The powerful 1997-1998 El Niño brought warmth, rain, abbreviated operations, and lasting financial consequences to Mid-Atlantic ski areas. DCSki looks back at that difficult season, explores the financial risks of betting a year-round business on a few winter months, and considers whether the developing 2026-2027 El Niño might deliver rain, snow, or something in between.
From lift inspections and snowmaking repairs to trail maintenance and major construction projects, DCSki explores what happens at a Mid-Atlantic ski area during the quiet summer months.
Vail Resorts has begun selling 2026/27 Epic Pass products, introducing discounted pricing for skiers and riders ages 13–30 along with early-purchase perks.
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen continues his Going Further Afield series with a look at Bear Valley Mountain Resort, arguing that its strong snow, varied terrain, and lack of crowds make it one of the Cali Pass’s most overlooked values.
DCSki’s Editor doubled his ski days for the season with a quiet midweek visit to Whitetail Resort, finding empty slopes and a nostalgic return to familiar runs.
Seven Springs has won Ski Area Management Magazine’s 2026 I AM a Snowmaker contest, a fan-voted national recognition of snowmaking teams across North America.
Pennsylvania's Camelback Resort plans to extend its 2025/26 ski season with daily operations through April 12, 2026, followed by weekend skiing into the first weekend of May, conditions permitting.
Seven Springs is a finalist in Ski Area Management Magazine’s I AM a Snowmaker contest, a public-vote recognition program that also underscores the resort’s deep historical ties to modern snowmaking and HKD Snowmakers.
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen makes the case for regional passes like the Cali Pass by exploring Dodge Ridge, a mid-sized California ski area that offers varied terrain, manageable crowds, and strong value away from the mega-pass ecosystem.
Spencer Allen, who grew up joining his father and longtime DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen on "Going Further Afield" adventures, now travels the world skiing and documenting his journeys through a creatively edited YouTube channel.
Kevin Thomas describes how he built and operates a steep, high-speed rope tow and private ski area in Pennsylvania, relying entirely on natural snow, simple infrastructure, and years of hands-on experimentation.
With Massanutten and Spring Mountain installing Latitude 90 "snowmaking in a box" units, weather-independent snowmaking is emerging as a potential Mid-Atlantic tool for staying open during warm, fickle winters.
Seven Springs plans to replace its three-passenger fixed-grip Blitzen Lift with a new four-person fixed-grip chair ahead of the 2026/27 season, pending approvals.
