ROAD  ICONS

Thor Retzlaff, Alex Mezger, Taylor Zehren, Johnny Egan

They hit the road to discover where to camp, what makes each destination unique, which trails are favored by local legends, who smells after a few weeks in an RV, when to grab a hotel, and how to offset carbon footprints without ending travel plans.

Stop #1

Mammoth Mountain

Originally from the Lake Tahoe area, the Road Icons Crew had never before skied the legendary Sierra snow that softens below Mammoth’s strong wind buff. They skied bell to bell for three days with the Minarets peaking down from along the jagged skyline and learned how the mountainous landscape was formed by a volcano.

Stop #2

June Mountain

“California’s Family Mountain” invited a legendary local family of ripping snowboarders to show the Road Icons Crew around. They tore down groomers, played on boxes, and spotted June Lake in the distance before driving back down to explore the town of June Lake.

Stop #3

Big Bear Mountain Resort

(Bear Mountain + Snow Summit)

From groomers and groms at Snow Summit, and then over to big air and bloodies at Bear Mountain. The Road Icons Crew spent two days in Southern California, soaking in the sun, shedding their warm layers for some t-shirt weather, and relaxing after a day in the park while chatting up locals on the brand new deck at Laybacks.

Stop #4

Taos Ski Valley

From Southern California, the race began. Taylor and Alex stayed with a friend in Carlsbad and then flew on Taos Air direct to Taos. Meanwhile, Johnny and Thor drove through the cold desert night. They all arrived at the same time on Thursday afternoon, reunited and ready to hit the Rockies. They scored two deep powder days, helped the Taos team open up Kachina Peak Lift, made friends with the community, and unwound to live music from local bands at night.

Stop #5

Copper Mountain

For their first foray into Colorado, the Road Icons Crew began with Copper Mountain (known as #RaisedOnColorado) and scored a deep powder day for a friendly welcome into the Centennial State. Shown around by legendary ski instructor and all-around Copper savante, Todd Casey, they got the full terrain tour. The crew hucked cliffs in the terrain off the brand new Three Bears Chair, practiced flips at the Woodward Barn, and then ended each day by wandering in and out of village shops and bars.

Stop #6

Winter Park Resort

After a few days spent in the Mile High city of Denver, the Road Icons Crew ventured to the city’s renowned locals mountain, Winter Park. They skied from sunrise to sunset, hitting both first tracks skinning and twilight headlamp skiing with a guide from the Winter Park Adventure Concierge. Smiles were ear-to-ear as they experienced the first opening of the season for The Cirque, fresh tracks in Eagle Wind Territory, a quick on-mountain yoga session, and a round of appetizers at Doc’s during the Super Bowl.

Stop #7

Steamboat Resort

In the home of Champagne Powder® during a 3-foot powder storm, the Road Icons Crew swallowed up all that Steamboat had to offer. They chased Olympic alpine skier, Caroline Lalive, through the trees and down chutes. As any day of deeps should end, the crew shook off the cold with a stop at Timber & Torch for hot chocolate by the fire. Warmed and rested, the town of Steamboat Springs beckoned with an invitation to test out their new cowboy boots at F.M. Light & Sons.

Stop #8

Arapahoe Basin

The forecast sang of the snow and the Road Icons Crew was listening. Snow chains set in place, the RV got trucking towards fresh tracks in Summit County. Once on the hill, the crew crushed multiple feet of snow while chasing Al Henceroth – A Basin COO and local legend – and his daughter, Whitney Henceroth, around the mountain’s many steeps and deeps.

Whitney, a ripping skier in her own right, literally grew up above the ticket window at the base of “The Basin” and knows the hill intimately. With Whitney riding point, the crew explored the new Steep Gullies & Beavers terrain to much acclaim.

Both stoke and hunger ignited, the team stopped for mid-day charcuterie plates at Il Rifugio, grabbed après at 6th Alley, and then capped off the evening with a Moonlight Dinner at mid-mountain. For the rest of the weekend, the Road Icons Crew joined other pass holders to enjoy live music, drink specials, late lifts, and early ups. Arapahoe Basin truly pulled out all the stops.

