It's Island Madness at Whiteface Jan. 6

Wilmington, NY - The 55th season of skiing and riding at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., is underway and the Olympic mountain is celebrating Island Madness, presented by Bud Light, Sunday, Jan. 6. Lifts tickets are just $40 for adults, $35 for teens and $30 for juniors.

Along with the Island Madness Super Sunday, skiers and riders can tour Whiteface with general manager Aaron Kellett and also cut First Tracks. Both programs are available to the first 14 skiers and riders who have signed up at the mountain’s guest services desk and are booted, ticketed and ready to go at 7:45 a.m.

After a super day of skiing and riding the east’s greatest vertical, the party moves upstairs to the newly renovated Cloudspin Lounge, with Jagermeister and Bud Light drink specials and live music performed by Frankie Lessard.

Learn To Ski or Snowboard Free January 12 - 18, 2013

Bartlett and Pinkam Notch, NH - Attitash Mountain Resort & Wildcat Mountain have been introducing winter enthusiasts to outdoor fun on the slopes since they began offering lift-serviced skiing and riding. This year, as a special offer to support the snow sport industries January Learn a Snow Sports Month promotion, both mountains invite “never-evers” to sign up for a free Learn2 first day three hour clinic, rental equipment and novice lift ticket package at either Attitash Mountain Resort or Wildcat Mountain during the week of January 12 – 18, 2013. With their staffs of extensively trained instructors and coaches who provide the best customer experience and introduction to skiing and riding, Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire will join several other resorts in states across the nation taking part in the effort to introduce newcomers to outdoor winter activities.

In addition, and with no obligation to receiving the aforementioned free first lesson Learn2 package, participants will also be able to purchase two additional lessons as part of the Learn2 three clinic package at a discount price of just $65! The Learn2 package upgrade will include two additional 90-minute lessons, rental equipment and lift tickets. As an added bonus, upon completing the third lesson, participants will receive a FREE Vertical Value Card offering discount savings on lift tickets and valid every day for the remainder of the season at both Attitash and Wildcat. The cost for the Learn2 package upgrade during the special Learn a Snow Sports Month will be only $65: a savings of $65 off the normally already low price of $130. The free first day and discount Learn2 three clinic package programs are available for first-time skiers & snowboarders only ages 13 and up. Reservations are required and space may be limited. To register for the free Learn2 package, Participants must call Wildcat Mountain at (603) 466-3326 extension 217 or Attitash Mountain Resort at (603) 374-2677 (or 2699) to register and make a reservation for a limited number of available lesson times every day that week. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Whitetail Resort to Open Friday December 28th

Mercersburg, PA - After months of preparation and anticipation, Whitetail Resort is excited to announce that it will open its doors for skiing and snowboarding on Friday, December 28 at 8:30 am. The resort anticipates opening with the beginner trails Velvet, Northern Lights, Almost Home, and Sidewinder. More terrain is expected to open soon. Whitetail Adventure Snow Tubing will open during the weekend.

The 2012-2013 season promises to be another great season at the resort. Whitetail staff have been working diligently in planning a terrific season filled with events, competitions, and promotions for Whitetail Guests. Also in preparation for the winter season, Whitetail Resort has made significant snowmaking upgrades as well as other improvements across the resort.

Heading the list of improvements is the addition of new Techno-Alpin fan guns at the bottom of the Sidewinder trail. The snowmaking upgrades also include the addition of brand new nozzles on the Wizzard fan guns at the resort. This allows more increased efficiency and capacity of Whitetail Resort’s snowmaking operation. Also new at the resort are the addition of 35 new and larger seasonal lockers as well as the addition of 1,190 new junior Elan skis and bindings and Dalbello boots for the rental department.

The long range forecasts for January, February, and March look very favorable for a cold and wintry season. “The month of December has been milder than we would have liked to see, but now that cold weather has arrived, our state of the art snowmaking system will allow us to open our terrain quickly and to put down a lot of snow. There is a lot of winter remaining, and we plan to be open for skiing and snowboarding well into late March,” stated Don MacAskill, Whitetail Resort President.

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month at A-Basin

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin joins ski areas nationwide to celebrate Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM). Held during the month of January, LSSM encourages people who’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding to take a lesson, and challenges current snowsports enthusiasts to introduce a friend to the sport.

“January is a terrific time to learn to ski or ride,” said Burt Skall, A-Basin’s Snowsports Director. “There’s more terrain open, the holiday crowds have headed home, and it’s the perfect time to follow through on those New Year’s resolutions to get out on the mountain more often.”

Every Sunday in January 2013 (1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27), Arapahoe Basin will offer its Super Sunday Special packages to first-time skiers and riders. These packages are discounted up to 37 percent and include an all-mountain lift ticket, a half-day, morning lesson, and rental equipment. Adult ski packages are $99; adult snowboard packages are $107; kids’ ski packages are $79; and kids’ snowboard packages are $84. The lesson can be purchased by itself for only $59.

On January 13, February 10 and March 10, 2013, A-Basin Snowsports will hold One Run Lessons free of charge. Guests can sign up at the mountain on any of those three days, and take one run from the Black Mountain Express lift with a snowsports instructor. The purpose of the lesson is to make minor changes to the guest’s form, and to introduce the guest to snowsports instruction.

Arapahoe Basin’s Assistant General Manager Peggy Hiller hopes to see participation in snowsports grow among guests of all ages as a result of LSSM.

“We hope that people who are just starting out with snowsports can have as much fun as we do,” said Hiller. “Learning to love skiing or boarding is truly a life-altering experience.”

66cm in 48hrs!

Whistler, BC - Just five days until Christmas and already Whistler Blackcomb has received its favorite present piled under the trees; fresh powder. The festive spirit is alive in the alpine with 48cm of new snow that blanketed the slopes in the last 24 hours and 116cm in the last seven days.

With a total accumulation of 499cm so far this season, and a 211cm base, Whistler Blackcomb will be 100% open as of Saturday December 22 with more skiable terrain, than any other ski resort in North America.

Santa’s elves have piled 282cm of snow onto Whistler Blackcomb’s slopes so far in December and there is more on the way, making for the whitest snow globe scene on the continent. Forecasters are calling for an additional 10cm to 15cm by Christmas Eve and potential for another 10cm on Christmas Day.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort Opens This Saturday

Cortland, NY - Greek Peak Mountain Resort will re-open on Saturday, December 22nd, from 8:30am to 5:00pm with limited skiing/boarding and tubing. Two trails will be open, Iliad and Alpha, as well as the Magic Carpet in the beginners area. The Tubing Center will be open from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Guests can take advantage of early season pricing.

Snowmaking operations will continue as long as temperatures permit and Greek Peak will open additional terrain as soon as possible throughout the holiday week. "Winter weather is in the forecast," states Wesley Kryger, VP and General Manager of Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Kyrger goes on to encourage customers to come out and enjoy skiing/boarding, tubing, Mountain Coaster rides, Zip Lines, and Cascades Indoor Waterpark, which is now open seven days a week to the public.

Squaw Hosts Last Chair Music Festival in January

Olympic Valley, CA - This January, some of the hottest names in music are coming to Squaw Valley as part of the resort’s new Last Chair Music Festival. The first two weekends of January will bring live music on Friday and Saturday nights to the Squaw Valley Conference Center including live DJ sets by Passion Pit, Foster the People and Bonobo, and a live concert by LETTUCE. Hit supporting acts will also be sharing the stage with the headliners for four nights of dance-inspiring music.

“Part of our Renaissance is bringing world-class music to the slopes of Squaw Valley,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley. “As we work to improve every facet of the resort experience, music and entertainment are a huge part of our initiative. We hope people will join us for these four great shows.”

Tickets for each day of the festival will be available packaged with a daily lift ticket for $99. The lift ticket purchased as part of the concert package will be valid for the day of or the day after the concert - meaning, a lift ticket packaged with a Friday show can be used on either Friday or Saturday, and a lift ticket packaged with a Saturday show can be used on either Saturday or Sunday. Squaw Valley’s daily lift tickets are currently priced at $99, making the concerts a great added value at essentially no additional cost. Exclusive to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Tahoe Super Passholders, passholders may purchase concert tickets for only $30.

High Level of Fresh Air During the Holiday Season at Mont SUTTON

Sutton, PQ - Mont SUTTON offers to skiers and snowboarders to be transported into a beautiful white scenery during the holiday season… In this magical period of the year, Mont SUTTON features a wide range of holiday season’s theme activities for a memorable winter moment… a moment “Purely SUTTON”!

High level of varied activities:

From December 27 to 31 and from January 2 to 6 : Christmas Camp at the SUTTON Snow

School, for a memorable ski vacation

December 24: Christmas mass at the mountain

December 25: Christmas Rally on the slopes for the whole family

December 28: Ford Escape Ski Tour on the slopes with Jasey-Jay Anderson

December 29: Torchlight Descent of the Sutton Ski Club

January 1 : New Year’s Cocktail at the foot of the hill with Domaine Pinnacle

Too much of a good thing - WP CLOSED TODAY

White Pass, WA - TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING!
It's still snowing and blowing (read BLIZZARD)! Unfortunately the power is out and the storm is so ferocious that White Pass has elected to remain closed today to assure the safety of both our guests and our employees. So go ahead and sleep in then wax those boards because tomorrow should be one for the books!

Pats Peak Ski Area Invites Skiers And Snowboarders To Form Adult Race Teams‏

Henniker, NH - Pats Peak , New Hampshire’s premier family snowsports destination, invites skiers and snowboarders to form teams to compete in the Pats Peak Adult/Corporate Racing Series. This is the 24th season of Adult/Corporate Racing at Pats Peak!

