It's Super Football Sunday at Whiteface

Wilmington, NY - Before Sunday’s big game, get your game face on at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y. It’s Super Football Sunday, Feb. 5, presented by Bud Light, at the Olympic mountain, where skiing and riding is just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors.

While at Whiteface join in on the slope-style competition for your chance to win a pair of K2 Revival skis. Plus, follow us on Facebook and vote for your favorite feature.

At the end of day, there’s a tailgate party in the Cloudspin Lounge complete with Bud Light specials and live music with the Blind Owl Band.

Many “Like” will make a difference at Mont SUTTON

Sutton, PQ - To support the importance of planting trees and helping the regeneration of the forest, Mont SUTTON has launched a Facebook campaign “1 Like = 1 Tree.” This project is a natural part of Mont SUTTON's eco-friendly traditions and policies, as Mont SUTTON is well known for its unique concept of glade skiing, its respect for nature and its sustainable development actions.

1 Like = 1 Tree From now until March 22nd, Mont SUTTON promises to plant one tree for every new fan on its Facebook Page. Taking part in this campaign means supporting Mont SUTTON in its actions towards sustainable development. Therefore, several “Like” will make a considerable difference in the preservation of nature.

Protecting nature: the very core of skiing at Mont SUTTON Mont SUTTON is well known for its glade skiing. Year after year, Mont SUTTON’s glades are quoted as the best in Canada, according to Ski Canada Magazine among other publications.

Besides being good for nature, trees are also a part of what makes skiing fun! “Trees protect against the wind, help reduce soil erosion and even help reduce the speed of the snow melt, ensuring a longer spring skiing season,” explains Luc Boulanger, operations director at Mont SUTTON. “Some years, my father, Réal Boulanger, planted hundreds and hundreds of trees in order to preserve the glades,” says Luc. “With ‘1 Like = 1 Tree,’ our fans can help support our actions!” Note that Mont SUTTON also conceded land to the preservation of nature.

Brighton 75th Birthday Bash and Fireworks Show!

Brighton, UT - Come celebrate 75 years of fun on the snow this Friday, January 27th at Brighton. Bring a friend to ski or snowboard and receive 2 Adult Twilight Passes for $75! Twilight starts at 12:30p-9p. The party begins at 12:30p but dosen't't stop there. There will be prizes, music, and giveaways throughout the day on the Alpine Rose Deck. $7.50 food specials at the Alpine Rose, Molly Greens, and Milly Chalet. Take a break from riding and relax at the PBR Outdoor Ice Lounge! Warm up by the Brighton Bonfires and help yourself to complimentary Smores! Finally we are ending the celebration with a bang. Fireworks will begin after dusk. Thanks to all of you for making each one of our 75 years a great one!

In February at Mont-Sainte-Anne Tuesday is Ladie's Day!

Beaupre, PQ - In February, Mont-Sainte-Anne continues the Ladies Tuesday tradition! The event is a series of four consecutive Tuesdays [February 7, 14, 21 and 28] where ladies enjoy exclusive privileges including a 2 for 1 on lift-tickets, outdoor cardio and a cozy girl’s après-ski with massages and live music! Join them and see yourself how it’s awesome to be a lady!

Privileges for Women Only
Every Ladies Tuesday, women enjoy two lift-tickets for the price of one [day ticket]; a great occasion to invite a girlfriend. New this season, Lolë offers to ladies the opportunity to take part of a free cardio session on the stage located at the base of the mountain. Water bottles and healthy snacks will be supplied. Be there from 3pm to 4pm!

2 Snowstorms Hit Crested Butte in 1 Week

Crested Butte, CO - In this morning's snow report, we reported 19" of new snow in the past 48 hours and 37" of new snow in the past week. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has seen some of the highest snowfall totals in the state for the past week. Now is the perfect time to plan your next trip to Crested Butte!

Terrain Update
It's time to practice those powder turns! To see photos from our recent storms, be sure to visit our photo gallery. Our open terrain includes 78 trails on 553 acres, including 75 groomed trails. Recently opened terrain includes Double Top Glades, Peoria, Silvanite and Topsy. Due to the recent snowfall and phenomenal conditions, the East River Express lift will remain open 7-days-a-week.

Cooper Spur Ski Area Will Open Friday

Mt. Hood, OR - Cooper Spur Ski Area will open for the season this Friday, January 20th. The lifts will officially start turning at Noon on Friday, and the ski area will offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing. The ski area is located on the north side of Mt. Hood, just 23 miles south of Hood River.

The resort will open with a 36” settled base, having received more than four feet of snow this season, most of which fell the last few days. The ski area has one main lift, plus a beginner rope tow and two tubing tows. The ski area will operate on its regular schedule: Noon – 6 PM Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM Saturday and 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday.

Cooper Spur has long been a family favorite offering affordable lift ticket and rental packages. Lift tickets are just $25 for adults, $20 for juniors 7 – 14 or seniors 65+ and $5 for kids 6 and under. The ski area offers ski and board rentals for just $15 for all ages. In addition to its lifts and tubing; Cooper Spur offers ski and snowboard lessons and has a learn to ski or snowboard package for $50 Adults, $45 for Juniors. The learn to ski/snowboard packages includes a lift ticket, 1 hour lesson and equipment rentals. The ski area also has a lodge, food service operation and an outdoor covered deck.

