Bend, Oregon — After being put up for sale a few years ago, POWDR decided against selling Mt. Bachelor last year. Instead, it has shifted its focus to upgrading the region’s largest ski resort. This offseason’s main project is happening with one of the ski resort’s main workhorses.

This offseason, Mt. Bachelor is refurbishing the Northwest Chairlift. Constructed in 1996, the high-speed quad chairlift has experienced reliability issues in recent years.

The plan for this offseason is to upgrade the utility power and replace the auxiliary power unit, electric motor, and interior equipment. The communication and fiber lines will be buried underground, mitigating potential weather-related issues. The lift shacks will be replaced with a more modern, multi-floor setup. The chair storage facility will be enlarged to protect the chairs from the elements. A new maintenance garage will be built, allowing crewmembers to assess and repair carriers. They also plan to do some painting and upgrade the signage. Some things won’t be changing, such as the chairs, towers, haul rope, and terminals.

“These upgrades are going to make a huge difference for our guests and operations teams,” said Dustin Smith, Mt. Bachelor’s Director of Mountain Operations, last month. “We’re wrapping up routine maintenance this spring and will work throughout summer and fall to get everything wrapped up prior to the 2026/27 season.”

“We updated utility power to the bottom of Northwest, providing increased voltage and power supply to that area of the mountain. We’re also replacing the bull wheel bearings, removing the park rail, and performing terminal alignments this month [of May].”

Perhaps the most interesting addition is the installation of a night drive system. This will allow Bachelor the chairlift to run at night without the carriers, reducing the ice buildup.

“At the end of the night, we’ll take all the chairs off the lift, and then the rope will be able to run so that when we have icy and snowy days, it’ll be much easier for our team to clear the ice,” said John Merriman, Mt. Bachelor President and General Manager to the Central Oregon Daily News. “We can just load the chairs on and they’re ready to go. It’ll get us open a lot faster.”

The goal is to complete the project by this fall.

This Summer & Upcoming Winter

Getting a start on this project was one of the few positives of Mt. Bachelor’s season ending early. Typically concluding its season around Memorial Day, Bachelor ended its 2025-26 season on April 19th. Mt. Bachelor hopes to open for the 2026-27 season on November 28th. In the meantime, summer operations are set to begin on June 25th. Summer activities at the Oregon ski resort include mountain biking, scenic lift rides, zipline tours, and hiking trails.

Image/Video Credits: Mt. Bachelor, Central Oregon Daily News

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• Oregon
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A pair of German tourists needed help from search and rescue crews in Wyoming’s Big Horn County last Saturday after following a Google Maps route that sent them down a road far beyond their vehicle’s capability.

The two visitors were traveling in a Jeep Compass when GPS navigation directed them toward what appeared to be a shortcut. The road turned out to be a rough, remote two-track trail unsuitable for their vehicle. After blowing two tires, the tourists became stranded near South Trapper Rim and had no option but to call for help.

Big Horn County Search and Rescue responded alongside Big Horse Point S Tire and Auto in what the team logged as mission number 26 for the year. Both tourists were unharmed.

The incident prompted the rescue team to issue a pointed warning to visitors and travelers heading into Wyoming’s backcountry. GPS navigation apps, including Google Maps, do not always account for road conditions, seasonal closures, or the technical demands of remote two-track routes. What appears passable on a phone screen can be something else entirely on the ground.

Big Horn County SAR urged anyone planning to travel in rural or backcountry areas to do additional research before departing and to avoid relying solely on navigation apps when determining whether a route is appropriate for their vehicle.

Wyoming’s remote roads and trails attract visitors from around the world, and incidents like this one are a recurring challenge for rural search and rescue teams. Crews across the Mountain West have increasingly flagged GPS-related rescues as a growing problem, particularly during peak tourism season.

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Several athletes competing in IRONMAN Hamburg suffered flat tires along the bike section thanks to metal shavings that were reportedly scattered around the course. According to a press release from the the Hamburg Police, unknown individuals spread metal shavings on several roads in the Kirchwerder district at some point before the race occurred on Sunday, June 7th.

Multiple bikes sustained damage due to the shavings. Some reports indicate that between 40 and 150 racers were impacted, but police are working directly with the race organizers to determine the exact number of individuals affected.

At least one individual, a 29-year-old man competing in the race, crashed in the section and suffered a fracture. Investigators are hoping to determine whether or not whether tire damage caused by the metal shavings contributed to the accident. The State Security Division of the State Criminal Police Office started investigating on-site yesterday, with suspected charges of attempted aggravated bodily harm and multiple counts of property damage possible.

Anyone who observed anything suspicious in connection with the incident, including observations that may have been made the evening before or during the night, are asked to contact the Hamburg Police tip line at 040 4286-56789. Additionally, between Friday, June 5th, at 4pm and Saturday, June 6th, at 10:45pm, no-parking signs and other related announcement posters installed along the entire route for the race had been removed. Police reinstalled the signs after learning about the incident.

German magazine Triathlon reports that tensions with locals leading up to the race had been high. Signs in the area were posted in protest of the competition, claiming the local’s freedom was being restricted. The greenish metal strips were apparently up to 2cm long and were not uniform in shape or size.

The Ironman 2026 Official Competition Rules allow athletes to provide each other with incidental items like pumps, tires, inner tubes, and puncture repair kits, and they can receive mechanical assistance from Race Referees or Race Officials. However assistance provided by spectators or other parties can lead to disqualification.

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• Biking

Green Mountain State — Despite snow tallies that would make you think they had a down winter, Vermont’s skier visits rose for the fifth year in a row.

Vermont Biz reports that members of Ski Vermont tallied 4.356 million skier visits at alpine ski resorts during the 2025-26 season, a 4.7% rise over the year prior. This was the best skier metrics for Vermont since the 2014-15 season, which was regarded as one of the best in the state’s history. This total was 13.8% above the national average last winter, which was regarded as one of the worst ever out west. Cross-country ski centers in Vermont also did well. With around 339,000 visits, this was a 5.1% rise over the prior year.

It was definitely a cold winter for Vermont, which tends to bring skiers to the mountains. However, it wasn’t the snowiest, as the average snowfall of 194 inches was below that of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Northern Vermont ski resorts did well snow-wise, with Jay Peak and Stowe getting pounded. While Southern Vermont ski resorts didn’t see as much snow, visitation there was still strong. This included Magic Mountain, which saw an 11% increase in visitation. It was Magic’s second straight year of bringing in a record number of guests while also capping lift tickets.

“Vermont is known for exceptional snow and its authentic community,” said Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar. “Ski areas are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for visitors, and worldclass snowmaking and ski programming are an important part of that. Ultimately it comes down to showcasing all that Vermont ski areas provide visitors. It’s an experience that brings people back and these numbers bear that out.”

It’s impressive considering a key factor. Canadians are more reluctant to visit the U.S. right now for… just reasons. Out of any state, Vermont is the most reliant on Canadian skier visitation. While some Canadians decided against visiting this past winter, Vermont gained ground with domestic visitors who decided against trips out west.

2026-27 Preview

Next season will see continued investments at Vermont ski resorts, particularly at Killington. The Snowdon Triple will be replaced by a new fixed-grip quad chairlift. Smaller investments are planned at other mountains, but a few ski resorts are planning big investments for 2027.

We’ll see if the expected El Niño winter will impact visitation. Typically, El Niño doesn’t bode well for Northeastern ski resorts.

Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, MyNBC5-WPTZ

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• Vermont
• Ski NewsTop Story

A Eurasian brown bear managed to break into a hotel in Poiana Brasov, one of Romania’s most popular ski resort towns, exploring the building on its own before eventually leaving. According to local staff in hospitality, this is becoming an increasingly common occurrence threatening the region’s tourism industry.

Footage captured inside the property shows the animal moving through a stairwell and nosing open the door to a utility room. According to Observator News, staff called for help while the bear roamed the building, but an emergency dispatcher told them the bear’s presence didn’t qualify as an emergency.

They contacted local police instead, and a mixed unit of police and gendarmes responded but arrived to find the animal had already departed.

Hotel operators say encounters like this have become routine and are driving guests away. Bears in the area have grown increasingly bold, regularly descending from forested terrain and entering buildings in and around the resort.

Poiana Brasov is not alone either. Earlier this month a bear was spotted at a bus stop near a school in the Cluj County village of Dezmir, and a separate incident saw a brown bear captured inside the grounds of the Police Academy in Campina.

Romanian authorities tracking wildlife movement have identified at least 17 adult bears that regularly move through the city of Brasov and venture into the streets of Poiana Brasov in search of food.

Romania’s most recent wildlife census counted nearly 13,000 bears nationwide, more than three times the population that wildlife specialists consider sustainable. Emergency call centers now field more than 2,000 bear-related calls per year, double the figure from a decade ago.

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• Europe
• Ski NewsWildlife

The debate between traditional mountain biking and e-mountain biking has been raging for years, and the folks at Electric Mountain Bike Network decided to settle it once and for all. Former downhill pro and enduro racer Fergus Ryan squared off against journalist and longtime EMTB advocate Steve Jones to answer the question everyone in the MTB world has been arguing about.

The honest answer seems to be that it depends entirely on the rider and the ride. A traditional mountain biker pushing hard up a long climb in zone four is working considerably harder than someone cruising a fire road on an EMTB in turbo mode. But that framing tends to oversimplify things. Modern e-mountain bikes can push riders into high heart rate zones just as effectively as conventional bikes, and technical uphill riding on an EMTB is a legitimate and physically demanding discipline in its own right.

The weight difference between the two platforms cuts both ways. Lighter MTBs reward aggressive, dynamic riding on descents, while the added mass of an EMTB delivers stability and confidence, particularly for less experienced or heavier riders. Neither advantage is absolute.

What the comparison really surfaces is a broader truth about the sport. Mountain biking has always encompassed wildly different disciplines, from cross country to downhill to enduro, each demanding a distinct skill set. EMTBs do not replace that tradition. Instead they seem to expand it, opening technical terrain and longer routes to riders who would otherwise be shut out by fitness or physical limitations.

