My post on snow conditions concentrated on the variances in conditions on mountain, including officially reported conditions, amount of snowfall, base depth, etc. Slightly different, albeit related, snow quality has a major effect on both the ability to ski various types of terrain after major snowfalls as well as surface conditions. What determines snow quality? Answer – ice content.

The measurement of snow quality is important for several reasons. (more…)

There have been a myriad of articles concerning the pine beetle epidemic that is literally wiping out millions of lodgepole pines throughout the North American Rocky Mountain regions, and the impact this is having on our forest and eco-structure. Basically, this is an unstoppable epidemic that will change the existing landscape for generations to come. This state of being is a combination of a number of factors:

• Dense stands of lodgepole pines nearing the end of their century-plus life cycle
• A century of fire suppression which has created abnormally thick and uniform forests (more…)

For hardened ski and snowboard enthusiasts around the world, opening day at “their” ski resort, or any other that they might have a fleeting interest in, signifies the start of winter and anything from 5 to 7 months (or more) of opportunity for indulging in this venerable of outdoor activities.

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According to the National Ski Areas Association, night skiing is offered by more than 200 NSSA-member resorts, and makes up some 7% of annual ski visits. Night skiing can officially be described as skiing after sundown, but as the lights are usually turned on around dusk, it is in reality an extension of day skiing.

Night skiing however is a totally different experience than skiing during the day. With “artificial” lighting, the whole look to the terrain is different. Light is directional, creating interesting contours and shadows, and alters the skier’s depth perception. From a “user’s” perspective, night skiing affords the opportunity to locals who work during the day to get a few hours in after their shifts. With fewer crowds and no ice, it’s also great for people who love to party, and basically anyone who just can’t get enough skiing in during the day. (more…)

Mary Bellis, in her article about Making Snow, traces the origins of snowmaking in North America. An inventor/engineer by the name of Wayne Pierce was in the ski manufacturing business with three partners, and who formed The Tey Manufacturing Company of Milford, Connecticut in 1947. On the morning of March 14, 1950, he proclaimed “I know how to make snow!” (more…)