Arapahoe Basin Launches “Double Down” Pass

The 2-season pass is first of its kind in the ski industry

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) announced the launch of the Double Down pass, the ski industry’s first two-season pass product. With the Double Down pass, skiers and riders have the advantage of locking in the pass price for two seasons at a great rate without worrying about a price increase. This adult two-season pass is valid for unlimited skiing and riding at Arapahoe Basin for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. The Double Down pass costs $499 and saves regular A-Basin adult season pass holders at least $99 over two years. “With an average of 233 ski days per season, our A-Basin guests can now get two very long Colorado ski seasons at a very affordable price,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO.

The Double Down also affords its pass holders the same great on-mountain benefits as the regular single-season A-Basin pass. These include 10 percent off food and beverage purchases as well as purchases made in the Arapahoe Sports retail shop. A-Basin pass holders also receive one $45 half-day class lesson with the A-Basin Snowsports School (Friday through Sunday), $10 off performance tuning (valid all season), one unguided day at Silverton, and discounted pricing on lift tickets for friends and family. Interested skiers and riders are encouraged to buy the Double Down soon, as it is only available until December 31, 2012. Pass holders who have already purchased a single-season A-Basin pass can upgrade to the Double Down for $200.

Cranmore and Bretton Woods Team Up to Offer the Sun-N-Snow Season Pass

North Conway, NH - Two New Hampshire family-friendly ski areas, Bretton Woods at the Omni Mount Washington Resort and Cranmore Mountain Resort, have teamed up to offer a new pass option this winter. The “Sun-N-Snow” Season Pass offers skiers and riders a great value, with the pass being valid mid-week non-holiday periods all winter long.

The pass costs just $499 when purchased by November 30th and is valid at both mountains, all lifts, Sunday-Friday with holiday blackout dates: 12/26/2012 - 1/1/2013 ; 1/19/2013 - 1/20/2013; 2/16/2013 - 2/23/2013. Passes can be purchased online or in person at either resort starting Sat., Sept. 1. Prices will increase as of Dec. 1.

Both mountains are located within 30 miles of each other in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Cranmore, with 57 trails and glades, is located in the heart of North Conway Village, NH. Bretton Woods, with 102 trails and glades, is located on Route 302 north of Crawford Notch in the shadow of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the East. Together they offer snowsports fans coming to Mount Washington Valley and northern New Hampshire the best variety of terrain available on a single season pass.

Plans for 2012-2013 Ski Season at Belleayre

Highmount, NY - With summer days dwindling in number and fall at our doorstep, there are many of you out there starting to think of winter and what Belleayre has in store for you. The process of moving from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is not as easy as some might think. And, as I have read and as I have heard, there are some that are nervous about what is in store for them as pass holders. I would like to put your minds at ease.

As most of you know, ORDA operates multiple recreational and sporting facilities, two of which are Gore and Whiteface. Since 1982 we have gathered experience in dealing with the ebbs and flows of operating these unique mountains. We intend to use that experience to move Belleayre forward and to meld it into our fold. We realize that Belleayre is different in how it operates and what it offers, just as we understand the differences between Gore and Whiteface. We will use this winter to gain more knowledge and to utilize the vast experience that the Belleayre staff has to offer to help us propel it forward.

Will there be differences in how ORDA plans to operate Belleayre and how it operated in the past? Yes. Will there be similarities in programming and operations that have previously existed at Belleayre moving forward? Yes there will be. The Governor’s commission asked ORDA to take over management of Belleayre for many reasons, but the primary motivation behind the change is that we are in the business of running ski areas and there are efficiencies that can be realized through this merger. With a focus on recreation and passion for the ski industry, we are looking to bring Belleayre and the surrounding communities even more success in the future. For this to happen, we will need your support and are listening to your feedback. We are looking forward to working with Belleayre’s knowledgeable staff and coordinating with other ski areas to build recognition for all of the fabulous offerings in the Catskills region.

Labor Day Ski Sale - Save 50-60%

Crystal Mountain, WA - Labor Day Weekend Ski Sale Find great bargains at Crystal Mountain all weekend long in our outdoor event tent and in the Mountain Shop.

