The Snowsports & Mountain Industry News for the week of September 26th, 2023.

The Snowsports & Mountain Industry News for the week of September 15th, 2023.

The Snowsports & Mountain Industry News for the Week of September 8, 2023.

The SnowBrains News Podcast Episode #1

17 Stories For You This Week:

1 Powder Mountain, UT has a new owner!

2 On Wednesday, the Biden Administration announced the cancellation of the last seven oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, originally granted by the Trump administration.

3 This past week, many spots across the western US saw their first snowfall of the season!

4 In KiwiBrains News, four Australian skiers have admitted to using free passes to ski at Cardrona Alpine Resort in Wānaka, New Zealand, which were obtained dishonestly through a resort employee.

5 Snowbasin Resort in Utah has unveiled new upgrades for the 2023/2024 winter.

6 In climbing news, a Colorado man who went missing on a solo climbing trip in Glacier National Park in Montana, was found dead this past Friday.

7 Turning to ski town real estate news, a stunning property in Aspen, CO has just hit the market for an eye-watering $105 million.

8 This past Monday, Norway Mountain in Michigan announced they plan to re-open under new ownership starting during the 2024-2025 ski season.

9 Turning over to OzBrains, Selwyn Snow Resort in NSW, Australia announced this past Monday that it was closing for the season.

10 In a striking comparison this week, the legendary Godfather of freeskiing Mike Douglas posted to Instagram a comparison of Horstman Glacier at Whistler Blackcomb.

11 This past week Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened a new attraction - the Grand Teton Skywalk.

12 Moving into trip reports from your SnowBrains team - this past week I have been skiing some incredible terrain down in Patagonia in Argentina, which you can check out here

13 WeatherBrains: Direct Weather released its Winter Forecast outlook, which says it expects the western region of North America to experience warmer than average conditions, while the eastern US should expect to have cooler than average temperatures.

14 This past week the dry Nevada desert turned into a mud pit for the annual Burning Man Festival.

15 After a three-year hiatus, El Nino is poised to return in full force this winter, which will have major implications for skiing across North America.

16 NOAA released its September Outlook this past week with the general trend being well above-average temperatures and below average precipitation across most of the United States.

17 Sticking on the note of a hot summer, this past June through August was the hottest ever recorded. In addition, this past August alone was also the hottest ever recorded.

Thank you so much for watching SnowBrains News! We would love to know your thoughts on the stories we brought you this week, and if we missed anything you want to see included make sure to drop us a comment below. If you enjoyed this video please make sure to like and subscribe and I will see you next Friday, with our second addition of SnowBrains News!

This week was hosted by Miles Clark in Bariloche, Argentina.

Please visit SnowBrains.com for more

Errol Kerr - Jamaican Ski Team Olympic Skier, Cover of Ski Magazine, X-Games Competitor, Warren Miller Ski Movie Star

Episode #52

Brought to you by Brian Head Resort & Elevenate

My guest today is Errol Kerr:

This episode is brought to you by Brian Head Resort, UT:

Lift tickets are as low as $29 at Brian Head Resort located in Southeastern Utah. You'll also enjoy FREE $10 resort credit on select dates! Use your Couduroy Cash on resort restaurants, snow tubing, ski lessons and much more! While supplies last get $29 lift tickets with a bonus $10 Corduroy Cash, only at brianhead.com

Did you know kids ages 12 and younger SKI FREE at Brian Head Resort? Brian Head Resort is located in southern Utah where little rippers ski FREE - no purchase required! That's FREE. F-R-E-E. Learn more at brianhead.com. That's brianhead.com

Get FREE lodging this season at Brian Head Resort! Stay minutes from the slopes and wake up rested to ski Utah's famous powder. This deal won't last long. Book your today at brianhead.com

This episode of the SnowBrains Podcast is brought to you by Elevenate:

