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.
By M. Scott Smith | July 18, 2026 1 Feature Story
Once the snow melts and the lifts stop spinning, many Mid-Atlantic ski areas become remarkably quiet. DCSki takes a behind-the-scenes look at the lift maintenance, snowmaking repairs, trail work, construction projects, and advance planning that prepare the mountain for another all-too-brief winter season.
By M. Scott Smith | July 17, 2026 Feature Story
After a long ski season, DCSki's Editor Scott traded snow for sun on a rare 14-night Southern Caribbean cruise featuring seven ports in seven days. It was a unique itinerary that offered a very different kind of off-season escape, and Scott captures the adventure in a cinematic video.
By M. Scott Smith | April 9, 2026 2 Feature Story
Vail Resorts has launched sales of its 2026/27 Epic Pass lineup, adding a new 20% discount on Epic and Epic Local Passes for skiers and riders ages 13–30. Early buyers will again receive up to 10 Epic Friend Tickets and eligible lift-ticket guests from this past season may receive additional savings toward next year’s pass.
By M. Scott Smith | March 12, 2026 News
Looking to double his ski days this winter (from one to two), DCSki’s Editor spent a peaceful midweek day at Whitetail Resort, where light crowds and smooth lift rides made for an unhurried outing. The visit offered a chance to revisit favorite trails, reflect on early skiing memories, and enjoy late-season conditions without the usual weekend bustle.
By M. Scott Smith | February 27, 2026 2 Firsthand Report
Indy Pass has added 16 new partner resorts for the 2026/27 season and lowered the price of its no-blackout Indy+ Pass to $399. Renewals for existing passholders opened February 25, with passes historically selling out quickly before moving to waitlist and public sales.
By M. Scott Smith | February 26, 2026 News
After a delayed start to the season, DCSki's Editor finally got back on snow with a quiet midweek visit to Liberty Mountain, finding the resort’s easygoing “vibe” fully intact. Liberty heads into the second half of February with great snow and 100% open terrain.
By M. Scott Smith | February 13, 2026 2 Firsthand Report
Pennsylvania's Seven Springs Mountain Resort was named the winner of Ski Area Management Magazine’s 2026 I AM a Snowmaker contest after public voting. The win is notable for Mid-Atlantic skiing and also reflects the resort’s long-standing ties to snowmaking history through Herman K. Dupré and the origins of HKD Snowmakers.
By M. Scott Smith | February 8, 2026 News
Pennsylvania's Camelback Resort has announced that it will run daily skiing and riding through April 12, 2026, then shift to weekend operations into the first weekend of May if conditions allow. The resort says the schedule would be its longest season on record, surpassing its previous latest closing date of April 9, 2009.
By M. Scott Smith | February 7, 2026 2 News
DCSki Columnist Robbie Allen continues his Going Further Afield series with a look at Bear Valley Mountain Resort, one of the most under-the-radar members of the Cali Pass, arguing that its high-elevation snow and low crowds make it a compelling alternative to Tahoe’s busier hills. Drawing on the resort’s terrain pods, lift network, steeps (including Grizzly Bowl and the village-facing lines), and its boom-and-bust village history, Allen explains why Bear Valley “skis bigger” than expected and stands out as a quiet value play—especially with Powder Alliance access.
By Robbie Allen | February 3, 2026 1 Further Afield
