Utah

Off Peak Podcast Episode 5: Talking Current (and Far Future) Events

Sam and Nicole go into detail about what they learned after attending UDOT’s Little Cottonwood Canyon public access meeting this week. Later, the team discusses recently announced U.S. visa restrictions and how they may hurt the ski industry.

Off Peak Podcast Episode 6: Navigation

The team discusses the PeakRankings navigation score and hones in on two particularly egregious examples. Sam gives kudos to Vail Resorts for a recent resort upgrade. Nicole, George, and Sam share what they’re drinking.

Ikon Pass Prices Go up Tomorrow. Here’s What You Need to Know If You’re on the Fence.

With the deadline for Ikon’s lowest pass prices fast approaching, many are debating whether to pick up the pass for next season. Some are concerned the season may be cancelled, while others may want to know how the passes compare to similar Epic Pass products. In this piece, we’ll aim to shed light on both of these topics.

Why Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon Gondola—Or Any Traffic Relief Project—Won’t Be Coming Anytime Soon

Public opinion meetings this week made it clear that Little Cottonwood Canyon capacity improvements will take quite a while to materialize, and that the proposed gondola may not be the most practical option.

Vail Resorts Suspends Winter Operations at 2 of Its 3 Australian Resorts

Today, Vail Resorts announced it would be suspending operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, its two Australian resorts in the state of Victoria, just a few days after they opened for the season. These closures, which will last until at least August 19, come on the heels of a recent COVID-19 spike and subsequent stay-at-home orders issued by the state.

(Expired) $249 Cooper Season Pass with Partner Days

Colorado’s Cooper Ski Area has announced heavily discounted early-bird 2020-21 season pass prices. But for those primarily interested in the cheap access to partner resorts, the pass’s assurance policy is risky.

Eagle Point

Utah’s most remote ski area is also arguably its quirkiest, with some frustrating logistics but a unique, local feel that’s hard not to appreciate.

Brian Head

This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.

Sundance

This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.

Brighton

While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.

Solitude

The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.

Powder Mountain

This Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there.

Park City

This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.

Deer Valley

While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.

Snowbasin

Despite a lack of on-site lodging, this Utah resort stays competitive thanks to diverse hills, striking peaks, and top-of-the-line facilities.

Snowbird

It’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.

Alta

This Utah resort prohibits snowboarding and offers limited slopeside lodging, but it receives some of the best, most consistent snow anywhere in North America.