Top Ski Stories From Last Week (September 9-September 15, 2024)

One day at a time. That's the only way a snow-starved skier can survive the purgatory that is Fall. In the meantime, to scratch that proverbial itch, take a look at the top ski stories from last week right here on POWDER Magazine .

5. Fresh Snow Blankets European Mountains With More on the Way

Story: Fresh Snow Blankets European Mountains With More on the Way

Synopsis: Many European mountain's first snowfalls of the Winter '24/'25 season ended up being much more than a light dusting. Peaks from Austria to Italy recorded dozens of inches in a rare and exciting September blizzard.

Editor's Thoughts: Did I try to avoid reading Ian's story about early-season dumps in Europe out a fear of FOMO (FO-FOMO, for those paying attention)? Well, yes, but my job as his editor eventually required me to look at the glorious pictures of deep snow accumulations and come to grips with my feelings. I want it to snow like that, here, in the United States of America, now. Soon enough, I guess...

4. Amie Engerbretson & Todd Ligare Explore Ski Portillo, Chile for POWDER Magazine

Story: Amie Engerbretson & Todd Ligare Explore Ski Portillo, Chile for POWDER Magazine

Synopsis: How does professional big mountain skiing power couple Amie Engerbretson and Todd Ligare experience at the iconic resort that is Ski Portillo, Chile? Thanks to a partnership with 5-hour ENERGY, you no longer have to wonder. Check out Amie and Todd's fantastic video by clicking the story link above.

Editor's Thoughts: FOMO. I have so much FOMO after watching Amie and Todd's jaunt around arguably one of the most scenic ski resorts on Earth. The sunshine, the soft snow, the friendly faces of guests and employees reveling in what Portillo has to offer... It all just seems perfect. Next summer... I'm making my first trip down to Ski Portillo next summer. Mark my words.

3. Webcam Captures California Ski Resort Being Engulfed by 40,000+ Acre Wildfire

Story: Webcam Captures California Ski Resort Being Engulfed by 40,000+ Acre Wildfire

Synopsis: A webcam captured the Bridge Fire reaching one of Mountain High Ski Resort's chairlifts on September 10, 2024. The blaze was devastating to a large area of Southern California, but despite the harrowing footage, Mountain High is relatively unscathed.

Editor's Thoughts: I had never seen a wildfire burn a chairlift, until the video from Mountain High surfaced last week. It was shocking to watch the flames explode in size as they neared the chair, and even more shocking to learn that the resort was mostly spared from the blaze. All of us here at POWDER are beyond happy that Mountain High is still standing.

2. Mammoth Mountain Reveals Plans for New Terrain Park Layout

Story: Mammoth Mountain Reveals Plans for New Terrain Park Layout

Synopsis: Mammoth's 'Unbound' terrain parks are amongst the best in the world, but they're going to look a bit different this season. POWDER writer Ian Greenwood spoke with Mammoth's Brand Content Manager Gabe Taylor about why the changes are occurring, and what park riders should be looking forward to as the season approaches. SPOILER: It's going to be sweet.

Editor's Thoughts: I'm not a park skier. Hell, I barely feel comfortable catching 2-3 feet of air on natural cliff features when the opportunity presents itself. With that said, I can confidently report that Mammoth Mountain has one of the best terrain parks in the country. Why should you believe me? Well, for one, I spent a day in late June of 2023 with Tom Wallisch and Jossi Wells as they took lap after lap down Unbound. They both continually expressed that Mammoth's park set ups are unmatched. Those endorsements were good enough for me, and I can't wait to see what the Unbound crew cooks up this upcoming season.

1. The Grim Reapers of Mad River Glen, Vermont

Story: The Grim Reapers of Mad River Glen, Vermont

Synopsis: Mad River Glen, one of only three ski resorts that bans snowboarding remaining in The United States, does just about everything differently . Including the method they've utilized since the late 1940s to cut back new growth on their steepest and gnarliest trails— scythes.

Editor's Thoughts: Speaking with Mad River Glen's Marketing & Events Manager Ry Young about Mow Crew, and writing the subsequent story, was one of the highlights of my week. I just need to get my ass up there next Fall to experience Mow Crew for myself. Watch out weeds, trees, and "woody growth", I'm going to start practicing my scythe swings ASAP.

Related: Top Ski Stories From Last Week (August 26-September 1, 2024)

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