Season Lift and Tubing passes are on sale for just $200 for an individual, with a max of $400 for a family (spouse and dependents age 22 and under), making an entire season of riding at Cooper Spur incredibly affordable.

Welch Village High School Invitational Ski Race

The Longest Running High School Ski Race in the United States!

Welch, MN - The 37th Annual Welch Village Invitational Ski Race will take place at Welch Village Ski and Snowboard ResortWelch Village Ski and Snowboard Resort on Friday, January 20th.

“This event with all the tents, campfires, great food and great race hills is the highlight of the season and must race to attend for most high school race teams in the area” according to Welch Village Race Director Ann Kulla. This year’s race is sponsored by the Hastings, Northfield and Rochester ski teams. This event features high school teams from across the state including schools like Cretin-Durham Hall, Hill Murray, Hastings, Richfield, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Wayzata, Woodbury, Northfield, Rochester and more. Even with budget cuts and many schools across the state the Welch Village Invitational is still a top priority for a lot of schools with ski teams.

Despite a lack of natural snow and warm early winter, Welch Village and other local ski areas still report a large base of snow for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts. This large base of man-made snow has made it possible for all high school ski teams to have training venues to prepare for races like the Welch event.

The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships Junior Finals Results from RED Mountain Resort

Rossland - RED Mountain Resort completed the final day of junior competition in The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships on Saturday, January 14th.

“Overall the event was an awesome celebration of freeskiing. The male 15-18 year old category was mind blowing. Those runs would have placed well even in our senior competition. This is a strong indicator that younger athletes are really going to take skiing to the next level in future years.” said Jeff Holden, the Canadian Open’s Head Judge.

“We’re pleased that the event went very well. There were a lot of kudos from parents and coaches on the event……this event was the best event ever. This year’s event saw elite athletes from California, Utah, Colorado through to Western Canada and it was the strongest set of competitors ever. George Rodney (Aspen, CO), our top 15-18 year old athlete, sailed off a cliff for about 50 feet and that sealed his fate as the top male athlete. Sally Steeves (Rossland, BC), had a very strong run. She showed a commitment to the run and jumped from her qualifying 4th place position to take the top spot in the 15-18 females.“ said Mika Hakkola, RED Mountain Resort’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

The Senior (19 years+) portion of The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships will run from January 19 – 21, with registration on Wednesday, January 18th.
With 65 registered athletes, the senior event still has room for competitors. The weather forecast is calling for snow all week so the conditions for the senior event look favorable.

As an “Open” format event, anyone over the age of 19 can register for competition. The senior event will see a cash purse up for grabs. Qualifiers will be held on Links Line and the semis and finals will be held on Mount Roberts.

First Tracks at Whiteface Returns... Save $20 off a Lift Ticket Monday, Jan. 16

Wilmington, NY - First Tracks returns to Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15. This is your chance to carve the day’s first turns on the Olympic mountain.

First Tracks is available to the first 14 skiers and riders who are intermediate or above with a valid lift ticket. Participants can register at the mountain’s guest services desk and be dressed, with boots on, and ready to go by 8 a.m.

While you’re at the mountain Saturday, check out the latest alpine gear during the Eastern Mountain Sports Demo Day. This is your chance to try out some of the top brands including Black Diamond, Dynafit, Scarpa, and G3. Plus instructional demonstrations and more.

Finally, at the end of the day enjoy live music and drink specials in the Cloudspin Lounge. While listening to music from Eat, Sleep, Funk enjoy Three Olives Vodka and Magic Hat draft beer specials.

On Monday, Jan. 16, bring two non-perishable food items and receive $20 off a one-day lift ticket. The food collected will benefit the Jay/Wilmington Ecumenical Food Shelf.

“This is a great opportunity to make a contribution to the community and get in some great skiing,” said the mountain’s general, manager Bruce McCulley.

Winter Festival Week Returns to Belleayre Mountain Featuring $20 Midweek Lift Tickets Michael Balboni to Honored at the 26th Annual Snowball

Highmount, NY - Belleayre will be having its traditional Winter Festival Week the last week in January from January 21-29. This popular winter celebration will kick off on Saturday, January 21 featuring a Kids' Winter Carnival beginning at noon in the Discovery Lodge. Later that evening there will be kids’ pizza party in Overlook Lodge followed the annual Torchlight Parade in front of the Overlook Lodge on Yahoo. The highlight of Winter Festival Week will be the traditional $20 midweek lift tickets from January 23-27. On Friday, January 27 come to Discovery Lodge for a Hoe Down at the Red Barn from 4pm -8pm featuring a chicken BBQ, a live band, drink specials and more.

Winter Festival Week will conclude with the 26th Snowball on Saturday, January 28 at the Overlook Lodge. This year the Guest of Honor will be the Honorable Michael A. L. Balboni, former NY State Senator and Deputy Director for Public Affairs for New York State who will be presented with this year's Spirit of the Catskills Award. The Snowball will feature music by Special Delivery with dinner catered by Main Course of New Paltz. This classic event usually sells out, so make reservations soon.