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• Biking

The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix was this past weekend, with Italian Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli taking his 5th straight victory in the F1 race. The weekend was fairly big for fans of snow sports as well, with several Red Bull sponsored skiers showing up to the event in support of the team.

Skiers showing up to F1 races is certainly nothing new (Mikaela Shiffrin showed up to the Miami GP earlier this year with fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, just as one example), but it’s nonetheless quite cool to see so many top athletes from skiing show up to other sports events. Alpine ski racing legend Lindsey Vonn was of course there, but she wasn’t alone.

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In addition to Vonn, Red Bull hosted Swiss alpine skier Marco Odermatt, Norwegian and Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, and Chinese-American freestyle skiing icon Eileen Gu.

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As summer visitor numbers start to climb in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, forest staff are already encountering a serious recurring problem. Garbage and food waste left behind at recreation sites is creating dangerous conditions for both visitors and wildlife, and it’s flat out disgusting.

The U.S. Forest Service warns that unsecured food and refuse draw animals in and accelerate habituation, increasing the risk of negative human and wildlife encounters. Bears, marmots, and other animals are all capable of accessing even a carefully sealed garbage bag left in the open.

Visitors are asked to use available trash cans and dumpsters at developed sites. When cans are full or no waste disposal is provided, all garbage must be packed out. Leaving waste behind is not an option under forest rules.

Forest Order ARP-2024-04, a Bear-Resistant Food Storage Order in effect through May 2029, requires visitors to safely store food and other scented products when not actively cooking or eating. The order applies across developed recreation sites, campgrounds, trailheads, and within 300 feet of open public roads in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.

Black bears are found throughout the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forests, and the potential for bear-human interactions is considered high. While bears are naturally wary of people, they lose that wariness as they begin to associate human scents with food rewards, a pattern that can ultimately result in the bear’s death.

Visitors can find additional food storage guidance and wildlife safety information at fs.usda.gov/r02/arp.

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• Colorado
• CampingHikingNational Park News

Australia — Last ski season was memorable for Australia. Above-average snowfall and cold weather led some ski resorts to stay open later than usual. Australia’s ski industry is hoping for a repeat of that winter this time around, although some of the early signs aren’t great.

Last weekend, various ski resorts in Australia opened up for the 2026 ski season. This includes Falls Creek, Hotham, Mt. Buller, Perisher, and Thredbo. Other ski resorts, like Charlotte Pass, Mount Baw Baw, and Selwyn, plan to open later this month. While it’s not always easy to pull off, they try to open during the King’s Birthday Weekend, which is a vacation period for Aussies. Cold weather and recent snowfall led to an on-schedule opening day, along with terrain expansions during the weekend.

The weekend saw ski resorts with terrain buildouts at the open resorts, including Buller, Hotham, and Perisher. This included the Summit Quad at Hotham, V8 at Perisher, and Bourke Street at Mt. Buller.

The openings come as winter forecasts leave lots to be desired. Australia saw a warm fall, which delayed ski resorts. An El Niño is developing, which tends to bring above-average temperatures. According to 9 News Australia, meteorologists say it’s too early to make bold predictions about how this winter will play out.

A successful winter is what Vail Resorts will be hoping for. The owner of three ski resorts in the country came off a brutal 2025-26 season in North America, and getting good metrics would help cool investors’ worries.

Image/Video Credits: 9 News Australia, Perisher, Hotham Alpine Resort

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For the first time in school history, Park City High School held its graduation ceremony at Deer Valley Resort, with the class of 2026 riding a chairlift directly to the venue on June 5th.

According to KPCW, the 375 graduating seniors boarded the Silver Lake Express chairlift and took it to the summer bandshell at Snow Park Lodge, where commencement festivities were held. While Park City High students have long had a tradition of riding a chairlift before graduation, this year marked the first time the lift delivered them practically to the ceremony itself.

The unusual venue was the result of ongoing construction at Dozier Field, the school’s traditional graduation site, which forced the district to seek an alternate location. Deer Valley Resort stepped in to host the event. Parents and family members gathered beneath the chairlift to wave up at graduates as they made their descent to the lodge.

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Principal Caleb Fine announced that the class collected an impressive $7.4 million in scholarships. Of the graduating seniors, 329 are headed to college, while another 36 plan to enter the workforce, take a gap year, or serve a religious mission.

Whether Dozier Field will be ready for future classes remains to be seen, but the class of 2026 gave Deer Valley Resort its first high school graduation.

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• Deer Valley
• Utah
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboarding

North Conway, New Hampshire — “The Father of Modern-Day Skiing” had a unique career trajectory.

Born and raised in Austria, Hannes Schneider was one of the pioneers of ski technique. The teaching of his Arlberg Technique in St. Anton, which applied cross-country skiing methods to the downhill skiing world, led to the evolution of ski skills. He worked with English skiers to set up gates for ski racing, leading to their inclusion in the 1936 Olympics.

However, the rise of Nazism in Europe derailed the Austrian skiing community. Austria was invaded in 1938, and Hannes was jailed by the Nazis. A rich American ended up paying for his release, in part to have him come to the United States and establish a ski school at Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire. His work on growing the skiing community continued until his death in 1955.

In a vintage episode of NH Chronicle, they profiled Hannes Schneider, detailing his impact on the global ski industry.

If you’re looking to learn more about Hannes, check out his online profile on the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Making a trip to North Conway is another option, where you can check out the New England Ski Museum and see his statue at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, WMUR-TV

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• Non-Unofficial VideosSki HistoryVideos

Banff National Park‘s (and perhaps Canada’s) most famous grizzly bear is on the lam after it removed its tracking collar within just one week.

According to CBC, Bear No. 122, known by many as “The Boss”, was one of three adult male grizzly bears fitted with tracking collar. The Boss was fitted on May 13th and had removed his collar within just one week. According to a spokesperson for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit of Parks Canada, it’s not unusual for large males to remove their collars.

The Boss is often considered the dominant bear in Banff’s Bow Valley and is one of the most well-known grizzlies in Canada. The other two adult males captured in culvert traps this spring remain collared. Communications officer Justin Brisbane said the GPS data collected through the program will support evidence-based management to help grizzly bears in the park.

The collaring effort is part of Parks Canada’s grizzly bear habitat security model, a core commitment under the 2022 Banff National Park management plan. The model aims to improve understanding of habitat suitability and connectivity, accounting for seasonal changes and human disturbance.

That human disturbance is a documented problem. According to an access to information document cited by CBC, the number of grizzly bears within four kilometers of paved roads in Banff dropped by 56 percent, likely due to vehicle and train collisions and displacement caused by human activity. The park’s grizzly population was estimated at 71 bears between 2021 and 2023, up from roughly 64 between 2012 and 2014.

When The Boss ventured into Harvie Heights and Canmore in late 2024, Parks Canada staff expressed serious concern, particularly around crowds of people photographing him in human-use areas. Grizzly bears are listed as a species of special concern federally and as threatened in Alberta.

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• National Park NewsNational ParksSki NewsWildlife

Tragic news out of Grand Canyon National Park where an 18-year-old male died after experiencing heat-related symptoms below Havasupai Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail.

The National Park Service reports that the Grand Canyon National Park Regional Communications Service received the alert at approximately 1:40pm on June 3rd, 2026. Rangers responded and found the individual about 30 feet below the trail in a remote area near Garden Creek.

The 18-year-old was hiking from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back via the Bright Angel Trail. Despite responding rapidly, park rangers and helicopter rescue crews were unable to save the individual.

Officials are withholding the hiker’s name pending next of kin notifications. The National Park Service has provided no additional information at this time.

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking trail into the Grand Canyon, taking visitors as far as 12 miles round trip if their destination is Plateau Point and Trail. The trip to Havasupai Gardens and back is approximately 9 miles and comes with 3,040 feet of elevation change. The route typically takes hikers 6-9 hours.

Our deepest condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.

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• Arizona
• HikingNational Park NewsNational Parks

Grohmann’s Ledge (known locally as Cengia di Grohmann) is a legendary, high-exposure ledge system that traverses the sheer southern and southeastern faces of Monte Pelmo, a prominent 10,393 foot peak in the Italian Dolomites. Named after the pioneering 19th-century Austrian alpinist Paul Grohmann, who utilized it during his early explorations of the mountain, this dramatic, natural horizontal shelf seems impossible to navigate when viewed from afar, slicing directly across massive vertical limestone walls.

Historically, the route was known to local chamois hunters long before foreign explorers arrived, providing a precarious but viable passageway through otherwise impassable terrain to reach the upper glacial basin and the summit.

Tag along with Italian landscape photographer and filmmaker Bruno Pisani as he takes a stroll down this vertigo inducing path:

Today, Grohmann’s Ledge is celebrated as one of the most scenic, thrilling, and psychologically demanding mountaineering routes in the Dolomites. It serves as a crucial component of the normal climbing route up Monte Pelmo, challenging modern mountaineers with exposed scrambles and narrow choke points including the infamous Passo del Gatto (Pass of the Cat), where the shelf compresses tightly enough to force hikers to crawl on all fours.

Navigating the ledge requires a steady head for extreme heights, solid technical route-finding skills, and strict attention to alpine hazards like loose scree and rockfall, rewarding those who cross it with unmatched, panoramic vistas of the surrounding Cadore peaks.

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The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Audi have announced the extension of their partnership for the next Olympic cycle, from 2026 through 2030. As part of the renewed agreement, Audi will continue as the title sponsor of the FIS Alpine World Cup and as an official partner of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

“This partnership has been built on trust, shared values, and a long-standing commitment to excellence. Audi has been a key partner in the continued growth and professionalization of Alpine Skiing, helping to elevate the visibility and global appeal of our sport worldwide. FIS is delighted to extend this successful collaboration with Audi through 2030 as we look ahead to the next Olympic cycle, continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for athletes, organizers, broadcasters, and fans around the world. ” – Johan Eliasch, FIS President

With the partnership renewal ski racing fans will continue to see the Audi branding prominently displayed around elite competition venues, across ski racing broadcasts, and throughout digital and online media coverage of all things FIS through 2030.

