Prepare to hit the slopes in style and save big with Ellis Brigham’s end-of-season sale! With up to 40% off selected snowsports clothing and equipment, this is your chance to snag top-quality winter gear for less. Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, or simply love the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £80, click and collect to your nearest store, and free in-store ski boot fitting appointments. Don’t miss out—shop before the snow melts!
CLOTHING DEALS
Picture – Women’s Seen Jacket
This is the piste-perfect style you’ve been waiting for! A blend of functionality and sleek design, the Picture Women’s Seen Jacket ensures maximum comfort and performance on the slopes.
Protect yourself from the harshest mountain conditions with Norrona’s iconic GORE-TEX 3L Jacket. High durability, breathability, and ultimate foul-weather protection in one sleek package!
Luxurious winter warmth meets style. With low-bulk Thinsulate insulation and a plush faux fur-trimmed hood, this jacket is perfect for fashion-forward explorers.
Designed for protection and versatility, this jacket transitions seamlessly from the slopes to snowy days at home. A must-have for your little shredder!
Norrona’s best-selling insulated jacket ensures warmth and comfort whether you’re skiing resorts or venturing off-piste. No adventure too cold for this winter essential!
Make a statement with the lavish Women’s Bea Jacket. With Goose Down insulation and a stylish belted parka fit, it’s perfect for both the slopes and après-ski.
With these incredible savings, it’s time to update your snowsports wardrobe and gear up for your next adventure. Browse the full sale collection and shop your favourites while stocks last!
We regularly showcase the latest gear on our YouTube channel. Dive into our Gear Playlist for in-depth reviews. For the latest snow forecasts, updates on top skiing destinations, and comprehensive gear evaluations, tune in to our podcast, “The Whiteout.” You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Podcasts, or by searching “The White Out” in your favourite podcast directory.
Prepare to hit the slopes in style and save big with Ellis Brigham’s end-of-season sale! With up to 40% off selected snowsports clothing and equipment, this is your chance to snag top-quality winter gear for less. Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, or simply love the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £80, click and collect to your nearest store, and free in-store ski boot fitting appointments. Don’t miss out—shop before the snow melts!
CLOTHING DEALS
Picture – Women’s Seen Jacket
This is the piste-perfect style you’ve been waiting for! A blend of functionality and sleek design, the Picture Women’s Seen Jacket ensures maximum comfort and performance on the slopes.
Protect yourself from the harshest mountain conditions with Norrona’s iconic GORE-TEX 3L Jacket. High durability, breathability, and ultimate foul-weather protection in one sleek package!
Luxurious winter warmth meets style. With low-bulk Thinsulate insulation and a plush faux fur-trimmed hood, this jacket is perfect for fashion-forward explorers.
Designed for protection and versatility, this jacket transitions seamlessly from the slopes to snowy days at home. A must-have for your little shredder!
Norrona’s best-selling insulated jacket ensures warmth and comfort whether you’re skiing resorts or venturing off-piste. No adventure too cold for this winter essential!
Make a statement with the lavish Women’s Bea Jacket. With Goose Down insulation and a stylish belted parka fit, it’s perfect for both the slopes and après-ski.
With these incredible savings, it’s time to update your snowsports wardrobe and gear up for your next adventure. Browse the full sale collection and shop your favourites while stocks last!
We regularly showcase the latest gear on our YouTube channel. Dive into our Gear Playlist for in-depth reviews. For the latest snow forecasts, updates on top skiing destinations, and comprehensive gear evaluations, tune in to our podcast, “The Whiteout.” You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Podcasts, or by searching “The White Out” in your favourite podcast directory.
The United States is home to over 480 ski resorts, offering mountains of various locations, shapes, and sizes. What you may not realize, though, is that essentially all of these resorts were built over five decades ago.
But wait a minute—skiing and snowboarding have exploded in growth in the 21st century, so why haven’t there been any serious new resorts since the 1980s? And has the industry changed enough in recent years that this trend might reverse itself? In this video, we’ll cover the compounding barrage of factors that made new ski resort development essentially impossible starting in the early 1970s, and then we’ll go through the attempts since then and whether they’ve made any headway.
Part 1: The Original Growth of Skiing in America
But before we take a look at what stopped ski resorts from being built in America, we have to cover how their development started in the first place.
Skiing in America began as a niche activity introduced by Scandinavian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early adopters practiced the sport in snowy regions like the Northeast and the Sierra Nevada, where rudimentary skiing facilities began to appear.
Woodstock, Vermont, became a pioneer for American skiing, hosting one of the first ski clubs in the country in 1903. Several other small hills spurred up in the following years, including Colorado’s Howelsen Hill, which is the oldest continuously operating U.S. ski resort today. Skiers relied on basic rope tows and natural snow, making the experience both rustic and labor-intensive. And while a few names that we all know today emerged by the 1930s, including Stowe, Sun Valley, and Alta, skiing remained a small-scale pastime pursued by local communities rather than a mainstream recreational activity.
The United States’ involvement in World War II was a turning point for skiing’s popularity. The creation of the 10th Mountain Division, an elite group of mountain troops trained to fight in snowy terrain, helped elevate skiing from a niche hobby to a widely recognized activity. Soldiers trained in Camp Hale, Colorado, which is due south of present-day Vail, where they honed their skills in skiing, mountaineering, and wartime survival.
After the war, many veterans of the 10th Mountain Division became ambassadors for the sport, founding or managing ski resorts across the country. Resorts like Aspen and Arapahoe Basin owe much of their early success to these veterans’ passion and expertise. Furthermore, wartime infrastructure projects—such as mountain roads and railways—helped make once-remote mountain regions accessible for future resort development.
Other economic factors helped too. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the post-war boom gave rise to a new American middle class with more disposable income and leisure time. While skiing was once considered a sport for elites, it now began to attract a broader audience.
As skiing grew in popularity in the 1950s, the mountains kept getting easier and easier to reach. Improved highways and the growing popularity of air travel made it easier for people to reach remote mountain destinations that were previously way too impractical to get to. At the same time, ski technology evolved rapidly. Innovations in ski lifts, snow grooming equipment, and safer ski gear transformed skiing into a more accessible and enjoyable activity. Chairlifts became the new norm, whereas in decades past, visiting a resort had involved rope tows and surface lifts. This made it much more practical to build bigger and taller resorts than in years’ past. Resorts including Mammoth, Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), and Taos Ski Valley emerged as leading destinations during this time, drawing both seasoned skiers and beginners alike.
By the 1960s, the ski industry was booming. This period saw an explosion of resort development, driven not only by skiing’s popularity but also by lucrative real estate opportunities. Many resorts were built as part of broader ventures, with developers selling condominiums and vacation homes alongside ski passes.
Public land leases also made large-scale ski resort construction feasible. The Forest Service worked with developers to open vast tracts of land for skiing, leading to the creation of resorts that are well-known today like Vail, Park City, and Jackson Hole. A whopping 118 U.S. ski resorts that are still operating today opened in the 1960s, nearly doubling the amount from the previous decade.
But just as fast as it exploded in growth, essentially all major ski resort development came to a halt with what felt like the snap of a finger. After six notable debuts in 1972 and 1973, serious future developments were suddenly nowhere to be found.
Due to increased popularity, innovations in technology, and development-friendly government agencies, many ski areas opened in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Part 2: Saturation of Prime Locations
In the early 1970s, new ski resort development slowed to a crawl, with an almost overwhelming compound of factors driving the change. The first and most obvious one of these was the saturation of conspicuously prime locations following the rush to build in the two decades prior.
By 1973, a lot of the best locations for ski resort development in the U.S. had already been claimed. The previous decades capitalized on accessible mountain ranges with favorable snowfall, suitable terrain, and proximity to population centers. Prime areas in Colorado, Utah, California, and Vermont had long been developed, leaving fewer viable locations for new large-scale resorts.
One factor was the slowdown in highway construction during this time period. The resorts built during the mid-20th century were strategically positioned to take advantage of infrastructure like highways and public lands, and with fewer new interstates being built, much of the remaining undeveloped terrain was either too remote or lacked the consistent snowfall needed to sustain a profitable operation.
Many of the best locations for a ski area based on snowfall, terrain layout, and public access had already been developed by the 1970s.
Part 3: Environmental Concerns and New Regulations
But while the saturation of the best locations helped slow down resort development, it was nothing compared to the slate of environmental regulations that appeared around this time. In the late 1960s, public opposition to large-scale construction on public lands increased dramatically. Many of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. lease land from the U.S. Forest Service, but obtaining new leases for development suddenly became exceedingly difficult.
A major turning point was the enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1970. NEPA introduced stringent environmental review processes for projects involving federal lands or funding, requiring detailed assessments and approval from numerous agencies. While the act was incredibly impactful in its aim to safeguard natural resources, the additional layers of bureaucracy—such as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and public comment periods—made it far more challenging and time-consuming to develop new ski resorts. Projects that previously required a single permit might now need approval from dozens of agencies, ranging from the Forest Service to the Environmental Protection Agency. For developers, this created significant delays and increased costs, often derailing projects entirely.
Additionally, laws such as the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 further complicated resort development. The CWA restricted alterations to rivers, streams, and wetlands, making it difficult to construct resort infrastructure such as roads, snowmaking reservoirs, and base villages. The ESA provided strict protections for threatened and endangered species, meaning any proposed ski area had to prove it would not disrupt critical habitats. This was especially problematic for developments in alpine environments, where species such as the Canada lynx and the spotted owl reside. Meanwhile, the NFMA required the U.S. Forest Service to create comprehensive land management plans, which, on the whole, placed greater emphasis on conservation and recreational balance than the more development-friendly attitudes of years’ past. Given how many resorts had been built through public land leases, this act had huge implications for future large-scale ski area developments.
The 1970s and 1980s also saw a rise in citizen activism and environmental litigation. As new regulations empowered environmental groups, legal challenges under these laws became common, often resulting in years-long court battles that delayed or entirely halted new ski resort projects, even if they’d made it past initial approvals processes. High-profile lawsuits set legal precedents that strengthened environmental protections and expanded the scope of regulations, making it even harder for developers to gain approvals
Beyond federal regulations, state and local environmental laws further restricted resort development. California, in particular, became one of the most difficult places to build a new ski resort due to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which was enacted in 1970. CEQA required environmental reviews similar to NEPA but applied at the state level, adding another layer of bureaucracy. Any ski resort proposal in California had to go through extensive environmental assessments, undergo public hearings, and withstand potential litigation from environmental groups. The process was often prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, deterring developers from even attempting new projects.
These combined legal and regulatory challenges created a near-impossible landscape for new ski resorts to be developed on public land.