Belleayre will be honoring Rosina Montana and Joan Lawrence-Bauer at the 6th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner on March 31, 2012. Rosina Montana is being honored for her years of work with the Belleayre Ski Patrol and her work as a member on the board of directors on the Belleayre Conservatory which operates the Belleayre Music Festival every summer. Joan Lawrence-Bauer is being recognized for her work in the past in the Belleayre Marketing Department and her tireless community work in Catskills with the M-ARK project. Joan Lawrence-Bauer is currently Director of Communication and Resource Development with Rural Ulster Preservation Company.

Operators Announce Purchase of Swain Resort

Experienced Team Will Continue to Enhance Attraction for All Seasons

Swain, NY - The operators for the past two years of Swain Resort have announced the purchase of the Allegany County recreational attraction, completing a lease-to-own agreement that was reached in August 2009 with the owners of Swain Recreation Center, LLC.

The purchase was made by Denton Hill Family and Ski Resort Inc. whose officers are Scott and Jodi Carts and Shawn and Celeste Schoonover. The two couples have been operating Swain along with Ski Denton, located 65 miles south of Swain in Potter County, PA.

Assisting in the transaction were the Allegany County Office of Development and the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The purchase price was not disclosed.

“We are delighted to complete our agreement and to close on the purchase of Swain Resort,” said Scott Carts. “Over the past two years, we have worked extremely hard at improving the facilities and services to ensure a quality family experience at Swain and we are excited about the possibilities that the future holds for Swain and our customers.”

Swain Resort has been in business for 64 years and is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in New York State. Through the efforts of the new owners, Swain is a year round facility which provides skiing, snowboarding, and a snow tubing park during the winter months and has mountain biking, motor cross racing and sportsman festivals during the other three seasons.

Burton Mountain Festival Comes To Mt. Hood Meadows January 14 - 16

Mt. Hood, OR - For the first time ever, Burton is launching the Burton Mountain Festival tour, a completely new experience that offers riders a full day of FREE on-snow entertainment, including Burton 2012 product demos, live music, sponsor giveaways, mini parks for the smallest snowboarders and an amateur snowboard contest. The Burton Mountain Festival will be presented at Mt. Hood Meadows January 14 – 16 over Martin Luther King weekend.

Burton Mountain Festival includes four key elements: Burton Test Ride, Riglet Parks, Pro-Test and live music for an entire day of good times. And while each festival stop is unique, the foundation of the festival is the Burton Test Ride program - where virtually the entire 2012 Burton hardgoods line will be on tap for riders to test at absolutely no charge. Riders can try out a variety of boards, boots and bindings to get afeel for their ultimate set-up.

In addition to Test Ride, the Mt. Hood Meadows stop willhave a Pro-Test Rail Jam event, Sunday, January 15 - an amateur snowboard competition for men and women. Riders can also win wildcard spots to compete in the US Open pre-qualifiers, and all Pro-Test events are 4Star TTR World Snowboard Tour events.

For the youngest riders, every Burton Mountain Festival stop will also feature a Burton Riglet Park where kids as young as three can try out snowboarding for FREE. Burton will provide snowboards, boots and bindings sized for the smallest kids to borrow at no charge. Kids will also be able to try out Burton’s revolutionary Riglet Reel, a specially designed reel attached to the nose of youth snowboards that makes learning easier than ever. And certified snowboard instructors will help kids learn to ride on mini features like boxes, ramps and rails.

Finally, all Burton Mountain Festival stops will feature special après events and live music.

Winter Athletes Update #5

Lake Placid, NY - The second weekend, Jan. 6-9, of the New Year saw some pretty strong results from Whiteface area athletes competing internationally.

Alpine Skiing: Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, N.Y.), Tommy Beisemeyer (Keene, N.Y.): Weibrecht spent some time home, in Lake Placid, and returns to the World Cup circuit this weekend. Beisemeyer raced in Saturday’s FIS World Cup giant slalom, held in Adelboden, Switzerland and did not finish.

Biathlon: Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, N.Y.), Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, N.Y.), Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, N.Y.): The IBU World Cup tour visited Oberhof, Germany over the weekend. In Saturday’s 10 km sprint, Burke was 36th, while Bailey finished the race in 45th position. The two, along with Jay Hakkinen (Kasilof, Alaska) and Leif Nordgren (Marine, Minn.), helped the U.S. squad to an 11th place showing in Thursday’s, Jan. 5, 4x7.5 km relay. The weekend wrapped up with the 15 km race… Bailey was 11th and Burke did not race. Cook did not race.

Bobsled: John Napier (Lake Placid, N.Y.): Heavy snow delayed the start of Saturday’s FIBT World Cup two-man bobsled race for two hours and poor visibility forced officials to cancel the race’s second run. Napier finished 17th in the one-heat race. In Sunday’s four-man race, Napier drove his sled to a 16th place result.

Luge: Chris Mazdzer (Saranac Lake, N.Y.), Emily Sweeney (Suffield, Conn.): Mazdzer made his FIL World Cup debut Friday in Koenigssee, Germany. The 2010 Olympian finished 21st in the men’s singles race. He helped USA Luge to a fifth place showing in the team relay. Sweeney did not qualify for the women’s singles race after suffering a spill in Nations Cup qualifying.

