Tag: snowbrains.com

85-95% of the water in the Colorado River Basin, which supplies 40 million people, comes from mountain snowpacks. | Photo: CU Boulder Water Desk Recent storms brought much needed snow to ski areas in the western United States, but as the East Coast digs out from another blizzard and New England ski areas continue to…

In February of 2025, my friend Kit Monsen invited Christopher Lange and myself to come on a skiing trip to Iraq. Lange and I were sceptical – typically, we’re the kind of people to go on a skiing trip based solely on the quality of the skiing. And, well… We kind of assumed Iraq wouldn’t…

Steamboat Resort introduced the True West Pass this winter, which offers priority lift entry and concierge-level amenities. | Photo: Steamboat Resort Steamboat Resort in Colorado has introduced a new concierge-level add-on product this winter, allowing guests to pay extra for dedicated lift line access, valet services, and other high-touch amenities—a move that has drawn both…

Steve Garrett, Scottie Strand, and Simòn at the Old Watson’s contemplating a huge Watsonburger, 1984. | Photo: Lee Cohen Alta Ski Area in Utah is the third-highest snowfall ski resort in the United States, with an annual snowfall of 540 inches. With Alta’s impressive powder precedents, it’s no surprise it produces phenomenal powder photos. Inevitably,…

For 2 years in a row Mammoth Mountain will be open until at least Memorial Day. | Photo: Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Mountain has announced it will remain open for skiing and snowboarding through at least Memorial Day weekend once again this season, after receiving more than seven feet of snow so far in February. The…

Alessandro Barbieri talking with fans at Ruby Hill. Image: Author After flying high inside the walls of Livigno’s superpipe, Jake Pates, Chase Blackwell, and Alessandro Barbieri were welcomed home at Ruby Hill rail park in Denver, Colorado. Fresh off the long haul from Milano Cortina, the trio shook off the jet lag by hanging out…

Rail and pedal power are becoming more popular for accessing vertical terrain. Image Credit: Ian Johnson SnowBrains interviewed source Stratton Matteson in fall of 2023 and he has since passed away in an avalanche in February 2026. May he rest in powder.  When did the bike to ski and board movement begin? Could it have…

Exploring the legendary terrain of Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jessi Flach Report from Saturday, February 21, 2026 As we stepped off the parking lot shuttle bus, we were immediately struck by the scale of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The top of Rendezvous Mountain soars over 4,000 vertical feet above the base area, and the whole…

Fast, cold snow at Grand Targhee. | Photo: Zach Armstrong Report from Friday, February 20, 2026 The day started out in the low single digits, with the snow noisily squeaking beneath our boots on the walk through the parking lot. It was the kind of cold that you could feel as soon as you took…

Looking at Bald Mountain’s many new glade offerings unlocked by the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project. Photo Credit: JT Pulfer II When I think of Sun Valley Resort, in Idaho, I think of an all-around top-tier skiing experience with an enduring standard of excellence. Now in its 90th winter season, Sun Valley Resort continues to provide…