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Category: Ski Stories

A Weekend Trip to Alaska: Touring the Turnagain Pass

A Weekend Trip to Alaska: Touring the Turnagain Pass

After spending the last few weeks debuting ski reviews for 2020 skis, we thought we'd switch things up a bit and instead share an article that exemplifies our mantra, "Gear for Skiers, by Skiers." This week, we bring you a trip report from our very own Jake Inger who recently did something only a skier would be crazy enough to do: fly to Alaska for a weekend trip. In his report, Jake recaps the events of three days of skiing in a row, through conditions that varied greatly. From sub-zero to above freezing days in the Alaskan backcountry, and night skiing at Alyeska Resort, this trip report covers as much as it possible could in a 3 day trip. But don't take our word for it, click through to read more!

Behind the Scenes: A Recap of the 1st Annual SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

Behind the Scenes of the 1st Annual SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

Last April we invited dozens of ski testers as well as 14 brands to join us at Stowe Mountain Resort to take part in the 1st Annual SkiEssentials.com Ski Test. Despite battling less than ideal weather, we still managed to collect an incredible amount of data for over 120 different 2018 skis. At this point, you've probably already seen our 2018 Ski Test (if you haven't, you should check it out), and now we've decided to give you a glimpse of how it all went down. Take a look at our Behind the Scenes Recap of the 1st Annual SkiEssentials.com Ski Test!

Feeder Hill Highlights: Wachusett Mountain

Feeder Hill Highlights: Wachusett Mountain, MA

This week, our Feed Hill Highlights series continues with our spotlight of Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA. Situated roughly an hour away from three sizable metropolises, this feeder hill is one of the closest ski areas to nearly 8 million urban dwelling skiers. Mix that fact with great terrain, a strong race scene, and a family friendly atmosphere and you'll quickly realize that Wachusett isn't just another East Coast feeder hill, it's prototypical of the term itself. Needless to say, we're extremely excited to present, "Feeder Hill Highlight: Wachusett." Enjoy!

Ruin and Rose Movie Premier Recap

The SkiEssentials.com Ruin and Rose Ski Movie Premier Recap

A couple of weeks ago, SkiEssentials.com hosted our second annual premier of the latest Matchstick Productions movie. Just as in year one, the event took place at the historic Rusty Nail here in Stowe, VT, with proceeds benefiting our good friends at the High Five Foundation. We know that not all of you could be there and that you're probably feeling a bit left out, so don't worry! We've put together a recap of the event to let you experience what went down! Click through and enjoy!

Feeder Hill Highlights: Little Ski Hill

Feeder Hill Highlights: Little Ski Hill, ID

For the second installment of our Feeder Hill Highlights series, we metaphorically travel to McCall, Idaho, the home of Little Ski Hill. Measuring just 405' vertical, what this ski area lacks in height it more than maks up for in heart and service to the community. Between a vibrant after school program, multiple contest series, and a multimedia club for aspiring photographers and cinematographers, Little Ski Hill is way more than just a place to go up and down a hill. Don't take our word for it though, read all about it right here!

Undeterred Courage: An Interview with Roy Tuscany

Undeterred Courage: An Interview with the Founder of the High Fives Foundation, Roy Tuscany

Back in 2006, Roy Tuscany's life changed in an instant. After overshooting a jump in the terrain park at Mammoth Mountain, Roy crushed his T12 vertebra, leaving him paralyzed and unlikely to walk again. Since that day, his life has taken a dramatically different and more fulfilling direction as he's now the Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation- an organization that helps action sports athletes survive and conquer serious injuries. We recently had the chance to sit down with Roy for an interview, and we're extremely excited to share his insights with you. Give this one a read, and enjoy!

Feeder Hill Highlights: Snow Ridge Ski Area

Feeder Hill Highlights: Snow Ridge, NY

This week, we're very excited to bring you the first installment of a new series we're calling "Feeder Hill Highlights!" Over the course of the winter, we'll be sharing interviews with several small ski areas that are playing an exceptional role in creating a ski culture in their communities. First up: Snow Ridge Ski Area in Turin, NY- home to an average 230" of snow a year!

If Aliens Exist, Do They Ski?

If Aliens Exist, Do They Ski?

If you were to ask a scientist what drives them to find answers to life's mysteries, you'd probably hear words like, "curiosity" or "intrigue." If you ask a skier this question though, the answer is more likely to be, "boredom." Sheer, unadulterated boredom- typically induced by summer heat and delirium. Such was the case on a recent Wednesday when one of our staff writers found himself asking, "If aliens exist, do they ski?" While the rest of the Skiessentials crew initially expressed concern, the question ultimately resulted in a highly entertaining article detailing the quest for answers. Click through, and enjoy!

68 Days: A Story of Skiing's Life Changing Power

68 Days: A Story About Skiing's Life Changing Power

Some people might think it's weird to live in a ski town like Stowe, VT and not be an avid skier. Jasmine Bigelow didn't think so for 34 years. Then, a significant life event led to her giving the sport a try and it wasn't long before she fell in love with it. Jasmine's story is an awesome example of the transformative powers of skiing. If you're looking for a good read to pass some time during these warm summer days, check this one out!

Finding the Limits: Is Skiing Getting too Dangerous?

Finding the Limit: Is Skiing Getting too Dangerous?

Over the past handful of years, a number of professional skiers have lost their lives while participating in the sport they love. More often than not, these athletes were pushing their limits, trying to discover just how far they could go. This all too often occurrence begs the question, "Are we pushing the sport too far?" Considering the number of rotations in the average slopestyle run, and the level of consequence found in most ski movies, it's a fair question. At Skiessentials, we decided to dive in in an effort to get to the bottom of it. Click through to read our exploration of the question- you might be surprised by what we found.

First Decents- Part 1: Sniffin' Out the Suburbs

First Decents- Part 1: Sniffin' Out the Suburbs

It's never easy to pack up and leave the mountains you love behind. It's even harder when you've been living and cutting trails in the backcountry of Vermont for over a decade. But that's exactly what Brent Buckman did when he moved with his family to suburban Rochester, NY. Unable to shake his passion for skiing, he now hunts for skiable terrain wherever he can. Click through to read part 1 of his story!

The Forgotten Feeder Hills: Taking a Look at the Lifeblood of Skiing

The Forgotten Feeder Hills: Taking a Look at the Lifeblood of Skiing

In the world of skiing, the focus is always on the next big thing. Whether that means the hype around next year's breakthrough technology, or athletes pushing their limits on gnarly big mountain lines while filming their part. Typically overlooked though, are the hundreds of small "Feeder Hills" which quietly serve as gate keepers to the sport, ushering in thousands of new participants each year. This is their often forgotten story.