Nordic Combined: Bill Demong (Vermontville, N.Y.): Demong competed in Oberstdorf, Germany where he helped anchor Team USA to a fifth place finish in Saturday’s HS137/4x5 km team competition. In Sunday’s FIS Nordic Combined World Cup individual event, the reigning Olympic champion placed 14th.

Ski Jumping: Peter Frenette (Saranac Lake, N.Y.): Frenette did not compete in last weekend’s FIS Continental Cup event in Kranj, Slovenia. That event was cancelled

2012 Starts with Snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Beaupre, PQ - 2012 starts buried in snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne! With 50 cm of fresh snow received in the last 7 days, the resort expanded its skiable terrain to 53 opened trails, which is more than 80% of the entire terrain! No need to mention that skiing and snowboarding fanatics rushed to the mountain to get - according to many - the best snow conditions in the province! There is not doubt that the Quebec City area and surrounding ranks first this season regarding the natural snowfall.

Crested Butte Celebrates Learn to Ski Month!

Crested Butte, CO - It’s National Learn to Ski & Snowboard month and thanks to an incredible offer from Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR), there’s one more reason to learn this season.

Beginning in January, CBMR is offering a free day of lifts, lessons and rentals to aspiring skiers and riders who book a two-night stay at any CBMR property. The offer is valid for true beginners – ‘never-evers’ – and includes each person on the reservation. Even better, this package applies to both adults and children.

“With the views from the learning area and the elegant terrain guests have the perfect area to learn to ski and snowboard at Crested Butte Mountain Resort,” says Nick Herrin, director of resort services at CBMR. “The free lift ticket, lesson, and rental package makes the ‘learn to ski’ opportunity even sweeter. Guests will be able to move through the learning progression with some of the best instructors in the country, while capitalizing on a great lodging and ski offer. We are honored to introduce more skiers and riders into the sport and give them positive memories of their first time on the slopes.”

CBMR’s Learn to Ski for Free special is available from January 3 through March 9, 2012. A two-night minimum stay in a CBMR property is required. Included lift ticket allows access to beginner areas only and included lesson is intended for never-ever skiers and riders. An upgrade is available for a full-access lift ticket and lesson for more experienced skiers. Included rental is for ‘Sport’ level skis or snowboard.

More Trails Now Open!

East Burke, VT - Temperatures at Burke have remained cold enough to make some real nice man-made snow these past couple of days. Snowguns have been running on Carriage Road, Big Dipper, Open Slope, Dashney Mile, Upper Dipper and in a few other areas around Mid Burke. Carriage Road, Big Dipper, and Open Slope are now open and with a few more days on Upper Dipper, we should be able to open it up real soon. The weather forecast for the rest of the week looks like we will see a few more snow showers through Saturday night, giving our trails a fresh layer of natural snow.

The Coors Light Concert Series comes to the Bear Den Lounge this Saturday, January 7 with high energy local act Classic Rewind. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover charge. Giveaways from Coors Light and a Burton Snowboard raffle!

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month at Whiteface... Whiteface Offers $59 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Packages

Wilmington, NY - There’s never been a better time to learn to ski or ride than January, during the National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month. The first 31 days of the new year are dedicated as the national month to learn a new snow sport and hundreds of alpine and Nordic ski resorts in 22 states, will be offering discounts and specials on lessons, rentals and lift tickets.

The goal of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard month is to get American families on the slopes and enjoy a healthy winter lifestyle. Organizers are hoping that more than 150,000 children and adults will take ski and snowboard lessons from a professional instructor. Last January an estimated 75,000 children and adults participated in the program.

“No matter what your age, January is a great time to get outside, hit the slopes and enjoy this fun and healthy outdoor activity,” remarked Aleks Smith, Whiteface Mountain’s snowsports director. “Whether it’s your first time ever on skis, or you haven’t skied in a few years, or maybe you’re just looking to improve your skiing or riding, here’s your chance to take an affordable lesson. Skiing and riding are sports to enjoy for a lifetime.”

During the National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, Whiteface will be offering a mid-week special for just $59. This includes lessons, rentals and a lower-mountain lift ticket. Lessons begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are available for skiers and riders 13 and older.

2012 starts with snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Beaupre, PQ - 2012 starts buried in snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne! With 50 cm of fresh snow received in the last 7 days, the resort expanded its skiable terrain to 53 opened trails, which is more than 80% of the entire terrain! No need to mention that skiing and snowboarding fanatics rushed to the mountain to get - according to many - the best snow conditions in the province! There is not doubt that the Quebec City area and surrounding ranks first this season regarding the natural snowfall.

Attitash & Wildcat Mountain Support National January Learn a Snow Sport Month

Bartlett & Pinkham Notch, NH - Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire join SKI NH and several other ski areas across the nation taking part in the snow sport industries collective campaign to introduce people to winter sports. As a special offer to support January’s Learn a Snow Sports Month, both Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain invite “never-evers” to sign up for a free Learn-to-Ski/Ride lesson package, including rentals and novice lift ticket, during the week of January 7 – 13, 2011.