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Cheers to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area who extended their winter operations until Sunday, June 7th finishing the year with 199 ski days:

“Wow, what a season! While there were plenty of ups and downs, we are reflecting on just how much fun we had from November all the way into June. Thank you all for making this season so awesome. From our amazing guests to our dedicated employees, we simply could not have done it without each and every one of you. Cheers, and we will see you for more skiing and snowboarding in November!”

Mammoth’s closing day kicked off with free coffee and donuts at the bottom of Broadway Express and concluded with their annual “Last Run Photo” at the top of the mountain at 1:00pm.

Skiing and snowboarding may be done at Mammoth but they are rolling straight into summer operations with a full range of activities including golf, mountain biking and a summer alpine coaster rides. Check out their what they have to offer during the summer months here.

Once again, huge shoutout to Mammoth for keeping their incredible slopes open until the bitter end. Looks like closing day was hoot!

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• Mammoth Mountain
• California
• Ski News

Mendocino County, California – In the lush redwood forests of Northern California, Charles Bello and his late wife, Vanna Rae, began an extraordinary journey in 1968. They purchased 240 acres of untouched land in Mendocino County for just $2,800 with the dream of living off the grid, free from modern constraints.

Their adventure started by building a simple panelized A-frame cabin in just five days with the help of family. Over the years, Charles and Vanna Rae expanded their homestead, constructing roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure entirely by hand. For decades, they lived without refrigeration or phone lines, relying solely on their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

In 1991, Charles designed the remarkable Parabolic Glass House, inspired by his training under renowned architect Richard Neutra. This unique home features a curved wooden roof and expansive windows that blend seamlessly with the forest surroundings. Built for just $8,500 from timber milled on-site and salvaged materials, the house is powered by solar panels, solar thermal systems, and gas. A dug-in greenhouse produces much of their food, enabling the family to go months without visiting a grocery store.

Beyond building their home, Charles and Vanna Rae dedicated themselves to preserving the land. In 1997, they founded the Redwood Forest Institute to protect and manage the forest. Charles has carefully selected 1,000 trees to be preserved for the next 2,000 years, ensuring future generations will enjoy the ancient redwoods. What began as a $2,800 investment has grown into a $4 to $6 million sanctuary.

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• NatureReal EstateVideos

Most skiers visit a new resort and never find the truly great terrain. YouTuber Rise & Alpine broke down the repeatable system that he uses for tracking down the best runs at any mountain, no matter how unfamiliar the terrain.

The number one tip is to simply ski with a local. Whether that means striking up a conversation in the lift line, bribing someone with a beer, or paying for a guided day, local knowledge is undeniably the best way to really learn a mountain.

He also mentions using an AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude to gather resort intel, specifically prompting it to pull from Reddit forums and firsthand accounts rather than the tourism information directly from the resorts. From there, 3D mapping tools like Snowcast or Google Earth help visualize pitch and terrain flow in ways a flat trail map never could. YouTube videos, especially from smaller creators who tend to share more freely, gives a visual sense of how the mountain actually skis.

On the day itself, arriving early, watching which lift lines attract locals with fat skis and backpacks, and picking the brains of chairlift neighbors can all point toward the good stuff. Skiing the lift line itself is another underrated move since it offers the most direct fall line and lets you preview the run from top to bottom before committing.

A few other gems from the video include thinking in run combos rather than individual trails, embracing the ignorance advantage as a newcomer, and knowing which runs to actively avoid so you stop wasting laps on lame or crummy terrain.

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• SkiingSnowboarding

Perched high above Yosemite National Park, the Thank God Ledge is a legendary feature on the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. This narrow 35-foot-long granite shelf (just under a foot wide at its narrowest) has tested the nerves of climbers for decades.

The ledge’s notoriety got a major boost in 2018 with the release of the “Free Solo” smash hit film featuring Alex Honnold who used the ledge to rest his body before resuming his ascent to the top without the benefit of safety ropes.

The ledge got its name from after the first ascent of Half Dome’s Northwest Face in 1957 by Royal Robbins who led the climb. The ledge proved crucial to this seminal group offering a brief respite from vertical travel and a bridge between two challenging pitches.

Traversing the Thank God ledge is even more nail-biting that it appears on video as the granite shelf begins to slope downward and the wall bulges behind your back as you side step across it making for a truly precarious experience.

Yosemite National Park Climbing Safety:

More than 100 climbing accidents occur in Yosemite each year; of these, 15-25 parties require a rescue. Climbing in Yosemite has inherent risks and climbers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. The National Park Service does not maintain routes; loose rock and other hazards can exist on any route. Rescue is not a certainty. If you get into difficulties, be prepared to get yourself out of them. Know what to do in any emergency, including injuries, evacuations, unplanned bivouacs, or rapid changes in weather. Safety depends on having the right gear and the right attitude. Practice self-rescue techniques before you need them! Courtesy is an element of safety. Falling rock or gear is a serious hazard. Be careful when climbing above others. Do not create a dangerous situation by passing another party without their consent.

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• ClimbingInstagramNational Parks

Quitting your job, selling your car, and watching your savings slowly drain while sleeping on the ground for half a year sounds terrifying. For most PCT thru-hikers, that is exactly what it looks like. Greenbelly sat down with a group of hikers to find out how they actually funded their time on trail.

Some hikers quit biotech research jobs or left careers in engineering and consulting. Others got out of the military, took employer-approved sabbaticals, or simply retired at the right moment. A few worked multiple years of hospitality and hotel cleaning jobs abroad just to make the trip happen.

Budgets landed in a wide range depending on lifestyle. Most hikers estimated total costs somewhere between $8,000 and $15,000 for the full trail, with monthly spending typically running $1,000 to $1,500. Gear added a significant upfront cost for those starting from scratch, with one hiker spending roughly $1,500 on equipment before even landing in the US.

The biggest money-saving tip hikers kept coming back to was minimizing time in town. Buying groceries and heading straight back to the trail, camping near trailheads instead of paying for hotels, and reaching out to trail angels for free lodging all made a real difference. Resupply boxes helped couples avoid the inflated prices of small trail towns.

For most of these hikers, the financial stress was definitely there but worth it. As one put it, watching those savings numbers go down is a little scary, but the experience is priceless.

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• Hiking

The United States has 63 national parks, but one geography YouTuber thinks that number falls well short of what the country deserves. Carter of the channel “That Is Interesting” explored more than 20 places he believes deserve national park status, drawing on years of travel across the country to make his case.

The list spans the full geographic breadth of the country. In the Pacific Northwest he highlights the Channeled Scablands of eastern Washington, a surreal basalt landscape carved by prehistoric floods, and the Columbia River Gorge straddling Oregon and Washington. Idaho gets two nominations, Hell’s Canyon and Craters of the Moon, with Carter noting that Idaho is the only western state with no national parks at all.

California earns four additions in his view, including Big Sur, Point Reyes, the Eastern Sierra beneath Mount Whitney, and Lake Tahoe. Nevada picks up a pair in Valley of Fire and the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, Colorado’s Royal Gorge, and Arizona’s Sedona round out much of the Southwest portion of the list.

In the Midwest and East, he names South Dakota’s Black Hills, Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes, Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, and West Virginia’s Harpers Ferry as worthy candidates. Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rainforest rounds out the list as a rare tropical ecosystem with no mainland equivalent.

He also threw in a pair of urban parks, the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico and Washington DC’s National Mall, both already managed by the National Park Service.

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• USA
• National Parks

Around 175,000 to 200,000 moose are widely distributed across Alaska, ranging from the Stikine River in the Southeast to the Colville River on the Arctic Slope. They’re most common in timberline plateaus, along major rivers, and in recently burned areas with dense stands of willow, aspen, and birch shrubs. Moose typically make seasonal movements to calving, rutting, and wintering areas, traveling between a few miles to as many as 60 miles during throughout these transitions.

Established in 1980, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge protects vast stretches of diverse habitats between the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers. It’s home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of water birds and supports 44 species of fish across hundreds of miles of rivers and streams. Visitors may encounter bears, caribou, wolves, muskox, and moose in the refuge’s drier upland habitats.

Moose generally aren’t aggressive but they can become very dangerous if provoked or confronted. In fact more people are injured by moose than by bears in Alaska every year. Cow moose are especially protective of their young calves, charging, stomping and kicking humans if they come too close. These boaters narrowly avoided what could have been a dangerous attack on the rivers within Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge after a curious moose calf approached too close. Fortunately they were able to back away before the mother moose reached them.

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Moose show their agression by raising the long hairs on their hump, laying back their ears, and licking their lips. If a moose is slowly walking in your direction you should back away and look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind. It is never okay to approach or attempt to feed a moose in the wild. Read more about moose safety below.

Alaska Moose Safety Guidelines:

How do you know when a moose might attack?

The long hairs on its hump are raised, ears laid back (much like a dog or cat), and it may lick its lips (if you can see this, you are way too close). A moose that sees you and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend; it may be looking for a hand-out or warning you to keep away. All of these are dangerous situations and you should back away. Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.

What if a moose is obstructing my way?

Is there another way around the moose? If not, be patient. The moose will move away in time. It may take half an hour or more, but it is usually worth waiting. Sometimes a loud noise or movement will startle a moose into moving, but moose that are used to people are not easily chased away. If you have to get by, try to keep a large tree, snow berm, vehicle, building, or fence between you and the moose. Don’t approach a moose if its only escape route is in your direction, and always leave yourself one or more escape routes. As a last resort, pepper spray will often move them, or at least provide some protection if they charge. Frequently, unsuspecting dogs are let out in their backyards when lighting is poor resulting in a surprised moose and a surprised dog. Turn outside lights on and scan your yard before blindly releasing your four-legged friend into the darkness.

What if a moose charges?

Many charges are “bluff” charges, warning you to stay back and keep your distance. However, you need to take them seriously. Even a calf, which weighs 300 or 400 pounds by its first winter, can cause serious injury. When a moose charges it often kicks forward with its front hooves. Unlike with bears or even dogs, it is usually a good idea to run from a moose because they won’t chase you very far. Get behind something solid; you can run around a tree faster than a moose. If it knocks you down, a moose may continue running or start stomping and kicking with all four feet. Curl up in a ball, protect your head with your hands, and hold still. Don’t move or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away or it may renew its attack.

