Nachtspektakel Ski Tour presented by Dynafit

Wilmington, NY - Nighttime ski touring, an age old European tradition made popular in Germany, is coming to the Adirondacks. On its tour of America’s finest winter ski resorts, Nachtspektakel Ski Tour Event presented by Dynafit will be stopping over at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., to greet in the New Year, Saturday Jan. 1.

A truly unique event, participants will begin the evening at 4:30 p.m. by “skinning” up to mid-station lodge to enjoy a delicious catered three-course dinner and cocktails at Boule’s Bistro. Skiers will then gear up, put on their headlamps and ski back down to the Whiteface Base Lodge by 9 p.m. Nachtspektakel skiers will be professionally guided by certified American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Jesse Williams, Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides owner and Dynafit athlete.

Nachtspektakel or “night spectacle” is a fun night event where skiers can eat, tour and ski, but also have the opportunity to demo the latest in Dynafit ski touring equipment. Equipment is limited so it will be first come, first served, but rentals will be available at High Peaks Cyclery and The Mountaineer.

Guests are encouraged to make reservations by Friday, Dec. 31 in order to ensure a spot on this fun and exciting adventure. Individual rates will be $75 per person, which includes the three-course dinner, two free drinks, guides and free demos. A percentage of all ticket prices will be made to the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF).

ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge

Whistler, BC - January is a sacred month to Whistler locals and snow lovers alike as intense weather systems routinely drop a bounty of powder on the Coast Mountain Range. For the fifth year in a row, the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge prepares to pay homage to the beloved storm season and the skiers, snowboarders and photographers who cherish it.

The Deep Winter Photo Challenge will take place Saturday, January 15 and is the marquee event of the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience which storms into Whistler January 8-16. The Challenge will feature slideshows from six of the industry’s best ski and snowboard photographers taken over three days at Whistler Blackcomb.

Tickets to the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge are $17 and available at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations location or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

Wildcat Mountain Supports National January Learn a Snow Sport Month

Learn to Ski or Snowboard Free January 3rd through January 9th

Pinkham Notch, NH - Wildcat Mountain has been introducing persons to winter recreation since it began offering lift-serviced skiing and riding over 50 years ago. Today, with a staff of instructors that collectively represents over 850 years of experience and more than 90% certified by the Professional Ski Instructors Association & American Association of Snowboard Instructors, that tradition continues with the Wildcat Mountain Learn-to-Ski and Learn-to-Ride programs intended for first-timers. Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire joins several other resorts in states across the nation taking part in the snow sport industries campaign to introduce persons to winter sports.

As a special offer to support January’s Learn a Snow Sports Month, Wildcat Mountain has joined with Ski NH to invite “never-evers” to sign up for a free Learn-to-Ski/Ride lesson package, including rentals and novice lift ticket valid at Wildcat Mountain only, during the week of January 3rd -9th.

Winter Feels Good!

Banner Elk, NC - The 16th annual National Winter Trails Day will take place at Sugar Mountain Resort on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Discover the possibilities of fun and fitness in the snow. Winter Trails day is a one-day national event offering children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE.

Free one hour snowshoe guided tours include snowshoes. Tours are available at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Saturday, January 8th. Adult tours are for 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for 8-11 year olds. Participants should meet at the ski/snowboard school building at least 15 minutes prior to the tour time. Participation is limited and is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Meadows Extends New Year’s Eve Lift Schedule to Midnight!

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows will operate lifts until midnight New Year’s Eve as part of the Brrring in the New Year celebration featuring fireworks, a feast and a party.

Lifts are scheduled to run until midnight. A fireworks celebration will launch at 10:15 PM, and party goers can dance to the soulful music of “The Essentials” – the West Coast’s most popular party band from 8:00 PM – 12:15 AM, enjoying party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. An elaborate dinner buffet will be served earlier in the evening. Reservations are required for the dinner buffet and the party, but not for night skiing or enjoying the fireworks.

New Year’s Eve busses will run from the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, making shuttling to the mountain New Year’s Eve convenient. The buses head to the mountain around 3 PM and depart from the mountain at 12:30 AM. The Monarch Hotel is offering special room rates for those wanting to spend the night when the bus returns (and drive home the next day).

Whiteface is Vertical and Family Friendly

Wilmington, NY - Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., may be best known for having the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies and for hosting the 1980 winter Olympic Alpine events, but it’s also recognized as one of the nation’s top ski resorts for families.

According to About.Com, Whiteface is one of the country’s top family ski destinations, one of only three eastern resorts to make the list. The on-line article touts the mountain as “an ideal venue for a family ski vacation,” and also describes many of the off-hill activities found in Wilmington and in Lake Placid including a tour of the Olympic sites, ice skating and partaking in the full schedule of winter events for the family.

“This is another tremendous recognition not only for the mountain, but also for the two communities and the entire region,” noted New York State Olympic Regional Development president/CEO Ted Blazer. “Our vertical drop is an important message, but it’s also equally important that the mountain and the region be recognized as a great family destination. This, combined with being ranked the number-one ski resort in the eastern United States by both SKI Magazine and SnowEast Magazine, continues to show that we’re a destination for everyone.”

Whiteface recently completed a 10-year, $20-million capitalization project that also included renovation of Kids Kampus. With nearby parking and one-stop shopping for lift tickets, lessons and rentals, Kids Kampus offers a safe and fun environment for young skiers. The Bunny Hutch chair lift connects Kids Kampus to the rest of the mountain, and a shuttle service runs to and from the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Kids Kampus Lodge all day.

Sun Valley is 100% Open!

Sun Valley, ID - Thanks to an abundance of early snowfall, 100% of Sun Valley’s ski terrain will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, December 22.
“We’re very excited to report epic ski conditions for this time of year. Our 75th winter season could not be off to a better start,” Peter Stearns, Sun Valley Resort Mountain Manager, said.

