Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 was ranked the best sports video game ever made by Bleacher Report.
Released on Sept. 19, 2000 for the original PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color, Pro Skater 2 predates the era of modern graphics and online multiplayer gameplay. It even predates the original Xbox.
Bleacher Report named the title No. 1 for its seamlessly meshed elements, from its elegant control scheme to its addicting gameplay to its legendary soundtrack. "In many ways, THPS2 brings together everything that makes the rest of the games on this list so great," they wrote.
The game also combined open-world exploration with goal-oriented sports gameplay. "The levels in THPS2 were huge and open to exploration, where working your way onto the roof of the School felt like you were actually skating outside of the level, getting a blissful few seconds to look down on the beauty that Neversoft had created before smashing back to the concrete," wrote a reviewer for EuroGamer. "We were going places we had never been before."
Like all the games in the Pro Skater series, Pro Skater 2's soundtrack was just as iconic as the game itself. Featuring bands like Papa Roach and Rage Against the Machine with that unmistakable late '90s rock sound, the music cultivated a vibe that made the game's world so immersive. "What game had the best soundtrack and why was it Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2?" one person asked on Reddit in 2023, cementing the soundtrack's staying power.
Some songs, like Papa Roach's "Blood Brothers," became big just from being featured in the game. In January, the band uploaded a video to Instagram of guitarist Jerry Horton playing the song on his couch while gameplay footage plays above his head. "Who discovered P Roach from playing [Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2]?" the caption read.
The World Baseball Classic keeps getting bigger, and according to Aaron Judge, the atmosphere might even top baseball’s biggest stage.
After Team USA edged out the Dominican Republic national baseball team in a dramatic 2-1 semifinal win, the American captain said the energy inside Miami’s loanDepot Park felt even more intense than the World Series.
“The World Series I was in, the crowd here, the crowd we had when we played against Mexico, it’s bigger and better than the World Series,” Judge said after Sunday’s game, per AP. “The passion that these fans have, representing their country, representing some of their favorite players, there’s nothing like it.”
The comment highlights just how massive the World Baseball Classic 2026 has become as international baseball continues to explode in popularity.
WBC Semifinal Delivers Star Power and High Drama
Sunday’s matchup was packed with star power. Lineups featured 17 All-Stars across the two teams, combining for 56 career All-Star selections, along with five MVP awards, a Cy Young winner, five Rookie of the Year awards, and three batting titles.
On the U.S. side, Judge was joined by stars like Bryce Harper, while the Dominican roster included heavy hitters such as Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr..
The Dominican Republic struck first when Junior Caminero launched a home run off Paul Skenes in the second inning, celebrating with a dramatic bat flip that energized the crowd.
Gunnar Henderson tied the game with a solo shot off Luis Severino, and moments later Roman Anthony gave Team USA the lead with another homer, this time off Gregory Soto.
For Anthony, the moment was especially surreal.
The 21-year-old outfielder revealed he actually attended the 2023 World Baseball Classic final in Miami as a fan.
The semifinal wasn’t just about power hitting — the defense was equally jaw-dropping.
In the third inning, Judge unleashed a 95.7 mph throw from right field to nail Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base. An inning later, he made a diving catch to rob Soto of a hit. Meanwhile, Julio Rodríguez kept the game close by making a highlight-reel grab at the center-field wall to steal what looked like a Judge home run.
“I was like, OK, maybe we got a shot here,” Judge recalled. “But hit it to a guy like J-Rod, who’s one of the best if not the best center fielder in the game, he’s going make exciting plays like that in big moments.”
Another defensive gem came from Bobby Witt Jr., who turned a slow grounder from Soto into a dazzling double play by sprinting across the infield, tagging second base, and firing to first.
Dominant Pitching Seals Team USA Win
Team USA’s bullpen ultimately slammed the door.
American relievers combined for 4⅔ scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Fireballer Mason Miller closed things out, topping 100 mph on multiple pitches.
The game ended with some drama, though. On a full count, Dominican hitter Geraldo Perdomo appeared to take ball four — but home plate umpire Cory Blaser emphatically called strike three to end the game.
