West

Taos Kachina Peak is at 12,481 where the snow stays cold. Credit: Taos

A New Yorker Discovers New Mexico Resorts

A Veteran Skier Can’t Find Ice On His Visit To Taos, Angel Fire, Ski Santa Fe. The past three times I skied here in the East the skiing was good.  That means the trails were all skiable but every run you would encounter different conditions.  Most mornings after a cold night, you will find nice groomed corduroy which had set[Read More…]

by March 11, 2020 3 comments West
Chute 4 from the cornice. You ready? Credit: FeedTheHabit

The Daly Chutes At Deer Valley

[Editor Note: SeniorsSkiing.com is asking our readers to contribute to support our online magazine. Yes, we have grown in the number of subscribers and advertisers. But our expenses have also grown. You can help us defray some of these expenses by helping us out with a donation.] Support SeniorsSkiing.com by clicking here. ______________________________________________________ Want Steep? Chute 4 Has Steep. Deer[Read More…]

by February 24, 2020 0 comments West
Uncrowded Powder Mountain

Uncrowded Powder Mountain

[Editor Note: SeniorsSkiing.com is asking our readers to contribute to support our online magazine. Yes, we have grown in the number of subscribers and advertisers. But our expenses have also grown. You can help us defray some of these expenses by helping us out with a donation.] Support SeniorsSkiing.com by clicking here. ______________________________________________________ 500 Inches Of Snow, 8,000+ Acres, And[Read More…]

by February 5, 2020 9 comments West
Bear Valley Cross Country's Paul Petersen swigs water, something we should all remember to do.
Credit: Paul Petersen

Have You Been Drinking? It’s Time To Start!

Hydration and Stretching: Two Things You Must NEVER forget to do before you hit the slopes. If you’ve taken to heart the advice in a previous seniorssking.com article of Paul Petersen, president of Bear Valley Cross-Country in California, on the best way for seniors to get in shape for skiing, you’ve developed and faithfully followed a fitness regimen focusing on balance,[Read More…]

by January 27, 2020 0 comments Conditioning, West
Blue skies, top of the world at Deer Valley. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Deer Valley: Win-Win For Two Generations

Convincing Reasons Why Two Generations Love Deer Valley. We recently returned from our annual January family trip to Utah, with our 20-somethings joining us. Utah is currently experiencing record snowfall with more than 300 inches and more on the way. Aside from snow, here are reasons why two generations love Deer Valley, ranked consistently as one of the top ten[Read More…]

by January 27, 2020 6 comments Destinations, West
Alta's slopes are blooming!  Credit: Judy Calhoun

Alta’s Wild Flowers in Full Bloom

  Any one living in or visiting Salt Lake City can escape the heat and enjoy the remarkable wildflowers at Alta. Contributor Harriet Wllis reports that the Alta’s wildflowers are blooming like crazy right now. The meadows and slopes are like Persian carpets — covered with color!

by July 31, 2019 2 comments West
Riding the foothills of the Tucson Range. Credit: White Stallion Ranch

Non-Snow Activities: Dude Ranchin’

From Yodeling To Yippee-ing, Yvette Rides The Range.  I’m not sure if skiing gets you into shape for horseback riding or vice versa, but, yes, a lot of the same muscles are at play.  Either way, both take strong legs. I confirmed all of this at White Stallion Ranch just outside Tucson, AZ at the end of last ski season. [Read More…]

by June 27, 2019 1 comment West
Most of the trails at Snowbasin wind up at the Needles Gondola. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Snowbasin Goes Epic

Uncrowded, Beautiful Views, Variety Of Terrain, No Hotels. Older skiers would really like Snowbasin outside Ogden, UT. You have nearly 3,000 acres in which to avoid other skiers and 3,000 vertical feet to get some rhythm going. A remotish location keeps lines short midweek. Lifts whisk you up to the top of six scenic, craggy peaks: two high-speed gondolas, three[Read More…]

by April 16, 2019 2 comments West
First run of the day from the top of Lift 5. Credit: Marc Liebman

