Brent Gardner discusses the challenging 2023 ski season, economic impacts on resorts, new pass options, gear maintenance tips, and future outlooks for skiing. Insights include the decline in skier visits, the rise of alternative passes, and strategies for gear care and season planning.

Key Topics

• Decline in skier visits and economic impact on resorts
• Introduction of new ski pass options and market competition
• Gear maintenance and storage tips for off-season
• Backcountry skiing safety and opportunities
• Future outlook for the ski industry and season planning
• Book review: Gnar Country by Steven Kotler.

• The unconventional ski season: record snow in Vermont and drought in Salt Lake City
• Brent’s personal journey back to skiing after 22 years
• The state of ski industry trends: pass pricing, resort innovations, and industry challenges
• The importance of gear, from boots to equipment choices, and their impact on performance and comfort
• The economics of skiing: cost versus value, affordability, and community building
• Future planning for the season: weather trends, summer maintenance, and insider tips
• Family and beginner-friendly resorts: making skiing accessible for all ages and budgets
• A preview of upcoming episodes focusing on gear, off-season activities, and guest interviews

• Substack
• Indie Pass
• Blister Gear Guide
• Epic Pass
• Ikon Pass

• Mountain Collective
• Snowbound Expo

• Twitter
• Podcast Website

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Launching a ski podcast end of season and why now00:30 - An upside-down season: record snow in Vermont, drought in Salt Lake City00:59 - Brent’s personal story: returning to skiing after 22 years01:52 - Exploring what’s missing in ski content and the goal of this podcast02:22 - Trends in ski industry pricing, resort solvency, and data-driven insights03:18 - Next season's weather outlook and ongoing summer tracking04:46 - West vs East season experiences and personal ski adventures05:16 - The impact of early season conditions and resort operations06:15 - The evolution of ski sales, expos, and the shift in gear availability06:44 - Moving the Snowbound Expo and its community significance08:11 - The importance of proper equipment: boots, gear, and performance09:10 - Innovations in ski boots: BOA systems and comfort-performance balance10:38 - How technology influences skiing efficiency and enjoyment11:08 - The true cost of skiing vs other hobbies, and its affordability today12:07 - Historical perspective on ski pass prices and current multi-resort options13:04 - Major pass programs: Epic, Icon, Mountain Collective, and Indie Pass14:04 - Exploring independent resorts like Bolton Valley and J Peak15:28 - The appeal of less crowded, traditional ski resorts and terrain diversity16:56 - Evaluating resorts: media, unseen factors, and family-friendly options17:24 - The importance of affordable lessons and encouraging new skiers18:23 - The future of the sport: investments in youth, community, and accessibility19:22 - Seasonal preparation, gear maintenance, and off-season activities20:19 - Future guests, community building, and episode plans20:43 - Closing remarks: the season's end, indoor skiing, and community encouragementResources & Links:Connect with Brent Gardner:Note: Stay tuned for upcoming episodes on ski gear, off-season prep, and interviews with industry insiders—designed to keep your passion for skiing alive year-round!