Individuals or those who don't have a complete team can easily be placed on other teams. The cost is $650 per team and includes weekly races, a lift ticket from 3pm to 9pm on race nights, prizes and après-ski party each race night.

This racing series competes in the NASTAR dual GS format. Teams consist of five to seven skiers or snowboarders at least 21 years of age and older. The top five best times for each night are calculated. Individual and team rankings are based on a points system to determine finishes. Prizes are awarded to individual men, women, and teams, both weekly and cumulatively.

Races are scheduled Monday through Thursday starting January 2, 2013 and concludes at the end of NH School Vacation Week. Races are held weekly, weather permitting. The entry fee guarantees seven races, which count towards the finals. Any make-ups (to reach seven races) will be held on Thursday and Friday nights in March. Medal points will be awarded to individuals and medal points will go towards their team score.

The top 5 Teams from each night qualify to race in the finals and enjoy the complimentary banquet. Banquet tickets are available for purchase for non-qualifying racers and guests.

The racing series is sponsored by Coors Light, S&W Sports, Marker, Grappone Automotive Group and several other corporate sponsors.

A-Basin Celebrates the Pika Place Grand Opening!

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Well, it appears those snow dances are working – Arapahoe Basin Ski Area was graced with 2” of snow overnight and there’s more on the way! The new snow gave the kids who helped us celebrate today’s grand opening of the Pika Place Learning Area a nice, soft base on which to learn. We held a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open our new Pika Place conveyor lift, and we also held a reception at the base of the Pika Place trail. Ace’s Kids’ Park, a beginner-level terrain park built specifically for aspiring freestyle skiers and riders, opened with two small ride-on boxes, with more features on the way throughout the season.

We served hot chocolate and cookies to our guests, and we also had a visit from the crowd favorites – our avalanche dogs! It was simply awesome to get outside in the lightly falling snow and see so many smiling faces, including those of the little ones who were having their first experience on skis.

This mountain helped many of us transform our own skills, and elevated our Colorado ski and ride experiences. The addition of Pika Place has made it even easier for us to share our love for Arapahoe Basin and winter sports with the next generation of skiers and riders.

Winter Park Resort's Mary Jane Mountain Open Today for 2012/2013 Skiing/Riding

Winter Park, CO - Mary Jane Mountain is officially open for the 2012/2013 Ski and Ride Season. Winter Park Resort’s acreage more than doubled with the opening of The Jane side this morning where the Super Gauge Express, Pony Express, Galloping Goose, and High Lonesome Express lifts began turning and taking skiers and riders to newly opened trails including Mary Jane, Arrowhead Loop, Whistlestop, Top of Super Gauge to Bummer Flats, Green Acres, Olympia Spur, Shoo Fly and the Corridor Mary Jane trail to Winter Park.

Silverton Mountain Opens Dec 15th with Powder Snow

Silverton, CO - It has been snowing almost every day of the past week and there is no better time to get the legs in skiing shape and enjoy winter fun than right now. For the first time in the history of Silverton Mountain, the ski area will be open 7 days a week. From Dec 15th through Dec 30th (excluding Xmas day). Silverton Mountain will be open every day for the holidays. Runs currently slated for Opening day are Colorado, Riff, Raff, Ropedeedope, Grande, Grassy and Butter Bowls.

Skiers and boarders can also earn free skiing by stomping down the snow (bootpacking) in the avalanche starting zones Dec 17,18,19, and 20. One FREE unguided ski day will be given for each day of bootpacking. Those who like to pack it hard and deep all 4 days can earn up to 4 days of FREE skiing. No experience required, but everyone must have a beacon, shovel & probe. Limited rentals are available at the mountain. Free ski tickets must be used during 2012/13 unguided season only and are not valid as any type of credit towards guided skiing. Packers should show up at the base area at 8:15am with pants duct taped to boots (no joke) ready to stomp. No bootpacking reservations are needed. Bootpacking is a great way to learn the mountain while getting plenty of fresh air.

Incredible Snow Conditions and Over 500cm to Date at Revelstoke Resort

Revelstoke, BC - Revelstoke Mountain Resort has experienced incredible snow conditions since opening on Saturday December 1, 2012! Closing out this past weekend, the resort had received 90cm of snow over the previous 5 days, and has now received 523cm of snowfall to date. Starting today, more terrain opened with access all the way down to the Mid-Mountain Lodge. With cumulative snowfalls overnight throughout the past week, powder conditions can be found in the bowls and trees and on the sides of groomed trails while groomed trails are skiing like a dream with an excellent base of 166cm.

Fantastic Opening Weekend at Bridger

Bozeman, MT - Bridger Bowl Cloud
If you aren't familiar with our BBC (Bridger Bowl Cloud), it's mother nature's snow machine often parked over the Bridgers. Beginning Thursday night, snow started falling on the mountain with 19" on Saturday, alone. And Monday we received 7" more. With 3 feet plus of new snow and a settled base nearing 40", we are fattening up the mountain for the holidays.

Ski For $20 on Wednesday With A Donation To The Road Home Homeless Shelter

Brighton, UT - Night Skiing Opened for the winter at Brighton last night. This week night lift tickets will be discounted to $18. No coupons needed! Night services are Monday through Saturday nights from 4 to 9pm.

SKI FOR $20! Quad Wednesdays are back.
This Wednesday get a Day or Twilight lift ticket for $20 with a donation to the Road Home homeless shelter. Donations should be something warm like coats, blankets, gloves and warm hats.

Crested Butte is All Smiles with 7" of Fresh Snow This Morning!

Crested Butte, CO - Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is reporting 7 inches of snow in the past 24 hours. Being the first powder day of the season, people’s spirits have lifted and finally winter has arrived!

But that is not stopping the snowmaking crews, who will be going into full force over the next few days, as this storm has brought some much needed colder temperatures. “With 7” on the PowCam at this time and a great snowmaking forecast through next weekend it looks like our luck is about to change,” says Chris Corliss, mountain manager at CBMR. The resort is gearing up for a busy holiday season and this natural snow brings some added holiday cheer.

Heavenly opens Olympic Express, Now Boasts 610 Open Acres

Stateline, CA - Heavenly opened Olympic Express and upper Olympic Downhill today, boosting the open terrain to 610 acres. Looking forward to this week, we are expecting between 6-8” of snow up top on Wednesday and will be opening additional terrain as the week progresses. The temperatures have cooled, allowing us to fire up the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system and help supplement the natural snow we've received over the last few weeks.

Snowy Weekend in the Forecast!

Loveland Basin, CO - After a warm and dry November it looks as though the weather patterns may be changing! Looking ahead in the forecast there is a chance for snow everyday in the foreseeable future. This change is welcome news to all our skiers and riders! Thanks to the hard work from our snowmakers, Chair 2 opened on Tuesday offering access to Fire Bowl and Turtle Creek. The midway unload is still available for beginners that are looking for an easier way down. All we need now is a little help from Mother Nature to get the rest of the mountain going! Do a little dance, pray to the snow gods, and bring it on!

Ski Hooky Days Return to Loveland! We are excited to announce that 95.7 FM’s The Party Ski Hooky Days are returning to Loveland this season. The first Hooky Day of the season is coming up quick, so practice that cough and mark your calendar for Thursday, December 13th. Listen for 95.7 FM The Party for you chance to win tickets, and sign up for Party VIP to get your coupon for a $25 lift ticket good on Thursday, December 13th only.

Sugarfest Rescheduled For December 14th Through The 16th

Banner Elk, NC - Though Sugar Mountain Ski Resort remains open with a 7-29 inch base, four slopes and one lift in operation, SugarFest has been rescheduled and will be held next weekend, December 14th through the 16th. The schedule of activities remains the same; only one weekend later.

Next week weather forecasters are predicting temperatures cold enough for snowmaking which will give the Resort the opportunity to continue building its base and expand open terrain.

Weekend festivities begin Friday, December 14th when the Nineteenth Annual Pre-Season Ski Clinic introduces Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe to an eager group of enthusiasts taking part in three days of personalized instruction on the slopes. The all-inclusive clinic is open to everyone and includes three days on the slopes, video analysis, tuning seminar, and a banquet Saturday night.

Later that evening at 7 p.m., 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie, will perform his signature skate routines for the public. The approachable Wylie is a great showman who interacts with all the skaters, from beginners to expert. If you've never seen or held a real Olympic gold or silver medal, stop by the ice rink. Paul and Diann will share their medals and Olympic experiences with you.

During the evening's skate show on Sugar's 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice rink, delight in the beginning of the three-day SugarFEAST. To keep you warm and well-hydrated a hot chocolate and whip cream bar will flow creamy, smooth chocolate pleasures.

The weekend, in what has become a 'can't miss' opportunity, ski and snowboard manufacturers roll out the newest equipment for an unmatched demo inventory that allows any valid lift ticket holder with a driver's license to sample the latest in ski and snowboard technology.

Participating brands include Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride and Line. Bring your boots, register, and test drive the 'good stuff' from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The SugarFest demo is brought to you by Ski Country Sports.

SugarFEAST continues throughout the weekend. Browse through the cafeteria line each day to experience the "Soup Safari". Or later at 5 p.m. North Carolina BBQ and Sweet Tea should satisfy your appetite after a productive and rewarding day demoing the season's new equipment.

100% Open

Taylors Falls, MN - Wild Mountain is proud to announce that we are 100% open! The snowmaking crew has been at work 24/7 since Thanksgiving afternoon and they have successfully provided a blanket of white across the whole mountain.

The Main Stage Terrain Park will be skiable/ridable tomorrow. On Friday by 4pm the high speed rope tow will be operating and there will be rails and pads on the Main Stage.

Looking forward to seeing you on the slopes soon!

Mont SUTTON Opening: This Saturday December 1

Sutton, PQ - This Saturday December 1 is when skiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to carve out their first paths in the trails at Mont SUTTON!

This Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. chairlift II will be in operation. Skiers and snowboarders will have a chance to loosen up on three trails: the Sutton-Ik, the Alouette and the Cascade. All of the main chalet Alt.400m services will be fully prepared to welcome the clients, aside from the daycare.

The operations team is working very hard with Mother Nature in order to open more trails as fast as possible. For the latest news on the gradual opening of trails and chairlifts, ski and snowboard enthusiasts can subscribe to the SUTTON e-newsletter and visit the ski conditions page at the website.

Early Season Rates Special season opening rates will be available starting this weekend:

$25 for adults between the ages of 18 and 64
$15 for all other categories
Children aged of five years old and under always ski for free at Mont SUTTON.

Hidden Valley Resort to Open Slopes Friday Nov. 30

Hidden Valley, PA - With several successful days of snowmaking and the help of lake effect snows, Hidden Valley Resort will open its slopes with limited skiing 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1 and Sunday Dec. 2.

On Friday, Continental, Bobcat and Rambler slopes along with the Learn-to-Ski Area will be open, serviced by a triple chairlift, the Bobcat and the Learn to Ski conveyors. Conditions permitting, the resort also plans to open Imperial, Cobra and Model T slopes Saturday and Sunday as well as the Blizzard quad chairlift.

“Successful snowmaking efforts combined with several inches of natural snow have set us up for a great early weekend of skiing and boarding,” Scott Bender, Hidden Valley’s vice president of operations said. “This season, we are bringing back our learn-to-ski incentive programs and very affordable stay and ski free packages so that everyone can take full advantage of Hidden Valley’s winter programs and facilities.”

Ski/board ticket prices are: Friday $20, Saturday and Sunday $25. A pre-season discount will be offered all three days on rental equipment and group lessons. Ski rental is $15/day, snowboard rental is $20/day and group lessons are $15/person.

Hidden Valley is also extending an opening weekend special $99 (plus tax) lodging package valid the nights of Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The package includes one night’s stay in the Four Seasons Lodges, two all day ski/board tickets, complimentary continental breakfast and one complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two dinners at Hops Pub.

In addition to the slopes opening, several events will also take place on Saturday. The Glaciers Pub Winter Kick Off Party starts at noon with live entertainment and food and drink specials. Those interested in new employment can attend Hidden Valley’s Job Fair 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Ski Lodge Yukon room. Also on Saturday, the Hidden Valley Race Club (HVRC) plays host to a Ski Swap in the Ski Lodge Avalanche room 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Drop off for sale items is 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. A portion of the proceeds from the sale benefits the HVRC.

Windham Mountain is Opening on Friday 11/30/12!

Windham, NY - The wait is over! Windham Mountain will officially open for the 2012-13 skiing and riding season on Friday, November 30, 2012. We will start the season with top to bottom skiing and riding on 7 trails over 44 ski-able acres accessed by the Whirlwind high speed detachable quad. We are thrilled to have the winter season underway!

Ticket Rates for Opening Weekend: Friday 11/30: Adult $39, Young Adult (13-17) $34, Junior (7-12) $28 Saturday 12/1-Sunday 12/2: Adult $45, Young Adult (13-17) $41, Junior (7-12) $37

Stony Mountain Ski Area Opens this Saturday Dec. 1st

Stony Mountain, MB - Stony Opens this Saturday Dec.1 for the Season! Open 10 am - 5 pm Sat. & Sunday

They will have at least 2 runs open this weekend- possibly 4!

Base - 40 cm New snow- in the forecast!

One lift operating- the Tow rope!

Powderhorn's Special Programs

Mesa, CO - Powderhorn Mountain Resort enjoys a rich history of introducing Western Slope families to skiing and riding, and to the enjoyment of the surrounding mountain environment. In an effort to continue the tradition, the resort re-introduces its Multi-Week Youth program and The Daily Sentinel’s Learn to Ski or Ride program for the 2012-2013 season.

MULTI-WEEK YOUTH PROGRAMS Powderhorn’s youth programs hold a true legacy in the Grand Valley, with testimonials dating back to the 1960s. Powderhorn hopes to keep the tradition alive by giving community youth the chance to advance their skills right at their home mountain. In partnership with Rocky Mountain Orthopedic and St. Mary’s Hospital, Powderhorn’s youth programs provide an easy and convenient way of getting out on the mountain, offering a free bus service on Saturday and Sunday, with an optional season long rental program. The multi week youth programs are age and skill level specific to meet the needs of all children in Powderhorn’s programs.

Mavericks Just for teens, Mavericks skiing and riding clinics make improving on the slopes both fun and cool. Cost for the four-week program is $199, and additional lessons are available at a discounted rate.

Freeriders Freeriders is for kids ages 8-12 who are ready to learn to ski or ride the entire mountain. Cost for the four-week Freerider program is $199, and additional lessons are available at a discounted rate.

Powdercats Powderhorn's marquee program for kids, Powdercats is a skill advancement series for ages 5-8. Cost for the Powdercats four-week program is $220, and additional lessons are available at a discounted rate.

Powdercubs (Just for four-year-olds) A multi-week program for little skiers and riders, Powdercubs is a new program for four-year-olds. Powdercubs is specifically designed for littler bodies and shorter attention spans, with an emphasis on developing skills, fun and safety. Cost for the Powdercubs four-week program is $220, and additional lessons are available at a discounted rate.


FREE TRANSPORTATION New for the 2012-2013 season, Rocky Mountain Orthopedic Association and St. Mary's Hospital are providing free bus service from Grand Junction to the resort for any child involved in Multi-Week Youth programs. Information on pick-up time and locations is available upon registration in the program.

SEASON-LONG EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROGRAM Western Slope families in need of children’s ski equipment should consider a season-long rental from the Powderhorn Rental Shop. A season-long rental saves money and time and is a benefit the resort provides to families who participate in any multi-week children's program. Rates are $99 for the season for well-maintained used equipment or $129 for new equipment.

December 1st is Opening Day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke, BC - With over 300cm of snowfall to date and a 100+cm base, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is excited to open the ski lifts for the first day of the 2012/13 ski and snowboard season this Saturday December 1, 2012. For opening operations, skiers and riders will have access to both The Stoke and The Ripper high speed quad lifts with open terrain details dependent on weather conditions and snowfall between now and December 1st. The Revelation Gondola will be open for first upload at 8:30am and last download at 3:00pm (downloading on the Revelation Gondola will be mandatory until conditions permit skiing below the base of the Stoke Chair).

Special offers for the start of the season include a 15% discount on lift tickets based on the regular Ticket Window Rate (not to be combined with any other offer and in effect until ski terrain opens down to the Mid-Mountain Lodge) along with Ski and Stay packages from just $89 per person/night (based on double occupancy). The Lake Louise Plus Card is also on sale and offers card holders three free days of skiing and daily $20 lift ticket discounts at four top resorts including Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the Lake Louise Ski Area, Panorama Mountain Village, and Castle Mountain.

Deer Valley Resort Offers Specialty Ski Clinics With a Personalized Twist

Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort is pleased to offer a number of specialty ski school clinics this winter, designed to help skiers enhance their skills and build more confidence on the slopes. Deer Valley's innovative ski programs allow guests to learn new techniques from former Olympians, evaluate their skiing with video analysis or simply enjoy the company of fellow skiers during single- or multi-day programs.

"Our focus at Deer Valley is on the guest experience, and that’s exactly what skiers can expect from any of our specialty ski school programs," said John Guay, resort director of skier services. "Our specialty ski school programs are designed for small groups, but all participants can expect individualized instruction to help take their skiing to a new level at their own pace."

Mahre Training Center Ski Camps are offered in three- or five-day sessions throughout the winter and available to every level of skier. Led by Olympic medal winners Phil and Steve Mahre, the Mahre Training Center Ski Camps are designed to increase a skier’s balance, agility and confidence through world-class instruction. Ski camps include six hours of daily outdoor and indoor instruction, video analysis, evening discussions and personal training by the Mahre brothers. Advance reservations are necessary, and participants must be 12 years or older. Lift tickets are included in the price.

Skiers can also participate in men and women specific ski clinics designed for the individual needs of each skier with the resort’s Exclusively for Men or Exclusively for Women group programs. In addition to full days of professional on-hill instruction, each program includes stance, balance and alignment analysis, video analysis, test-ski equipment and social gatherings to get acquainted with fellow skiers. Men and women are paired with Deer Valley's own professional male or female ski instructors for a more specialized learning experience. Advance reservations for the men's and women's specialty clinics are necessary, and lift tickets are not included.

Whiteface Opens Saturday

Wilmington, NY - Let the skiing and riding season begin at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y. The Olympic mountain will open tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 17, six days ahead of schedule.

“The weather conditions and temperatures have been ideal for the last couple of weeks for snowmaking,” said the mountain’s general manager Aaron Kellett. “Everyone at the mountain is excited to be opening early and we’re all preparing for what’s shaping up to be a great season ahead.”

This marks the earliest opening for the Olympic mountain since 2003-’04 when the season began on Nov. 16. Three trails, Upper Valley, Lower Valley and Fox trails, will be open this weekend, with one lift, the Facelift quad. The mountain’s nursery and Kids Kampus programs will not be available.

Lift tickets are $25 for all skiers and riders and that money can be used towards the purchase of your 2012-’13 season pass.

The season pass deadline has been extended to Sunday, Nov. 18, for both Whiteface and Gore. The adult non-holiday pass is available for just $699, while the adult full-season pass is just $869. The young adult and college season pass can be purchased for $385 and the junior pass is only $299.