• Categories:  
• Alaska
• Wildlife

It’s surprisingly easy to drop something off a chairlift or forget to zip your pocket while you’re out skiing or snowboarding, and people tend to lose quite a few random objects while out on the slopes. Especially when our hands are getting cold it can be very easy to fumble your belongings, and finding said belongings again when the snow is deep can be next to impossible.

As such, when ski resorts do their annual mountain cleanups once the snow is melted, they frequently find a wide range of interesting lost objects. This year’s cleanup at Breckenridge Resort in Colorado was no different.

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Things like IDs, season passes, missing skis, and poles aren’t all that surprising, but an iPhone with a button is pretty wild as is a bottle of champagne, if it was empty. There were a lot of phones found too, and an entire snowboard doesn’t make a ton of sense (how’d you get down?). The wildest object is probably the old Snowshoe Mountain lift ticket though. That one came a long ways from Virginia.

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• Uncategorized

If you’ve ever noticed a certain amount of increase in gassiness on a hiking trip, skiing trip, or some other high-altitude adventure, know that you’re not alone. High Altitude Flatus Expulsion (HAFE), as it’s been named, is a rather common occurrence. Retired Green Beret and outdoor creator Outdoor.Devin discussed his own experiences with what he calls “the altitoots” in the video below.

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A truly incredibly Letter to the Editor published in the Western Journal of Medicine back in 1981 written by Dr. Paul Auerbach and Dr. York Miller appears to be the first report of the phenomenon in medical literature, explaining that they experienced the phenomenon during an expedition in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

“The syndrome is strictly associated with ascent, and is characterized by an increase in both the volume and the frequency of the passage of flatus, which spontaneously occurs while climbing to altitudes of 11,000 feet or greater. The eructations (known to veteran back-packers as “Rocky Mountain barking spiders”) do not appear to vary with exercise, but may well be closely linked to diet.” – Dr. Paul Auerbach and Dr. York Miller in the Western Journal of Medicine

They go on to explain that while HAFE may be an inconvenience to those who prefer to hike with others, victim’s should be aware that it’s more of a sociological issue than a physiological issue.

So if you’re going hiking with some friends this summer or you’re concerned about sharing a high-altitude cabin on you’re next ski trip, feel free to explain that an increase in flatulence is completely normal.

• Categories:  
• Hiking

When Americans think of volcanic calderas, Yellowstone National Park tends to dominate the conversation. It makes sense as Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, but the most active caldera systems in the United States aren’t in Wyoming. They’re in Alaska and some of them erupted far more recently than Yellowstone’s legendary supervolcano events.

According to the USGS Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Alaska hosts 12 calderas that formed within the last 12,000 years, all strung along the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone where the Pacific plate dives beneath the North American plate. While they’re all pretty interesting, three stand out as particularly significant.

Aniakchak, on the Alaska Peninsula, experienced a major caldera-forming eruption roughly 3,500 years ago. That event produced around 100 cubic kilometers of magma and generated tsunamis, wiped out populations across the central Alaska Peninsula, and disrupted global climate. Fisher Caldera on Unimak Island is one of the largest in the entire arc, measuring 11 miles long and 7 miles wide. It formed about 9,400 years ago during an eruption powerful enough to send pyroclastic flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Perhaps the most interesting, Okmok Caldera on Umnak Island erupted roughly 2,050 years ago. Researchers believe that event triggered climate disruptions reaching as far as Ancient Rome, contributing to crop failures and famine during an already unstable political period.

All three eruptions were 10 to 20 times smaller than Yellowstone’s most recent caldera-forming event, but each still dwarfs the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption by more than 200 times.

The key difference between these systems and Yellowstone comes down to tectonic setting. Yellowstone sits above a hotspot while Alaska’s calderas are products of subduction, which changes everything from magma composition to eruption frequency. Whatever the case, the geology of the Aleutians deserves far more attention.

• Categories:  
• Alaska
• GeographyNational Parks

Brian Head, Utah — Work on the first portion of a massive expansion to a Utah ski resort has commenced.

Today, Aspen Meadows announced that work is underway on its first lift. Initially announced on the first day of the National Ski Areas Association Conference, consturction on the project has since begun.

Aspen Meadows is a mountain ski and summer community that’s situated adjacent to Brian Head Resort. Called the Stefanie’s chairlift, it’s named in honor of Stefanie Hartlmaier, who, with her husband Georg, were Brian Head’s first residents. Georg was the ski resort’s first mountain manager and ski school director. They later created Gerog’s Ski Shop in Brian Head.

This first lift will be a SkyTrac fixed-grip quad. This 2,500-foot-long lift will service beginner and intermediate terrain. With its proximity to the future base lodge (to be known as the Founder’s Base Lodge), it’s a critical first step for the buildout of this community. Some residences are also under construction and could be completed later this summer.

“Stefanie’s Ski Lift represents far more than a new lift,” said A. Flint Decker, President of Aspen Meadows Club. “It reflects the long-term vision for Aspen Meadows, our commitment to Brian Head, and the peoplewho helped shape this mountain community. Naming our first lift after Stefanie Hartlmaier is a tribute to someone whose life and legacy have been connected to Brian Head for more than sixty years.”

Also announced today, Christmas Tree Ridge is the third phase and newest community with 26 alpine homesites. These homesites will offer ski-in/out access and great views. The construction of Stefani’s lift will coincide with initial development of Christmas Tree Ridge, along with completing an extension of Aspen Meadows Drive.

“We are truly excited and deeply appreciative of Aspen Meadows’ continued investment in and commitment to the Brian Head community,” said Brian Head Mayor Clayton Calloway. “This milestone represents a meaningful moment for our town, and we look forward to celebrating the opening of Stefanie’s Ski Lift and the opportunities it brings for residents and visitors alike.”

The next phase of construction after this will include expanding the Alpine Christmas Tree terrain, building the Christmas Tree chairlift, opening a new community park and dog park, and building a new Alpine/Nordic Center.

Aspen Meadows Creates Brian Head Resort’s Third Mountain

This plan is a joint venture between Aspen Meadows and Brian Head Resort, with the goal of making this part of Brian Head Resort. These terrain zones were part of the original vision for Brian Head Resort. With Brian Head currently existing on two mountains, this buildout on Sid’s Peak will be the third mountain of Brian Head Resort.

Currently, Brian Head Resort exists on 650 skiable acres. The Aspen Meadows expansion will potentially add more than 850 skiable acres, making Brian Head the seventh largest ski resort in Utah. The future runs are similar to Brian Head, but about 1/3 bigger. The snowfall also does better, with them benefiting from the Southwest storms.

For the first year of Stefanie’s operations (2026-27 or 27-28), the plan is to keep the lift operational for just residents of Aspen Meadows. However, the plan is to make the Aspen Meadows area accessible for Brian Head skiers and riders. Eventually, a connector lift between the two areas is planned.

Part of the expansion is awaiting the U.S. Forest Service’s review, which is required to add lifts such as the Summit and Sid’s Peak lifts. The plan is set to be conducted over the next few decades. Because of its elevation, long seasons, and planned growth, Brian Head Resort is expected to become a major destination in the years ahead.

Image/Video Credits: Aspen Meadows/Brian Head, Utah, Life of Brian Head, Utah, Ski Utah

• Categories:  
• Utah
• Brian HeadSki News

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire — Waterville Valley’s planned base-to-ski-resort gondola has cleared a big hurdle.

Last week, the U.S. Forest Service issued its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Waterville Valley’s expansion project. The approval process for this proposal began last year. Some of the potential impacts analyzed include wildlife, soils, and the local watershed.

As part of the DEIS, three alternatives were analyzed. Alternative 1 would be no action, while Alternative 2 would be approving the expansion without modifications. In response to internal and external analyses, the U.S. Forest Service developed a new alternative (3) that includes the expansion while also making adjustments to the original vision. At this point, I would predict that approval of Alternative 3 is the most likely route.

Waterville’s proposal calls for a two-stage gondola/chondola that will connect the base village to Green Peak, a terrain expansion, and new facilities.

The Gondola/Chondola

The gondola would start next to the Waterville Ice Arena in the base village. The lift would feature 10-person gondola cabins or a mix of gondolas and chairs (a chondola), with a ride time of 10-15 minutes (depending on which station you go to). There would also be a mid-station at the base of a new terrain pod. If the chondola option is chosen, the first stage would consist exclusively of gondola cabins, while the second stage would feature a mix of chairs and cabins.

A terrain expansion around the gondola is also planned. Off the existing Green Peak terrain pod, a mix of beginner and intermediate trails will lead to the new mid-station base area. All of these trails would feature snowmaking capabilities. Between these new runs would be approximately 200 acres of glades, something that Waterville currently doesn’t have much of. The SUP (Special Use Permit) boundary expansion would allow the ski resort to potentially add more terrain in the future.

Some of the modifications listed in Alternative 3 include the lift’s alignment, reducing the gladed terrain from around 200 to 168 acres, rerouting three of the proposed trails, reducing Green Peak Restaurant’s size, and lessening Waterville’s existing SUP (see upper right of maps below).

New Facilities

As part of the development, two new on-mountain facilities would be added. The first would be situated at the mid-station. The 20,000-square-foot facility would have two floors. The first would include a space for gondola cabins and chairs, as well as a room for ski patrollers. The second floor would have a dining outlet, seating, and restrooms. The mid-station would also be home to roughly 80 parking spaces available to guests.

Next to the top station would be the Green Peak Restaurant. The two-floor, 30,000-square-foot facility would feature a restaurant with approximately 250 seats, restrooms, and a ski patrol facility. If Alternative 3 is approved, it would be a maximum of 25,000 square feet. This lodge would help the Waterville Valley ski resort be a four-season destination. Currently, Waterville has its summer operations at Snow’s Mountain, so adding this area would help keep the ski resort busy during the summer and fall.

We reached out to Tim Smith, the General Manager of Waterville Valley, for a statement regarding the project. Here’s what he said:

“Waterville Valley Resort is pleased that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been released and that the public now has the opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback.