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Mammoth Update

Spring Skiing Paradise Editor Note: As of April 12, even more snow has fallen on the Sierra Nevada since this report was written. Mammoth is known for its late closings, generally after Memorial Day, but this year, closing is scheduled for July 4th!  On April 1st, the snow depth at the top of the 11,059 ft. mountain was a 230[Read More…]

by April 11, 2019 2 comments West, Resort Reviews
Spring Skiing And Gaping At Jackson Hole

Spring Skiing And Gaping At Jackson Hole

The First Week Of April Brings “Gapers” To JH And A Different Skiing Experience Editor Note: We are quite pleased when readers submit articles for publication in SeniorsSkiing.com.  David Barnes is a long-time reader who sent us this account of a yearly ritual at the venerable Jackson Hole.  Thanks David. Jackson Hole.  Two words that strike double-black-diamond terror in the[Read More…]

by April 11, 2019 0 comments West
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Silver Star Update

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Silver Star Update

I hadn’t been to Silver Star Mountain in probably two decades. I remembered a mellow, family resort with an Old West theme and very easy runs. Boy, has Silver Star in British Columbia, Canada’s interior grown up. Yes, the main street still has a bit of Old West, 1900s mining town vibe. But that’s where the original Silver Star ends.[Read More…]

by April 3, 2019 2 comments West, International
The parking lot is walled by snow. Where will they put the next storm's dump?  Credit: Harriet Wallis

A Banner Winter Through The Camera Of An Average Skier

Harriet’s Album Of Deep, Deep Snow Pics At Brighton. At my home resort Brighton, the snowfall has topped 500 inches—about 41 feet—and the snow keeps coming. Brighton is a down home, low key resort near Salt Lake City that’s favored by families and snowboarders. Plentiful snow is crucial because It’s our drinking water supply, and there have been several years[Read More…]

by April 1, 2019 7 comments West
June Mt has the views, plenty of groomed blues, and lots to choose. Credit: June Mt.

SeniorsSkiing Guide: June Is A Pleasant Surprise

In The Shadow Of Mammoth, June Mt. Features Dramatic Views. One of the most beautiful drives in ski country is from Carson City, NV down Rt 395 to Mammoth Lakes, CA.  Passing Mono Lake and making your way through the passes that are open in the winter yields some of the most breathtaking views in the country.  As we made[Read More…]

by March 18, 2019 2 comments West, Resort Reviews
Nice blue groomers as well as steep glades. Credit: Solitude

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Solitude

New England Trails With Western Snow. I love skiing Solitude Mountain Resort for its wide range of trails for all levels and ages of skiers ranging from wide-open trails to steep, narrow trails that remind me of skiing Stowe, Mad River Glen, and Sugarbush. All the parking is right out front of the Moonbeam Lodge or Solitude Village. Management loves[Read More…]

by March 16, 2019 2 comments West, Resort Reviews
DCIM/102MEDIA/DJI_0067.JPG

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Powderhorn Mountain Resort

The Grand Mesa in western Colorado is the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Six-thousand feet higher than surrounding terrain. In places, it ascends to 11,000’. You drive through high desert, ranchland, tiny villages. Then you climb to the heights of Powderhorn Mountain Resort.  Many of you have expressed interest in lesser-known ski areas. To those not in the neighborhood, Powderhorn qualifies[Read More…]

by March 4, 2019 1 comment West
Skiing off the top of Wolf Creek, with Alberta Peak in the distance. Credit: Samual Bricker courtesy of Wolf Creek Ski Area.

