Where to Ski Podcast with John Morgan

Fifteen miles from Jackson Hole, on the other side of the Tetons, there’s a ski resort with 500+ inches of snow a year, 2,600 acres, and basically no lift lines. This week, Where to Ski heads to Grand Targhee, Wyoming.

Our guest is Gary MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Grand Targhee Ski and Snowboard Foundation, a former freeride head coach, and a Driggs, Idaho native who has skied Targhee since he was three. Gary breaks down how to ski the mountain like a local.

In this episode:

• How to get there, and why the roads (and Teton Pass) sometimes close
• Fred’s Mountain vs. Pequod, and the 2022 Coulter lift
• Where to go on a deep day, and why wind is Targhee’s friend
• Why Gary packs a 110mm+ ski
• Tree wells, rime and low visibility: how to stay safe in 500 inches
• Mary’s Nipple, the backside cliffs, and the backcountry options, including guided tours and yurts
• How many days to plan for, and where to stay in Alta and Driggs
• Why the best tip is to make a new friend on the chairlift

Grab your skis. Targhee might be your new favorite.

Ever stood at the top of a run and wondered if your legs have anything left? This episode fixes that.

With about eight weeks until ski season, we head to Boulder, Colorado, to the Alpine Training Center. Owner and head coach Connie Schiolino holds a master’s in exercise science from Montana State and is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She shares exactly how to get ski-fit this fall, whether you’re a weekend warrior or chasing first chair every day.

In this episode:

• Why your summer running, hiking and biking already count
• “Balance strength”: quads vs. hamstrings and left vs. right
• The best exercises for skiing, from Bulgarian split squats to box jumps (and a BOSU ball for home)
• Sets and reps for squats and deadlifts, and why muscular endurance matters
• Hip mobility and the Jane Fonda moves that actually work
• Aerobic vs. interval training that mimics a ski run
• A sample weekly ski workout schedule
• ACL injury prevention for women, mobility for men, and recovery for older skiers

Start now, and you’ll be ready when your buddy says, “You got this.”

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A record-setting El Niño is on the way. Here's what it could mean for your ski season.

After a rough winter out West, everyone wants to know if this year will be better. OpenSnow meteorologist and operations manager Alan Smith joins us from Jackson, Wyoming, to cut through the hype (sorry, moose videos) and break down OpenSnow's 2026-27 winter outlook.

In this episode:

• El Niño explained in plain English, and why this one is so strong
• Why warm temperatures and high snow levels are the big wild card
• California and Utah: above-average snow indications
• The Southwest sweet spot: the San Juans, Taos and Arizona Snowbowl
• The Tetons and Colorado: a true coin flip
• Tough signals for western Canada, New England and the upper Midwest
• Bonus outlooks for the Alps and South America
• How to plan around any forecast: stay flexible and watch 10 to 14 days out

Just remember: an outlook tips the odds, it doesn't guarantee anything. Mother Nature always gets a say.

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🎧 Enjoyed it? Share it with your ski crew, and follow Where to Ski so you don't miss an episode.

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Ischgl, Austria, is famous for its après. But the skiing might be the best-kept secret in the Alps.

Patrick Walter is a state-certified ski guide, owner of Silvretta Guides, and an examiner for the Tyrolean and Austrian Ski Instructor Association. That means he trains the instructors (he calls himself "the bad guy"). He takes us past the table-dancing and into the terrain most visitors never find.

In this episode:

• An 11 km run from the top of Greitspitz, close to 2,900 m, straight down to the village
• Why Ischgl's off-piste is easier to reach than St. Anton's, and why it stays untracked for days
• The 20-minute trip that gets you 1,000 vertical meters of powder
• A hidden-valley lunch at the Heidelberger Hütte
• Skiing into Switzerland for duty-free Samnaun
• How 1,000+ snow cannons keep the season going
• Which weeks to avoid, and where to ski when it's dumping
• The mountaintop concert that closes every season

🎿 Enjoyed it? Share it with the friend you ski with, and follow Where to Ski so you don't miss an episode.

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Why did Colorado and Utah struggle for snow while the Northeast and the Alps saw massive storm cycles?

