Peak Ski Company, established in 2022 by the legendary skier Bode Miller and his partner Andy Wirth, is making waves in the ski industry from its base in Bozeman, Montana. As a direct-to-consumer brand, Peak Ski Company specializes in high-performance skis, offering a diverse range of seven all-mountain and side-country skis designed to cater to various skiing preferences and styles.

In a move to attract more ski enthusiasts, the company has launched a special promotion valid until the end of December 2023. Customers who purchase a pair of Peak Skis along with bindings can save up to $500. For those who only need skis, there’s still a great deal: an automatic discount of $250 on the purchase of skis without bindings, provided the purchase is made before December 31, 2023.

Peak Ski Company stands out not just for its quality products but also for its innovative approach to ski manufacturing. Co-founders Miller and Wirth are committed to revolutionizing the industry by integrating advanced technology into their ski designs. Their focus is not only on enhancing performance and durability but also on sustainability. The company is pioneering the use of materials in ski construction that can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, thereby reducing environmental impact.

This forward-thinking approach extends to the design of their ski line as well. Each model in their range is crafted to provide an exceptional skiing experience, whether carving on groomed runs, tackling deep powder, or exploring the side-country. The versatility of their skis ensures that both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned pros can find a pair that suits their skiing style and preferences.

Peak Ski Company’s promotion offers a fantastic opportunity for ski enthusiasts to experience cutting-edge technology and sustainable design in their skiing gear. With significant savings available until the end of December 2023, it’s an opportune moment to invest in a pair of high-quality skis that promise both performance and environmental responsibility.

Check Out Peak Skis Here: Peak Ski Company

“I love everything about this proposal. This is exactly why we were created and is exactly our purpose.”-Mike Ostermiller, Utah Military Installation Development Authority board member.

It sounds like Sundance Mountain Resort will be getting a new hotel.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Sundance Mountain Resort plans to build a sixty-five-room inn. They applied for funding from Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), which helps with the development of land that benefits military members.

Yesterday, MIDA approved this proposal, meaning tax-payer money will be used to build the hotel, albeit not the whole $35 million price tag. The MIDA funds will be going towards “the hard costs associated with Sundance Inn construction.” As part of the deal, Sundance will be adding benefits to veterans. The lodging will be free for wounded veterans, and the building will be ADA-accessible. Sundance will also be creating a veteran’s program, allowing those who served a place to unwind and heal.

This isn’t the first time that the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) has been involved with a ski resort development. They’re developing the base village around what was known as Mayflower Resort. The terrain around this development will ultimately become part of Deer Valley Resort.

The $35 million hotel is a joint partnership between Sundance Mountain Resort and Utah County. This move is Sundance’s next step in becoming Utah’s next destination ski resort. Since Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners bought the ski resort from Robert Redford in 2020, they have spent millions to modernize the ski resort. This has included adding new chairlifts, a terrain expansion geared toward beginner and intermediate guests, and more.

The $35 million hotel will still need private investment to move forward, although that seems more likely with this news.

Image Credits: Sundance Mountain Resort

Can you guess what ski resort has the fastest chairlift in the state of Utah?

Despite the lack of ritz and glamour compared to its relatively nearby competitors, the answer is Brighton Resort. On December 8th, Brighton opened up the new Crest 6 chairlift. While I was in Utah for vacation, I decided to take the UTA Ski Bus up to Brighton to check the new Doppelmayr D-Line high-speed detachable six-pack chairlift out on its opening day.

Here’s what I liked about the chairlift: it’s fast, carries more riders, and is modern. The trip to the top only takes 5.3 minutes, an improvement compared to the former’s ride time of around 6.5 minutes. This thing feels like riding a roller coaster, dashing up the mountain. While this resulted in a cold ride up when I went, it’ll feel nice on those Spring days. It can carry 2400 guests per hour, an upgrade from the 1200-1400 people per hour that the Crest Express could carry. The chairlift also features innovative tech like a loading conveyer that’s easy to ride and a video board that displays various notifications.

I have one key problem with this new chairlift though: the journey to reach it from Milly is going to suck. You see, the old Crest Express had two loading mazes: one on the Milly Chalet, while the other was located next to the end of the Majestic Access trail.

With the lift shack now located on the side closest to the Majestic Access trail, there’s now only one lift maze area, which is right next to Molly Greens. In addition, to reach this trail from the Traverse, it appears as though there’s an incline under the lift line (pictured below). From what I saw, you’ll now need to garner a lot of speed to avoid skating across a little hill, and then skiing over to the lift maze.

Overall, the Crest 6 is an overdue replacement for the Crest Express, with modern technology and more capacity than its predecessor. However, reaching it from Milly is going to be a little bit more tricky for those who like to traverse between Brighton’s peaks.

Image Credits: Ian Wood

Wild video out of the highlands of Scotland where adventure photographer Dan Milner got a face full of wild stag during a trip to snap pics for the now defunct magazine Transworld Snowboarding around Cairngorm, The Lecht and Glencoe ski resorts back in March of 2011.