Sun Peaks Ranked with the Best in the World in recent Condé Nast Magazine Poll

Sun Peaks, BC - Sun Peaks Resort continues to stand up with the best resorts in the world after a top 20 ranking in one of the world’s leading travel publications. Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Ski Poll ranks Sun Peaks as the 2nd best ski resort in Canada, and 13th best in North America.

Close to 26,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers voted in this 15th Annual Ski Poll.

Resorts were judged on terrain and conditions, lifts and lines, après-ski/activities, dining and local ambiance. Sun Peaks was one of three Canadian resorts to make the Top 20: Whistler Blackcomb (#1), Sun Peaks (#13), and Mont Tremblant (#14 tie).

“Sun Peaks is honored to be recognized with Whistler as the leading destinations in Canada,” says Christopher Nicolson, President of Tourism Sun Peaks. “The resort is known for it’s village design, reliable snow and expansive terrain spread over three mountains. But perhaps more importantly, visitors pick up on the genuine sense of welcome and hospitality of residents.”

New Tubing Park Lodge, Part of Opening Day Celebrations at Snow Trails!

Mansfield, OH - The Vertical Descent Snow Tubing Park at Snow Trails will open this Friday, December 17th 5:00pm- Midnight. The Park's brand new Tubing lodge will be part of the celebration, offering restrooms, snack bar, seating area, and panoramic views of snow tubers sliding by.

The Vertical Descent Tubing Park opened in 2006 and is home to the longest tubing runs in Ohio, at 1,100'. For the non-skier it's a great opportunity to enjoy the out-of-doors in winter with family and friends. The Park is open weekends and holidays all day and evenings and Monday through Friday from 5 p.m.

Arapahoe Basin's Montezuma Bowl to Open This Saturday

Montezuma Bowl Opens for its Fourth Season in Time for the Holidays
Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin’s Montezuma Bowl will open to the public at 9:00 am, Saturday, December 18.

A-Basin has received over 100” of snow since opening day in October, helping to make this Montezuma Bowl opening the earliest one in its four year history. Open terrain will be growing quickly to include additional runs with the anticipated snowfall this week. Hike back terrain and other areas of the West Bowl will open as soon as possible.

The intermediate and advanced terrain to open on Saturday will include Columbine, Larkspur, Shining Light, Ned’s Cache, Miner’s Glade, Independence, Eureka, Torreys, Grays and Bierstadt all accessible from the Zuma chairlift.

Montezuma Bowl opened for its inaugural season in January of 2008. The expansion increased the ski area’s terrain by 80 percent. The 400-acre Montezuma Bowl, located on the backside of Arapahoe Basin, was the nation’s largest terrain expansion for the 2007-2008 ski season.

190+ Inches of Snow and Three Parks

Twin Bridges, CA - Three weeks into the season and Sierra Resort has already logged over 190 inches of snow, four blower powder days, top-to-bottom skiing and riding every-day-all-day-since-day-one, three terrain parks, and some amazing turns in Sierra's legendary trees. As the whirlwind opening gives way to the calm-before-the-holiday-storm , you can rest your weary legs, finally get that detailed tune on your skis or board, get your holiday shopping done, and get ready for La Niña to deliver the goods this winter.

Have a friend who doesn’t ski or ride? You know the ones – they hang out in the bar all day or cuddle up on the couch with a book while you shred your face off. Turn them on to the $35 Learn to Ski or Ride package and watch them turn from couch potato to shredding maniac in just a few visits. The $35 package is affordable and offers a 2.5 hour beginner lesson, a limited access lift ticket, and all day equipment rental. It’s just what you need to get started. (Beginner package is available online only, 24 hours in advance, for adults 13+ only, excluding restricted dates. Limited quantities available).

Greek Peak Ski Area Reopens!

Cortland, NY - Lake Effect Snow and good snomaking weather have allowed us to reopen the mountain.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort wants you and your family to celebrate your New Year with us! With two party locations, kids activities, Crossroads the Clown, Fireworks and a Torchlight Procession, you are almost guaranteed a night to remember.

Mt. Hood Meadows Holiday Schedule

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort holiday season kicks off this weekend. For the next two weeks Meadows has scheduled special Après Ski live performances and holiday entertainers, as well as ski school clinics and camps. Lifts are scheduled to operate daily beginning at 9 AM, including Christmas and New Year’s Days and there will be extended night operations during Christmas week. It culminates with a New Year’s Eve spectacular, exquisite dinner, fireworks and a party with “The Essentials” the top rated dance party band on the west coast!


Mt. Hood Meadows celebrates New Year's Eve with a fireworks display, spectacular buffet dinner and party featuring “The Essentials” – the top rated dance band on the west coast! We'll run the lifts until Midnight to allow revelers to ski or ride in the New Year. A fireworks display will be launched at around 10 PM. The dinner has two seatings (5 - 6:30 and 7 - 8:30) and “The Essentials” will perform from 8 PM - 12:15 AM!
Brrring in the New Year at Mt. Hood Meadows - presented by Widmer Brothers Brewing and Brrr Seasonal Ale. Adult party buses scheduled from the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.

Mont SUTTON’s opening : Friday, December 10th

Sutton, PQ - Skiers and snowboarders will start the 2010-2011 season at Mont SUTTON this Friday, December 10th, and this, with great snowy conditions.

An early season rate will be available: $30 for adults (18-64 years old) and $20 for all other categories. This rate will be available until the anniversary day at $5 on December 17th, when Mont SUTTON will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Children aged five and under always ski for free at Mont SUTTON.

Activities during the first opened weekend
In addition to enjoy the first opened weekend of the season at Mont SUTTON, skiers and snowboarders will have the chance to take part to the first activities of the season on Saturday December 11th:

Rider’s Reunion with the Adrenaline team: a special module will be installed at the foot of the trails, close to the main chalet, entertainment, prizes and surprises.
First party of the season at the Bar Le Tucker : the bar will be opened from 2 p.m. and the party will start at 4 p.m. Among the prizes to win, there will be 2 VIP zone passes for 2 people for the show of Les Trois Accords, on December 18th in the occasion of the Mont SUTTON’s great 50-candle celebration.