Not ready to compromise on quality, fit, and function? Elevenate ski gear is designed by athletes for athletes to feel like a second skin, infinitely comfortable to ski in, dependable and protective when nature shows its harshest side. Technical ski gear that allows you to discover the mountain without compromising. Designed and developed in Åre, Sweden. Discover this year's collection at elevenate.com

Elevenate was founded by professional skier Sara Rönngren and Professional mountain guide Jimmy Odén. They wanted to create the best ski gear. So, in 2010 they founded Elevenate. Designed in Åre, Sweden, combining the freeskier’s playful spirit with the mountain guide’s uncompromising attitude to gear. Tested on the mountains of their doorstep, with decades of skiing and curiosity going into every stitch and detail. Find your favorites at elevenate.com

Damn it feels good to be a skier. right? Elevenate enhances the experience of freedom and exploration of the mountain with trustable gear. They never compromise when creating gear for long-term use in the mountains, whether this relates to the design process, the choice of materials, or production. Find the gear you can trust for years to come at elevenate.com

Please enjoy!

***

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The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #52 - Errol Kerr - Jamaican Ski Team Olympic Skier, Cover of Ski Magazine, X-Games Competitor, Warren Miller Ski Movie Star

Recorded on October 5, 2022, in the Jackson Hole, WY (Miles Clark) and Lake Tahoe, CA (Errol Kerr).

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark

Vamonos Outside - Let's Get More People of Color Skiing & Snowboarding in North America!

Episode #51

Brought to you by Northern California Toyota Dealers & Alta Ski Area

My guest today is Vamanos Outside

This episode is brought to you by your Northern California Toyota Dealers:

This episode is brought to you by Alta Ski Area

Please enjoy!

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The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #51 - Vamonos Outside - Let's Get More People Color Skiing & Snowboarding in North America!

Recorded on October 10, 2022, in the Park City, UT (Miles Clark) and Bend, OR (Vamonos Outside).

This episode was edited by Jared White.

Music by Chad Crouch.

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark.

Johnny Collinson - Pro Freeskier, Ski Movie Star, Youngest to Climb The 7 Summits, Fitness Guru

Episode #50

Brought to you by LEKI & Northern California Toyota Dealers

My guest today is Johnny Collinson:

This episode of the SnowBrains Podcast is brought to you by LEKI:

This episode is brought to you by your Northern California Toyota Dealers

Please enjoy!

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The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #50 - Johnny Collinson - Pro Freeskier, Ski Movie Star, Youngest to Climb The 7 Summits, Fitness Guru

Recorded on September 27, 2022, in the Tahoe City, CA (Miles Clark) and Salt Lake City, UT (Johnny Collinson).

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark

Nina Aragon - Climate Scientist Discusses The State Of The Western US Snowpack 

Episode #49

Brought to you by Northern California Toyota Dealers & Leki

My guest today is Nina Aragon

Nina is the team captain of the Protect Our Winters Science Alliance

Nina has a masters in science from Portland State University

Nina is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State University

Nina deeply studies our Western US Snowpack and how it affects us all in all kinds of ways

This episode is brought to you by your Northern California Toyota Dealers:

Whether you’re conquering the commute to town or answering the call of some freshly powdered slopes, the new Rav4 Hybrid is there for all your Tahoe adventures. Featuring Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and a 219 horsepower hybrid engine with a forty-mile per gallon combined rating. It’s made for action. And made for the mountain. Visit  buyatoyota.com/norcal for more details and start your next adventure in a brand new Toyota, the official vehicle of Palisades Tahoe.

Hit the trail and discover your next Tahoe adventure in a Toyota Tundra TRD PRO Hybrid. Featuring an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine that generates an electrifying 437 horsepower with 583 pounds per foot of torque. The TRD PRO also tows up to 12,000 pounds, so you can take the adventure with you. It’s made for endurance. And made for the mountain. Visit  buyatoyota.com/norcal for more details and start your next adventure in a brand new Toyota, the official vehicle of Palisades Tahoe.

