Spring Skiing & Riding at its Best

East Burke, VT - Celebrate Spring the True North Way
Temperatures have been colder than expected this first week in April, bringing 5 " of new snow to the mountain in the past 3 days. Spring skiing & riding conditions are the best they have been in years; upper mountain trails are in tip top shape, making snow conditions on open terrain absolutely phenomenal right now - just in time for our 22nd Annual Pond Skimming Celebration. Join us at Burke Saturday, April 6 and you'll get it all - skiing, riding, music, sun and fun. We'll have the grills loaded with burgers, hot dogs & more along with the Magic Hat Beer Garden overlooking the pond where over 50 brave souls compete for fame, prizes and the chance to be crowned the 2013 King & Queen of the Pond. We hope you can join us!

2013/14 Season Passes-Ski Free & Save
Get the absolute best pricing of the year and purchase your 2013/14 season pass before May 13. And- if you buy now, you'll ski the last days of the season for free. Upgrade to The Judge Pass (Burke + Jay Peak Combo), and you'll be skiing for free at Jay Peak well into May.

'Bikinis for Breast Cancer' Raises over $11,000

Sun Peaks, BC - Under a perfect blue sky and spring sunshine, 14 participants skied, snowboarded or otherwise slid their way to raising $11,500 for breast cancer research at Sun Peaks last Saturday. As participants in the official ‘Bikinis for the Breast Cancer’ fundraiser, the brave ladies embarked down Tod Mountain in their bikini tops and snow pants to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

“I have to say for this being the first time for the event at Sun Peaks it exceeded all of my expectations,” says Karen Guidos, director of Three.Two.Done! event planning and event organizer. “I am so excited with how it all went.”

Plans are already in the works to make next year’s 'Bikinis for Breast Cancer' at Sun Peaks even more successful in raising awareness and funds for the Foundation. Several breast cancer survivors were on resort for the event, including members of the Spirit Warriors group in Kamloops, B.C.

After skiing down, participants warmed up in a slopeside hot tub provided by Sun Peaks Aquatics. Each participant paid a registration fee and collected pledges in the weeks prior to the event. Donations were also collected around the resort from guests and skiers.

Another Bikinis for Breast Cancer fundraiser will take place at Lake Louise on May 4, 2013.

Ski the Rest of the Season FREE & Other Spring Deals

East Burke, VT - With an anticipated closing date of April 14 and the best Spring skiing & riding conditions in years, there's no reason not to spend your days on the slopes at Burke. With just over two weeks left of the season, take advantage of early 2013/14 season pass pricing and ski & ride the rest of the season for free. Already a season pass holder? Order your 2013/14 season pass and get the best prices of the year. And- if you're still looking for Spring turns later in the season, upgrade to The Judge Pass (Burke + Jay Peak Combo) for just $699 and ski into the month of May for just $699!
If you're not quite ready to commit to a season pass, we have got a lift ticket deal for everyone. Bring a 2012/13 lift ticket from any other ski area for a $55 lift ticket. $45 if you have a season pass from another ski area.

Our biggest celebration of the season is just around the corner. Join us for a day of spectacular Spring skiing, riding and splashing! The 22nd Annual Pond Skimming Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 6. Join the competition for a chance at the title of King or Queen of the Pond and other fabulous prizes, or watch the brave contestants skim the pond from the Magic Hat Beer Garden and BBQ.

It May Be Spring....But We Have Tons Of Snow!

Highmount, NY - Are you a current season pass holder for the 2012-2013 season or did you purchase your pass for the 2013 -2014 season? We want to say thank you to you for all of your support by offering pass holders "5 for 5 Friends Days" on March 24th and March 29th, 30th, 31st & April 1st. That is five days with up to five friends for $25 per person each day. Share the Belle, Promote the Belle, Love the Belle! Make your weekend plans now. For those of you who don't have passes take advantage of the "5 for 5 Friends Day" deal and purchase your pass now, online or over the phone at 845.254.5600 ext. 2404/2444. If you aren't a pass holder don't forget that Sunday the 31st is the $30 Easter Special lift ticket. **Note: Midweek pass holders can take advantage of this promotion only on March 29th and April 1st.

Don't miss the best and craziest cardboard contraptions

Have you ever wanted to sled down Belleayre Mountain? Here's your chance! Everyone is welcome to make their own sled out of cardboard and duct tape, then race down the slopes. Make a sled at home or here. We will be supplying a limited amount of Duct tape and cardboard. Sled building will take place from 9am to 12pm in the Longhouse lodge. Registration will begin at 11am and the race begins at 1pm. Use your imagination to build the most stable and aerodynamic sled you can! Don't miss the best and craziest cardboard contraptions as family and friends race behind the Longhouse Lodge. The awards ceremony will follow directly after the event with prizes awarded to the most creative, fastest sled, best crash, & best Belleayre staff. The cost is FREE to enter and Helmets are required.