New government regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, sought to protect natural resources. But they made ski area development more convoluted.
Part 4: Economic Pressures
But not every ski resort project could be killed by environmental opposition—after all, some privately-owned land parcels were still theoretically feasible to develop, and at least some public lands did have the right topography to pass all the regulatory hurdles. But it wasn’t just the new environmental regulations that were making new ski resort projects harder to justify. By the 1970s, the U.S. economy was not exactly in the place to support developments related to any sort of leisure activities.
Building a ski resort from scratch was (and still is) a monumental financial undertaking, and in the post-1970s economy, the return on investment was far from guaranteed. The cost of constructing ski infrastructure—including lifts, snowmaking systems, lodges, and access roads, among other things—could easily reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Additionally, resorts required expensive year-round maintenance, staffing, and marketing efforts to attract visitors and remain competitive. Even if a proposed ski area managed to get through the rest of the hurdles, securing financing and attracting investors became much more difficult.
During the mid-20th century, many ski resorts were funded as part of broader real estate ventures, with developers relying on the sale of vacation homes, condominiums, and commercial properties to subsidize ski operations. However, by the 1970s, rising interest rates and financial market instability made real estate-driven developments riskier. Without a guaranteed stream of revenue from real estate sales, developers faced an uphill battle in securing financing for new projects.
Furthermore, the ski industry began experiencing rising operational costs, including labor shortages, increasing insurance expenses, and the growing reliance on snowmaking to combat inconsistent snowfall. Snowmaking technology had improved dramatically since the early days of skiing, but the costs of installation and operation remained high. The 1970s and 80s were well before ski resorts seriously considered climate change in their planning and operations, but mountains still needed substantial infrastructure, including reservoirs, pumps, and energy-intensive snow guns, to ensure reliable conditions throughout the season. These costs made it even more difficult to justify building a new resort in an uncertain economic climate.
Significant lift and terrain enhancements have made the U.S. destination ski area landscape much more cutthroat in the past forty years.
Part 5: Expanding Existing Resorts As A Feasible Alternative
But okay, the U.S. economy didn’t stay bad forever, and by the 1980s, it recovered significantly. So why didn’t new major ski resorts get built at that point? Well, ski companies and investors recognized that expanding or improving existing resorts was far more financially viable than building new ones. Established resorts already had roads, lift networks, and lodging, reducing the need for major upfront capital investment. By upgrading lifts, expanding terrain, or adding new amenities, resorts could attract more visitors without the massive financial risk of creating a new ski area from scratch. In addition, working within pre-approved footprints saved them the regulatory headaches of trying to build something from scratch, as many resorts were permitted to operate on significantly more terrain than they actively used.
This move to intra-resort development has had a surprisingly large impact on today’s ski scene. Since 1972, the typical destination ski resort has grown exponentially in size, with many of the resort areas you know and love today having opened in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s—despite the original resort itself opening decades earlier. Not to mention, the uphill ride experience has been thoroughly redesigned at essentially every serious destination since the 1970s; every single high-speed chairlift at a North American resort has been built in 1981 or later, and the same goes for most gondolas and aerial tramways. Examples of substantial resort expansions in just the past 15 years include Park City’s connection to Canyons Resort, Breckenridge’s Peak 6 area, and Steamboat’s Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon zones. So while we haven’t exactly seen new destinations come into play over the past four decades, that’s not to say the resort experience hasn’t gotten a whole lot better for consumers.
The explosive inward growth at destination ski resorts has also introduced one more significant factor that impedes destination resort development—for any potential newcomers, existing resorts are now far more competitive than they were in the 1960s and 70s. Any newcomer would have to be exponentially larger, with modern lifts and world-class infrastructure, just to have a shot at drawing true destination visitors. Even ignoring the financial and regulatory barriers we’ve already discussed, the sheer scale that’s now required to build a competitive resort from scratch today makes the idea seem a lot more far-fetched than it would have been half a century ago.
Since the 1960’s many of the most popular ski areas across the country have greatly expanded their skiable terrain, such as at Breckenridge.
Part 6: The Two Exceptions to the Post-1973 Extinction: Beaver Creek and Deer Valley
Despite the near-total halt in new ski resort development after 1973, Colorado’s Beaver Creek and Utah’s Deer Valley stand out as the two notable exceptions, with Beaver Creek opening in 1980 and Deer Valley opening in 1981. Their success can be attributed to a barrage of incredibly favorable circumstances.
First off, both resorts were backed by experienced hospitality operators with political acumen. This helped them navigate the permitting processes despite increasing regulations. Additionally, both mountains were also uniquely set up to leverage real estate development as a revenue stream; this model had become riskier for other new resort proposals, especially with the economic downturn of the 70s, but it was still viable in premium, high-demand locations. Combined with the experience of their project leaders, this factor made it much less likely for these resort projects to lose investor funding. Finally, both mountains made it to the approval stage at what could have literally been the last minute. In the case of Beaver Creek, the project was approved by the Forest Service just days before a new governor took office—one who had expressed his strong opposition to the ski area’s permit approval and new ski resort construction in general. Also, these two projects were already in motion before certain legal cases made the development landscape even more complex on the federal level.
So Beaver Creek and Deer Valley were able to squeeze their way into existence, getting us to the roster of destination U.S. ski resorts we still know today exactly 44 years ago.
The last two major resorts to come onto the US Ski scene were Utah’s Deer Valley, and Colorado’s Beaver Creek. They both had some incredibly favorable circumstances to push their development past the many challenges.
Part 7: Post-1981 Attempts at New Resort Development
So has anyone actually attempted to build a new large-scale ski resort since 1981? Well, while no new true destination ski resorts have opened in the U.S. since that year, several developers have attempted to end the development drought. However, the majority of these efforts have either failed spectacularly or faced significant setbacks.
Perhaps the best known failed ski resort project is that of the Disney Corporation. Originally planned for the Mineral King Valley in California, the resort faced intense environmental lawsuits and regulatory roadblocks, leading to its cancellation around the time the last new big ski resorts were able to open in the United States. That complicated future resort development was actually based on this plan. Disney tried again with another resort at Independence Lake in the late 1970s, but by that point, it was too late.
Similarly, Catamount, a proposed ski resort in Colorado near Steamboat Springs, failed despite two development attempts—one in the mid-1970s, and a second in the 1990s. Originally envisioned as a new destination resort that could be used as a venue for the 1976 Winter Olympics, the project went under after its developers went bankrupt in the wake of the declining economy. The plan was resurrected two decades later, and it actually received initial approval from the U.S. Forest Service after obtaining all necessary environmental permits. However, the project still faced local opposition due to its impact on housing, and developers eventually lost their financial backing for the project. The permit expired in 1998, and legislation has been introduced to turn this area into a federal wilderness area.
The most recent attempt at a new full-scale destination ski resort in the U.S. was Mayflower Resort in Utah. Located adjacent to Deer Valley, the project aimed to develop 3,700 acres of skiable terrain alongside a luxury real estate community. Mayflower was designed to follow a business strategy similar to Deer Valley’s when it first opened—prioritizing high-end lodging, capped skier numbers, and an emphasis on a premium experience.
However, as the project moved forward, Mayflower was absorbed into Deer Valley instead, effectively preventing it from becoming an independent resort. While the ski terrain itself is already in the process of being developed, it will not exist as its own distinct resort. This shift is just another example of how rather than creating new standalone resorts, developers are increasingly tying projects into existing ski infrastructure, reducing capital risk and regulatory hurdles.
Certain other developers decided to take other routes. One of the most interesting proposals in recent years was Bluebird Backcountry, a ski resort concept that opened in 2020 in Colorado. Unlike traditional ski resorts, Bluebird operated without chairlifts, groomed trails, or major permanent infrastructure, instead putting together a hike-only operation with designated skin tracks, avalanche-controlled terrain, and ski patrol support. However, despite a much easier environmental process than a traditional ski resort and strong community interest, Bluebird Backcountry struggled financially. For many people, it was hard to justify paying to earn their turns when they could just do the same for free in the true backcountry, and after three seasons of operation, Bluebird Backcountry announced its closure in 2023.
A few proposed resorts in the late 20th century, such as Lake Catamount near Steamboat, CO (pictured above), fell short of coming to reality.
Part 8: “Non-Resorts” That Have Opened Since 1981
But while large-scale ski resort development has been rare since 1981, some smaller ski areas have opened successfully during this period. These areas typically differ from large destination resorts in their scale, target audience, and business models. They focus on serving local or regional communities rather than attracting national or international visitors—which, as we mentioned earlier, would be an absolutely astronomical financial undertaking at this point. While most of these resorts have been smaller, local hills, four of them especially stand out to us:
Southwest Colorado’s Silverton Mountain, which opened in 2001, succeeded by catering exclusively to expert skiers and backcountry enthusiasts. With just one chairlift and a guided-access model for most of the season, Silverton kept costs low while avoiding the regulatory and financial hurdles that have plagued larger projects.
Silverton’s business model also allowed it to avoid many of the economic and environmental pitfalls that might have doomed a traditional destination project. By keeping infrastructure minimal, the resort’s development costs were significantly lower than traditional ski areas. Additionally, its remote location in southern Colorado meant it was not competing directly with larger ski resorts for casual skiers. Instead, it carved out a niche for expert skiers seeking a raw, ungroomed experience, a market that was underserved at the time. Without large-scale road expansions, real estate developments, or major lift installations, Silverton was able to bypass some of the environmental battles that stopped other resort projects.
Another success story is Mount Shasta Ski Park, which opened in California in 1985. Unlike many failed projects, its development was brought about by a bittersweet circumstance: an older ski area had previously operated on Mount Shasta before being destroyed by an avalanche in the 1970s. While the ski slopes themselves would be developed in a new location, the historical presence of a resort in the vicinity allowed developers to build on an existing foundation rather than starting from scratch, significantly reducing infrastructure costs and regulatory barriers. The resort’s mid-sized, regional focus helped it avoid the financial risks of a full-scale destination resort. Additionally, strong community support played a role—locals had lost their original ski area and were eager for a replacement, making the project more politically viable.
Mount Bohemia was another minimalist ski resort that was able to overcome the odds to open in the early 2000s. Like Silverton, this Michigan resort focused on delivering a raw, backcountry-style skiing experience, only installing two lifts and catering specifically to advanced skiers and riders looking for steep, ungroomed terrain. Along with operating on private land, this helped it avoid many of the environmental and financial challenges that have plagued other new resort proposals.