This episode is brought to you by LEKI:

LEKI has been making ski poles since 1948 and has learned a thing or two over the last 75 years. Whether you are an Olympic-caliber ski racer, weekend warrior, or aspiring backcountry skier, LEKI has the perfect pair of poles for every skier. Experience the innovative LEKI Trigger grip system that provides the ultimate interface between glove and pole providing exceptional comfort, performance, and security. Learn more about LEKI poles and gloves at LEKI.com

While LEKI is known around the world as the leader in poles, did you know that LEKI makes some of the best gloves and mittens in the industry? Top-quality gloves and mittens crafted from 100% goatskin leather deliver exceptional comfort, craftsmanship, warmth, and durability. All LEKI gloves work in perfect harmony with LEKI Trigger poles but also work seamlessly with any brand pole on the market. Experience LEKI gloves and mittens today. Learn more at LEKI.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/snowbrains

***

The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #49 - Nina Aragon - Climate Scientist Discusses The State Of The Western US Snowpack 

Recorded on September 30, 2022, in the Park City, UT (Miles Clark) and Bend, OR (Nina Aragon)

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark

Kelly Pawlak - CEO of the National Ski Areas Association

Episode #48

Brought to you by Northern California Toyota Dealers & Vail Mountain

My guest today is Kelly Pawlak

Kelly has been the CEO of the National Ski Area Association since 2018

Kelly has occupied a variety of executive positions in the ski industry over the past 30-plus years including 12 years as Mount Snow, Vermont's Vice president & General Manager

This episode is brought to you by your Northern California Toyota Dealers:

Whether you’re conquering the commute to town or answering the call of some freshly powdered slopes, the new Rav4 Hybrid is there for all your Tahoe adventures. Featuring Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and a 219 horsepower hybrid engine with a forty-mile per gallon combined rating. It’s made for action. And made for the mountain. Visit  buyatoyota.com/norcal for more details and start your next adventure in a brand new Toyota, the official vehicle of Palisades Tahoe.

Hit the trail and discover your next Tahoe adventure in a Toyota Tundra TRD PRO Hybrid. Featuring an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine that generates an electrifying 437 horsepower with 583 pounds per foot of torque. The TRD PRO also tows up to 12,000 pounds, so you can take the adventure with you. It’s made for endurance. And made for the mountain. Visit  buyatoyota.com/norcal for more details and start your next adventure in a brand new Toyota, the official vehicle of Palisades Tahoe.

Fun family adventures begin at Palisades Tahoe, and the best way to get there is the Sequoia TRD PRO Hybrid. The i-FORCE MAX Twin Turbo V6 Hybrid engine packs a punch with 437 horsepower while still giving you up to an EPA-estimated twenty-two miles per gallon. So you can feel the power without feeling it at the pump. It’s made for adventure. And made for the mountain. Visit buyatoyota.com/norcal for more details and start your next adventure in a brand new Toyota, the official vehicle of Palisades Tahoe.

This episode is brought to you by Vail Mountain:

Vail is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this season.

That’s sixty years of powder days, back bowl skiing, ice bars, and new experiences.

No matter how many times you’ve skied these slopes, this season is all about celebrating then, now, and forever.

And as a part of the celebrations, Vail will be hosting the National Brotherhood of Skiers for their annual summit in February.

So, go ahead ... plan your next visit to Vail. And help them celebrate what’s shaping up to be a legendary season.

Please enjoy!

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with friends & family, and please subscribe.

Follow SnowBrains:

SnowBrains.com

Facebook: facebook.com/snowbrains

Instagram: instagram.com/snowbrains

Twitter: twitter.com/snowbrains

***

The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #48 - Kelly Pawlak - CEO of the National Ski Areas Association

Recorded on September 28, 2022, in the Park City, UT (Miles Clark) and Colorado (Kely Pawlak).

