April 30, 2010

Dreaming About Summer Skiing

Truckee, CA - The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) will head down for the 16th year in a row to the famed slopes of Portillo, Chile, August 14-21. NASTC brings skiers from all over the world who haven't had enough of winter and skiing to this beautiful South American resort for a week long ski camp.
Portillo has been known to have record snowfalls and weather similar to that of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California which is only one of the many reasons of why skiers flock to this resort every year. The atmosphere at Portillo is often described as magical; it also the chosen summer training spot for the U.S. and Austrian National Ski Teams. It is not uncommon to find yourself eating dinner at a table next to these top World Cup athletes.

If you are not an Olympic hopeful, no need to worry as NASTC camps are designed for skiing mortals and not national champions. Their camps are for intermediate and advanced skiers who aspire to bring their skiing skills up a level and have a great vacation while doing it. As part of their program in Portillo, NASTC offers six full days of coaching by members of the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) National Demonstration Team – put plainly, “the best of the best.” In addition to the time spent out on the hill, the NASTC group gathers indoors for personalized video reviews, tech talks, ping pong tournaments and basketball games.

So Yes, You Heard Right, It's Been Snowing in the Mountains...!


Bear Valley, CA - So if you are still itching to get out and play in it, be sure to contact BV Snowmobile or Mountain Adventure Seminars to see how to have a bit more winter fun. After a great winter season, we are starting to make plans for the summer too...and we've got a ton of fun planned for the whole family. From Summer camps to music in the mountains it's going to be a blast and hope you will make plans to join us!! But before you do anything else.... SEASON PASS SALE ENDS TONIGHT!!
Summer in Bear Valley...Get Ready to Play!
This summer we have some exciting news for our Soccer Camp as FC PRIDE comes to town to train our campers. If you want your child to learn from the best of the best don't miss this camp.
We've got additional camps starting in June - first up is Archery. Followed by two sessions of Tennis camp in July . Click on the links for more information on summer camps.

Keith Petrie Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award


Bend, OR - Keith Petrie has been honored with the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association’s prestigious Mel Borgersen Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes outstanding service to the Pacific Northwest ski industry. It is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to winter sports facilities over the course of a ski industry career based in the Pacific Northwest region.

Petrie’s civic and industry contributions are numerous. Petrie served as a member and chairman of the Oregon Winter Sports Advisory Council, where he advised the Oregon Department of Transportation on the development of Oregon’s innovative, sno-park program. Petrie was instrumental in the Oregon Legislature’s passage of the skier safety statutes. Additionally, he helped establish standards for the night lighting of ski trails, regulations for studded tire use, formulation of ‘Good Samaritan’ laws, and he contributed meaningfully to the development of American national standards for passenger ropeways (ANSI B77). Petrie served as a board member and president of the Travel Industry Council of Oregon. In 1994, Petrie was honored with the revered Portlandia Award, which recognizes excellence in the promotion of tourism in Portland, and more broadly in Oregon.

“The Mel Borgersen Lifetime Achievement Award has been shared with just seven individuals since the PNSAA’s inception in 1957 and it is the highest honor bestowed by the Association,” noted Scott Kaden, president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association. “Keith’s contributions to Pacific Northwest ski area operations are vast, and his tireless promotion of mountain recreation is matched by only a few Northwest snow sport pioneers,” added Kaden.

April 28, 2010

Intrawest Completes New Loan and Fully Repays Prior Lenders


Vancouver, BC - Intrawest, a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts, yesterday announced that it has successfully completed the refinancing of its corporate debt which was due in December 2009. The Company repaid its prior lenders in full and has completed a new loan, which is scheduled to mature in 2014. Terms of the new loan were not disclosed.

Grab All Your Friends and Come On Down!!!

Fabius, NY - Swing Your Partner! Kick up your heels at The Snowdown Hoedown, May 1, at Toggenburg. Dinner, square dancing, and more. Proceeds benefit Togg Race Team. Featuring live music by the Salt Potato Band and sqaure-dance calling by Sarah VanNorstrand. Country style dinner by The Foggy Goggle, cash bar, kids activities, and last but not least… bull riding on a mechanical bull.
-Saturday, May 1, 2010
  • Toggenburg Mountain
  • Doors open at 5 p.m.
  • Dinner 6 p.m.
  • Dancing 7-9 p.m.

    Tickets Available at the Door
  • $60 per couple, $35 for single ticket, $10 for kids.
    Toggenburg Mountain Info
  • May Blooms - More Skiing, More Sitz!



    Extended Ski Season
    Girdwood, AK - Just a few more runs! Alyeska Resort is extending its winter season for May skiing and riding. The Tram and Chair 6 will run to access the higher elevation where there is still plenty of snow. The May schedule is weather dependent. Please call the SKI-SNOW hotline (754-7669) or visit the online snow report each morning to confirm mountain operations.

    Summer Freeride Camp
    Take your freeride skills to the next level at Alyeska Summer Camp - two sessions June 7 to 18.Camp hours: 11 am to 4 pm. Choose from 5 day, 3 day & 1 day packages.
    Sitzmark in May
    Hit the deck! The Sitzmark Bar & Grill will be open Friday through Sunday in May with live music every Friday & Saturday night.

    Don't miss Eric McFadden Trio on Memorial Day weekend!
    Alyeska Resort Info on SkiTown.com

    TGR Grom Video Contest - Want to be a Ski Movie Star?


    Jackson, WY - Teton Gravity Research is proud to announce the launch of a new video contest, “Want to be a Ski Movie Star?” Skiers 17 years old and younger are being asked to submit a video edit up to 3 minutes in length showcasing their riding talents on the mountain. A panel of TGR athletes and producers will select one up and coming athlete to film on location for TGR’s for 2011 ski and snowboard film. In addition, a shortened version of the winning video will preview before TGR’s 2010 film, Light The Wick. Light the Wick will premier to over 80,000 fans this fall in more than 125 locations worldwide.

    Skiers are asked to visit the contest site at TetonGravity.com to upload their videos. Submissions will be accepted until July 25, 2010. Videos will be judged based on the quality of riding and talent. All footage including park, pipe, urban, powder, freeride and the latest progressions are welcome. Music, filming and editing will not be a main judging criteria, although a tight edit with good filming will certainly influence the judges. Judges will include Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Sammy Carlson, and Dylan Hood. The winner will be riding with TGR athletes and filming for a segment in TGR’s 2011 ski film. Do you have what it takes?

    RED Mountain is Preparing for Next Season Now!

    Rossland, BC - Every fall the predictions for the winter snowfall come to life as people make their guess based on what the Farmer’s Almanac says or what the Mountain Ash did over the summer months. As for spring, the only thing that is absolute when looking into the future is the Early Bird season pass sale. Now is the time you’ll see the deepest savings that anyone will get for a 2010-2011 season pass and only for a limited time! Purchase by April 30th and you can save up to $270 on next year’s season pass.

    Also, to make purchasing next season’s pass a little easier, RED Mountain has partnered with Rossland’s Nelson and District Credit Union. Until Friday, April 30th, you can apply for an interest free loan for the purchase of next season’s pass. For more information on the loan program contact the Rossland Community Branch of Nelson and District Credit Union. Call 250-362-7393 or email rboyd@nelsoncu.com.
    Purchase by April 30th to save on your pass for the 2010/11 season! There are only a few days left.

    North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) to Summit and Ski down Mt. Shasta

    Truckee, CA - The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) will lead a group to the summit of one of California’s famed peaks, Mt. Shasta (14,179ft). The descent of Mt. Shasta on skis is truly an exceptional adventure and accomplishment; it’s a thrilling experience that combines mountaineering and skiing in one peak and one journey. There is no experience required to make the ascent on this 3-day expedition style approach, however experience skiing off-piste is necessary for the descent. A unique aspect of this NASTC guided adventure is that it combines together education and adventure. Each day, the group will participate in a snow school where the appropriate mountaineering and alpine touring skills will be learned, discussed and practiced.

    The excursion will take place over 3 days from May 14-16. All three days are spent on the mountain. Each day will involve some ski time as well as well the instruction and practice of ski mountaineering skills and techniques. The ascent up to the peak and the descent back down on skis takes place all in one day. The descent from the summit is about 7,000ft. This expedition style of approach to Mt. Shasta is more enjoyable way to summit the peak and a valuable stepping stone to bigger mountaineering excursions.