50-60% off 2011/12 demo equipment

10-15% off new 2012/13 equipment

50- 60% off select winter outerwear

Save $55 on 5 days of skiing/riding this season. Purchase a 5-day GO Card at the ticket window or Guest Services at the lowest price this weekend only.
When: September 1-3, 2012
Where: Crystal Mountain Resort Base Area

Summer Isn't Over Until We Say It's Over
Even though our temperatures have dropped below freezing a few nights this week, we are still enjoying summer with hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding and disc golf. The Mt. Rainier Gondola and the Summit House restaurant are open daily through September 23 and then we are ready for the snow to start flying. If you haven't joined us yet this season we hope to see you soon. Dogs are welcome as your hiking and sightseeing companion.

Mt. Bachelor Media Release - Winter Pass Sale Announced

Bend, OR - Mt. Bachelor has announced Season Pass pricing, along with details on seasonal programs for the upcoming 2012/13 winter season. All winter pass products are offered at the same rates as last year and will go on sale beginning at 9:00am PST on Thursday, August 30th and available at pre-season rates through Monday, October 1st, 2012.

A Full Season Pass provides the most affordable access to Mt. Bachelor for guests who visit 11 or more days per winter. The 12 Day Pass is available for guests who visit less frequently than full pass holders, offering non-holiday skiers/riders mountain access for just $37.50 per day, also available at the same rates as last season.

The popular Fall Payment Plan returns, offering pass holders the convenience of buying a Season Pass with a minimal down payment. Season Passes may be purchased with an initial deposit of $49 per Pass by September 13th, with the remaining balance divided into two equal payments automatically charged to a credit card on October 15th and November 15th, 2012. Each Pass purchased through the Fall Payment Plan is subject to a $20 processing fee.

Mt. Bachelor has committed to operating daily through Memorial Day weekend, subject to snow conditions and guest visitation levels.

Mt. Bachelor has introduced a Season Passholder Report, providing insight into mountain operations, nearly $3 million in improvements for the upcoming winter season, the Management Team, community involvement, all the details on pricing and purchasing a winter pass product for the upcoming 2012/13 season.

In addition to winter pass products, season-long locker rentals, shuttle bus passes, and registration for seasonal Snowsports programs will also be available for sale beginning August 30th.

Whistler Ramps Up for the 2012.2013 Season!

Highlights Include: Wonder Routes, Family Appeal, New Snow School Programs, Backcountry Clinics and an All New High Performance Rental Fleet

Whistler, BC - Building on last year’s incredible season, Whistler Blackcomb is introducing new products and services - affirming its spot as the consistently ranked No.1 ski resort in North America.

Last winter, Whistler Blackcomb tallied a total accumulation of 1,389 centimeters or 45.6 feet of snow. While those numbers seem high, they are actually just above the annual average delivered to Whistler Blackcomb each year. Over the past ten years Whistler Blackcomb has received an average of 1,192 centimeters or 39.1 feet.

“Following on the heels of last year’s exceptional season, this winter we are looking forward to continuing to show guests why we’re a great skiing and riding destination,” said Dave Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “Last season we achieved the highest customer satisfaction score in the Canadian ski industry, affirming our reputation for delivering an incredible guest experience. This season we will continue to improve our guest experience by introducing a new “Family Certified” program, developing new Snow School programs, and unveiling the new Wonder Routes.”

Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day for this ski season is November 22, 2012.

September Sessions presented by Specialized® at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park, CO - Winter Park Resort is offering guests one more chance to take advantage of great weather and Trestle Bike Park before the summer season ends. Beginning September 3, 2012, visitors can buy their September Sessions deal at Trestle Bike Park Shop, or use their already purchased Trestle Bike Park Season Pass to cash in on these great deals until the end of the season.

With the newly unveiled September Sessions presented by Specialized®, bikers can purchase any Trestle Bike Park Lesson Package including a Specialized® bike rental with body armor for only $129 AND receive a season pass for the remainder of the year (September 3-September 23, valid Monday-Thursday), as well as any of the benefits listed below. Featuring new trails like Cruel & Unusual and Space Ape, Trestle Bike Park should be at the top of every summer to-do list and can now be a reality with these all-time low prices and deals. Trestle is the fastest growing bike park in the United States offering more than 40 miles of gravity-fed trails with hundreds of features throughout the park. Boasting a top-to-bottom green trail called Green World and the new, expert-only trail, Cruel and Unusual, Trestle is a mecca for mountain bikers of all skillsets.