After this weekend, Whiteface will close Sunday, at 4 p.m., and re-open Friday, Nov. 23, in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Eldora Set to Open for 50th Season

Nederland, CO - Eldora Mountain Resort is set to open for its 50th season on Friday, November 16th. The resort will open with 3 trails and 3 lifts scheduled to operate. Hornblower and International, from the top of Challenge Mountain, and the beginner area behind Indian Peaks Lodge will be open. Cold temperatures which moved in last weekend allowed snowmaking operations to run through this week, providing a 20 inch base of machine made snow. Lifts will operate from 9am to 4pm.

With continued cold temperatures and a little help from Mother Nature, more terrain will open across the resort as soon as possible.

Also, Eldora opens the season as a Smoke-Free Environment. Smoking will not be allowed in lift lines, mazes, on lifts, or within 15 feet of decks and buildings around the resort.

Eldora will offer lessons, equipment rentals, retail accessories and food and beverage service for opening day.

Early season lift ticket pricing at Eldora will be: $55 for an Adult Full Day, $26 for a Junior Full Day(6-15yo), $38 for Senior Full Day (65-74yo), and $10 for Senior Silver (75+yo) and Child 5 and under full day tickets.

Opening Day - November 17th

Opening day festivities include the Wonder-Full Gondolas event - gifts for the first 1500 guests!

Whistler, BC - Thanks to cool temperatures, impressive snowmaking and natural snowfall Whistler Mountain will open five days early on Saturday, November 17. With five lifts running, guests will have the option to upload from either the Whistler Village Gondola or the Creekside Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain will open, as scheduled, on American Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 22, 2012.

“In addition to new snow and a great forecast lining up towards the end of this week, our fleet of 220 state-of-the-art snow guns has converted over 70 million gallons of water into snow over the past few weeks. This ensures excellent on-piste coverage for quality skiing and riding on opening day,” says Doug MacFarlane, mountain manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Despite the amount of snow we have made, we want to remind guests early season conditions will apply, especially off piste. It is important to obey mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by “Temporary Boundary” signage. Guests should be aware there will be rocks and other hazards below the snow surface; we do not recommend skiing and riding outside the temporary boundary in any circumstances.”

First upload on the Whistler Village Gondola and Creekside Gondola will begin at 8:30 a.m. on November 17. Emerald Express, Big Red Express and the Franz Chair lifts will also be running, giving guests access to 1800 vertical feet of skiing and riding terrain. Six ski runs will be open, including Ego Bowl, Upper Whiskey Jack, Upper Franz, Papoose, Orange Peel and Pony Trail.

This year, Whistler Blackcomb has set the bar high for opening day festivities. Along with a surprise musical act for guests waiting in line at the Whistler Village Gondola, the first 1500 people to upload either gondola will receive a gift. Tokens will range from hot chocolates to big ticket items like EDGE Cards, Snow School lessons, retail and rental gifts and surprises from partners including, Scandinave Spa Whistler, The Adventure Group Whistler, Extremely Canadian, Canadian Snowmobile, Coast Mountain Photography, CAN-SKI, Showcase, Powerade and Milk2Go.

Whistler Mountain dining locations will also be open on November 17, including Essentially Blackcomb Cappuccino Bar in the Carleton Lodge, Dusty’s Bar & Grill in Creekside, the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, and the Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler’s world-famous location for après.

The latest version of Whistler Blackcomb’s Live Pass, Powered by TELUS app will be available for download for iPhone and Android from the Apple store and Google Play at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13. The app allows skiers and riders to track their runs using GPS, share their speed and vertical as well as take and share photos with friends via Twitter and Facebook.

Expanded ART ON THE MOUNTAIN Returns November 16th &17th

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is pleased to announce the return of the 2nd annual Art on the Mountain show and sale, to be held this year on Friday evening November 16th from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday November 17th from 11am to 5pm, in the Hope Ski Lodge.

Surrounding the huge stone fireplace, over 25 regional painters, photographers and sculptors and new this year 28 crafters ranging in age from 17 to 84 will show and sell their artwork and wares with styles as different as their ages and prices to fit any budget. Admission is free.

Wine tastings, light refreshments and live music will be featured in the adjoining EZ Bumps Saloon.

A holiday shopping opportunity, Art on the Mountain will also serve as a preview to the coming ski season with the Shawnee Mountain Ski Shop hosting a pre-season sale. Those attending will find last season’s ski and snowboard merchandise available at up to 50% off MSRP, as well as first chance to purchase all the new gear for the winter of 2012/13. Art on the Mountain is the last fall weekend to take advantage of Shawnee’s unlimited Buddy Season Pass Sale; available for just $315 per person. If the weather cooperates the ski slopes may have a white covering during the event as snowmaking is scheduled to begin mid-November on Shawnee Mountain as temperatures permit.

It's November and the Skiing and Riding Season is Just around the Corner

Wilmington, NY - It’s November and if you haven’t tuned your skis or board, it’s time to get to it. Weather permitting, skiing and riding at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., and Gore Mountain, in North Creek, N.Y., is slated to begin Friday, Nov. 23. Belleayre Mountain’s opening day is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 24, conditions permitting.

Time is also running out to save on your 2012-’13 skiing and riding seasons pass at Whiteface and Gore mountains. Through Nov. 16, the adult non-holiday pass is available for just $699, while the adult full-season pass is just $869. The young adult and college season pass can be purchased for $385 and the junior pass is only $299.

Meanwhile at Belleayre, the adult mid-week season pass is $318, while the adult full-season pass is on sale for $742. The teen and college is available for just $263.

Season passes at all three mountains is just $210 for 70+ skiers and riders.

All three mountains have been spending the off-season gearing up for the upcoming winter. At Whiteface, snowmaking has been added to the Hoyt’s High Trail, a new Pistenbully 600 W groomer and several new low-energy snowmaking guns have also been purchased. Skiers and riders will also be able to enjoy the newly renovated Base Camp Market (formerly the Base Camp Café) and Cloudspin Lounge, both located in the mountain’s base lodge.

Gore Mountain purchased a new winch cat, a new free groomer and a new multi-season tractor. These upgrades to the grooming fleet closely follow Gore Mountain’s acquisition of 160 new high-efficiency tower guns during 201, and set the resort up for continued superb product quality during the 2012- ‘13 snow season.

The mountain’s sundeck was completely resurfaced with an attractive natural color scheme of patio bricks and underneath the deck is a replacement of the radiant heat system that melts snow and eliminates ice. The popular Tannery Pub & Restaurant was also renovated.

Belleayre has added 3,000 feet of snowmaking pipeline, replacing the Wanatuska snowmaking pipeline and extending the new pipe from the Overlook Lodge to the summit and added several new energy-efficient snowmaking guns to its fleet. Scanners have also been added at the base of the lift so that season pass holders can go straight to the lift to begin their day of skiing and riding.

Winter In The North Carolina Mountains

Banner Elk, NC - Don't miss Sugar Mountain Resort's SugarFest. Now in its 10th year, SugarFest, December 7th through the 9th, is a presentation of Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and the Tourism Development Authority of the incorporated Village of Sugar Mountain. "The unique collaboration between public and private sectors has produced an alpine celebration," Sugar Mountain Resort President, Gunther Jochl said.

Weekend festivities begin Friday, December 7th when the 19th Annual Pre-Season Ski Clinic introduces Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe to an eager group of enthusiasts taking part in three days of personalized instruction on the slopes. The all-inclusive clinic is open to everyone and includes three days on the slopes, video analysis, tuning seminar, and a banquet Saturday night.

Later that evening at 7p.m., 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie, will perform his signature skate routines for the public. The approachable Wylie is a great showman who interacts with all the skaters, from beginners to expert. If you've never seen or held a real Olympic gold or silver medal, stop by the ice rink. Paul and Diann will share their medals and Olympic experiences with you.

During the evening's skate show on Sugar's 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice rink, delight in the beginning of the three-day SugarFEAST. To keep you warm and well-hydrated a hot chocolate and whip cream bar will flow creamy, smooth chocolate pleasures.

The weekend, in what has become a can't miss' opportunity, ski and snowboard manufacturers roll out the newest equipment for an unmatched demo inventory that allows any valid lift ticket holder with a driver's license to sample the latest in ski and snowboard technology.

Participating brands include Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride and Line. Just bring your boots, register, and test drive the good stuff' from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The SugarFest demo is brought to you by Ski Country Sports.

SugarFEAST continues throughout the weekend. Browse through the cafeteria line each day to experience the "Soup Safari". Or later at 5 p.m. North Carolina BBQ and Sweet Tea should satisfy your appetite after a productive and rewarding day demoing the season's new equipment.

At SugarFest, Après ski isn't a thing of the past. The fireworks continue with an impressive pyrotechnic display you can take in from the base lodge just before 6 p.m. as you kick off your boots and enjoy great food and warm drinks. Live bluegrass music from SugarFest's favorite local music group, BOSS HAWG delivers a footstompin' good time. The Last Run Lounge will feature SugarBrew's award winning "best in show" Southern Tier, Choklat, Porter brewed in Lakewood, NY. Of course, a good ole german beer, Spaten will be on tap among others. No shortage of beverage selection here.

On Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., come out and watch or throw down with some of the area's most daring and creative riders and skiers as they deliver thrilling entertainment during the Rail Jam. Over $4,500 in cash, prizes and giveaways, courtesy of Alpine Ski Center www.alpineskicenter.com, RIDE Snowboards, Salomon, Burton, Scott, Oakley, 686, One Ball Jay, The North Face, Dalbello and Dakine. Be sure to preregister at any Alpine Ski Center throughout the Southeast.

Great Early Season Conditions at Loveland!

