Saturday, 14 March 2026

Nordstrom Rack Has ‘Super Comfortable’ Keen Hiking Shoes With 'Great Traction' for Almost 50% Off 

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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.

Keen Hightrail Waterproof Mid Hiking Sneaker, $85 (was $160) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

What Shoppers Should Know

  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color: Alloy/ Vapor

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.

Related: The North Face's High-Pile Fleece Jacket Is 50% Off at REI

What Shoppers Are Saying

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.”

The Keen Hightrail Waterproof Mid Hiking Sneaker is under $90 at Nordstrom Rack. There’s no guarantee that these shoes will remain on sale or in stock though, so don’t delay.

Shop More Deals



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Friday, 13 March 2026

Badabing! 'The Sopranos' Seasons Ranked From Excellent to Exceptional

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. 

Related: The Vegetarian Meatballs Michael Imperioli Swears By

Season 5

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.

Related: Edie Falco's Yearbook Photo Resurfaces

Season 2 

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.

Next: 50 Iconic 'Sopranos' Quotes



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Thursday, 12 March 2026

This 700-Mile Ski Road Trip Might Be the Best Powder Chase in the World

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.

Related: High-Alpine Ski Camping Put This North Face Gear to the Test

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.

Related: Pro Explains How to Turn a Ski Day Into a Full-Body Workout

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.

Related: Jim Morrison Waited a Month to Climb One of the World’s Tallest Vertical Cliffs—Then Skied 20,000 Feet Down Its Untouched Face

Soak in the Après Vibes at Red Mountain Resort

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.

Related: Best Ski Resorts in U.S. for Hike-In Bowls, Perfect Powder, and an Epic Après-Ski Scene



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Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Oscar's Voter Leaves No Doubt With Blunt Leonardo DiCaprio vs. Timothée Chalamet

With the Oscars just days away, one anonymous Academy voter is leaving no room for interpretation about where they stand in the Best Actor race.

Gold Derby's ongoing "Secret Oscar Voter" series — in which Academy members reveal their ballots confidentially ahead of Sunday's ceremony — published its fourth installment this week, and the voter's comments on the Leonardo DiCaprio vs. Timothée Chalamet debate are about as unambiguous as it gets.

What did the Voter Say About Chalamet vs. DiCaprio?

The voter cast their Best Actor ballot for DiCaprio, who stars in Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another as a paranoid, washed-up former revolutionary. Their reasoning was pointed. DiCaprio, they argued, is a major star who genuinely transforms himself into something audiences have never seen before, and that transformation is what separates him from the competition. They acknowledged Chalamet's work in Marty Supreme as a close second, but were clear that his performance simply couldn't eclipse DiCaprio's.

"He's a big star who really transforms himself into something we've never seen before, which is rare among superstar performers," the voter said of DiCaprio. "You really feel like you're inside this shmoe's skin and head."

@apnewsentertainment

Journey to the Oscars: Leonardo DiCaprio says “One Battle After Another” “shows extremity on both sides of the spectrum.” He's nominated for best actor. #Oscars #2026Oscars #LeonardoDiCaprio #OneBattleAfterAnother

♬ original sound - AP Entertainment - AP Entertainment

Of Chalamet, the voter was complimentary but firm: "His believable work can't eclipse Leonardo's, which is simply stellar throughout."

The voter was equally effusive about the film overall, calling One Battle After Another the best film they'd seen in five years and admitting they saw it four times — with plans for a fifth before Oscar night. They also handed Best Director to Paul Thomas Anderson, Best Supporting Actress to Teyana Taylor, and Best Supporting Actor to Delroy Lindo over the heavily favored Sean Penn.

When are the Oscars?

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place this Sunday. DiCaprio is currently considered a strong contender in a Best Actor race that also includes Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, who has surged in recent weeks following a sweep of the major acting guild awards.



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Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Netflix Orders Fewer Episodes for Upcoming Season of Hit Series, Raising Questions About Its Future

Netflix is reportedly reducing the scale of production on its hit series 3 Body Problem, according to sources attached to the hit series.

3 Body Problem, a science fiction series following a diverse group of scientists and their encounters with an extraterrestrial threat to Earth, was a mega-hit for the streamer following its release in March 2024. The show was swiftly renewed for a second and third series shortly after its premiere, and was nominated for several Emmy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.

