April 26, 2011

Arapahoe Basin Reaches 100” Base


Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin ski patrol reported a 100” base this morning. This snow depth represents the deepest base A-Basin has experienced all season and one that has not been reached since 2003. The current storm has dropped 7” of snow in the last 24 hours and 15” in the last three days. More snow is expected in the forecast.

Tomorrow, April 27, Arapahoe Basin and Summit County local radio station, KSMT The Mountain, will throw a Locals’ Day party to celebrate. A free State Farm, Big Hit and Nomis Air and Style competition will be held in the Treeline Terrain Park with cash prizes. From 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. enjoy barbeque specials, entertainment and giveaways at Black Mountain Lodge. Live music with Sam Adams and Jagermeister specials will take place in the base area from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Demo Tech Nine gear and partake in the Silverthorne Recreation Centers volleyball competition. KSMT is also putting on a scavenger hunt during the day.

A-Basin is 100% open and boasts 382” of snow so far this season. Closing date is currently set for June 5, 2011. For more information on snow conditions or spring events, please log on to arapahoebasin.com or call (888) ARAPAHOE (272-7246). Please carpool or ride the Summit Stage to Arapahoe Basin. The free Summit Stage will run through May 29, 2011.

April 22, 2011

Mother Nature Helps Winter Park Celebrate End of Season with Plenty of Powder

Winter Park. CO - Not going quietly, the 2010/11 season will end under a thick blanket of fresh powder and with many skiers and riders in a cold, wet splash on Sunday, April 24. This season has been truly memorable with incredible snowfall, entertaining events, warm and friendly staff and loyal guests.

Golden Bunny Candy Hunt -- Saturday, April 23
There is no shortage of Easter festivities at Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver on-mountain holiday fun with a candy hunt in Discovery Park. For children 5 and under, a base area egg hunt will be held as well. This 30-year tradition is a favorite for children of all ages. Other Easter activities include a “fun race” on the mountain and a coloring contest. Due to closing day being on Easter Sunday this year, please note the Easter activities will be held on Saturday, April 23.

Coca-Cola® Spring Splash -- Sunday, April 24
Closing day is considered a holiday on the mountain, so why not come out and enjoy one last day of spring skiing and riding? The fun-filled day starts at 12 p.m. as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on Larry Sale trail race course and then attempt to skim across an icy pond in hopes of finishing the race first. Prizes include a 2011-2012 season pass and cash prizes.

Registration begins hours before the race at 8 a.m., and participants race in the order they registered. Registration is limited to 100 participants and the roster filled quickly last year, it is advised to register early on Sunday. Helping celebrate the end of a great ski season “Better Than Bacon,” a popular band out of Fort Collins will set the tone for the closing day party from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.


Whistler Blackcomb Named One of Canada's Greenest Employers Three Years Running


Recognition given for energy conservation initiatives, waste reduction, and staff dedication

Whistler, BC - For the third year in a row Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating Earth Day (April 22) as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, awarded by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“We are thrilled and honoured to accept this award,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our employees, our guests and our community. Whistler Blackcomb has been working hard to reduce our environmental footprint for a number of years, recognizing the importance of long term environmental stewardship. We will continue to work towards our environmental goals while consistently providing the best mountain experiences on the planet.”

Whistler Blackcomb’s overarching environmental goal is to one day achieve a zero operating footprint. The company takes steps towards reaching this goal by focusing on energy conservation initiatives and waste reduction programs. While there is still a long way to go, Whistler Blackcomb believes in an “every step counts” philosophy and works hard to empower both staff and guests to work towards a greener future.

“We are very grateful and humbled to be recognized,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planner and Environmental Resource Manager. “Being so close to nature in Whistler, we understand that what we do to nature we do to ourselves. The soul of a company is its purpose and our purpose is to one day have zero operating impacts on our natural environment. It is our hope for guests who visit Whistler Blackcomb to become inspired by our enactments, leading them to make sustainable choices in their own homes and communities.”