Loveland Pass, CO - Great Early Season Conditions!
Who’s got the best early season skiing and riding here in Colorado? Loveland Ski Area does! It's been just over a week since opening day and we have already opened more terrain. In addition to Catwalk, Mambo, and Home Run, we now have Spillway and Lower Tempest open to give you more great early season skiing. Lower Tempest is now the temporary home to the terrain park, boasting 7 features for your jibbing enjoyment.

Loveland’s snowmakers are continuing to work hard to open more terrain as quickly as possible. Although the forecast is calling for sunny weather through the weekend, cooler evening temperatures are allowing them to make a lot of progress and we hope to open Richard's Run very soon. Make plans to join us this weekend and take advantage of some of the best early season conditions and most affordable lift tickets in Colorado!

Early Season Promotions for Crested Butte

Crested Butte, CO - Crested Butte Mountain Resort is already gearing up for Ski Free on Opening Day, whereby on November 21, 2012, all guests will ski for free at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, no strings attached. With a desire to continue the Ski Free promotion, the community has teamed up with the resort to offer Ski Free with Lodging, as well as offering their Butte Bucks program to entice local holiday shopping.

“Opening Day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort is almost a rite of passage, one that deserves to be shared with as many skiers and snowboarders as possible,” explains Scott Clarkson, vice president of sales and marketing. “Everyone loves free skiing which has been synonymous with CBMR since the early 1990’s. To further the tradition after Opening Day guests can ski for free with a lodging stay through Dec.19 at participating lodging properties in Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and throughout the Gunnison Valley. We welcome everyone to come and enjoy."

To tempt the early season traveler, the resort and the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce has aligned the Ski Free with Lodging promotion with Butte Bucks, a program that promotes shopping locally for the holidays to take place over the same time period. From November 21 through December 19, 2012, guests visiting the area can also shop in the local stores and eat at local restaurants at a twenty percent discount, when pre-purchasing Butte Bucks.

Butte Bucks is a program coordinated by the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce, where shoppers buy minted coins with a $10 value for $8 each. The coins or “Butte Bucks” can then be used, dollar for dollar, throughout town at participating shops and restaurants, giving the buyer a twenty percent discount off all purchases. The idea is to get locals and guests to shop for the holidays locally. What better way to welcome guests to Crested Butte than to offer them free skiing and deals on shopping?

“We are very excited to extend our popular Butte Bucks program this season to our visiting guests and locals alike,” says, Daniel Marshall, executive director of the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce.”We offer a tremendous number of shopping opportunities in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. This program allows our visitors to bring some of the Butte back home at a discounted price.”

New Challenges for Everyone at Stoneham This Winter

Stoneham, PQ - Stoneham Mountain Resort pulled out its heavy artillery this fall to offer three big on-mountain changes for the upcoming season! Nobody will be left out since each new feature concerns different skill levels and needs! New glades, lengthening of the Olympic half pipe and a redesigned pre-opening party are expecting you this winter at Stoneham!

NEW FOR FAMILY – Intermediate glade located in the Family Zone
With the development of two new glades for the upcoming winter, Stoneham bumps up its number of runs to 41, including 10 glades for different skill levels. La Biche [French word for “doe”] is one of them and will be located in the Family Zone of the mountain [in the detachable quad chairlift area]. An intermediate run, this new glade will be added as a neighbor to 3 other recent similar glades suited for all; La Caribou, La Wapiti and L’Orignal. Families and glade lovers will be spoiled by the number of choices in this family mountain section!

NEW FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS – Expert glade for an adrenalin rush!
L’Urubu [name of a bird of prey] offers a new challenge for skiers and riders in search of thrills! This new glade classified as a double-black diamond offers a 300 meter ride on an exciting vertical drop. On top of these two new trails, Stoneham’s team is keen to build a 3rd one for winter 2013/2014.

NEW FOR FREESTYLERS – Olympic half pipe gains 15 meters
During this special year in which the LG/FIS Snowboard World Championships will be held at the mountain [a first edition in the whole province!], the resort wants to raise standards in all courses, particularly in regards to its Olympic half pipe. Being already an official National Training Center, the infrastructure will be extended by 15 meters uphill [for a total of 145 meters long], which will allow professional athletes to squeeze in an extra jump for every run. This also means additional hits for all skiers and riders!
NEW FOR PARTY ANIMALS – The Bud Light STOPEN celebrates the season to come on November 23
True to its tradition, Stoneham offers a memorable party at the mountain the week before its opening! This winter, the BL STOPEN is a redesigned concept, in which the traditional rail jam will be followed by a competition with cash prizes. A Pull-In underwear show will also take place indoors in a new atmosphere, following the presentation of ESK MEDIA and BROTHERS FACTORY new ski and snowboard freestyle movies. To keep the party going on all night, the resort will also host DVBBS, a popular DJ act that opened for the LMFAO concert during the Québec City summer Festival this past July.

Mother Nature's Trick Is Sugar's Treat

Banner Elk, NC - The mega storm, Sandy, or can we call it a "Southeaster" pounded the East Coast, ushering in winter in the North Carolina Mountains. Over nine inches of natural snow, cold temperatures and round the clock snowmaking provided the perfect elements for Sugar Mountain Resort's unprecedented early opening and first time ever October opening. In its 43 year history, Sugar Mountain Resort's earliest opening was on November 5th in 1976.

Snowmaking began Sunday evening, October 28th and continues around the clock. A six to thirty inch base of natural and manmade packed powder surface covers the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift is in operation to the 3/4's station. Special early opening lift/slope ticket prices are $30 for a full-day session and $25 for a half-day session. For a real time look at the slopes through the live, streaming web cam please log on to SkiSugar.com

Sugar Mountain Sports Shop, located in the Base Lodge is open and features the finest in winter apparel and footwear, quality gift items, and souvenirs. New winter items are arriving daily.

Sugar's 10,000 square foot outdoor ice rink and tubing park are scheduled to open in mid-November or as weather permits.

Snowmaking begins at Eldora!

Nederland, CO - Cold temperatures and a burst of winter weather over the weekend allowed Eldora Mountain Resort to begin snowmaking operations for the season. The video linked below offers a look inside Eldora’s snow-making operations and the 100 new low-energy HKD® snow guns recently added to Eldora’s fleet. “These new guns will significantly reduce our energy usage for snowmaking,” said Eldora Spokesman Rob Linde, “and provide a great snow surface for Eldora skiers and riders in the early season.” Eldora Mountain Resort the plans to open for the 2012-2013 Season on Friday, November 16th. ­

Unprecedented! Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Plans To Open For The New Winter Season On Halloween

Banner Elk, NC - Unprecedented! Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in North Carolina plans to open on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31, 2012 for skiing and snowboarding. In its 43 year history, Sugar Mountain Resort's earliest opening was on November 5th in 1976. The mega storm, Sandy, which continues to pound the East Coast is ushering in winter in the North Carolina Mountains. Several inches of natural snow have fallen already with eight inches plus expected. Snow continues to fall while temperatures are forecasted to remain in the low to mid-twenties through Wednesday. Snowmaking began Sunday evening, October 28th and continues around the clock. On Wednesday, skiers and snowboarders can expect a natural and manmade powder surface covering the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift will be in operation to the 3/4's station.

Improvements Focus on Children's Programs!

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - Family and beginner friendly Shawnee Mountain is pleased to announce several improvements to enhance its popular children’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard programs for the coming 2012-13 winter snow sports season.

Snowmaking Upgrades
It all starts with dependable snow and on Shawnee’s learning center slope, home to over 6,000 children’s ski and snowboard lessons annually, new airless snow guns have been added. The new energy efficient fan guns promise all Shawnee beginners more consistent snow depth throughout the season enabling contoured nightly grooming to optimize learning.

New WEEriders program
Adding to the impressive mix of Shawnee children’s ski and snowboard programs which include it’s nationally recognized SKIwee, Mountain Cruisers and Young Riders programs is the all new WEEriders. Developed for ages 4, 5, and 6, this beginner snowboard program will be offered daily in 2 hour sessions and limited to 4 students per class. Each class will have two children’s snowboarding instruction specialists. Shawnee Children’s Program Director, Robin Manfredi, comments, ‘We developed the new WEEriders as a result of parents demand to introduce their children to snowboarding at ages younger than 7 which is the starting age of our existing Young Riders program. Last season, after securing smaller snowboard rental equipment and doing some test lessons, we settled on offering the 2 hour sessions with the two instructors to 4 students ratio having produced the best results”. Cost for WEEriders is $75 per child per session and includes complete snowboard rental. Reservations are required.

Online Reservation Improvements
Several programming changes have been made to the Shawnee Children’s Program online reservation system for 2012-13 which promises parents an easier online reservation process as well as more accurate presetting of children’s ski and snowboard rentals.

BurkeBlast!

East Burke, VT - Another fantastic summer on Kingdom Trails and in the Burke Bike Park has come to an end. As we say goodbye and thank all our summer visitors we also welcome the new season ahead. The "switch over" to winter operations has been especially exciting this year. On the snowmaking front, 100 new snowguns are installed with 40 more on the way and our new air compressor will arrive tomorrow, right on schedule for snowmaking to begin the first week of November. Groomers,snow machines and chairlifts are also receiving their last tune-ups in anticipation for a November 23 opening. We celebrate summer and welcome winter this month with some great events. We hope to see you there. Think Snow!

We celebrate summer and welcome winter this month with some great events. We hope to see you there. Think Snow!

After a successful Kingdom Enduro event last weekend in the Burke Bike Park, we thought we would bring you one last challenge. The 2nd Annual CircumBurke Challenge on October 28 challenges runners and mountain bikers to complete a 24 mile course around Burke Mountain. Experience the "wild side" of Burke Mountain through the town of Victory, make your way through scenic State and private lands, and wind back to a new part of Kingdom Trails on this challenging course.

