Featured Image: Brie Cooper | Skier: Beau-James Wells Day four of Level 1 SuperUnknown 21 was spent soaking up the sun in Mammoth’s Unbound South Park. Filled with anticipation for what the evening would bring, riders had been informed in the days prior that Sunday would be the optimal weather window for a sunset session in the Main Park. With the sun hanging low in the sky, the crew rallied to the front side of the mountain and hit the lift at 5:30pm to explore the multitude of new features that we had been erected for the session. The volcanic formations of the Minarets served as the backdr ..read more

The hips don’t lie. When notable philosopher Shakira sang out those words over a decade ago, she wasn’t referring to massive park builds high in the Swiss Alps. However, true wisdom is universal, so we’re going to count this one in her favor. At the 2024 Swatch Nines, the world’s largest and perhaps greatest hip was constructed. The Nines have gone through many naming iterations—Nine Knights, Nine Queens, Nine Royals and Audi Nines—but amidst the changes, an incredible event has remained, which pushes freeskiing to new heights each year. This time that isn’t just a metaphor. In “THIS IS IT,” w ..read more

Featured Image: Eric Hoffman | Skier: Parker White April 18, 2024, at Mammoth Mountain, was a day to remember—the first day of Level 1’s SuperUnknown 21 with a stellar list of pro riders and finalists that would give the 1992 NBA dream team a run for their money. Excitement and awe overtook the crew as they laid eyes on the private terrain park built for the event by the incredible team at Mammoth Unbound. The iconic Unbound pink rails shimmered in the California sunshine, and with minimal hesitation, skiers began to find their lines through the plethora of features. The talent was as strong ..read more

Featured Image: Eric Hoffman Spring is in the air and with it the commencement of the annual global talent search that is Level 1 SuperUnknown. From April 18-23, FREESKIER will be on scene at Mammoth Mountain, California. Sixteen finalists will battle for the throne, while over 40 pros cruise alongside a private park built by the top-tier shapers here at Mammoth Unbound. There are few things you can count on in life: death, taxes and Level 1 SuperUnknown. Every year for over two decades, the iconic Denver-based film production company has hosted a global call to action for up-and-coming skier ..read more

I love when ski films are able to elevate beyond the typical narrative, and often the best way to do that is by tying modern skiing into an aspect of pop culture—or in this case, historical culture. Through a stroke of creative genius combined with research and luck, “Space Craft” uncovers an uncanny parallel, utilizing unique historical 1960s space footage juxtaposed with some of the greatest freeskiing of the 21st century to bring a cool idea to life.  Every great ski flick has a story line, some banal, some legacy, others documentary in nature, some rely on pure stoke, others disruptio ..read more

Featured Image: Otto Solberg, Courtesy of Snowbird After over a half-century of service, the historic Wilbere lift at Snowbird, Utah, has been officially retired. If you’ve ever made turns at The Bird, chances are high that you’ve taken a ride on Wilbere. The lift, named after founder Ted Johnson’s wife and partner Wilma, has been a local staple since its original installation in 1971. Planted to the left of Gad Valley, Wilbere was the beginning spot for many ski careers in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The double seater serviced some of the more tame terrain at Snowbird but was affectionately kno ..read more

The 2024 Freeride World Tour (FWT) was perhaps the most freestyle-influenced year we’ve seen. Riders are bringing more and more ariels into the world of big mountain, and the combination is enhancing and progressing the sport of freeride as we know it. Some of these skiers, like Finn Bilous and Manon Loschi, bring a subtle yet undeniably excellent flair to their tricks, while others, such as Maxime Chabloz, are putting it all out there in huge attempts. This year, the FWT audience was showered in these types of “wtf did I just watch” moments. From Marcus Gogeun tossing a huge cork 7 in Georgia ..read more

All Images: Courtesy of Valle Nevado As one door closes, another opens. That quote was obviously said in reference to chasing eternal winter. As the North American season dwindles, snow in South America starts piling up. If spending your summer mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking doesn’t get you jazzed, screw it. Don’t spend your days dreaming of powder, go chase it down yonder. Not only is the snow worth traveling for, but the Andes are also a culturally vibrant area with delicious food (& wine), friendly locals and affordable lodging. First-timers—don’t let a foreign country intimi ..read more

Springtime in California just got better. We didn’t think it was possible, but it turns out it is. The fine folks at Jib League headed out to Sugar Bowl Resort for the first-ever Jib League American invasion. Joss Christensen, James Woods, Ferdi Dahl and the team put on an epic open jam session to decide who would make it to the finals and stay at Sugar Bowl for the following few days to continue competing. It was an event open to all levels and skiers. From spectators to riders, everyone there seemed to be enjoying the fiasco. Check out the full recap video from the crew below. This ain’t one ..read more

Featured Image – Ian Zinner, Courtesy of Arapahoe Basin | Words – Jordan Grant-Krenz As springtime rolls around, it can be easy to feel a bit melancholy when reminiscing on the season that has been. The snow begins to dissolve into the dirt, leaving behind a mix of emotions that are hard to label. A happiness for the new spring, yet a longing for cold days and deep snow. But what’s that? Ski season isn’t ending? That’s right, baby! Here at FREESKIER, we’re out to change your post-winter depression into springtime excitement. Trade in cold hands and a runny nose for live music, sunshine and hot ..read more