DECEMBER ISSUE OUT NOW

DECEMBER ISSUE OUT NOW
A deep look into the heart of skiing

As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes the coming of another winter—the season for our reason—Powder magazine rolls into the meat of its production cycle. And with the December issue dropping on newsstands today, the magazine presents readers the opportunity to look deep into the heart of our culture and industry. That is, if you can get past the cover, a Mattias Fredriksson shot featuring Henrik Windstedt exploding pillows in Japan.

Behind the main header on the cover—“Repossessed: How the Crash Gave us our Sport Back”—Powder analyzes and dissects the state of skiing, from personalities like Glen Plake, Ptor Spricenieks, and Tom Wallisch, to businesses like independent 4FRNT Skis, and resorts big and small.

Inside, go to La Grave, France, where associate editor John Stifter tags along with IFMGA guide Miles Smart and aspirant guide Liz Smart to assess the current state of Doug Coombs’ Steep Ski Camps. After Coombs died, in 2006, his signature camps fell on hard times. But the Smarts, through a passion for guiding and skiing, continue to build on it in pure Coombs style.

Then read about what Glen Plake has to say about “extreme skiing,” the new generation of pro skiers, and where skiing belongs in the action sports industry. As with all things Plake, this is an interview you don’t want to miss.

The headline feature belongs to senior editor Matt Hansen, who last spring embarked on a 1,000-mile road trip across the spine of the Rockies attempting to find out how ski resorts were faring in the economic crisis. What he found was both disturbing and enlightening, as ski resorts grappled with steep declines in skier days and real estate sales.

Plus, correspondent John C. Davies hits the road with Matt Sterbenz of 4FRNT Skis to find out how an independent ski company can thrive during such difficult times.

Then, just when you thought that skiing couldn’t possibly evolve any further, senior correspondent Hans Ludwig takes you to the ramparts of the Mammoth Unbound Terrain Park, where unspeakable hazards lurk in his quest for the next level of progression.

The December issue also includes Internet phenom Tom Wallisch, who describes his view of style and why he writes poetry and lands like a pimp. Learn what it feels like to ski naked, what the Jaded Local thinks about a certain female Stimulus Package, and what John Symms has to say about Tall Fleece.

So go get yourself some December. Deep looks, deep thoughts, and deep pow.