Saturday, October 20, the 9th Annual Kingdom Trails Ride the Rhythms Concert celebrates the end of another fantastic mountain bike season and all the land owners that make the Kingdom Trails network possible. We'll be riding the rhythms of the Duty Free band and giving away raffle prizes throughout the night. An annual event not to be missed!

Arapahoe Basin Opening Day Photos

Arapahoe Basin, CO - It's a beautiful opening day at Arapahoe Basin here are some pix to get you fired up for the season!

"Snow Guarantee" from Winter Park Resort

Winter Park, CO - Don’t worry, we understand better than anyone; when planning a ski vacation, snow matters. Especially after last season’s less than record breaking snowfall totals, Winter Park Resort has just the solution for the guest who needs assurance. When looking for consistent, reliable snow, our visitors always find it at Winter Park Resort. With an average snowfall of 326 inches per season over the last ten years, choosing Winter Park Resort is the best choice for a ski vacation – now guaranteed.

Winter Park Resort launched an "Early Snow Guarantee" on October 15, 2012. This means that we now provide a level of confidence to our guests who may be considering an early season vacation to Winter Park.

Here’s the offer:

Book a trip to Winter Park for arrival/departure between November 14 – Dec. 20, 2012.

If our snow is not up to your standards, you can reschedule your trip to Winter Park for later this season.

Notification of plan to reschedule must be made 48 hours prior to arrival (by 4 pm two days prior to arrival).

The cost of your early season vacation will be applied to the later dates, difference in cost to be paid by guest.

Rescheduling will be on a space available basis.

Rescheduled trip must be used by April 21, 2013.

No refunds. Lodging only.

Telluride Ski Resort Partners with Ibex

Telluride, CO - Beginning this Fall, Ibex Outdoor Clothing will be the official wool clothing sponsor of Telluride Ski Resort in Southwestern Colorado. Ibex will outfit Telluride Ski Resort employees in the North American-made Merino wool apparel. Telluride ski resort will help Ibex create a distinct presence in Telluride and the two brands will further their reach into essential markets with key demographics. Ibex and Telluride Ski Resort look forward to unique media promotions and campaigns this fall and winter.

“This is a great partnership because of the heritage of Telluride, and its commitment to being a premier ski town and destination,” said Keith Anderson, VP of Marketing at Ibex. “We feel that Ibex fits into Telluride’s specific mountain lifestyle; and although we are east coasters, we all dream of big mountain skiing.” Ibex apparel is ideal for the employees of Telluride Ski Resort due to its durability, versatility and functionality. It can be worn on the mountain by lift ops and ski patrol or in the office by executives. Ibex combines both the professionalism and adaptability of a superior product that a mountain resort desires.

“The opportunity to partner with such a quality company that provides a great, functional product for our employees and guests alike shows the consumer what we are all about,” said Matt Skinner, VP of Sales and Marketing for Telluride Ski Resort. “These are two unique brands coming together to exhibit the enjoyment of the great outdoors in comfort and style.”

This partnership exemplifies Ibex’s commitment to building a strong presence in the Rockies, not only with retailers, but with large market influencers as well. Ibex is looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with Telluride skiing some good lines in the midst of it all.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area to open Wednesday 10/17/12

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) announced that Wednesday, October 17, 2012, will mark the official start to the Colorado ski and snowboard season. The Black Mountain Express lift will start at 9:00 a.m. MST to shuttle guests to the beginning of the intermediate High Noon trail at mid-mountain.

“We’re extremely excited to be the first ski area to open in Colorado,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO. “The staff and I can’t wait to see skiers and riders out on the hill having fun. That’s what we live for.”

New at A-Basin for the 2012-13 season is the Pika Place Learning Area, scheduled to open November 2012. Situated in the base area adjacent to the Black Mountain Express lift, Pika Place is geared toward younger guests and first-time skiers and riders. Pika Place features a new trail, a new conveyor lift and Ace’s Kids Park, a beginner-level terrain park with smaller versions of popular features found in A-Basin’s other two terrain parks.

This season, A-Basin launched an on-site Rossignol Experience Center designed to help skiers elevate their on-mountain experience and skiing technique. This rental program features an array of Rossignol skis with auto-turn rocker technology, an innovation that provides greater control and confidence to skiers of all abilities.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort Fall Festival

Cortland, NY - Greek Peak Mountain Resort hosts their annual Fall Festival on October 13, 2012, from 12pm - 5pm. Skiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to purchase Ski Season Passes at a discount rate, as well as receive 20% off the Adventure Center activities. There will be chair lift rides, a pumpkin patch, rock climbing wall and much more!

"Although the Fall Fest has been an annual event since the 1970s, this year is even more important to reach out to our customers, homeowners and guests," states Al Kryger, President of Greek Peak Mountain Resort. On August 1, 2012, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Hope Lake Lodge and Indoor Water Park was forced to filed Chapter 11 Reorganization Protection. Some have called it the perfect storm with the harsh economic downturn which greatly effected real estate sales, and of course last year's record warm winter season with only 50 inches of snowfall.

Kryger goes on to say that, "operations will continue at the same high-level the Resort's previous guests have experienced. All scheduled and future functions, meetings, weddings, conferences will continue with the same customer service that earned Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Hope Lake Lodge 2012 "Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice" award and the "Trip Advisor Award of Excellence." The management team assures our community that they will experience the same customer service that our facility has been delivering for the last 53 years.

"Snow Guarantee" from Winter Park Resort

Winter Park, CO - Don’t worry, we understand better than anyone; when planning a ski vacation, snow matters. Especially after last season’s less than record breaking snowfall totals, Winter Park Resort has just the solution for the guest who needs assurance. When looking for consistent, reliable snow, our visitors always find it at Winter Park Resort. With an average snowfall of 326 inches per season over the last ten years, choosing Winter Park Resort is the best choice for a ski vacation – now guaranteed.

Winter Park Resort will launch an "Early Snow Guarantee" on October 15, 2012. This means that we now provide a level of confidence to our guests who may be considering an early season vacation to Winter Park.

Here’s the offer:

•Book a trip to Winter Park for arrival/departure between November 14 – Dec. 20, 2012.

•If our snow is not up to your standards, you can reschedule your trip to Winter Park for later this season.

•Notification of plan to reschedule must be made 48 hours prior to arrival (by 4 pm two days prior to arrival).

•The cost of your early season vacation will be applied to the later dates, difference in cost to be paid by guest.

•Rescheduling will be on a space available basis.

•Rescheduled trip must be used by April 21, 2013.

•No refunds.

Right now, when guests book 3 nights they get a 4th night free. Special winter rates are available starting at just $52pp/pn.

Holiday Valley Ranks Sixth in Eastern US

Ellicottville, NY - Readers of SKI Magazine rated Holiday Valley Resort as the 6th best winter resort in eastern North America. This survey was mailed to 40,000 SKI Magazine readers at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season. This ranking places Holiday Valley among the top ten resorts in the East for seven of the past ten years.

Holiday Valley’s top rankings include 1st in the East for lifts and 1st for service, 3rd for lodging, 5th for access and après ski, 7th for family programs, 8th for dining and off hill activities, 10th for weather, 11th for grooming and digital presence, 12th for terrain parks, on-mountain food and character, 13th for overall satisfaction and 14th for snow.

Holiday Valley’s President, Dennis Eshbaugh said, “We are so proud of our 6th place ranking because it comes right from the skiers. The ranking is exciting coming off of a challenging natural snow year where people tend to be more critical. We’re especially proud of the #1 rank in service. Service is one of those intangible things; it is very delicate because there are so many points of contact with customers and every contact must be positive. Service is stressed in our yearly orientation meeting and throughout the year, but it is a step beyond everyone’s physical job so to be named number one is a great compliment to all our staff.”

Win Heli Skiing with Selkirk Tangiers!

Revelstoke, BC - Everyone should try heli skiing at least once in their lifetime so Selkirk Tangiers is making it easy by offering a chance to WIN a day of heli skiing for two! The contest coincides with the launch of the 10 Reasons to Heli Ski with Selkirk Tangiers campaign and offers the lucky winner and their guest a day of heli skiing, two nights’ accommodation at the Hillcrest Hotel, and a day of skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort!

For contest entry, prize details, and to download the NEW! STHS Magazine featuring the 10 Reasons to Heli Ski with Selkirk Tangiers and other great articles from the STHS team, visit: Here!

Greek Peak Mountain Resort Fall Festival

Cortland, NY - Greek Peak Mountain Resort hosts their annual Fall Festival on October 13, 2012, from 12pm - 5pm. Skiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to purchase Ski Season Passes at a discount rate, as well as receive 20% off the Adventure Center activities. There will be chair lift rides, a pumpkin patch, rock climbing wall and much more!

"Although the Fall Fest has been an annual event since the 1970s, this year is even more important to reach out to our customers, homeowners and guests," states Al Kryger, President of Greek Peak Mountain Resort. On August 1, 2012, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Hope Lake Lodge and Indoor Water Park was forced to filed Chapter 11 Reorganization Protection. Some have called it the perfect storm with the harsh economic downturn which greatly effected real estate sales, and of course last year's record warm winter season with only 50 inches of snowfall.

Kryger goes on to say that, "operations will continue at the same high-level the Resort's previous guests have experienced. All scheduled and future functions, meetings, weddings, conferences will continue with the same customer service that earned Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Hope Lake Lodge 2012 "Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice" award and the "Trip Advisor Award of Excellence." The management team assures our community that they will experience the same customer service that our facility has been delivering for the last 53 years.

It’s a Festival Weekend in Lake Placid...Flaming Leaves and Brew Fest Highlight Weekend Fun

Wilmington, NY - Some of us may be turning our attention to the upcoming winter season, but there’s still plenty of autumn fun ahead. Last weekend’s 21st annual Oktoberfest drew thousands of visitors to Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., and this weekend guests will flock to the region to participate in the annual Flaming Leaves Festival and the inaugural Lake Placid Brew Fest.