    April 26, 2010

    Belleayre Mountain Preparing for Memorial Day Weekend

    Events Include 2nd Annual Belleayre Triple Crown Splash into Summer Extravaganza and a Silent & Live Auction to Benefit the Belleayre Music Festival

    Highmount, NY - It's not too early to start thinking about summer because Saturday, May 29 of Memorial Day Weekend, the Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake will open for weekends for 2010. And to help launch into summer with style Belleayre is excited to announce the return of the 2nd Annual Triple Crown Splash into Summer Extravaganza. The Triple Crown Extravaganza consists of a Memorial Day Weekend Rail Jam, a Kayak Regatta at Belleayre Beach, and a Mountain Bike Drag Race. The grand prize to the person who wins all three events is Family Pack of Four Season Passes to Belleayre for the 2010-2011 Skiing and Riding Season valued at $1600. Other prizes will be announced as sponsors are lined up. The schedule of events begins with registration at 9:00am at the Belleayre Beach for Kayakers and people who are entering the Triple Crown. Competitors participating in only the Mountain Bike Drag Race and the Rail Jam will be able to register at Overlook Lodge beginning
    at 10:00am. The Kayak Regatta at Belleayre Beach runs from 10:00am-12:00 followed by the Mountain Bike Hill Climb Drag Race from 12:00- 2:00 pm at Overlook Lodge. After the Mountain Bike Drag Race, the Rail Jam will start in front of Overlook Lodge and run from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. The cost to enter all three events is $15 or competitors can enter just the event they are interested in. The Kayak Race is $8 (cost of lake entry), the Mountain Bike Hill Climb Drag Race is $5 and the Rail Jam is $10. The Award Ceremony for all three events will happen on the Overlook Deck at 6:00pm where DJ Pure will be rocking out all day at the Belleayre Memorial Day Weekend BBQ. Skiers and riders who are not participating in the Triple Crown are welcome to hit the rails beginning at noon.

    Celebrate the Catskills experience at Belleayre Mountain Overlook Lodge on Sunday, May 30th at 5pm by attending a Silent & Live Auction to benefit the Belleayre Music Festival. Items for auction include local Catskill Mountain artisan crafts, tickets to sporting events, music, recreation, 4 and 5 star travel destinations, fine dining, entertainment, clothing, and much more. This fun event starts at 5pm with complimentary wine and a cash bar. From 5:00pm-8:30pm there is a Silent Auction open for bidding with a Live Auction conducted by Tony Lanza and Kassie DePaiva starting at 6:30pm. After the auction fun the BBQ Dinner begins at 7:30pm which is followed by dancing into the night to the music of Special Delivery and Family. Don't miss a great benefit for this treasured local organization.

    Race for the Environment, Earth Day Expo on Sunday

    Vail, CO - The second annual Shaklee Race for the Environment is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Sunday (5-2) and will offer runners of all ages and abilities a 5k race and 1k family fun run through Vail Village to celebrate the 40th Annual Earth Day, plus raise awareness for choosing an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Costs are $25 per adult in advance or $10 per child and pre-registration is available until Friday (4-30). Day-of registration will be available until 9:45 a.m. and will cost $30 per adult or $10 per child. All net proceeds will benefit Shaklee Cares, a charitable organization committed to helping people directly affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Additionally, the local Shaklee Independent Distributors will make a donation in each racer's name to the Eagle River Watershed Council for reforestation in the Vail area.

    The race will begin at 10 a.m. at the bottom of the Vail Village Transportation Center, adjacent to Vail's Mountain Haus and take runners through Vail Village via ail Valley Drive, Mill Creek Circle and Ptarmigan Road. Participants of the 1k will enjoy a quick loop through the Village and Ford Park. Race participants will receive a swag bag that will include a T-shirt or water bottle. Prizes will be presented to the top three men's and women's finishers. Awards and a raffle for all participants will follow the race at The Lodge at Vail. Cucina Rustica will offer a special lunch for participants with prices ranging from $9.95 to $14.95.

    In addition to the running race, an Earth Day Expo will be held in Vail Village and will include an opportunity for racers and spectators to learn about products that are good for their family, save them money and help the planet.

    Welcome to Summer in the Tetons

    Teton Village, WY - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the ultimate playground with everything from hiking and mountain biking to rafting and horseback riding.

    April 23, 2010

    Haven't Bought Your 2010 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass Yet?


    Mount Ruapehu, NZ - Love Winter Sale Ends May 3rd for Mt. Ruapehu Season Pass
    Buy your 2010 Season Pass before May 3rd and we'll freeze the price for the next two years* Adults are just $395 or $385 if you purchased a 2009 Season Pass during the April sale last year.

    As well as getting you unlimited access to Turoa and Whakapapa Ski Areas throughout the 2010 winter, there are loads of other great benefits including free skiing at Winter Park in Colorado!

    *All pricing is in NZD and includes GST of 12.5%. Prices are accurate at the time of publishing for the 2010 season. Products and/or prices may be subject to change without notice. Price freeze offer applies to GST exclusive product prices only. If changes are made to the official GST tax rate, subsequent year's pass price will reflect this change.

    Buy Your 2010 Pass and WIN with Warren Miller!
    Sixty years ago, an adventurous man with a pair of wooden boards strapped to his feet and an 8mm-movie camera in his hand changed the way we thought about snow. This winter, 60 years of filmmaking is celebrated with the release of Warren Miller’s Dynasty.

    Everyone who has purchased a 2010 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass up to (and including) today goes into the draw to win one of five double passes to Dynasty.

    Last Weekend to Ride Marmot Basin

    Winter Returns with Spring Snowstorm!


    Loveland Valley, CO - With only a couple weeks left in the 2009-2010 ski season winter is making its grand return. A spring snowstorm is pushing through the area and has already dropped seven inches of fresh powder; and this might be just the beginning. Meteorologists are not sure exactly how much snow we may get, but there could be a lot more coming. As of Thursday afternoon the forecast is calling for up to 2 feet of snow by Saturday! With the Corn Harvest Party this Saturday, live music and fresh snow, Loveland is the place to be this weekend!

    Your ski area closed already? Friends don't have a Loveland pass? Bring a 2009-2010 season pass from any ski area and receive one adult lift ticket for only $30! Take advantage of all this great spring skiing because this offer is only good through the end of this season.
    Corn Harvest Benefit Ski Party - This Saturday!
    The 9th annual Corn Harvest Benefit Ski Party once again returns to Loveland to celebrate another great season and give back to a very important organization: the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Anyone who has traveled in the backcountry knows what a valuable resource the CIAC is and now is your chance to say 'thank you'. Join us for a BBQ, New Belgium Beer, live bluegrass from the Blue Canyon Boys, a huge raffle and of course great skiing! Register the morning of in the cafeteria for only $60 including a lift ticket, and only $30 if you already have a pass.

    April 21, 2010

    Mountain Biking Returns to Whiteface

    Wilmington, NY - Although the alpine ski season has come to an end, Whiteface isn’t sleeping dreaming of next winter’s deep snowfall. In fact, skiers and boarders will be replaced by mountain bikers when the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park, operated by High Peaks Cyclery, team up again to bring mountain biking to Wilmington’s Olympic mountain, this summer and fall.

    Season passes are available through the end of April and you can purchase yours for just $199, a $100 savings off the regular price. All season passes and daily lift tickets offer lift-serviced mountain biking via the Cloudsplitter gondola and the High Peaks Cyclery shuttle bus. From there, riders can access 27 hand-built downhill and cross country mountain bike trails, for all levels and abilities, which twist and run between the ski trails that go through streams and woods and meander next to waterfalls. Riders will also find single-track trails between some of the ski trails used for the 1980 Winter Games.

    Biking on Whiteface begins with a Bonus Weekend, Friday through Sunday, June 18-20, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day. Beginning Friday, June 25, and continuing through Labor Day, the bike park will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. From Labor Day to Columbus Day, biking will be available Friday through Sunday, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

    During weekends this year, at 11:30 a.m., there will be a free guided tour of the upper mountain, while at 3:30 p.m. each day, everyone is invited to participate in the traditional end of the day group ride. Adult daily tickets are $35, while children, 12 and under, can ride for just $24.

