Cali Pass

Are Vail Resorts Mountains Really Struggling to Open their Terrain? We Took a Look.

In recent days, Vail Resorts has come under fire for not opening terrain fast enough at several resorts. Given the gravity of these claims, we’ve decided to investigate whether Vail Resorts has really struggled to match its competitors’ terrain offerings—and if so, how far they are lagging behind.

Initial Impressions: Lake Louise

We visited this Banff SkiBig3 resort to get some powdery early-season turns in, but the extraordinarily frigid temperatures caught us off guard.

A Comprehensive Tour of the Mount Rose Chutes

A comprehensive video tour of the Chutes at Mount Rose, including Cutthroat, Hornet's Nest, El Cap, and Yellow Jacket. These runs range from advanced to expert, and the toughest pitches are riddled with steep fall lines, natural obstacles, and high-consequence drops.

A Run Down the Extraordinary Mount Hood Meadows Super Bowl

A run down the expert Super Bowl zone at Oregon’s Mount Hood Meadows. This high-alpine area is rarely open and takes more than an hour of hiking to reach.

Mount Bachelor’s Skyliner Lift Suspended for Remainder of 2021-22 Season

Beginner, intermediate, and freestyle offerings are impacted as a result.

Ikon Adds Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and Chamonix for 2022-23, Drops Alta and Deer Valley from Base Pass

The company is also dropping unlimited Crystal access from the full Ikon Pass and expanding its Session Pass with two and three-day offerings.

Dodge Ridge

The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.

China Peak

While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.

Bear Valley

This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.