“Just a game we’ll remember forever, right?” Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “We understood this was going to be a talked-about game, probably one of the most watched games of all time.”
Aaron Judge Looks Ahead to the World Baseball Classic Final
After the win, Judge addressed his teammates in the clubhouse and looked ahead to the World Baseball Classic championship game, where the U.S. will face either Venezuela national baseball team or Italy national baseball team.
With just hours to go before the 98th Academy Awards kick off, the Best Actor category is still the most contested race of the night—with two clear frontrunners.
While Timothée Chalamet started this year's awards season with a clear advantage over his competition, Sinners star Michael B. Jordan has entered the race at the final stretch and seems to be posing a legitimate threat.
Back in January, Chalamet picked up the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for his lead performance in Marty Supreme. In the film, Chalamet plays a narcissistic table tennis player looking to make quick cash to fund his travel to the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
The film had an enormous press tour and marketing campaign that was largely funded out of Chalamet's own pocket; this involved climbing the Empire State Building, releasing a cryptic dance video on Instagram, and teaming up with UK rapper Esdeekid for an original track.
It seemed like Chalamet was going to sweep his way to the Oscars, but he stumbled at the BAFTAs and lost Best Actor to Robert Aramayo for his lead performance in I Swear. This was a clear setback—but not necessarily lethal to his chances, as Aramayo isn't nominated at the Oscars.
The real blow to Chalamet's campaign arrived just a few weeks ago, when Michael B. Jordan picked up the SAG Actor Award—which is typically considered the most important precursor award for the Oscars' acting categories.
Sinners is experiencing a huge wave of late-stage momentum, with many experts now predicting that it will overtake One Battle After Another to win Best Picture. After all, it did break the record for the most Oscar nominations ever received by a single movie.
It's also important to note that Jordan isn't the only acting nomination that Sinners received: the film also picked up noms in Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku and Best Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo. In combination with the recent Best Ensemble victory at the SAG Awards, it seems like Sinners is picking up serious momentum in the acting categories.
Still, it's hard to deny that Chalamet is the most obvious choice in this category. He's picked up the most precursors, he's campaigned much louder and harder than his competitors, and he was a hair's breadth away from winning the same award at last year's ceremony. That loss will be fresh in voters' minds and could definitely sway them to vote in Chalamet's favor when the race is this close.
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Why We Love This Deal
Which retro-styled shoes typically go with just a number for a name? If you thought of New Balance, which produces shoes with names like 997, 9060, and T500, you were onto something. But don’t ignore this modern classic that Skechers is now selling for under $50 while you’re at it.
The Skechers S-1992 is currently discounted by 40% across several of its colorways at this time. It’s a shoe that anybody vibing with the current retro sneaker trend should take a look at. The sub-$50 pricing makes it a highly competitive shoe in the retro-styled market.
Best Use Case: This is a comfortable yet stylish retro sneaker made for all-day comfort.
Skechers has a long history of taking popular shoe styles (think high stack runners or On-style outsoles), creating its own take of it, and throwing in a comfy Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole for good measure.
It’s a winning pattern, and one the brand has honed in over its 34 years in business, starting all the way back in 1992, the year which this shoe is named for. We see clear Nike basketball shoe and New Balance influences in this shoe, but it's also a winner in its own right. Plus, it’s highly functional, with a thick one-inch heel height under the Skechers memory foam, you’re going to experience all-day comfort with this one.
One wearer called the shoes “extra comfortable” and said, “These are great to wear for work and leisure.”
Another shopper admitted to this being the first pair of shoes they’d received a compliment about. “Can be paired extremely well with most clothing, genuinely have gotten a compliment once while wearing them and it made me buy another pair.”
The Skechers S-1992 can now be yours for just $48 while this deal lasts.
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Why We Love This Deal
As a New Hampshire native, I’ve done a fair amount of hiking. In fact, I’m on a quest to summit every 4,000-foot mountain in the Granite State (of which there are 48). Over the course of my journey, I’ve learned that comfort is key, and that you shouldn’t skimp on it with your hiking boots. Thankfully, Nordstrom Rack will let you score some comfy Keen hiking shoes without breaking the bank, as they’re currently 46% off.