    Enjoy all the fun mountain biking has to offer at Whiteface. Bike rentals are available, as are protective gear including helmets, chest protectors and padding, everything that you need to have a safe experience.

    April 20, 2010

    Sun Valley Skier Count Exceeds 20% Over Previous Ski Season

    Sun Valley, ID - Skier count for Sun Valley’s winter season exceeded the resort’s goal of 400,000 and pushed ahead of last season by 20 per cent.
    Sun Valley’s 74th ski season saw an increase of 68,784 skiers and boarders over the previous year, making it one of three seasons surpassing the 400,000 mark in the past five years.

    “I would like to thank all the skiers and boarders who experienced Sun Valley this past ski season. Thanks to everyone we not only met but surpassed our expectations for the season. We hope you can join in our celebration next year when Sun Valley marks its 75th winter season,” Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort General manager, said.

    Crud 2 Mud Downhill Makes a Triumphant Return to Whistler Blackcomb's Event Lineup


    Four-year hiatus serves to fuel anticipation for May 22, 2010
    Whistler, BC - Whistler Blackcomb’s Crud 2 Mud is a classic “transition season” event mixing the end of the ski and snowboard season with the start of the bike season.

    In teams or individually, Crud 2 Mud competitors ski or snowboard from the top of Whistler Mountain to the bottom of the snow line, where bikes and equipment lay waiting. Ski and snowboard boots ditched, competitors clip into bike pedals and race through the Whistler Mountain Bike Park (on a yet to be determined trail).
    “The Crud 2 Mud is the only race that solves the spring-time dilemma of choosing whether to ride or ski. It allows you to do both,” says Rob McSkimming, Whistler Blackcomb VP of Business Development. “So many people in Whistler are accomplished at both sports. Why not try to determine who is best at both?”

    Registration for the Crud 2 Mud Downhill opened April 19, 2010 and is available through Whistler Blackcomb Guest Reservations or by calling 1.800.766.0449. The event is recommended for strong intermediate to expert skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers. Due to the nature of the event, and the ever-changing snow conditions, there will be a mandatory meeting for all participants at the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) on Friday, May 21 at 6pm. The event format will be discussed and the courses will be announced.

    Dust, Snow Make for Problematic Mix for Skiers

    Whitewater fans, fishermen also impacted
    As a skier, Auden Schendler sums it up with pragmatic simplicity. "You can't wax for dirt," he says.
    Click Here for the rest of the article at DenverPost.com.

    Cranmore Mountain and Story Land Partner to Offer Value to Season Passholders


    N. Conway, NH - Cranmore Mountain in North Conway and Story Land in Glen, NH are known as premiere family vacation destinations in New Hampshire's White Mountains. And now the two attractions are working together to help stretch a family's recreational dollars further. Now through May 31, 2010, any family purchasing Cranmore Happy Trails season passes will receive one free Story Land admission ticket for each pass purchased.

    "The North Conway area has long been a draw for families vacationing in both winter and summer," stated Cranmore general manager, Ben Wilcox. "It was natural for us to partner with Story Land. Cranmore has always attracted young families and offering them access to Story Land is a nice tie in for both businesses."

    Story Land GM Eric Dziedzic added, "We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Cranmore. Based on our customer demographics, Cranmore Mountain is the closest thing in the area to Story Land in the winter."

    Cranmore Happy Trails Passes offer some of the best prices for season passes in the region, including a $169 unlimited pass for kids ages 6-12 years old. Prices increase after May 31, 2010 and the Story Land offer may not be available after that date as quantities are limited.

    April 19, 2010

    4th Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim at Mt. Hood Meadows!

    Mt. Hood, OR - Snowboarders and skiers, get ready to launch yourself across 90 feet of frigid water at the 4th annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim, where you could win a free trip for two to Hawaii. Brought to you by Kona Brewing Company, the Sno-Kona Pond Skim takes place Saturday April 24 at Mt. Hood Meadows with festivities kicking into high gear from 9 am to 4pm. The day will be jam-packed with live music, Polynesian décor, leis and other giveaways, many on-snow high jinks and of course, plentiful Kona beer sampling. The tension builds throughout the day with all contestants vying for the grand prize of a trip for two to Oahu, including round trip airfare and hotel, courtesy of All About Hawaii.

    The Pond Skim’s local celebrity judges will include weather and all-around outdoors guru Matt Zaffino from KGW-TV, 105.9 The Brew afternoon radio personality Bozyk and Squid from 94.7 FM. Judging will be based on: Best skimming style, Best costume, Best impression made by a woman, and Best showmanship comprised of Best costume and Best crowd reaction while skimming the pond. With grand prize winners nabbing the trip to Hawaii, second place will receive a Kona prize pack that includes two beach chairs, a skimboard, a backpack cooler, Kona beach towel, and a set of 12 Kona glasses. Third place winner will be treated to a $50 gift certificate from Bamboo Grove.

    “Last year we had a record amount of participants and everyone had an incredible time,” said Dave Tragethon, executive director of communications for Mt. Hood Meadows. “2009 was also the loudest year to date with the crowd really supporting the contestants trying to win that grand prize trip to Hawaii and everyone made the best of a crazy weather day. No matter what, the Pond Skim is memorable for all of us!”

    Whistler Blackcomb Announces New Interim PR Manager

    Whistler, BC - Tabetha Boot to bring strong relationships and expert knowledge to the position
    Tabetha Boot has been named Whistler Blackcomb’s interim public relations and communications manager during the maternity leave of Christina Moore.

    Boot brings five years of experience in the Whistler Blackcomb public relations team to meet this new challenge. She has a post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Sheridan Collage as well as an MBA, with a specialty in PR & Communication Management, from Royal Roads University.

    “We are thrilled that we are able to fill this important position internally as the knowledge and background that Tabetha brings to this role will prove invaluable,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “Tabetha spearheaded the development and execution of Whistler Blackcomb’s Olympic communications plan and has earned a huge amount of respect within the regional news media for her attentiveness to and understanding of media’s needs. Her internal knowledge of Whistler Blackcomb’s core business objectives, key audiences, corporate culture and operations procedures will ensure her success in providing strategic communications counsel to the company, and leading her team effectively throughout the coming year.”

    Boot will oversee a team of four full time year-round staff as well as an additional seasonal staff member to meet the needs of the busy department. This team is expert at accommodating the requirements of the 650+ media visits that Whistler Blackcomb hosts each year in addition to the hundreds of media inquiries that result throughout the year.
    “I am very excited to take on this new role with Intrawest and Whistler Blackcomb,” says Boot. “Whistler Blackcomb has allowed me to grow and learn so much while working for this organization. Stepping up to take on the role of manager is exciting and I look forward to the challenge. The part I am looking forward to most is the opportunity to lead a very talented team of public relations professionals as we continue to set the bar for communications excellence.”

    One Week Left at Marmot Basin!

    Sugar Mountain Resort's Summer Season Begins Friday, May 1, 2010

    Banner Elk, NC - Sugar Mountain Resort's summer season begins Friday, May 1st with the opening of the areas hiking and biking trails and concludes on Sunday, October 10th following the 20th Annual Oktoberfest celebration.

    Miles of hiking and biking trails intertwine throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain and are accessible from many points throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort. Daily trail access is free of charge May through October from dawn until dusk. Trail maps are available online or in a mailbox located at the base of Sugar Mountain's Flying Mile slope or when purchasing a lift ride ticket at the bottom station of the Summit #2/Gray lift. Trails are constantly being maintained and do change as a result of weather and other variables. While riding a bike within the Village limits helmets are required.

    Sugar's 20th Annual Oktoberfest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 9th & 10th. The weekend is packed with activities from 10:00am until 5:00pm. On-mountain lodging specials are available. Festival admission and parking are free! Applications for vendor participation and volunteers are now being accepted.

    Mother's Day is Around the Corner. Don't Forget to Make the Day Special for Mom!


    Taylors Falls, MN - If you haven't made any plans for Mother's Day you still have time to book a brunch or dinner cruise aboard the Taylors Falls Princess in Taylors Falls near Wild Mountain. It is a wonderful way to honor your Mother! Last year we sold out early, so make your reservations soon.

    We offer 3 cruises for Mother's Day. They include a narrated scenic tour through the Dalles of the St. Croix, brunch or dinner, cash bar and live entertainment for easy listnening.