In addition, for those that do sign up and complete the free first lesson package at Attitash or Wildcat, participants will have the opportunity to upgrade and purchase two additional lesson packages for a discount price and for use at the resort where purchased. As an added bonus, when persons complete their third Learn-to-Ski/Ride package lesson, they will receive a free Vertical Value Card, valid for use at Attitash or Wildcat. The Vertical Value Card includes one free lift ticket and then discount savings for 10-50% off lift tickets valid every day of the 2011/12 season. The free Learn-to-Ski/Ride and 3-lesson package programs are available for first-time skiers & snowboarders only ages 13 and up. Reservations are required and space may be limited.

Sugar Bowl Resort and KidZone Museum Partner for Caboose Kickers Terrain Park Series

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl Resort has partnered with KidZone Museum to host four children’s terrain park competitions throughout the 2011/12 winter season. The first competition is on January 8, 2012 from 11:00 – 12:00pm in the Caboose Terrain Park. The competitions teach kids terrain park safety, and introduce them to a safe but competitive skiing/riding atmosphere, ultimately having fun while competing for great prizes.

Competition entry fee is $15 and participants receive half price lift tickets and a free BBQ voucher. Prizes for winners include Dynastar skis, a Flow snowboard, a Giro helmet, jackets from M3 and Vans and other prizes. Registration for all competitions begins at 9:00 am in the Judah Lodge. All kids 12 and under are welcome to compete and must wear a helmet.

Other competition dates are scheduled for February 12, March 18 and April 15, 2012. More information on these events is posted at KidZone Museum or can be found at SugarBowl.com. Sugar Bowl Resort and KidZone Museum are excited to once again partner this season for this great series of kid’s terrain park competitions.

Heli-Skiing Operation Oldest and First in Colorado

Telluride, CO - Imagine stepping out of a helicopter at one of the highest elevations in North America and gliding down the mountain - carving through knee-deep snow. This is the stuff a Powder Hounds' dreams are made of. This is Helitrax.

Thirty years ago this concept became reality when four local backcountry ski partners combined their talents and enthusiasm for ski mountaineering with a generous dose of can-do optimism, and launched Telluride Helitrax. Established in 1982, Telluride Helitrax is Colorado's original and premiere Heli-Skiing and Snowboarding Guide Service.

"We were a bit ahead of our time," said Guide and Co-Founder Mark Frankman." There was no airport, and very few people had ever heard of Telluride - the helicopters and pilots were of the Vietnam and Korean war era."

Today, the Telluride Helitrax crew are experts at providing small group, customized, backcountry adventures. The professional guides and pilots utilize state of the art helicopters, ski equipment and safety procedures to lead guests through the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Helitrax accesses the highest heli-skiing terrain in North America. Staggering peaks and breathtaking mountain beauty surround the expansive alpine bowls, gladed slopes and classic couloirs.

Happy Holidays from Loveland!

Georgetown, CO - Happy holidays from everyone at Loveland Ski Area! We got an early holiday gift of 4 inches of new snow today just in time for the holiday weekend. While the forecast is calling for sunshine for the next few days, you can still enjoy a White Christmas with friends and family on the slopes of Loveland. Even Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to make some turns at Loveland! Be sure to keep your eyes out as he skis around the mountain this weekend. For the holidays, we will be running the lifts from 8:30am until 4pm everyday starting on Saturday, December 24th through Monday, January 2nd.

Celebrate The Holidays At Timberline!

Government Camp, OR - The lodge is beautifully decorated for the holiday, and an extra special meal in this spectacular setting can provide just the right ingredients for a memorable holiday with friends and family.

New Year's Eve Celebration
Ski in the New Year at Timberline! This Timberline tradition allows you to night ski on New Year’s Eve until 12:30 a.m., and enjoy a spectacular midnight fireworks display (weather permitting) all for the price of a regularly priced lift ticket. If you prefer to ring in the New Year indoors, Timberline Lodge is offering one of its most special holiday meals of the year; a 5-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jason Stoller Smith and his top-notch culinary team. The second seating of the New Year’s Eve dinner is followed by the classic rock sounds of Bob Voll and the Too Loose Band. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and dance away the night inside the magical interior of Timberline Lodge. It will be a New Years Eve you’ll never forget.

Freestyle World Cup Skiing Returns to Lake Placid and Wilmington

Wilmington, NY - American skiers Hannah Kearney (Norwich, Vt.) and Ashley Caldwell (Hamilton, Va.) will try to defend their World Cup crowns when the FIS Freestyle World Cup returns to Lake Placid, N.Y. and Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., Jan. 19-21. Lake Placid is one of only five U.S. sites selected to host a World Cup event this season.

Action begins Thursday, Jan. 19, at Whiteface, when Kearney begins defense of her moguls’ World Cup crown and France’s Guilbault Colas tries to hold off a deep men’s field and capture his second World Cup win on the mountain’s Wilderness Trail. Competition on 240-meter long course begins at 9:15 a.m. with the women’s qualifications, followed by the men’s qualifications at 11:35 a.m. The women’s semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. and the men’s semis start at 2:20 p.m. The medal rounds start at 2:40 p.m. for the women and eight minutes later men’s finals is slated to begin.

Action will move over to the Olympic jumping complex both Friday and Saturday night, for two exciting evenings of aerial competitions. The 18-year-old Caldwell, a 2010 Olympian, will begin defense of her World Cup title, when she and the rest of the international field twist, flip, summersault and soar into the evening skies, some as high as 60-feet. The fun begins both nights 7 p.m.

