Editor's Picks #2: Top Ski News From Last Week

Who said skiing is just a winter sport? The temperature is cracking 90 degrees in ski towns across America, but the news cycle continues on.

In order to keep you informed, POWDER is dedicated to covering ski industry news, no matter the season. Without further ado, let's jump into our top stories from June 30-July 7, 2024.

5. What's Next for Maggie Voisin?

Story: What's Next for Maggie Voisin?

Synopsis: Maggie Voisin, the pride of Whitefish, Montana, is stepping down from competitive skiing after a successful, yet challenging career. POWDER writer Ella Boyd gets to the bottom of the decision, and exposes what Voisin is planning next.

Editor's Thoughts: The writing has been on the wall since Voisin made her debut as an X Games commentator at Aspen 2024, but it was sad (at first) to see one of my favorite skiers officially announce her retirement from competitive skiing. My mood shifted, however, after learning that Voisin is making the leap to big mountain skiing for film projects. I'll miss seeing her shredding pipes under the lights at Aspen, but Voisin's future is bright.

4. 16 New 'Avalanche Towers' are Coming to Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon

Story: 16 New 'Avalanche Towers' are Coming to Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon

Synopsis: Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon saw more road-closing avalanches during the Winter '22/'23 season than any in recorded history. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is hoping these new towers will alleviate inconveniences.

Editor's Thoughts: After this summer's project on Mt. Superior, Little Cottonwood Canyon will be littered with dozens of Wyssen Avalanche Towers. It's sad to see the end of the WWII Howitzer Artillery era, but here's hoping our friends in Utah benefit in terms of improved safety.

3. Bruce Oldham Is Trying To Do It All

Story: Bruce Oldham Is Trying To Do It All

Synopsis: Canadian professional freeskier Bruce Oldham is more than one of the world's best skiers. He's a fledgling MMA fighter, online coach, aspiring ultra-runner, and more. POWDER writer Ian Greenwood investigates how one man can have so much energy.

Editor's Thoughts: If nothing else, Bruce Oldham dispels the stereotype that all members of Gen Z are lazy. In fact, Oldham might be one of the hardest working professional skiers in the biz. His future could take a variety of twists and turns, but there's no doubt he'll have the work ethic and energy to make the most of it.

2. Fashion Mogul #4: Patriotism, or American Fashion-Lovers’ Lack Thereof

Story: Fashion Mogul #4: Patriotism, or American Fashion-Lovers’ Lack Thereof

Synopsis: POWDER writer Ella Boyd is hitting her stride in the fourth installment of her weekly column focused on ski fashion. This week's piece explores the contrast between American and Europeans, and how their respective tastes influence each other.

Editor's Thoughts: Hot Dogs. Beer. Mullets. Ella comes out swinging with a tasteful reflection on the absurdity of America, and how it bleeds into ski fashion. She makes intriguing connections as this story weaves its way through history. Tune in to POWDER each Sunday morning for a new edition of Ella's Fashion Mogul column.

1. Meet the Chairlift Buff Who Visited Every Ski Resort in North America

Story: Meet the Chairlift Buff Who Visited Every Ski Resort in North America

Synopsis: Lift Blog founder Peter Landsman has completed his mission to visit every active ski area/resort in North America. Landsman was surprised with a special bell from lift-maker Doppelmayr for the occasion, and POWDER writer Ian Greenwood leaped at the opportunity to tell the story.

Editor's Thoughts: Every skiing-obsessed kid dreams about traveling the world to ski dozens, if not hundreds of ski areas. Peter Landsman took that dream and made it a reality by visiting 750 ski areas across North America. His accomplishment, and continued pursuit of yet-to-be-built chairlifts, will be remembered for their historical significance for decades to come. Congrats, Peter!

Related: Editor's Picks #1: Top Ski News From Last Week

Check back in at powder.com each Monday morning for a new edition of Editor's Picks.

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