    The brunch menu consists of: Freshly carved ham & turkey, cheesy scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, pasta salad, fresh fruit, muffins, orange juice & coffee.

    The Dinner Cruise meal includes: Your choice of Roast Prime Rib of Beef AuJus, carved to order with a baked potato accompanied by butter and sour cream, or Boneless Breast of Chicken on a bed of wild rice served wtih a brie and mushroom sauce. A vegetarian entree is also available. All entrees are served with assorted breads, caesar salad, vegetable du jour and dessert.

    Fresh Powder on Closing Weekend at Wolf Creek



    Pagosa Springs, CO - Wolf Creek Ski Area received seven inches of fresh powder last night, and just in time for closing weekend. Although, tomorrow, April 18th, will be Wolf Creek's last day open for the 2009-2010 season one hundred percent of terrain is open with six lifts operating from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Lift tickets are only $31 for adults and $18 for seniors and children with Family Day pricing for Wolf Creek School Program students and their families. Ski and Snowboard lessons are still available for all ages and abilities, including Wolf Pups.
    Summit Base Depth: 104"
    Midway Base Depth: 103"
    New Snow in 24 hours: 7"
    Year-to-Date Snowfall: 424"
    We'd like to thank all our guests for a great season! Come up for one last day of great Spring skiing on the most snow in Colorado.

    Snowbowl Tops Record Season with National Safety Award


    Flagstaff, AZ - The National Ski Area Association (NSAA) has announced that the Arizona Snowbowl has won the prestigious Best Overall Safety Award for ski areas across the nation with less than 250,000 skier visits. This is the second consecutive year the resort has won this award. Additionally, Snowbowl participated in NSAA's 11th Annual National Safety Week, which was held January 16 - 22, 2010.
    Snowbowl's Safety Initiative was "BAAH", Be Alert, Accidents Hurt, with Sammy the Safety Sheep as their mascot. They will accept their award at NSAA's National Convention Awards Ceremony in May. Snowbowl was one of twelve resorts chosen out of the 326 NSAA member resorts to win a Safety Award. They will also be highlighted in the NSAA Journal in their August edition.

    "This is a huge honor to have our program named as "Best in the Industry" two years in a row," states Jon Gauld, Snowbowl's Safety Supervisor. "We couldn't have done it without our dedicated staff and supportive community. The best part was seeing our local kids skiing and riding safely, setting the example for children visiting our resort. They really got behind our program and love "Sammy" the S.H.E.E.P."

    Snowbowl implemented a season long safety initiative which included; buttons, bandanas, banners, posters and Smart Style terrain park clinics. The safety program will continue next season with plans to further educate employees and guests about Slope Safety. Their Safety Committee is comprised of one person from each of the resort's thirteen departments.

    Chairs from the Exhibition Lift go on Sale May 1, 2010

    Arapahoe Basin, CO - The Exhibition triple chair lift, built in 1978, will be replaced this summer with a high speed Leitner-Poma quad chair lift christened Black Mountain Express. Of the 118 chairs from the old lift, 110 will be available to the public for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $450 each. The remaining chairs will be donated to local Summit County organizations for fund raising purposes.

    Sale of the chairs will begin May 1 at 8:00 a.m. online at www.ArapahoeBasin.com. The chairs will be available for pick up on June 11 and 12 at A-Basin.

    The new lift received its name this past February after receiving hundreds of suggestions in a naming contest. A-Basin employee Mark LaFlamme was the first to enter the Black Mountain Express name.
    The new lift will have a capacity of 2000 people per hour, a length of 2877 feet and a vertical rise of 719 feet. Ride time from base area to mid-mountain will be just under three minutes, half the time of the current lift ride. Construction is scheduled for mid-June and will not impact the current season’s closing date (tentatively scheduled for June 6, 2010) or opening date next fall.

    “The Exhibition lift is a great lift with few maintenance issues, but now is the time to replace it. The new lift will have increased capacity, shorter ride time and easer loading. It will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge,” stated Alan Henceroth, Chief Operations Officer.

    April 16, 2010

    Saddleback Maine's 2009-2010 Season is Best in Mountain's History



    Rangeley, ME - Saddleback Maine's 2009-2010 season ended on April 11, 2010 and Saddleback staff and management were pleased at the resort's performance.
    "This was a great year for Saddleback," said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback Maine. "In fact, this has been the best year ever. We had more guests visit Saddleback this year than any other year in our 49 years in operation."
    Saddleback's revenue was up by 40 percent and skier visits were up by 15 percent over the previous year.

    Cook noted several factors in the ski resort's success, including the opening of a new glade, Casablanca, which at 44 acres is the largest glade in the Northeast; improvements to the snow surface as a result of the additions to Saddleback's grooming fleet and the creation of the Saddleback PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) Pass program, designed to encourage Maine students to perform well in school, to help curb childhood obesity, and to promote getting outside and enjoy winter sports.

    Saddleback is responding to the success of the season by continuing to make improvements to the resort. Casablanca will be expanded; summer trail grooming will be performed as well as base area maintenance. A parking lot expansion will be completed and the second South Branch II Condo Building will be completed for purchase.

    Cranmore's Jimmy Mersereau to Receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lifetime Achievement Award Posthumously


    N. Conway, NH - The New England Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected Cranmore Mountain's long-time operations director James Mersereau to receive an Environmental Merit Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in recognition of his exceptional work and commitment to the environment.

    This award recognizes outstanding environmental advocates who dedicated their lives toward preserving and protecting New England's natural resources. This award will be presented at a special ceremony to be held at Faneuil Hall in Boston, Mass. on Thursday, April 22, 2010 --- the 40th anniversary of Earth Day -- from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This annual ceremony has recognized the environmental achievements of New Englanders for more than three decades. Mersereau's family and Cranmore co-workers including GM Ben Wilcox will be guests of honor at this celebration.

    Wilcox gives credit to Jim Mersereau for the many energy efficiency, renewable energy, and pollution prevention initiatives undertaken by Cranmore in recent years.

    A-Basin lead Groomer Wins Slope Groomer of the Year Award


    Arapahoe Basin, CO - Colorado Ski Country announced on April 7, 2010 at the Colorado Ski Country USA Snow Conference that Dick Dreyer of Arapahoe Basin won Slope Groomer of the Year. There were seven finalists in his category. The CSCUSA industry awards have been presented to the best of the best in the categories of slope groomer, terrain master, and snowmaker for over 20 years. Each CSCUSA resort nominates one employee in each category every year. The winners are chosen based on professionalism, dedication, contribution, leadership, and attitude.

    Dreyer has been with Arapahoe Basin operations for over thirty years. Prior to working for A-Basin, he worked one year as a groomer for Keystone Ski Resort. He has seen Arapahoe Basin through a breadth of changes, such as the addition of snowmaking, terrain parks, and the expansion into Montezuma Bowl. He was very influential in the implementation of many of these projects and continues to be a mentor to all of A-Basin’s cat drivers.

    Dick’s supervisor, Mark LaFlamme spoke about Dick’s role in the Montezuma Bowl expansion project. “He played a huge role in our expansion into Montezuma Bowl, not only in creating the grooming plan but also with the construction. A large part of the project was completed over snow, which created many obstacles. Dick’s creativity and hard work made the project possible. His knowledge, skill and positive attitude make him a huge asset that we are very thankful to have at Arapahoe Basin.”
    When asked about his passion for snow grooming, Dick said, “I still take enormous pleasure in firing up a cat and heading out into the night, always anxious to see what Mother Nature holds in store for us.” The Arapahoe Basin team is proud of Dick’s achievements and abilities and look forward to the next thirty years with him at the helm.

    Final Three Days of the Season


    Bear Valley, CA - Well tomorrow kicks off the final three Days of the season !! C'mon up for one last long weekend on the slopes. Right now the forecast for the weekend looks perfect and we've got more snow than we know what to do with. No better way to kick off spring, then with a beautiful spring weekend on the slopes. Check out the events below and look for more info coming on summer camps, concerts and activities soon!!
    Slush Cup Part Deux - Sunday April 18th
    The 5th annual Slush Cup Part Deux, is this Sunday. All proceeds benefit the Bear Valley Snow Sports Education Foundation. Bonus deal for racers that participated in the March 28th (part one event) – Registration fee for you is FREE!! This race is open to All guests – so head up to the mountains for the last opportunity to show your stuff on the last day of the 2009/2010 season!!