Not to be missed : Mont SUTTON’s great 50-candle celebration
Mont SUTTON will celebrate its 50th birthday on December 17th, 18th and 19th. In addition to the multitude of activities organized all weekend long, as the anniversary day at $5 on December 17th, the tapas and show evening at the Bar Le Tucker, the torchlight descent, the commemorative dinner… there will be a free outdoor show of the group Les Trois Accords on Saturday evening, which will be followed by fireworks and a party with a DJ at the Bar Le Tucker.

Kimberley Alpine Resort with Great Snow, Ready for Preview Weekend

Kimberley, BC - Kimberley Alpine Resort is set to open for a special preview weekend this Saturday December 11th and Sunday December 12th. The resort has received over 70cm of snowfall already, and skiers and snowboarders will get to experience amazing snow conditions for the first turns of the season. With incredible snowfall already, more significant snowfall in the forecast for later this week could make it that much more epic.

Lifts operating this weekend include North Star Express Quad, Easter Triple Chair, and the Owlette Magic Carpet.

Super Sunday is ‘Stylin’ at Whiteface

20th Annual High Peaks Cyclery Demo Day
Wilmington, NY - The 53rd season of skiing and riding at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., is underway and the Olympic mountain is kicking off its winter events, Sunday, Dec. 12, with its first of five Super Sundays presented by Bud Light.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as clues are revealed throughout the day for our on mountain scavenger hunt featuring gear from our favorite local ski shops Cunningham’s Ski Barn, Maui North and Viking Ski Shop.

Skiing and riding during 'Stylin’ Sunday’ is just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors, and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. skiers can demo the top ski and boot brands, get telemark lessons and discount coupons during the High Peaks Cyclery 20th annual Telemark/Alpine Touring Demo day at the mountain. At the end of day, the party moves to the Cloudspin Lounge for Bud Light specials, prizes, and DJ.

Celebrate the Holidays with Deer Valley Resort

Park City, UT - Deer Valley’s magical holiday events have become beloved annual traditions for the entire Park City community, locals and visitors alike. Deer Valley makes coming up with gift ideas a synch with products from their Resort stores, gift cards and more.

To celebrate Christmas, Santa Claus himself will visit Deer Valley on Friday, December 24, 2010. The jolly old elf will be found in the Snow Park Lodge area at the Resort base from 9 to 11 a.m., and from noon to 1:30 p.m., and will visit guests in the Silver Lake (mid-mountain) area. Guests are invited to bring a camera and have their picture taken with Santa.

Another highlight of Deer Valley’s holiday season is the annual torchlight parade. The parade takes place Thursday, December 30, 2010, at dusk (approximately 6 p.m.). The Resort’s renowned Ski School will dazzle with torches, synchronized skiing and all sorts of “illuminating” moves. The parade takes place on Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain and is best viewed from the plaza area of Snow Park Lodge, where complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served.

Almost Two Feet of Fresh Snow Blankets Snowshoe, with Opening Day Planned for December 8th!

Snowshoe, WV - Snowshoe Mountain Resort is once again a winter wonderland, and that’s good news for skiers and riders anxiously waiting to kick of ski season in West Virginia with Snowshoe’s opening on Wednesday, Dec 8th. Since December 1st, Snowshoe has seen 20 inches of natural snowfall, and the resort’s 150 snow guns have been working around the clock across the mountain for 120 hours. The forecast contains more good news for snow enthusiasts, as another foot of snow is expected to fall on the resort before Wednesday. And for skiers and riders planning to be at the Pocahontas County resort for rope drop at 9am on the 8th, the weather should cooperate, with temperatures creeping back into the 20s after days of highs in the teens.

Federal District Court Rules in Snowbowl's Favor?

Flagstaff, AZ - Arizona Snowbowl, on behalf of its skiers and supporters is very pleased that its position and that of the U.S. Forest Service has been upheld, once again by the Courts. Snowbowl looks forward to starting construction of the snowmaking system, and plans to proceed in cooperation with the Forest Service once the weather and other conditions permit. The project will benefit Flagstaff as a whole with respect to the creation of construction jobs and an increase in winter visitors once the project is complete.

Eric Borowsky, general partner, had the following reaction to the District Court's most recent decision: "Snowbowl will proceed as it has in the past, in accordance with the legal process and Forest Service approval. We appreciate the time and effort that Judge Murguia put into deciding this case. We are disappointed that these plaintiffs plan yet another appeal, but we are confident that the outcome of the District Court will be upheld. The people who brought this suit, and others of like mind, appear determined to try and stop this snowmaking project despite the fact that the Courts, in two separate cases, the first of which went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, have determined that the snowmaking project meets all legal requirements".

Telluride Ski Resort Cancels Backcountry Guide Program

Telluride, CO - Telluride Ski Resort announced today that it is canceling its backcountry guide program in the Bear Creek drainage, which is located immediately east of the ski area. The resort cited a lack of alignment with private owners of mining claims in the drainage.

The Resort was originally encouraged by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a guide service to help manage the growing use of the backcountry area.

"Telluride Ski Resort believed it was providing a much needed public service which would help people learn to safely navigate the area," said Resort CEO Dave Riley. "However, certain owners of mining claims, Irene West, Tom Chapman, and Ron Curry, have not accepted our offer to provide insurance and indemnification agreements in return for access privileges across their property."

Despite numerous attempts to reach out to the private land owners, the Ski Resort was unable to get a response. "They literally would not return emails or agree to get together to discuss a solution", said Riley.

The Ski Resort contends that the Chapman mining claims don't cause a barrier to fall line skiing in Bear Creek, but the West mining claim does create a barrier as there is no way to travel down through the drainage from the upper basin to the lower terrain without crossing the West property.

Woodward at Copper Takes Next Step to Integrate Into Every Aspect of Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain, CO - Woodward at Copper is possibly the raddest place on the planet. Some even call it the premier trick-stomping playground in the world. It features The Barn, a 19,400 sq. ft. comprehensive ski and snowboard freestyle training facility complete with indoor artificial snow jumps, jib lines, foam pits, skate features and Olympic fly-bed trampolines, offering indoor and outdoor training programs where you can learn tricks in the Barn and take them on snow the same day.