Dan got a puncture wound on his nose and scratch on his camera lens which ended up costing him £1,400. Dan had a sense of humor about the incident and posted this quote to his personal blog:

“You’d think I’d be braced for pretty much anything the weather can throw at me by now with 15 years of pro shooting in remote corners of the world tucked under my belt, but hey ho, Scotland was playing its joker when it came to photographer-bashing last week.”

Scottish stags, or red deer (Cervus elaphus), are iconic symbols of the Scottish Highlands, embodying the rugged and majestic beauty of the region. With their impressive antlers, these majestic creatures are a common sight in the expansive landscapes of Scotland. The stags play a central role in Scottish folklore and traditions, often symbolizing strength, resilience, and the untamed spirit of the Highlands.

During the autumn rutting season, male stags engage in fierce battles for dominance and mating rights. The haunting sound of their echoing roars fills the air as they establish their territories and compete for the attention of hind groups. The sight of a powerful stag silhouetted against the dramatic Scottish scenery is a testament to the wild and untamed nature of the Highlands.

Conservation efforts have been crucial in preserving the red deer population, balancing their presence with the delicate ecosystems of the Scottish landscape. These efforts contribute to the overall biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance of the region.

Encountering a Scottish stag in its natural habitat is a captivating experience, evoking a sense of awe and connecting visitors with the untamed spirit of the Scottish Highlands.

RELATED: Pissed Off Elk Smashes SUV Rear Window

Earlier this year, Alan Henceroth, who’s the Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin, asked the public for help in acquiring one of their old single chairs. A few weeks later, it was announced that someone stepped up to the plate, Yesterday, A-Basin announced that they now have one of their single chairs on public display.

This single chairlift, which serviced the upper mountain at Arapahoe Basin, was installed in 1946. The chairlift opened during the 1946-47 season, and it operated at Arapahoe Basin until around 1960. From there, it went to the now-defunct Fun Valley ski area in Lakewood, Colorado. One of the remaining chairs was passed around until it reached Rob Diehl’s house. This past fall, he sold it back to A-Basin, and it now hangs from the ceiling next to Marnie’s in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill.

Image Credits: Arapahoe Basin

“The Name a Snowplow Contest has been a great way to kick off our winter snow removal operations and to engage our residents in a fun activity. We look forward to seeing the winning names on the city’s snowplows during this winter season.” –Director of Public Works, Anush Nejad

If you like puns put on a party hat and pour a drink because The South Lake Tahoe “Name a Snowplow Contest” top ten names have been released and they are incredible. Residents were able to vote from a pool of 36 names for the snowplows over a 3 week period and 1000+ votes were cast. Here are the winners in order of most votes received:

1. The Big LePlowski

2. Plowy McPlowface

3. Scoop Dog

4. Snowbi Wan Kenobi

5. Darth Blader

6. Sled Zeppelin

7. Clearopathra

8. Sleetwood Mac

9. Austin Plowers

10. Snowbacca

Hard to choose which is the best but “Clearopathra” is next level clever. Love it. The names will be featured on decals this winter. Can’t wait to see them maintaining the roads with the new names!

Here’s a breakdown of the votes:

City of South Lake Tahoe tips for snowplow safety:

• Do not play on berms or sled down them. While we know it’s tempting to sled down these tall berms, please do not sled into the street. Snowplows and cars may not see you playing or be able to stop in time if you come flying down into the street on your sled. 

• Stay far away from the road when standing or playing outside. Our plow trucks are big, with blind spots, and a driver may not see you if you are standing too close to the road. A plow driver has low visibility as snow flies onto the windshield. This makes it hard for the driver to see anyone along the road. Plows can also throw large chunks of ice and snow as they pass and the flying debris could hurt you.

• Never tunnel or build forts in the snowbanks along the side of the road. Snowplow drivers will not see you if you have tunneled into a snowbank. If you’re in the tunnel, you could be “snowed in” when a truck plows next to you.

• Wear bright colors so that our drivers can see you better if you are outside. This one goes for adults as well when you are shoveling or snow blowing your driveway. 

• Please keep pets inside or on a leash if they are outdoors. A loose pet can quickly run into the street and a plow driver or car may not be able to stop in time to avoid running into them especially with ice buildup on roads.

images from abc7newsbayarea IG

“This world-class summit experience is now serviced by a modern tram that will open up possibilities never contemplated until now, in both winter and summer.” –Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort President & COO

The long awaited debut of Big Sky Ski Resort’s new Lone Peak Tram happened yesterday and its looks like there were a ton of happy campers on hand to christen it. Big Sky is celebrating their 50th year of operations and the new Tram is major feather in the cap of their improvement initiative dubbed “Big Sky 2025” which they are is a 10-year vision for “transforming the Big Sky experience from the moment you touch ground in Montana to the top of Lone Peak.”