    April 15, 2010

    2010 Earlybird Season Passes are on sale NOW!


    Mt Ruapehu, NZ - For the next TWO WEEKS ONLY you can get your 2010 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass for prices we know you'll love:

    Just $395 adult and $245 youth

    This is strictly for passes sold from now (16th April) until the 3rd of May only so you'd better get yours now!

    Love a good Price Freeze
    If you purchased a 2009 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass in April last year and buy your Season Pass before the 3rd of May, you'll pay just $385.

    If you're a first time buyer, the price freeze applies to you too. Get your 2010 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass for $395 now and we'll lock in the price* for 2011 and 2012

    Already bought your 2010 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass?
    Love your work - thanks for your support. Check out some of the great benefits you'll get this year as a 2010 Season Pass holder. A good road trip to the mountain is always better with a crew so take your BRO to the SNOW this winter. If your mates haven't bought their 2010 Season Passes yet, remind them what they'll be missing out on. More bums in seats, means more people to share the cost of fuel!

    Only a Few Weeks of the Season Left!


    Loveland Valley, CO - With only a few weeks left in the 2009-2010 ski season it's time to get those last ski days in before we are closed for the summer! Closing day has been set for Sunday, May 2nd, although the snow and conditions are so great you wouldn't think the end of the season was right around the corner. With a couple great events coming up, live music and great spring skiing still to be had, make Loveland your choice for some outdoor fun!

    Loveland Derby Celebrates 50 Years - This Weekend!
    The Loveland Derby is the largest amateur race in North America and this weekend the event celebrates its 50th anniversary! The Derby will take place at Loveland Valley with a special alumni race and apres party on April 16th. All racers are invited to come out and celebrate the end of the 09-10 season with costumes, BBQs and fast paced racing fun for the entire family.

    Charity Poker Run This Saturday!
    This Saturday, April 17th, Sunglass Management Design will be hosting a charity Poker Run at Loveland Ski Area. All proceeds from this event will go to the Autism Society of Colorado. Autism is a disorder of the brain that is currently affecting 1 in 135 children in Colorado. Register the morning of on the patio for only $50 including a lift ticket, or $20 if you already have a pass. Then ski around the mountain to visit the dealers and build your hand. The best hand at the end of the day wins. Tons of prizes, live music and great skiing all for a good cause!

    Country, Rock, Broadway and Jazz In the mix at Belleayre Music Festival

    Highmount, NY - Bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs, Broadway superstar Patti LuPone, country rock legends the Charlie Daniels Band and ¹70s hit-makers America are among the 2010 Belleayre Music Festival headliners.
    Tickets for Belleayre shows will be on sale beginning April 15.
    The season kicks off on Saturday, July 3 at 8 p.m. with ³Red, White and Bluegrass, featuring the incomparable Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. The holiday weekend show will be capped off by a huge fireworks display.
    Broadway Superstar Patti LuPone, one of the most award-winning actors on Broadway, brings her soaring vocal talents to the Belleayre stage on Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. From her starring roles in ³Evita² in the 1980s, to her most recent plaudits playing Mama Rose in Gypsy ‹ for which she swept all the 2008 theatre awards ‹ Patti continues to dazzle audiences.
    ³Two Hip Singer-Songwriters² will feature acclaimed rocker Joseph Arthur and actor/singer Meghan Wolf on Friday, July 16 in the cozy atmosphere of the Belleayre Music Club.
    Conductor and soloist John Covelli will be featured when the Belleayre Festival Plays Romantic Classics on Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. He will perform Tchaikovsky¹s Piano Concerto #1Mr. Covelli conducted the first festival performance 19 years ago when he lead the Brooklyn Philharmonic and he continues to be a crowd favorite. Asher Raboy will be guest conductor.

    Have a Say in Where You Play!

    Brighton, UT - Friday, April 30, is the deadline for public input which will be instrumental in helping shape the master plan for several of the canyons in the Wasatch including Parley's and both Big & Little Cottonwood - areas where we all live, work or play. The Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow process is evaluating a wide range of policies dealing with watershed, recreation, transportation and development in the canyons.

    How do you feel about increasing public transportation options between Salt Lake City
    and our Utah ski areas?

    Or between Salt Lake and Park City?

    How about paying a fee to access these canyons?

    Weigh in on these critical questions and more by voting today.
    The feedback received throughout this process will be integral to the way we protect, preserve and recreate in our canyons for years to come. Please take a few moments of your time (10-15 min.) to complete the public survey found at WasatchCanyons.slco.org

    ‘Illuminati’ Add to the Legend of RED Mountain


    Rossland, BC - Fueled by 30cm of late-season powder, the second annual Gathering at RED Mountain closed out the BC winter season with inspiring presentations by Powder Magazine’s hottest photographers and other image-makers – the ‘Illuminati’ of the ski world. Last year’s Gathering was a spontaneous get-together of long-time friends, but this year’s lensmen stepped things up a notch with top-shelf presentations before spell bound audiences from Canada, USA, Europe, and Australia.

    Highlights of the two evenings’ presentations included:
    *Wade McKoy set the scene behind some of his classic Jackson Hole shots.
    *Ace Kvale mesmerized the audience with images from his recent humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia and Africa
    *The North Face skier Kasha Rigby showcased soulful moments of her many expeditions through the Himalayas.
    *The youngblood of the group, Vancouver’s Jordan Manley brought focus to why BC is an epicenter of mountain experience.
    *SLC-based Erik Seo explained the intricate staging and patience required to get those innovative new-school shots.
    *John Falkiner and Mark Shapiro gave a glimpse into the unexpected world of ski touring in Lebanon.
    *As ye olde grand finale, Dave Heath rounded up antique gear and apparel from Rossland garages and threw down a sepia-toned slide show of modern-day ski pioneers.

    Among ski world insiders, no spot is better loved than Rafters Pub on the top floor of the RED Mountain Lodge, and it hosted multiple impromptu jam sessions with local music talent and the presenters throughout the festivities.
    “We’re excited to have launched “The Gathering II” with Powder Magazine an event that brings skiers from all over the world to experience the amazing culture and natural resources of our area. We look forward to building upon this years’ success with new ideas and activities for next year. Our goal is that The Gathering will grow to become one of the unique focal points of the season for the ski world,” said Howard Katkov, CEO of Red Mountain Resort.

    The Gathering at RED Mountain will be back in 2011 with exclusive workshop sessions for the public to learn from and interact with the ski industry’s “Illuminati”.

    Sun Valley Celebrates Christmas In April

    Sun Valley, ID - Every Sun Valley ski pass becomes a Season Pass on the last day of Sun Valley’s winter season, Sunday, April 18. Everyone with any kind of Sun Valley ski pass can ski for free this Sunday. In appreciation for an excellent 74th winter season, Sun Valley will offer this free “make-up” day recognizing the ski closure on Christmas day due to a power outage.
    Skiers holding the following passes will ski for free Sunday, April 18:
  • Season Pass Holders
  • Early/Late Pass Holders
  • 20-Day Pass Holders
  • Season & Weekend Discount Card Holders
  • All Dollar Season Pass Holders
  • Blaine County Season Pass Holders & Discount Pass Holders
  • College Six-Pack and Triple Play Pass Holders

    The weekend celebration will include the music of the Kim Stocking Band at River Run and the 812 Band will play at Warm Springs. Everyone is invited to the party!
  • April 14, 2010

    Spring Carnival



    Girdwood, AK - The bad news: Winter's almost over. The good: The snow's still here. Celebrate the end of ski season and the perfect combination of sun and snow at Alyeska
    Resort during Spring Carnival, the biggest bash of the year.

    2010 Spring Carnival is presented by ACS Alaska.
    Saturday, April 24 - Slush Cup Pond
    2 pm: Hawaiian Reggae with H3
    3:30 pm: Idiot Swim Across
    4 pm: Slush Cup

    Alyeska Resort encourages responsible consumption of alcohol and recommends a designated driver. In accordance with state of Alaska liquor laws, outside alcohol is not permitted and will be confiscated. The resort does not allow pets or firearms on premises. Beer gardens and food tents will be set up at the event venue. Parking is limited, please carpool.

