Brain Post: The Hidden Dangers of an Early Season Snowpack Have you ever wondered why avalanche forecasters get so worked up about early season snow? Those first few storms of the season might seem harmless enough, maybe just enough snow to cover the grass and get us dreaming about powder days ahead. But here’s the thing: these early season storms can set up the snowpack for instability that persists throughout […] Avalanche Clay Malott | November 7, 2024 1 Comment
How to Wax Your Skis In 4 Simple Steps As the snow starts to fall in the western United States, it might be a good time to discuss how best to wax your skis or snowboard. Don’t know how to take care of your equipment? Do your friends ski past you all the time? Do you feel like you aren’t gliding weightlessly across a white ocean? We’ve got you […] Brains Greg Obernesser | November 5, 2024 0 Comments
Embracing the Darkness in Longyearbyen, Norway, Where the Sun Won’t Shine Again Until March 8 On October 27, the last sunset was seen in Longyearbyen, Norway. Residents of the 2,400-resident town will not see a sunrise for another 132 days. Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement and is located on Spitsbergen island in the Svalbard archipelago. Each year, Longyearbyen experiences a polar night, much like UtqiaÄ¡vik (also known as Barrow), Alaska, does. While the true […] Brains Julia Schneemann | November 4, 2024 0 Comments
Where Do I Find the Snow? Using Meteorological Data to Find Fresh Powder Powder: the elusive holy grail of snowsports. Though it may seem hard to find, it isn’t if you know where to look. This article will outline the tools and knowledge you need to be a competent powder chaser. Note: techniques in this article are meant to be used within the patrolled ski area boundary. Backcountry use of these techniques may lead […] Brains Clay Malott | October 29, 2024 0 Comments
Did You Know There Used to Be an Unconventional Ski Area in the Suburbs of Atlanta, GA? For a few years in the late 1970s, Atlanta, Georgia, offered an unexpected twist for thrill-seekers: the Vinings Ridge Ski Area. Far from the powdery peaks of traditional ski resorts, Vinings Ridge operated on a synthetic surface due to the warm climate, making it a unique, year-round attraction. Related: The 5 Most Unique Ski and Snowboard Towns on The Planet […] Brains Brent Thomas | October 28, 2024 10 Comments
The 9 Most Stressful Things About Skiing and Snowboarding, According to SnowBrains Readers Skiing and snowboarding offer some of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences in the Great Outdoors. The thrill of carving through fresh powder, the rush of adrenaline as you navigate down the slopes, and the breathtaking mountain views makes the sport unforgettable. However, alongside the excitement comes a set of challenges that can turn up the stress levels. We asked […] Brains Brent Thomas | October 25, 2024 0 Comments
Is Your Car Ready for Winter? The leaves are turning yellow, snow is appearing on the mountain peaks, and the days are getting shorter, signaling that winter is approaching. Everyone is starting to think about the upcoming snowsport season, and you are probably starting to get your ski and snowboard gear ready. Now is also the perfect time to ensure your car is ready for winter, […] Brains Julia Schneemann | October 25, 2024 0 Comments
America’s Most Haunted Ski Town: Crested Butte, CO Crested Butte in Colorado is America’s Last Great Ski Town. It is also known for being the most haunted ski town in America. Crested Butte sits at 8,885 feet in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. The town was founded in 1880 as a coal mining town with a population of 400 people. Miners flocked to the area around 1860 before […] Brains Dominic Gawel | October 25, 2024 0 Comments