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Going Further Afield: Bear Valley, California

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.

Seven Springs Named Finalist in Ski Area Management’s “I Am A Snowmaker” Contest

Seven Springs is a finalist in Ski Area Management Magazine’s I AM a Snowmaker contest, a public-vote recognition program that also underscores the resort’s deep historical ties to modern snowmaking and HKD Snowmakers.

Interview Series: Kevin Thomas on the Mechanics and Mindset of a Backyard Ski Hill

Kevin Thomas describes how he built and operates a steep, high-speed rope tow and private ski area in Pennsylvania, relying entirely on natural snow, simple infrastructure, and years of hands-on experimentation.

Going Further Afield: Dodge Ridge, California

DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen makes the case for regional passes like the Cali Pass by exploring Dodge Ridge, a mid-sized California ski area that offers varied terrain, manageable crowds, and strong value away from the mega-pass ecosystem.

Interview Series: Spencer Allen, a World Traveler with a DCSki Connection

Spencer Allen, who grew up joining his father and longtime DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen on "Going Further Afield" adventures, now travels the world skiing and documenting his journeys through a creatively edited YouTube channel.

Snowmaking in a Box: Could Weather-Independent Snowmaking Change the Mid-Atlantic?

With Massanutten and Spring Mountain installing Latitude 90 "snowmaking in a box" units, weather-independent snowmaking is emerging as a potential Mid-Atlantic tool for staying open during warm, fickle winters.

Seven Springs Plans Blitzen Lift Replacement for 2026/27 Season

Seven Springs plans to replace its three-passenger fixed-grip Blitzen Lift with a new four-person fixed-grip chair ahead of the 2026/27 season, pending approvals.

A Snapshot of Mid-Atlantic Ski Conditions Heading Into Late December

A period of sustained cold weather has allowed Mid-Atlantic ski resorts to build solid snow bases and open substantial terrain as the region heads into late December.

Mid-Atlantic Ski Areas Accelerate Snowmaking as Early-Season Openings Roll Out

Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are capitalizing on sustained cold weather to fire up snowmaking and launch early-season operations, with multiple mountains opening in the first week of December and more terrain coming online as conditions allow.

Aging Into Skiing

Veteran skier Jim Kenney reflects on nearly six decades on snow, sharing practical lessons and personal insights on how seniors can keep skiing safely, affordably, and joyfully into their later years.

Early-Season Cold Snap Brings Snow and Snowmaking to the Mid-Atlantic

A sharp early-November cold snap brought natural snow and ideal snowmaking conditions to ski areas across West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, allowing many resorts to fire up their snowguns and begin early preparations for the 2025 winter season.

What’s New for 2025: Mid-Atlantic Ski Resorts

Mid-Atlantic ski resorts across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia have made significant snowmaking, terrain, infrastructure, and guest-service upgrades heading into the 2025–26 winter season.

Remembering the Slopes: How DCSki Keeps the Mid-Atlantic’s Lost Ski Hills Alive

DCSki's Lost Areas archive preserves the history and memories of over 120 defunct Mid-Atlantic ski hills.

Going Further Afield: Utah’s Eagle Point Resort - A Hidden Gem in the Middle of Nowhere.

Robbie Allen spotlights Eagle Point Resort, a remote and revitalized Utah ski area that delivers solitude, affordability, and authentic mountain charm far from the state's crowded mega-resorts.

Indy Pass Back on Sale for Limited Time

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.

Vail Resorts Adds Simplified Friend Ticket Perk to Epic Pass for 2025-26 Season

Vail Resorts is adding a new "Friend Ticket" perk to its Epic Pass for the 2025-26 season, offering passholders discounted lift tickets for friends in a bid to make skiing more accessible and attract new participants.

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