    Sunday, April 25
    11 am: Pop, Lock & Stomp It! Big Air Competition
    2:30 pm: Dummy Race
    4 pm: Team Tug of War
    5 pm: Sitzmark End of Season Party with Hamma Jang

    April 13, 2010

    Winter Park - As of 3:30pm on April 13, 2010


    Winter Park, CO - Lift lines are short and the sun is making an appearance after a morning of light, fresh snow. We’ve seen 11 inches in the past week and snow is in the forecast. Skiing and riding is on spring conditions….with a 65 inch mid-mountain base and a 72 inch base at the summit. 17 lifts start turning at 9am this morning, getting you to 133 trails and 7 terrain parks crossing 2,680 acres.

    We expect 1 – 2 inches of the good stuff today with a high temperature near 30 degrees. We may see another inch of snowfall overnight tonight as skies clear tomorrow. We expect a high temperature tomorrow near 45 degrees.

    Ski Free in April
    Stay a minimum of two nights and receive a free lift ticket with each nights lodging*. Seriously, free lift tickets.

    Last Chance: Deadline is April 15th

    For Sun Valley Burning Turns Heli-Ski Sweepstakes

    Sun Valley, ID - A day of heli-skiing in world-famous Sun Valley, Idaho with former Olympians, X Games Champions and Sun Valley Ski Champions Reggie & Zach Crist is the highlight of the Sun Valley Burning Turns Heli-Ski Sweepstakes, and the deadline to enter is just days away on April 15.

    This trip-of-a-lifetime prize package includes:
  • Airfare for two to Sun Valley – up to $1000
  • Full day of heli-skiing with the Crist brothers through Sun Valley Heli Ski/EpicQuest,
  • Luxury lodging for four nights at Thunder Springs in Ketchum
  • Day passes to Zenergy Health Club & Spa at Thunder Springs
  • 3-day lift tickets for two on Sun Valley Resort’s famous Bald Mountain
  • Powder Demo ski rentals from Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters
  • 4-day rental car from Avis Rent-a-Car
  • Outfitting for two from First Ascent apparel by Eddie Bauer.
    To enter simply fill out the form at: Sun Valley Burning Turns Heli-Ski Sweepstakes
  • Resorts Extending their Seasons!

    Closing April 18
    Banff Mount Norquay in Alberta; Arizona Snowbowl; Mount Seymour in British Columbia; Sierra-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Donner Downhill in California; Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort in New Mexico; Snowbasin in Utah

    Closing April 25
    Mountain High Resort in California

    Make sure to call them first just to make sure they are indeed operating their lifts. These new date extensions are all up the whims of Mother Nature!

    Waterville Valley Summer of 2010 Events Feature Music, Brewfest, Fireworks and Curious George

    Waterville Valley, NH - New Hampshire's Waterville Valley Resort has scheduled another full summer of special event weekends for 2010. Just eleven miles off Interstate-93, the self-contained mountain resort also serves up a full roster of summer recreation like golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, boating, skateboarding and kids day camp. Get the full scoop about summer in Waterville Valley and summer lodging packages at Waterville.com or call 866 417-4734.

    21st Annual Chowder and Brewfest - Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 30
    Regional restaurants compete for the "Golden Clam Award " from 12-2 pm in Town Square, For a small admission fee, guests can sample each chowder and vote for their favorite. Local brewers serve summer ales in Town Square from Noon-5:00 pm, accompanied by Rock and Reggae outdoor concerts.

    Independence Day Family Carnival, Parade & Fireworks - Saturday & Sunday, July 3 & 4
    Saturday's 4th of July fun is put on by the Town of WV Recreation Department from 11:00 am - 3:30 pm. T-shirt tie-dying, 100' obstacle course, Fireman's BBQ, bounce house, live music, and more. The cost is $10 per child; 3 and under free. The 4th of July Hometown Parade & Fireworks is on Sunday July 4. The Waterville Valley Community gathers for a traditional parade and all are welcome to participate. The evening's outdoor concert and fireworks are happening in Town Square.

    12th Annual Chili Challenge - Saturday, October 2, Noon
    Waterville Valley area restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of the best chili around. Attendees pay a sampling fee to taste all contenders' chilis and then vote for their favorite. There's also a chili bean toss and chili pepper eating challenge and outdoor concert.

    Fall Foliage Festival - Columbus Day Weekend Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10
    To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Town Square has scheduled a weekend of family activities, outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, ski swap, 5k road race and 1.6k fun run, brewfest, pumpkin painting, kids games and a pie eating challenge.

    April 12, 2010

    The Season is Ending for a Few More Resorts


    Snow is still arriving at some ski areas but the season is winding to a close. Here are the ones closing soon:

    Sunday April 25th
    Jasper's Marmot Basin, Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Alyeska Resort, Heavenly Ski Resort, Snow Valley Ski Resort

    Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl Resort, Sugarloaf USA, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort

    Sunday May 2nd
    Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Killington

    Tuesday May 4th
    Red Mountain Resort

    It’s Snowing at Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe

    Reno, NV - Mt. Rose collected 3-5” of snow overnight and it’s still snowing! Right now Mt. Rose lift tickets are sold on www.SkiRose.com at an even more discounted rate than before. Adult lift tickets are now $29, Senior/Teen tickets $19, and Super Senior/Child tickets $7 when you buy online. Be sure to check out the BOATercross on April 17th and get some turns in before closing day April 18th!

    April 17: BOATercross
    Mt. Rose is holding a special BOATercross on April 17th. Watch this extreme kayaking race on the Mt. Rose Slide Bowl starting at 12 pm!
    April 18: Scheduled Closing Date
    All Mt. Rose 2010-11 season passes go on sale April 19th. The Unlimited Pass has absolutely no void dates or blackout periods, so you can ski or snowboard whenever you want and it comes fully loaded with tons of perks!

    Brighton End Of The Season Beach Bash



    Brighton, UT - Saturday April 17th Brighton will be holding its annual beach bash. Wear a Hawaiian shirt or your favorite beach attire and receive an adult area lift ticket for $29. Check out BrightonResort.com for more info.

    NEFF Beach Bash Rail Jam at Brighton
    Come one come all and join Neff as they present the Beach Bash at Brighton Resort on April 17th. Neff has teamed up with Brighton on their last official Saturday of the season to bring you Beach Bash 2010 Rail Jam. The Jam will consist of a variety of features to test your skills over a massive pit of Beach Balls. It is a jam format, 3 divisions; crazy prize packs with $500.00 cash for the open class winner. The event is free to enter as long as you have a season pass or lift ticket. DJ Knuckles will be spinning beats all day long to go along with the Beach Carnival and Fashion Show. Look out for the Neff Celebrity Judges and come up and end your season proper.

    Natural Light presents the 2nd annual Natturday Beach Party
    Saturday at the Milly Chalet come party with the Natty Girls. The Natturday Carnival will include $2 Beer specials, Games, A Mechanical Bull Beach Volleyball and Fashion Show. Come and get your fortune told to you from inside the Natty Wagon. Here's your chance to hang with Brighton Local pros and Slug Mags own Mike Brown.

    Record Winter Season at Boreal Mountain Resort

    Donner Summit, CA - Boreal Mountain Resort has closed the lifts for the final time this season capping off a record breaking ski season. Record snowfall, best ever season pass sales and strong skier counts, reminiscent of years past have made the 2009/2010 season memorable.

    This winter Boreal Mountain Resort, located atop Donner Summit, received over 464 inches of snow with 56 inches coming in the last two weeks of operations. The winter storms blanketed the resort with light, dry powder before every major holiday allowing guests to drive I-80 reaching Boreal without any limitations. The cold El Nino winter also allowed Boreal to open the ski season earlier than ever, with operations beginning on October 9, 2009. “Installing a $1.2 million snowmaking system in 2008 made all the difference in breaking our opening record” said Jody Churich, General Manager at Boreal.

    The large snowfall also helped boom season pass and ticket sales both day and night. Boreal Mountain Resort saw over a significant increase in night ticket sales. The Blow-Out Season Pass sale, which ended on Easter Day, finished 34% up over the previous season. “Guests were really excited to enjoy the great conditions,” said Shaydar Edelmann, Boreal Mountain Manger.