September Sessions deals include:

$129 for any Trestle Bike Park Lesson Package (includes a Specialized® bike rental and full body armor) –riders receive a FREE Trestle season pass for the remainder of the season with this purchase!

$69 half-day lift/rental packages (September 3-September 23, valid Monday-Thursday)

$20 off any Trestle Bike Park Lesson

50% off rentals (up to 2 people)

21st Annual Oktoberfest Celebrates Foliage Season at Whiteface... Bavarian Food, Drink, Live Music and More at Fall Festival

21st Annual Oktoberfest Celebrates Foliage Season at Whiteface - Bavarian Food, Drink, Live Music and More at Fall Festival

Wilmington, NY - The 21st annual Whiteface Oktoberfest, in Wilmington, N.Y., is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30. During the two-day festival, the Olympic mountain dusts off its lederhosen, fires up the oompah band and enjoys a tall mug of German beer. But it’s more than that… it’s fun for the entire family with activities including original vendors, arts and crafts, children’s amusement rides including the popular hayride and inflatables, Bavarian food, drink and entertainment.

Of course the Whiteface Oktoberfest offers great traditional German music from Die Schlauberger, performing under the entertainment tent outside the base lodge each day and Ed Schenk on the accordion. The Cloudspin Lounge will also feature music from Schachtelgebirger Musikanten (Scha-Musi) and performing at their forth Oktoberfest will be Spitze and The Alpen Trio.

As America’s #1 German band die Schlauberger is a powerhouse of musical expertise. From the moment they step on stage until they have wrung the final note from their last song, die Schlauberger has the audience up and dancing to their powerful renditions of German favorites and other crowd pleasing tunes.

Spitze will also get the audience involved with their amazing alpine show which features cowbells, the alpine xylophone, and the alphorn and of course – yodeling, while the Alpen Trio will greet Cloudsplitter Gondola passengers at the summit of Little Whiteface with the alphorns (weather permitting). Finally, Whiteface also welcomes back Schachtelgebirger Musikanten for the eighth year to our Oktoberfest. The lively duo will be performing in the Cloudspin Lounge on Saturday and on Sunday.

Other entertainment to be found during the festival include the Alpenland Taenzer, nominated and accepted as members of the "Gauverband Nordamerica," a nationally and internationally known organization promoting German Heritage throughout the United States and Canada, and “Kindergruppe,” comprised of 8-10 couples ages 3-19. Older members of the Kindergruppe also dance in the adult group. Guests can also drive the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway and enjoy spectacular 360-panaromic views of the region, spanning hundreds of square miles of wild land reaching out to Vermont and Canada from the top of the state’s fifth highest peak.

Oktoberfest will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided both days. Departure from the Olympic Center Box Office in Lake Placid takes place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Departure from Whiteface to Lake Placid takes place at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. (Sunday only), and 6 p.m. (Saturday only). From Wilmington pick-ups are at noon both days with the return shuttle leaving Whiteface at 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for juniors and seniors and gondola rides are $13.

BurkeBlast! Fall Preview

East Burke, VT -

The Tamarack Grill Presents: A Fall Music Series

Believe it or not, the leaves are changing in the Burke Area. And to celebrate this most colorful season, the Tamarack Grill introduces A Fall Music Series. It begins September 8, with new comers to the Burke music scene, Burlington's most renowned country-rock outfit, Weylon Speed. Another crowd pleaser and local favorite follows on September 21 with Tritium Well. And from the east coast of Canada, on Prince Edward Island, Gordon Belsher & master fiddler Richard Wood, perform October 7.

Bike Up Mountains

Part of the Bike Up the Mountain Point Series (BUMPS) Challenge, the Burke Mountain Bike Race is a 3.7 mile hill climb to the summit of Burke Mountain from the Sherburne Base Lodge. Think you have what it takes?