NEW this season, the teams responsible for helping build/shape the parks and pipes at Copper now are working in conjunction with the folks at Woodward at Copper. This move will leverage the best builders from Copper with the innovation and programs commonly seen from the minds of Woodward at Copper. This will expand the Woodward at Copper experience and the terrain parks/pipes experience across the resort and better integrate our people.

“I believe that this integration will prove to be a defining moment at Copper Mountain,” says Ben Brown, Director of Woodward at Copper. “I see so much passion for our parks from both the Terrain Park Crew as well as Woodward at Copper that combining the two will be explosive. The plan is for the transition to happen over time, but you should see some immediate impacts this year. Copper opened the season with more than 10 features in the Eagle Jib Park and will continue to expand throughout the season to our other five parks.”

This new decision shows Copper’s commitment to terrain parks, Woodward at Copper, progression and the integration of two very parallel departments, to form a happy union that should benefit all.

Deer Valley Celebrates 30th Anniversary with $30 Tix!

WHAT:
Please join us in celebrating our 30th Anniversary with $30 lift tickets December 6 - 8, 2010!

COST:
Full-day lift tickets will be available at the special rate of $30* Monday, December 6, through Wednesday, December 8, 2010.

*Please note, $30 lift ticket is not valid opening weekend, December 4 - 5, 2010

LIFTS:
Due to amazing early season skiing conditions, 20 of 21 lifts are planned to be open!

WHERE:
Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah

Sugarfest – Nothing But Fun!

Banner Elk, NC - SugarFest kick starts the winter season with a weekend of pure winter fun! Sponsored by the Village of Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and hosted by Sugar Mountain Resort. SugarFest will be held Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, 12th, 2010.

The eight annual, two-day festival is packed with a long list of winter activities and coincides with Sugar's 17th Annual Adult Preseason Ski Clinic. Olympic Gold & Silver medalist Diann Roffe; two-time Olympian, Krista Schmidinger and US National Sugar G Champion, Keely Kelleher top the list of the ski clinic's coaching staff.

Both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm 2011 ski & snowboard equipment will be available for demo from Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride, Line, Fisher and Forum. You must have a valid lift/slope ticket as well as a valid driver's license or credit card in order to demo the equipment.

Snowshoe Announces Dec. 10th as Opening Day

Snowshoe, WV - After a rollercoaster fall, Snowshoe Mountain Resort will open ski operations for the 2010.2011 season on Friday, December 10th at 9am. The Pocahontas County resort saw early snowflakes fall on October 5th, but has seen less than an inch of total snowfall since that time. A mild November forced the resort to delay its planned Opening Day on November 24th. With some good snowmaking weather following the Thanksgiving Holiday, and long-term forecasts calling for a cold start to the month of December, Snowshoe has targeted the 10th for Opening Day. With several chances for periods of prolonged snowmaking, the resort will open with great snow coverage from top to bottom and a variety of available terrain.

While skiers and riders have anxiously waited for winter weather to arrive, they have been reminded that the 2009.2010 season saw a similar delayed start at many of the region’s resorts, but finished with 200+ inches of natural snowfall at Snowshoe and one of the best seasons in recent memory. This year’s mild start to the season was not unexpected, as it’s a La Nina weather year. That typically means a mild fall for the southeast, followed by a cold, snowy December and a slightly mild January. That outlook bodes well for the season to come at Snowshoe. The Holiday period, always the busiest at the resort, should provide great conditions with the possibility of some great natural snow. And with January historically being the resort’s coldest month, a slight warm-up should only mean more comfortable conditions for the resort’s guests, without impairing snowmaking operations.

Snowshoe will continue to be aggressive with snowmaking operations over the next two weeks. The resort hopes to open significant terrain on December 10th. The resort will also open with a variety of available amenities, including restaurants, shops, The Big Top Entertainment Center, Split Rock Pools and more.

Operational Status (weather permitting)

Brighton, UT - Crest, Majestic & Explorer chairlifts will operate today. Operations are weather and condition dependent & subject to change without notice.

Comments: This snow at Brighton Ski Resort is windblown, making for some very, very deep pockets. Practice deep snow safety- ski and ride with a partner!!

SKI FOR $20 Quad Wednesdays start this week... Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Toys For Tots and receive a $20 lift ticket on the day of the drive.

Mt. Hood Meadows Receives Up To a Foot of Light Powder – A Thanksgiving Week Blessing!

Mt. Hood, OR - An early-season storm has dropped 8 – 12 inches of snow overnight at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, with more in the forecast today and tonight. The resort opened Saturday and this storm is a holiday week blessing for which skiers, snowboarders and resort operators are thankful.

The storm is a primo powder maker – thanks to the arctic blast of cold frigid air, which creates fine, light powder. Eight inches has fallen at the base area with a foot or more higher on the mountain. A 40” base is reported in the base area, and even with the new powder early season conditions exist so skiers and snowboarders should expect unmarked obstacles and as always ski and ride with care.

The resort added Vista Express to the other five lifts it opened over the weekend, however high winds could affect lift operations today. Scheduled to operate are the Mt. Hood Express, Shooting Star Express and Vista Express high speed quads, along with the Daisy, Easy Rider and Buttercup lifts. The “Fun Zone” and the Ballroom Carpet beginner area are open.

2010-11 Ski and Ride Season at Whiteface Begins On Friday - Tour the Mountain’s Snowmaking

Wilmington, NY - Snowmaking has started at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., for the 2010-11 season. Guns and hoses are creating the white gold and snowmaking continues around-the-clock as temperatures permit. The early snowmaking, which began Thursday, Nov. 18, is taking place on Excelsior, Upper Valley, Lower Valley and Fox. ORDA invites media to get an up-close look, Wednesday, Nov. 24; at 9 a.m. Weather permitting, skiing and riding will begin on Friday, Nov. 26.

