You’ve made the exciting decision to embark on your first ski or snowboarding trip. Perhaps you're guiding friends or family new to the slopes and you want to make their experience smooth and enjoyable. While both sports promise fun and excitement, the question "is snowboarding or skiing easier?" becomes a pivotal point of consideration.   Is it easier to learn snowboarding for beginners?   Here is what you need to know about skiing and snowboarding when you are just getting started.   Equipment   Skiing   Skiing requires more equipment than snowboarding wh ..read more

On April 8th, 2024, the skies over North America will unveil a spectacle of cosmic proportions - a total solar eclipse. This rare event, where the moon completely blocks the sun, casting a shadow over the Earth, will capture the imaginations of people worldwide. A total eclipse is rare enough, but viewing an eclipse while skiing is an opportunity that may present just once in a lifetime. The last time that a total eclipse occurred over the United States during ski season was February of 1979 and the next is not forecasted to occur for 50+ years according to the NSO. Some skiers may remem ..read more

Sometimes you just need to seek out the most luxurious experience possible. In a long list of amazing places for luxury, Courchevel stands alone. Nestled in the Three Valleys region of the French Alps (Les Trois Vallées), Courchevel combines unparalleled skiing with unparalleled luxury. This doesn’t mean there aren't more affordable options in Courchevel; it’s not the Abu Dhabi F1 race. As far as French ski resorts go, Courchevel at any time of year is incredible, but Courchevel’s ski terrain is what keeps people coming back year after year. Here is everything you need to know about Courcheve ..read more

Sometimes you just need to seek out the most luxurious experience possible. In a long list of amazing places for luxury, Courchevel stands alone. Nestled in the Three Valleys region of the French Alps (Les Trois Vallées), Courchevel combines unparalleled skiing with unparalleled luxury. This doesn’t mean there aren't more affordable options in Courchevel; it’s not the Abu Dhabi F1 race. As far as French ski resorts go, Courchevel at any time of year is incredible, but Courchevel’s ski terrain is what keeps people coming back year after year. Here is everything you need to know about Courcheve ..read more

Wherever your ski travels take you, you’ll find yourself a mogul. You might even end up surrounded by them. Calling them bumps won't make them any smaller. Staring at them won’t help you get down. Keep your knees together (best you can) and tackle our list of the Top 10 Mogul Runs in North America. We dare you to try. Summary of our Top 10 Mogul Runs in North America (in order of Vertical Feet*): Click the trail name to jump to that section Kant Mak'M — Telluride, CO Chute 75 — Palisades Tahoe, CA Lone Pine — Mt Norquay, Alberta  Lookout — Stowe, VT Outerlimits — Killington, VT Out ..read more

We are stoked to share our favorite ideas for the skier or rider on your shopping list. We’ve included gifts priced as low as $21 along with our favorite ways to get ready for the season, top picks for essential gear, best ideas to stay warm, new ways to track your stats, upgrade your tech, and tools to recover. These items were independently chosen by The Avant Ski Contributors. Avant Ski LLC may earn a commission on purchases through these links. Get Stoked 100 Slopes of a Lifetime: The Worlds Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Destinations. Amp up the stoke and find breathtaking ski runs to inspi ..read more

Sometimes, you need to protect yourself from the wind, rain, and various elements you might find skiing, and sometimes, you need to go unnoticed. For either activity, one of the most crucial pieces of attire will be a ski mask or, to be more specific, a balaclava. Not only will one help you ski in extreme conditions, but it can prevent facial and bodily damage down the line. It's particularly useful in places that exist in a deep freeze, like A-Basin, Big Sky, and Stowe. If you want to find out why covering your entire face or your entire head in cold conditions might be worthwhile, read on ..read more

Regardless of your desire to ski, Japan is one of the top travel destinations in the world. With unimaginable craftsmanship, some of the best food this world has ever seen, and a history and culture that spans millennia, Japan should be at the top of everyone's travel list. What Japan also has, and what many will attest to, is perhaps the absolute best skiing in the world (Definitely in Asia!). When the gods of the sky decide on who gets snow, what many mere mortals fail to understand is that Japan pours snow! Certain geographical features and weather patterns cause Japan to have arguably the ..read more

Several Avant Ski contributors have home bases in Southern VT. They've put their heads together to share our go-to ski shops in the Golden Triangle – Stratton, Magic Mountain, and Bromley and Mt. Snow. New gear, tune-ups or rentals...we have you covered. ,> Explore ski resorts in Vermont Equipe Sport (802) 297-2847 | equipesport.com Best for Convenience and Selection. With four locations in Southern Vermont, Equipe Sport is dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast. Their flagship store is located minutes from Stratton's Base in Rawsonville (Junction of Route 30 and Route 100). The Stratton Vill ..read more

Although most famous for its resort skiing, Aspen Snowmass and the surrounding area are some of the most pristine nature not just in the Rocky Mountain West but all of North America. There is something special about Colorado: the culture, the music, the people, and the way nature and the outdoors influence life. Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley are the heart of Colorado's culture, and there is plenty to soak in. What are Some Things to do in Aspen Snowmass and the Surrounding Area? Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley encompass a huge swathe of land with many different things to do. We have com ..read more