A Kingdom United

Take advantage of unlimited skiing and riding this winter at two great mountains with one big season pass. Burke Mountain & Jay Peak Resorts are proud to offer many combo season pass options for the 2012/13 winter season. Don't forget to purchase before October 15 to get the absolute best deal. We've also made some positive changes to our season pass products. There is now a more affordable Senior 2 Pass for ages 70+, and larger discounts for families with our Family Pass Options. And the Midweek Pass is now valid during holiday periods! Our Easy Payment Plan is also a helpful way to spread the cost of your season pass(es) into affordable monthly payments. If you have already purchased your season pass prior to July 9 and are interested in upgrading to add access to Jay Peak Resort, pay only $50 until October 15.

Pocono Garlic Festival - Labor Day Weekend

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - The 18th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival is coming up on September 1st & 2nd! Join us at Shawnee Mountain Labor Day weekend for this legendary local event to check out some of the Poconos’ finest farms, garlic-infused recipes, garlic-themed crafts and local entertainment.

Lederhosen and Dirndl's Oktoberfest At Sugar Mountain Resort

Banner Elk, NC - There are lots of reasons for you to head to Sugar Mountain Resort Saturday & Sunday, October 13th & 14th. Not only will the Harbour Town Fest Band provide a festive Bavarian atmosphere to Sugar's 22nd annual Oktoberfest celebration but the national award winning Avery Smooth Dancers and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers will get your toes a tap'in. Admission, parking and shuttle service are free. Rain or shine the festival will go on!

Take in the beautiful fall foliage, cool, comfortable mountain temperatures, and a weekend full of fall festival activities from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm each day. Be sure to bring the kids because the event is for the whole family.

An array of artisans, craftspeople and food vendors open their booths at 10:00 am each day. A sampling of this year's country craft fair sale items include: pottery, wood and glass folk art, books by local and regional authors, stained glass sun-catchers, hair accessories, handmade wooden crafts, hand crafted furniture, ceramics, handmade pet feeders & beds, polymer clay items, crafted rustic bark, handmade bath & body products, jewelry, home-made baked goods, jams & jellies, kettle corn, funnel cake, crazy fries and much more.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the North Carolina High Country, Southern Virginia and Eastern Tennessee's beautiful fall foliage from the mile and a half long scenic chairlift ride to Sugar's 5,300 foot peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift.

A children's activity area, located in the Ski School Play Yard will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4:00 pm. The children's area includes bounce and play stations, hay rides and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear. Face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, and drinks are also available in the children's activity area.

An Oktoberfest isn't complete without the sounds of an Oom Pah Band. From noon until 4:00 pm both Saturday & Sunday the 15 piece Harbour Towne Fest Band guarantees to bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain.

Adding to the Oktoberfest excitement the Avery Smooth Dancers will perform on Saturday at 1:00 pm and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers will perform on Sunday at 1:30 pm. Both dance groups are comprised of local Avery high school, middle school and elementary school students. They will perform Big Circle Appalachian smooth dancing; the oldest form of square dancing in the United States. The steps and patterns are derived from Scottish and English country dancing and are the forerunner of American clogging steps today.

Bavarian cuisine including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels will be available starting at 11:00 am both Saturday & Sunday. To help wash it down an ample supply of Spaten beer will generously flow each day until 5:00 pm. Spaten Oktoberfest beer, created in 1872 and brewed in Munich, Germany, is the world's first Oktoberfest beer. If Bavarian cuisine isn't your preference American hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and other festive foods will be on hand.

What's New at the Canadian Rockies Big 3 Ski Resorts!‏

Big air bag jumps, thrill-ride tubing, outstanding guest services and some serious champagne powder; the Banff Lake Louise Sunshine 2012/13 ski season is just around the corner!

Banff, AB - Banff Mount Norquay

Banff’s backyard playground is back with some big changes this coming season, opening up its runs to cater to all ski abilities and winter activities. Safety First – New Loading Conveyer - Taking steps to open up the mountain to beginner skiers and snowboarders, Mt. Norquay has introduced a loading conveyor on its already improved Spirit Chair! Aimed at providing greater terrain access for beginners and improved safety for all skiers, the loading conveyer provides riders with easy chair access and a much faster ride up the mountain by reducing the ‘stops and slows’ by more than 50%. This means more runs, more fun.

Tubular Man – Tube Town Expansion! Hold on to your hats for the Mt. Norquay Tube Town expansion! With new lanes, new lifts and improved slopes, Mt. Norquay’s famous Tube Park is back with a bang for another season. Plans to double the amount of tubing lanes will kick tubing into the next gear so you can spend more time experiencing that thrill ride down the mountainside.