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark

Dr. Robb Gaffney M.D. - The G in G.N.A.R., Ski Movie Star, Former Pro Freeskier, Activist, Medical Doctor of Psychiatry, Cancer Survivor

Episode #47

Brought to you by CARV & Gunnison Crested Butte

My guest today is Dr. Robb Gaffney M.D. - The G in G.N.A.R., Ski Movie Star, Former Pro Freeskier, Activist, Medical Doctor of Psychiatry

This episode is brought to you by CARV:

Want to know the secret to better skiing this winter? Carv's digital ski coach is a totally new way to improve. It fits in any ski boot and analyses your technique using 72 pressure and motion sensors. You'll get personalised coaching to help you master your balance, edging, rotation, and pressure. Real-time audio, designed by top instructors, tells you how to improve, as you ski. Find out more at getcarv.com

Unlock your perfect turn, with a revolutionary new wearable that dramatically improves your technique. With Olympic-level data, Carv fits in any ski boot, analyses your skiing and tells you which skills to practice to improve with real-time audio feedback, developed by world-class coaches. Find out more at getcarv.com

This episode is brought to you by Gunnison Crested Butte:

If you're looking for a heart-pounding Colorado ski trip this winter, check out Gunnison and Crested Butte. Ski Crested Butte’s legendary extreme terrain for glades, bowls, chutes and cliffs that will challenge your abilities and keep you coming back for more. After lifts close, explore the Gunnison Valley’s mountain towns for unique restaurants and historic Colorado charm. Visit gunnisoncrestedbutte.com to start planning your trip!

Searching for a university? Love to ski? Check out the Mountain Sports program at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. The Western Colorado University Mountain Sports program allows you to compete in skiing, snowboarding or other outdoor sports while getting a degree in a tight-knit, hands-on learning environment. Learn more at western.edu.

Please enjoy!

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with friends & family, and please subscribe.

Follow SnowBrains:

SnowBrains.com

Facebook: facebook.com/snowbrains

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Twitter: twitter.com/snowbrains

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The SnowBrains Podcast Episode #44 -  Dr. Robb Gaffney M.D. - The G in G.N.A.R., Ski Movie Star, Former Pro Freeskier, Activist, Medical Doctor of Psychiatry, Cancer Survivor

Recorded on October 5, 2022, in the Park City, UT (Miles Clark) and Tahoe City, CA (Robb Gaffney).

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark

Henri Rivers - President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers

Episode #46

Brought to you by Vail Mountain:

My guest today is Henri Rivers

Henri Rivers is the President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, as well as a native New Yorker and an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast for over 45 years. He is a professional ski instructor, certified master teacher and children’s specialist as well as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine coach, jury advisor, referee and official. He coaches in the Alpine race program at Windham Mountain in the Catskill region of New York.

Henri became involved with the National Brotherhood of Skiers in 1996 and has held many positions within the organization. He started as a club president and moved on to become the mid-west regional competition director. In 2003 he became a coach for the national team of NBS and in 2008 was appointed the Olympic Scholarship Fund Administrator. During his tenure as OSF administrator, he grew the national team to 15 athletes. In 2016 he was appointed the National Competition Director and in 2018 was voted in as the Executive Vice President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. He served for two years and was elected National President of the NBS in March of 2020.

This episode is brought to you by Vail Mountain:

Vail is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this season.

That’s sixty years of powder days, back bowl skiing, ice bars, and new experiences.

No matter how many times you’ve skied these slopes, this season is all about celebrating then, now, and forever.

And as a part of the celebrations, Vail will be hosting the National Brotherhood of Skiers for their annual summit in February.

So, go ahead ... plan your next visit to Vail. And help them celebrate what’s shaping up to be a legendary season.

Please enjoy!

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with friends & family, and please subscribe.

Follow SnowBrains:

SnowBrains.com

Facebook: facebook.com/snowbrains

Instagram: instagram.com/snowbrains

Twitter: twitter.com/snowbrains

***

Henri Rivers - President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers

Recorded on July 27, 2022, in the Park City, UT (Miles Clark) and New York (Henri Rivers).

This episode was edited by Jared White

Music by Chad Crouch

Host, producer, and creator = Miles Clark