Cool Since 1966

Stony Mountain, MB - Stony Mountain Ski Area is looking at opening for ski season next weekend, thanks to recent cold weather and the recent snowfalls.

"The recent snowfall and the cold weather allowed us to start up snowmaking operations last Thursday and we have been going 24/7 since then," said Heather Dewar, co-owner. "The recent snow of 15 - 20 cm has been a welcome assist from Mother Nature this year."

Last year local ski areas opened 2 - 3 week s later due to unseasonably warm fall and the early spring further reduced the length of the season. Ski areas are hoping for a much better season this year.

“Last year we opened December 12 so we were 3 weeks behind,” explained Dewar. The recent snowfall has sparked interest in snow enthusiasts with the phones and internet super busy. "We are getting numerous inquiries from people interested in learning how to ski or snowboard this year," said Dewar.

Stony Mountain Ski Area anticipates opening next Saturday.

Greetings from Wild Mountain!

Taylors Falls, MN - This past couple of days have been better for snowmaking. It is fun to watch our wide strip of snow get even wider each day. Although, with the 8” of natural snow we received last weekend it almost looks like we could be 100% open. If the forecast holds true we anticipate having a minimum of 5 runs, 2 ropes, 1 conveyor and 2 chairs open by Saturday.

Wild Mountain has an exciting weekend planned for all of you snow lovers. This weekend we are happy to team up with the world’s best ski and snowboard manufacturers to present our 34th Annual Demo Days. Now you have the opportunity to “test drive” the products that you have seen reviews about in the national publications. Try from a wide variety of brands and models you will be sure to find the gear that fits your needs and style. Make a list of your top choices, then head to your favorite local shop and make your buy! Don’t miss this opportunity to see and hear from the world’s best ski and snowboard manufacturers.

Winter Park Opens with a Powder Day!

Winter Park, CO -

71st Season begins with unbelievable early season conditions

Top-to-Bottom terrain on Winter Park Mountain, with Mary Jane expected to open with limited terrain on Saturday

71 Hour Lodging Sale of 71% OFF to Celebrate 71st Season

Snowfall totals include 13” - 72 hours, 10” - 48 hours, 6.5” - 24 hours

Freestyle Takes Stoneham Mountain Resort to the Next Level

Stoneham, PQ - In March 2010, Stoneham Mountain Resort officially became a National Training Center for both locals and worldwide athletes. On top of what, the resort is proud to keep evolving with new infrastructures and services. No wonder why the next step for the station this season was to proudly welcome Nicolas Bonne in its team, a pro athlete for whom knowledge doesn’t come without a touch of style and enthusiasm.

An experienced man to complete the team
Originally from France, Nicolas has not only been part of the half-pipe build for Tignes Europe Winter X-Games, but also worked for 3 years as part of HO5 Freestyle Park Development Company, well-known for its work in France. This season, Stoneham will be profiting from his European expertise as he will take part of the actual projects at the mountain. Bonne is very excited to take on the challenge: “I see Stoneham’s Snow Park as a big playground where I’m more than happy to spend the season”.

A Great Celebration at Mont SUTTON : 50 Candles, 50 Years of Passion and Trois Accords!

Sutton, PQ - Mont SUTTON will celebrate its 50th anniversary on December 17th and the festivities will continue all weekend long, on December 18th and 19th. This great 50-candle celebration of Mont SUTTON will conclude all in beauty this 50th season that just passed, in addition to celebrate passion of skiing since 1960.

In this special occasion, the music band Les Trois Accords will offer a free outdoor show on Saturday evening, followed by fireworks. Mont SUTTON invites all winter sports passionate to take part to the party during this unique weekend!

Telluride Ski Resort Master Development Plan Outreach Continues

Vision 2025 Survey Results Posted On-line

Telluride, CO - Telluride Ski Resort has launched a new website, TellurideVision2025.com, in order to engage and inform the public about their process of creating a new Master Development Plan (MDP) for the popular ski area in southwest Colorado.

Five public meetings have been held, where hundreds of people attended and filled out questionnaires after hearing a presentation about expansion ideas from the ski resort CEO, Dave Riley. Two meetings were also held with the Telluride middle school and high school students to get their feedback about the resort's future.

Two on-line surveys were conducted this year, one which listed dozens of potential future projects at the ski resort, and one which focused solely on the potential Delta Bowl Lift and terrain expansion. The new website illustrates the results of those surveys.

"We're very pleased with the amount of participation in the Vision2025 planning process," said Riley. "People from all around the country and the world, as well as a large number of locals, have filled out the surveys and attended the meetings."

The Delta Bowl Lift survey results indicate a strong majority of people that want to see the ski company include the project in the final MDP. Eighty-four percent of the people who filled out the Delta Bowl Lift survey said they support the lift and associated terrain expansion, 10 percent said they did not support the project, and five percent were neutral. "I'm a little surprised that the results were so heavily weighted in favor of the Delta Bowl Lift and terrain expansion. I know that lots of people are in favor of the project, but never guessed that it was so overwhelmingly supported. It's now clear to us that the project is important and has strong support from the public," said Riley.

Survey results show that several other projects are important, such as additional gladed and developed ski runs, more small restaurants, zip lines, and summer trails.

Bode Miller to Serve as Ambassador for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Lakewood, CO - Olympic Gold Medal winner Bode Miller will serve as an Ambassador for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) organizers announced today. Miller is sponsored by HEAD Ski Company, also a sponsor for LSSM. He joins famous extreme skier, Glen Plake as an Ambassador for LSSM.

Miller is the most decorated U.S. Skier of all time. He is a five-time Olympic medalist: Gold (Combined), Silver (SuperG), and Bronze (Downhill) in Vancouver 2010; Silver (Combined) and Silver (Giant Slalom) in Salt Lake City 2002. Bode has two overall World Cup Titles (2004-05 & 2007-08); four Discipline Titles: Giant Slalom in 2003-04, SuperG in 2004-05, SuperG in 2006-07; and Super Combined in 2007-08.