Wildcat Mountain Is Open with Spring Skiing and Riding for New Hampshire


Fourth Year in a Row to Be Last Resort in the Granite State to Be Operating

Pinkham Notch, NH - Wildcat Mountain continues to uphold its reputation as the spring skiing destination in New Hampshire and re-opened Friday, April 22nd under beautiful, clear, blue skies and is scheduled to be open for the Easter weekend, weather and conditions permitting. Benefitting from the colder temperatures at Wildcat Mountain’s higher elevations and this season’s total snowfall currently at 227 inches, including yesterday’s Thursday daytime snow, allowed it to open Friday morning with 40 of the 50 available trails still on the open list. With that, Wildcat Mountain is the last resort in New Hampshire for a fourth season in a row to be offering chairlift service for the state’s official sport of skiing.

In its first season under the new ownership of Peak Resorts, Wildcat Mountain did not set a firm closing date for the season. At this time, though it will be closed Monday, April 25th through Thursday, April 28th, Wildcat Mountain is considering the possibility of re-opening again for Friday, April 29th and reaching for a May date of skiing and riding for that weekend, Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st. Spring skiing and riding is dictated by the typical New England weather that marks a change of seasons this time of year and any operating plan is subject to be affected because of that.

April 18, 2011

Mt. Hood Meadows Extends Season Offering Bonus Days in May


Meadows will operate daily through May 1 then offer two bonus weekends to finish season April snowfall lifts snowpack to150 inches
Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows will operate daily through May 1, and then offer two bonusweekends in May. The resort has already had one of the longest seasons in its 43 year history – operating daily since an early opening on November 20. In total Meadows will operate 167 days this season, including the four bonus days in May.

The resort has received extended winter weather through March and April fortifying its snowpack which is now at a season high twelve-and-a-half feet (150 inches). Long-awaited spring weather is expected, as clear days are in the forecast. The resort has not seen consecutive days of sunshine since before January. The sunshine and epic snowpack should createperfect spring skiing conditions.

Meadows Operating Daily 9 AM – 4 PM through May 1
With the favorable conditions, the resort will continue lift operations from 9 AM – 4 PM daily through May 1, a full week longer than last season. All five high speed quads are scheduled daily (as weather conditions allow) providing access to its entire 2,777 vertical feet. The resort is committed to running terrain parks including the popular Forest Park and Park Place serviced by the Hood RiverExpress, as well as Rose City Park, the SuperPipe, the Zoo and Shipyard serviced by its Easy Rider lift. The resort is offering its unlimited spring pass for $139 – good through April as well as the bonus days in May.

Bonus Days May 7-8 and May 14-15
Mt. Hood Meadows will offer bonus days for two weekends into May, May 7-8 and May 14-15. The resort plans operating three lifts – Cascade Express, Mt. Hood Express and its Buttercup beginner lift, from 9 AM – 2 PM daily. The lift ticket will be discounted to $49. Ski and snowboard adult lessons, children’s lessons, day care, equipment rentals, retail and demo center are scheduled, as well as two restaurants including the resort’s popular Paradise Sun Deck which comes alive with BBQ, refreshment and entertainmentduring the warm sunny days of spring.

April 13, 2011

Whiteface Re-Opens this Weekend

Wilmington, NY - Don’t put away the skis and the boards just yet, the golf clubs, the rakes and the spring cleaning chores can wait one more weekend. Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., re-opens Friday through Sunday, April 15-17, for more great spring skiing and riding.

The Face Lift, Summit Quad and Mountain Run chairs will be available for skiers and riders so no beginner terrain will be available. Lift tickets prices will be $35 for adults, $30 for teens and seniors and just $25 for adults.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on super pass holder savings including 50% off on merchandise at the Whiteface gift shop and the all you can eat pasta buffet in the Ausable Room, from 2-4 p.m., Sunday. Pass holders can enjoy the buffet for $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12 or $20 for the entire family.

Finally, season passes for the 2011-12 skiing and riding season at Whiteface are still available. Passes for next season begin at $419 for adults (ages 23-64), $299 for juniors (7-12) and just $30 for skiers or riders six and under.

4th Annual Shawnee Celtic Festival



May 28 & 29 - Calling all Irish, Scottish and Welsh Clans!

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - Kicking off the festivities of the summer season on Memorial Day weekend, Shawnee Mountain is pleased to announce the return of the Shawnee Celtic Festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, 11am to 6pm both days, on the grounds of the popular Monroe County ski area.

This event promises two full days of the sights and sounds of the Emerald Isles and Scottish Highlands, featuring 3 stages of non-stop Celtic music with 8 bands, along with a Bagpipers Parade. Additional entertainment includes Scottish and Irish Dancers, Working Sheep Dogs, a Celtic Wizard and Irish Juggler. A variety of Irish and Scottish Craft and Gift Vendors, Celtic Food Vendors, a Wine Tent and various kids’ activities including a Celtic farm petting zoo and face painting will add to the festivities both days.

