Ratings Adjustment: Alta, Snowbird, and Breckenridge Lift Scores
We’ve corrected Alta, Snowbird, and Breckenridge’s lift scores to factor in previously unaccounted for hike-to terrain. In addition, we’ve updated Alta’s size score to exclude acres that are essentially backcountry.
Squaw Valley Navigation Challenge: High Camp to Siberia
While assessing Squaw Valley's navigation score last winter, we tested whether it was possible to drop into some interesting terrain while traversing from High Camp to the bottom of the Siberia Express lift.
Corridor: A Trip Down Northstar's Most Technically Challenging Pitch
A run down Northstar’s Corridor trail in December 2020. From a strictly technical sense, we feel this is Northstar’s most challenging marked run.
Steamboat Implements Virtual Gondola Line to Mitigate On-Site Crowding
This past weekend, Steamboat introduced a virtual waiting room that allows ticket and pass holders to join the Steamboat Gondola line remotely. This virtual line will exist alongside the lift’s normal, physical line.
Chairlift Interview #1: Averi from South Lake
Welcome to the first in a series of PeakRankings chairlift interviews, where we highlight locals across North America's ski resorts! We talk to Averi Haugesag, a midwestern-reporter-turned-Tahoe-local, on Northstar’s Vista Express lift.
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Employ New COVID Protocols for Post-Storm Operations, Delaying Openings
For the first time since COVID became a factor, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have rolled out major weather-mitigation operations this morning. Due to the need for social distancing among staff, the two mountains anticipate that avalanche mitigation and lift de-icing will take longer than usual this year.
Alpine Meadows Early-Season Roundhouse Run: Sympathy Face + Associated Trees
A lap down Alpine Meadows' Sympathy Face, one of the only trails exclusively served by the resort’s Roundhouse lift. This tree terrain is quite technical, with steep, twisty pitches and considerable exposed rock on this mid-December day.
Arapahoe Basin’s New Pallavicini Lift Opens to Guests
This past Saturday, Arapahoe Basin opened its new Pallavicini chair to resort visitors. This new Leitner-Poma fixed-grip double chair, which replaced another fixed-grip double built in 1978, follows the same line as the old Pali lift and now boasts safety bars.
Off Peak Podcast Episode 12: Tahoe Ski Bums
Sam interviews three long-time Tahoe residents—who also happen to be his roommates.
Video: Big Sky Triple-Black-Diamond Headwaters Run
A run down Hell's Half-Acre, an extremely demanding high-alpine run within Big Sky's Headwaters area. Reaching this line requires one of the most technical hikes we've done anywhere.