Chunks of snow continued to loosen with each waist-high trudge. Some 8,700 feet up, some steps caused tiny snow boulders to tumble down the untouched powder of this double-black diamond ski run.

COPPER MOUNTAIN – The hardy skiers shoulder their skis and wade into the waist-deep powder atop the steep Patrol Chute in Spaulding Bowl. Reed Ryan, the ski area’s snow safety boss, warns the crew of ...

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico is allowing folks to tap in for a bit of early season labor, and earn a pass from it. Some ski resorts, like Aspen Highlands, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and others, do ...