Finally, we want to cover what was probably the last serious attempt to build a true independent destination ski area that actually made it to reality, though whether it truly succeeded is heavily up for debate. Idaho’s Tamarack Resort opened in 2004, marking probably the most ambitious ski resort development since the 1980s. The resort cleared regulatory hurdles largely by building on state-owned land rather than federal land, and it debuted with just over 1000 acres, making it bigger than most local hills, though still smaller than most destination resorts. In addition, the resort had an extensive base village planned out.
However, Tamarack may have bitten off more than it could chew. Financial difficulties led to bankruptcy in early 2008 forcing the resort to shut down entirely in 2009. When it reopened the following year, a bank foreclosed on one of its chairlifts, dramatically reducing its skiable terrain. Though Tamarack eventually replaced this lift and completed its base plaza years later, and Tamarack continues to tout ambitious expansion plans, its rocky financial history underscores why so few developers are eager to enter this space.
Lastly, a handful of truly high-end resorts that have opened since the 1980s—but you can’t go to them. The first major example of this model was Yellowstone Club in Montana, which opened in the late 1990s as the first true private ski resort in the U.S. Despite financial problems in the late 2000s, it still operates today. More recently, Wasatch Peaks Ranch in Utah, which first opened in 2021, has followed a similar approach, although it has faced legal battles from local residents. Beyond fully private resorts, exclusive snowcat-accessed operations have emerged as a high-end alternative to traditional ski areas. Operations like Eleven Experience’s Irwin Guides and Park City Powder Cats offer guided skiing on private land, providing a backcountry-style experience at an ultra-high price point without the need for costly lift infrastructure.
A few select resorts (including Tamarack, Idaho, pictured above) have been able to open in recent years, but they either serve specific niches, or have had shaky financial paths.
Final Thoughts
So a significant array of factors have kept any truly meaningful new resorts from making their way to reality in the United States over the past four decades. Sure, a few new areas have opened, but they’ve all been incredibly niche, locally-oriented, or not open to the public. The ski scene has still seen incredible improvements over the past four decades, with skiable terrain areas, resort infrastructure, and other creature comforts all experiencing substantial improvements in that timeframe. However, it seems pretty clear that the era of new resort mega development is over, and from economic, environmental, and competitive perspectives, it doesn’t seem like that’s likely to change any time soon.
When you get on a ski lift, the prospect of your chair falling off the line is a thing of nightmare fuel. But for those who’ve decided to ski or ride in North America this winter, catastrophic chairlift and gondola failures have seemingly surged at an alarming rate.
While lift accidents have historically been rare and isolated events, the 2024-25 season has seen several incidents make national headlines. And these failures haven’t been restricted to just one lift type, one company, or even one country.
So why have so many catastrophic lift failures happened in such a short period? In this piece, we’ll go through each of the major incidents this year, what exactly caused them, and whether there really has been an uptick in accidents this year, or whether we’ve all been victims of recency bias. Let’s jump right into it.
The detached chair at Montana Snowbowl on December 15, 2024.
The first serious incident of the 2024-25 season happened at a resort that many of you have probably never heard of. In December 2024, Montana Snowbowl experienced a significant incident involving the LaVelle Creek double chairlift, a Riblet lift installed in 1984. On December 15, an empty chair collided with a lift operator during loading, causing it to swing excessively and subsequently dislodge from the haul rope, falling to the ground.
Fortunately, the chair was empty at the time and no injuries occurred. Lift service was temporarily halted for inspection, and after maintenance crews inspected the lift and ensured it was safe, the LaVelle chair was reopened later that same day.
But was the LaVelle lift’s failure an isolated incident? This event is part of a troubling pattern at Montana Snowbowl, where three separate chair detachment incidents have occurred in the past five years. In January 2020, a separate chair fell from that same double chairlift, necessitating a rope evacuation for the rest of the lift. More recently, in March 2023, a chair on the Snow Park double chairlift collided with a tower and broke apart, causing a child to fall, albeit with only very minor injuries.
All of these incidents occurred on Montana Snowbowl’s Riblet double chairs, and their age and construction seem to be causing ongoing operational challenges at the resort. We actually happened to be at Montana Snowbowl this past Monday; we saw a skier loading one of these Riblet chairs on the wrong side, and they had to stop the lift for approximately 30 seconds until the chair stabilized.
At a first glance, these recurring incidents raise questions about the maintenance practices and operational protocols at Montana Snowbowl in particular. That said, as we’ll discuss later in this piece, Montana Snowbowl is far from the only ski resort that’s had issues with Riblet chairlifts this past winter.
A cracked terminal sheave assembly, pictured above, caused the Winter Park Gondola to malfunction on December 21, 2024.
But if it were just the locally-oriented Montana Snowbowl that saw its chairs falling apart, this season would have continued with a very different narrative. Only six days after that incident, another catastrophic lift failure occurred at a much-better-known resort, Colorado’s Winter Park.
A critical mechanical failure occurred on The Gondola when a tower component broke, causing an immediate shutdown and leaving 174 skiers and riders stranded on the lift. The specific issue involved a cracked terminal sheave assembly, a critical part of the gondola system responsible for guiding and supporting the haul rope as it moves through the lift terminals. This crack likely developed due to metal fatigue, stress over repeated cycles, or undetected manufacturing defects.
Once the crack reached the point where it could no longer properly support the rope, the gondola system triggered an automatic safety shutdown—but thankfully, this shutdown also meant nobody was injured. That being said, given the situation of the failure, ski patrol had to conduct a complex rope evacuation, requiring each stranded passenger to be safely lowered to the ground using harnesses. The entire process took approximately five hours.
The resort conducted an internal review and replaced the failed sheave assembly before reopening the gondola before the busy Christmas holiday, and luckily, there have been no issues since. Given the relatively young age of the lift, it’s not out of the question that this part failed due to a manufacturing defect, but concerns remain about the load demand on this high-volume, out-of-base lift and whether other similar components could be at risk in other gondolas of the same design.
A chair on Heavenly’s Comet Express lift slid backward into another chair following a grip failure on December 23, 2024.
But while neither of the first two incidents had anyone injured, a much more substantial failure occurred only two days later. At Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly resort, a serious chairlift collision occurred on December 23, 2024, when a chair on the Comet Express detachable quad lift slid backward into another chair. This circumstance resulted in a violent impact that sent multiple riders tumbling onto the snow below.
The failure at this Vail-owned mountain was traced to a detachable grip malfunction, a critical component that allows chairs to securely attach to and detach from the haul rope at the terminal. These grips rely on a precise clamping mechanism, and any failure—whether due to wear, improper tensioning, or a mechanical defect—can lead to a chair losing its grip and sliding uncontrolled. In this case, the grip failure caused the chair to slip down the cable at high speed, ultimately colliding with the chair behind it. The impact resulted in five skiers suffering injuries significant enough to require hospitalization, with some reportedly falling over 30 feet to the ground. Witnesses described a loud, jarring crash and chaotic moments as ski patrol rushed to secure the area and evacuate remaining riders.
This incident sent five people to the hospital, with some reportedly falling over 30 feet to the ground.
While the Comet Express is a detachable high-speed lift that might feel pretty modern on the surface, it was installed all the way back in 1988, making it one of the oldest detachable chairlifts still in operation in North America today. While the Comet lift has undergone modernizations over the years, its age meant that wear-related incidents could happen without proper maintenance. News of this accident was somewhat drowned out by a ski patrol strike going on at Vail-owned Park City, but the incident still raised public concerns about whether the detachable grips were nearing the end of their lifespan—and whether Heavenly’s owner, Vail Resorts, was doing enough to properly maintain other similar components across its aging lift fleet. As we’ll discuss later in this video, these concerns may have been well founded.
The snapped chairlift bail at Sun Valley on or around December 31, 2024.
But before we move out of 2024, we have to cover the fourth and final publicly-known chairlift failure of what was an objectively terrible December for U.S. ski lift incidents. At Idaho’s Sun Valley resort, the Lookout Express high-speed quad chairlift suffered a bail failure at the end of the Christmas holiday period, prompting an immediate shutdown of the lift. While the resort has not officially confirmed the date and details of the incident, an anecdotal forum discussion claims that the failure occurred on December 31 at the very beginning of the day—and that passengers were loading the lift at the time the bail snapped. Thankfully, there’s no evidence to suggest that anyone was injured.
That said, a fracture in a chairlift bail is highly unusual. These U-shaped bars are responsible for securing the chair that skiers and riders sit on to the haul rope, and accordingly, they’re designed to withstand repeated stress over thousands of cycles. However, given that Lookout Express was installed in 1994, it is now 30 years old, meaning that just like Heavenly’s Comet Express, it’s one of the older high-speed detachable lifts still in operation. Over time, metal fatigue, corrosion, or stress fractures can weaken the integrity of lift components, especially if they are not inspected or replaced at appropriate intervals. While Sun Valley has not publicly disclosed whether the broken bail was an original component or a replacement, the fact that it failed suggests that either the part was past its safe operational lifespan or that it had an undetected defect. Following the incident, the lift underwent a thorough inspection and necessary repairs before reopening only a few days later, though this failure raises broader concerns about the longevity of older detachable lifts and whether similar failures could occur at other resorts operating lifts of this vintage.
A chair detached from Mission Ridge’s Chair 4 lift (pictured above) on January 1, 2025.
Incident #5: Mission Ridge Chair 4
Unfortunately for those hoping for better chairlift luck in 2025, the next major U.S. lift failure happened less than 24 hours after the new year started.
On January 1, 2025, Chair 4 at Washington’s Mission Ridge suffered a mechanical failure that caused the haul rope to come out of alignment at a tower, leading to two empty chairs detaching from the cable. The incident occurred on the “light side” of the lift (the side without passengers), meaning no skiers or snowboarders were directly in the affected chairs when they fell. However, the lift was at capacity at the time, and several riders were left stranded in the air as ski patrol initiated a rope evacuation. Notably, Chair 4 is a Riblet double, utilizing the same lift design as the Montana Snowbowl chairlift that failed just weeks earlier.
So what caused the failure at Mission Ridge? The haul rope misalignment suggests that excessive wear and tear may have played a role, and a situation like this likely could have been prevented with better maintenance protocols. However, the pattern of failures on Riblet double chairlifts raises a larger question. Could there be inherent design flaws in these older chairs that make them more prone to detachment in high-stress situations? In this case, the force of the haul rope displacement was enough to shake these carriers loose—but a different chairlift design might have maintained its grip under the same circumstances.
Chair 4 reopened the following day after maintenance crews confirmed it was safe to operate—but as we’ll discuss later in this piece, perhaps they should have been keeping a closer eye on it.