The festival weekend in Lake Placid gets underway at the Olympic Jumping Complex when several of the nation’s top ski jumpers soar through the fall skies as they compete in the annual Flaming Leaves ski jump competition. Jumping begins Saturday, at noon, while Sunday’s event gets underway at 11 a.m. Saturday’s event is also the second of three 90-meter competitions to determine the prestigious 2012 Art Devlin Cup series champion.

Some of the sport’s youngest athletes are also set to compete both Saturday and Sunday, when they soar off the 20-meter jump. The Grasshoppers’ competitions will begin a half-hour after the completion of the 90-meter events.

While spectators take in all of the high-flying action they can also enjoy live Blues music both days and brews and barbeque provided by Centerplate. The Blues begins at noon, Saturday when Lostdog takes to the Olympic Jumping Complex stage for their first of two sets, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Saturday’s Blues line-up also features Joe Lowry & The Second City Blues Band, from Albany, N.Y., from 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. On Sunday, it’s Los Blancos, from Syracuse, N.Y., and Larry Stone & The Stoneground Express’ turn. Los Blancos’ first set is from noon-1 p.m. and then they’re back from 2-3 p.m. Larry Stone, a retired ski jump instructor, and his band will entertain the crowd from 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.

While at the jumping complex, spectators can also check out the autumn colors from atop the 120-meter ski jump. A chairlift will take visitors to the base of the jump, while a 26-story elevator ride will take them to the top of the jump where guests can overlook the Adirondack’s high peaks.

The annual Flaming Leaves Festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days and admission is $15 for adults and $9 for juniors and seniors. Two-day passes are also available, $25 for adults and $15 for juniors and seniors, while the Olympic Sites Passport will also be honored for admission.

From the Olympic Jumping Complex the festival fun moves to the Olympic Center’s 1932 rink and the inaugural Lake Placid Brew Fest, from 3-7 p.m. Open to everyone 21 years and older, the brew fest, sponsored by Centerplate and Saratoga Eagle and co-hosted by the Great Adirondack Brewing Company and Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, will feature 20-plus micro-brew companies from around the country.

Each of the breweries will be on hand to offer samples and talk brewing. There will also be live music, with Mike Pedersen, and food provided by Centerplate. Advance $35 tickets for the Lake Placid Brew Fest are available on line by visiting Whiteface.com or by calling 518-523-3330. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 and admission for designated drivers is just $10. Admission includes beer samples and souvenir glass.

Allegiant Airlines Introduces Direct Flights from San Francisco and Phoenix to Telluride/Montrose

Low Cost Fares for the Region
Telluride, CO - Allegiant Airlines has announced new service from Phoenix and the Bay Area into the Telluride Montrose Regional Airport this winter. Skiers and riders will be able to take advantage of low fares and non-stop flights straight to the slopes of Telluride starting in December.

The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization (TMRAO) put the deal together with Allegiant Air for direct bi-weekly flights from Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Phoenix-Mesa airport (IWA) to Telluride Montrose (MTJ) and at a greatly reduced rate. Prior to Allegiant service, average round-trip fares from the San Francisco Bay area and Phoenix to the region ranged between $400 and $600. This winter, Allegiant will offer an introductory one-way fare from Oakland as low as $113 ($226 round-trip) and from Phoenix starting as low as $83 one-way ($166 round-trip)*. The flights start December 15 and conclude April 3. For a complete flight schedule, visit www.allegiantair.com.

“The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization (TMRAO) has been researching and pursuing a low-cost carrier for more than a year. Allegiant offers competitive pricing and increased accessibility for both visitors and locals,” said Scott Stewart, TMRAO Executive Director.

“We are thrilled with the addition of Allegiant Air and direct flights from Phoenix and the Bay Area,” said Matt Skinner, vice president of marketing for Telluride Ski Resort. “Both Phoenix and the Bay Area are core markets for us, and we’re glad to be able to provide skiers and riders such easy access to the unmatched experience in Telluride.”

Securing Allegiant as a new airline partner was a collaborative effort that would not have been possible without the strong partnership of the TMRAO, Montrose Regional Airport and additional supplemental funding from the City of Montrose, the Town of Telluride, the Town of Mountain Village and the Telluride Ski Resort.

“Allegiant is a great fit for the region and we are thrilled to have them as our new airline partner,” said Lloyd Arnold, Director of Aviation for Montrose Regional Airport. “The community of Montrose has been very supportive of recent terminal improvements that will ensure Allegiant’s customers have a warm welcome and comfortable experience as an introduction to the hospitality of our region.”

Two Days to Celebrate the Fall Foliage in Grand Junction, CO

Mesa, CO - Fall is in full swing, complete with captivating colors, crisp, cool, brisk winds and colorful leaves falling from the trees. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the season, and Powderhorn is pleased to announce the return of its annual Color Weekend, featuring the Grand Mesa Byway’s annual Color Sunday, September 29 and 30. Don’t miss this opportunity to take in the views from above the trees at the most pristine perch on the western slope.

Powderhorn’s Color Weekend includes a fun and friendly venue with food, live music, lift rides, and activities for all ages. The weekend event features a disc golf tournament on the 29th, family photo locations in the leaves and trees, discounted tent sales, free yoga, free camping in the lower lot and, of course, the Powderhorn Challenge, which includes three races at 8,200 ft.: the annual 10K Thigunawat; the Team Challenge; and the Kids Fun Race will be main attractions during Color Weekend. Guests are reminded they must be able to load and unload the lift unassisted.

September 29-30, 2012: Color Weekend featuring the Grand Mesa Byway’s Color Sunday:
11a.m. – 2 p.m. Lift rides
1p.m. – 4 p.m. Live music on the sunset deck with Honey Don’t (Sept. 29) and Pineapple Crackers (Sept. 30)

RED Mountain Resort Expands by 1,000 acres!

Rossland, BC - Located on BC’s famous “Powder Highway,” RED Mountain Resort just hit overdrive: On August 1, 2012, RED began developing our most significant expansion to date: Grey Mountain. This two-year expansion adds almost 1,000 acres -- and a whole new mountain – to our already epic 1,685 acres.

“The scale of this expansion is a true game-changer for RED Mountain Resort and for the community of Rossland,” said Howard Katkov, President and CEO of Red Mountain Resort. “The management team has spent the last eight years carefully reinforcing the company’s infrastructure, investing 50 million dollars in the facilities and completing world class slope-side accommodations. Now we’re truly ready for prime-time. We’ve consciously kept a low profile while we diligently readied ourselves for this massive expansion.”

RED has always been revered for: light, dry snow; world-class tree skiing; incredible steeps; 2,919 feet of vertical; our incredible, laid back vibe and our friendly locals. The Grey Mountain expansion will open up a vast store of intermediate runs, making most “family friendly” resorts pale by comparison. And, like the other mountains, Grey will offer what we call “3-D skiing”:

“Grey, like Granite (RED’s other peak), is volcano-shaped, which allows for 360-degree skiing around the peak from a single lift, a topographical feature few resorts in the world are lucky to have,” explains Katkov.

Chris Cushing, Principal at Snow Engineering (SE) Group, one of the ski resort industry’s premier design and engineering firms, said: “RED Mountain’s expansion to Grey Mountain is the biggest, most exciting project in North America this year, and SE Group is proud to have worked with RED to make it happen. Not only does the expansion increase RED’s skiable terrain by about 1,000 acres, it also adds wide terrain variety -– from groomed cruising runs to tree glades and alpine chutes -– that will create a whole new world for RED skiers. This project is one of the most dramatic transformations of an existing major ski area that we’ve seen and it is one of the largest -- if not THE largest -- single-season ski area expansion projects in North America in several decades.”

The 997-acre expansion on Grey alone is about the same size as the revered Mt. Baker Ski Area in Washington. To put this in perspective, total acreage with our new terrain on Grey makes RED larger than Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With the new zone, RED is elevated to the top three-percent (3%) of all resorts in North America for skiable acres (2,682!), while keeping its independent soul and escaping the stuffy (and expensive) trappings of many of the Mega Resorts.

For 2012-13, RED will be shuttling skiers, in groups of nine, to the top of Grey using a new Alpina Sherpa -- an oversized snowmobile-bus that has to be seen to be believed. RED has purchased a Poma Quad Chair for installation next summer. At the completion of run development, Grey Mountain will have 22 perfect ski runs, leaving plenty of trees and terrain variations for riders to express themselves on.

“We see the Grey expansion as an expression of our commitment to the next generation of skiers and snowboarders, as well as to our current fans,” explains Fran Richards, Vice President, Marketing. “We share their values when it comes to mountain recreation and feel a deep responsibility to protect the wonderful ski experience at RED. We truly see RED as an endangered species, one of the last resorts that celebrates the true skiing experience: offering wide open terrain and all the amenities one expects, without the rampant commercialism that has significantly changed the face of the ski experience throughout North America. Many recreational skiers and snowboarders have never experienced a pure world like RED and we’d like to show them that the other side is, in fact, better.”

33rd Annual Fall Festival at Belleayre Mountain

Highmount, NY - The 33rd annual Belleayre Fall Festival will take place Columbus Day Weekend, October 6th and 7th at the Overlook Lodge, Belleayre Mountain. The 33rd year of this classic fall event promises to be as exciting and entertaining as past festivals. As always, the Fall Festival will feature the prestigious Craft Fair showcasing local artisans, the Sky Ride to whisk people to the summit for spectacular views of the Catskill foliage, music & entertainment, traditional German Oktoberfest Food, a Fair Food Court, a kids tent, a zipline, a slackline, a fishing pond and much more. In addition, Smokey Bear will be making an appearance for the first time in years! The festival will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free!

