Tribute to Harriet Wallis

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“A fighter, a writer, an avid skier and an optimist—nothing stops Harriet.” Harriet Wallis (center) was twice awarded Ski Utah Journalist Of Year. Shown with Ski Utah Communications Director Paul Marshall (left) and Ski Utah Director Nathan Rafferty. Credit: Pam Weisberg

It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of one of our most popular contributors, Harriet Wallis. She was a longtime ski writer, editor and photographer. In 2016, Harriet earned Ski Utah’s top award – Journalist of the Year – for outstanding and consistent ski stories and photos about skiing in Utah.  She had 64 stories and 71 photos published that year in a variety of publications, including SeniorsSkiing.com. It’s the second time she earned the award.

Earlier this year, Harriet was featured in a local newspaper article aptly titled “A fighter, a writer, an avid skier and an optimist—nothing stops Harriet.”  Her indomitable spirit was a great inspiration to family and friends. Below are 3 lessons she shared with family and friends in one of her annual Christmas letters.

Adapt
They said I’d never be the same after chemo. They were right.There are lots of things I can’t do as I did in the past. I have 2 choices: Quit – or tackle challenges. Quitters never win. So accept reality, make changes & find new ways to do things.

Be positive
The best way to go forward is to quit looking in the rear view mirror. Don’t talk about pain or difficulties.
That gives credibility to the negative – and the negative will eat you alive. Look forward – only forward.

Be super good to the machine
The body is a healing machine if you give it a chance. Eat extra healthy. Fill the tank daily with water. Lube the moving parts (exercise) & pump fresh air through the system.

Harriet always managed to convey her enthusiasm and cheer in every article. Look for her previous articles to be reposted throughout this season.  She will be missed. 

Mountain Collective Expands Resorts and Perks for 2025/26 Season

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Mountain Collective Pass

Can’t decide between an Ikon Pass or an Epic Pass? Then you should look into the Mountain Collective pass, which gives skiers and riders two days each at 27 top resorts around the world and half-off additional days and no blackout dates, for half the price of the Big Two.  At just $669 it’s a deal, even a steal.

This year’s new addition is Whiteface, in New York’s Adirondaks, and benefits extend to sister areas Gore Mountain and Belleayre.

In the last two seasons, Mountain Collective has added Sunday River, Maine; Bromont, Quebec; and Megève, France, while Arapahoe Basin, Colo. to join the Ikon Pass.  Other participating resorts include Sugarloaf, Maine; Alta, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho; Revelstoke, British Columbia; and Niseko United, Japan.  Here’s what’s new at the Mountan Collective collection of mountains, in alphabetical order, the only fair way –

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Snowmass has upgraded the Elk Camp chair from a 4-seater to a high-speed 6-seater, along with replacing the Cirque platter lift with a T-Bar, to allow for easier access to some of the best high alpine terrain in North America.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

The new Explorer Gondola finally opens from base to summit; the lower stage opened a few seasons back, linking this season with the upper section. This unlocks the 11,166 ft summit of Lone Mountain for the first time in history.  Explorer now also connects with the Big Sky Tram.

Bromont Resort, QC, Canada

The opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott, allowing groups a ski-in/ski-out experience. Outdoor heated pool and spa, cozy fireplaces, and a vibrant resto-bar, the hotel offers the full experience.

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

This destination on the other side of the Teton Pass from Jackson Hole will be the host for the FIS Western Regional Ski Finals, one of the largest ski races in the region, and the first for the resort.

Le Massif De Charlievoix, QC, Canada   

The new Bertha is a luxury chalet for group stays. It offers direct access to the slopes and breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River, less than 90 minutes north of Quebec.

Niseko United Resort, Japan

The King #3 Lift has been upgraded from a 4-seater to a 6-seater. Allowing for shorter wait times and more of a party with friends and family on your way up the mountain.

Panorama Mountain Resort, BC, Canada

Coming in February 2026, Corona Beach, this venue will be the hub of mountain festivals, featuring outdoor BBQs, culinary delights, refreshing beverages, and live entertainment every weekend.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC, Canada

The new Karl Hotel is a luxury hotel that will include 154 rooms over 7,300 sq ft for the Chop Steakhouse, impeccable fitness and spa facilities, and it will be the home of the Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing.

Snowbasin Resort,  Utah

The resort is introducing two things this season, both sure to be popular.  One is free parking, because nothing is better than getting to the lots with no reservation and no need to pay for parking.  The other is RFID lift access, so no more taking your pass out or a pocket for hand-held scanning.

Snowbird Resort, Utah

The Nest is a brand new mid-mountain restaurant opening in December, with floor-to-ceiling Swiss glass windows that offer panoramic views throughout.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine

After the expansion of terrain last year, there is the development of Snowcross, a brand new slopeside neighborhood.

Sunday River Resort,  Maine

A brand new booster pumphouse that will double the snowmaking capacity on Barker and Locke peaks.

Sugar Bowl Resort, California

There a new two-tiered outdoor deck, with firepits and expanded seating in the village, including The Terrace, a self-service restaurant using QR code ordering

Sun Peaks Resort, BC, Canada

More than $5.5 million snowmaking enhancements include new snow guns in new locations and automation of the system, all designed to  improve the mountain experience.  

Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

This venerable and historic resort celebrates its 90th winter season with 90 acres of newly gladded terrain. This is a part of an expansion of the Bald Mountain Forest Stewardship project.

Whiteface Mountain, New York

This is the newest mountain to join the Mountain Collective pass, starting with the 2025/26 season, expanding the pass’s Northeast footprint. Whiteface, operated by the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), is the first New York resort in the coalition. It boasts the greatest vertical drop in the East.

The partnership extends Mountain Collective benefits to ORDA’s SKI3 full season pass holders, who will receive 50 percent off lift tickets at all Mountain Collective resorts. The full season SKI3 pass provides unlimited access to Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre Mountains.

Reader Submission: 80 and Pushing Ahead

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Author Elliot Entis and his son

Once upon a time, perhaps two years ago, a torch was passed. I know that is an overdone, banal expression. But it does resonate. Or maybe it was just another downhill ski trail. My son and I were floating down the trails at Bretton Woods silently carving and slipping when he saw the sign for one more double black diamond. An invitation to exuberance, tinged with chills of danger. For many years it was I, the experienced fearless leader who had rushed ahead, exhorting the children, now growing older and more composed, to follow, to learn, enjoy and repeat. But when I saw the sign, with the narrow gnarled tree branches reaching into the twisting bumps, I hesitated, and told my son, “No, you go ahead”. He was surprised; he gave homage to the past, and I believe with some sadness he honored the giant image of parenthood. “”The great Elliot Entis is afraid?” And he whooshed ahead, leaving me to find a gentler decline.

Elliot Entis
80 and Pushing Ahead

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