A chair on Attitash’s Flying Bear lift detached from the cable on February 2, 2025, plummeting 20 feet to the ground and sending an occupant to the hospital.
After five incidents over the course of less than three weeks, the North American ski world went nearly a month without another catastrophic accident. Unfortunately, some of the concerns that arose from the December Heavenly incident would come to fruition on February 2, 2025, when a catastrophic incident occurred at another Vail-owned resort, Attitash. On this date, a chair on the resort’s Flying Bear detachable quad lift detached from the haul rope and plummeted 20 feet to the snow below, with a skier still seated. The skier who fell was injured but survived, later being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident was traced to a severely worn grip assembly, the critical mechanism responsible for securely attaching the chair to the moving haul rope—and a very similar component to the one that failed earlier that year at Heavenly. Unlike fixed-grip chairs, which are permanently attached to a haul rope, detachable grips rely on spring-loaded clamps that repeatedly engage and disengage as the chair enters and exits terminals. Over time, constant tension and metal fatigue can wear down these components, reducing their ability to maintain a firm grip on the rope. Investigators later revealed that the grips on Flying Bear were found to be heavily worn, suggesting they had not been replaced at appropriate intervals.
A closeup of the detached chair carrier and broken grip following the accident.
The Flying Bear incident could not have come at a worse time for Attitash’s owner. Vail Resorts was already under fire for aggressive cost-cutting measures across its portfolio, with reports of stagnant revenue growth, corporate layoffs, and wage disputes with employees that culminated in the high-profile December ski patrol strike at Park City. Some industry insiders have speculated that budget constraints could be leading to deferred maintenance at Vail-owned resorts, though the company has vehemently denied any connection between financial challenges and lift safety. Still, with multiple serious lift failures this season, it’s becoming harder for Vail to avoid scrutiny over whether its cost-cutting measures have come at the expense of mountain operations and skier safety.
A chair detached from the Honey Pot Hoist double chairlift at Mount Bohemia on February 7, 2025; this was the third Riblet double chairlift to experience such an incident this season.
Source: Conor Smith | Facebook
Incident #7: Mount Bohemia Honey Pot Hoist Double Chair
The next two incidents weren’t as high profile, but notably, they were the third and fourth to involve Riblet double chairs this season. Just five days after the Attitash incident on February 7, 2025, a chair fell from the double lift at Mount Bohemia, Michigan. The chair detached from the rope at the end of the line following what was apparently a “bad unload” by snowboarders, causing the chair to swing and hit a lift tower. Nobody was riding the specific chair when it fell, and after the lift was stopped for approximately 20 minutes, it resumed operation for the remainder of the day.
Incident #8: Mission Ridge Chair 4 (Again)
Just a day later on February 8, 2025, a chair fell from the Chair 4 lift at Mission Ridge again. This time, the circumstances were quite similar to both the Mount Bohemia and Montana Snowbowl incidents: an empty chair detached from the haul rope after excessive swinging caused it to hit a lift tower. Luckily, there were no guests or staff in the vicinity, and no injuries were reported. Following a thorough inspection by the lift maintenance team that confirmed there was no damage to the haul rope, Chair 4 remained operational for the rest of the day.
Fortunately, all of this season’s Riblet double chair detachments have involved empty chairs, avoiding any injuries so far. However, the sheer number of these failures raises serious concerns about their safety—or, at the very least, the operational protocols used to maintain and operate them. As we discussed in the Montana Snowbowl section, similar incidents in past seasons have resulted in injuries when fully loaded chairs detached, proving that this isn’t just a theoretical risk. If excessive chair swing can cause these chairs to fall off the cable, resorts need to be taking proactive steps to prevent these situations from occurring in the first place—especially when passengers are on board.
On February 10, 2025, a gondola cabin detached from the cable at Kicking Horse after a hanger arm failure.
Source: Brandon Shaw
Incident #9: Kicking Horse Golden Eagle Gondola
But just a few days ago, the ski world was reminded that catastrophic lift failures were not exclusive to Vail Resorts, Riblet double chairs, or the United States. On March 10, 2025, a gondola cabin fell off the line at Western Canada’s Kicking Horse resort. The Golden Eagle Express, a 25-year-old gondola and the only lift providing access to over two-thirds of the resort’s terrain, suffered a catastrophic hanger arm failure, causing a cabin with eight passengers to detach and fall to the ground. Fortunately, the cabin was only a few feet from the ground, and there were no serious injuries reported among the occupants. However, the resort did have to spend hours rope evacuating other guests on the lift, and they ordered a full mountain closure following the incident to clean up the debris.
It’s hard to understate the importance of the Golden Eagle gondola in Kicking Horse’s lift fleet; this is a year-round, day-and-night lift and one of the longest and tallest gondolas in North America. Apparently, the lift was especially heavily loaded on the morning powder day of the incident. This is not the first time Kicking Horse’s gondola has had mechanical issues—prolonged stoppages and electrical problems have occurred in the past, with one incident in 2016 requiring helicopter-assisted evacuations.
This Kicking Horse gondola hanger arm pictured above failed, plummeting the rest of the cabin to the ground.
While Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), Kicking Horse’s parent company, is not a publicly traded entity like Vail, it has a reputation for reinvesting very little into lift infrastructure. Over the past decade, RCR has replaced almost no lifts at its resorts, despite many of them aging beyond their expected lifespan. Its most infamous lift failure occurred at Mont-Sainte-Anne, where the L’Étoile Filante gondola experienced three significant failures between 2020 and 2022. After the third failure, the Quebec provincial government ordered the closure of the gondola for what was essentially the entire 2022-23 winter season. Now that catastrophic component failures have occurred on both of the gondolas RCR owns, several concerns have resurfaced about whether the company is deferring critical lift maintenance to cut costs, even as these incidents continue to happen and put skiers and riders at risk.
Given that the Golden Eagle Express is the only lift providing access to Kicking Horse’s upper terrain, this failure raises the real possibility that the resort will be forced to close the majority of its terrain for the rest of the season. This is much like what happened at Mont-Sainte-Anne a few years back—but to an even greater extent because of the sheer importance of this singular lift. If the hanger arm issue is found to be systemic, RCR may have no choice but to conduct an extensive inspection or full component replacement before the lift can safely reopen—something that could take weeks or even months. Given RCR’s history, it’s unclear whether the resort will be able to get the gondola operational again before the season ends, potentially leaving skiers and riders with only the lower-mountain terrain—which, at the time of this recording, is all that’s open today.
On February 10, 2025, a tragic wind-related incident occurred at Red Lodge, Montana when a rider was fatally ejected from the Triple Chair (pictured).
Incident #10: Red Lodge Triple Chair
But while the Kicking Horse incident happened mere days ago, it unfortunately wasn’t the last serious lift malfunction of the season so far. Just a few hours later also on March 10, a tragic accident occurred at Red Lodge Mountain in Montana, when 37-year-old snowboarder Jeff Zinne fell from the resort’s Triple Chair lift. Zinne was later airlifted to a hospital in Billings for treatment, but sadly, he passed away from his injuries on Wednesday morning.
This time around, it doesn’t seem that there was any sort of mechanical issue with the lift. According to Liftblog, the incident may have been wind related, though the exact cause remains unclear. An internal investigation is still underway, and full details have yet to be released. However, one glaring concern is that this 40-year-old lift lacks safety bars, raising questions about passenger security in high winds—and whether the resort should have been operating the lift in such extreme conditions in the first place. Especially with a fatality now involved, this incident calls into serious question whether chairlift safety laws are out of date.
Comparing this season to the two before it, the evidence suggests that this year has indeed been especially bad for major North American lift incidents.
Has the 2024-25 Season Been A Lift Safety Outlier?
All these incidents raise an important question: has the 2024-25 season been an outlier for serious chairlift failures, or are we just experiencing a case of recency bias? Comparing this season to the two before it, the evidence suggests that this year has indeed been especially bad.
To play devil’s advocate, lift failures happen nearly every season, and many of the incidents in 2022-23 and 2023-24 occurred at smaller, locally-oriented resorts that received less national attention. This could mean that the increase in awareness this year is partially due to greater media coverage rather than a surge in actual failures.
That said, media attention alone doesn’t explain the sharp rise in both the number of people affected and the severity of casualties this season. On top of the Red Lodge fatality, the Heavenly chair collision on Comet Express hospitalized five skiers, while the Flying Bear detachment at Attitash incident hospitalized another—far exceeding the injury counts of previous years. In fact, before the Heavenly incident, the last major mechanical failure to cause hospitalization-level injuries was at Camelback, Pennsylvania in March 2021—and following that incident, the resort decided to fully replace the chairlift rather than ever operating it again. The last widely reported wind-related operational failure of this magnitude arguably took place at Willamette Pass, Oregon, in early 2023. And the last fatality to come from a mechanical or operational failure in North America occurred in 2016, at Granby Ranch, Colorado.
Final Thoughts
So make no mistake about it, lift accidents remain relatively rare in the grand scheme of skiing and riding. However, the sheer number of catastrophic lift failures this year calls into serious question the state of maintenance and investment in North America’s aging ski infrastructure. While some of these incidents could be categorized as freak accidents, the majority of this year’s failures show clear signs of deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure, or outright mechanical neglect.
The pattern of failure also points to a deeper issue—many of this year’s failures have occurred at older lifts or at resorts owned by companies with a history of delaying lift investments. The Flying Bear lift at Attitash was later found to have worn-down grips, the Golden Eagle Express at Kicking Horse is perennially overworked and has had previous issues, the Comet Express at Heavenly is over 35 years old at this point, and the Riblet double chairlifts have widely-known issues with excess force. These incidents suggest that many resorts, particularly those owned by large corporations like Vail Resorts and Resorts of Canadian Rockies (RCR), are pushing the limits on how long they can operate aging infrastructure without making significant investments in safety upgrades—and perhaps even more disappointingly, routine maintenance.
While lift accidents remain relatively rare in the grand scheme of skiing, the escalating number of serious failures this season should be a wake-up call for the industry. Without proactive maintenance and timely lift replacements, we could be heading toward even more dangerous incidents in the coming years. It’s clear that resorts can no longer afford to defer maintenance on aging infrastructure—otherwise, more skiers and riders will find themselves victims of increasingly unreliable and hazardous lift systems across the continent.
If you’d like to support Jeff Zinne’s family in this difficult time, consider donating to their GoFundMe here.
The right base layers are incredibly important for anyone on the slopes. They keep your body temperature in check, wick away sweat, and stop those dreaded chills. In this guide, we’ll break down this year’s best base layers, with options for all budgets and performance needs.
