ten minutes farther鈥攁nd you鈥檒l be shocked by how tiny they are. One must-hit spot is the in Huntsville. It was established in 1879, there鈥檚 a stuffed Saint听Bernard on the wall, hundreds of dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, and they serve the best burgers you鈥檝e ever had (but no fries; don鈥檛 even ask).

The Bottom Line

For the most part, you鈥檙e not going to find the sustained steeps like at Snowbird and Alta听or the fine dining and nightlife that Park City has. But you also won鈥檛 see crazy crowds, and you might still get听powder skiing days after a storm.

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Just 25 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, Snowbird offers some of the best skiing in the U.S.听But because of skier-created traffic, driving the seven miles of Little Cottonwood Canyon can take up to two hours on a busy day.

With guests and employees both driving the canyon to ski at Snowbird (and听neighboring Alta), the resort is aiming to reduce congestion and carbon emissions with its 听(Reducing Individual Driving for the Environment) program. Initially launched in the 2016鈥�17 season, RIDE听coupled with the resort鈥檚 ticketing system and听encouraged people to carpool or take the bus instead of driving alone, offering rewards like VIP parking and half-price lift tickets as incentives.

According to Snowbird marketing director听Dave Amirault, initially the system proved听too hard to track. 鈥淚t was a good start, but we realized听that a lot of people that were utilizing the program wanted more, and it seemed that if we threw the right technological solution at it, more people would use it,鈥� Amirault says.

So, Snowbird relaunched the RIDE program with a new听free ride-sharing app听last Thursday.

The idea of encouraging people to use public transportation or carpool when they head for the slopes is not new. Colorado has听, the Tahoe area has , and Mount Hood鈥檚 Timberline Lodge Resort points skiers and riders to use , an Oregon-based carpooling program. All three connect mountaingoers online to fill empty seats in cars headed for the snow, with varying degrees of success. There are also public transport options, like the , and you can always take your chances with听Craigslist.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to reinvent the wheel with any of this,鈥� says Amirault. 鈥淲e just wanted to make an easy mechanism to get people together and into vehicles while reducing those single-occupant cars that are coming up.鈥�

There are currently nine pickup locations on RIDE听around Salt Lake City and Sandy, including stops at the University of Utah, Westminster University, and the bus station at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. It works similarly to Uber or Lyft: fire up the app, look for rides at the nearest pickup location, get a ride听up the canyon, and earn incentives points you can redeem at the resort. Or听if you鈥檙e driving听up, post on the app to find butts for your open seats and also earn points.

If you can鈥檛 find a ride, and you have a Snowbird season pass, you can take the UTA bus up the canyon for free听and still collect RIDE incentive points, the same as if you had carpooled. After your first ride, you get听a set of Snowbird stickers听and VIP parking right next to the lift. After five trips, you get a Hydrapak Stow collapsible water bottle, and ten rides earns听a听half-price听fully transferable lift ticket. For locals, ten rides also听earns an听entry听into a lottery for early access to the resort.

It鈥檚 not just resort guests who听will benefit from the RIDE听app. 鈥淲e have a little over 1,900 employees in our peak season, and there are some features for Snowbird employees that are built into this app as well,鈥� says Brian Brown, Snowbird鈥檚 communications manager. 鈥淲e have carpool vans for the employees, so they get to use this app much to the same amazing degree as the guests do. That was a big push for us as well.鈥�

鈥淭hose employees also get rewards for carpooling in the app; for getting up here through a van, the bus, or carpooling,鈥澨鼳mirault adds. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great resource for our employees, too.鈥�

Snowbird has designed the app to be scalable so that it can be adapted for any resort seeking to implement a congestion solution. Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado and Lee Canyon in Nevada have already signed on, and their RIDE apps will likely launch听next season.