The Green Peak Gondola project represents a long-term vision to improve public access to the White Mountain National Forest while strengthening the connection between the Town of Waterville Valley and the surrounding public lands. The proposal includes year-round transportation, expanded recreational opportunities, improved accessibility, and investments designed to enhance the visitor experience. This concept has been discussed and envisioned by community members and stakeholders for decades, and we are proud to be one step closer to making that vision a reality for residents and guests alike.

We appreciate the extensive work completed by the U.S. Forest Service and its partners throughout the environmental review process. The DEIS is an important step in ensuring that potential impacts are carefully evaluated and that the public has a meaningful opportunity to participate in the process.

We encourage interested individuals to review the DEIS and submit comments. Waterville Valley Resort remains committed to working collaboratively with the U.S. Forest Service, the Town of Waterville Valley, stakeholders, and the public as the project moves forward.

Our goal is to create a world-class, independently owned New Hampshire mountain destination where families, friends, and our community can connect with the outdoors, expand recreational opportunities, support the local economy, and provide lasting public benefits while respecting the natural resources that make the White Mountains so special.”

You can learn more about the proposal here. Comments on the plans can be submitted here. If you prefer writing your thoughts out with a pen and paper, written comments can be sent to Derek Ibarguen, Forest Supervisor, c/o Justin Preisendorfer, Eastern Winter Sports Team Leader, 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH 03223.

A decision could come in 2027.

Image/Video Credits: Waterville Valley Resort, U.S. Forest Service

• Categories:  
• Ski NewsTop Story

Randolph, New Hampshire — If you’ve ever dreamed of running a small hotel in a mountainous location, there’s a new listing that may appeal to you.

Since last month, Grand View Lodge & Cabins has been on the market. Priced at $975,000, the approximately 3.12-acre property features 8 hotel rooms along with eight cabins on the property. For the owners, potential living options include a two-bedroom apartment and living quarters within the hotel portion of the property. Reviews of the property are generally positive, with a 4.1-star rating on Google (albeit from a small sample size).

For this modest property, it’s no surprise the amenities are pretty limited. The lobby is a nice spot, with a propane fireplace keeping people warm during the colder months. There is an outdoor swimming pool, which is open during the summer months. Its strength is its location, which provides convenient access to attractions such as Santa’s Village, the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and Wildcat Mountain.

While not included in the purchase price, there’s also the option to buy the Grand View Country Store, which is known for its knitting supplies.

You can view the listing here. More photos of the property are below.

Image Credits: RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty, LLC

• Categories:  
• New Hampshire
• Real Estate

Oliver, British Columbia — A modestly sized British Columbia ski resort is planning to upgrade the skiing experience for next winter.

Baldy Mountain Resort recently announced plans to offer cat skiing during the 2026-27 season. While most of the terrain at the ski resort is on Baldy Mountain, the upper mountain isn’t actually lift-serviced. The plan is to offer cat-skiing on this upper-mountain portion, which will add nearly 600 feet of extra vertical drop.

Rides will be available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting at 10 a.m. Tickets for a ride up will cost $35 CAD (around $25 USD). Single-cat rides will be bookable via guest services, while private tours can be booked via ticketoffice@skibaldy.com. Guests will meet near the top of the Eagle chair for the ride up.

About Baldy Mountain Resort

With the sixth highest ski resort base area elevation in Canada and third highest in B.C., Baldy Mountain is unsurprisingly known for its powder. The ski resort sees between 25-35 feet of snow each winter, making it a bucket list destination for powder hunters. The ski resort features 35 trails across 360 acres, with an additional 240 acres of glade skiing. There are four lifts: two fixed-grip chairlifts and two surface lifts. Other activities at the ski resort include snowshoeing and snow tubing. Those looking to make a trip of it can find lodging in the Baldy Mountain Village.

Image/Video Credits: Baldy Mountain Resort, Rob Greene-Landquest Realty

• Categories:  
• Canada
• Ski News

Tragic news out of Denali National Park & Preserve where a National Park Service employee has died after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley.

The employee, identified as Robin Pendery of Enumclaw, Washington, was on climbing patrol near 14,000 Foot Camp around 2pm on Thursday, June 4th, when the fall occurred. Pendery joined the Denali mountaineering staff in 2024, working to support climber safety, emergency response, and mountaineering operations on North America’s highest peak.

Personnel responded immediately, working to conduct rescue efforts, but the employee tragically did not survive. The incident is currently under investigation at this time.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family. Our mountaineering rangers dedicate themselves to serving visitors and helping others in one of the most challenging environments in the world. Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate. Our thoughts are with Robin’s family and loved ones.” – Superintendent Brooke Merrell.

The National Park Service is currently working to support the employee’s family, friends, and colleagues. Further information will be released as it becomes available and is appropriate to share.

Our deepest condolences are with the friends, family, and loved ones of Robin Pendery at this time.

• Categories:  
• Alaska
• National Park NewsNational Parks

A new fire station is taking shape at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the Comox Valley Regional District pushes ahead with a long-awaited emergency response project.

According to CTV News, construction began May 28th on the prefabricated facility, which has been in development since 2021. The roughly 1.5 million Canadian dollar project is expected to wrap up in late 2026, with officials eyeing an October or November completion date.

The decision to build a dedicated station on the mountain was driven in part by a destructive fire years ago that wiped out several chalets at the resort, exposing the limitations of relying on fire crews based in the valley below.

Regional rural fire chief Bruce Green said filling the new hall with enough personnel is among the biggest hurdles ahead. The department wants to grow its mountain-based roster from eight firefighters to somewhere between 10 and 15, and is counting on volunteers from the local community to make that happen. Because the resort’s permanent population is relatively small, Green sees an opportunity in the resort’s own workforce.

“With some ingenuity I think we’ll be able to get there. There’s lots of staff that work with the resort that are currently firefighters down in the valley. Can we work with the resort to allow some of those firefighters to respond up there?” – Bruce Green

The station will be equipped with a 65-foot ladder truck and a utility terrain vehicle suited for winter mountain conditions, with a tracked response vehicle potentially being added down the line. Faster response times during winter months, when mountain road conditions can deteriorate quickly, are the primary goal once the hall is up and running.

• Categories:  
• Canada
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboarding

A 74-year-old hiker required rescue from the Vasquez Peak Wilderness Area on June 2nd after a detour around snowfields sent him so far off course that he ended up nearly 30 miles from where he had parked his vehicle.

According to Grand County Search and Rescue, the man left his intended route to avoid snowfields, lost the trail, and was unable to find his way back. Rather than continuing to wander, he climbed to a higher peak in search of a cell signal, reached 911 at 3:56 p.m., and stayed put while Grand County Sheriff’s Office dispatch used the call to pinpoint his coordinates.

A six-member Grand County Search and Rescue team located him at approximately 8:01 p.m. and guided him to a trailhead where additional SAR personnel were standing by. The subject and all team members cleared the field by 10:00 p.m. He was then transported back to the trailhead where he parked his car and intended to finish the hike, roughly 30 miles away.

Grand County Search and Rescue urged backcountry users to carry the 10 essentials, including a map, extra clothing, and emergency shelter. The agency also pointed out that many newer smartphones can text 911 via satellite even without cell reception, and recommended that hikers always leave a detailed plan with someone before heading out, including their intended route and expected return time.

• Categories:  
• Colorado
• Hiking

If you’re looking for a good idea on what to do in the United States this weekend, know that skiing and snowboarding is still an option. Pretty much every ski resort across the state closed weeks or months ago, but there’s still a few mountains with snow to slide on. Unfortunately just 2 ski areas are operating with spinning lifts this weekend, but a third is open with a hike park.

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(Beartooth Basin, Wyoming’s summer ski area, is currently closed for lift maintenance. They currently hope to reopen on June 8th, after this weekend, and thus they are not included in this list. Check their website for more updates.)

(See New Jersey’s Big Snow American Dream for indoor skiing on the East Coast)

3 U.S. Ski Resorts Open This Weekend

Copper Mountain, Colorado – Copper Mountain officially opened their hike park this Friday, June 5th, providing rails and boxes for continued progression work throughout the summer months. The hike park is open Thursdays through Sundays for as long as conditions allow, with day tickets costing $25. Head to their website to learn more.

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Mammoth Mountain, California – Closing weekend is officially here for California’s longest ski season, and it doesn’t look like Mammoth has any surprise season extensions left up their sleeve. Sunday, June 7th will be the last day of the season. Currently the mountain has 3 chairlifts and 20 trails open, so don’t miss out!

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Timberline Lodge, Oregon – The summer season is just getting going at Timberline Lodge, with Palmer Lift set to spin from 8:30am to 1:30pm every day and both private training lanes and public lanes available. While a closing date isn’t set yet, Palmer Snowfield typically manages to stay open at least until August.

• Categories:  
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboardingTop Story

Prior to 2005, Yellowstone National Park’s vast collection of objects, specimens, and archival materials related to Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history were stored in various locations both inside and outside the park, where they were subject to deterioration, damage, and theft.

When the Heritage and Research Center opened, these collections (except historic vehicles) were relocated and stored in a single location. This state-of-the-art storage facility meets standards set by the National Park Service, the American Alliance of Museums, and the National Archives and Records Administration. Both the Heritage and Research Center and its staff help the continued preservation of Yellowstone’s collections.

Included in the collection is an incredible 22,000 library of books which recently underwent a complete inventory. If you are interested in accessing this incredible resource, you can browse the library’s catalog or research databases, available through the WYLD Network for library patrons. If you are interested in getting your hands on actual books and periodicals, The Yellowstone Research Library research room and collections are open to the public, free of charge.

The research library collects published and unpublished materials related to the greater Yellowstone area to make them available to park staff, researchers, and the public. The library collection consists of more than 22,000 books, periodicals, theses and dissertations, maps, unpublished manuscripts, microforms of historic newspapers and scrapbooks, brochures, technical reports, and audio-visual material. The library collection is owned by the National Park Service and is managed through a cooperative agreement process with the Great Basin Institute.