Overall, Bode has 32 career World Cup wins and ranks seventh with most wins in Alpine Skiing history among males. He has the most World Cup wins in the history of American alpine ski racing - with four World Championship Gold Medals in Downhill, Super G, Combined, and Giant Slalom. He is one of only two men to win a World Cup race in all four disciplines in a single season (Downhill, Super G, Slalom, and Giant Slalom). Bode holds the record for most consecutive races skied – 136 (March 2002 – Jan. 2006).

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) is a national initiative in the U.S. to encourage children and adults to get out on the snow during January and take lessons from a professional instructor. More than 300 resorts throughout the U.S. are offering free or affordable programs directed to beginners and those with some experience.

Saddleback Maine Offers Maine State Employees $29 Lift Tickets on Furlough Days

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback Maine is offering State Worker's Appreciation Days on three furlough days for Maine state employees for the 2010-2011 ski season. On Dec. 23, Jan. 14 and March 18, Maine state employees can purchase $29 lift tickets by showing their state worker ID.

"We hope this allows our state workers to enjoy their furlough days and take advantage of Maine's winter fun," said Chris Farmer, general manager of Saddleback.

State workers can also take advantage of a discounted Saddleback Learn to Ski or Ride package for only $49. The package includes a 2-hour lesson, full-day rental package of ski or snowboard equipment, and a South Branch Lift Ticket which includes almost four miles of the best beginner terrain on the East Coast. Reservations are required to insure instructor availability. State employees can buy a two day Learn to Ski package for $118 and get a third day free. State employees can choose which days to come this season as long as the first day is a furlough day. Second and third days include an adult group lesson, all day rental and upgradable South Branch lift ticket.

Winter Park Resort to Open New Private Lesson Center

Winter Park, CO - Winter Park Resort’s Ski + Ride School are improving a 63 year tradition of exceptional instruction with the opening of the new Private Lesson Center on December 11, 2010. As the longest continually operating professional ski school in Colorado, generations of guests have learned to ski and snowboard or advance their skills with the guidance of Winter Park’s highly trained coaches. The new Private Lesson Center is an innovative concept that combines Winter Park’s proven teaching techniques with the VIP level of customer service. This unique space features amenities to enhance the guests’ overall experience while being value priced, remaining true to Winter Park’s dedication to affordability.

The Private Lesson Center is designed to improve the complete resort experience for private lesson participants and includes exclusive lift line access to all lifts, concierge service, VIP rental delivery, boot dryers, performance lab featuring custom alignment services and free Wi-Fi access. This stand-alone building is centrally located within The Village at Winter Park and steps from the Zephyr Mountain Lodge and Zephyr Express Chairlift. As guests step into the Private Lesson Center, they will find plush leather couches, HD flat screen televisions, refurbished barn wood accents, customized lockers and a calming color palate accented with warm wooden cabinetry. The Private Lesson Center will provide a space for true Rocky Mountain hospitality for private lesson guests and their friends and family.

Brighton Resort to Open Early Thursday Nov 11, 2010

Brighton, UT - Brighton Resort is excited to announce an early opening for the 2010/2011 winter season. Brighton Resorts’ opening date is Thursday November 11, 2010. Brighton will open Majestic and Snake Creek Express chair lifts with limited trail access.

To honor our Veterans on Veterans Day Brighton is offering any vet or active military free skiing on opening day.

Whats that I hear?...The Calling of the Flakes? Angel Fire, NM Invites You to the 5th Annual Snowcalling Event

Angel Fire, NM - Angel Fire Resort invites you to attend a unique community wide event, Calling All Flakes. November 13, 6pm-10pm, Angel Fire Resort joins forces with the Angel Fire Association of Property Owners (AAFPO), the Village of Angel Fire and the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce to bring you an annual celebration that rocks the ski Village as we call in the snow for a great winter season. Festivities center around an enormous bonfire and the burning of the Snowzobra made by local artist, Brice Adams. The much anticipated performance by Native American, Will High Eagle Sandoval, will provide the more spiritual tones for the evening as he delivers a traditional smudging ceremony followed by a dance of the gatherers and crescendoing into the traditional circling of the fire.

There is no cover charge for the event but we ask that attendees to bring a canned food item for donation to the local ALMS program. The ALMS organization provides food and support to needy families within the Moreno Valley.

Hot dogs, chips and sodas will be served free of charge. Local non-profit groups will be on site selling hamburgers, soups, s’more kits, hot chocolate, apple cider and a cash bar.

Banff-Lake Louise First to Open in Canada!

Lake Louise, AB - Banff-Lake Louise is officially open for the season!
Skiers and snowboarders got first tracks today at The Lake Louise Ski Area. The Glacier Express Chair opened at 9am offering access to Wiwaxy, Bald Eagle and Easy Street.

Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay will both be opening soon, adding to the great terrain available in Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.
The La Nina weather system is forecast to bring higher than average snowfall to Banff-Lake Louise throughout this winter. Epic conditions, plus 8,000 acres of terrain in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means this is sure to be an amazing season.

Angel Fire Resort To Offer Unique Ski Mountain-top Land Packages with Platinum Membership Privileges

Angel Fire, NM - Angel Fire Resort today announced the creation of an unprecedented land sales incentive which would make available 100 mountain-top lots, lot sizes ranging from three-quarter to one acre, on the Angel Fire Resort ski mountain. The cost of these lots, many just steps away from the top of the Chile Express chairlift (elevation 10,600’), is just $999 plus an Angel Fire Resort Platinum Membership.

“This is a unique and limited opportunity for people to enjoy the many membership benefits of a Platinum member and also own land in Angel Fire,” said Gary Krueger, associate broker for Angel Fire Resort Real Estate. “You would be hard pressed to find any place else in the Rocky Mountains, or for that matter in the United States, where you can own a piece of land in a ski and golf resort, with unlimited access to amenities, for a comparable price. These lots represent a bragging rights commitment to outdoor fun and recreation for the entire family.”