Celebrate Spring with Great Snow and Warm Temperatures

Flagstaff, AZ - As rewarding as an Easter egg hunt, finding those desirable spring skiing conditions is a real joy to many skiers and snowboarders, and Arizona Snowbowl is the place to look. The ski resort continues to have some of the best snow in the Southwest, riding out the season with discounts and specials, as outdoor recreationists transition from jackets to T-shirts in prime Arizona spring skiing style.

Arizona Snowbowl will maintain its regular operating schedule, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily through March 31, with extended hours on Family Fridays. The ski resort will be open three bonus days in April, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 5, 6, and 7 (closed April 1-4).

"With daytime high temperatures climbing toward the 40s on the San Francisco Peaks, we have the perfect spring skiing conditions on a 62-inch snow-packed base," said Arizona Snowbowl Marketing and Sales Director Dave Smith. "For many of our guests, this is the best time of year on the mountain. Just don't forget to use the sunscreen!"

With one Family Friday remaining in the season, March 29, guests can celebrate the end of the work week from 2- 6 p.m., with $10 lift tickets, $10 rentals and $10 group beginner lessons. Agassiz Lift will remain open until 4 p.m., while the Hart Prairie and Sunset lifts and the Little Spruce conveyor will stay open until 6 p.m.

This week, online lift tickets go on sale for $40 for Wednesday and Thursday. Meantime, guests can enjoy one more Two for Tuesday special on March 26. Two lift tickets may be purchased for the price of one online by midnight the night before.

Arizona Snowbowl plans to close its spectacular 75th anniversary season with a grand finale long weekend in April, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 5, 6, and 7, with live music on the Agassiz deck that weekend.

New Lift, Royal Gorge XC, 12/13 Spring Skiing, Free Skiing at Grand Targhee all part of Sugar Bowl Resort’s More Affordable 2013/14 Season Passes

Donner Summit, CA - Free skiing for the remainder of this season and a new chairlift for next season have skiers and riders excited about the new lower-priced 2013/14 season passes at Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. Season passes go on sale March 23, starting at just $299.

The 2013/14 Sugar Bowl season pass offers numerous new benefits for significantly less money. Passholders will have access to the new Crow’s Peak chairlift, planned for installation this summer, opening up a variety of new intermediate and expert terrain, old-growth tree skiing and beautiful glades on the western edge of the resort. Other benefits include $30 off lift tickets on any pass blackout days, discounted tickets for a friend, 50% off rentals and group lessons, as well as free lessons and rentals for the remainder of the 12/13 season. All Sugar Bowl season passholders will receive a free trail pass/rental/lesson package at Royal Groge, North America’s largest cross country resort, while Royal Gorge season passholders will receive a free lift/lesson/rental package at Sugar Bowl. Combo Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge season passholders will receive the package of their choice. Sugar Bowl Season Passholders can also ski and ride for free at Grand Targhee Resort, located in the Tetons of Wyoming, when staying two consecutive nights in Grand Targhee lodging.

Pass prices have been reduced significantly for the 2013/14 season. Adult Midweek Plus passes are priced at $299, Summit Sunday Plus passes are $399, Slightly Restricted passes are $469 and the Unrestricted pass is $799. All passes offer 7-day unrestricted access both early and late season. The pass prices are a $30 to $60 savings from last season’s prices.

A standalone unrestricted Royal Gorge XC pass is $299. Combined Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge passes start at $449.

Sugar Bowl Resort receives the most annual snowfall in Tahoe, and has a wealth of backcountry access from the resort’s open boundaries. The resort is the closest Tahoe resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area, and is known for short liftlines, easy parking and a skiing-centric vibe. The resort has been California owned and operated since 1939, and was voted as one of the top 25 ski resort in North American by Outside Magazine in 2012.

Pats Peak Banquet Center Named Top Wedding Venue In The Knot Best of Weddings 2013

Henniker, NH - Pats Peak Banquet Center is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2013 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section featured on www.TheKnot.com/BOW.

TheKnot.com is the number-one wedding destination website, most trusted by brides. Recent brides in New Hampshire rate and review their wedding vendors. The results create the annual list of the best wedding venues and top wedding pros in New Hampshire.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2013 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. Engaged couples across the country want the inside scoop on the best from real brides.

“It’s an honor to have been chosen as a top wedding venue by our brides,” said Lori Rowell, Marketing Director. “We strive to provide personalized service for our couples and we appreciate them honoring us with a great review.”

Powdr Resorts and Woodward Offer Youth a License 2 Ride

Park City, UT - Powdr Corp. (Powdr), a leading mountain resort and action sports camp owner and operator in North America, today announced License 2 Ride, a unique program supporting the youth in the snowsports industry. Passholders aged 17 and under (18 and under for Killington and Mt Bachelor resorts) who purchase their winter 2013-14 season pass to one of six participating Powdr resorts will receive privileges to ride the other five additional resorts for free. Plus, pass holders who currently have a 2012-13 youth/teen pass or who purchase their 2013-14 season pass by May 1, 2013 will save $200 on a week at summer camp at one of Woodward’s four locations in the United States.