Yellowstone Research Library Operating Hours

The center is open Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. It is closed on all federal holidays, November 28, and December 26–December 31. Public tours of the Heritage and Research Center are offered every first and third Wednesday of each month, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8–9am. Space is limited. Please e-mail yell_heritage_center@nps.gov or call 307-344-2264 to RSVP.

• Categories:  
• National Park News

On Thursday, June 4th, a hiker suffered a medical emergency about 2.5 miles from the trailhead at Falling Waters Trail in New Hampshire. A Good Samaritan came across the individual and attempted to assist him down the trail, but New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were called in to assist nonetheless.

By about 5:30pm, the first Conservation Officer arrived with the pair at Cloudmont Falls. The officer provided fluids and the group continued to work their way down the trailhead, arriving just before 7pm.

The hiker, 52-year-old Tom Delaney of Brewster, Massachusettes, had left earlier in the day hoping to summit Little Haystack Mountain. Before he arrived at the summit he made the decision to turn around and head back down the mountain, with a sudden illness making it difficult for him to continue. He was well prepared with more than the ten essentials in his pack.

Upon returning to the trailhead, Delaney was assessed by LinWood Ambulance but chose to rest and head home to Massachusetts.

The Falling Waters Trail is a popular hiking trail that runs to the top of Little Haystack Mountain, which intersects with the Appalachian Trail. It provides views of several waterfalls along the way, including Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls, and the 80-foot Cloudland Falls. The hike to the summit of Little Haystack is approximately 5.9 miles out and back.

New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds all hikers to be prepared for their trek by at least packing the ten essential items, including a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, a headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. More information on hiking safety is available at hikeSafe.com.

• Categories:  
• New Hampshire
• Hiking

Due to recent bear activity Grand Teton National Park has temporarily closed the Hermitage Point Trail system, including the Swan Lake and Heron Pond Loop and park officials want to spread the word that these closures are serious business:

“If you encounter a wildlife closure sign in the park, it is not a suggestion—it is a hard closure.” -Grand Teton National Park

Several bears, both black bears and grizzly bears, are currently using the Hermitage Point area including mother bears with young cubs. The bears are actively foraging for natural food sources while also navigating around other bears. Recent encounters between Grand Teton visitors and bears in the area have created potentially dangerous situations for both people and wildlife. While wildlife encounters can occurr anywhere in the park, this area has been closed after park staff carefully considered both wildlife protection and visitor safety.

Some closures in Grand Teton happen annually to protect sensitive nesting or calving areas while others are temporary and allow wildlife to safely access important food sources, such as seasonal roots or animal carcasses. Temporary closures are actively monitored and lifted when conditions are deemed safe.

Here’s the quick bear safety checklist Grand Teton issued in conjunction with the recent trail closures. Find more comprehensive bear safety information below:

Hike in groups.

Be alert for bear signs.

Carry bear spray.

Know how to use it.

Respect all closures.

Never run. If you encounter a bear, back away slowly.

Bear Safety Guidelines For Grand Teton National Park:

Bears are active throughout Grand Teton, and an encounter can happen anytime and anywhere. Use caution, stay alert, and be prepared should you encounter a bear in the park.

Bear Encounters

Bear behavior is complex. Like people, bears react differently to each situation.

Bears may appear tolerant of people and then attack without warning. A bear’s body language can help you determine its mood. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression.

Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these are not necessarily signs of aggression; the bear may not have identified you as a human yet.

If you encounter a bear:

• DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily out run any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.
• If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.
• If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.
• Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
• Do not drop your pack – this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.
• Do not climb trees – all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.

The vast majority of bear attacks have occurred when people surprised a bear. In this situation the bear may attack as a defensive maneuver. The bear may be protecting young or defending a carcass.

If a bear charges you:

• DO NOT RUN. Some bears will bluff their way out of a threatening situation by charging, then veering off or stopping suddenly.
• Bear experts generally recommend standing still until the bear stops and then slowly back away.
• If you have bear spray this is the time to use it!
• If the bear makes contact with you, drop to the ground and lie flat on your stomach with your legs spread apart slightly and play dead. Cover the back of your neck with your hands. Keep your pack on to protect your back. Do not move until you are certain the bear has left.

In rare cases, bears have attacked at night or after stalking people. These attacks are very serious: it may mean the bear sees you as prey. If you are attacked at night or if you feel you have been stalked and attacked as prey, fight back. Use your bear spray, shout, and try to intimidate the bear with a stick or rock. In this type of situation, do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey.

• Categories:  
• National Park NewsWildlife

Australian police have launched a major enforcement operation targeting road and alpine safety in New South Wales ahead of the country’s 2026 ski season opening this weekend. Operation Snow Safe 2026 runs from June 5th through October 5th and covers the Snowy Mountains region, one of Australia’s premier winter destinations.

Led by the Monaro Police District, the operation deploys additional officers from across New South Wales to the region for the duration of the snow season. Specialized units include the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Rescue Squad, and NSW Dog Unit, working alongside the State Emergency Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and other emergency agencies.

Enforcement will focus on road safety, impaired driving, licensing compliance, and alcohol-related crime both on and off the slopes. The launch also coincides with a public holiday weekend in New South Wales, during which double traffic demerit points are in effect through Monday June 8th. Police will be targeting speeding, drunk and drug-impaired driving, seatbelt violations, and distracted driving on roads leading to the snowfields.

Last year’s operation produced major results across the season, with officers conducting more than 31,000 random breath tests, completing 1,400 licensed venue inspections, detecting 227 positive roadside drug tests, issuing 3,131 traffic infringements, and laying out 153 criminal charges. More than 25 multi-agency search and rescue operations were also carried out in the alpine region.

Winter Olympic gold medalist Josie Baff is serving as an ambassador for the operation, urging visitors to prioritize safety on and off the slopes.

“The snow is for everyone to enjoy, but safety has to come first. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, taking responsibility for your own safety helps protect the whole community.” – Josie Baff

National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager Tim Greville reminded visitors that alpine weather in Australia can shift rapidly and without warning. He urged anyone heading into backcountry areas to check forecasts and park alerts before departing. Personal Locator Beacons are available at no cost from 12 National Parks visitor centres across the state.

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• Australia
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboarding

Black bears are generally very elusive and shy, staying well away from any people. They’re very curious, but can usually be easily scared away with yelling and shouting (unless they’re accustomed to human food sources, then things can get a bit more complicated).

Of course just because you know a black bear is a shy animal doesn’t mean you should be comfortable with once coming close. And you certainly don’t need to be comfortable with one messing with the bottom of your rope while you’re high up on a climbing route. Zach Clanton shared this footage he originally took a good 4 years ago when a black bear started doing exactly that, leaving him more or less stranded while the bear had it’s fun with the bottom of the rope.

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It’s not 100% clear where this footage was taken, though it seems like it occurred on the Tug-O-War route in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge based on Zach’s caption. Fortunately we know that, despite the bear munching on his rope, Zach must have gotten out of there without being harmed as he’s alive and well today.

If you do encounter a black bear in Kentucky, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has clear guidelines for staying safe. Spotting a bear from a distance is reason enough to change your route and you should never approach one under any circumstances. If a bear comes toward you, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. Running is never the right call as it can trigger the animal’s instinct to give chase.

Bears that feel cornered or threatened will often warn you by slapping the ground, popping their jaws, or huffing. These behaviors mean you are too close. Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear the entire time. Unlike encounters with grizzlies, a black bear attack calls for aggressive self-defense rather than playing dead. Any aggressive bear behavior should be reported to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources immediately.

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• ClimbingWildlife

Ask anyone in Colorado and they’ll tell you that this ski/snowboard season was a doozy. Low snowfall, warm weather, and general poor conditions made for a short, lackluster winter, forcing many resorts to close up their season early. I’m generally not too swayed by poor conditions (skiing is skiing), but the lack of open, quality terrain left me reconsidering heading into the mountains pretty much every week. Based on recent numbers from Colorado Ski Country USA, it seems I was definitely not alone.

According to Steamboat Pilot & Today, the 2025/2026 Colorado ski season saw the least amount of recreators on the slopes since the 1991/1992 season. Across the state’s ~28 ski resorts, an estimated 10.5 million skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes. That’s 3.3 million skier visits less than the 2024/2025 season.

According to preliminary data published by the National Ski Areas Association, skier visits across the country were down by about 9 million people this winter. The Rocky Mountain West represented two thirds of the country’s decline in skier visits, with roughly 52.6 million skiers and snowboarders hitting the 300+ ski areas across the United States. Colorado represented 20% of the nationwide skier visitations despite the sharp decrease.

Meanwhile on the East Coast, Vermont saw it’s largest number of skier visits since the 2014/2015 ski season, with more than 4.35 million skiers and snowboarders visiting the state’s many ski areas. If you’ve payed attention this winter that won’t be all that surprising to learn, as many Vermont ski areas saw some serious snow and quality conditions throughout the winter.

It seems pretty evident that the decrease in visitors was caused by the poor conditions. We don’t need a super deep investigation into the ski season to figure that one out. It will certainly be interesting to see if this past year’s winter conditions lead to hesitations in booking ski trips or purchasing season passes ahead of time as uncertainty over the 2026/2027 season lingers.

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• Colorado
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboarding

It is our great pleasure to introduce HOVERair Aqua, the world’s first commercially available positive buoyancy and waterproof drone camera.

The HoverAir Aqua is an autonomous, waterproof action drone designed specifically for watersports like surfing, paddleboarding and boating. The system is designed around a hands-free interface where users can toss the device into the water and it automatically launches and tracks their movements.

HOVERair Aqua is a two part system starting with a 249-gram quadcopter that makes it FAA registration weight threshold compliant. It features foam flotation, IP-67 waterproof rating, and an 1.6-inch AMOLED screen with physical buttons for changing settings and reviewing footage on the fly. They are calling the remote control wrist worn remote/beacon the Lighthouse. It serves as the drone’s tracking target and has a some simple buttons to launch, call home and adjust the flight paths once it is airborne. The drone can also be controlled the Hover smartphone app.

One super neat trick that will make for some amazing clips is its camera can rotate straight down and capture underwater footage while floating before takeoff. Imagine a filming a sea turtle swimming underwater and then launching to capture a wide angle of an oceanscape in a single continuous shot (Sir David Attenborough eat your heart out).