The Keen Hightrail Waterproof Mid Hiking Sneaker is on sale for $85, which is $75 off the original $160 price tag. These boots boast a perfect five-star rating at Nordstrom Rack and range in sizes from 7 to 15. And luckily for you, most of those sizes are well-stocked at the moment.
Although I’ve never hiked in Keens during my trek through the White Mountains, my father frequently has them on—even when there isn’t a mountain in sight. That’s because they emphasize comfort in all settings, and these Keen sneakers are no different. Their cushioned insole and impressive arch support will put you at ease no matter where you are.
And since they’re waterproof and employ a higher-traction rubber outsole, you’ll be set on the mountains too. Plus, they’re almost 50% off and if you tack on a smaller Nordstrom Rack purchase of at least $5, you’ll qualify for free shipping in the contiguous United States.
If you search for these exact hiking shoes elsewhere, you’ll find that they’re $140 on Amazon and at full price at REI. With that in mind, this is truly a great offer from Nordstrom Rack.
Whether you’re a novice hiker or a professional, these shoes are right for you. “These are great boots for hiking, on and off trail,” one shopper said. “I am a Search and Rescue K9 handler and always use Keens. I tried these and am in love because they are lightweight and provide great traction on a variety of different terrain.”
Another customer kept their five-star review simple. “Awesome shoes!” they exclaimed. “Super comfortable, great traction, and good support.”
Ranking The Sopranosby season is a tall order. The show, which aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007, was remarkably consistent in quality throughout its six-season run, with each season building on the one before it to create a cohesive mob-show masterpiece.
But if you must stack greatness up against greatness, there are slight differences in narrative impact from one chapter to the next that you can take into consideration. Here is TV Squad's best attempt at ranking The Sopranos seasons from excellent to exceptional.
'The Sopranos' Seasons Ranked
Season 6, Part 1
This installment focused heavily on Tony (James Gandolfini)'s near-death experience at the hands of Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), who shot him in a confused state after mistaking him for a home intruder. The shooting itself — and watching a fallen Tony reach for the phone in the kitchen — was a memorably heart-racing stretch of television. But the episodes that followed were much slower and more introspective than your typical Sopranos fare, with Tony in a coma, imagining himself as mild-mannered luggage salesman Kevin Finnerty. While some fans appreciated the show’s meditative left-turn, others found it to be too dull and artsy. Still, the experience set Tony up for a post-coma existential crisis, allowing the series to explore themes of mortality, identity, and loyalty. So, you know, it’s possible creator David Chase knew what he was doing.
Other standout storylines: Vito Spatafore (Joseph R. Gannascoli) was outed as gay — and ultimately, tragically, killed — and Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) went to prison, where he was diagnosed with cancer, leaving Phil Leotardo (Frank Vincent) in charge of the New York mob.
The main arc involved Tony B. (Steve Buscemi), Tony’s cousin, getting out of prison and killing Billy Leotardo (Chris Caldovino) from the New York mob after unsuccessfully trying to reinvent himself as a masseuse (lol). The storyline was important — it reignited key tensions between Jersey and New York — and the addition of Buscemi to the cast was more than welcome. But it made for another slow-burn season that was a touch less exciting than previous ones (and, yes, it included a dream sequence). Still, the conclusion to that central storyline — Tony killing Tony B. to appease New York — ultimately paid off.
The most consequential and devastating death of Season 5 came in the penultimate episode, though, when Silvio (Steven Van Zandt) killed Adriana (Drea de Matteo) for being an FBI informant after Christopher (Michael Imperioli) turned her in to Tony. It was a seismic event for the show, and one that arguably led to Christopher’s own offing down the road.