The new tram is replacing a gondola built back in 1995 and now can shuttle more passengers up the 2,142 foot climb in just under 5 minutes.

BIG SKY, Mont. (December 19, 2023) – Exactly fifty years and four days from Big Sky Resort’s inaugural opening day in 1973, the new Lone Peak Tram began carrying guests to the resort’s 11,166-foot summit.  The Lone Peak Tram is an engineering marvel positioned to serve as a gateway to experience one of North America’s most spectacular summits on Lone Mountain. 

The new tram is a complete replacement of the original jig-back gondola built in 1995. This state-of-the-art aerial tram technology is newly routed to carry more passengers spaciously up 2,142 vertical feet in just under five minutes.  

“The original tram opened the high alpine terrain of Lone Mountain to skiers and riders, and the new tram is symbolic of the experiential transformation we are endeavoring to accomplish through our Big Sky 2025 vision. This world-class summit experience is now serviced by a modern tram that will open up possibilities never contemplated until now, in both winter and summer.” –Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort President & COO

After two years of construction and many more years of planning, the new Lone Peak Tram marks a significant milestone in the resort’s 50th year. It allows for completely new ways to enjoy skiing the mountain’s high alpine eastern and southern exposures, and will open up countless other experiences yet to be unveiled. 

The tram complex will evolve in the years ahead, with the addition of a breathtaking observation experience planned at the upper terminal in both the winter and summer season.  Plans for the tram also include an architecturally stunning lower terminal enclosure and a mountaintop food and beverage facility housed in the old top terminal of the original tram.  

The new Lone Peak Tram is part of a base-to-summit lift network that will more fully come to life by the end of the decade, starting with the addition of the Explorer Gondola, scheduled to open for winter 25/26.  This new lift network will create improved access to the resort’s premier learning terrain, accessible to pedestrians for the first time ever, and complemented with new food and beverage experiences. MORE INFO HERE.

RELATED: Big Sky Breaks Ground On Replacement Lone Peak Tram

images from Big Sky Facebook

On December 14, 2022, Thomas Elbrecht was backcountry skiing with his dog in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah when he heard 35-year-old Travis Haussener calling for help. A 200-foot wide, 2 foot-deep avalanche avalanche caught him, covering his everything but his head and one arm. Elbrecht heard the calls and found the man, helping to save his life.

Now Elbrecht, a Unified Fire Authority firefighter, is set to receive the Carnegie Medal, the highest honor for civilian heroism in North America. Each recipient will receive a financial grant, with nearly $45 million being given out since Andrew Carnegie established the Carnegie Hero Fund 119 years ago.

Upon hearing the calls, Elbrecht followed Haussener’s tracks to the bottom of the avalanche debris. He then hiked up to the man and managed to dig him out of the snow. Due to multiple major injuries, including a broken thighbone, Haussener was unable to return to safety, and Elbrecht couldn’t move him alone. Instead, Elbrecht called for the authorities and alerted them to his position, created a makeshift splint with a ski pole to stabilize Haussener’s leg, and built a small shelter to protect the injured man from the cold.

Over the next several hours, Elbrecht stayed with the injured Haussener. He kept the man dry and warm, swapping out wet clothes for dry spares. A responding rescue helicopter was unable to land because the slope was too steep and the trees were too dense, but a ground crew of two rescue personnel eventually found the duo. More than seven hours after initially being found, Haussener, with the help of Elbrecht, was moved to a toboggan, then to a snowmobile, and finally to an ambulance. Haussener spent several days in the hospital, but was okay in the long run.

It’s super awesome to see this kind of effort awarded. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s people like Thomas Elbrecht.

Related: Northern Escape Heli Skiing Awarded ‘World’s Best Heli Ski Operation’

Image Credit: Unified Fire Authority via Facebook

“Do a kickflip…like our ancestors.” –Tony Hawk

Did you know that kickflips predate ollies? Interesting bit of skateboard history delivered by the Birdman himself Mr. Tony Hawk. While this fascinating bit of chronology is technically true, the type of kickflip isn’t probably what you’d expect. Sick to see Tony pull off an old school flatland trick in the transition of his personal halfpipe. Thanks Tony!

p.s. you found out can actually get a personalized video from Tony Hawk on the Cameo platform for $199. 24-hour delivery…pretty sweet last minute Christmas gift. BUY HERE:

Professional skateboarder, videogame character, etc. Have phone, will Cameo. Hit me up for requests big, small or strange (cheaper if booked on cameo.com). Business Cameos for inter-company use only.

Guests at a Chinese ski resort recently went through a traumatizing experience.

The South China Morning Post reports that a chairlift stopped rapidly due to a malfunction, leading to the chairs rapidly swinging with passengers onboard. The ski resort wasn’t specified by the Post, but it’s located in western China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The resort was able to safely evacuate everyone that was on the chairlift. The ultimate cause of the malfunction was abnormally cold weather.

Image/Video Credits: South China Morning Post