What to Look for in a Baselayer
Choosing the perfect baselayer isn’t just about picking the warmest one—it’s about performance. Keep an eye out for these key features when making your choice:
Moisture-Wicking: Prevents sweat from sticking to your skin.
Breathability: Regulates body temperature, keeping you cool under layers.
Fast-Drying: Ensures moisture doesn’t build up and make you cold.
Anti-Odor Properties: Keeps you fresh after a long day on the slopes.
Compression Technology: Reduces muscle fatigue, especially during those grueling multi-day trips.
Top Base Layers of 2025
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best base layers on the market, covering sophisticated designs, performance-driven features, and even style for après-ski.
1. My Sunday Ski (Racer Stripe Base Layer Set)
Price: £85 for the set
Material: Sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant fabric.
Key Features: A high-neck, slim-fit design combined with high-rise stretchy leggings makes this set as functional as it is fashionable. Perfect for on-slope performance or off-slope lounging.
Material: Made from 100% Merino wool with a midweight 250gsm thickness, this quality material is known for its temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and natural softness. Merino wool excels at keeping you warm in cold conditions without overheating or feeling heavy.
Key Features: The base layer features a thoughtfully designed crewneck for extra comfort and easy layering. With its slim fit, it sits close to the body, providing flexibility and excellent thermal insulation. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, making it ideal for long days on the slopes, while the odour-resistant properties of Merino wool ensure you stay fresh from your first run to après-ski gatherings.
Best For: Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable base layer for consistent warmth, even in challenging weather. Perfect for multi-day trips or individuals seeking a combination of comfort, durability, and high performance during active pursuits.
Material: Crafted from 100% Merino wool with a midweight 250gsm thickness, this base layer is designed for optimum performance. Merino wool delivers excellent temperature regulation, naturally wicks moisture, and provides unmatched softness. Its high-quality construction ensures you stay warm without feeling weighed down, even during vigorous activities.
Key Features: Featuring a versatile and comfortable crewneck, this base layer offers a snug fit that layers seamlessly under jackets or other outerwear. Flatlock seams minimise chafing, enhancing comfort for all-day wear. The natural odour-resistance of Merino wool keeps you feeling fresh, making it perfect for intense skiing sessions or extended outdoor adventures.
Best For: Cold-weather skiers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable base layer to retain warmth while allowing for active movement. Ideal for those who demand durability, versatility, and superior comfort, whether on the slopes or exploring winter trails.
Material: Constructed from 100% Merino wool with a 200gsm weight, these leggings are lightweight yet highly effective at regulating body temperature. The Merino wool naturally wicks moisture, adds breathability, and feels incredibly soft against the skin. Its durability ensures long-lasting performance, even with repeated use.
Key Features: Designed with a slim fit for ease of layering, the leggings feature a brushed elastic waistband for added comfort. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, ensuring they remain comfortable during all-day wear. The fabric is naturally odour-resistant, making these leggings perfect for multi-day adventures. Their versatile design is equally suited for wearing under ski trousers or as loungewear after a big day on the slopes.
Best For: Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts looking for a reliable base layer to provide warmth and comfort in cold conditions. Great for those who value high-performance gear that’s soft, versatile, and easy to care for.
11. Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top
Price: £85–£100
Material: Made from 100% Merino wool with a 200gsm weight, this top delivers lightweight warmth and exceptional breathability. The natural moisture-wicking properties keep you dry, while its odour-resistant benefits make it a superb option for extended wear. Merino wool is renowned for its softness, offering all-day comfort without irritation.
Key Features: With a slim fit designed for layering, this thermal top includes underarm gussets for increased mobility and flatlock seams to eliminate chafing. The crew neckline makes it easy to pair with other layers, and its classic design ensures versatility. Perfect for high-performance athletes or casual skiers, it combines durability with stylish functionality.
Best For: Designed for skiers, hikers, and anyone who values lightweight warmth in colder climates. Ideal for layering under outerwear or wearing on its own during milder days, it’s a go-to piece for both active pursuits and relaxed après-ski moments.
Material: Made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane, these socks provide a perfect mix of warmth, durability, and stretch. Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking and odour-resistant, keeping your feet dry and fresh during long days on the slopes.
Key Features: These over-the-calf socks are designed with targeted cushioning in key areas to maximise comfort while wearing ski boots. The snug fit prevents any slippage, and the seamless toe reduces the likelihood of blisters. With body-mapped mesh zones, they ensure excellent breathability, helping regulate temperature even during high-intensity skiing.
Best For: Skiers of all levels looking for reliable, comfortable socks to enhance performance and reduce fatigue, especially during full days on snow. Perfect for those wanting a mix of technical performance and all-day comfort.
Mons Royale: Warmth and comfort optimised for cold climates.
Cons
My Sunday Ski: Limited to a small range of designs.
Patagonia Capilene: Pricey for a full set.
Artilect: Higher cost for single pieces.
Salomon Essential Seamless: May feel thin in extremely cold conditions.
Sloobie Vail: Expensive, considering it’s just the top layer.
Eivy Ice Cold: Not the warmest option in deep powder settings.
Mons Royale: Can be bulkier than other options.
From value picks like Salomon’s Essential Seamless to high-performance options like Patagonia’s Capilene, there’s something here for every skier’s needs and budget.
The right base layers are incredibly important for anyone on the slopes. They keep your body temperature in check, wick away sweat, and stop those dreaded chills. In this guide, we’ll break down this year’s best base layers, with options for all budgets and performance needs.
What to Look for in a Baselayer
Choosing the perfect baselayer isn’t just about picking the warmest one—it’s about performance. Keep an eye out for these key features when making your choice:
Moisture-Wicking: Prevents sweat from sticking to your skin.
Breathability: Regulates body temperature, keeping you cool under layers.
Fast-Drying: Ensures moisture doesn’t build up and make you cold.
Anti-Odor Properties: Keeps you fresh after a long day on the slopes.
Compression Technology: Reduces muscle fatigue, especially during those grueling multi-day trips.
Top Base Layers of 2025
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best base layers on the market, covering sophisticated designs, performance-driven features, and even style for après-ski.
1. My Sunday Ski (Racer Stripe Base Layer Set)
Price: £85 for the set
Material: Sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant fabric.
Key Features: A high-neck, slim-fit design combined with high-rise stretchy leggings makes this set as functional as it is fashionable. Perfect for on-slope performance or off-slope lounging.
Material: Made from 100% Merino wool with a midweight 250gsm thickness, this quality material is known for its temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and natural softness. Merino wool excels at keeping you warm in cold conditions without overheating or feeling heavy.
Key Features: The base layer features a thoughtfully designed crewneck for extra comfort and easy layering. With its slim fit, it sits close to the body, providing flexibility and excellent thermal insulation. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, making it ideal for long days on the slopes, while the odour-resistant properties of Merino wool ensure you stay fresh from your first run to après-ski gatherings.
Best For: Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable base layer for consistent warmth, even in challenging weather. Perfect for multi-day trips or individuals seeking a combination of comfort, durability, and high performance during active pursuits.
Material: Crafted from 100% Merino wool with a midweight 250gsm thickness, this base layer is designed for optimum performance. Merino wool delivers excellent temperature regulation, naturally wicks moisture, and provides unmatched softness. Its high-quality construction ensures you stay warm without feeling weighed down, even during vigorous activities.
Key Features: Featuring a versatile and comfortable crewneck, this base layer offers a snug fit that layers seamlessly under jackets or other outerwear. Flatlock seams minimise chafing, enhancing comfort for all-day wear. The natural odour-resistance of Merino wool keeps you feeling fresh, making it perfect for intense skiing sessions or extended outdoor adventures.
Best For: Cold-weather skiers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable base layer to retain warmth while allowing for active movement. Ideal for those who demand durability, versatility, and superior comfort, whether on the slopes or exploring winter trails.
Material: Constructed from 100% Merino wool with a 200gsm weight, these leggings are lightweight yet highly effective at regulating body temperature. The Merino wool naturally wicks moisture, adds breathability, and feels incredibly soft against the skin. Its durability ensures long-lasting performance, even with repeated use.
Key Features: Designed with a slim fit for ease of layering, the leggings feature a brushed elastic waistband for added comfort. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, ensuring they remain comfortable during all-day wear. The fabric is naturally odour-resistant, making these leggings perfect for multi-day adventures. Their versatile design is equally suited for wearing under ski trousers or as loungewear after a big day on the slopes.
Best For: Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts looking for a reliable base layer to provide warmth and comfort in cold conditions. Great for those who value high-performance gear that’s soft, versatile, and easy to care for.
11. Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top
Price: £85–£100
Material: Made from 100% Merino wool with a 200gsm weight, this top delivers lightweight warmth and exceptional breathability. The natural moisture-wicking properties keep you dry, while its odour-resistant benefits make it a superb option for extended wear. Merino wool is renowned for its softness, offering all-day comfort without irritation.
Key Features: With a slim fit designed for layering, this thermal top includes underarm gussets for increased mobility and flatlock seams to eliminate chafing. The crew neckline makes it easy to pair with other layers, and its classic design ensures versatility. Perfect for high-performance athletes or casual skiers, it combines durability with stylish functionality.
Best For: Designed for skiers, hikers, and anyone who values lightweight warmth in colder climates. Ideal for layering under outerwear or wearing on its own during milder days, it’s a go-to piece for both active pursuits and relaxed après-ski moments.
Material: Made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane, these socks provide a perfect mix of warmth, durability, and stretch. Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking and odour-resistant, keeping your feet dry and fresh during long days on the slopes.
Key Features: These over-the-calf socks are designed with targeted cushioning in key areas to maximise comfort while wearing ski boots. The snug fit prevents any slippage, and the seamless toe reduces the likelihood of blisters. With body-mapped mesh zones, they ensure excellent breathability, helping regulate temperature even during high-intensity skiing.
Best For: Skiers of all levels looking for reliable, comfortable socks to enhance performance and reduce fatigue, especially during full days on snow. Perfect for those wanting a mix of technical performance and all-day comfort.
Mons Royale: Warmth and comfort optimised for cold climates.
Cons
My Sunday Ski: Limited to a small range of designs.
Patagonia Capilene: Pricey for a full set.
Artilect: Higher cost for single pieces.
Salomon Essential Seamless: May feel thin in extremely cold conditions.
Sloobie Vail: Expensive, considering it’s just the top layer.
Eivy Ice Cold: Not the warmest option in deep powder settings.
Mons Royale: Can be bulkier than other options.
From value picks like Salomon’s Essential Seamless to high-performance options like Patagonia’s Capilene, there’s something here for every skier’s needs and budget.
