The Blog

Kevin Dennis

Is Skiing Dangerous?

March 15, 2024 We have been struck (shocked really) by several articles recently stressing that skiing is a dangerous sport. We would expect such sensationalism and slander from the New York Post or the National Enquirer. But these headlines have come from what we consider respectable publications – think Outside Magazine and The Atlantic. Yes, […]
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Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Jay Peak Resort - The Phoenix of the Ski Industry

March 8, 2024 Phoenix – “an immortal bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again.” We have written about Jay Peak before. (See our article from November 2022 on the sale of Jay Peak – Jay Peak Finally Sold). It remains one of our favorite ski resorts in North America. Tucked away in the […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

We Don't Need to Worry About Avalanches In-Bounds, Right?

March 6, 2024 Charlotte and I probably shouldn’t admit to this, but we love waking up to the sound of the Alta/Snowbird howitzers. While these big guns are being phased out (watch The Last Gunners for more on this), they are still relied on in an attempt to control avalanches in Little Cottonwood Canyon in […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

JaPow - Part 2

February 26, 2024 If you are reading this and failed (amazingly!) to read our first JaPow article then go into reverse and read it. It has the very original name of “JaPow.”  We left you hanging as we ventured north on the bullet train (why can’t we build bullet trains in the US?!?) to the […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

JaPow

We are lucky enough to ski Alta/Snowbird for much of the winter. Occasionally we look at conditions elsewhere in North America and wish we were there. But the consistency of the conditions, the terrain, the predictability of snowfall (average over 500 inches year) and the lightness of the snow in our part of Utah rarely […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Some Fun, Funny and Fascinating News From the Ski World

As you might suspect and as we imagine many of you do as well, we follow one zillion websites, media sources, etc. that cover and discuss the ski industry. Throughout the year we file away articles and releases that interest us, contain juicy information, or, in many cases, simply make us laugh. As I was […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Jackson and Powder Sell but Remain Independent. A Basin Not So Much.

We are long past the days when each ski area was its own independent entity. Some of us remember the days when each area had its own vibe and identity – some had their own color schemes, unique tickets and quirky features. But given the increased operating costs in running a ski area, particularly with […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Smuggs/Stowe - The Deal Nobody Knew About Isn't Happening

So imagine your favorite fiercely independent little coffee shop talking to Starbucks about selling out. Imagine your favorite fiercely independent little bookstore talking to Barnes and Noble about selling out. Shift to the ski industry…imagine Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont talking to Stowe Mountain Resort (aka Vail!) about connecting the two resorts with a lift?! […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Dear Valet Expands

Image: Rendering of the new base area. Credit: Deer Valley Ok, we can’t resist making fun of Deer Valley Resort (aka Dear Valet) in Utah.  Before we get to the latest news about this mega resort, we also can’t resist defending ourselves for making fun of the place. I will start with this…the first time […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Powder Mountain Going Private?!

Most of the powder that falls on our beloved slopes this year will be available to the public. BUT, in shocking news (at least for us ski nerds) Powder Mountain in Utah has announced that commencing next winter some of the lifts and terrain will be available only to its real estate investors. So, buy […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

New Fake Snow and New Ways to Get to It

We at conSKIerge generally do not post during the “off” season. Call us not true fanatics if you want, but there you have it. Yes, Charlotte and I do have some other interests that slightly distract us when we can’t ski. And isn’t there something about not being able to ski that makes the winter […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Toes Up and Relax those Hands!

While showing some folks around Alta in a wild snowstorm last year I was asked by one of the group what are the best ski tips I know of. This inquiring poor soul was under the mistaken impression that I could offer advice that would help them be a better skier. But it started me […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Santa - Where the Bleep is the Snow!?

We knew it would happen! Last winter saw western ski resorts get pummeled with snow and, although winter came late to the east, when it came it didn’t disappoint. This year thus far – not so much! Yes, we know it is very early in the season but we are a tad shocked at the […]
Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder