Skiing: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

POWDER Gear Editor Max Ritter's Predictions for 2026

I can't predict the future, but I have opinions on what we're going to be seeing next year in the wide world of skiing. Here they are. Ski boots are as good as they've ever been, but it's no secret that there's plenty of room for improvement.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Skier Front Flips Off One of Palisades Tahoe’s Most Feared Lines

How do you shake off the cobwebs when the ski season starts? I tend to make a few groomer laps. Then, after getting my ski boots under me, I might start venturing into tougher terrain. That approach, I assume, will look similar to most skiers.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

Whistler Officials Discover "Fraudulent" QR Codes In Parking Lots

Paid parking at ski areas has been a point of contention since resorts started implementing it. As if skiing wasn't expensive enough already, paying for parking has unfortunately become an expected part of the ski experience in many places.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

Telluride Resumes Snowmaking, Is Working To Reopen "As Soon as Possible"

The popular Colorado ski resort, Telluride, announced that it has resumed snowmaking efforts and is working on a plan to safely reopen as soon as possible amid a unionized ski patrol strike that began on December 27, at the height of the busy holiday season.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

Is Tecnica’s Upcoming “Decoy” Boot the Best Touring Boot Yet? Spy Shots Say Maybe

Backcountry touring boots have come a long way since the days of wearing leather boots and skiing on cable "Kandahar" bindings. Today, most manufacturers make some sort walkable/tourable boot that allows for more efficient and comfortable uphill travel–but there's a few boots that have really stood out in the crowd.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

Learning How To Ski as an Adult Was Scary, but I'm Forever Grateful

This story originally appeared in the print magazine POWDER 2026 Photo Annual. Copies are still available while supplies last. Click here to get yours.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

The Very Real Experience That is TELE COLO's Telemark Film 'worthless milk'

In a small co-working and event space, projected on a grubby screen, I’m watching a ski film. And my head snaps to attention with every mention therein of the word telemark.

Skiing News / Powder / December 30

Why Eileen Gu Won't Compete at the Next World Cup Stop

On December 28, 2025, freeskier Eileen Gu announced via Instagram Story that she would not be competing in the upcoming FIS World Cup competition in Calgary, which is slated to take place January 1-3, 2026.

Lindsey Vonn News / Powder / December 30

Lindsey Vonn Qualifies for Olympics—Why Her Comeback Is Such a Big Deal

Lindsey Vonn is no stranger to dazzling the world with her talent on skis. However, since her return to competitive ski racing last year, following a partial knee replacement, it seems Vonn's wow factor has increased even more.

Mikaela Shiffrin News / Powder / December 29

Mikaela Shiffrin Claims Sixth Straight Slalom Win, Calls Out "Not Safe" Course

In Semmering, Austria, American ski racing star Mikaela Shiffrin added to her slalom streak on Sunday, with her fifth consecutive win in the discipline since the World Cup season started. Across two runs, Shiffrin tallied a quicker time than Switzerland’s Camille Rast and Albania’s Lara Colturi.

Skiing News / Powder / December 29

Do You Wear a Ski Helmet? (Poll)

The ski helmet is a bundle of padding, plastic, straps, and buckles. At first glance, you might guess that it’s an unassuming, uncontroversial object. Guess again.

Skiing News / Powder / December 29

Telluride Ski Patrol Strike Continues, Resort Closed Indefinitely

The famed Colorado resort Telluride remains closed after its unionized ski patrollers went on strike amid contract negotiations in pursuit of improved wages, marking another dramatic chapter in the wave of union efforts at ski resorts across North America over the past year.

Mikaela Shiffrin News / Women's Sports on ClutchPoints / December 29

Mikaela Shiffrin wins 6th-straight World Cup slalom before 2026 Winter Olympic Games

Mikaela Shiffrin is making a dominant statement ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, coming from behind to win her sixth straight World Cup slalom race. The Alpine skiing legend finished her second run in 53.58 seconds, which gave her a total time of 1:48.82 and put her ahead of Switzerland’s Camille Rast by just 0.09 seconds.

Skiing News / Powder / December 29

Over 3,000 Skiers Told Us How Much They're Willing To Pay for a Lift Ticket

Lift tickets cost too much, at least that's what over 3,000 skiers told POWDER in last week's Weekly Poll. We asked: How Much Are You Willing To Pay for a Lift Ticket?

Skiing News / Powder / December 29

Mammoth Ski Patroller Dies From Injuries

Mammoth Mountain, California, confirmed on Sunday, December 28, 2025, that ski patroller Cole Murphy, 30, had passed away from injuries sustained in an avalanche.

Skiing News / Powder / December 29

Why the Moment Countach 104 Is My Go-To Ski for Less-Than-Perfect Days

Powder aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Moment has built a cult-like reputation over their twenty-plus year history.

Mikaela Shiffrin News / Total Apex Sports / December 29

39 Days Until The Winter Olympics: Mikaela Shiffrin Overcomes Brutal Course Conditions for Win 106

Even when the mountain fights back, Mikaela Shiffrin finds a way to conquer it. This past weekend, when nearly half the field failed to finish due to deteriorating snow conditions, the American superstar dug deep into her reservoir of talent to claim a gritty, come-from-behind victory in the night slalom.

Mikaela Shiffrin News / Field Level Media / December 28

Mikaela Shiffrin wins sixth consecutive World Cup slalom race

Mikaela Shiffrin put together a sparkling second run on Sunday to win her sixth consecutive World Cup slalom race. Shiffrin conquered the choppy course in Semmering, Austria, in 53.58 seconds for a total time of 1:48.82.

Skiing News / Powder / December 28

Want to Ring in 2026 With Pow Turns? Here's Where to Be

Maybe it's just us, but we can't think of a better way to end the year than a few pow turns and a fun night. Luckily, quite a few resorts have a good bit of snow in the forecast for New Year's, even after a slow start to the season.

Skiing News / Powder / December 26

These Indigenous Ski Films are Changing the Narrative

Every fall, beanie-clad skiers pack themselves into small theaters to watch the latest ski films premiere. But what rolls on screen hasn’t changed much over the years: Lots of pow slashes and heli bumps, paired with upbeat music and an often manufactured storyline.

Lindsey Vonn News / Last Word On Sports / December 23

Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Comeback: A Potential Ratings Lifeline for NBC’s 2026 Winter Games Coverage

As the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics approach in February, NBC executives have reason to celebrate: American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, has officially qualified for her fifth Olympic Games, delivering a compelling superstar storyline that could significantly boost viewership for the network’s broadcast.