In this episode of Where to Ski, we break down one of the strangest ski winters in recent memory with two mountain weather experts:

• OpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith
• WePowder forecaster Coen Verrijn Stuart

We dive into the weather patterns that shaped the season, including persistent high-pressure ridges over the western U.S., huge snowfall events in the Alps, and why avalanche danger stayed elevated for weeks.

We cover:

• Why Colorado and Utah saw a snow drought
• How the Northeast ended up with one of its best winters in years
• What drove huge storm cycles in Europe
• Why avalanche conditions were so dangerous
• What skiers should watch heading into next season

If you spent this winter chasing snow — or wondering where it went — this episode explains it all.

🎧 Listen now for the weather story behind one of the most unusual ski seasons in years.

Southern Vermont has been one of the most important skiregions in the eastern United States for decades. Within just a few miles of each other sit three legendary mountains: Stratton Mountain Resort, Bromley Mountain, and Magic Mountain Ski Area—each with its own personality,terrain, and deep roots in the history of New England skiing.

In this episode of the Where to Ski podcast, we talk with Benzi Ross, who grew up skiing these mountains and knows their terrain, culture, and evolution firsthand.

We explore why southern Vermont became such a hub for EastCoast skiing, from storms that seem to stall over the valley to thoughtful mountain design that created some of the best cruisers and learning terrain in the region.

Benzi shares how Stratton was built with progression in mind—from beginner areas with magic carpets to flowing groomers that follow the natural shape of the mountain. We also talk about the sunny slopes of Bromley, one of Vermont’s oldest ski areas, and the rugged steeps and powder stashesthat give Magic Mountain its loyal cult following among expert skiers.

Along the way, we dig into trail design, classic Vermont skiculture, why this valley has produced generations of passionate skiers, and what keeps people coming back year after year.

From smooth corduroy to tree skiing and old-school NewEngland character, southern Vermont delivers a skiing experience that blends history, community, and great terrain.

🎧 Listen now to discover why Stratton, Bromley, and Magicremain icons of East Coast skiing.

If you haven’t heard much about Andermatt, that’s exactly why you should listen.

Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt has quietly transformed from a sleepy mountain town into one of Europe’s most exciting ski destinations — without losing its authentic alpine soul.

In this episode of Where to Ski, we explore what makes Andermatt truly special: reliable snowfall from multiple storm directions, steep high-alpine terrain, and the legendary Gemsstock — a freeride playground known for pitch, powder, and technical skiing.

Our guest, Swiss big-mountain skier Leonie Zopp, grew up here. A former Swiss national junior champion turned freerider and psychology student, Leonie shares how Andermatt shaped her skiing.

We break down:

• Why Gemsstock is a mecca for advanced skiers
• How Sedrun and Disentis expand the ski region
• What to expect from Europe’s off-piste rules
• Where to ski when visibility drops
• Why Andermatt’s small-town vibe still feels authentic

From steep alpine faces to sunny cruising terrain, Andermatt offers serious skiing with Swiss precision — and just enough development to elevate the experience without overwhelming it.

If you’re looking for luxury party scenes, look elsewhere.
If you’re looking for terrain that builds great skiers, this is your mountain.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Andermatt may be Europe’s best under-the-radar ski resort.

Deer Valley Ski Resort is often known for its luxury — pristine groomers,stunning Wasatch views, five-star hotels, world-class dining, and legendaryaprès spots like the Sticky Wicket and Chute 11. Located just 38 miles fromSalt Lake City, it’s one of North America’s most polished ski destinations.

But here’s the truth: Deer Valley delivers on skiing — seriouslygood skiing.

In this episode of Where to Ski, we sit down with TedLigety, one of the most technically dominant alpine skiers in history,to talk about the mountain that helped shape his career. A two-timeOlympic gold medalist, five-time World Champion, and 25-timeWorld Cup winner, Ted knows terrain, snow, and slope design at a levelfew ever will.

And Deer Valley isn’t just a resort he visits — it’s home.