The Lake Louise Ski Area

Lake Louise presents its new Base Area Play Zone! Catering to all abilities, the exciting new instalments to The Lake Louise Ski Area will ensure its best season ever!
Big Air Bag Jump - First up is the incredible big air Bag Jump. Designed by professional snowboarders, Hollywood stuntmen and leading engineers, the Bag Jump is for expert skiers and snowboarders who want to catch some serious air on the slope this season. This full time instalment of the ultimate ‘big kids’ toy means you can safely perfect your Double Rodeos and Triple Corks without stressing about landing them.
Brand New Tube Park! - For those more inclined to keep their feet on the slope, The Lake Louise Ski Area presents the opening of a brand new Tube Park! Located at the base of the ski area, the new Tube Park is the perfect addition to the aptly named, Base Area Play Zone. The second of its kind to the area, the Tube Park is great for all ages and abilities for those still wanting the white powder rush.

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is taking the quality of the Canadian ski experience to a new level. With renovated guest services and amenities, you can dine and relax in comfort when you’re not skiing the world-famous slopes.
Smoke Houses, Creperies and Vietnamese Delicacies - During a full day on the mountain, you need time to fuel up. Time and effort is being spent by Sunshine Village in expanding and improving their food and beverage services to ensure the culinary need of every guest is met. The addition of a smoke house to Mad Trapper’s Saloon will expand Sunshine Village’s signature dishes, while the introduction of a Vietnamese Pho café in the Daylodge will provide a fresh, hot and healthy alternative to your usual lodge lunch. Look out for a very European creperie also appearing for the season!

Vettes on the Rockies Show 'n Shine Event at Winter Park Resort features more than 250 'Vettes

Winter Park, CO - The Vettes on the Rockies Show ‘n Shine event is a car show featuring Corvettes of all years and body styles. Cars from all across the country are on display in Winter Park. Participants in attendance at the event vote for their favorite cars. On display are, of course, the newest and most powerful Corvettes including the ZR-1 with over 600 horsepower as well as classics from the 1950s. This event is the largest collection of Corvettes in one place in Colorado.

:Guitar Wizard Pat Metheny Plays Belleayre August 11

Highmount, NY - Pat Metheny, “the most outstanding jazz guitarist of his generation,” with his Unity Band, closes out the Catskill Mountain Jazz Series at the Belleaye Music Festival in mesmerizing style on Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m. The final weekend of Belleayre’s jazz series gets underway with a freewheeling musical experience featuring vibraphonist extraordinare, Stefon Harris and Blackout playing “Jazz for the Here and Now” on Friday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m in the Belleayre Jazz Club. Nineteen-time Grammy winner and Downbeat Poll’s #1 Guitarist, Pat Metheny burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974.

He quickly established his trademark playing style, which blended the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players, with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility. With his first album, “Bright Size Life,” he reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation of players.

Get ready for the Belleayre Mountain All Terrain Challenge on Sunday, August 26 sponsored by Overlook Mountain Bikes in Woodstock! This race is Race # 4 in the 2012 NYS MTB Series. Cash prizes for Cat 1 and Pro/Semi Pro riders! Cat 2&3 riders get medals with a prize blow out at the finals on 9/9/12 in Semptember! The first 100 pre-registered riders get free Race Tee!

Sugarbrew's Best In Show Goes To Southern Tier's Choklat Brew

Banner Elk, NC - Lakewood, New York's Southern Tier Brewing Company took top honors in the Best in Show Beer contest during this past Saturday's first annual SugarBrew Festival.

For hours a panel of twelve celebrity personalities powered through seventy-two craft brews in five categories to determine this year's winners. The contest was held in the mix of the festival were passers-by could observe the fun and grueling task of judging. Entries were judged on appearance, smell, taste, after taste, and drinkability. Categories included High Gravity, Ale & Pilsner, Lager, Porter & Stout, and Wheat.

Southern Tier's, Choklat will be featured in Sugar Mountain Ski Resort's Last Run Lounge throughout the winter season. Southern Tier's, Choklat, & Crème Brûlée along with Thomas Creek Brewery's Up the Creek Extreme IPA will be available nightly at the Painted Fish Café.