Skiers Ditched Chairlifts and Shredded City Streets Across the U.S. After Major Snowstorm

For the most part, skiing is associated with the mountains. That makes sense. Up high, the weather is colder, the slopes are steeper, and the snow is deeper.

As a significant storm passed through the U.S. this weekend, though, it wasn’t just the peaks that were covered with powder. Snow arrived in the lowlands, too, from Texas to New York.

That, of course, led to travel delays and other logistical challenges, particularly in places that aren’t used to wintry weather as snow snarled roadways. Flights were grounded. A slew of states saw federal emergency declarations. Many hunkered down at home to wait out the cold.

But the weather also created an opportunity for skiers and snowboarders, who schussed downhill without a chairlift in sight. Here's a small taste of the action.

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New York Shredding

In Brooklyn, New York—where as much as a foot of snow fell—one skier shared a tongue-in-cheek post on Reddit, documenting their “descent of the Columbia Heights Couloir.” 

One commenter kept the joke going and, in a nod to a key piece of backcountry equipment, wrote, “Please tell me you'rewearing your beacon.”

In another moment from around New York City, the professional snowboarder Shaun White was spotted cruising through Central Park. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/djg2mLG3v-I

Pittsburgh Powder

Around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the historic storm dropped well over a foot of snow in some places. While there are several ski resorts near the city, like Seven Springs or Hidden Valley, locals didn’t have to travel too far to get their winter fix. Instead, they could walk out their front door as the storm raged.

One snowboarder took off down Rialto Street. 

Texas Turns

Texas may have seen more ice than snow. Still, in Austin, skiers and snowboarders made do, thanks to the slippery conditions. On the Austin subreddit, a snowboarder shared a video of themself speeding along Rain Creek Parkway, comparing it to a “blue run.” 

Given how little precipitation there was on the ground, the video invited wisecracks.

“The guy that uses my rental board before me:,” read one comment.