1 November 2016 — Past FIS Halfpipe and Olympic champ Justin Dorey announced his retirement this morning, the 28-year-old Canadian cited numerous injuries and perhaps a dozen concussions in an open letter to fans. Dorey was a thrilling competitor who never held back and we expect a fun and exciting future for him, whatever it may hold. Photo above courtesy Monster Energy…Up-and-down weather doing its thing coast to coast, early season stalwarts like Arapahoe Basin Colorado and Killington Vermont still spinning lifts despite the roller coaster ride on the thermometer. Not sure if Killington can muddle through the muddled forecast for the weeks ahead, but if they do there’s a free lift ticket Veteran’s Day for all Active Duty, Retired and Honorably Discharged members of the U.S. Military. Call 800-621-6867 for more info. Glad to see that…onward and upward in Western Pennsy, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort and back-from-the-ashes Laurel Mountain holding a massive job fair this Saturday at the Seven Springs Convention Center; they are looking to hire more 1,000 live bodies for the coming season…job fair season and expo season, Portland OR annual “Ski Fever” this weekend at the Portland Expo Center, I like this one because they combine it with a big ski swap, public can consign and participate…from the absurdity department, Badger Pass CA officially going into the season as Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area due to a trademark dispute with a National Park vendor. It’s the same deal that is screwing up the name of the famed Ahwahnee Hotel. Badg – err, Yosemite — is targeting a December 16 opening…elsewhere in California, Sugar Bowl was looking to open this morning, but I don’t see that happening…across the state line, Mt Rose still has the guns on; they missed a much hoped-for opening yesterday but it does look like they’ll spin ’em soon.