Although Netflix is purposefully vague about its viewership numbers, it was reported by Forbesthat the American adaptation of a Chinese TV Series clocked 115 million hours in just seven days, squarely placing its on the top 5 biggest TV launches for the streamer that year. It is also, reportedly, Netflix's most expensive first season for a show ever, with a $20 million per episode price tag.

'3 Body Problem' Is Having Its Episode Numbers Cut

Now, according to New on Netflix, the platform is pulling back on the show's budget, meaning future episodes will have fewer episodes. The outlet reported that Season 2 will consist of 6 episodes, down from the 8 episodes that made up Season 1. Additionally, Season 3 is said to be even shorter. Documents obtained suggested the upcoming seasons will have 11 episodes between them, meaning Season 3 should be roughly 5 episodes long.

Although nothing has been confirmed as of yet, a reduced episode count, in addition to getting decent returns on funds, can sometimes be a fatal warning for TV shows. Reduced spending can, but not always, mean a show is no longer financially viable in the long-run, which could result in cancellation, or a perhaps more gentle nudge by said network to wrap the show up while they can.

A named Netflix example is The Umbrella Academy, once one of the streaming service's biggest-ever launches, with 45 million views in its first month. However, a fourth and final season of the comic book adaptation was trimmed to just 6 episodes, a far cry from its usual ten.



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Monday, 9 March 2026

The 'Peaky Blinders' Movie Has a Killer Soundtrack and Streams Sooner Than You Think

Over 13 years ago, the beloved crime series Peaky Blinders became a phenomenon. Created by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, the series defined historical gangster shows, inspired a certain kind of haircut, and solidified Murphy as one of the greatest actors of our time. Now, four years after Peaky Blinders Season 6 seemed to end the show forever, there's one more story left in the life of Tommy Shelby. The feature film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is coming to Netflix very soon.

In fact, The Immortal Man is already playing in theaters for a limited time, and currently, has an impressive 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Here's what to know about the movie's upcoming streaming release, plus hints as to the plot and whether or not this is really the end of the Peaky Blinders franchise.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Release Date

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Barry Keoghan as Duke in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2026.

The new film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will continue a theatrical run through the end of March 2026. And, on March 20, 2026, the film will hit Netflix. Generally, Netflix's new releases start streaming at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the day of release. So, if you're staying up late on Thursday, March 19, that's when you'll get the first streaming glimpse of the movie.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Trailer and Plot

The Immortal Man is set in 1940, well after the events of the series. As revealed in the trailer, the main focus of the film is all about Tommy's son, Duke Shelby (Barry Keoghan), who has taken over the famous Peaky Blinders crime syndicate. And, it seems that Duke is entangled with Nazi Germany, leading Tommy to confront his son in an epic power struggle that could impact the rest of the world.

The movie also stars Rebecca Ferguson in the dual role of twins named Kaulo and Zelda, Tim Roth as John Beckett, Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne, and Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong.

Do you need to watch all of Peaky Blinders to watch The Immortal Man?

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Cillian Murphy as Tommy in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2026.

Interestingly, because the film takes place after the series and Tommy is retired from his crime boss life, The Immortal Man could be watched as a standalone movie. Even if you're fuzzy on the series that came before, this movie is self-contained and tells a unique story about Tommy and his legacy. That said, if you've seen all six seasons of the show, you'll obviously understand the references and connections on a deeper level.

What is the Song in the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Trailer?

The trailer for The Immortal Man features a haunting and badass track called "Puppet." And, if the voice of the singer seems familiar, that's none other than Grian Chatten, the lead singer of the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C.

The song is composed by Chatten, Antony Genn, and Martin Slattery, and there will be additional songs from this team throughout the movie. Genn and Slattery were once in a band called The Hours. Other Fontaines D.C. band members, Tom Coll and Carlos O'Connell, will also feature on additional music composed for the film.

Who are Fontaines D.C.?

Grian Chatten, of Fontaines D.C., rocking an Oasis t-shirt on stage in 2025.