Unfortunately the HOVERAir Aqua is not currently avialable for purchase in America due to regulations but hopefully they can get that sorted so we can try them stateside.

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HOVERAir Details:

Waterproof floating design

Take off and land directly on water

1/1.28″ CMOS sensor

4K video at 100fps

Up to 55 km/h (34 mph) tracking speed

Under 249g, so no registration is required to fly!

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• BoatingGearKitesurfingSurfing

There are only a handful of places on Earth that can compete with Yellowstone National Park when it comes to sheer density of natural wonders. Yellowstone draws over 4 million visitors per year seeking to reconnect nature with activities like exploring its over 10,000 hydrothermal features or simply experiencing its truly breathtaking landscapes like that of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Unfortunately, tourists sometimes take the urge to connect with nature too far when it comes to wildlife and put themselves in great peril in the process.

Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Yellowstone’s bison population as of 2024 was estimated at 5,400 animals with high concentrations in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys. Observing bison is a primary activity for many who visit Yellowstone and there is pervasive misconception that these giant animals are as harmless as domestic livestock. Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with males reaching weights of up to 2,000 pounds. Although their slow lumbering movements and calm behavior while grazing or resting may make them seem gentle, this impression is deceptive. Bison are actually quite agile and can become highly unpredictable and dangerous if they feel threatened or provoked.

The above video is a prime example of a tourist underestimating the danger of approaching bison as she not only breaks park rules by getting within 25 yards of the animal, she actually repeatedly attempts to pet it on the head as it rests near the iconic Old Faithful cone geyser.

Despite bystanders warning the woman “you’re going to get killed” she continued to touch the bison on the head, provoking it to stand on its forelegs and shake its head in response to the unsolicited contact. This woman is very lucky her repeated provocations didn’t end with an attack unlike the 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida who was gored by a bison over the weekend after approaching too closely.

If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park this summer remember park policies require all visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison at all times. Disregarding these rules can result in fines, injury, and in extreme cases even death. The safety of the animals, as well as visitor safety, depends on visitors abiding by simple rules and using commonsense. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park bison safety below.

Yellowstone Bison Safety Guidelines:

Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.

• Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. 
• Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
• Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.

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• National Park NewsNational ParksWildlife

USA — For years, spring skiing had consisted of the typical names. Ski resorts like Killington, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, and Timberline Lodge tend to be known as the bastions for skiing past the early spring. However, as the ski industry has evolved in the 2020s, so have the ski resorts that want to push it as late as possible.

With ski season basically being over, I thought it would be cool to analyze ski resorts that aren’t typically known for late seasons that have recently extended their seasons into May and even June. From Arizona to New Hampshire, these U.S. ski resorts have competed in recent years with the bigwigs to keep their skiing going as long as possible.

Arizona Snowbowl, You Can Probably Guess The State

Arizona isn’t known as a snowy place due to the hell-level temperatures in Phoenix, but there are some snowy spots. This includes Flagstaff, the mountain town that is home to the Arizona Snowbowl. Mountain Capital Partners, operator of the Snowbowl, tries to keep their mountains open as late as possible. At Arizona Snowbowl, they’ve closed for the season in May and even June. The 2024-25 season was their longest ever, concluding on June 1st.

While this past season was much shorter, they were able to extend it to April 19th, which was a few weeks longer than expected.

Black Mountain, New Hampshire

Once on the verge of closure, one of New England’s most historic ski areas was bought by Entabeni Systems (owner of the Indy Pass) in 2024. Originally eyed as a co-op venture, Entabeni Systems decided to keep it as a testing ground for independent ski areas.

Black Mountain has pushed New Hampshire’s lift-served ski season into May for the past two years. It concluded the 2024-25 season on May 3rd, its first-ever May offering. This past season, they made it to May 17th. They plan to invest in additional snowmaking improvements, ensuring they’re competing with Killington to be the last to close in New England.

Boyne Mountain, Michigan

Over the past two ski seasons, Boyne Mountain has pushed its season as late as possible. Piling a snowmaking “glacier” onto the Victor trail, Boyne Mountain has stayed open on weekends in May until the snow melts. This led them to make it to Memorial Day this past ski season (May 25th). With these efforts, Boyne has become the spring skiing destination in the Midwest.

Brian Head, Utah

The southernmost ski resort in Utah may not see the most snowfall in the state, but it does have one distinct advantage: its elevation. With a base area slightly under 10,000 feet, its snow retention remains strong even into the spring.

While Brian Head has typically ended its ski season in mid to late April, it’s been pushing their calendar with bonus weekends over the past few years. The 2023-24 season ended on May 12th, while the 2024-25 season ended on May 11th. Even with a dismal ski season for Utah, Brian Head concluded this past ski season on May 3rd.

Brighton, Utah

Up until a few years ago, Brighton typically ended its season in late April. However, Brighton changed their strategy during the historic 2022-23 season.

The Meltdown is a terrain-park-oriented event that keeps one terrain pod (Crest in recent years) open until May. They redesign the remaining snowpack to feature cool features that cater to terrain park skiers and snowboarders. This past ski season concluded for Brighton on May 10th, tying Snowbird to be the last to close in Utah.

Camelback Resort, Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania has a stoic skiing culture, the season typically ends for most ski resorts in March. Camelback pushed that perception this past ski season thanks to a new operational strategy under new GM Jason Bays. Camelback ended up blowing an immense amount of snow on two trails: Nile Mile and Cliffhanger. This allowed them to stay open on weekends through April and into early May.

The Pennsylvania ski resort concluded its 2025-26 season on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo for you gringos out there). Camelback intends to have another deep spring for the 2026-27 season.

Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

Snowbird once proclaimed itself to have the “longest season in Utah.” However, it typically doesn’t open until late November/early December, and it hasn’t pushed in recent years for June and July closings as it did in the past.

This is where Solitude Mountain Resort has stepped in to gain that title. They’ve been the first to open in Utah for some of the past few years, thanks to their Link lift. For late closings, Solitude has recently aimed to make it to at least May. While last ski season ended on April 19th, you’d imagine Solitude is eyeing a later closing date for next winter.

Image/Video Credits: Black Mountain, Boyne Mountain Resort, Brian Head, Camelback Resort

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• Ski News

Pro BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot Vincent Cotte of Soul Flyers managed to pull off a seriously impressive flyby over hikers at a ski resort in Southeastern France. He passes within just a few feet of the people, capturing the wil sound created by a man and his wingsuit.

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The flyby appears to have been captured on the slopes of Station de ski de Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvent, a volunteer run ski area on the Plateau des Petites Roches. The Dent de Crolles, a dramatic peak, stands above the ski area and is likely what Vincent leapt off.

To be clear, the hikers Vincent flew over were not just random strangers. They were fellow wingsuit pilots or adrenaline junkies. Whether or not they’ve experienced flying in a suit before, they were clearly quite stunned by the flyby.

This clip is an example of proximity flying, a frequently controversial discipline in wingsuit flying. Pilots fly parallel to terrain like cliffs, rocks, and the ground, moving at speeds well in excess of 100 miles per hour just a few feet from collision. It is incredibly risky and can frequently lead to deadly crashes.

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• France
• Ski News

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close a section of Little River Road between the Townsend Wye and Elkmont for essential road maintenance on June 8th and 9th.

On June 8th, the closure will run from Townsend Wye to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area between 7am and noon. Visitors can use Wears Valley Road (US 321) between Townsend and Line Springs Road as a detour.

On June 9th, the closure will extend from Metcalf Bottoms to Elkmont Junction, also from 7am to noon. Wears Valley Road between Line Springs Road and Pigeon Forge will serve as the alternate route.

Popular destinations including Elkmont, Metcalf Bottoms, and Cades Cove will remain accessible during both closures but may require detours. Visitors should expect increased travel times.

Drivers of motor homes, buses, and vans longer than 25 feet are prohibited on Wear Cove Gap Road from the park boundary through the Metcalf Bottoms bridge. The same restriction applies to passenger vehicles towing trailers.

The park first adopted this temporary closure approach in 2024, completing significant maintenance work during short windows totaling less than 10 hours. During those closures, crews mowed and string trimmed 24 miles of roadsides, cleaned 8.5 miles of roadside ditches, repaired 27 damaged road shoulder areas, and side armed 12 miles of roadside banks.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for up-to-date information on road closures and construction conditions before heading out.

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Aspen, Colorado — This offseason at Aspen Snowmass will see expanded activities and work on two major ski resort projects.

As part of its summer events and activities announcement this week, Aspen Snowmass also revealed its two big projects for the 2026 offseason.

The first big project is happening over at Ajax. This offseason, the Bell Mountain (1957) and Little Nell (1986) are being removed. These two were considered secondary lifts, meaning they didn’t operate that often. The two chairlifts will be replaced by a detachable high-speed quad chairlift. This will create a new lift that people can use outside of the Silver Queen Gondola.

Called the Nell Bell chairlift, the base terminal will be situated next to the Gondola Plaza. The top terminal will be where the Bell Mountain chairlift used to end. The new chairlift will carry up to 1,800 people per hour, a major improvement over its predecessors. According to the Aspen Times, tree clearing for this project took place last week, indicating that work is underway.

The other big project is the completion of the new Ullrhof restaurant at Snowmass. $42 million has been invested in rebuilding the mid-mountain lodge, which will be Aspen Snowmass’ first all-electric restaurant. The menu will include burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes.

Other planned projects include snowmaking upgrades and forest restoration work. At Aspen’s Shadow Mountain, tree clearing and the removal of overgrown vegetation are planned to improve glade skiing and reduce wildfire risk.

Summer Activities & Events

Snowmass will see an improved mountain biking experience, thanks to the new Elk Camp Chair. This new chairlift gives them double the bike-carrier capacity compared to beforehand.

Snowmass will also debut e-bike access on a small number of trails for this summer. These trails include Fanny Hill, Discovery, Village Bound, Luge, Thornton and Dawdler.