Local Celtic Entertainers will once again be well represented at the 2011 Shawnee Celtic Festival, including the Pocono Region Pipes and Drums Band, Irish Dancers from the Gallagher School of Dance and the McElligott School of Irish Dance and Scottish Dancers from the Pocono Highland School of Dance, all located in Stroudsburg, PA and the Working Sheep Dogs with Trainer Carolyn Wilki of Raspberry Ridge Sheep Farm located in Bangor, PA.

The main stage musical lineup includes the Scottish born band and headliners Albannach, The Barley Boys from the Jersey Shore and Belfast Connection from Philadelphia.

Pub and Mountain stage entertainers include Michael Black, the Irish Lads, Timlin & Kane, The McManus Band, the Juggernaut String Band, Wizard Magician Stephen Christopher and Patty O’Furniture, the world’s tallest leprechaun.

The event will be held rain or shine. Advanced Festival Admission, Adults $12 and Children ages
5 – 12 $10, age 4 and under FREE, are now on sale. Plenty of FREE onsite parking is provided.

April's Spring Skiing is a Blast at Winter Park Resort


Closing Day is Easter Sunday, April 24

Winter Park, CO - Boasting a season of incredible snow and with closing day not until April 24, Winter Park Resort is making April an event-filled month for guests by offering races, live music, Easter holiday festivities, and one of Colorado’s most sought after closing day parties.

Hi Standard Double Big Air -- Saturday, April 16
Vans and Protec presents the Hi Standard Double Big Air, in Rail Yard® terrain park. For this event, style is everything and nothing over a 720. Only $20 entry fee and $45 discounted lift ticket if needed. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three with a $3000 purse. For details, click here.

20th Annual Tom’s Terrific Cross Country Downhill -- Saturday, April 16
This five-kilometer "mostly downhill" fun race benefits junior skiers in the Competition Center. The race begins at 5 pm outside The Lodge at Sunspot atop Winter Park Mountain and involves some uphill sections and follows mostly green terrain. Past participants have raced on alpine, telemark, cross-country skis, snowboards and ski-boards. For more information, call the Competition Center at 970.726.1590. Registration Form

Spring Blast -- Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17
Spring Blast offers great food and drink specials at the Derailer Bar and Doc’s Roadhouse. Along with food and drink specials, guests can indulge in end-of-season sales and end the day with live music. Spring Blast is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out and enjoy live entertainment along with the beautiful spring weather. Saturday features the band “Hot Cheeze Soup” from 1-4pm, Sunday “James and The Devil” will rock the house from 1-4pm.

Golden Bunny Candy Hunt -- Saturday, April 23
There is no shortage of Easter festivities at Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver on-mountain holiday fun with a candy hunt in Discovery Park. For children 5 and under, a base area egg hunt will be held as well. This 30-year tradition is a favorite for children of all ages. Other Easter activities include a “fun race” on the mountain and a coloring contest. Due to closing day being on Easter Sunday this year, please note the Easter activities will be held on Saturday, April 23.

Coca-Cola® Spring Splash -- Sunday, April 24
Closing day is considered a holiday on the mountain, so why not come out and enjoy one last day of spring skiing and riding? The fun-filled day starts at 12 p.m. as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on Larry Sale trail race course and then attempt to skim across an icy pond in hopes of finishing the race first.

Prizes include a 2011-2012 season pass and cash prizes. Registration begins hours before the race at 8 a.m., and participants race in the order they registered. Registration is limited to 100 participants and the roster filled quickly last year, it is advised to register early on Sunday. Helping celebrate the end of a great ski season “Better Than Bacon,” a popular band out of Fort Collins will set the tone for the closing day party from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

April 11, 2011

Sugar Bowl Resort to Host Fundraising Kids Terrain Park Comp Benefiting Kidzone Museum

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl Resort is hosting their final Caboose Kickers Kids' Terrain Park Competition of the season April 16th, benefiting the programs and exhibits of Truckee's KidZone Museum. The competition, for skiers and snowboarders ages 12 and under, is set to take place in the Caboose Park just above the Mt. Judah Day Lodge.

