Pennsylvania's Seven Springs Mountain Resort was named the winner of Ski Area Management Magazine’s 2026 I AM a Snowmaker contest after public voting. The win is notable for Mid-Atlantic skiing and also reflects the resort’s long-standing ties to snowmaking history through Herman K. Dupré and the origins of HKD Snowmakers.
By M. Scott Smith | February 8, 2026 News
Pennsylvania's Camelback Resort has announced that it will run daily skiing and riding through April 12, 2026, then shift to weekend operations into the first weekend of May if conditions allow. The resort says the schedule would be its longest season on record, surpassing its previous latest closing date of April 9, 2009.
By M. Scott Smith | February 7, 2026 1 News
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen continues his Going Further Afield series with a look at Bear Valley Mountain Resort, one of the most under-the-radar members of the Cali Pass, arguing that its high-elevation snow and low crowds make it a compelling alternative to Tahoe’s busier hills. Drawing on the resort’s terrain pods, lift network, steeps (including Grizzly Bowl and the village-facing lines), and its boom-and-bust village history, Allen explains why Bear Valley “skis bigger” than expected and stands out as a quiet value play—especially with Powder Alliance access.
By Robbie Allen | February 3, 2026 1 Further Afield
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen continues his Going Further Afield series with a look at California's Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, part of the Cali Pass, arguing that smaller alliances can offer compelling alternatives to Epic and Ikon. Drawing on the resort’s history, terrain layout, snow conditions, and lift infrastructure, Allen highlights both what makes Dodge Ridge appealing and where it still shows its age. Photo provided by Dodge Ridge.
By Robbie Allen | January 24, 2026 Further Afield
Seven Springs has been named a finalist in Ski Area Management Magazine’s 11th annual I AM a Snowmaker contest, which recognizes snowmaking teams and is decided by public voting. The nomination also highlights Seven Springs’ deep ties to snowmaking history, from its first system installed in 1960 to innovations led by Herman K. Dupré that helped lay the groundwork for what became HKD Snowmakers. Voting is open through February 2, with the winner announced February 3.
By M. Scott Smith | January 22, 2026 Feature Story
In this Interview Series installment, we chat with Kevin Thomas to learn how he designed, built, and refined his own private rope-tow-served ski area in Pennsylvania. He breaks down how the lift works, what the steep terrain is like, and what it takes to keep the place skiable season to season—from trail work and simple grooming to day-to-day operations. Along the way, he reflects on the appeal of a stripped-down, back-to-basics approach after more than two decades of running his own ski hill.
By M. Scott Smith | January 16, 2026 2 Interview Series
A new category of "snowmaking in a box" equipment, led by systems like the Latitude 90, is designed to produce snow in conditions that would typically sideline traditional snowmaking. Massanutten is testing one on its tubing hill and Spring Mountain has installed two, offering early Mid-Atlantic examples of technology aimed at stabilizing operations during warm spells and fickle weather. While these systems are unlikely to replace conventional snowmaking across entire mountains, they could prove valuable as a targeted way to protect key terrain and revenue-critical periods when winter doesn't cooperate. Learn more in this feature story. Above: A Latitude 90 system was installed this year at Virginia's Massanutten Resort. (Photo by Massanutten Resort.)
By M. Scott Smith | December 27, 2025 2 Feature Story
Seven Springs plans to replace the three-person fixed-grip Blitzen Lift with a new four-person fixed-grip chair for the 2026/27 season, pending approvals. The resort says the project would improve reliability and increase uphill capacity by 33%, reducing time in line and getting guests more time on snow.
By M. Scott Smith | December 27, 2025 1 News
After an extended stretch of cold temperatures earlier this month, ski resorts across the Mid-Atlantic were able to make snow aggressively, building strong early-season base depths and opening expanding terrain. DCSki provides a comprehensive snapshot of current conditions across the region as resorts head into the end of December. Photo: Opening Day at Big Boulder, shot by Ella Muir.
By M. Scott Smith | December 18, 2025 News
Spencer Allen grew up joining his father, longtime DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen, on "Going Further Afield" adventures, developing an early appreciation for off-the-beaten-path mountains. Now in his twenties, he's traveling the world on his own, skiing everywhere from the Alps to Japan and Mauritania, and documenting his journeys through a creatively edited YouTube channel. In this interview, Spencer reflects on his skiing roots, recent global travels, and his evolving approach to storytelling.
By M. Scott Smith | December 8, 2025 2 Interview Series
Sustained cold temperatures have allowed Mid-Atlantic ski areas to ramp up snowmaking and begin opening for the 2025–26 winter season, with several resorts launching operations in the first week of December. Additional terrain and activities are expected to come online soon as snowmaking continues across the region. Above, an aerial view provided to DCSki by a skiing pilot shows snowmaking underway at Maryland's Wisp Resort on December 1.
By M. Scott Smith | December 4, 2025 4 Feature Story
Resorts across the Mid-Atlantic have spent the offseason upgrading snowmaking systems, expanding terrain, improving lifts, and refreshing guest facilities in preparation for the 2025–26 winter season. These enhancements aim to deliver more reliable early-season openings, improved snow quality, and a better overall experience for skiers, riders, and families. DCSki provides a summary of key enhancements across the region in this feature story.
By M. Scott Smith | December 2, 2025 Feature Story
Drawing from 58 consecutive winters on skis, Jim Kenney explores what it takes to sustain a lifelong passion for skiing -- balancing fitness, finances, and friendships with a dose of humility and humor. From cherry-picking sunny Utah spring days to embracing shorter ski sessions and age-based lift discounts, he outlines how older skiers can adapt while keeping the sport fun. His core advice: stay active, ski with friends, and make your own luck to keep the turns coming deep into retirement.