Earlier today, Alterra released the Ikon Pass product suite for the 2025-26 season. Adults can purchase a full Ikon Pass, which comes with unlimited access to 18 resorts and no holiday blackout dates, for $1,329—an increase of 6% from last year. An Ikon Base Pass, which offers unlimited access to 14 resorts with holiday blackouts, goes for $909, an increase of 5% from last year. As in previous years, children and young adults under 23—as well as military personnel, college students, and nurses—are eligible for significantly cheaper pass rates.
Six full Ikon destinations are excluded from the base pass, including Alta, Aspen/Snowmass, Deer Valley, Jackson Hole, Snowbasin, and Sun Valley. The Ikon Base Plus Pass, which previously allowed access to these mountains at a cheaper rate than the full Ikon Pass, is no longer available for 2025-26.
Ikon has maintained their Session Pass suite for the 2025-26 season, continuing to offer 2, 3, and 4-day access to select destinations. As with previous seasons, Session Pass products will offer flexible days of access to the overwhelming majority of resorts available on the Ikon Base Pass. Unlike the competing Epic Day Pass product, there are no 1, 5, 6, or 7-day access products for the Ikon Session Pass.
As in previous years, returning Ikon Pass holders are eligible for discounted renewal rates. Full Ikon Pass adult renewals cost $1,229, making for a $100 discount, and Ikon Base Pass renewals start at $859, making for a $50 discount. These renewal discounts will likely last through early May. While Session Passes do not come with renewal discounts, 2024-25 Session Pass holders are eligible for renewal discounts should they choose to upgrade to one of Ikon’s other products.
For 2025-26, a few Ikon access terms have changed. Most notably, Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin has moved to unlimited access on the full Ikon Pass after only offering seven days of access this past season; this follows its acquisition by Ikon’s parent company, Alterra. In addition, Ikon Passes now come with access to Europe’s Ischgl ski area, with seven days of unrestricted access on the full Ikon Pass and five days of unrestricted access on the Ikon Base Pass.
Finally, the full Ikon Pass comes with a new perk known as “Bonus Mountains”. Pass holders get two days of access to Wild Mountain, MN, Buck Hill, MN, Jiminy Peak, MA, and Cranmore, NH. Unlike all previous full Ikon Pass destinations, these mountains come with holiday blackouts; previously, all blackout date restrictions were confined to the Base and Session Passes.
Passes go on sale March 13.
Our Take
With Epic generally maintaining the status quo with its passes this season, it seems like the general pass landscape versus last season remains unchanged. Ikon continues to command a price premium over Epic with fewer unlimited mountains and more restrictive blackouts on the Ikon Base Pass, while Epic continues to offer access to Vail-owned mountains at competitive prices.
The biggest news comes with Ikon’s deletion of the Ikon Base Plus Pass. Guests who want to visit the six resorts absent from the Ikon Base Pass will need to upgrade to the full Ikon Pass, which will cost a bit more than a comparable Base Plus Pass would otherwise have. However, by the end of its life, the Ikon Base Plus Pass wasn’t all that great of a value compared to a full Ikon Pass, so it wouldn’t be surprising if too few people were buying it to justify its continued existence.
Another major change is Arapahoe Basin’s shift to unlimited access on the full Ikon Pass—a long-anticipated (and, for some, dreaded) move within the ski community. We’ll be paying close attention to what happens with Arapahoe Basin’s crowds; the resort was an unlimited member of the Epic Pass until 2018, and crowding was a significant problem until the switch to limited access days on Ikon. However, A-Basin also introduced a strict paid parking reservation system during peak times this past year, and the resort may be hoping that this policy is enough to artificially deflate crowds on busy days (other Alterra-owned resorts with limited capacity, such as Solitude, have made similar moves).
Ikon is also expanding its footprint this season with new additions and, for the first time ever, a departing partner. The standout newcomer is Silvretta Arena (Ischgl/Samnaun), a cross-border resort spanning Austria and Switzerland. This move aligns with both Ikon and Epic’s recent efforts to bolster their European offerings—just days ago, Epic announced expanded access to Verbier 4 Vallées. Known for its upscale atmosphere and vibrant après-ski scene, Ischgl/Samnaun enhances Ikon’s appeal for those planning European ski trips, especially when five other European Alps destinations are also included on the pass suite.
In a more unexpected move, Ikon has introduced a “Bonus Mountain” program featuring Wild Mountain, Buck Hill, Jiminy Peak, and Cranmore—all smaller, regional ski areas. Unlike most Ikon destinations, these resorts offer just two days of access, reminiscent of the Indy Pass model. It’s possible Ikon aims to use these mountains as feeder resorts, encouraging skiers on day or weekend trips to eventually visit its larger destination resorts. The institution of blackout dates for these partners is a bit surprising, especially given that the full Ikon Pass has never come with holiday restrictions before, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see some Ikon guests who don’t read the fine print show up on peak dates and get turned away. The reasoning behind the blackouts remains unclear, but it may have been the best deal Ikon could strike with these resorts.
Lastly, after years of speculation, Windham Mountain Club has officially exited the Ikon Pass. The New York resort has been moving toward exclusivity, enforcing strict weekend and holiday reservations while charging over $200 for peak-time lift tickets—despite offering just 285 acres of terrain. For many, the reservations were so hard to come by that it was hard to make use of an Ikon Pass anyway. That said, Windham’s departure puts Ikon at a disadvantage in the New York metropolitan area versus Epic, where Hunter Mountain remains an accessible option. Ironically, one of the best alternatives for Ikon Pass holders seeking a day-trip destination near the city is now Jiminy Peak, one of the new Bonus Mountains—though, as mentioned earlier, access is limited to the full Ikon Pass and comes with holiday blackouts.
On Tuesday, Vail Resorts announced its suite of Epic Pass products for the 2025-26 winter season. Access will remain similar to last year, meaning Epic’s terms will likely continue to undercut its main competitor, the Ikon Pass, although prices have increased across all levels of passes.
The top-of-the-line Epic Pass, which offers unlimited access with no blackouts to all resorts owned by Vail, will start at just $1,051—an increase of 7%, a slightly lower rate hike than last year. The lower-level 2024-25 Epic Local Pass, which contains holiday blackouts and limited access at some resorts, starts at $783—also a 7% increase from last year. Both products are likely to remain cheaper than their Ikon Pass competitors. Regional Epic products, such as the Northeast Value Pass and Tahoe Local Passes, remain available for a lower price; these products typically come with more restrictive blackouts than the full Epic and Epic Local Passes.
The Epic Day Pass product, which is essentially a flexible 1-to-7-day lift ticket, will continue to be offered in the same three price tiers as last year—but with a much steeper 25-30% price hike, depending on the tier. The upper “All Resorts” tier starts at $118 for a 1-day non-holiday pass. The “32 Resorts” tier, which excludes high-caliber destinations such as Vail,Beaver Creek,Breckenridge,Park City, and Whistler, starts at $91 for a 1-day non-holiday pass, while the base “22 Resorts” tier, which completely excludes all mountains outside New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest, now starts at $56.
Epic has not gained or lost any major North American partners for the upcoming winter. However, a few additions have occurred overseas. The pass suite will expand access to Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland, with 5 consecutive days of access on the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Australia Pass, Epic Adaptive Pass, and Epic Australia Adaptive Passes. Notably, Verbier is still absent from the Epic Day Pass product.
Epic is also continuing to offer no-interest payment plan for their 2025-26 pass products. Pending creditworthiness, pass purchasers will be able to lock in a 6-month installment plan, with $49 down, no interest, and remaining payments starting in mid-September. The payment plan continues to be unavailable to Iowa and West Virginia residents.
All 2025-26 Epic Pass products are on sale now on the Epic website.
Our Take
As with last year, the 2025-26 Epic Pass suite is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Besides the addition of Verbier on the full Epic and Epic Local Passes, the upcoming 2025-26 Epic Pass suite is essentially the same as the 2024-25 one. That being said, those planning a trip to Europe shouldn’t sleep on Verbier 4 Vallées as a resort destination; the ski dominion offers a vast footprint comparable in size to the largest North American resorts plus some of the most extreme in-bounds ski terrain in Europe. Those planning to visit Verbier 4 Vallées with a full Epic Pass last year needed to book an expensive hotel to use the pass days, making it all but impossible to use for budget-conscious travelers, but with that restriction gone, the resort is now much easier to make use of with an Epic product. And while Verbier is still absent from the Epic Day Pass suite, its lift tickets—even at the window—are still quite a bit cheaper than the price one would have to pay if using one of these flexible pass products.
We expect Epic’s pass suite to undercut Ikon price-wise for the fourth year in a row, and some Ikon customers eligible for renewal discounts may pay less if they switch to an equivalent Epic product—although we won’t know for sure until Ikon releases their 2024-25 passes (which will likely happen some time in the next week or two).
Epic has lost ground in certain North American regions compared to Ikon in recent years, and Telluride and the Canadian RCR resorts on the full pass remain the only North American mountains not owned by Vail. However, in addition to the expanded Verbier access we mentioned earlier, Epic continues to offer competitive European offerings in Crans-Montana, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Les 3 Vallées, Skirama Dolomiti, and Ski Arlberg—although the latter three are still only available on the full Epic Pass, and access to the latter is conditional on booking a (typically very expensive) partner hotel.
We’re excited to see how the Epic Pass suite stacks up against the 2025-26 Ikon Pass suite, which has not debuted yet. We’re watching to see whether Ikon maintains a status quo similar to Epic or decides to shake things up with more radical access changes—last year, there weren’t too many shakeups on either side.
The SCOTT Airflow Women’s Vest has quickly become one of my favourite pieces of skiing gear. From the very first run, I could tell that comfort had been a top priority in its design. The lightweight build made it effortlessly wearable; I almost forgot I had it on! The ventilated structure was a game-changer too. Even after an intense day on the slopes, it kept me cool and sweat-free—a huge plus for anyone who dislikes that clammy feeling some protective layers can cause.
What really impressed me was the D3O® technology. Knowing that the vest would provide top-tier impact protection without being bulky gave me peace of mind. It’s clever how the material stays flexible for easy movement and then hardens on impact. I felt completely protected without sacrificing my mobility, which is key when navigating tricky terrain. I also appreciated how the ergonomic back plate fit snugly without pressing uncomfortably on my stomach, thanks to the adjustable waist-belt. Adjust it once, and you’re good to go for the rest of the day—simple and effective.