Season 1
The first season of The Sopranos was a groundbreaking piece of television — the start of a golden age of TV. Over the course of 13 episodes, viewers were introduced to Tony, a New Jersey mob boss suffering from panic attacks; his new psychiatrist, Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco); his morally conflicted wife, Carmela (Edie Falco); his spoiled kids; his ruthless crew, including his volatile nephew, Christopher; his easily threatened Uncle Junior; and his cruel mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand). By Episode 5, “College,” when Tony takes Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) on a college trip to Maine and murders an ex-mobster who turned FBI informant along the way, it was clear The Sopranos was unlike any show that had ever been on TV before. It’s only because the series just kept getting better that its first season sits here towards the bottom of the list.
Season 4
The fourth season saw Tony and Carmela’s relationship unravel as Carmela became increasingly dissatisfied by her emotionally hollow life and consumed by her attraction to Furio (Federico Castelluccio), which she revealed to Tony in a brutal confrontation that ended the season — and their marriage, at least temporarily (“I have been dreaming and fantasizing and in love with Furio”). On the crime front, Tony schemed to gain control of Junior’s finances during his RICO trial, and continued to clash with Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano), who first appeared in Season 3. In one of the series’s most shocking moments, Tony beat Ralph to death in a fit of rage after the suspicious death of his racehorse, Pie-O-My, who Tony believed Ralph had killed in a fire. Meanwhile, Christopher struggled with drug addiction, and Adriana started cooperating with the FBI.
By the end of the season, the family (both literal and criminal) was fractured, trust was eroding and Tony was more isolated than ever — setting the stage for the darker trajectory of the series’ final seasons.
The second season was every bit as intense and psychologically rich as the first, but the writing was even tighter, and the stakes were even higher. Viewers were introduced to Richie Aprile (David Proval), Jackie (Jason Cerbone)’s brother, who got out of jail and immediately challenged Tony’s authority, as well as Janice (Aida Turturro), Tony’s sister, who ultimately killed Richie, an impulsive move that ironically made Tony’s life easier.
Meanwhile, Tony suspected Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) was working as an FBI informant, a hunch that turned out to be true, and in a haunting scene, Tony, Paulie (Tony Sirico), and Silvio took Pussy on a boat and killed him — after one final toast. Pussy's death was one of the most emotionally complex and tragic killings in the series; it wasn’t just business, it was personal.
Season 3
By Season 3, The Sopranos had mastered its signature mix of psychological complexity, brutal violence, and dark humor, which is why Season 3 sits so close to the top spot. The season introduced Ralph Cifaretto, one of the show’s most volatile characters — its best "villain" — who beat a Bada Bing stripper to death because she teased him (meanwhile, she was pregnant with his child). Disgusted, Tony gave Ralph a savage beating himself, but he later made Ralph a capo because his earning potential was undeniable.
Other key plotlines: Dr. Melfi was brutally raped and forced to confront her own moral compass as she debated whether to tell Tony what happened, knowing full well he’d kill her attacker if she did. And Tony silently gave Ralph the go-ahead to put a hit on Jackie Aprile, Jr., despite having promised the young man's late father he’d look after him.
The third season of the show also featured the episode “Pine Barrens,” which was widely considered one of the best of the series.
Season 6, Part 2
The New Jersey/New York mob war escalated in spectacular fashion in the final run of the show, with death coming fast and furious on both sides. Bobby (Steve Schirripa) was killed. Silvio was ambushed and left in a coma. (Tony also murdered Christopher, which was devastating, but it wasn't related to the feud.) It seemed like the showdown was over after Tony ordered a hit on Phil Leotardo through the remaining New York leadership, but then the famous series finale arrived, and the show cut black just before viewers knew whether or not Tony got whacked at Holsten's diner. It was a controversial and divisive ending, but whether you loved or hated it, there was no denying that the final season of The Sopranos was bold and emotionally devastating — just like the show itself.
This is the year to level up your ski trip with a road trip around British Columbia’s aptly named Powder Highway. Along this 700-mile route, there are oodles of ways to experience some of the best snow in the world by skiing or snowboarding inbounds at seven incredible resorts, earning your turns with backcountry touring, taking a snowcat to untouched powder, and going big with a heli day deep in the Kootenay Mountains. I’ve visited more than 50 different ski resorts around North America and Europe and nothing tops the experience of riding the Powder Highway. Use my itinerary, which includes resort and backcountry intel, and the best restaurants, bars, hotels, and hot spring stops along the way, to plan your own epic adventure.