The RIDE听app has been designed to be nonintrusive. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not letting people log in with Facebook, Twitter, or Google, or upload all of their contact lists, and I鈥檓 trying to minimize the amount of personal information that people have to give us to participate,鈥澨鼳mirault says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want people to think that we鈥檙e leveraging personal data in a way to get them to participate鈥攊t鈥檚 totally up to you. And the stuff that we ask for is so that riders听can identify your vehicle, for听when you realize, 鈥楧ave is going to be at the mouth of the canyon, but I鈥檝e never met this guy.听What鈥檚 his car look like?鈥欌��

Another reason the app wants information about your vehicle is that Amirault and his team have built in听carbon-offset-per-mile estimations using data available through the EPA.听With the unique geography of the Wasatch front and Uintah Basin, Salt Lake City鈥檚 air quality .听Inversions are a common occurrence during the winter, which causes particulate听pollution to . According to the , 48 percent of Utah鈥檚 main wintertime air pollution comes from nonstationary sources, such as cars, planes, and trains.

鈥淲e have leaderboards that will show who has the best carbon offset, who is carpooling the most miles, with the most people. And because it鈥檚 all in the database, we can do all of these visualizations to show who is really kicking ass with this thing,鈥� Amirault says. 鈥淭he math is a bit fuzzy right now, and it鈥檚 based on miles traveled and vehicle type. In the future I want to get this thing down to finite [measurements].鈥�

It鈥檚 hard to get people to change their habits, Brown says. 鈥淭he options are听Snowbird does nothing, or we put our heart and soul into this app and today if even one car eliminated four cars, then that is a success.鈥�

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Each February for the past ten听years, 国产吃瓜黑料 and have met up at Snowbird, Utah, to test skis. This year听we met with reps from 25 ski companies and set out to test dozens of new models. Over three days, our testers sample听as many as 18 pairs of skis each. For this review, we鈥檝e focused on skis that performed well in a听wide range of conditions and terrain types. Our favorite pair of skis听for all-mountain use, V枚lkl鈥檚 M5 Mantra, was one of the听most versatile skis in this test, equally as comfortable on hardpack as it is in fresh powder. Here鈥檚 a deep dive on the M5, plus six other models more specialized to either hardpack or powder听but with the versatility to perform on any day.

Best All-Mountain Ski

V枚lkl M5 Mantra ($700)

V枚lkl has been building and revising a ski called the 听for 12 years. This year鈥檚 version, the M5, is brand-new, and we think it鈥檚 the best new ski of the year. Over the past decade, the ski industry has tried to turn every ski into a powder ski, and in keeping with that trend, the Mantra grew steadily fatter and more rockered. In reality听though, most all-mountain skis need to rip groomed or packed snow about half the time, and fat, heavily rockered skis aren鈥檛 great at that. The new M5 reflects this听understanding. Its sidecut is a bit deeper, it has camber underfoot, and its 96-millimeter waist is now four millimeters narrower than last year鈥檚 version. These changes give the M5 more rebound on hard snow听and let it glide better and maintain more contact with the snow while up on edge.

What makes it stand apart from others in its class is its physical construction. V枚lkl is famous for building damp, stable skis with wood cores sandwiched between two sheets of titanium alloy. For the M5, V枚lkl developed what it听calls听Titanal Frame, a sandwich setup with the metal installed around the perimeter of the ski鈥檚 fore and aft sections, shedding weight from the center line. As a result, the M5 is a modest but noticeable 50 grams lighter in each ski compared with its predecessor. Meanwhile, the tip has听some carbon fiber, consistent with current industry trends, which makes it a little easier to initiate turns.

Out on the hill, the M5 was the most versatile ski of the test. It鈥檚 damp, meaning it doesn鈥檛 chatter or transmit vibrations, but still lively. It floats in resort powder听but carves like a ski built for hardpack. 鈥淚t鈥檚 lightweight and precise at the same time,鈥� said one of our听testers. 鈥淚 expected it to carve well, but I was surprised by how well it runs off-trail. Any skilled skier could excel on it. The sweet spot is huge.鈥� Dimensions: 134/96/117

Best All-Mountain Ski for听Aggressive Skiers

Blizzard Bonafide ($700)

Last year, Blizzard introduced a freeride line of skis designed to be surfier and more playful than its听line of all-mountain freeride skis. , with its longer effective-edge length and deeper sidecut, is part of the all-mountain line, and we thought it remained fun in deep snow while becoming noticeably more stable on hardpack.