The vest’s design was so thoughtful in every aspect, right down to practical details like the removable back plate for easy washing. It feels like SCOTT didn’t just think about safety but the overall experience for skiers like me. Whether you’re carving groomed runs or tackling more adventurous routes, this vest does its job brilliantly while keeping you comfortable and focused on the fun.
If you’re after protection that doesn’t weigh you down or leave you feeling overheated, the SCOTT Airflow Women’s Vest is a fantastic choice.
The SCOTT Ultimate Dryo Ripstop Men’s Jacket has proven to be an absolute game-changer for my skiing adventures. From icy windstorms to heavy powder days, its DRYOsphere 2L waterproofing keeps me perfectly dry and shielded from the elements. I’ve worn it in everything from damp, slushy conditions to full-on snowstorms, and not a single drop managed to seep through. The durability here is unmatched—thanks to the ripstop material, I don’t have to worry about wear and tear, even if I brush up against sharp equipment or rugged ski surfaces.
One of the standout features for me is how flexible and comfortable this jacket feels. Resort skiing involves constant movement and the relaxed fit paired with lightweight material ensures you can do it all without feeling restricted. The lining feels warm and cozy, while the superb breathability keeps you from overheating during more intense sessions.
The adjustable hood comes in handy on those extra windy days, while the powder skirt is a must-have for deep snow—it keeps everything sealed so no cold or snow gets in. The numerous pockets are a dream for staying organized on the slopes. Whether it’s storing my ski pass in the sleeve pass pocket, keeping my goggles safe in the interior pocket with its detachable cloth, or stashing snacks for some quick energy, it’s all thoughtfully laid out.
Even the small details like the anti-chafe chin guard and interior knit cuffs with thumbholes make a big difference in comfort. This jacket doesn’t just perform—it makes the entire skiing experience more enjoyable.
The Head Supershape e-Magnum is a premium ski designed for advanced skiers seeking precision and versatility. Featuring cutting edge technology like EMC and graphene-infused construction, it ensures optimal performance and stability across varied terrains. Perfect for carving enthusiasts, this ski offers a responsive and seamless experience, making every turn exhilarating.
From the very first run, they impressed me with their incredible precision and responsiveness. These skis feel like an extension of your body, allowing for smooth and controlled movements. One of the standout features for me is the edge grip. Even on firm or icy slopes, these skis hold their line with confidence, giving you the stability you need to push harder with each turn. They carve beautifully, delivering a playful yet powerful ride that’s perfect for anyone who loves to feel that effortless flow on the snow. The mix of power and finesse means they’re adaptable—you can take it easy or charge hard, and these skis are ready to perform.
What impressed me most is how versatile they are. For advanced skiers, they have everything you need to explore your limits, while still being approachable enough for confident intermediates seeking to level up. They offer an ideal balance of stiffness and flex, making transitions between turns smooth and effortless. You’ll find the stability reassuring at higher speeds, yet they’re light and agile enough for quick adjustments in trickier sections.
The Supershape e-Magnum skis truly shine on groomers, but don’t be surprised if they inspire you to venture off onto more mixed terrain. Their combination of carving ability, control, and all-mountain versatility makes them a fantastic choice for a range of conditions.
Introducing the HEAD Boot Carry On, the ultimate boot bag. Designed to keep your ski boots safe and secure, this compact bag meets airline carry-on requirements, ensuring easy travel. Featuring durable materials, multiple compartments for gear, and a sleek design, it’s a must-have for any skiing adventure.
This bag has been a fantastic addition to my winter sports gear. Compact yet surprisingly spacious, this bag strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style. With a 25L storage capacity, it easily accommodates my ski boots while leaving room for a few extras like gloves or a spare layer.
What I love most about this bag is how well thought-out the design is. The handy compartments keep everything organised, so I no longer have to rummage around for my gear during busy ski days. The durable polyester outer shell gives me peace of mind knowing that it can handle the rigors of travel and protect my boots from the elements, while the snug inner lining ensures they stay secure and warm.
Portability is another win for this bag. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, whether you’re flying to your ski destination or just tossing it in the car for a quick weekend trip. The stylish design is a nice bonus—it looks sleek and professional, fitting right in with the rest of my gear.
This is a good looking bag for a reliable, functional, and good-looking bag to keep their boots and essentials organised, the Head Rebels Carry On is a no-brainer. It’s made my ski trips so much easier, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
Stay warm, dry, and stylish on the slopes with the Protest Bakie Men’s Snow Jacket from the Protest Green Series. Made with eco-friendly recycled materials, this ski jacket features 20k water resistance and 20g breathability, ensuring maximum comfort and performance. Fully taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood, a goggle pocket, and a lift pass pocket make it the perfect choice for serious skiers and snowboarders.
The Sweet Protection Adaptor MIPS Helmet combines sleek all-mountain design with cutting-edge safety features. With MIPS technology for extra protection, this lightweight helmet is built for riders who demand comfort and performance. It offers adjustable 19-vent airflow, a goggle garage to prevent fogging, and a magnetic buckle for easy fastening. Plus, it’s audio-ready and includes a removable liner for maximum convenience.
Combining style and performance, the Poivre Blanc Belted Women’s Ski Jacket is the ultimate choice for elegance on the slopes. Made with 4-way stretch fabric, this waterproof and breathable ski jacket ensures freedom of movement and protection in all weather. Loft insulation keeps you warm, while its timeless design is available in two colours. Perfect for female skiers who want to look great and stay comfortable.
Take your freeriding adventures to the next level with the Deorum Apollo Ski Poles. Designed for riders who love capturing every moment, these ski poles feature a modular design for easy camera accessory attachment. Made from durable 7075 aluminium alloy, they are lightweight yet strong and include replaceable components, making them perfect for demanding mountain conditions.
The Blizzard Anomaly 88 redefines all-mountain performance. Built with Trueblend woodcore and FluxForm metal layup, these versatile skis excel on groomed runs, crushed bumps, and powder alike. Whether you’re carving turns on the piste or venturing off-trail, these skis deliver precision, control, and performance for any adventure.
The Atomic Redster X5 is the perfect piste ski for beginners and intermediate skiers. Its multi-radius sidecut allows for smooth transitions between short and long turns, giving you versatility on the slopes. With a durable cap sidewall and power woodcore, this ski offers excellent edge hold, stability, and energy transfer, making every ski day a smooth ride.
Ideal for intermediate to expert skiers, the Nordica Spitfire DC 74 balances control and speed. With double core construction, the Recoil Power Plate ensures smooth and precise carving. Includes Marker TPX12 FDT bindings for effortless energy transfer.
Add a pop of colour to your outfit with this vibrant pink knitted beanie. Featuring soft polar fleece lining and faux fur pom-pom, it’s as cosy as it is stylish!
Hit the slopes in style with the Columbia Powbound Men’s Jacket in bold spice red. Waterproof, packed with pockets, and featuring an advanced thermal reflective lining to keep you warm on all-day adventures.
The Salomon Supra Boa 120 redefines fit and performance with Exowrap construction and the Boa fit system for a micro-adjustable, precision fit. Designed for advanced skiers, offering medium flex for comfort during all-day carving.
The K2 Orton Snowboard Boots are a game changer, crafted in collaboration with Sage Kotsenburg. Featuring a waterproof one-piece rubber lower with integrated mesh, dual-zone Boa lacing, a performance liner, V5 Vibram outsole, and Marshmallow midsole for top-notch performance and comfort in any conditions.
The Nordica Speed Machine 3 110 all-mountain boots deliver unmatched power and control with patented 3 Force technology for efficient energy transfer. A softer flex ensures comfort all day, while medium volume and Gripwalk Extra Grip soles provide precision and stability for discerning skiers.
The SnoKart Airliner ski boot bag makes traveling with ski equipment easier. Lightweight, durable, and designed to protect boots while keeping them separate from clothes. Perfect for storage or transporting to the slopes, and it folds down small for easy packing.
The Oakley Line Miner Pro Goggles provide unparalleled optics and a wide field of view. Featuring Prizm Lens Technology, single-layer lens design to reduce distortion, and Switchlock Technology for quick lens changes. Made with eco-friendly materials and bundled with two lenses, they’re perfect for any condition on the mountain.
Designed for young skiers, the Small Face 1 Snow Goggle offers comfort and style with a wide strap, Blue Cat 2 Lens for all light conditions, and high-quality padding for all-day wear. These goggles provide great value and a cool look for kids.
This double-layer, soft microfleece neck tube is a winter essential. Wear it as a neck warmer, hat, balaclava, or headband for ultimate comfort and warmth in frosty conditions.
Stay warm and stylish with the redesigned Intuition Booties. Perfect for après-ski settings, these booties feature an upgraded sole for grip, an adjustable lace toggle system for a personalised fit, and unbeatable warmth for year-round comfort.
The Fischer RC4 The Curv DTi skis offer race-level performance with Radical Triple Radius shapes for sharp turns. A lightweight poplar core with titanal and carbon fibre delivers stability, speed, and precision for skiers looking for thrilling versatility.
Stay covered in style. The Dakine Cutter beanie’s tall cuffed design provides timeless versatility, while its fine acrylic knit ensures all-day warmth and comfort in any winter weather.
The Picture Exa Jacket combines lightweight breathability with warm insulation to keep you comfortable all day on the slopes. Made from eco-friendly materials, it features smart pockets, pit zips for ventilation, and adjustable cuffs for ultimate performance. Stay warm and dry in any season.
The Picture Elwy Bib Pant ensures both iconic style and temperature control during long skiing days. Waterproof and breathable, they’re designed for freedom of movement and pair perfectly with the Picture Exa Jacket for a cohesive look on the slopes.
The Aulp Men’s Ski Jacket combines practicality and performance with features like critically taped seams, a removable hood, adjustable cuffs, and a ski pass pocket. Waterproof and warm, it’s designed to keep you comfortable on the slopes with an active, stylish fit.
We regularly showcase the latest gear on our YouTube channel. Dive into our Gear Playlist for in-depth reviews. For the latest snow forecasts, updates on top skiing destinations, and comprehensive gear evaluations, tune in to our podcast, “The Whiteout.” You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Podcasts, or by searching “The Whiteout” in your favourite podcast directory.
The SCOTT Airflow Women’s Vest has quickly become one of my favourite pieces of skiing gear. From the very first run, I could tell that comfort had been a top priority in its design. The lightweight build made it effortlessly wearable; I almost forgot I had it on! The ventilated structure was a game-changer too. Even after an intense day on the slopes, it kept me cool and sweat-free—a huge plus for anyone who dislikes that clammy feeling some protective layers can cause.