    The most noticeable success at Boreal this season was its 1-2-3 Ride Free program. Beginning skiers and riders taking advantage of 1-2-3 Ride Free were able to take three lessons and get a free season pass upon completion of the program. Boreal was successful in converting over one thousand new skier and riders through three lessons. “This program has been an exciting opportunity for the instructors at Boreal,” said Nate Ellis, Snow Sports Manger. “It’s always nice see the same faces coming back for lessons and watching our guests grow from a beginner to a true skier or rider.”

    Thanks to the success of the 2009/2010 season, Boreal will be hard at work over the summer. Over $1 million capital dollars have been allocated for projects including expanded snowmaking top-to-bottom, adding more night lighting, purchasing 2 new grooming machines and replacing the lodge windows as in environmental initiative.

    Snowbowl to Open for One More Weekend!


    Flagstaff, AZ - Arizona Snowbowl will extend the season for one final weekend with the Agassiz Lift operating from 10 AM to 4 PM all three days. With 5 to 7 feet of snow remaining on the trails and strong continued demand the resort decided today on the extension. No beginner trails will be open. The Sunset Terrain Park will be redesigned to provide access to the Agassiz chairlift.
    "The great season and fun are continuing, it is obvious the avid skiers and snowboarders just don't want it to end," states Dave Smith, Snowbowl Marketing Director. "I encourage everyone to come up and enjoy the warm days, soft snow, and festive atmosphere as we wind down what will be a record season. We have had so much support from the local community this season we want to provide our guests with a bonus weekend".

    In addition to Agassiz Lift and Agassiz Lodge being open, the Hart Prairie Lodge Rental facility and Guest Services Office will also be open. Ski School lessons will only be available for intermediate and expert skiers.

    Discounted Lift Tickets are available on-line for $25 at www.ArizonaSnowbowl.com. Walk up Lift Ticket rates will be discounted to $39 for adults, Juniors ages 8-12 will ski FREE with an Adult lift ticket purchase. Tickets for Students with a valid ID will be $25.

    April 9, 2010

    Belleayre Mountain Season Ends on the April 11th with Outstanding Spring Conditions


    Highmount, NY - If your mountain is closed, make plans to be at Belleayre for the last weekend of skiing and riding in the Catskills for the 2009-2010 season. Saturday April 10th, is the First Annual Winni/Belle/Wana Bump Relay Race! Teams of 3 will race through all the best bumps Belleayre has to offer in one run. The first leg will begin on Winnisook, followed by the middle leg of the lower Belleayre Run bumps, with the final leg on the lower Wanatuska bumps in front of the Overlook Lodge. This will be a head to head elimination challenge so be prepared for multiple runs for advancing teams. Registration will be at noon on the Overlook Deck and the competition will begin at the top of Winnisook at 1pm. This is a free event. Join in the fun because this is the time of year to celebrate moguls. So soft, so forgiving, so poundable!

    Sunday, April 11th is the Superintendent's Long Drive Contest. This end of season event is always a good time. Join us behind the Overlook Lodge at 2pm and show off that golf swing that’s been getting rusty all winter. DJ Heat will be here Saturday and Sunday and the weather looks good, so make plans to get your last New York turns of the year at Belleayre Mountain! Join us for our famous end of season party!

    2009-2010 is Second Snowiest Season on Record at Whistler Blackcomb

    Whistler, BC - Another blast of winter weather hit Whistler Blackcomb dropping 21 centimetres on the mountains in the past 24 hours. The fresh powder overnight brings the total snowfall this season to 1,432 centimetres or 47 feet, surpassing the 2006/07 record of 1,416 centimetres or 46 feet, making this season officially the second snowiest on record.

    “This is great news for our spring season as we head into the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival kicking off on April 16,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Whistler Blackcomb. “With a snow base of close to four metres (over 12 feet), the skiing and riding will be incredible right through to the end of our spring season which extends to May 24. This snow has our terrain parks in top shape, including a new 22-foot halfpipe on Blackcomb, which is being built for the Festival and will remain open to the public afterwards.”

    The Environment Canada forecast is calling for more snow over the next couple of days, then sunny skies for the weekend. Close to 100 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb terrain is open, including the Olympic Men’s and Women’s alpine skiing courses. With lift access and plenty of free parking available at Creekside, Whistler Village, Blackcomb Base and Blackcomb Base 2, the mountains are wide open for all to enjoy.

    The 15th annual TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival kicking off April 16 to 25 gets set to deliver the ultimate after-party after what could only be described as an epic season. This spring-time Festival cranks the energy level up in Whistler several notches when ski resorts around the world are winding down. Daily free outdoor concerts, film, photography, fashion and multimedia events, ski and snowboard contests that set new benchmarks within the industry, and endless nightlife celebrate mountain culture in a way that no other resort does.

    Whistler Blackcomb is open for skiing and riding through to May 24 – Whistler Mountain through April 25 and Blackcomb Mountain to May 24.

    2009-2010 Season Ends This Sunday

    Nederland, CO - Eldora Mountain Resort will close for the 2009-2010 season on Sunday, April 11th, 2010 “Snow conditions were exceptional and guest visitations increased over last year. This has been a fantastic season, we’re sorry to see it end,” says Rob Linde, Director of Marketing for Eldora Mountain Resort. With one weekend left it’s a great opportunity for skiers and riders to come up and enjoy great spring conditions. The weather is expected to be mild and spring like. Eldora will have Bar-B-Ques going on the lodge deck and live music both Saturday and Sunday. All retail items are on sale at 50% off. Season passes for next season are on sale through April 30th.

    April 7, 2010

    The Masters Dominate at Sun Peaks Resort

    Canadian Masters Alpine Championships Held Over Easter Weekend
    Sun Peaks, BC - Athletes from across the country took to the slopes of Sun Peaks over Easter Weekend as the BC Interior resort hosted the Canadian Masters Alpine Championships for the 10th year in a row.

    Three generations of skiers took part in the 2010 Championships, racing for age class national titles in Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Fastest times of the days were posted by 20 year old Emma Beattie from Ontario in both the women’s Giant Slalom and Slalom, while 55 year old Gerry Whittaker from Kelowna dominated on the men’s side, taking gold in all disciplines. And the true master of the weekend was 90 year old Rolf Hauge of Midland, Ontario, the oldest competitor in the field, who won gold medals in the Super G and Giant Slalom events.

    Hauge and Beattie were just two of 23 racers who travelled to Sun Peaks from Ontario for the Championships. There were also extremely strong showing from Quebec with 13 racers. The combined Ontario/Quebec team won the Dave Murray trophy for the best region, defeating British Columbia for the first time in five years.

    The Sun Peaks Alpine Club held their own during the Championships, with Melanie Roberts winning the overall title for her age category and posting the 4th best women’s time in the Ladies Super G.

    It's a "Wine of a Weekend"!

    Greek Peak Mountain Resort / Hope Lake Lodge and Indoor Waterpark
    Cortland, NY - On Saturday, April 10th we are offering a Free Wine Tasting from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in in the Lobby. Live Entertainment will be available from 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

    On Sunday, April 11th we are offering a Wine Tour to Cayuga Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. 11:00am - 5:00pm. $35 per person (lunch included). Valid ID required. Hope Lake Lodge and Arcadia Village Owners/Guests get initial access to wine tour reservations.

    End of the Ski Season : Mont SUTTON Gives Way to the Summer



    Sutton, PQ - Mont SUTTON’s 50th ski season ended on April 7th. It has been an historic season, filled with a multitude of events, of festivities, of emotions, of constant precipitations throughout the winter giving us, once again, splendid ski conditions and, all this, in the warm atmosphere that makes SUTTON’s notoriety.

    The Snow on the Beach, which was scheduled on April 10th, will be postponed to next season since the ski season is over.

    One thing is sure; the ski and snowboard fanatics have been spoiled by Mother Nature during all the season and the Easter long weekend! They have been able to make the most of exceptional spring skiing conditions under the sun to finish the ski season beautifully!

    Vincent Marquis and P-A Rousseau back from Vancouver … Celebrate the Bud Light Fest at Mont-Sainte-Anne!