Like the M5 Mantra鈥攁nd just about every modern all-mountain ski鈥攖he Bonafide has carbon fiber in the tips to reduce swing weight, and its profile includes both rocker and camber. The difference between these skis is power output. While the Mantra accommodates a wider range of skier types, the Bonafide is built for skiers who charge hard. You either need to be big, fast, or both听for this ski to perform. 鈥淵ou can go full tilt off-trail or on,鈥� said one tester. And while plowing through chunks of unruly snow,听said another, 鈥渢he Bonafide is a cruel steamroller.鈥�

The Bonafide is built with a beech and poplar core and two sheets of titanium alloy. We鈥檇 recommend it听as a daily driver for skiing in the West, where we鈥檇 expect to use it 70 percent of the time off-trail, slashing turns in chalky alpine snow or using those lightweight rockered tips to pivot through loosely spaced steep bumps. On trail, it arcs a fun GS turn, but even with the added sidecut, it鈥檚 not an all-day carver so much as an all-day high-speed cruiser that can really lay it over in a turn. With a 98-millimeter waist, it鈥檚 not a powder ski, but it鈥檚 a pretty good one-ski quiver if you live in a place where the snowmaking equipment only comes out in the fall听and if you鈥檙e willing to sacrifice a little performance on the truly deep days. Dimensions: 135/98/119

Best All-Mountain Powder Ski 听

K盲stle BMX105 HP ($1,149)

The first thing to address about the听听is that it鈥檚 at least $300 more expensive than the average ski in this category. That fact left a few broke ski testers wondering how they鈥檇 ever buy a pair. According to K盲stle, the听sticker price reflects a high level of handwork,听and the materials come out of an elite race-room shop in Austria (HP stands for high performance). K盲stle听constructed听the BMX105 HP with silver fir and beech cores instead of cheaper woods, and the bases are cut from the same sintered graphite that World Cup athletes run. (Sintering means baking a powder into a solid.) Even the sidewalls and edge material are spec鈥檇 from high-grade stock. Ultimately, that should produce a long-lasting ski that听delivers energy return and stability after other skis have gone soft and dead. We鈥檝e put three years of hard skiing on a pair of K盲stles with this same build, and they鈥檝e shown no loss of life.

But durability wouldn鈥檛 matter if the BMX105s didn鈥檛 ski well, and they did,听earning the听second-highest scores in our all-mountain powder test at Snowbird. The Hollowtech听tips (swing-weight reduction again) make them nimble, and the big-turn radius (21 meters in the 181-centimeter length) lets you run them in breakable crust and weird alpine snow without feeling hooky. Said a tester: 鈥淩ipped everywhere and was super forgiving even while it displayed no speed limits. It鈥檚 easy to initiate turns, and it doesn鈥檛 mind if you want to drive the tail through the transition. You could ski it in a big-mountain comp or just cruise around.鈥� So who should buy it? Anybody with resources, first of all. But especially people who spend most of their ski days at big western resorts that see ample snowfall, like Fernie, Jackson, the gems of Little Cottonwood, and Squaw Valley. Oh, and that person should be adept at avoiding rocks and keeping their gear well honed for the long term. As for body types, the 105 has range: our biggest, strongest, and fastest skier had it as his top pick, as did a lightweight tester who prefers to slash rather carve his turns. 鈥淪table at all speeds, but slices and dices pow in the trees, too,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淚f you like a ski that never gets bucked around, look here.鈥� Dimensions: 134/105/123

Best All-Mountain Frontside Ski

Rossignol Experience 88 Ti ($750)

Rossignol鈥檚 redesigned 听is a top pick if you live and ski in New England, or even Summit County, Colorado, during a dry year.

We liked former听versions of the Experience line, but it had grown dated, largely because of an extended sidecut that brought the widest part of the ski to the very tip. That made for fun carving, but off-trail that much sidecut made the Experience line tough to handle. The fix: taking a cue from its听7 Series powder skis, Rossignol built the new Experience line with subtle tapering in the tip and tail. With the new design, it鈥檚 actually more fun to rip听around on groomed snow, and it鈥檚 way more nimble off-trail in variable snow and terrain, which allowed听testers to butter and dump speed听or redirect to a better line.

