Off Peak Podcast Episode 6: Navigation
The team discusses the PeakRankings navigation score and hones in on two particularly egregious examples. Sam gives kudos to Vail Resorts for a recent resort upgrade. Nicole, George, and Sam share what they’re drinking.
Score Change: Whistler Blackcomb Removes Horstman T-Bar
Whistler Blackcomb removed their high-alpine Horstman T-Bar, causing the resort’s navigation score to drop. Despite this knock, Whistler remains our highest-rated area.
(Update) OnTheSnow Shutting Down For Good At Some Point
Late Friday evening, Vail-owned Mountain News Corporation announced that it would be shutting down OnTheSnow and other affiliated websites effective July 13, 2020. In a statement, the media outlet said it was no longer financially viable to continue operating the sites.
Mountain Review: Park City
This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.
Vail Resorts Suspends Winter Operations at 2 of Its 3 Australian Resorts
Today, Vail Resorts announced it would be suspending operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, its two Australian resorts in the state of Victoria, just a few days after they opened for the season. These closures, which will last until at least August 19, come on the heels of a recent COVID-19 spike and subsequent stay-at-home orders issued by the state.
Off Peak Podcast Episode 5: Talking Current (and Far Future) Events
Sam and Nicole go into detail about what they learned after attending UDOT’s Little Cottonwood Canyon public access meeting this week. Later, the team discusses recently announced U.S. visa restrictions and how they may hurt the ski industry.
Mountain Review: Deer Valley
While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.
Why Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon Gondola—Or Any Traffic Relief Project—Won’t Be Coming Anytime Soon
Public opinion meetings this week made it clear that Little Cottonwood Canyon capacity improvements will take quite a while to materialize, and that the proposed gondola may not be the most practical option.
Off Peak Podcast Episode 4: My Shoulder!
Following her recent surgery to address the issue, Nicole details the shoulder injury she obtained while skiing two seasons ago. In addition, we discuss the wacky events that accompanied the day of the incident.
Mountain Review: Snowbird
Other mountains may offer a bigger footprint, but it’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.