Melbourne-based ski expert with 45+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian skiing and riding and international resort comparisons.
Regional Expertise:
🇦🇺 Australia (6) • 🇺🇸 USA (15) • 🇯🇵 Japan (5) • 🇪🇺 Europe (10)
Michael Fulton
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?
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
The Winteregg chairlift in MĂĽrren-Schilthorn will implement Doppelmayr-Garaventa's AURO technology for the 2025/26 season, promising enhanced safety and reduced staffing costs. But what are the real implications for skiers and the industry?
Michael Fulton
Arizona Snowbowl's announcement of $10 lift tickets for 2025-26 raises questions about dynamic pricing strategies and accessibility in the ski industry. We analyse the fine print and implications.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe unveils modest improvements for the 2025/26 season, including two new trails and expanded grooming. While marketing touts these changes, their practical impact for most skiers remains to be seen.
Michael Fulton
Steinplatte ski resort announces plans for a new high-end chairlift to replace an existing route, raising questions about priorities and pricing in an era of climate uncertainty.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
Construction of Chalet Alpina, a new luxury hotel and residential complex, is underway at Aspen Snowmass. While promising high-end amenities and ski-in/ski-out access, it raises questions about affordability and the future direction of this already exclusive ski town.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
Arizona Snowbowl's announcement of $10 lift tickets for 2025-26 raises questions about the realities of demand-based pricing and its impact on skiers.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
Dachstein West is spending big on two new 6-seater chairlifts, but what does this really mean for skiers and the region's future? We analyse the investment beyond the marketing spin.
Michael Fulton
Ski California's member resorts are rolling out new facilities and programs for the upcoming winter, but are they genuinely improving the guest experience or just chasing headlines?
Michael Fulton
Alberta's SkiBig3 resorts are dangling free lift tickets and rentals for kids this winter, but is it truly a game-changer for family ski trips? We analyse the fine print and industry context.
Michael Fulton
A catastrophic cable failure on Europe's highest peak has left three dead and nine injured, exposing glaring safety oversights and maintenance issues at the Mt. Elbrus ski resort.
Michael Fulton
Levi and Ruka ski areas in Finland are set to open on 3 October, leveraging snow farming techniques to overcome climate challenges and kick off the northern hemisphere's non-glacial ski season.
Michael Fulton
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.
Michael Fulton
Lee Canyon, Nevada's local ski area, is offering $7 lift tickets for select dates before their November 21 opening. This pricing strategy stands out in an industry where $100+ day passes are now the norm.
Oct 22, 2025
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