In addition to the exciting action, there will be bonfires, music, giveaways and plenty of food and drinks provided by Centerplate. Saturday’s jumping will also conclude with a fireworks display.

Tickets to the aerial competitions are $15 for adults and $9 for juniors and seniors. A lift ticket and skis are required to view the mogul events Whiteface.

Grand Opening of the Red Barn

Highmount, NY - The Red Barn Bar located in the Lower Discovery Lodge will be holding its grand opening on Saturday, December 24th.

The Red Barn bar was created and built by Belleayre Mountain employees as a representation of the Catskill Mountains. The main inspiration behind the bar was farming, specifically dairy farming. All of the horse tackles and farm implements used to decorate the Red Barn were donated by local community farmers.

The main sign for the Red Barn bar was fashioned from steel, a strong and permanent fixture. No paint was used in the coloration of the sign. Chemical reactions caused by vinegar and bleach, heat reactions and a touch of copper and brass were used to create the polished look of the sign.

Woodwork and framing was done primarily by Cassie Merwin with help from Raphael Santiago. The steel work was done by Darren Morgan and Donny Bush. When asked about the look of the bar, the employees said that the look evolved on its own.

Join Belleayre staff and friends for the grand opening which will include holiday drink specials and a BBQ out on the deck (weather permitting).

All Alpine Lifts Open at Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks, BC - The West Bowl T-Bar opens at Sun Peaks Resort on Saturday, December 17. The opening of this lift means all 11 lifts at Sun Peaks are now officially operational for the Winter 2011-12 season. With the West Bowl opening on Saturday, over 100 alpine runs are available for skiing and snowboarding at Sun Peaks. The entire Nordic trail system is also groomed and track-set for cross-country skiing. Fresh snow has fallen throughout the week and EnviroBC is forecasting more flurries for the weekend and into next week.

Sugar Bowl To Open Additional Lifts and Terrain this Weekend

Donner Summit, CA - With recent colder temperatures allowing crews to operate snowmaking around the clock, Sugar Bowl Resort will reopen this weekend with additional lifts and expanded terrain, including the Mt. Lincoln Express quad, effectively serving up 1,500 vertical feet of top-to-bottom skiing and riding. In addition, the Switching Yard Terrain Park will make its season debut with numerous features, accessed via the Emigrant Gap trail off the Jerome Hill Express quad. All told, Sugar Bowl will operate five chairlifts with 16 trails, providing ample terrain for all levels of ability. With improving conditions and additional terrain, resort operators recently announced that Sugar Bowl will remain open seven days a week moving forward, beginning this Saturday, December 17th. Chairlifts in operation will be Jerome Hill Express, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, White Pine and Mt. Lincoln, with additional lifts and terrain openings moving forward as weather and conditions permit.

Lift tickets will be $67 for adults (ages 23-59); $55 for young adults (13-22) & seniors (60-69); $25 for children (6-12) & super seniors (70+); and, as always, kids five and under ski for free at Sugar Bowl. Skiers and riders can save on lift tickets every day of the season by purchasing a Daily CORE Pass, just $19, which offers direct-to-lift convenience, resort-wide charging privileges, points-based perks and $15 off the window lift ticket rate. General Admission is also in effect every day through December 23rd, offering guests with a qualifying ticket (all-mountain, ages 13-69) and season passholders (ages 4 and up) free basic rentals for the day and a free lesson at any level of ability. The Mountain Sports Learning Center will open The Den this weekend, providing a kid-friendly, all-in-one learning pavilion that kids love and parents appreciate.

Skier access to Sugar Bowl this weekend will be via the Mount Judah portal only.

Eldora Mountain Resort’s Corona Lift and Additional Trails to Open on Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Nederland, CO - On Wednesday, December 14, Eldora’s legendary Corona Bowl is scheduled to open. This will add significantly more skiing and riding to Eldora’s current line up of open terrain and exceptional conditions. The trails anticipated to open on Wednesday are Corona Run, Around the Horn and Wayback.

With the recent upslope storms on the Front Range of Colorado, Eldora is experiencing some of the best early winter conditions in recent years. Early snowfall helped allow the Corona Lift and additional to open ahead of schedule.

Cold temperatures throughout December have also allowed Eldora’s state of the art snowmaking system to operate consistently.

Eldora currently has a 28-inch base of packed powder and machine-made snow. Lifts open daily at 9:00am and remain open until 4:00pm.

Crested Butte to host Ski Mountaineering North American Championships in January

Crested Butte, CO - Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is pleased to announce the resort will play host to the 2012 International Ski Mountaineering Federation’s (ISMF) GORE-TEX® Brand North American Ski Mountaineering Championships presented by Arc’teryx, part of the COSMIC series and also known as the Crested Butte Ski Mountaineering Race. This is a new event designation for the sport of Ski Mountaineering in North America, and CBMR is rising to the occasion with a more technical course, including a class-five boot pack ascent. The ISMF North American Championships take place at CBMR on Saturday Jan. 28 and Sunday Jan. 29, 2012.