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Wolf Creek—The Snowiest Surprise

This Resort Has All The Characteristics Senior Skiers Love. It was a powder day at Colorado’s snowiest resort when we pulled in. Where were the crowds? Not here, they were in places like Aspen, Vail, and Winter Park. “There are maybe 500 people here,” said our shuttle driver. “Have fun!” Wolf Creek Ski Area is a delightful throwback situated on the[Read More…]

by February 25, 2019 1 comment Resort Reviews, West
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Steamboat

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Steamboat

At first glance, Steamboat is the ideal senior skier resort. It’s big. It’s predominantly intermediate. It’s anchored by a substantial town with hot springs, shops and many good restaurants. There are lodging options, galore. But Steamboat also has its challenges. If you’re not part of the IKON Pass, a day ticket can cost $129-159 (advance online). And reaching the lift[Read More…]

by February 13, 2019 5 comments Destinations, West
World Championships 101

World Championships 101

[Editor Note: As the new year begins, SeniorsSkiing.com is again asking our readers to contribute to support our online magazine. Yes, we have grown in the number of subscribers and advertisers. But our expenses have also grown. You can help us defray some of these expenses by helping us out with a donation.  This year, we have a mix of[Read More…]

by February 6, 2019 2 comments West
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Sundance

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Sundance

[Editor Note: As the new year begins, SeniorsSkiing.com is again asking our readers to contribute to support our online magazine. Yes, we have grown in the number of subscribers and advertisers. But our expenses have also grown. You can help us defray some of these expenses by helping us out with a donation.  This year, we have a mix of[Read More…]

by February 4, 2019 2 comments West
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Brian Head Resort

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Brian Head Resort

For a laid-back, inexpensive, Western ski vacation, perhaps with grandkids learning to ski or board, look into the southern comfort of Brian Head.

by January 22, 2019 2 comments West
Laying pipe with heavy equipment. A hot engine can quickly spark a blaze. Credit: Deer Valley

How Deer Valley Prepares For Worst Case Scenario: Wildfire

Fires continue to rage throughout the western states. It’s an annual phenomenon: drought, dry grass, tinder-dry forests killed by bark beetles. Lightning strikes. Human carelessness. Just one spark can set an entire mountain ablaze. For Deer Valley, it’s a normal summer. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the trails, and they dine outdoors on the patios. Aspen leaves ripple in the[Read More…]

by September 25, 2018 1 comment West
Climbing the Via Ferrata at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.Credit: Peter Morning, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Summer Adventures At Mammoth Mountain

Non-Snow Activities Make Mammoth A Family Summer Vacation Stop. Ok, picture yourself, flat on your belly in “Superman” position, hurtling in the air down a mountain at 60 mph. No wonder Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort calls this the Mega-Zip. It’s billed as the “most vertical in the USA” (some 2,100 feet from the top of the ski resort at 11,053[Read More…]

by July 18, 2018 0 comments West
Summer Trail Prep: How It’s Done

Summer Trail Prep: How It’s Done

What Happens When the Snow Disappears Along With The Crowds? Bet you’ve never thought about how your favorite ski runs get cared for when there’s no snow on the ground. Yes, they have to be prepped each summer. Seth Worthen, slopes manager at Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada, explained how his 11 person trail crew works. And it’s[Read More…]

by May 15, 2018 2 comments West
Snow cat groomer making the ski run smooth for skiers the next day. Sun Peaks Resort, BC.

Ridin’ With The Cats

What’s It Like To Groom Trails At Night? They come out at night and do their job. You can see their lights progressing across the ski slope and occasionally hear their roar. And the next morning, they’ve left this delicious set of corduroy tracks across the ski hill. I’d always wanted to go on-slope with a snowcat groomer. And so,[Read More…]

by April 9, 2018 2 comments West, International
Find the Bear. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Spring Is The Time To Play Games

Try This New Game: It’s A Cross Between Where’s Waldo And A Scavenger Hunt. I was skiing at Deer Valley, and I was taking photos. I’m always taking photos. It’s what I do. I never know when I’ll need a certain shot to illustrate a story. The next time I skied Deer Valley, I was with a friend. I showed[Read More…]

by April 2, 2018 1 comment West