Zach Armstrong

1 week ago | snowbrains.com | Zach Armstrong

The United States Supreme Court recently issued a ruling in Seven County County Infrastructure Coalition vs. Eagle County, which drastically changes how the highest court in the land views the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA. These changes could have profound implications for anyone who uses public lands, whether for recreating or for business, including the ski industry.

2 weeks ago | snowbrains.com | Zach Armstrong

On May 27, 2025, Vail Resorts announced that Rob Katz would be retaking the helm as CEO. Katz was previously CEO of Vail Resorts from February 2006 to November 2021. Katz’s first tenure as CEO was marked by drastic changes in the ski industry, many of which were pioneered by Katz himself. In 2006 when Katz first took over as CEO, skiing as a business was largely viewed as a real-estate selling tool.

3 weeks ago | snowbrains.com | Zach Armstrong

Visitors to Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, will have one less entrance to choose from for the foreseeable future. On April 14, 2025, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) permanently closed the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge located on State Route 165. The 494 foot bridge, first opened in 1921, has been closed following a recent inspection because of concerns over structural integrity.

3 weeks ago | snowbrains.com | Zach Armstrong

If you’ve bought food at a ski resort recently and thought, “This should be illegal,” you’re not alone. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Copper Mountain, Colorado, and the resort operator, POWDR, by Gary Chaney and other Copper Mountain visitors for allegedly engaging in deceptive pricing practices. The lawsuit claims that not including the resort surcharge of 9% in menu prices is in violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.

1 month ago | snowbrains.com | Zach Armstrong

The Forest Service is in trouble. Already faced with budget uncertainty, the Forest Service and the rest of the U.S. Department of Agriculture fell into the sights of the legally dubious Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, vowed to cut Forest Service staff across the board by 10% as part of their purge of the Federal government.