“The Crested Butte Professional Ski Patrol is proud to be part of such a uniquely challenging event in North America,” says Bill Dowell, Ski Patrol Director for CBMR. “It is a great opportunity to highlight some of our extreme terrain on the upper parts of the mountain and showcase the skill and expertise of our technical rigging personnel. We look forward to working with the ISMF crew and CB Mountain Guides to put on a safe and exciting event this year and in the future.”

CBMR has been included as a race stop on the COSMIC series tour for the past five years (and part of the Rando Rally for five years prior). It is one of the longest-standing venues with exceptional race success. The North American Championships course will follow a similar path to previous years’ races, however the new route also will include a technical class-five assent up The Guides Ridge to the peak of Mt. CB – a rarely attempted route during the winter months. CBMR Ski Patrol and Crested Butte Mountain Guides will assist with installation of a fixed route line, and with safety during the race. The new course is being modeled after European Championships race courses to enable North American athletes to prepare for worldwide competition.

The ISMF North American Championships Ski Mountaineering race begins and ends in the CBMR base area and competitors will face over 5,000 feet of vertical elevation gain and loss, focused on much of CBMR’s most technical terrain. The race is open to individual competitors; no teams allowed in this event.

The ISMF North American Championships takes place at CBMR on Saturday, Jan. 28 with a Sprint race and the Individual race on Sunday Jan. 29, 2012; both races start in the CBMR base area.

Sugar Bowl Opens For Weekend Operations - December 3 - 4, 2011

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl had a successful opening weekend and with snowmaking temperatures in the future, they'll reopen for operations on December 3 & 4, 2011.

Conditions permitting, operational plans will be:

Open through the Judah Portal only, with both White Pine and Jerome Hill lifts spinning.

Lift Ticket prices will be $52 Adult; $45 Young Adult/Senior; and $20 Child/Super Senior.

Purchase a Daily CORE Pass for $19 and save $15 off the purchase of your lift ticket. Please call (530) 426-6783 to get your pass today. General Admission will be in effect, offering a FREE 2 hour group lesson at any level and standard gear rental. Participants can upgrade to a second lesson for just $25.

Deer Valley Resort Opening Saturday, December 3, 2011

Deer Valley Resort will open for the season on Saturday, December 3, 2011, with 10 chairlifts and 16 ski runs

Park City, UT - The award-winning Mariposa restaurant (located midmountain at Silver Lake Lodge) will offer a buy one entrée get a second entrée at half price special from December 2 – 16, 2011. The Mariposa offers a blend of classic and current cuisine, as well as vegetarian and tasting menus. Reservations are necessary.

Deer Valley will be hosting the Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest on Birdseye ski run on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 at noon, benefiting the Waterkeeper Alliance. Come cheer on your favorite stars and Olympic athletes.

Enjoy Warren Miller's Newest Film, Get a Great Deal at Powderhorn

Mesa, CO -

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Reopens‏

Banner Elk, NC - Mother Nature's in charge! And Sugar Mountain Resort is hoping the third time's a charm. The ski area reopens, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 for skiing and snowboarding. Warm temperatures melted away the snow on Monday, November 21, 2011, temporarily shutting the ski area down for the second time this season.

Snowmaking began at 3 a.m. this morning and continues as temperatures dropped into the 20's. Ray's Weather expects three inches of fresh snow to blanket the slopes of Sugar Mountain by tomorrow.

Tomorrow the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes providing a run of one mile long will be open. Summit #1 lift will operate to the 3/4's station servicing both slopes for the day and 1/2 day sessions. Tomorrow's lift/slope ticket prices will be $30 for an adult full-day session and $25 for an adult half-day session.

Whiteface Opens with Over 14 Inches of Fresh Snow

Wilmington, NY - Whiteface is ready to open for its 54th skiing and riding season on Friday, Nov. 25, at 8:30 a.m. Crews began blowing snow on the Olympic mountain Wednesday night, Nov. 16. Snow guns have been covering Upper Valley, Lower Valley and Fox preparing for opening day.

Opening day lift tickets lift tickets on Friday are $38 for adults/teens/seniors and $24 for juniors (7-12). These prices will be in effect throughout the weekend.

“Crews have done a great job in putting down snow with marginal temperatures,” said mountain manager Bruce McCulley. “Most of our snowmaking has occurred at night, when it’s much colder. We’ve built some great coverage on Upper Valley and Lower Valley and we’re up and ready for opening day.”

Mother Nature also helped out Tuesday night and Wednesday, delivering more than 14-inches of natural snowfall on the Olympic mountain. That means that Upper Valley, Lower Valley and the Fox trails will be open Friday, all serviced by the Face Lift chair. Crews are continuing to blow snow on upper Excelsior and the trail will open conditions permitting.

Snowshoe Mountain Opening Day Delayed

Off-Snow Holiday Weekend Fun Will Include Shopping, Dining, and Children and Family Activities

Snowshoe Mountain, WV - With 2.5” of rain falling on Pocahontas County, W.Va in the last two days, Snowshoe Mountain has announced that the resort will not open for skiing and snowboarding this weekend. Snowshoe will offer a variety of Holiday activities, including a traditional Thanksgiving feast at The Junction Restaurant, Holiday crafts and movies in The Big Top, plenty of opportunity at Village retail stores to get a jump on Holiday shopping and nightlife activities. The resort will continue to monitor weather conditions and announce a new Opening Day when conditions allow.