Photo by Shirlaine Forrest on Getty Images

If you're not listening to Fontaines D.C., you need to start right away. In 2025, American viewers were likely introduced to the band because their epic song "Starburster" was part of the opening credits of MobLand. The Irish band has released four studio albums, starting with Dogrel in 2019. Romance is their most recent album, which came out in 2024. The "D.C." in their name refers to "Dublin City," which is where the band was formed.

Though the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man soundtrack isn't technically a Fontaines D.C. album, with so many members of the band working on it, for fans of the band, it's the next best thing.

The original Peaky Blinders TV series streams on Netflix.



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Sunday, 8 March 2026

55 Years Ago Today, Muhammad Ali Met Joe Frazier in the 'Fight of the Century'

They call it the "fight of the century."

In one corner was Muhammad Ali, the "most charismatic and controversial athlete of the 20th century." In the other corner was Joe Frazier, who had just earned the heavyweight title belt. Both were undefeated. According to Boxing News 24/7, it is still regarded by many as "THE fight."

"It was one of the most publicized and talked about sporting events of all time," according to Sports History Network. More than 300 million people viewed the fight worldwide, History.com reported. It happened on March 8, 1971. But who won? And why is the fight considered so significant? The full fight is available on YouTube.

There Was a Political Dimension to the Bout, Which Occurred During the Height of the Vietnam War

Both Ali and Frazier could lay claim to the heavyweight title, and neither had been beaten. However, the fight transcended sports, according to Boxing News 24/7.

The boxing match occurred during the Vietnam War protest era, and that site reported, Frazier's supporters tended to support the establishment, whereas Ali's were against the war. Thus, the fight became a proxy battle for the ideological and political divide, which was raging in the country.

How did Ali lose his title? According to Sports History Network, he was stripped of the title and "banned from boxing in most states" when he refused to serve in Vietnam due to his religious beliefs. Frazier then won the title, but not initially against Ali. This set up a clash with enormous political symbolism when they met in the ring. According to Sports History Network, both were undefeated and Olympic gold medalists on top of it; their personalities were different, though, with Ali considered brash and cocky, and Frazier more "humble."

“If I thought that my going to Vietnam would help any of the millions of Black people in this country,” Ali declared, according to History.com, “you wouldn’t have to send for me, I’d go. But it won’t. Going to war with these people won’t help my people one bit. I’d rather go to jail.”

The two boxers also had two different styles, Boxing News 24/7, noted, with Ali being known as the "Boxer," and Frazier, the "Puncher." Broadcaster Tim Ryan described Frazier as "a workaday guy, who lived the way he fought: just get in there, throw a hundred punches, be strong, and mind your own business," History.com reported, adding that Frazier had urged President Richard Nixon to give Ali clemency and made no political statements himself, but still became a proxy for establishment support.

Joe Frazier Won the 'Fight of the Century' After 15 Rounds

(L-R) American heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016) (red trunks) throws a punch on current champion Joe Frazier (1944 - 2011) (green trunks) during their 'Fight of the Century' bout at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, March 8, 1971. Frazier won a decision after 15 rounds. For Ali, who was stripped of his title for his political views, this was his first actual career loss in the ring.

(Photo by Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images)

The fight took place at Madison Square Garden, with Frank Sinatra serving as a photographer and Burt Lancaster announcing, according to the Sports History Network.

What happened? "Ali was using his reach advantage to keep Frazier from getting inside, and he was piling up points with his jab. But Frazier’s style was to keep moving forward. He was relentless," Sports History Network explains.

Frazier ended up winning the fight. "After 15 rounds of fighting, Frazier received the title by a unanimous decision. But a few years later, Ali would make a comeback by defeating George Foreman for the title," NPR reported.

According to History.com, "The fight itself lived up to the hype. Ali took control early, but by the sixth he began to tire, weakened by the long layoff and by Frazier’s punches. But even in the ring he continued the verbal taunting he had deployed during the build-up." In the 15th round, Frazier knocked Ali down, ensuring the victory, the site noted.

“I often felt bad for Joe,” photographer John Shearer said, according to an article on the website of UNC Charlotte.

“He was completely miscast as the bad guy in the fight. In so many of the pictures I made of him that winter, when he’s with friends and relaxed, there’s something genuinely charming there but something in his face suggests that if you scratched the surface, you’d find a world of other feelings."

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