What really impressed me was the D3O® technology. Knowing that the vest would provide top-tier impact protection without being bulky gave me peace of mind. It’s clever how the material stays flexible for easy movement and then hardens on impact. I felt completely protected without sacrificing my mobility, which is key when navigating tricky terrain. I also appreciated how the ergonomic back plate fit snugly without pressing uncomfortably on my stomach, thanks to the adjustable waist-belt. Adjust it once, and you’re good to go for the rest of the day—simple and effective.
The vest’s design was so thoughtful in every aspect, right down to practical details like the removable back plate for easy washing. It feels like SCOTT didn’t just think about safety but the overall experience for skiers like me. Whether you’re carving groomed runs or tackling more adventurous routes, this vest does its job brilliantly while keeping you comfortable and focused on the fun.
If you’re after protection that doesn’t weigh you down or leave you feeling overheated, the SCOTT Airflow Women’s Vest is a fantastic choice.
The SCOTT Ultimate Dryo Ripstop Men’s Jacket has proven to be an absolute game-changer for my skiing adventures. From icy windstorms to heavy powder days, its DRYOsphere 2L waterproofing keeps me perfectly dry and shielded from the elements. I’ve worn it in everything from damp, slushy conditions to full-on snowstorms, and not a single drop managed to seep through. The durability here is unmatched—thanks to the ripstop material, I don’t have to worry about wear and tear, even if I brush up against sharp equipment or rugged ski surfaces.
One of the standout features for me is how flexible and comfortable this jacket feels. Resort skiing involves constant movement and the relaxed fit paired with lightweight material ensures you can do it all without feeling restricted. The lining feels warm and cozy, while the superb breathability keeps you from overheating during more intense sessions.
The adjustable hood comes in handy on those extra windy days, while the powder skirt is a must-have for deep snow—it keeps everything sealed so no cold or snow gets in. The numerous pockets are a dream for staying organized on the slopes. Whether it’s storing my ski pass in the sleeve pass pocket, keeping my goggles safe in the interior pocket with its detachable cloth, or stashing snacks for some quick energy, it’s all thoughtfully laid out.
Even the small details like the anti-chafe chin guard and interior knit cuffs with thumbholes make a big difference in comfort. This jacket doesn’t just perform—it makes the entire skiing experience more enjoyable.
The Head Supershape e-Magnum is a premium ski designed for advanced skiers seeking precision and versatility. Featuring cutting edge technology like EMC and graphene-infused construction, it ensures optimal performance and stability across varied terrains. Perfect for carving enthusiasts, this ski offers a responsive and seamless experience, making every turn exhilarating.
From the very first run, they impressed me with their incredible precision and responsiveness. These skis feel like an extension of your body, allowing for smooth and controlled movements. One of the standout features for me is the edge grip. Even on firm or icy slopes, these skis hold their line with confidence, giving you the stability you need to push harder with each turn. They carve beautifully, delivering a playful yet powerful ride that’s perfect for anyone who loves to feel that effortless flow on the snow. The mix of power and finesse means they’re adaptable—you can take it easy or charge hard, and these skis are ready to perform.
What impressed me most is how versatile they are. For advanced skiers, they have everything you need to explore your limits, while still being approachable enough for confident intermediates seeking to level up. They offer an ideal balance of stiffness and flex, making transitions between turns smooth and effortless. You’ll find the stability reassuring at higher speeds, yet they’re light and agile enough for quick adjustments in trickier sections.
The Supershape e-Magnum skis truly shine on groomers, but don’t be surprised if they inspire you to venture off onto more mixed terrain. Their combination of carving ability, control, and all-mountain versatility makes them a fantastic choice for a range of conditions.
Introducing the HEAD Boot Carry On, the ultimate boot bag. Designed to keep your ski boots safe and secure, this compact bag meets airline carry-on requirements, ensuring easy travel. Featuring durable materials, multiple compartments for gear, and a sleek design, it’s a must-have for any skiing adventure.
This bag has been a fantastic addition to my winter sports gear. Compact yet surprisingly spacious, this bag strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style. With a 25L storage capacity, it easily accommodates my ski boots while leaving room for a few extras like gloves or a spare layer.
What I love most about this bag is how well thought-out the design is. The handy compartments keep everything organised, so I no longer have to rummage around for my gear during busy ski days. The durable polyester outer shell gives me peace of mind knowing that it can handle the rigors of travel and protect my boots from the elements, while the snug inner lining ensures they stay secure and warm.
Portability is another win for this bag. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, whether you’re flying to your ski destination or just tossing it in the car for a quick weekend trip. The stylish design is a nice bonus—it looks sleek and professional, fitting right in with the rest of my gear.
This is a good looking bag for a reliable, functional, and good-looking bag to keep their boots and essentials organised, the Head Rebels Carry On is a no-brainer. It’s made my ski trips so much easier, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
Stay warm, dry, and stylish on the slopes with the Protest Bakie Men’s Snow Jacket from the Protest Green Series. Made with eco-friendly recycled materials, this ski jacket features 20k water resistance and 20g breathability, ensuring maximum comfort and performance. Fully taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood, a goggle pocket, and a lift pass pocket make it the perfect choice for serious skiers and snowboarders.
The Sweet Protection Adaptor MIPS Helmet combines sleek all-mountain design with cutting-edge safety features. With MIPS technology for extra protection, this lightweight helmet is built for riders who demand comfort and performance. It offers adjustable 19-vent airflow, a goggle garage to prevent fogging, and a magnetic buckle for easy fastening. Plus, it’s audio-ready and includes a removable liner for maximum convenience.
Combining style and performance, the Poivre Blanc Belted Women’s Ski Jacket is the ultimate choice for elegance on the slopes. Made with 4-way stretch fabric, this waterproof and breathable ski jacket ensures freedom of movement and protection in all weather. Loft insulation keeps you warm, while its timeless design is available in two colours. Perfect for female skiers who want to look great and stay comfortable.
Take your freeriding adventures to the next level with the Deorum Apollo Ski Poles. Designed for riders who love capturing every moment, these ski poles feature a modular design for easy camera accessory attachment. Made from durable 7075 aluminium alloy, they are lightweight yet strong and include replaceable components, making them perfect for demanding mountain conditions.
The Blizzard Anomaly 88 redefines all-mountain performance. Built with Trueblend woodcore and FluxForm metal layup, these versatile skis excel on groomed runs, crushed bumps, and powder alike. Whether you’re carving turns on the piste or venturing off-trail, these skis deliver precision, control, and performance for any adventure.
The Atomic Redster X5 is the perfect piste ski for beginners and intermediate skiers. Its multi-radius sidecut allows for smooth transitions between short and long turns, giving you versatility on the slopes. With a durable cap sidewall and power woodcore, this ski offers excellent edge hold, stability, and energy transfer, making every ski day a smooth ride.
Ideal for intermediate to expert skiers, the Nordica Spitfire DC 74 balances control and speed. With double core construction, the Recoil Power Plate ensures smooth and precise carving. Includes Marker TPX12 FDT bindings for effortless energy transfer.
Add a pop of colour to your outfit with this vibrant pink knitted beanie. Featuring soft polar fleece lining and faux fur pom-pom, it’s as cosy as it is stylish!
Hit the slopes in style with the Columbia Powbound Men’s Jacket in bold spice red. Waterproof, packed with pockets, and featuring an advanced thermal reflective lining to keep you warm on all-day adventures.
The Salomon Supra Boa 120 redefines fit and performance with Exowrap construction and the Boa fit system for a micro-adjustable, precision fit. Designed for advanced skiers, offering medium flex for comfort during all-day carving.
The K2 Orton Snowboard Boots are a game changer, crafted in collaboration with Sage Kotsenburg. Featuring a waterproof one-piece rubber lower with integrated mesh, dual-zone Boa lacing, a performance liner, V5 Vibram outsole, and Marshmallow midsole for top-notch performance and comfort in any conditions.
The Nordica Speed Machine 3 110 all-mountain boots deliver unmatched power and control with patented 3 Force technology for efficient energy transfer. A softer flex ensures comfort all day, while medium volume and Gripwalk Extra Grip soles provide precision and stability for discerning skiers.
The SnoKart Airliner ski boot bag makes traveling with ski equipment easier. Lightweight, durable, and designed to protect boots while keeping them separate from clothes. Perfect for storage or transporting to the slopes, and it folds down small for easy packing.
The Oakley Line Miner Pro Goggles provide unparalleled optics and a wide field of view. Featuring Prizm Lens Technology, single-layer lens design to reduce distortion, and Switchlock Technology for quick lens changes. Made with eco-friendly materials and bundled with two lenses, they’re perfect for any condition on the mountain.
Designed for young skiers, the Small Face 1 Snow Goggle offers comfort and style with a wide strap, Blue Cat 2 Lens for all light conditions, and high-quality padding for all-day wear. These goggles provide great value and a cool look for kids.
This double-layer, soft microfleece neck tube is a winter essential. Wear it as a neck warmer, hat, balaclava, or headband for ultimate comfort and warmth in frosty conditions.
Stay warm and stylish with the redesigned Intuition Booties. Perfect for après-ski settings, these booties feature an upgraded sole for grip, an adjustable lace toggle system for a personalised fit, and unbeatable warmth for year-round comfort.
The Fischer RC4 The Curv DTi skis offer race-level performance with Radical Triple Radius shapes for sharp turns. A lightweight poplar core with titanal and carbon fibre delivers stability, speed, and precision for skiers looking for thrilling versatility.
Stay covered in style. The Dakine Cutter beanie’s tall cuffed design provides timeless versatility, while its fine acrylic knit ensures all-day warmth and comfort in any winter weather.
The Picture Exa Jacket combines lightweight breathability with warm insulation to keep you comfortable all day on the slopes. Made from eco-friendly materials, it features smart pockets, pit zips for ventilation, and adjustable cuffs for ultimate performance. Stay warm and dry in any season.
The Picture Elwy Bib Pant ensures both iconic style and temperature control during long skiing days. Waterproof and breathable, they’re designed for freedom of movement and pair perfectly with the Picture Exa Jacket for a cohesive look on the slopes.
The Aulp Men’s Ski Jacket combines practicality and performance with features like critically taped seams, a removable hood, adjustable cuffs, and a ski pass pocket. Waterproof and warm, it’s designed to keep you comfortable on the slopes with an active, stylish fit.
We regularly showcase the latest gear on our YouTube channel. Dive into our Gear Playlist for in-depth reviews. For the latest snow forecasts, updates on top skiing destinations, and comprehensive gear evaluations, tune in to our podcast, “The Whiteout.” You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Podcasts, or by searching “The Whiteout” in your favourite podcast directory.
fabric with HeiQ® Pure odor control.