Registration for the event starts at 9am in the Mt Judah Lodge near the fireplace; entry is $15. Each registered participant will receive a 50% off lift ticket voucher and a BBQ voucher. The competition starts at 11am with prizes awarded to 1st-4th place winners.

Snow play activities will be available for little ones, as well as a fundraising raffle for a KidZone Birthday Party and a 2011/2012 Sugar Bowl Season Pass.

April 6, 2011

Sugar Bowl Extends Season to May 1st

Norden, CA - Due to the season's incredible snowfall and continued great conditions, Sugar Bowl Resort has decided to extend its season to Sunday, May 1st. 2011/2012 Season Passes are now on sale and offer free skiing and riding through closing day of the 10/11 season. Additional pass perks include 25,000 bonus CORE points when purchasing pass by June 1st, free rentals (ages 3 and up) and free lessons (ages 4 on up) on all General Admission Days (every day for the remainder of the 10/11 season), and $50 off passes when current passholders use 50,000 CORE points from their 10/11 account. The Lodge at Sugar Bowl, the Dining Room and the Gondola will close as previously scheduled on April 24th.

Spring at Sugar Bowl offers additional CORE Appreciation Days on April 16 & 19th with $39 lift tickets for Daily CORE Pass holders, and Easter weekend festivities including a Golden Egg Hunt and live music on the Mt Judah Lodge deck.

Wrap up Winter at the Spring Festival!


Sun Peaks, BC - It’s been a spring full of incredible conditions and epic powder days. Over 175cm of snow fell in March, making it the snowiest month of the year! With more fresh snow in the forecast and sunshine for the weekend, the last few days of the season are promising to be no different.

The Spring Festival, April 9 and 10, is full of fun, free events for the whole family as we celebrate the last 141 days of skiing and riding the slopes of Sun Peaks.

80’s Retro Weekend – Saturday & Sunday

This weekend is going to be totally radical at Sun Peaks as the fun and colourful 80’s return to the slopes! Dress up in your most bodacious outfit and hit the slopes for some double daffy’s and back scratchers. Break out the rear-entry boots, straight skis, and neon one-piece outfits! Plus, don’t miss live entertainment from the band ‘Scarecrow’ provided by Okanagan Spring Brewery. And don’t forget to apply and reapply the zinc!

Human Dog Sled Race – Saturday, April 9 at 10:00am

Mush! Mush! Mush! Gather your friends and enter a team for the all-new Human Dog Sledding Races. Each team consists of four team members, including three sled pullers and one sled rider. The race sled will be provided for the competition, all you have to do is register and participate in the 100 metre mad dash! Points will be awarded for best costume, fastest time, and overall team spirit.

Dummy Downhill – Saturday, April 9 at 12:30pm (Registration closes at 11:00am)

Get your team together and start building your dummy for the annual Sun Peaks Dummy Downhill. All dummies need to be firmly attached to a set of skis capable of sliding down the hill, and hitting our custom built dummy downhill jump. Points are awarded for originality, design, appearance, and level of explosiveness upon impact. This is a great event for participants as well as spectators. Bring the video camera to capture the action!

Slush Cup – Sunday, April 10 at 12:30pm (Registration closes at 11:00am)

It’s hands down the funniest competition to take place on the slopes of Sun Peaks as participants dress up in costumes and hurl themselves across an ice cold slush pond. The goal? Make it to the dry shore at the far end of the pond! Points are awarded for costume, style, and overall crowd appeal and the winners have a chance to win some terrific prizes. This is a family event so all costumes must be tasteful and appropriate for all ages.

Top to Bottom's Race – Sunday, April 10 at 4:30pm (Registration closes at 2:30pm)

It’s the last run of the season and it’s all about speed. >From the Top of the World to Bottoms Bar & Grill, the first racer to ring the bell at Bottoms is declared the winner. Entrants must stay on the designated course on the 5 Mile Ski Run. Speed suits are not permitted, but costumes are encouraged.

2010/2011 Winter Season Closing Day on Sunday 4/10/11


Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort and Summit Meadows Adventures Snowmobiling will close for the 2010/2011 winter ski season on Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Deer Valley will be open daily for the 2011 summer season June 17 through Labor Day, and for an additional weekend on September 10 and 11 (conditions permitting). Visit Deer Valley this summer and enjoy over 65 miles of lift-served mountain biking and hiking as well as scenic chairlift rides. Ride the Silver Lake Express chairlift or drive to the Royal Street Café for a mid-mountain meal on the deck. Royal Street Café will be open June 17 through Labor Day, serving lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu features appetizers, salads, paninis, Deer Valley’s Turkey Chili, specialty entrées and creative cocktails.

