The 2012 Resort Guide

La Niña is knocking on the door once more. Resorts across the country are rolling out new terrain and amenities to welcome her—and you. We check in with 34 ski areas for the latest.

Death or Boredom

James Vlahos goes to school—in the powder-buried Tahoe backcountry—to report on the art and science of gauging risk.

Green Mountain Town

Vermont's Mad River Valley is home to Prius cars, Obama bumper stickers, and renewable energy believers. Why don't they want solar panels or wind turbines in their backyard? Ben Hewitt takes a look.

mtn gallery

Photographers Grant Gunderson, the flash master, and Lee Cohen, a painter with light, use different methods to deliver winter shots that quicken the pulse.

mtn report

Former news anchor Tom Brokaw shares his view of the world from a ranch in Montana. Also, a new ski area in Alaska, and making outdoor apparel in B.C.

mtn gear

The Swami's ski test extravaganza. After 56 inches of fresh snow and 366,000 of vertical feet, we share the 30 best skis. Head to toe, tip to tail—it's all here.

mtn lodges

Cool places to stay in the mountains. This month: Cardio paradise in Washington. Luxury in the Tetons. Ski retreats in Colorado.

mtn habitat

Affordable housing in a world-class resort town? It's happening in Whistler.

mtn advocate

Skiers and snowboarders are at the front lines of climate change. What can they do about it? We give the Mountain pulpit to Jeremy Jones, founder of Protect Our Winters.