    Beaupre, PQ - A not-to-be-missed happening will take place this Saturday, April 10th, for the occasion of the well-known festivities of the Volkswagen Spring Madness; the Olympian Bud Light Fest! After their breathtaking performance during the Olympics in the acrobatic moguls discipline, Vincent Marquis (4th) and Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau (5th) will celebrate their comeback at Mont-Sainte-Anne, taking part in a friendly mogul race open to all! True to itself, the resort will prepare smoking BBQs, outdoor hot tubs and live music shows at the base of the mountain!

    The Olympian Bud Light Fest – Friendly Mogul Race Open to All
    Everyone is more than welcomed to take part or to assist in the friendly race that will take place in La Soumande, located on the North side of the mountain. Registrations will start at 8:30am, in front of the Sports Alpins shop for the cost of $5. The race will start at 11am with a spectacular dual descent of the Olympians and from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, they will be available for an autograph session at the terrace on the summit, where BBQs, DJ and a bar will be set up for the occasion. In addition to this, the band Bestov will offer a unique cover line-up from 3:30, while the first part will be played by acoustic cover band Banquette Arrière, from 12:30pm!

    April 6, 2010

    Retiring Timberline Lodge Chef Leif Eric Benson Named Chef of the Year


    Government Camp, OR - Executive Chef Leif Eric Benson, CEC, AAC, has announced his retirement from Mt. Hood's National Historic Landmark, Timberline Lodge, effective April 9th. His Timberline career began in 1979 when area operator Richard Kohnstamm hired him to improve the culinary offerings at Timberline Lodge. Over the past 31 years, Benson has done just that, and more. Almost immediately, Benson's culinary approach fused the culinary traditions of his native Sweden, as well as an eclectic blend of other influences from around the world, with what he called "The Bounty of Oregon," featuring high quality, fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients. In the mid 1980's he helped pioneer this into the popular regional cuisine now generally referred to as "Northwest Fresh." In 1987 he authored one of the trend's seminal cookbooks titled "Timberline Lodge Cookbook - Northwest Regional Recipes" and it went on to be a regional best seller. That same year, he served as the president of the Chef's de Cuisine Society, and in 1988 he founded the first Oregon Culinary Olympic Team featuring Oregon products in Frankfurt, Germany. The team brought home 16 culinary medals. Since then, Chef Benson has served as a consulting chef for many of Oregon's governors, and has served as an ambassador for Oregon's culinary agricultural products, including various official trade missions to Asia.

    Jackson Hole Concludes the 2010 Winter Season with Strong Results

    Teton Village, WY - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) concluded the 2009/2010 winter season posting the 4th highest visitation level in its 45 year history with over 413,684 skiers gracing the slopes this winter. This year’s results mark the 5th consecutive year of skier visits above the 400,000 benchmark. The success is particularly notable in light of the lack of natural snow from opening to late January coupled with a unusually dry March. Economic conditions were equally challenging as the country continued to be marred in one of the deepest recessions in its history.
    Snow arrived late in the Tetons with unusually low snowfall totals for the first 55 days of the JHMR operating season. Though overall snow totals for the season approached the 400 inch mark, 50 inches came during closing week. Long time Teton residents now compare this winter to the record low of 1976/1977 when visitation levels dropped to 36,300, a 75% drop from the previous year. By means of comparison the 413,684 visits of 2010 represent a 5.6% drop from last year.
    “It is hard to recover completely when we miss the first half of the season which includes the all-important December holidays and the month of January. During the first 55 days out of a 128 day season, we had the arguably lowest recorded snow fall of the past the 30 years,” Jerry Blann, president commented. “We are never pleased when we experience a drop in visitation. However, once the snow began falling on January 23rd the business levels showed a substantial surge. We finished the season with strong results, which can only be attributed to the hard work of the entire resort staff.”

    Windham Thanks Everyone for a Great Season!


    Windham, NY - We wanted to take the time to thank everybody who visited Windham Mountain and made the 2009/10 season such a success. We would also like to thank Mother Nature and Ullr the Norse, god of snow, who provided such fantastic conditions right through the end of season. We had many great events this year as well, and we'd like to especially thank all those who helped Windham Mountain get the Guinness World Record for the longest torchlit parade. And don't forget to visit our Mountain Photo page to find photos of yourself, friends and family on and around the mountain - photos will be buy one get one free through April 30th!
    Windham Mountain Info

    More Mountain Closures!


    Unfortunately the season has to come to an end, here are some happening soon.
    Monday April 12th:
    Panorama Mountain Village

    Tuesday April 13th:
    Mission Ridge Ski Area

    Wednesday April 14th:
    Sundance Resort

    Saturday April 17th:
    Snow Summit, Jay Peak

    Sunday April 18th:
    Nakiska Ski Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Powder King, Kirkwood, Mammoth Mountain

    Northstar-at-Tahoe, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain Resort, Silverton Mountain, Vail

    Winter Park Resort, Sun Valley, Ski Brule, Ski Apache, Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort

    Alta Ski Area, Brian Head Resort, Brighton Ski Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Stevens Pass Ski Area

    Monday April 19th
    Sunday River Ski Resort

    Customer Appreciation Night April 9th


    Brighton, UT - Friday April 9th Brighton is offering $16 night lift tickets to everyone. Come celebrate a great night season with our Customer Appreciation Night. Also enter the Red Bull Butter Cup Rail Jam. Registration is free. Cash prizes!!
    BrightonTerrainParks.com

    Brighton End Of The Season Beach Bash
    Saturday April 17th Brighton will be holding its annual beach bash. Wear a Hawaiian shirt or your favorite beach attire and receive an adult area lift ticket for $29. The day will consist of a carnival at the Milly Chalet. BBQ, Games, NEFF Rail Jam and more fun activity's.

    Belleayre Mountain Still Open with Outstanding Spring Conditions

    Belleayre Adds Two Bump Contests to Celebrate Spring Moguls

    Highmount, NY - Spring conditions are here and spring time moguls, with their soft and forgiving nature, are definitely here. To celebrate these sugary delights Belleayre has added two new competitions for the devoted mogul mashers. Wednesday April 7th, which is also $20/$10 day, is the first Pop Quiz Bump Race. Starting at 1pm on Lower Wanatuska riders & skiers will race for the fastest timed line down the Lower Wanatuska bumps. There will be prizes for snowboard, alpine and telemark categories. Registration will be at noon on the Overlook Deck. This is a great race for showing off those highly developed skills from all the mogul pounding done thus far this winter. Spectators will also have a front row seat in the Adirondack chairs to cheer on these die-hard skiers and riders.

    Saturday April 10th, is the First Annual Winnie/Belle/Wana Bump Relay Race! Teams of 3 will race through all the best bumps Belleayre has to offer in one run. The first leg will begin on Winnisook, followed by the middle leg of the lower Belleayre Run bumps, with the final leg on the lower Wanatuska bumps in front of the Overlook Lodge. This will be a head to head elimination challenge so be prepared for multiple runs for advancing teams. Registration will be at noon on the Overlook Deck and the competition will begin at the top of Winnisook at 1pm. This and the Pop Quiz Bump Contest are both free events. Join in the fun because this is the time of year to celebrate moguls.

    Sunday April 11th, is the Superintendent's Long Drive Contest. This end of season event is always a good time. Join us behind the Overlook Lodge at 2pm and show off that golf swing that's been getting rusty all winter.

    Wolf Creek to Re-Open

    Pagosa Springs, CO - Wolf Creek Ski Area is closed for the 2009 - 2010 ski season but will reopen for two more weekends on April 10th and April 11th and again April 17th and 18th. Festivities for closing day included a visit from the Easter Bunny, who lead an Easter egg hunt with over 50 children, many of them local to both South Fork and Pagosa Springs! The day was sunny and clear, snow conditions were great on a 112 inch midway base.

    The last two weekends are Local Appreciation weekends as well as Family Days. Local appreciation rates are $31.00 for Adults and $18.00 for Seniors and Children - no ID is required for these rates. Children who participated in the Wolf Creek local school program are invited to bring their immediate families for $12.00 per family member. This includes a two hour lesson plus ski rentals. Boarders may rent for $5.00.

    Six lifts will be operating from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Lessons from the ski and snowboard school will be available. The ski and snowboard rentals will be operating, the Wolf Creek Lodge will be open with a limited menu. There will be a sale in Treasure Sports with 40% off all jackets and fashion wear. Season passes are welcome including weekday only, employee passes are also valid.