The Deer Valley Grocery ~ Café will remain open year-round. The award-winning food and beverage staff at Deer Valley Resort will continue to offer a changing daily selection of freshly-made on-site and to-go items throughout the spring and summer, and hours will be expanded to include dinner service this summer. Deer Valley Grocery ~ Café (1375 Deer Valley Drive) is open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. currently, and will extend its evening hours to 8:30 p.m. during Deer Valley’s summer season, June 17 – September 11, 2011.

April 4, 2011

Sale Extended thru April 24th


Donner Summit, CA - The Blow-Out Season Pass Sale has been extended thru April 24, 2011. Now you have even more time to save on your 2011/2012 season pass. Boreal will be operating daily until April 24th, then weekends only, Friday - Sunday, during May (conditions permitting). Buy your pass today and start enjoying the deep snow pack Boreal has this season. In most cases, when you ride 5 days will have "paid off" your pass, then the rest of this spring and all of 2011/2012 are essentially FREE.

Added Bonus: Beginning April 10th, all season pass restrictions will be lifted. This means night passholders can ride during the day, and college & Super Saver passes will be valid 7 days/week.

Still More Skiing and Riding at Whiteface

Pond Skimming Scheduled for Saturday

Wilmington, NY - There’s still plenty of great skiing and riding at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y. Enjoy a full day on the Olympic mountain for just $57 for adults (20-64) and $47 for teens (13-19) and seniors (65-69). A single-day lift ticket is also only $34 for juniors (7-12) and $38 for skiers and riders 70 years old and older, and as always children six and under are free.

Whiteface will remain open daily, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., through Sunday, April 10, and weather and conditions permitting re-open the following weekend, Friday through Sunday, April 15-17.

This Saturday everyone is invited to participate in the annual pond skimming contest. Saturday’s pond skimming contest fun begins at noon, outside the Base Lodge and prizes will be given out for distance, best costume, splash and more. The event is free and registration will take place at the guest services desk from 9-11:30 a.m.

Also, 2011-2012 season pass are still available, beginning at $419 for adults, $299 for juniors and just $30 for skiers or riders six and under. When you purchase your season pass for the 2011-12 skiing and riding season, the rest of this season is free.

April 1, 2011

No April Fool, Stony is Open

Stony Mountain, MB - This is the last Snow Report for the season. Stony will be open 10 am - 5 pm on Friday , Saturday & Sunday will have the annuak Slush Cup in the afternoon. We still have over 50 cm of base and the snow conditions are very good.

All runs are open and both lifts operating. This isn't the latest we have been open but it is the best snow conditions for this late in the season. The latest we were ever open was in 1997 when we stayed open until the 3rd week of April!

Thank you very much for your support this past season and we will see you in the fall!

Whistler Blackcomb Introduces Guest Height Restriction


Policy Implemented To Accommodate High Snow Levels
Whistler, BC - Whistler Blackcomb announced today a new height restriction for all skiers and riders after record breaking snow this season.

From today onwards, guests shorter than 350cm/11.5 feet, the current snow base, will be prohibited from accessing Whistler Blackcomb without the required equipment: snorkel, a shovel and point of view camera.

The policy has come into effect after 315cm (124inches) of snow fell this past month, the second snowiest March on record. To date, mountain safety teams have been able to identify individuals immersed in the snow after using specialized audio equipment to detect their cries of “woohoo” and “yeehaw.”

“Having too much powder is a big problem here at Whistler Blackcomb,” said John McGroomer, senior vice president of Lame. “When we get a big dump of snow, not only do we encounter a lot of powder frenzy, many powder hounds adopt a ‘no friends on a powder day’ attitude, skiing or riding with only a select few, only reuniting with miffed boyfriends/girlfriends at après.”

Including the record-setting March, Whistler Blackcomb has seen nearly 14 metres (46 feet) of snow so far this season, well above the average annual snowfall of 10.25 metres (33.66 feet). With over 50 days of skiing/riding remaining this season, it’s shaping up to be an amazing spring.