Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Is in the Midst of a Liability Insurance Crisis
Earlier this year, Safehold Special Risk, a major insurer for ski resorts, announced it would no longer provide coverage in the state. The decision stems from Oregon’s legal climate, where liability waivers are largely unenforceable following a series of lawsuits, leaving businesses more exposed to lawsuits than in neighboring states. Read more at Snowbrains.
At Long Last, Deer Valley Expansion Is Ready To Be Tracked Up
Due to warm weather and ongoing construction, Deer Valley officials don’t expect to start operations until the week before Christmas. But when the ropes finally drop on the much-anticipated Mayflower expansion, seasoned Deer Valley skiers (no snowboarders) will find 2,900 acres of new terrain, 100 new trails, 10 new chairlifts and a 10-passenger gondola that expands the Utah resort’s footprint to 5,700 acres. Read more at SnoCountry.
Pacific Group Resorts (Pgr) Has Acquired Silverstar Mountain Resort in Vernon, British Columbia, From Powdr
PGR’s portfolio now includes six resorts after its acquisition of Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Colorado earlier this year and Jay Peak Resort in Vermont in 2022. SilverStar becomes by far PGR’s biggest ski area with 133 trails spread across 3,300 acres of skiable terrain served by 10 lifts. Read more at SAM.
Ragged Mountain NH Sold to Local Investor Group
SF Mountain Co., LLC (SFMC), a group of local investors with lifelong ties to Ragged Mountain, has acquired the ski area,which went on the market in March of this year. The group has pledged to keep Ragged affordable and rooted in community while investing in its future as a year-round mountain destination. Read more at SAM.
Mad River Glen Exercises Right to Buy 1,100 Acres Surrounding the Ski Area
The Mad River Glen co-op board of trustees voted unanimously to exercise its right of first refusal to acquire 1,100 acres of land that surrounds the existing ski area. The vote was triggered after a third party offered $2.5 million to buy the property from the current owner. Read more at SAM.
Wisconsin’s Whitecap Mountains Files for Bankruptcy
Whitecap Mountains Resort has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, a process that halts collection efforts as the resort negotiates with creditors. The petition follows several years of financial strain. Read more at SAM.
Shaun White’s The Snow League Sets New Standard
Crafted by Shaun White, the League is a new global halfpipe competition circuit that stands apart from existing competitions thanks to its unique bracket-style format and record-setting prize purse (the free ski prize purse alone is a staggering $580,000). Read more at Freeskier.
The 10 Best Ski Resorts of 2025, According to USA TODAY
USA TODAY assembled a panel of experts to nominate the top contenders, then readers across the country cast thousands of votes to crown their favorites. The result is a definitive list of 10 resorts that rise above the rest, whether for their vast acreage, historic character,family-focused amenities, or sheer ability to make every run unforgettable. Read more at Snowbrains.
Killington Commits $100K in Hurricane Relief for Jamaican Staff, Unveils New ‘Upward & Outward’ Initiative
Killington Resort / Pico Mountain has launched a new charitable and sustainability program, Upward & Outward, starting with a $100,000 commitment to support the resort’s Jamaican employees whose families were impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Read more at SAM.
Snowboarder Falls from Chairlift at Keystone Resort, CO
The 27-year-old snowboarder fell from the Montezuma Express chairlift at Keystone Resort, according to resort officials. Keystone Ski Patrol responded immediately, and the rider was transported to Keystone Medical Center for evaluation where he was treated for unspecified injuries. Read more at Snowbrains.
Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Deal with Resort, Averting Strike
The Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union (BSPU) and Vail Resorts reached a tentative agreement after a late-night bargaining session on Nov. 13 that ended a planned picket and replaced the patrol’s expiring contract. Read more at SAM.
Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Files Petition to Unionize
Ninety-three percent of eligible Jackson Hole Ski Patrol employees backed a petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board for a union representation election, according to a release from the patrol. If certified, the group would form the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Union under Communications Workers of America Local 7781, United Mountain Workers. Read more at SAM.
Snowbound and Snowvana Draw Good Crowds, Future Changes Ahead
The stalwart consumer ski and snowboard shows still play an important—and in some cases a growing—role in stoking excitement for winter sports in key markets of the country, and a handful of this year’s events reportedly did well in their current venues as relocation and expansion discussions are being had for 2026. Read more at SAM.
Source: “National Ski Council Federation Newsbeat” section of the December 2025 CSC President’s Update and January 2026 CSC President’s Update, created and shared by the Crescent Ski Council.