i've only read freeskier, skiing, ski, and sbc skier. i really like all four of them, considering they all have different focuses. skiing used to have sick trick tips, like i ripped them out and carried them in my pocket while skiing.
Heres an idea...How about we stop judging and criticizing everything and everyone in skiing....Just a thought...I know that this concept will be over most of your heads, but just try to think about it. Consider me the Newschoolers Messiah.
i don't see it so much as gaper-esque, just more geared towards the general, recreational skiing population. it contained tons of useful information, it just sought to cater to a different demographic than most magazines or magazines that would suit our tastes.
Psssshhh SBC Skier SUCKS! http://www.sbcskier.com/features_article?news_id=742
Ski Journal's last issue is the tits. That retro cover is sitting on my desk right now. KMC mag with Mitch Scott is another good one (and Mike Berard is heading up their new title). Out of all the mags though, my heart remains with the now defunct N'East. Austin Holt and crew held it down.
Oh, and that old man's magazine based in Southern California is pretty cool if you're a beater. I think it's called Groomer or something.