We have lift off. After 18 years of Ski & Snowboard with Kids, we have launched into our new era as Ski & Snowboard magazine, a publication for everyone who loves nothing more than letting loose down a mountain. It's for beginners. Groomer lovers. Glade gurus. Chute slingers. Double-black diamond seekers. Heli-skiers and powder hounds. It is for those who might not want to slide downhill but do want to get out amongst the achingly beautiful scenery that snow ensures. And yes, it is still for families, as there is nothing better than playing in the snow with your offspring - no matter how old they are.

In this issue, we interview experts on how to stay safe and avalanche-aware in the backcountry. We share what it's like to be an instructor and how to become one, get the lowdown on cross-country skiing, and share what to look for when choosing a ski resort for your family. We present our Ski & Snowboard Awards, highlighting the best resorts in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, the USA and Europe. And one of our lucky readers will win a ski holiday to Aspen Snowmass flying Delta Air Lines and staying at the stunning, slopeside Viceroy Snowmass.

Our team of writers and editors have ventured near and far. In Canada, we've dived into British Columbia's Sun Peaks, Big White and Kicking Horse, and gotten delirious in Banff. Stateside, we've explored Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Aspen, Mammoth and Utah. We checked out Portillo in Chile, went glacial in Switzerland, skied with a side of croissants in Méribel, France, and headed down the Sellaronda in Italy on a mother-daughter ski trip. We discussed Japan's attractions with a long-time 'Japow' fanatic, and visited Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, one of the best kid-friendly resorts imaginable. On top of that, in this relaunch issue, we've singled out who to watch at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games in February 2026, and sorted through the best winter festivals, alpine spas, après bars, heli-ski locations, extreme events and train-accessible resorts. Plus we have you covered with our Gear Guides, featuring more skis, more snowboards and more accessories than ever before.

Editor, Helen Hayes, says “This issue – our first as the all-grown-up Ski & Snowboard magazine, is packed with features and helpful tips to help you make the right choice for your snow holiday, whether it be in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Europe or Japan. For all skiers and snowboarders of all ages, the time to start planning is now.”

So, board the chairlift and come along with us to the top of the mountain.

The powder is waiting.

This issue of Ski & Snowboard will be distributed at the Sydney and Melbourne Snow Travel Expos, to newsagents with Vacations & Travel magazine Australia-wide, available in Qantas First, Business, Chairman and Club lounges, ski retailers and ski lodges across Australia. Subscribe online at subscribe.vacationstravel.com/skisnowboard/index.aspx and visit skisnowboard.com.au for more inspiration.

For information, contact the editor, Helen Hayes at helen@hayestack.com