“News Flash” is FREESKIER’s online column designed to keep you up-to-date with snippets of outdoor news you need to know about. This article is published weekly on Wednesdays.
This Week’s Weather Forecast
Mild temperatures and weak storms forecasted for this week
After an exciting couple weeks the first half of January, OpenSnow is forecasting a relatively quiet week across North America this week. Warmer temperatures and weak-but-frequent storms are forecasted for all of the West and East this week.
This Week’s Top Headlines
Protect Our Winters welcomes Erin Sprauge as new CEO
With over 20 years of experience at opinion-leading and mission-driven brands, Erin Sprauge is just the right candidate to take Protect Our Winters to new (congressional) heights. POW is excited to have Sprague leading the charge in 2024.
Faction drops limited-edition Elisabeth Gerritzen Mana 3
To honor Swiss freeride skier Elisabeth Gerritzen and the success she has found in the world of freeride skiing, Faction has released a limited-edition Mana 3 EG ski. Featuring the magical artwork from Gerrtizen’s friend and doppelgänger, Flora Mottini, only 100 pairs of these skis are available. Head to factionskis.com to get your hands on a pair before they’re gone.
Tecnica launches new Zero G Tour series
Tecnica’s design and testing teams have worked tirelessly to revamp the Zero G Tour collection for a lighter, livelier, and more anatomically refined design, without sacrificing on fit or performance. The biggest highlight in the series? The all-new Tour Pro W women’s specific touring boot with an unparalleled 125 flex that caters equally to the up as the down.
Lucas Wachs joins the Blackcrows team head to toe
The Bend, Oregon-based freeride skier who has been synonymous with Lib Tech and Dakine for years and years is flying with a new flock in 2024. Blackcrows is excited to announce Lucas Wachs as the latest bird to join the team and we’re excited to see where this head-to-toe partnership goes.
Henrik Harlaut bids farewell to Oakley
After 15 years sporting the iconic O, Henrik Harlaut bids a heartfelt farewell to Oakley. We’re just as curious as you to see where the freeski king will land.
Wyoming’s Sleeping Giant Ski Resort announces it will not open at all this season
Located just outside of Yellowstone National Park, Sleeping Giant Ski Resort is disappointed to announce that it will not open this ski season. Due to lack of snow, the Wyoming ski area made the tough but responsible decision to abide by Mother Nature and postpone opening until next year.
Brighton Resort opens Milly Bowl with safety stipulations
In an effort to keep skiers and riders as safe as possible while simultaneously opening up more of the mountain to ride, Brighton Resort opened up Milly Bowl with the stipulation that everyone MUST be wearing a beacon, shovel and probe. After the inbounds tragedy at Palisades Tahoe earlier this month, the resort was taking no chances. Milly Bowl is now open to the public.
23 people rescued in Killington’s backcountry this past Saturday
In one of the biggest backcountry rescue efforts maybe ever, 23 people were safely extracted from the backcountry outside of Killington Resort on Saturday. After ducking the ropes in hopes of fresh tracks, this pack of nearly two dozen individuals required rescue from first responders amid a snow squall. One Killington employee has been fired for ducking the rope, it is still up to the resort whether or not they will revoke the passes of the other 22 skiers and riders. This is a friendly reminder that if you don’t know, DON’T GO.
What to Watch This Week
Full Circle is now on Netflix
The incredible Level 1 film documenting the parallel lives of Trevor Kennison and Barry Corbet is now available to stream on Netflix. Grab your tissues, this feature-length film will leave you empowered and inspired by Kennison and Corbet’s incredible perspectives on life.
Rewatch the entire Nendaz Backcountry Invitational
Watch the backcountry insanity all go down at the Nendaz Backcountry Invitational. From manicured jumps to natural cliffs and even rails, there’s a little bit of everything in this course for athletes to flex their creativity.
Mountain Hardwear presents: People Like Us
A film that celebrates healthy, thriving queer communities in non-urban environments and small town, People Like Us is not the average ski film.