Platinum Membership is an exclusive membership offering unlimited skiing and golf, fitness center and swimming pool access at the new Angel Fire Golf & Country Club, 14 day advance tee-times, free RV Park usage, stable access, preferred ski and country club parking, locker storage, fishing at Monte Verde Lake and 20% off all resort food and beverage and retail purchases. The Platinum Membership applies to all immediate family members under the age of 23. The annual Platinum Membership dues per family are currently $2,350.

Snow Days at Copper Have Begun

Copper Mtn, CO - It’s a new year with new snowflakes making their way onto Copper Mountain’s sexy slopes, but one thing remains the same; everyone deserves a Snow Day, where you get that feeling of waking up and hearing on the radio that school was canceled, or watching on the morning news that you get a day to do whatever it is you love.

Last year, Copper offered up different ways for the nation to deserve theirs. Whether it was getting a day away from the boss or getting a free day on the slopes for being affected by the downturn, the people got their Snow Day. Since nothing has really changed except our level of awesome, this year we’re inviting the nation to come up and experience the Snow Day partytastic at Copper.

Copper is continuing the Everyone Deserves a Snow Day movement this season, and is considered the home of bringing insane amounts of joy to a large amount of people all at one single time. If you think about it, a Snow Day sounds a lot like a fiesta. Or maybe a soirée. Either way, everyone’s invited. We’re talking you, your buddies, the world.

Playgrounds Beyond Boundaries

Rossland, BC - There are playgrounds with boundaries and playgrounds that go beyond boundaries. RED Mountain has long been celebrated as the latter. Recognizing how important off-piste skiing and snowboarding is to our guests, this winter RED is opening over 300 acres of new off-piste terrain on Grey Mountain. In addition, RED is offering day and over-night guided backcountry tours to a newly erected yurt on Kirkup Mountain called the Alpine Glory Hut.

Grey and Kirkup are two of five peaks within RED Mountain Resort’s 4,200 acre controlled recreational ski area and land use tenure.

Grey’s easy approach starts through an access gate on lift-serviced Granite Mountain. With a 20 minute skin or snowshoe on the up-track, Grey’s beautiful south facing slopes offer over 2,200 feet of consistent vertical drop ideal for advanced intermediate and expert powder skiers and riders. Two new runs have been cut providing a convenient ski-out directly back to Granite’s lift-assisted terrain.

“Grey has always been one of the resort’s favourite places to access our backcountry and ski fresh powder with a relatively easy and short hike. The glading and tree thinning recently completed on Grey now creates more lines for our customers to ski and enjoy,” proclaims RED’s President and CEO Howard Katkov. “Consistent with our intention to continue to open up additional terrain, Grey now features over 300 new acres pursuant to our Master Plan.”

All skiers and riders accessing Grey and surrounding peaks are required to be equipped for backcountry touring with avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels. Knowledge of backcountry conditions, snowpack and avalanche terrain is also a must.

Arapahoe Basin’s Norway Lift Will Open This Friday, November 5 at 9AM

Arapahoe Basin, CO - The Norway chairlift, running from mid-mountain to the summit, will serve two upper mountain intermediate runs – Dercum's Gulch and Lenawee Face.

A-Basin’s Terrain Summary as of this Friday –
Two chairlifts (Black Mountain Express/Norway) serving seven trails including four features in the High Divide Terrain Park.

Lake Louise Will Open This Friday Nov. 5th

Lake Louise, AB - The Lake Louise Ski Area is pleased to announce that it will be opening for daily operation beginning Friday, Nov. 5th, 2010.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the mountain operation’s snowmaking team, skiers and boarders will be able to score their first turns of the season beginning at 9 am Friday morning.
The Glacier Express Quad Chair will be in operation and the Wiwaxy run will provide 1,450 feet of vertical terrain. The Lodge of Ten Peaks, along with the ski school, rental, repair, and retail shop will all be open, as will the Season Pass and Louise Plus Card processing centres.
“This marks the 13 straight year that we’ve been able to open up for the season on, or before, Remembrance Day,” beams marketing director John Ross. “We have one of the best snowmaking systems in the world and that is why we will be the first ski area in Canada to open this winter. Nighttime temperatures in the mountain parks have been sufficiently cold enough to allow us to stockpile snow in the shady areas of the mountain and we look forward to pushing this snow down to the base area in the next few days.”
“We invite our customers to check out our progress in the next few days by monitoring our base area webcam (www.skilouise.com/conditions/mountain-cam.). Due to the warmer day-time temperatures, we didn’t want to spread this snow out too early, but you will certainly see huge changes in our base area snow coverage in the next day or two.”
With just one long run open for skiing and riding, the management of the Lake Louise Ski Area would like to remind our first customers of the season to “slow it down” and use common courtesy while skiing and riding.

Windspires Bring Green Energy to Mt. Rose for 2010-11

Windspires Are Being Installed at Mt. Rose Nov. 3rd at 12PM

Reno, NV - A significant improvement to Mt. Rose for the coming season will be the addition of renewable energy sources to the Winters Creek Lodge. Three "extreme weather energy windspires" will be installed on the north side of the facility between the parking lot and the walkway to the lodge. The intent is to use the wind's power to provide electricity to off-set some of the electrical costs of the new lodge. For example, these three windspires should cover the lighting costs of the Winters Creek Lodge for the upcoming season. Installation is planned for November 3rd at 12 noon.

The average wind speed at the Slide Bowl of Mt. Rose is 14 mph, but these "extreme" windspires are designed to handle winds up to 160 mph. Extensions on these spires will make them 30' tall to take snowpack into account.

Name the New Bowl!

Name the New 400, Win a Season Pass

Bear Valley, CA - Bear Valley Mountain, the Northern Sierras’ premier family skiing and snowboarding resort, announced that it is opening the 2010-2011 season with 400 acres of new terrain! Bear Valley Mountain knows that the many families that frequent its slopes all feel a personal connection with the mountain, so the resort has decided to let its loyal guests choose the name for the new acreage through an online contest. Deadline is December 18, 2010!