Start Steep at Fernie Alpine Resort
I started my trip with a flight into Calgary’s international airport, followed by three and a half hours of driving to Fernie Alpine Resort in Fernie, British Columbia. This is the longest driving section of the trip, which I did in the dark, and I felt every bit of it without the views of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains out the windows. The road is remote, and I realized I didn’t grab enough snacks near the airport before leaving civilization. Don't make my mistake—get fueled up for the drive. Exhausted, my husband and I pulled into Fernie, and all we could do was drag our gear inside and flop on the beds at Fernie 901. It can be tempting to hit the town, but you’d be wise to rest up—the five bowls of the resort demand your full attention and energy. Another great lodging option is Fernie Stanford Resort. All the action is on the mountain during the daytime and back in town in the evenings.
I hopped on the shuttle to the base to catch the first chair. From town and almost everywhere in the resort, there’s a view of the imposing headwall, a sheer cliff of rocks, ice, and snow that makes up the iconic backdrop of Fernie. I eased in with warmup laps through Siberia and Timber Bowls before grabbing a quick lunch on mountain at Lost Boys Café. Bears Den is another speedy option depending on where you end up in the middle of the day. The rest of the afternoon, I carved through the remaining bowls, finding pockets of snow from the previous day’s storm. Energy fully zapped, I headed to Griz Bar for après and an early dinner, where nachos and cold beer are a must.
Nied snowboarding at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Jennifer Nied
There are blue and black runs scattered throughout each of the five bowls, so a wide range of abilities can explore the far reaches of terrain, and you’ll likely find one or two that you prefer. On day two, my eyes were focused on the Polar Peak lift, and the 16 double black and six extreme triple black runs cascading from the top. I eagerly jumped aboard, only to start shaking immediately at the top. Only consider loading the lift in good visibility and soft snow conditions and if you can confidently hit runs like Knot Chutes (Timber Bowl Run #107) and the Saddles in Lizard Bowl (Runs #93 to #96). It’s okay if your skills aren’t quite up to Polar Peak, and you can watch from afar while skiing within your ability in less consequential terrain. Recover with a Spa 901 massage and hot tub soak after all those steep runs and a full dinner at Nevados right on the main street.
Cruise the Blues at Kimberley Alpine Resort
After I had my fill of Fernie, I drove one and half hours up to Kimberley, British Columbia, where I stayed at the resort's base at Trickle Creek Lodge, and dined at Pedal & Tap, where you can enjoy cedar plank salmon, fried spaghetti balls, and loaded fries with craft cocktails, local draft beer, and BC wines. I almost skipped the smaller, beginner-focused Kimberley Alpine Resort, but snow was falling, so I gave it shot. I was rewarded with lap after cruise-y lap of fresh tracks and a hearty lunch at Stemwinder Bar and Grill at the base. I left just enough time to stroll through the quirky town, popping into specialty shops for gear and souvenirs, cafes for coffee, and art galleries to fill the rest of the day.
Nied recommends stopping at Fairmont Hot Springs for a recovery soak.
Then, I hit the road again for another hour drive up to Fairmont Hot Springs, which is the largest natural mineral hot springs in Canada and also has a mini ski hill ideal for kids. No lifts for me—this overnight stop was all about soaking up the healing waters to help my legs recuperate and prep for the next big resort. The 102°F, 89°F, and 86°F water in the pools is completely odorless, and there was plenty of space to soak in peace and stare out at the mountains across the valley before heading to bed in the hotel next door.
Ride the Snowcat to Untouched Terrain at Panorama Mountain Resort
I set another early alarm to drive the remaining 45 minutes to Panorama, with time for a stop at the grocery store (Sobey’s) in Invermere to stock up the fridge in the village condo. You can stay at either Peaks Lodge or Summit Lodge, where all but The Approach Hotel includes a kitchen. I delayed breakfast and headed straight to the on-mountain Summit Hut for egg sandwiches and coffee. Fueled up, I had the full day to explore as much of the 3,000 acres of terrain as I could with a stop for traditional Swiss raclette midday at Elkhorn Cabin. I followed the sun as it moved across the slopes to snow softened to a playful, carve-able consistency. Soon, the lifts stopped and it was time for happy hour and a casual pizza dinner at Alto Kitchen and Bar at the base. A walk back to the condo isn’t complete without a stop at the Candy Cabin and a nostalgic sweet treat.
