Volume 41 Intro

When Dave and Jake Moe founded Powder magazine in 1972, they sought to create a medium where the passionate skier felt at home. It was a place for the core skier and reader to find fun and inspiration, with the best ski stories and photography from around the globe from the most authentic source. It changed skiing by not only causing dreams but giving reality to them as well. And it changed ski media, forcing journalists to find the real story and brands to progressively market to the legitimate skier. Powder skiing became real and Powder magazine was the conduit.

Now that the stunning 40th anniversary volume has come to a close, Powder remains that means of expression more than ever. During an incessant time of changing mediums, no other ski publication connects with their audience more than Powder. Those same stimulating stories and photos still inspire, yet more avenues to access this evolving content are available to the consumer with the message of the Moe's at the magazine's core.

From grandpa to grom, the Powder reader simply skis more than any other group of skier. On average, the varied Powder consumer—from weekend resort warrior, to night skiing terrain park hero, to multiday backcountry enthusiast—takes six destination ski trips a season. They anxiously wait for their new issue of Powder, devour its original written and photo contents, and then archive that issue for later reference and motivation to affirm…everything. This zealous faction trusts Powder to fulfill their habits—packing and repacking their ski bag—and dreams—planning next year's hut trip. A look at the Buyer's Guide Fantasy Draft, the monthly lineup of provocative editorial, or the Photo Annual reveals how they influence trends and demand and desire innovation. Why? Because this avid collection of skiers lives for the positive energy skiing provides.

For volume 41, a swell of excitement has surged through the Powder staff. The rolling topography of media has reinforced our beliefs and reignited our efforts to be the most reliable source for the sport and, most especially, the readers. In order to produce timeless content, we have to be progressive in our focus. But ultimately, we know that aside from the mountains, Powder is the place to fuel the fun of skiing.—John Stifter