Vendor spaces are still available but are going fast so sign up now! The Belleayre Fall Festival draws thousands of people over 2 days, so get your application in soon to make sure you get a good spot!

$99 3-packs are back at the Fall Festival! These $99 3-packs are available for purchase in person only at the Belleayre Fall Festival on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. (3 packs are not available over the phone or on the website.) There is a limit of one 3-pack per household and ID is required to purchase. 3-packs can only be purchased in person.

Lumberjack Shows, Marvelous Mutts, Chairlift Rides, Fall Foliage & More

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - With the picturesque mountain as a backdrop during prime fall foliage time, the Autumn Timber Festival offers a weekend full of family friendly entertainment, music, food and festivities. Featured entertainment is the 2012 Timber Team Ironjack Shows. Each 40 minute show thrills spectators with both demonstration and competition as World Class Lumberjacks pole climb, log roll, chop, saw and chainsaw. A colorful announcer combines folk lore, comedy and history into each show to encourage a rowdy frontier spirit. Three shows will be performed daily.

New for 2012, come see the Marvelous Mutts, one of the premier canine shows in the country. This athletic team of strays, all adopted from shelters, will astound all ages with their tricks, stunts and demonstrations.

On stage live musical entertainment will be provided Saturday and Sunday by The Cramer Brothers, a country show band with six multi-talented musicians performing contemporary country, classic country and Blue Grass. The Lost Ramblers, will stroll the festival grounds both Saturday and Sunday playing high energy Appalachian music that runs the gamut from bluegrass to gospel, swing and old time music in three part harmonies.

Festival Americana and novelty entertainers include David Feimster’s “Sue Wee” Pig Racing, Magician Stephen Christopher’s Traveling Medicine Show, Paul Bunyon Stilt Walker, “Pie Man” the Living Statue, and balloon art by Aardvark Entertainment. A Chainsaw Carver and Wood Turner will demonstrate and display throughout the weekend.

Along with dozens of specialty food vendors, beverages will be available outdoors as well as indoors in the EZ Bumpps Saloon. The indoor Hope Lodge Café will also be open during the festival.

Autumn Timber Festival hours are 11AM to 6PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Advance discount tickets are available online - $12 Adult, $10 Child for either Saturday or Sunday. Toddlers 4 and under are admitted FREE.

For a spectacular view of the Pocono fall foliage, Scenic Chairlift Rides on Shawnee Mountain’s new Tomahawk Express Quad Lift will be available from noon to 4pm each day at an additional cost of $8 Adult and $6 for children (minimum height 48 inches).

There’s Fun for the Whole Family at the 15th Annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest Columbus Weekend

West Dover, VT - Most German-themed Oktoberfest events are associated with beer, schnitzel and Oom-pah music; but throw in kids games, pumpkin painting, an apple sling shot, yodeling contest and the famous “schnitzel toss” and you’ve got the 15th Annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest. A Columbus Day Weekend tradition since 1997; Oktoberfest is one of the southern Vermont resort’s signature events and features two days of eating, drinking and games for the whole family.

The Kid’s Zone is where families will find festival games like bean bag toss, a huge bouncy house, pumpkin painting, and other kid-friendly activities. While the young ones are playing, the big kids can enjoy a large selection of beers from German and domestic breweries, authentic German fare and games like the keg toss, yodeling contest and stein holding as well as a horseshoe tournament.

New this year is the addition of the Gulp and Gallop 5k Beer Run for the 21+ crowd which will be a fun run making four laps around the base area of the mountain and each time participants complete a lap they have their choice of water or a cup of beer to drink before heading back out onto the course. There will also be the Kool Aid 1k for kids later in the afternoon. Plus, Burton will be setting up a dry-land Riglet Park for young snowboarders to enjoy at the festival and Snow Barn will host a screening of Burton’s new film “13” Saturday night, doors at 5:30p with no cover and live music to follow.

Admission to the Mount Snow Oktoberfest for the 21+ crowd is $20 for one day, $30 for two days - includes one commemorative stein and a beer token for each day of admission. For the under 21 crowd and designated drivers, admission is $12 for one day and $20 for two days which includes a coupon for a complimentary soft drink each day. Hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm both Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7 with live music from the Oberlaendler Hofbrau Band all weekend long.

Scenic chairlift rides on the Bluebird Express to the summit of Mount Snow are available for $10 per person. The Main Base Lodge will be home to The 39th Annual Harvest Arts and Crafts Fair featuring local artisans and food vendors selling their creations beginning at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday; admission to the arts and crafts fair is free.

Snow is Falling Again at Arapahoe Basin!

Arapahoe Basin, CO - A-Basin received another light snowfall this morning at Arapahoe Basin.

NASTC Announces Free-skiing Camp at Grand Targhee, WY

Truckee, CA - The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) will bring its well known coaching staff and methodology to Grand Targhee, WY, for a Powder & Cat-skiing camp. The ski training camp consist of four days of skiing and coaching at Grand Targhee Resort. Two days will be spent building off-piste skiing skills and tactics and two days will be dedicated to skill application in the 602 acres that the resort has reserved for cat-skiing.

The goal of the camp is to build confidence in powder and off-piste terrain, obtain greater enjoyment out of the mountain experience and form new friendship with skiers that share the same passion for skiing and learning. The Powder & Cat-skiing camp will be an opportunity to work with some of the best instructors and coaches in the country in an un-crowded resort recognized for an abundance of powder. The NASTC Powder & Cat-skiing camp is January 12th -16th is July, 20th. Price is $2384 and includes 4 nights lodging in a double occupancy room, breakfast daily, lift tickets, instruction and 2 days of cat-skiing.

Exciting News from Burke Mountain!

East Burk, VT - You can feel it in the morning air-winter is on its way! Our major snowmaking upgrades are in progress-Little Dipper is complete with new snow guns and work begins today on Bear Den. 90 new snow guns arrived at the mountain a few weeks ago and there are still 50 more on the way. We are starting our snow dances early and if temperatures and weather permits, snow guns are scheduled to fire up as early as November 6 in hopes of a late November opening. If this doesn't get you excited about the upcoming winter, maybe some big news will. We are thrilled to share with our season pass holders and guests that we will have some big announcements coming your way on Thursday, September 27. Please join us at the Tamarack Grill between 4 and 6pm with the new owners and partners of Burke Mountain, QBurke Resorts, and the Burke management team. We will be gathering with State and Federal officials to announce plans for the future of Burke Mountain and the surrounding area.

If you can't make it next Thursday, join us on Sunday, September 30 from 12-2pm for a meet and greet with the new resort owners at the Tamarack Grill. We hope you'll find a moment to stop by, say hello and ask any questions that you may have about the new ownership of Burke Mountain. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

The mountain and village are bustling with activity and we're ending the summer with a bang. Think snow and we'll see you very soon!

Fall Fest: A Day to Enjoy and Appreciate the Foliage and Fall Colors

Mesa, CO - Leaf peeping has become a favorite pastime in the Grand Valley, and fall on the Western Slope is fast-approaching. http://sktn.co/q5BUHPowderhorn Mountain Resort offers one of Colorado’s most pristine locations right on top of the Grand Mesa, showcasing the spectacular colors of fall and providing everlasting views of the Grand Valley. This year, Powderhorn Mountain Resort introduces a new autumn-themed event to celebrate the season: Fall Fest, September 22-23.

Powderhorn’s Fall Fest includes a fun and friendly venue with food, live music, lift rides, and activities for all ages. The Fall Fest weekend event features family photo locations in the leaves and trees, free disc golf at Powderhorn’s new 18-hole course, free camping in the lower lot and, of course, the chance to purchase and take home your 2012/13 Powderhorn Season Pass. Guests are reminded they must be able to load and unload the lift unassisted.

Event Schedule (subject to change, as weather permits): September 22-23, 2012: Fall Fest 11 a.m. – 2 pm. Lift rides 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Live music on the sunset deck Desert Moon (Sept. 22) and Pineapple Crackers (Sept. 23)

First Snowfalls of the Season at Revelstoke

Revelstoke, BC - After Labour Day Weekend, the air changed and the temperatures gauged down with snowfall hitting the peaks around Revelstoke and on-mountain at Revelstoke Mountain Resort over the past two days. Winter is around the corner in Revelstoke and another epic winter lies ahead at Revelstoke Mountain Resort! Tentative opening for the winter 2012-13 season is scheduled for December 1, 2012

Gold Card is on sale, US residents ski or ride for less than $67/day

Americans can ski and save with a five-day or ten-day Gold Card
Whistler, BC - Whistler Blackcomb’s Gold Card is now on sale, allowing guests to ski or ride for less than $67 per day. Available to U.S. residents, Americans can choose from either a five-day card or a ten-day card that can be used at any time during the winter season. Washington State residents have the option of purchasing an EDGE Card and are not eligible for the Gold Card. “Whistler Blackcomb’s Gold Card offers great value for U.S. guests looking to ski or ride at Whistler Blackcomb this season,” said Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales. “Whistler Blackcomb enjoys some of the most consistent and reliable snow falls compared to any major resort in the world. The Gold Card allows guest to get on the slopes and enjoy our incredible snow with the peace of mind they are really maximizing their savings.” Gold Card Details

Dates Available for Purchase: Now until December 10, 2012

Price: Five-day Adult Gold Card $369; ten-day Adult Gold Card $669 (CAD, both prices do not include tax & $3.95 delivery charge) Includes:

Children six and under ski/ride for free

Valid anytime during the season; days do not have to be consecutive

After pre-purchased days are used, guests can take advantage of discounted daily lift ticket pricing