Whitewater Ski Resort’s Old School Goes New School

Via Switzerland, Australia and Colorado’s ‘Harvard of Ski Schools’, Whitewater’s new Snow School Director sets resort’s ski and snowboard program in class of its own

Nelson, BC - Whitewater Ski Resort’s highly anticipated Glory Triple Chair isn’t the mountain’s only new development heading into the 2010/2011 season.

The resort is going new school, as the kids say, quite literally.

With ski instructing experience gleaned from some of the world’s greatest slopes, in Switzerland, Colorado and all over beautiful B.C., Brent Malysh

has been named Whitewater’s new Snow School Director. And the 28-year-old, CSIA Level 3, Level 4 Candidate has big plans for those aiming to be more pro in the snow — from first timers to fledgling freeriders, tiny tots to senior hot shots.

“As Whitewater grows now, there’s a clear need for our Snow School to grow along with it,” says Malysh. “We’re no longer just a small locals-only focused ski and snowboard program.”

Malysh has completely revamped Whitewater’s children’s ski and snowboard instruction programs, made a more enjoyable and easier-to-understand curriculum for kids, private one-on-one and group lessons, added value to locals’ season-long programs like the Powder Room and the Board Room, as well as launched — and we do mean launched! — a great new Freeride Program including two well-known local yokels famous for their big mountain prowess.

In fact, this winter in addition to Whitewater’s Racing team, there’ll be a new Whitewater Freeride Team, co-coached by veteran local shredders Peter Velisek and Dano Slater, Big Mountain competitors, judges and ski athletes who’ve ripped it up at all over the world.

Also new this year, Whitewater Ski Resort is introducing new Powderhound Experience and Discover Cat and Heli programs.

Bud Light November Chill 2010; Stoneham’s Biggest Pre-Season Party!

Stoneham, PQ - It’s on Friday November 19 that Stoneham Mountain Resort will be sending off its winter season with its legendary pre-opening party, the Bud Light November Chill! This 4th edition is quite ‘THE’ happening you don’t want to miss, with already over a 1000 attendees confirmed on the Facebook event page. Come celebrate and be merry! On the program: Freestyle Rail Jam with up to 1500$ to be awarded, industry reps with their 2011 winter collections, ski & snowboard movies, DJs, and loads of fun.

All you need to know about the party

The Quatre-Foyers Bar will be combined to the Main Lodge this year, to optimize the capacity and welcome up to 1200 people. Ticket pre-sale is currently at $10+taxes at D-Structure & Empire shops in Québec City. Hurry-up, there is only a limited quantity available and tickets at door for $20 are not guaranteed!

Right at 6 o’clock, boys and girls are invited to participate in a Rail Jam for their chance to win up to 1500$ total. Helmet & Park Pass are mandatory. You will also need to sign up for a small $10 + taxes fee and you’re good-to-go! If you’re on site at that time, come cheer friends and other participants!

From 8PM to 10PM, it’s all eyes on screen for all new 2011 footage with Stadaconé, ESK Media’s skiing movie chef-d’oeuvre and Next Level, Brothers Factory’s epic snowboard movie. Then, the heat will go up with DJ`Maude and DJ`Psychology explosive mixes from 10PM to 3AM.

Ken Gaitor Joins Snowshoe Mountain Staff

The industry vet will oversee operations at both the Snowshoe and Silver Creek areas, maintaining the region’s largest snowmaking operation
Snowshoe, WV - Snowshoe Mountain is pleased to announce Ken Gaitor as the resort’s new snowmaking and grooming manager. Ken joins the Snowshoe team after many years at Mount Snow, VT, including overseeing the Carinthia parks project.

Ken, a native of Summer County, WV, began snowboarding while attending college in New York State, translating his love for skateboarding onto the slopes of Southern Vermont. After a move to Salt Lake City, UT in 1996, Ken began his career as a Terrain Park Manager and grooming operator. During the next six seasons, Ken became a respected industry veteran in Utah, while spending summers on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia. After a year off in 2003 following the birth of his daughter, Ken accepted his position as Freestyle Terrain Manager at Mount Snow. After four years of winters in Vermont and summers in West Virginia, Ken transitioned into a year-round position with Mt. Snow as work began on the Carinthia project. For the past two years, Ken has headed up the project, which created the East Coast’s most highly regarded terrain park with 100 acres, 125 features and two pipes.

Ken is excited to join the Snowshoe Mountain team, returning to his home state and continuing to pursue his life’s passions; “Put me in a snow cat, on my boards or in my boat and I am a happy man”.

Tap Into Winter November 13th at Belleayre Mountain

Highmount, NY - We have already had the first snow of the season at Belleayre and we are getting ready to Tap Into Winter for the 2010-2011 Ski Season on November 13, our anticipated opening date. Belleayre will again be offering our traditional opening day rate of $25 tickets and we will be having our annual Tap Into Winter Party if we are skiing and riding or not. Hopefully if Mother Nature cooperates, we will even have a couple of rails to jib on. Come on out and celebrate our favorite season with like-minded people who love snow. The Tap Into Winter Party happens whether we have snow or not, so come on up to the mountain for lounge specials, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment with Bob Grimm from the Four Seasons of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and to catch up with all of the Belleayre family members you haven't seen since spring. See you on the slopes.

Ski Center Does Part to Help Economy

Tuxedo, NY - The Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center, located in Sterling Forest, is hosting the 2nd Annual Pre-Ski Jamboree Ski Swap and Winter Job Fair on Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7thth from 9am-3pm.

The Pre-Ski Jamboree is a kick-off party that celebrates the chill that marks the upcoming ski season. At the Jamboree, there will be a ski swap, children’s activities, live music, beer and wine tasting and a seasonal job fair. Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center’s General Manager, James Mezzetti, said, “This event is an opportunity for people of all ages to clean out their attics, basements and garages and make some extra cash by selling their ski and snowboard equipment. Anyone looking to purchase equipment for
themselves this season can stop in and save a lot of money by buying used.” Equipment to be sold can be registered Friday, November 5th between 4- 8pm. Twenty percent of all items sold will benefit the Sterling Forest Ski Patrol.