Canyons Resort Announces New Amenities and Programming for 2011/2012 Season

Newly Reinvented Resort Unveils New Village Programming, Trail Improvements, Winter ZipTour Lines, Memorable Dining Options, Increased Snowmaking, Winter Hiking, Kids Activities and Membership Opportunities

Park City, UT - The 2011/2012 ski season will mark the grand opening of the newly reinvented Canyons Resort as it introduces more on-mountain enhancements in 2011 than any other U.S. ski resort. Canyons will open this Friday, November 25, at 9 a.m.

Canyons unveils a new winter ZipTour circuit, trail improvements, memorable dining options, snowshoeing, increased snowmaking, kid’s activities, new village programming and Canyons Club membership opportunities. The new amenities and programming complement the resort’s dynamic array of offerings including the most technologically advanced chair lift in North America with heated seats and a European-style après ski area named Ski Beach.

The new amenities for the 2011/2012 season are an extension of the reinvention project that has been rolling out over the past year, which includes: the new Orange Bubble Express chair lift, Ski Beach gathering area, a collection of exciting dining venues and specialty food carts, a direct gondola and expanded terrain.

Also this month, Canyons proposed an 8-passenger gondola known as SkiLink that, subject to approvals, will connect Canyons and Solitude resorts in just 11 minutes and create the most unique ski network in North America. The transportation-only connection is the subject of the Wasatch Range Recreation Access Enhancement Act, proposed by four members of Utah’s Congressional delegation: Rep. Rob Bishop, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Sen. Orrin Hatch and Sen. Mike Lee.

Loon Mountain Opens Today for 45th Winter Season

First Mountain Resort in New Hampshire to Open for 2011-12 Winter Season
Lincoln, NH - New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain opened today for its 45th winter season with 5 trails, 22 acres and two miles of intermediate and advanced level terrain on the upper mountain with downloading on the gondola. Trails open today include Upper Bear Claw, Bear Claw Extension, Grand Junction, Link, and Upper Picked Rock. The lift ticket price for opening day is $20 for all ages. Loon is the first mountain resort to open in New Hampshire for the 2011-12 winter season.

Snowmaking temperatures are expected to return tonight and more terrain is expected to open this week. For Thanksgiving, Loon anticipates offering top-to-bottom terrain with at least 10 trails, over 60 acres and more than 4 miles of skiing and riding. Loon’s addition of 600 highly-efficient tower snow guns in the past two years, including an additional 170 snow guns added for this year, allows the resort to cover maximum terrain in a short period of time and expand open terrain quickly. Earlier this week, 288 snow guns were running at one time, covering 10 trails.

The temporary bridge, which will provide access to the Resort from Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway, is expected to open this Wednesday, November 23, in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The temporary bridge, a two-lane vehicular bridge which will also include a sidewalk, will remain in place throughout the 2011-12 winter season. In the meantime, there is alternate vehicular access available via the South Peak Bridge, located two miles to the west in the town of Lincoln.

Lake Louise Offers Early Season’s Highest Vertical with the Opening of More Expert Terrain

Lake Louise, AB - Fantastic early season conditions at The Lake Louise Ski Area has allowed the resort to open up expert terrain and access to the highest early season vertical in North America. Thanks to consecutive days of snowfall and the hard work of the Mountain Operations and Avalanche Control teams the resort is off to a great start.

November 17th sees the opening of the Top of the World 6-Pack Express chairlift and the Summit Platter, giving skiers and borders access to 3,250 ft of vertical. Lake Louise’s Grizzly Gondola is also scheduled to open the following day, Friday the 18th, giving guests access to over 25 runs. “The Lake Louise Ski Area is very happy to be able to offer this type of terrain so early in the season,” says Dan Markham Director of Marketing & Sales at Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine. With World Cup right around the corner, these conditions could not come at a better time.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Re-Opens

Banner Elk, NC - Let's try this again! Sugar Mountain Resort in North Carolina reopens today, Friday, November 18, 2011 for skiing and snowboarding after warm temperatures forced the ski area to temporarily shut down on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Snowmaking began early Thursday morning as temperatures dropped into the 20's while natural snow fell much of the day. Snowmaking will continue as temperatures allow.

A six to eight inch manmade packed powder surface covers the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes providing a run of one mile long. The Summit #1 lift operates to the 3/4's station servicing both slopes for the day and 1/2 day sessions. Today's lift/slope ticket prices are $30 for an adult full-day session and $25 for an adult half-day session.

More Than 130 Snowguns, A Dump Truck and a Backhoe!

Beaupre, PQ - With the actual low temperatures and certainly a touch of madness, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Mountain Resort have taken drastic measures last night to get some snow, no matter what! In addition to the 130 snow guns that were shooting in both resorts, the Stoneham’s team was equipped with a dump truck and a backhoe and visited the region’s arenas to get some snow, as any young jibber would dream of!

Tonight, The Bud Light November Chill will welcome hundreds freestyle lovers for a rail jam at the base of the mountain, before the party of their life in the Main Chalet! A real achievement, considering the high temperatures of the last weeks!