We’ve Refined the Way We Measure Skiable Acres. Some Resorts See Size Score Changes.
Some resorts measure their acreage by total footprint, which doesn’t always comprise entirely skiable terrain. Others measure their acreage by skiable terrain only, but don’t include parts of the resort that are technically in-bounds but not skiable. To remedy this issue, we employed an acreage calculator to determine the true skiable footprint within the bounds of each resort.
Too Many Resorts Have Earned Our Top Rating for Challenge. It’s Time for a Splitter.
Ten resorts—nearly 30% of the resorts we’ve reviewed—currently earn a perfect 10 for challenge in our scoring system. To address the competitiveness here and truly distinguish the most extreme resorts, we’ve effectively split the 10/10 challenge category into two.
We’ve Slightly Adjusted Our Facilities Ratings Towards Practicality, Resulting In a Few Score Changes.
We’ve historically weighted some very small facilities with limited space and inconsistent openings as highly as more practical lodges. With today’s adjustment, we’re aiming to fix this discrepancy.
Last Day to Defer 2020-21 Ikon Pass to 2021-22
Tomorrow, April 11, 2021, is the last day for 2020-21 Ikon Pass holders who did not use their pass this season to defer the credit to the 2021-22 season. Credits will start appearing in passholder accounts on April 19.
Big Sky Cuts Tram Access From All Ticket and Most Pass Products, Now an Extra Cost Add-On
Big Sky announced their 2021-22 pass products today. With the exception of high-end season passes, Lone Peak Tram access will now only be offered as an extra-cost add-on.
Okemo Foregoes Spring Skiing Ops, Begins Construction on 2021-22 Lift Projects
Okemo’s last operating day for the 2020-21 season was yesterday. The resort forewent spring skiing operations this season to facilitate the quick installation of two new chairlifts for next winter.
Video Review: Squaw Valley
An in-depth video review of Squaw Valley Resort, a ski area located in Olympic Valley, California, near Lake Tahoe.
Whistler Blackcomb Closed For The Season Due to COVID Spike
The province of British Columbia has ordered Whistler Blackcomb to close starting at midnight tonight. Resort operations are set for suspension through April 19, and the Whistler side is likely now closed for the season.
Idiot's Delight: A Run Down a Truly Extreme Alpine Meadows Chute
A run down Idiot's Delight at Alpine Meadows, starting with a mandatory drop-in off a cornice, filtering into a perilously tight couloir with no room for error, and leading into the Wolverine Bowl. This line takes a 2-5 minute hike to reach from the Summit chair.
Vail Resorts Announces 2021-22 Epic Pass Suite, Cutting All Prices by 20%
Earlier today, Vail Resorts announced its suite of pass products for the 2021-22 winter season. All Epic Pass products have received a 20% price drop compared to last season, and a new entry-level Epic Day Pass has been introduced.