Chris Benchetler's 2010 self edit. Pow, pillows, and more.

Gondy-access groomers vs heli-access spines--are they really all that different?

Whistler, BC -- Check the latest offering from Voleurz out of Whistler, "Look on the Bright Side". It's a ski/snowboard/skate flick, and features much of the Vernon crew featured in the current issue of The Ski Journal...

An inspiring short feature with Utah brothers Ian and Neil Provo cruising spines in the red rock canyonlands of Southern Utah.

This just arrived in my inbox:

"Few things get skiers and riders more excited than the words 'early opening,' which is why Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to announce that Whistler Mountain will open six days early, on Friday, November 19. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 25, Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day.

 'New snow and low freezing levels, along with the hard work of our mountain operations, grooming, and snowmaking teams mean we can open Whistler Mountain on Friday, November 19,' says Doug MacFarlane, mountain manager at Whistler Blackcomb. 'Though early season conditions will apply, having those first few turns of the season is a great feeling and we’re happy to make that happen for our guests six days earlier than planned.'

 Whistler Mountain will open on Friday, November 19 at 8:30am. Lift and terrain details will be announced early next week."

Expect early season (aka low tow-tide) conditions, but with more snow in the forecast, their should be pow to slash...watch Whistler-Blackcomb’s website for updates, and let La Niña begin.

Patagonia ambassador JD Hare climbs and skis a big line in BC's Tantalus Range: Alpha's Ivory Shoulder.

Mt Baker, WA (November 1, 2010) -- They couldn’t have timed it any better—as the annual Mount Baker Film Festival kicked off in downtown Bellingham, the first big storm of the season enveloped the upon upper reaches of Mt Baker Ski Area.