Some of the events going on at Aspen Snowmass include the Aspen Ideas Festival, Up in the Sky Music Festival (with acts like John Summit and Passion Pit), the inaugural Snowmass Mountainside Music Festival, the 34th annual Snowmass Free Concert Series, Aspen Mountain Yoga, and their first-ever Daybreaker event.

For more information about those events and the summer attractions, check out Aspen’s press release.

Image/Video Credits: Aspen Snowmass

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• Aspen Snowmass
• AspenColorado
• Aspen

Palmer, Alaska — One of the newest ski areas in the country has a new leader.

Yesterday, Skeetawk announced that Ryan Thompson has been appointed as the new General Manager. Before this appointment, Thompson served on the Board of Directors and became the ski area’s Construction Development Manager. This included helping to lead the project to install a snowmaking system during the 2025 off-season. He brings 25 winters of experience in the snowsports industry, including roles in Scotland, New Zealand, Colorado, Tahoe, and Argentina. He also held leadership roles at Boreal Ridge Corporation, which operates Boreal Mountain Resort, Soda Springs, and Woodward Tahoe.

He replaces Megan Justus, who has been General Manager of the Alaska ski area since 2021. She led the ski area through its early years, as it only opened back in 2020. She’s moving on to a new role and is leaving on good terms.

“I believe that Ryan is the right person to champion Skeetawk’s growth during this next phase of development. I am extremely excited for the future of Skeetawk under his leadership,” said Megan Justus. 

Recent Upgrades & Future

The news follows a change-filled 2025- 26 season. The upgrades included installing its first snowmaking system, a magic carpet, and paving the access road.

Next up is figuring out how to install its signature lift. Referred to as Lift 2, the plan is to install a new detachable gondola lift with eight-person cabins. The lift will have a carrying capacity of 1,200 people per hour (eventually up to 2,400 pph), 28 cabins (eventually 56), a vertical rise of 1,205 feet, a length of 4,750 feet, and a ride time of 5.6 minutes. Fundraising for this project is currently underway. For now, this terrain zone is accessible via snowcat or by earning your turns.

In the meantime, Skeetawk has a busy summer ahead, with various events planned along with the reopening of the Yurt Café this month. There are also some great hiking trails to check out there.

Image/Video Credits: Skeetawk Ski Area, Rasmuson Foundation

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• Alaska
• Ski News

Close call for this young grizzly strolling the train tracks near Morant’s Curve, a popular photography locations in Banff National Park where trains on the Canadian Pacific Railway curve alongside the turquoise Bow River against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The bear seemed in no great hurry as the train barreled down but thankfully escaped an impact at the last second.

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There are various reasons why grizzly bears often linger on the trains tracks that bisect Banff National Park including simply being the path of least resistance and wildlife being attracted grain spilled by train cars.

Parks Canada has recorded 19 grizzly deaths on the Banff rail line since 2005, the most recent occurring in May 2026 when a grizzly cub was struck and killed. Researchers have identified train strikes as one of the most serious human-caused threats to Banff’s grizzlies. A seven year study concluded in 2007 found that the Canadian Pacific Railway was the leading human-related cause of grizzly mortality in the park, and several cubs orphaned by those collisions did not survive.

Wildlife managers have tried to reduce the problem by improving grain-car sealing, recovering spilled grain, and testing warning systems to make trains less deadly for bears. Even with those measures, the Banff rail line remains a conflict zone where a bear’s search for food or a convenient travel path can quickly turn fatal.

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• InstagramNational Park News

Dusty Friesen of Dustydoeser recently released more footage from his apparent record-breaking 29-foot waterfall jet boat jump that went down last Monday, May 25th, at Lundbreck Falls in Alberta. The footage includes a new angles from spectators and helmet cam footage from Dusty himself, showing just how wild the impact really was.

The jump supposedly marked a world record for the highest naturally flowing water fall jumped with a jet boat. Sadly Guinness World Records apparently doesn’t track such a record, but they’re certainly not the be-all and end-all of record keeping.

CTV News reported that the incident is under investigation by the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Patrol, though Dusty claims that nowhere on the Alberta Parks website does it state that he can’t jump Lundbreck Falls or bring his boat on the Crowsnest River. We’re certainly stoked by this gnarly jump, whether or not it was legal.

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• Canada
• Boating

If you’re a Coloradan craving some on-snow skiing or snowboarding,, know that Copper Mountain‘s Summer Hike Park will open this Friday, June 5th, providing some on-snow progression before the broader summer season kicks off later in June.

The park is built by farming snow from the resort’s 22-foot superpipe, allowing Copper to construct and maintain a dedicated rail setup in Center Village throughout the summer months. The park will operate Thursdays through Sundays for as long as conditions allow.

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Day passes run $25, with a season pass available for $249. The Woodward Barn will also open for weekend access beginning June 5th adding an indoor progression component alongside the on-snow terrain.

The Summer Hike Park is part of Copper’s broader commitment to year-round snow sports through Woodward Copper. In addition to the park, the resort will host nine weeks of on-snow camp this summer on Copper’s on-mountain glacier, including eight weeks of youth programming and one week dedicated to adult athletes 18 and older. Campers also receive access to the Woodward Barn as part of the experience.

Copper Mountain’s wider summer operations are scheduled to begin June 20th, running through September 7th. The American Eagle chairlift will provide scenic rides and bike haul access daily from 10am to 4pm, supporting both the mountain biking terrain and general summer recreation throughout the season.

For skiers and riders looking to stay sharp through the offseason, the Summer Hike Park offers one of the few legitimate on-snow options in the country during the summer months. More information on passes and programming is available at CopperColorado.com.

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• Copper Mountain
• Colorado
• Ski NewsSkiingSnowboardingTop Story

There is a version of Après that involves a lodge bar, a $17 IPA poured from a tap that hasn’t been cleaned since opening weekend, and 400 of your closest strangers all vying for the attention of the same bartender. We all know this version, and it definitely has its moments.

Then there’s the version where you don’t stay at the mountain. You head ten minutes away and walk into a brewery that’s equally worth your visit. Same earned-it energy but with dramatically better beer at a fraction of the cost. With that in mind, here are three breweries that have the proximity and the quality to make it count.

Outer Range Brewing Co. — Frisco, CO | Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail

Best craft brewery near Breckenridge ski resort

Outer Range didn’t stumble into the ski town brewery business, it was built inside of it. Founded in Frisco in 2016, Outer Range has been a longtime staple during ski season (and beyond) and the après ritual that follows. It now being the official beer partner of Vail Resorts across Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Crested Butte is either a sign of how good the beer is or how smart the founders were. Actually, it’s both.

Recently named Top Small Craft Brewery in the US in 2024, Outer Range built its reputation on hop-forward IPAs and technically precise Belgian beers. These are the styles that are worth the attention you’ll give them when the ski boots are finally off. The “In the Steep” Hazy IPA is currently the number one rated beer in Colorado and should therefore be your first order. After a full day of elevation, the name and the beer lands exactly where you need it to.

The taproom is in Frisco, so it sits close enough to Breckenridge to make math easy. Last run, gondola down, ten minutes on Route 9, cold pint in hand before the lift lines have even cleared out. Seems like a no-brainer to me. 

Order first: The aforementioned In the Steep Hazy IPA. Then ask what’s on the seasonal list before you commit to a second round.

Long Trail Brewing Company — Bridgewater Corners, VT | Killington

Best brewery near Killington ski resort Vermont

Inspired by the 273-mile hiking trail that traverses the Green Mountains, Long Trail Brewing Company has been the OG of Vermont craft beer since 1989. They are in no way newbs to the mountain lifestyle branding. Long Trail is a brewery that has been doing this before most of its customers were old enough to ski a black diamond.

Sitting at the junction of Route 4 and 100A in Bridgewater Corners, it is a short fifteen minute ride from Killington Resort. So in Vermont ski terms means you’re practically in the parking lot. Long Trail Brewery’s layout delivers exactly what you want after a full day of taming the Beast.  With river views and a covered outdoor deck the transition from ski gear to settled-in mode comes with ease. 

The Long Trail Ale is the institution here. It’s the kind of amber that needs no explain. The Double Bag is the better order if you’ve been on the mountain long enough to earn something with a little more character.

The vibe at the brewery is casual, lively, and quintessentially Vermont. In the winter, ski gear is customary whether they say so or not. The Long Trail staff is as locked in as they come. On weekends there’s live music that keeps the afternoon from ending before you’re ready for it to.

The logistics: Killington to Long Trail is a straight shot on Route 4 heading east. You will drive past nothing worth stopping for until you get there. So don’t! 

Barley Creek Brewing Company — Tannersville, PA | Camelback

Best brewery near Camelback Mountain Resort Poconos

Understandably, the Poconos don’t get the same reverence as Summit County or the Green Mountains. That’s fine, in some cases the lack of notoriety keeps the lift lines shorter and the seats at Barley Creek available. Established in 1995 in Tannersville, Barley Creek was the first microbrewery in the Pocono Mountains since Prohibition. Talk about a problem solver. Barley Creek has been solving the post-Camelback problem for thirty years while other breweries weren’t even a thought.

Barley Creek, however, goes well beyond just good craft beer. It also operates a small-batch distillery producing vodka, whiskey, rum and other spirits on-site. This may seem like a trivial detail but those spirits come in handy on a grey Pocono day when the mountain was good but the weather was working against you. On warmer days, The Pint-Sized Park biergarten is the place to be.The yard games will make the afternoon disappear when conditions aren’t cooperating. The indoor bars handle all of your other needs.

Proximity to Camelback is key. Barley Creek sits right in the fork between Sullivan Trail and Camelback Road, so the transition from last chair to first beer requires almost no decision-making. That’s the point. The less thinking required between the mountain and the drink, the better the après-ski.

Go for: The in-house drafts first, the distillery side second. If you’re going on a weekend, the Pint-Sized Park fills up. Arrive early or accept that you’re drinking inside, which ultimately works just fine.

The Final Point On Ski Town Breweries

Ten to fifteen minutes is the threshold. Any further and you’re committing to a drive when you should be committed to a barstool. These three breweries fit the mold perfectly. Find the mountain. Do the work. Drive the ten minutes and avoid those $17 beers I mentioned in the beginning.

About the Author

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

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