The ski has been improved with what Rossignol is calling line control technology (LCT). LCT is a central rail that reduces the counter flexing of the ski at the apex of the turn, smoothing out the ride and boosting edge grip. Another update includes听new dampeners made from a viscous compound, which we thought may have added to the 88鈥檚 ability to hook up and hold on. 鈥淧erfect carving on-trail,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淚t absolutely rails turns, but the flex is smooth and accessible, and you can sluff the tips and tails around if you need to bail out.鈥� As for who should buy it, the door is open. It鈥檚 a one-ski-quiver tool for the biggest chunk of the market, but if you already own a pair of fat skis (over 100 millimeters underfoot), the new 88 will complete your quiver and make days with packed snow all that more fun. 鈥淭his ski rips,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淪o easy to get up on edge, but you can slink through bumps and trees, too.鈥� Dimensions: 140/86/130

Best Backcountry Crossover Ski

Black Diamond Boundary Pro 107 ($749)

It鈥檚 been awhile since a ski from Black Diamond has impressed our testers. Recently, however, BD shifted its ski production from China to Blizzard鈥檚 factory in Austria, and the quality of the finished product improved fivefold.

The , which was redesigned with a poplar core, has a comfortable sweet spot鈥攜ou can easily find the center of the flex鈥攃oupled with a damp but lively听ride听and solid edge hold. (The same could not be said of previous BDs.) We鈥檙e featuring the Boundary Pro here as a backcountry crossover ski because it鈥檚 lightweight enough for touring听and because of its shape. The more you ski off-trail, the less sidecut you want, as deep sidecuts get hooky in weird wind- and sun-affected wild snow. In the 184-centimeter length we tested, the turn radius is a long 20 meters. But here鈥檚 the thing: the Boundary Pro鈥檚 ample tip and tail rocker, abetted by tapering in the same zones, made it easy to pivot and smear at will. These are vital qualities in the backcountry, where the tightest trees are often the only safe way down. On hardpack, you can check turns with confidence, but you can鈥檛 settle into a deep arc. It鈥檚 a touring ski for folks who care far more about shredding than setting uphill speed records. We鈥檇 pair it with a Salomon Shift binding (the best crossover binding ever built) and ski it all day long in places like Revelstoke or Silverton. 鈥淥ne of the top off-trail skis of the day,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淟oose and slinky in tight places, damp and easy to steer in the wide-open alpine, tons of rocker and taper for surfing pow.鈥� Dimensions: 138/107/123

How We Test Skis

Typically, around 25 ski manufacturers bring their entire fleets to our annual test, which means more than 250 pairs of skis. For three days, testers grab skis from a rack, quickly adjust the bindings, skate to the lifts, burn a lap on varied terrain appropriate for the category, swap skis, and repeat, all the while taking notes. This happens up to 18 times a day, for something like 100,000 vertical feet of shredding. It usually dumps powder on us, which is the best perk. Back at the home office, we pour a mountain of data into spreadsheets and tabulate winners and losers.

How to Choose a Pair of Skis

Buying skis can be confusing. But it gets easier if you read the above reviews and ask yourself two key questions:听

Am I adding to a quiver听or replacing the daily driver that I ski on 80 percent of the time?

If you鈥檙e looking to round out a quiver, you鈥檙e probably in the market for a specialty ski built wide for powder or thin for carving turns on hardpack鈥攕kis that are beyond the purview of this review. Such skis excel in very specific conditions听but tend to flounder in routine all-mountain conditions. But if you ski a ton, pure powder and pure frontside skis can really liven up your ski action. If you鈥檙e looking for a one-ski quiver, it鈥檚 time for question two, which is a two-parter.

Where do I ski the most, and what are my favorite conditions?

