Dear Snowmaster,
Thanks for the thread. I especially enjoyed the title because like all good headlines, it grabbed my attention. We wait a full year to publish PVA content as a way to remind people that the event happened but more so to create buzz for the upcoming awards show. Believe it or not, not all of our readers are as in tune on the internet as the members of Newschoolers.com are. In fact, some people only get their ski "news" from Powder. But let's talk about that piece in particular.
I wrote that piece and particularly liked Tom's comments on Shane. To think that arguably the most influential skier of current times is influenced by the most influential skier of all times is interesting. Further more, I attempted to give a behind-the-scenes account of what happened at the PVAs. Believe me that apologizing to Rory Bushfield for Sarah Burke (his wife) not making it into the Powder Awards was gnarly. Thankfully Bushy is the man, Sarah is understanding, and we're leaving the Wheeler to head back to the Jerome because security was such a bitch. I stand by the story. If you didn't feel that way, that's perfectly fine. Magazines only get better if people care and talk about them. I stand behind that every skier from every region can find something they enjoy in each issue.
The magazine is apart of the times and always has been. The nice part about Powder is there are a plethora of different stories. I could give a run sheet of things we ran before they were "cool" or "buzz worthy" but you being a Powder reader already know that.
I particularly enjoy John Stifter's piece on Nick Martini. I've known Nick for years and learned a lot more about him that I never knew before. Symms has a great column on freeskiing growing up due to the Olympics which thought provoking. I'm 26 now and when I started skiing park ten years ago, Mike Douglas was the only "old guy" riding park. Symms brings up a great point and only furthers my belief that'll I'll ski park in some way shape or form as long as I'm a skier.
I also enjoy the piece on Pep Fujas building the Cold Rush course. I don't expect everyone to say, "Holy shit Sean Pettit won Cold Rush!?" because that's obviously "old news" but my hope is that readers can walk away knowing more about that event.
If you're looking for up-to-date and quick information, Powder.com and this site are your best sources. If you're looking for more substance and in-depth reporting, the magazine remains the best place. And if you, any Powder reader, member of NS, or skier wants to chat further, my email is and will remain mike@powder.com.
Thanks again for your response. I'm so fucking excited for ski season.
