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Skiing or snowboarding for the first time and want to have a killer day? Follow these steps to unleash the best beginner version of yourself.
A comprehensive guide to the technical skills, routines, and mindset you’ll want to have to successfully ski or snowboard double-black diamond trails and other expert-level terrain.
A comprehensive breakdown of every ski resort surface condition rating you'll ever see, including Powder, Packed Powder, Machine Groomed, Hard Pack, Variable, Artificial, and Spring Conditions.
With Ikon Pass prices going up after April 14—and the chance to secure Epic Pass buddy tickets expiring after April 10—we’ve compiled all you need to know to make a decision on your next multi-resort pass product.
Picking the wrong resort can turn a beginner off to skiing or riding forever, but picking the right one can pave the way for a lifelong relationship with the sport.
Due to recent industry trends and some ill-advised rules of thumb, you’ve likely been degrading the quality of your ski trips without even noticing. In this piece, we provide concrete recommendations on how to avoid these costly mistakes.
We break down the attributes used to rate beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert-level ski trails—and what types of skillsets each rating entails.
We hone in on whether it’s worth it to pay a bit extra to have peace of mind in case something goes wrong on your ski trip.
If you choose not to learn locally—or don’t have the option to—these resorts offer some of the best beginner bargains and general learning experiences out there.
Planning ahead and having the right equipment on hand will set you up for a successful first day on the slopes—and for continued snowsports enthusiasm.
An in-depth comparison of the ski scenes in Colorado and Utah, two of the most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the world.
We provide a comprehensive explanation—including a picture-by-picture guide from a recent trip—on how to strategically pack for your mountain getaway.
The savviest budgeting tricks can save you hundreds of dollars on your ski trip, even at the highest-end destinations.
Ski and snowboard lessons aren’t cheap, but booking the right one can be critical to honing in your technique. We dive deep into what you need to know, whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re a tenured expert.
We dive deep into how the Mountain Score is calculated to give you an inside look into our methodology—and to help you compare resorts for your next ski trip.
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RECENT POSTS
In a press release that was about food and private lessons on the surface, Vail Resorts all but admitted that its era of trying to expand is over.
An in-depth explanation on the biggest policy changes and capital investments at U.S. and Canadian ski resorts for 2026, followed by this year's top 10 North American ski resorts ranked.
Utah’s Powder Mountain is making another controversial change after the end of next season.
How did the largest ski resort expansion project in North American history actually get approval, not just from Deer Valley's leadership, but from every entity involved?
One of the longest-running lift installation battles in American history seems to finally be coming to an end.
This Eastern Sierra mountain has great views and free child lift tickets. But at least on paper, it struggles to stand out against the better-known destinations in other ways.
With an old-school feel and quieter atmosphere compared to nearby Aspen, Sunlight presents itself as a Colorado alternative for those looking to escape the destination crowds.
The only remaining 4-passenger gondola in the Northeast is finally slated for replacement at this New Hampshire resort.
After years of lagging in lift investments, the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies just announced its biggest upgrade push since the early 2000s.
We’re ranking every single official North American partner on the Ikon Pass. And yes, there are over 50 of these, so buckle up.

A comprehensive overview of every type of ski lift you will see on your winter vacation, including surface lifts, chairlifts, gondolas, tramways, mountain railways, and snowcats.