The COVID pandemic has some in the cross country ski industry projecting a coming boom similar to the bicycle industry, which saw such a surge of sales and activity last spring.

Pre-purchase requirements? Reservations? Social Distancing? The 2020-21 ski season is shaping up to be very unique as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues. As the industry's number one resource for snow conditions information, skiers will also be able to turn to SnoCountry.com for the industry’s most comprehensive COVID-19 mountain resort information for planning their on-snow adventures. 

Traditionally, the skis you want to carry you into and out of the isolated and unforgiving backcountry is not the pair with algae on it. Or in it.

Next door to Deer Valley, Extell Development is assembling what could become the country’s first new full-service resort in 40 years, despite the project’s enormous expense and a steady decline in ski and snowboard participation.

Many of us love the mountain lifestyle but doubt we can stay in the high country year-round and make a living beyond ski-bum subsistence. The answer? Go back to college.

A flurry of new considerations makes the decision a lot more complicated this year. Here’s everything you need to know.

It took less than a week after Vail Resorts announced its operating plans for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow and all its North American resorts  (including a new skiing-by-reservation system) for more of Vermont’s independents to come out with statements about their operations.

Granby Prentice Granby Holdings sent a letter to the roughly 800 owners of the property at the 5,000-acre Grand County ski and golf resort explaining it is terminating a 15-year deal with them.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has committed to removing “squaw” from its resort name. “Having our name be associated with pain and dehumanization is contrary to our goal of making the outdoors a welcoming space for all people,” said resort president and COO Ron Cohen in an email to patrons.

As summer draws to a close, Vermont ski areas are broadcasting high expectations for opening this winter. 

Vail Mountain will open on time, and with full terrain and lifts — conditions permitting, of course.

In a recent telephone interview, Vail Mountain Chief Operating Officer Beth Howard said operations this summer have given the company important insights in how to operate lifts, restaurants and other amenities safely as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Winter is the focus now, she said.

“Summer’s been great,” Howard said. “It’s terrific to be up and running … we’ve been pleased with how it’s going.”

 Read the full story at VailDaily.com

The Phillips Fire has now burned 2,121 acres north of Fairfield and passed through the heart of Soldier Mountain Ski Area in the process.

After Boston’s Snowbound Festival was officially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray Stenson’s plan went into action.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic raises questions about the upcoming ski season, Gore Mountain in Johnsburg is replacing two lifts to improve access to beginner and expert terrain.

Vail Resorts (VR) will not reopen lift operations for skiing and snowboarding in 2020 at Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia following the Victorian government’s introduction of Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria, which will be in place for six weeks.

Open Letter from Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz to Communities, Guests and Employees

Aspen Skiing Co.’s top official advised customers in a letter Tuesday to temper their expectations but not curb their enthusiasm for the 2020-21 ski season.

Schools in Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte are reporting record interest and enrollment as part-time residents relocate to their vacation homes and urban buyers flock to mountain retreats.

Mt Buller is pleased to confirm continued operations ensuring access to the ski area and lessons on an appropriate scale for as long as conditions permit.  

Lake Tahoe's Squaw Valley Ski Resort is considering changing its name to remove the word "squaw" — a derogatory term for Native American women — amid a national reckoning over racial injustice and inequality.