It's Super Football Sunday at Whiteface

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

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

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

Many “Like” will make a difference at Mont SUTTON

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

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

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

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

Brighton 75th Birthday Bash and Fireworks Show!

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

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

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

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

2 Snowstorms Hit Crested Butte in 1 Week

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

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

Cooper Spur Ski Area Will Open Friday

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

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

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

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

Welch Village High School Invitational Ski Race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operators Announce Purchase of Swain Resort

Experienced Team Will Continue to Enhance Attraction for All Seasons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Athletes Update #5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 Starts with Snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

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

Crested Butte Celebrates Learn to Ski Month!

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

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

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

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

More Trails Now Open!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 starts with snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

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

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

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

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