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 8 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
An arctic air mass has brought ideal snowmaking conditions to the Mid-Atlantic, enabling resorts across the region to prepare for their winter season openings, with many planning to open in early December. Resorts like Seven Springs, Wisp, Snowshoe, and Timberline Mountain are leading the charge, while others are building their bases for upcoming announcements. Photo by Heidi Lews / Hidden Valley Resort.
By M. Scott Smith | December 1, 2024 2 News
Brian Head Resort, located at the southern end of Utah near stunning national parks like Zion and Bryce, offers a unique ski experience with its high base elevation of 9,600 feet, red rock vistas, and family-friendly atmosphere. While lacking the extensive infrastructure and nightlife of larger resorts, it makes up for it with affordable lift tickets, uncrowded slopes, and a relaxed vibe. Robbie Allen checks in with a Firsthand Report from Brian Head.
By Robbie Allen | November 23, 2024 1 Further Afield
Vail Resorts offers a variety of Epic Passes - providing unlimited, multi-day, or single-day skiing at ski resorts across the country - but the opportunity to buy one of these passes will soon come to an end when they go off sale on December 2, 2024.
By M. Scott Smith | November 22, 2024 News
For the past 75 years, the arrival of a new Warren Miller ski film has served as the unofficial announcement that winter is coming. Since 1949, these films have captured footage of thrilling ski lines, pristine powder, and the exhilarating beauty of the mountains. The latest film, 75, is being shown at locations in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
By M. Scott Smith | November 14, 2024 News
Jim Kenney first discovered DCSki.com 25 years ago, which quickly became not only a web site for him but also a community, leading to inspiration, camaraderie, and friendship with other skiing enthusiasts. In this story, Jim reflects on his 25-year journey with DCSki, describing family trips and retired adventures he's notched along the way.
By Jim Kenney | November 13, 2024 4 Feature Story
Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia is launching a two-year, multi-million dollar improvement project with USDA grant support, enhancing snowmaking, energy-efficient lighting, and guest amenities, while also introducing a new terrain park, remodeled dining options, and expanded clinics for the upcoming ski season.
By M. Scott Smith | November 12, 2024 2 What's New
The Indy Pass is back on sale with over 230 independent ski resorts across three continents, adding 30 new locations, including Bear Creek Resort in Pennsylvania. Offering skiers an alternative to larger corporate passes, the Indy Pass emphasizes smaller, local destinations and is expected to sell out quickly for the 2024-2025 winter season.
By M. Scott Smith | October 28, 2024 2 News
Seven Springs Mountain Resort has debuted an exhibit in its Main Lodge celebrating its history, featuring vintage artifacts and photos in partnership with the Pennsylvania Snowsports Museum and Vail Resorts. Showcasing its transformation from a family farm to a renowned Mid-Atlantic ski destination, the exhibit will be regularly updated with new displays.
By M. Scott Smith | October 27, 2024 2 News
Maryland's only downhill ski area has made a number of enhancements across the property in preparation for the upcoming ski season, including new snowmaking pipe and guns, a new conveyor lift for the tubing area, and upgrades to the lodge.
By M. Scott Smith | October 16, 2024 What's New
Whitetail Resort plans to auction off 30 vintage ski lift chairs and 17 trail signs on October 12-13, 2024, with proceeds benefiting the EpicPromise Foundation, which offers hardship relief grants and academic scholarships to Vail Resorts employees. The auction precedes the upcoming removal of the Jib Junction double chairlift, which has been out of service in recent years.
By M. Scott Smith | October 1, 2024 News
The Timberline Lodge ski area on Mt. Hood, Oregon, offers nearly year-round skiing, with summer camps and public skiing on the Palmer snowfield, providing hardcore skiers and aspiring athletes a unique opportunity to ski in July thanks to its high elevation and preserved snowpack. And DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen sampled the July goods firsthand.
By Robbie Allen | September 8, 2024 2 Further Afield
Vail Resorts is gearing up for the winter season by rolling out new programs and enhancements across its eight Pennsylvania ski areas, including expanded children's lessons, women-focused initiatives, and improved snowmaking capabilities. Photo by Haley Mowery, Roundtop Resort.
By M. Scott Smith | September 1, 2024 4 What's New
Blue Mountain and Camelback Resorts are preparing for the 2024-2025 winter season with notable upgrades, including the new Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass for unlimited access to both resorts. Blue Mountain is enhancing its snowmaking capabilities, while Camelback is focusing on tech-driven visitor experiences.
By M. Scott Smith | August 31, 2024 What's New
Lou Botta is making his way to every ski resort in New Hampshire. He provides this review of Waterville Valley, which he describes as a non-corporate ski resort with an enviable atmosphere, superb facilities, and a family environment.
By Lou Botta | August 2, 2024 Feature Story
Located in the scenic Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, Seven Springs Mountain Resort provides a wide range of summer activities, keeping the fun going long after the snow melts. Throughout the summer, Seven Springs will host several festivals, in addition to providing daily recreational opportunities from May 24 through Labor Day.
By M. Scott Smith | May 19, 2024 News
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and also the last day to lock in the lowest prices on Epic Passes for the 2024-2025 winter ski season.
By M. Scott Smith | May 18, 2024 1 News
Virginia's Massanutten Resort is currently offering ski, WaterPark, and mountain bike season passes, in addition to annual golf memberships. Ski season passes will go up in price after May 31, 2024, providing an incentive to buy early.
By M. Scott Smith | May 17, 2024 News
The snow may have melted, but Pennsylvania's Liberty Mountain Resort plans to stay busy through the summer season with a variety of on-mountain events including a wine festival and weekly music series.
By M. Scott Smith | May 16, 2024 News