The Monster X Snowcat can take you to fresh snow at Panorama Mountain Resort.
Jennifer Nied
I woke up eager to get back on the mountain with a ticket to ride the Monster X Snowcat, which is a snow shuttle to double black diamond terrain and untouched turns in the 750 acres of previously heli-access-only runs in Taynton Bowl. Fueled by a breakfast burrito and latte from Fireside Café, I was ready to turn up the adrenaline. Hiking the same area is free, but the short ride saves your leg muscles for the steep downhill turns and natural features. The snow was so good, I hiked it two more times to savor the view and hunt down more powder stashes. While I was happy to add more miles to my board, Panorama is a great spot to trade skis for fat bikes at Nordic Centre at Greywolf. There are guided tours that take you to Hale Hut (two hours round trip) or Placer Hut (one hour round trip).
After a full day tearing up the bowl, I was craving a proper dinner of Canadian fare at Cliffhanger Restaurant (Note: It's only open Thursday through Sunday), which overlooks the Panorama Nordic Centre and Greywolf Golf Course. Start with a salad or chicken wings and move on to a burger, striploin steak, or seafood, with a local beer or classic cocktail to complement. Wiped out again, I opted for a dip in the hot pools and early bedtime to rest up for another morning of driving.
Hike and Heli Off-Piste At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Right in Golden, before the winding road to the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, there are delicious breakfast options, like Ethos Café or Bluebird Café. Kicking Horse is known as the “Champagne Powder Capital of Canada,” encompassing 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. There's one main gondola up the center of the resort and four lifts, but I found myself lapping one upper mountain lift (aptly named the Stairway to Heaven Chair) most of the day and hiking to reach the best snow and lines that feel like backcountry. I rested up with a midday meal at Eagle's Eye at the top of the gondola. Most noteworthy runs and lines require a hike (anywhere from a short stair climb to a lengthy and more technical route that involves scaling rocky ridges). The chutes and steep open bowls, where powder stashes last days after a storm, are well worth the extra effort. With one day done, I had barely scratched the surface of Kicking Horse.
Nied takes in the view at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Jennifer Nied
After the gondola stops spinning, Peaks Grill is an après magnet for skiers and riders with music on the lively patio, local beers, and bar fare. With a full belly, I settled in to one of the convenient condos at the base.
In the morning, I dipped into Double Black Café on the way to the gondola. As I headed up the mountain, I spotted Boo, the grizzly bear that lives in refuge below. With so much left to explore, I focused on lookers' right in the resort, tackling drops off Whitewall in Feuz Bowl, Ozone’s steep alpine face, and Rudi’s rugged glades. I warmed up with lunch at Heaven’s Door Yurt Café, and got back into the snow quick. If storms have been scarce, you'll want to head the other direction to tackle T1, T2, and Super Bowl, where snow tends to linger longer. I headed back to Golden for tacos, burritos, and world-class margs at Reposados, where all the taco shells and tortilla chips are made fresh.
After being dropped off by a helicopter, Nied and her husband snowboard in the CMH Purcell tenure outside Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Jennifer Nied
For once-in-a-lifetime lines, skip the lifts for a day and take flight with CMH Purcell, which offers otherworldly heli-skiing just to the east of Kicking Horse. The early wakeup call is worth it. I met up with my group for breakfast and safety demos at the Purcell Lodge, then it was time to take off and get into the 495,000-acre tenure. Surrounded by towering, snowcapped peaks, I surfed alpine bowls, glaciers, and more, over and over. Guides set up a picnic lunch heli-side.
