The Forum

wfyurasko highlights Capital Weather Gang’s weekly Mid-Atlantic ski forecast, including snow-starved resorts preparing to open as fresh snow and colder air arrive.

DCSki members debate whether snowboard leashes remain necessary, considering resort rules, runaway equipment risks, and how modern step-in bindings affect leash use.

HVdad’s winter-weather plea sparks debate over resort snowmaking, memories of poor season starts, and growing optimism for colder temperatures and snow.

DCSki members compare snowfall totals from the Jan. 3 storm, assess which ski areas benefited, and describe its serious impacts, including power outages and treacherous travel.

DCSki members debate Vail Resorts’ purchase of Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain, weighing Epic Pass value against concerns about corporate management, investment, and local character.

DCSki members discuss Timberline’s strong snowmaking and north-facing slopes, while noting how quickly warm weather can still reduce available terrain.

Kwillg6 describes the abandoned Job Knob ski resort proposal near Harmon, West Virginia, clarifying its relationship to Tory and Briar Patch Mountain and discussing other lost area developments.

Members discuss Massanutten’s difficult early season, including limited terrain, rain-related closures, snowmaking prospects, and comparisons with nearby resorts such as Bryce.

Bob highlights Summit County’s record COVID-19 transmission rate and shares a report on local health officials encouraging remote work.

Denis shares encouraging news after spinal stenosis surgery, reflecting on a three-year series of knee, hip, and back problems and hoping to return to skiing and other favorite activities.

ZARDOG outlines Roundtop’s upcoming improvements, including a new glade trail, expanded snowmaking, a relocated terrain park, and larger parking area, while a reply questions snowmaking capacity.

ZARDOG shares a wide-ranging worldwide ski industry survey, prompting comparisons of declining participation, rising costs, changing demographics, and ways families can keep skiing affordable.