By Jim Kenney | November 12, 2025 Feature Story
An early-season cold snap brought the first real signs of winter to the Mid-Atlantic, covering higher elevations with natural snow and giving ski areas across West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania the chance to fire up their snowmaking systems. The drop in temperatures allowed resorts to run tests, train crews, and begin early preparations for the 2025 winter season. Some areas also saw natural snow, marking the region's first widespread taste of winter weather. Above, natural snow falls at Hidden Valley Resort. Photo by Heidi Lewis.
By M. Scott Smith | November 11, 2025 Feature Story
As part of his Going Further Afield series, Robbie Allen explores Eagle Point Resort in Utah's Tushar Mountains -- a once-abandoned ski area reborn under skier Shane Gadbaw's ownership. With 650 acres of terrain, backcountry access, and $35 lift tickets, the resort offers a laid-back, uncrowded alternative to Utah's high-profile ski destinations.
By Robbie Allen | November 3, 2025 2 Further Afield
For more than 30 years, DCSki has documented the stories of abandoned ski resorts across the Mid-Atlantic region through its Lost Areas archive, which features detailed histories and community recollections. Lost Areas was recently expanded to include additional areas in New Jersey, courtesy of reader Samuel F.
By M. Scott Smith | September 25, 2025 Feature Story
Positioned as an alternative to the mega passes, the Indy Pass -- good at small and mid-sized independent resorts -- is now back on sale, but only for a limited time. The Indy Pass now provides two lift tickets each at 271 resorts across 4 continents, including numerous areas in the Mid-Atlantic region.
By M. Scott Smith | August 28, 2025 2 News
Vail Resorts will introduce simplified "Friend Tickets" for the 2025-26 season, giving Epic Passholders six to ten discounted lift tickets -- each at 50% off -- to share with friends. The tickets can also be applied toward the purchase of a future Epic Pass, a move aimed at easing costs for newcomers and growing the sport's participant base.
By M. Scott Smith | August 12, 2025 1 News
When ski season ends, the call of the mountains doesn't fade -- it shifts seasons. Trading a tent for a cozy camper van, DCSki's Editor recently embarked on a scenic road trip from Maryland to Utah, capturing the beauty of the journey through photographs of national parks and wild landscapes.
By M. Scott Smith | June 2, 2025 9 Feature Story
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood had initially hoped for an adventurous 2024-2025 ski season across multiple destinations, including Europe and the American West, but shifting family plans and financial prudence led to a winter spent entirely at Timberline Mountain in West Virginia. Despite the change in plans, he enjoyed over 30 days of varied and satisfying skiing, appreciating the simplicity, affordability, and unpredictably dynamic conditions of a single-resort season.
By John Sherwood | May 28, 2025 3 Feature Story
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen explores how Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort is helping put Flagstaff on the map as an up-and-coming mountain town, with great skiing and a vibe reminiscent of early Boulder, Colorado. With this trip, Allen has now skied in 31 states, adding Arizona to his growing list of alpine adventures.
By Robbie Allen | April 14, 2025 2 Further Afield
Vail Resorts has opened early sales for its 2024-2025 Epic Passes, offering discounted access to its ski resorts with multiple pass options and perks like discounted lift tickets for friends.
By M. Scott Smith | March 14, 2025 News
James Chen, a longtime DCSki Columnist and Ski Patroller, reflects on his move to New England, his transition to patrolling at Ragged Mountain, and the New Hampshire resort's impressive glade skiing and welcoming community.
By James Chen | February 6, 2025 3 Firsthand Report
DCSki's Editor snuck away on Friday to spend a few hours skiing at Pennsylvania's Liberty Mountain Resort. He found perfect snow conditions to complement the beautiful pastoral views Liberty offers.
By M. Scott Smith | January 18, 2025 Firsthand Report
In DCSki's Interview Series, we take a look at interesting people who have a connection to the mountains. We recently interviewed Pete Tolsdorf, who created a resource called SkiTripPlanner.com that helps match skiers with the perfect resort.
By M. Scott Smith | January 16, 2025 2 Interview Series
DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham kicks off the season with a weekday trip to Whitetail Resort, enjoying perfect snow conditions, a nostalgic lift ride, and numerous runs, teaming up with a friend for an adventurous day. He provides this Firsthand Report.
By Matthew Graham | January 11, 2025 Firsthand Report
DCSki's Editor made his first local turns of the season at Whitetail Resort. Recent sub-freezing temperatures and natural snow have made Whitetail's slopes look and ski more like a western ski area. He describes his visit in this story.
By M. Scott Smith | January 9, 2025 3 Firsthand Report
Jim Kenney made his first turns of the season on January 5, 2025 at Canaan Valley Resort. He enjoyed a quiet and scenic day, taking advantage of light crowds and free skiing for those aged 70+. Jim checks in with this Firsthand Report.
By Jim Kenney | January 6, 2025 2 Firsthand Report
After years of warm winters hindering snowmaking and natural snowfall, Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are set for a turnaround in January 2025, with frigid temperatures, ample snowmaking opportunities, and an impending snowstorm promising exceptional skiing conditions. Above, Virginia's Omni Homestead Resort opens for the season on January 9, 2025.
By M. Scott Smith | January 5, 2025 News
The majority of ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region are now open for the 2024-2025 winter season, with a variety of trails available for early-season skiing and snowboarding. Additional resorts are set to open in the coming days, supported by snowmaking efforts and natural snowfall. Above, Pennsylvania's Roundtop Mountain began its 60th season on December 14, 2024. Photo provided by Haley Mowery / Roundtop Mountain.
By M. Scott Smith | December 16, 2024 News
