East’s Most Exotic Terrain Zone: Sugarloaf Snowfields and Sidecountry
Sugarloaf’s Snowfields, Brackett Basin and Burnt Mountain rarely open at the same time. We spent a February 2026 weekend trying to ski all three, through wind holds, crowds and long hikes.
How Japan Tried to Take Over American Skiing
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Japanese companies bought up ski resorts across North America, then sold most of them almost as quickly. Here’s how the boom happened, what it built, and why it ended.
Super El Niño Is Coming: How Much Should Ski Forecasts Shape Your Trip?
South America just had a record-setting winter, and a strong El Niño is on the way. We compare preseason forecasts with what actually happened over six North American winters to see how much they should shape your ski trip plans.
Why Do “No Snowboard” Ski Resorts Still Exist?
Snowboarding bans were once commonplace at most North American ski resorts. Here’s how the sport won the industry over, and why three ski areas still hold out.
Skiing Solo: Why It’s Hurting Your Vacation More Than You Think
Why skiing or snowboarding solo is more expensive, complicated, and isolating than you might think, and how to find a ski community.
The Complete History of Vail: How It Became So Controversial
How Vail grew from a 1957 hike into the Gore Creek Valley into the flagship of the biggest company in skiing, and the chain of events that made it one of the most controversial mountains in the industry.
Most Shocking Things About Skiing in New Zealand
New Zealand features an exotic skiing experience with dramatic views, stunning above-treeline terrain, and solid lift infrastructure, though travel logistics and inconsistent conditions may deter some people visiting from abroad.
Why South American Skiing Has Never Reached Its Full Potential
A detailed look at why the Andes’ commercial ski industry hasn’t developed to the level the terrain may seem to promise on the surface, including South America’s skiing history, the economics of the region, and the physical factors keeping ski resorts from expanding.
Vail Resorts Epic Experience: The Death of a 20-Year Strategy?
In a press release that was about food and private lessons on the surface, Vail Resorts all but admitted that its era of trying to expand is over.
2026 PeakRankings Mountain Score and Rankings Adjustments: Full Changes
An in-depth explanation on the biggest policy changes and capital investments at U.S. and Canadian ski resorts for 2026, followed by this year's top 10 North American ski resorts ranked.