After a hefty après of charcuterie and drinks at the heli lodge, I headed to the nearby Whitetooth Brewing Co. for small batch Belgian-inspired and West Coast-influenced beers. This and bar snacks were the perfect nightcap for the last day at Kicking Horse.
Nied and her tour group watch as their helicopter takes off.
Jennifer Nied
Rack Up Vert at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
In the morning I drove west, headed to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, my fifth stop on the Powder Highway. It’s a two-plus hour drive along the TransCanada Highway, BC 1, which can close down with heavy snow, even with the many snow sheds built to protect the road from avalanches. I checked the DriveBC and TransCanada Highway websites before heading out and thankfully, conditions allowed me to continue with my itinerary on schedule. The views of the Monashee and Selkirk Ranges and Rogers Pass along the route were spectacular, and I fulfilled my copilot duty by taking photos of every angle. Even though it was a stunning drive, it was a relief to pull into the town of Revelstoke, known as Revy to locals and regulars.
Naturally, I booked it straight to the gondola to rack up as many turns as I could from the top of the mountain. There’s plenty of history down in town, but Revy is a young ski resort, with less than 20 years operating, so lifts and facilities still feel fresh and new. Before dinner, there was just enough time to stroll around the main streets of town to choose a restaurant. I went for something casual with character: Village Idiot Bar & Grill. My husband and I shared a pile of nachos and pizza, and knocked back a local cider before heading to the hotel for shuteye.
Jeff Nied snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Jennifer Nied
I skipped the late-night Revy revelry, but there’s plenty around town at The Last Drop, The River City Pub, and Traverse. I rested up at The Sutton Place Hotel right at the base for the best mountain access. Alternatively, The Stoke Hotel (a renovated motel with more personality than other chains) or budget-friendly Best Western in town are great options with convenient resort shuttles to the mountain.
The first full day on Revy started with food and coffee at La Petite Baguette. After, I rode the gondola to the aptly named Stoke Chair to get to the very top of the resort. I ascended through the clouds to a whole new snowy wonderland above. Revelstoke has the highest vertical drop in North America and the runs seemed truly endless, whether I was playing in alpine bowls, glades, or on steep groomers. I couldn’t get enough of the snow ghosts lining the short sub-peak hike and the powder-filled lines of North Bowl. I made a quick lunch stop at Mackenzie Outpost at the top of the gondola, before heading out and up for more vert.
Just steps from the gondola is Rockford Bar & Grill, so I didn’t have to walk far for a refreshing drink and friendly atmosphere that's perfect for sharing apps and swapping ski stories with new friends. Once again, my energy level was zero so I sent myself straight to bed.
There’s no way to tour all Revelstoke Mountain has to offer in a single day, so I geared up to repeat it all again, making a stop at Spilt Milk for breakfast in town before loading the gondola. I stayed up high exploring the many glades around Ripper Chair, only dropping down to mid-mountain for lunch at Revelation Lodge. After more laps around North Bowl, the après scene greeted me at the bottom. The square is filled with good vibes, drinks, a DJ, and snacks. From there, I grabbed a cocktail at Monashee Spirits Distillery before hitting Craft Bierhaus to rehash the turns of the day over hearty bar food.
I didn’t have time on this tour, but Revy is the perfect spot to add a single guided day with K3 Cat Ski, Eagle Pass Heli, or Selkirk Tangiers Heliskiing to get into the backcountry, where mountains regularly receive a whopping 700 inches of snow annually. Interior BC is the birthplace of heli-skiing after all, so it’s only fitting to experience the thrill in the OG spot.
Wander the Wilderness of Whitewater Mountain Resort
After five days of snowboarding in a row, I took a much-needed day off the slopes. This is also a longer travel day on the Powder Highway. There are a few ways to get to your next destination, Whitewater Mountain Resort in Nelson, British Columbia. I drove 30 minutes south to the free ferry crossing at Shelter Bay Ferry Terminal. The 20-minute cruise across Arrow Lake runs every half hour from 5 a.m. to midnight and holds 80 vehicles and 250 passengers. You could also try the beautiful, three-hour driving option to reach Nelson along the shores of Lake Kootenay.