Stop #9

Eldora Mountain Resort

An impressive 45 inches of soft Colorado snow fell in the week leading up to the Road Icons Crew’s visit to Eldora. With the scene set and the snow stacked, the crew was outfitted in fancy new duds (who doesn’t love a costume party?) and put to right to work upon arrival. Tender moments in plush onesies matched tense competition as crew members competed against one another in the ultimate evening race event: Eldora’s famous Nighthawks Race Series. 

The next morning, they celebrated fresh snow by throwing tricks in “The Glades” and “The Pillows”. After a powder fix, they visited Woodward Park #2 of the tour – this time the Woodward Eldora Terrain Park. Appetites earned, the crew submitted to 10,600 feet where the Lookout Lodge serves up pizza and beer with a view of the Rockies.

Stop #10

Deer Valley Resort

The crew arrived at Deer Valley on a particularly chilly week in Utah. But the frigid temperatures didn’t dampen their spirits – or their time on the mountain. Every morning, Thor would “drive them to warmth” as the RV heated up. By the time they reached the base, their limbs were defrosted and they were stoked to ski again on the incredible terrain. 

The Deer Valley team happily welcomed them, and they all became fast friends. Heidi Voelker, former World Cup alpine ski racer, guided them throughout their visit, exhibiting immense passion for and knowledge of the mountain. At the end of the day, they dined on heaping plates of incredible food. The Seafood Buffet was a crew favorite, leaving them feeling fancy and full for the evening.

Stop #11

Brighton Resort

The crew enjoyed a casual, laid back visit to Brighton. They loved the local vibes, and had a blast with their friends on the mountain. After testing out some tricks in the terrain park, they skirted over to Solitude via SolBright. Just for a quick taste before their official trip. They topped it all off with a round of beers at Molly Green’s, toasting to a fun-filled adventure.

Stop #12

Solitude Mountain Resort

After several nights camping in the RV, the crew treated themselves to a cozy stay at The Inn at Solitude. A good night’s rest prepared them for a little bit of hiking, and lots of leg-burning runs. The deep powder and advanced terrain of the steeps kept them entertained for hours. In the evening, they spent some time strolling through the village, and hung out with friends in Salt Lake City, just a short 30-minute drive away.

Stop #13

Snowbird

For a little change of pace, the crew crashed at a friend’s house in Salt Lake City. And rather than drive the RV, they hopped on the free Ski Bus to enjoy the advanced terrain of snowbird. They lucked into some great snow, and had a blast riding the Peruvian Tunnel to explore the Mineral Basin. Their Leap Day visit was made complete with a warm up at the Cliff Spa hot tub, soaking in stellar views of the snow-packed peaks. 

Stop #14

Big Sky Resort

The crew’s next stop was Big Sky in Montana, Johnny’s home mountain. With more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain, Big Sky gave the crew plenty to explore. It’s a good thing they spent a few days here, getting to know both the terrain and the locals. After days spent traversing the challenging trails, it was nice to warm up and relax in a real condo.

Stop #15

SkiBig3

Crossing the border and driving through the Canadian Rockies, the Road Icons were greeted with breathtaking scenery and super nice locals. Like ridiculously nice. They set up camp amidst a gorgeous backdrop and prepared to tackle the three resorts of SkiBig3, located in Banff National Park.

It was easy to access all three resorts during the visit since they sit pretty close together. Each mountain had something unique to offer, and the local legends provided some great terrain insights. And nothing could beat the views from the gondolas, absolutely incredible. The trip was made complete with plates of poutine, sweet maple syrup, and local beer.

Stop #16

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

After leaving the stunning landscapes of Banff, the crew headed west to Canada’s Powder Highway. This route passes by several ski resorts, including Revelstoke, where the Road Icons made camp in the lower parking lot. They enjoyed Revelstoke’s long runs and wide sweeping views, refueling in between with fresh-baked pastries and paninis from La Baguette. Despite a shortened trip due to COVID-19, the Road Icons loved the time they spent at Revelstoke and hope to return soon.

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