How you answer these听prompts determines whether you鈥檙e in the market for an all-mountain powder ski (around 105 millimeters underfoot), an all-mountain ski (around 95 millimeters), or an all-mountain frontside ski (around 85 millimeters). These versatile skis are all built similarly, but they鈥檙e distinguished by waist width and depth of rocker. If you live near a steep and deep resort like Alta, Alpine Meadows, Jackson, or Mammoth, and ski off-trail most of the time, a chubby all-mountain powder ski with a healthy dose of rocker might be your daily driver. If you live in a place with moderate snowfall (Summit County, Colorado, we鈥檙e looking at you), then look for an all-mountain ski, one that鈥檚 a touch skinnier and with听less rocker, which will let you mix up on-trail and off-trail skiing. And if you live where machine-groomed hardpack and chalky tree skiing is more common than bottomless blower鈥攕ay, the East Coast鈥攜ou should start with all-mountain frontside skis with just a hint of rocker and a waist width that makes for easy and powerful edging. They鈥檙e still all-mountain skis, they just let you better rip carved turns, bumps, and tight trees when you aren鈥檛 storm skiing.

What to听Look for in Skis

Stiffness

Back in the day听when everyone skied on modified slalom and GS skis, stiffness was often the deciding factor in ski selection. Today, though, unless you鈥檙e either extralarge and powerful or petite and laid-back, almost all recreational all-mountain skis are built with a round-turn flex that鈥檚 accessible to most skiers. (Meaning听you don鈥檛 need to actively muscle them to get them to arc turns.) Think you need a softer or stiffer ski? Before you change models, consider changing lengths. See the next entry.

Length

Thanks to a smart blend of rocker, taper, sidecut, and new materials, modern all-mountain skis are stable but lively, surfy but powerful, and dynamic but not demanding. A side benefit to all that innovation? We can ski them shorter than skis made 15 years ago. But don鈥檛 throw out all reason in the process. Ski-size charts like are a good place to start, but while they鈥檙e close to spot-on for easy-skiing intermediates, they tend to run five to ten听centimeters short for aggressive experts. Also know that flex patterns (stiffness again) typically change with length, so if you want a stiffer ski, you might want a longer ski that鈥檚 designed for a bigger skier, too, and vice versa. 听

Sidecut

Sidecut is the hourglass shape of a ski. When you put a ski on edge and bend it into a carved turn on packed snow, the depth or radius of that sidecut helps to determine if you鈥檙e going to make a short (14-meter) turn or a long (20-meter) arc. Counterintuitively, in powder, bumps, and trees, less sidecut can make for quicker turns: in those conditions, you aren鈥檛 carving so much as pivoting or floating your turns, and in soft snow, less sidecut helps a ski cut loose. In general, though, opt for more aggressive sidecuts if you live for arcing race turns on groomers, and opt for less cut if you prefer to ski off-trail in soft snow. Backcountry skis typically offer the least amount of sidecut, because excessive hourglassing can cause the ski to catch unexpectedly in weird backcountry snow.

Rocker

It鈥檚 subtle on most skis, but rocker is that three-dimensional shaping reminiscent of the upturned nose of a surfboard or the hull of a rodeo kayak. Just a hint of rocker makes it easier to tip an all-mountain ski on edge to carve turns. Deeper rocker, meanwhile, helps float a ski to the surface of soft snow and gives a ski a surfy or slashy feel in powder. As with width, you want more rocker for pure powder skiing and less rocker for pure carving, where it can make a ski feel less stable at high speed.

Weight

All skis are getting lighter these days, and in general we think that鈥檚 a good thing. Women are now able to run gear that鈥檚 proportionally more in line with their body weight. In-bounds skiers who hike for their turns benefit from skis that are easier to shoulder. Backcountry skiers obviously need lighter skis for touring uphill. And slightly lighter skis can feel more playful off-trail in soft snow. But unless you鈥檙e a ski-mountaineer racer, buying skis based solely on weight is a bad idea. Eventually, shaving weight comes at the expense of stability and dampness, and many skiers know that feathery backcountry planks听tend to skitter on resort hardpack. And听of course, even the heaviest wood and metal skis don鈥檛 feel heavy when you鈥檙e riding lifts and going 45 miles an hour on groomers. If you rarely hike, weight isn鈥檛 much of an issue.

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