Nelson is a year-round adventure hub with an artsy heart and funky vibe. With more than 50 different restaurants and cafes, it has more dining outlets per capita than San Francisco. It’s hard to make a wrong choice food-wise, and farmer-owned Pitchfork Eatery—with cocktails and dishes incorporating seasonal and local ingredients—was a perfect intro to the town. After dinner, I walked back through the mural-clad alleys and settled in at the spacious Stirling All Suites Hotel.
Nied exploring the trees and deep snow at Whitewater Mountain Resort.
Jennifer Nied
As fascinating as the town is, the real thrill is in the mountains beyond. I started the next day with a sandwich and latte from Oso Negro with my sights set on the steep, wild inbounds terrain at Whitewater Mountain Resort, just 25 minutes away. It’s an all-natural playground of steeps, gullies, glades, and high-alpine bowls with no snowmaking or cell-service throughout the 3,000+ acres. The made-from-scratch Pow Chow lunch at Coal Oil Jonny’s Pub was well worth the stop after quad-burning turns through Glory Chair and powder stashes in Backside Bowl. I savored my noodle bowl and local cider. It’s no surprise the resort cookbook has a cult following. In the afternoon, I stayed closer to the base with Summit Chair laps through Catch Basin and the ABC shafts below.
I got back to town famished and beelined for Big Dee’s ice cream shop for a piled high cone. I still had plenty of room for a feast of Neapolitan pizza with hand-stretched dough and homemade pasta at Marzano in Nelson. Next, I popped over to Torchlight Brewing for a pint. I turned in after one stop, but I’d recommend adding the Nelson Brewing Company and Backroads Nelson for a proper taproom crawl.
For day two in Nelson, I went right back up to Whitewater for more turns and wild terrain. The snow storm I hoped for didn’t come, so I explored and searched for powder stashes from the last dump. It’s just as easy to access true wilderness with one of five local cat ski operators here: Baldface, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, Retallack, White Grizzly, and Valhalla Powder Cats. Nelson is known as the "Cat Ski Capital of the World," but that’s an adventure I’ll happily come back another time to enjoy. After a day at the resort, I went for more nourishing noodles at locally-owned Red Light Ramen.
The hour drive to western Canada’s oldest resort, Red Mountain, flew by. I pulled into The Josie Hotel at the base as flakes piled up. I hopped on the Silverlode lift to warm up with groomers and dabble in the trees before heading to the top of Granite Mountain. Up there, all aspects of the peak are ridable and offer progressively steeper glades loaded with fluffy snow. I only stopped for a brief lunch break at Paradise Lodge before repeating the powder-filled drops off Granite Mountain to Beer Belly and Booty’s Run countless times. I didn’t even mind the relaxed road that looped around back to the lift. It just kept snowing and tracks refilled, so I didn’t leave the slopes until lifts closed. Thankfully, The Velvet Restaurant right at the base had just what I craved for a first dinner (seasonal salad, a burger, and local beer).
Nied rides through Red Mountain Resort's deep powder.
Jennifer Nied
Filled with a hearty breakfast buffet from The Velvet, I made the final day count by diving deeper into Red’s 3,800 acres. I explored more glades on Granite Mountain and a few chill runs off Grey Mountain. Somehow my Jello legs kept turning and reloading the lift. I couldn’t leave the bottomless powder turns early.
No visit to Red is complete without an evening at Rafters Bar for BC craft beers on tap. All ages are welcome to hang at this base area watering hole that was voted "#1 Après Spot in the World" by Powder Magazine. They also pour world-class Caesars (the Canadian bloody Mary) and serve nacho platters as big as the table.
After another restful night at The Josie, I drove the last two and a half hours to Spokane, Washington, to fly back home. The border crossing here is open 24/7 so there’s no closure to worry about en route to the airport.
There’s a reason Shaun White called out British Columbia for the best snow in the world while commentating on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. It really is that incredible. That snow covers all the resorts and surrounding mountains along the Powder Highway. Even though I live in Colorado, with access to some of the best resorts in the world, it won't be long before I'm booking another trip to Canada's mountains.
