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Michael Fulton

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based ski expert with 45+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian skiing and riding and international resort comparisons.

45+ resorts visited
14 years skiing
Author since 2020

Regional Expertise:

🇦🇺 Australia (6) • 🇺🇸 USA (15) • 🇯🇵 Japan (5) • 🇪🇺 Europe (10)

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Articles by Michael Fulton

Ikon Pass Expands Asia Offering: Analysing the Implications

Michael Fulton

Ikon Pass Expands Asia Offering: Analysing the Implications

Ikon Pass adds 9 new Asian destinations for 2025-26, significantly increasing its presence in Japan, China and South Korea. But what does this expansion really mean for pass holders and the wider ski industry?

How Epic and Ikon Passes Transformed the Face of Skiing in North America

Michael Fulton

How Epic and Ikon Passes Transformed the Face of Skiing in North America

The introduction of Vail's Epic Pass in 2008 and Alterra's Ikon Pass in 2018 fundamentally transformed North American skiing from a day-ticket model to a season-pass dominated industry. While offering extraordinary value for frequent skiers, these passes have simultaneously made skiing more accessible for some while driving day ticket prices to record highs and creating significant challenges for mountain communities.

Zillertal Arena Ski Resort Review: 150km of Terrain Across Four Austrian Villages

Michael Fulton

Zillertal Arena Ski Resort Review: 150km of Terrain Across Four Austrian Villages

After a week in Austria's Zillertal Valley, I finally understood why locals kept insisting I ski Zillertal Arena. This 150km interconnected area spans four villages with nearly 2,000m of vertical, yet remains relatively unknown internationally. From tackling the intimidating piste 10 to finding beer from a 500-year-old brewery mid-mountain, here's my February 2025 assessment.

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Mt. Rose Starts Early Snowmaking, Aims for November Opening

Michael Fulton

Mt. Rose Starts Early Snowmaking, Aims for November Opening

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has begun snowmaking operations, positioning itself as an early opener in the Lake Tahoe region. The resort's $6 million in upgrades, including a new tubing park, reflect ongoing efforts to diversify offerings amidst changing ski industry trends.

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Kitzski Resort Review By SnowStash

Michael Fulton

Kitzski KitzbĂĽhel Review: Why This Austrian Resort is Ranked Number One in the World

After a decade on my bucket list, I finally made it to Kitzski at KitzbĂĽhel - ranked number one out of 6,000 global resorts. Having skied Mt Buller, Lake Tahoe, and Hokkaido, I approached the claim with scepticism. But after two days exploring 233 kilometres of pistes and skiing sections of the legendary Streif downhill course, I'm convinced. This might truly be the most complete ski resort experience on the planet, combining world-class terrain with authentic alpine village life.

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Looking direction up the terrain part at Pända Snowpark

Michael Fulton

Schilthorn's Early Freestyle Opening: Hype vs Reality

Schilthorn's rebranded Pända Snowpark opens for early season riding on September 27. We examine the practicalities behind the marketing push and what it actually means for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

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Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26

Michael Fulton

Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26

Les Portes du Soleil, the cross-border ski area straddling France and Switzerland, is rolling out several upgrades for the 2025-26 season. While some improvements offer genuine benefits, others seem more focused on marketing hype than enhancing the skiing experience.

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The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

Michael Fulton

The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

This season brings 246 new ski lift installations across North America and Europe - the biggest infrastructure boom in years. From the 65 North American upgrades and 181 European installations, we've picked the 35 coolest projects worth planning trips around. From Deer Valley's unprecedented seven-lift expansion to Switzerland's world-first Tri-Line gondola technology, here are the game-changing upgrades that'll transform your mountain experience.