Ted first skied Deer Valley at age two, back when Snow Park was his backyardand training ground. He explains how the resort’s long fall-line groomers,meticulous maintenance, and varied terrain helped develop the precision,balance, and edge control that defined his racing career.

We dig into:
• Why Deer Valley’s groomers are a secret weapon for advanced skiers
• Where to find powder in Empire Canyon, Daly Bowl, and hidden glades
• Why great groomers aren’t “easy skiing” — they expose flaws
• How the East Village & Park Peak expansion adds steeppitches, north-facing snow, and improved access
• Why Deer Valley works for beginners, families, and elite skiers alike

Ted also shares how his relationship with the mountain has evolved now thathe’s skiing with his kids — and why Deer Valley remains one of the few resortswhere progression feels natural at every level.

Plus, we touch on Ted’s work beyond racing, including Shred Opticsand his role at DPS Skis, where he continues to push realtechnology with real performance benefits.

This episode goes beyond the stereotype.
It’s Deer Valley — through the eyes of an Olympic champion.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to reallyski Deer Valley.

Four ski mountains. One historic New England valley. Endless personality and tons of skiing.

In this episode of Where to Ski, host John Morgan sits down with longtime Mount Washington Valley local, ski coach, and World Pro Ski Tour announcer Kevin Clarke to explore why this corner of New Hampshire remains one of the most rewarding ski regions in the Northeast.

We break down the unique character of Attitash, Cranmore, Wildcat, and Black Mountain — all located within minutes of North Conway — and explain how each mountain offers a completely different skiing experience. From Wildcat’s dramatic views across Tuckerman Ravine and serious vertical, to Cranmore’s deep history and sunny cruisers, to Attitash’s modern terrain mix and Black Mountain’s late-season revival, this episode delivers a true insider’s guide.

You’ll also hear about the valley’s rich ski heritage, including the influence of Hannes Schneider, how New England terrain shapes strong skiers, where spring skiing shines, and why Mount Washington Valley continues to punch above its weight despite its compact size.

Whether you’re planning a New England ski trip, chasing spring turns, or just love ski towns with real character, this episode shows why Mount Washington Valley is more than a stop on the map — it’s a ski culture.

🎿 Listen now and discover one of the Northeast’s most iconic ski regions.
📍 Full episode notes and blog at wheretoski.org

Few ski resorts in Europe combine early-season glacier skiing, massive terrain, modern lifts, and a lively alpine town quite like Sölden, Austria. Located in the Ötztal Valley about 45 minutes west of Innsbruck, Sölden has grown from a quiet farming village into one of Austria’s most powerful and dependable ski destinations — without losing its mountainsoul.

In this episode of Where to Ski, host John Morgan is joined by Theresa Gstrein, a Tyrolean local who grew up just up the road from Sölden and now works there. Her perspective reveals why Sölden continues to attract everyone from first-day skiers to freeriders chasing deep days.

While Sölden isn't known as a freeride destination, locals know better. With terrain on all aspects of Gaislachkogl, snow sticks around long after storms pass. Sölden delivers unforgettable powder days — including deep, light snow that surprises visitors who underestimate Austria’s Alps.

Sölden is also friendly to intermediate skiers. Areas like Rotkoglijock feature wide,flowing runs perfect for easing back into ski season or spending full days exploring.

This town isn't just a ski area — it’s a full-energy alpine town. Once a sleepy village, it now features hotels, pensions, restaurants, and bars buzzing with energy. Après-ski here is solid, both on the mountain and in town, yet it remains optional rather than overwhelming.

From traditional huts serving Kaiserschmarrn and schnitzel to high-end dining at Ice Q — famously featured in a James Bond film — Sölden delivers a diverse food scene .

When to Ski Sölden - it has a long season

• October–November: Early glacier skiing, training atmosphere, quiet town
• December–January: Full mountain opens, holiday crowds possible
• February–March: Best balance of snow, sun, and coverage
• April–May: Spring skiing, long days, glacier laps

Early starts are key. As with many resorts, starting between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. often means empty slopes and perfect snow before crowds arrive.

A beautiful town and a beautiful valley with some great skiing, its worth the trip. Have a listen.