9 Ways Ski Resorting in the Alps is Different Than in North America This article is an edited version of an original piece that appeared on agingskibum.com and was written by Jamie Schectman. I have been incredibly lucky (and grateful) to have spent most of the past three ski seasons in the Alps. Maybe I’m still in the Honeymoon Phase, but not a day goes by when I don’t find myself inspired, taken […] Brains Guest Author | March 14, 2025 1 Comment
The 9 Most Challenging Ski Resorts in North America Some people love the steep and deep. The challenge of big vertical, black diamonds, moguls, cliffs, and glades. For advanced skiers looking for something formidable, this list of the most challenging resorts is for you. #9 Palisades Tahoe, CA Palisades Tahoe is known for its legendary terrain. Deep powder, steep chutes, and big bowls give advanced skiers plenty of challenge. […] Brains Brent Thomas | March 14, 2025 3 Comments
The 9 Sketchiest Ski Resort Access Roads in North America, According to SnowBrains Readers The drive to the mountain is an integral part of the ski day adventure, setting the tone for the excitement and anticipation that awaits on the slopes. However, reaching some of the best ski resorts often means navigating treacherous roads that can test even the most experienced drivers. From steep inclines and hairpin turns to icy surfaces and unexpected snowstorms, […] Brains Brent Thomas | March 8, 2025 4 Comments
What Separates a Double Black Diamond from a Black Diamond? In North America, the common metric for displaying terrain difficulty is by using a combination of colors and shapes. From easiest to most difficult the system goes green circle, blue square, black diamond, and double black diamond. Although there is a “common” method for trail rating, it’s important to note that there is no underlying organization that determines what each […] Brains Luke Guilford | March 5, 2025 3 Comments
A Skier’s Guide to Ski Length: How Long Should You Go? If you ask a ski shop employee, “How long should my skis be?” you’ll likely hear, “Somewhere between your chin and the top of your head.” As useful as that advice may sound, it does leave a range of about nine inches, which generally covers a range of ski lengths, depending on the brand. Generally, beginners should stick to the […] Brains Miles Nagel | March 3, 2025 1 Comment
Pre-Skiing Exercises That Can Make Your Day On The Mountain Better and Safer Hitting the slopes is something every skier or rider dreams of each season, and there are times when our bodies do not have the strength or stamina to stay out on the mountain as long as we want. It is the adage that our brains want us to do something, but our bodies tell us ‘N0.’ Every skier or rider […] Brains Gregg Frantz | March 3, 2025 0 Comments
Snowfall Extremes: Earth’s Deepest Winter Zones Snowfall enthusiasts often wonder where some of the highest average annual snowfall totals occur. A deep dive into the research reveals several fascinating locations, some of which may come as a surprise. Below is a list of five places that receive staggering amounts of snowfall each year. #5) Tug Hill, New York: 200 inches This plateau, located east of Lake […] Brains Matthew Oliphant | March 1, 2025 0 Comments
Why You Should Save Ski Patrol’s Number in Your Phone When Visiting a Resort In a recent conversation with our readers, we asked, “Do you put the ski patrol number in your phone when at a resort, just in case?” The question sparked 120 comments and over 150 reactions, with many good points discussed. Related: SnowBrains Podcast Ep. 77 | Stephanie Cox – CEO of the National Ski Patrol Overwhelmingly, the majority of responses […] Brains Brent Thomas | February 28, 2025 0 Comments