“Powdr and Woodward know that the youth are the future of our industry,” said John Cumming, chief executive officer of Powdr. “License 2 Ride is our first program focused on the youth to encourage access to our incredible network of diverse resorts and action sports camps in North America.”

Participating resorts include Boreal Mountain Resort in California, Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, Killington Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mt Bachelor Resort in Oregon, Park City Mountain Resort in Utah and Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort in Nevada. Participants redeem their License 2 Ride by bringing their home mountain season pass to a ticket window at the other resorts – adult pass holders (18 and over) are eligible for 20 percent discount off of lift tickets.

Woodward is the leading action sports camp in the nation. Woodward currently has four camps in the United States including Camp Woodward in Woodward, Pennsylvania; Woodward West in Tehachapi, California; Woodward Tahoe at Boreal Mountain Resort in California; and Woodward at Copper in Summit County, Colorado. Pass holders who currently have a 2012-2013 youth season pass or purchase their 2013-14 season pass by May 1, 2013 will receive a promo code valid for $200 off a week at summer camp.

Results from Asessippi Resort

Inglis, MB - Record snowfalls have been reported in many areas throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan and for at least one business all this snow simply means great conditions.

"We are confident that we will have plenty of snow for our March 31, Slush Cup and last day of the season this year," said Roz Pulo, director of marketing for Asessippi Ski Area & Resort.

Last year at this time, Asessippi had already been forced to close a full two weeks ahead of schedule, so this is no doubt a nice change for the largest ski area on the prairies. It was a similar story for most of the ski areas right across western Canada, this season they hope the fresh snow will keep visits strong over the spring break and also drive more season pass sales. Asessippi Resort offers a discounted season pass in the spring, called the Super Pass, it is a season pass for next season but can be used from the day you purchase it.

"The pass not only allows guests to save close to 50% off regular season pass prices, it also offers a lot of bonuses, like a bring a friend lift ticket plus a single day river tubing voucher," Pulo explained.

The Banff Ice Big Air competition was held Saturday, March 16, and once again attracted skiers and snowboarders from across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Results are below.

Asessippi Ski Area & Resort is located just west of Inglis, near the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border.

Grizzly Ultra Race - Special Two Event Weekend at Panorama

Panorama, BC - On August 31, 2013 mountain bikers will challenge an enduro style race and on Sunday September 1 runners can compete in an ultra trail-run race. In both the biking and the running events, racers can choose if they want to do the whole 36km course solo, or split it amongst a team of up to 5 people. The $250 team fee is the same regardless of team size and the solo fee is $80. Team captains may add, delete or substitute team member names any time after registration until 14 days prior to the event at no cost. In the relay categories, awards will be presented in three classes: all male, all female and mixed.

“Grizzly Mountain Events is very excited about expanding their Canadian series to include a spectacular two day event at the world class Panorama Mountain Village. The addition of the Saturday Mountain Bike event will appeal to the established Panorama mountain biking community,” states Tony Smith Event Director with Grizzly Mountain Events.

“The five legs of the Grizzly Panorama Mountain trail running and mountain bike course offer varied terrain and difficulty levels suitable for all abilities. The solo category will appeal to more seasoned trail enthusiasts looking to take on the challenge of tackling all 5 legs,” continues Mr. Smith.

The first leg is a 3 km sprint on fairly flat ground. The second leg, although only 4 km, is likely the most difficult due to its half kilometer vertical ascent. Leg three is long at 10km but it is mostly downhill. Both leg four and five are about 10 km with leg five being shorter, slightly less hilly and rated less difficult.

The Grizzly Mountain Event expects the Panorama races to draw in about 500 participants in total. “The September 1 Panorama event is perfectly positioned on the Grizzly Mountain Events calendar as a stepping stone towards the very popular October 13 Grizzly Canmore Ultra Marathon & Relay. Last year's Canmore event hosted almost 1,000 runners. Many of the Canmore participants have their sights set on Panorama,” according to Mr. Smith.

“We are delighted to host these new events at Panorama as we continue to add to the repertoire of experiences,” commented Panorama’s Race Training & Mountain Events Manager Patrick Gillespie.

Exciting Future Ahead for Greywolf Golf Course

Panorama, BC - An exciting future lies ahead as Panorama Mountain Village finalizes full ownership transfer of the award winning Greywolf Golf Course at Panorama Mountain Village to Totem Golf Ltd. With completion of the purchase, Totem Golf Ltd. has announced a renewed focus on customer service and released plans for a new clubhouse to be open in 2014.

The values of Totem Golf Ltd. are centered on offering exceptional course conditions, maintaining a consistent pace of play, and creating a phenomenal golfing experience that both appeals to and challenges golfers of every level.

Totem Golf Ltd. plans to build a new Clubhouse scheduled for construction in the fall of 2013. Club and cart storage and full service locker rooms are included in the plans, along with an expanded Pro Shop and dining facilities.

"We welcome Totem Golf Ltd. and the addition of a General Manager, Head Professional & Superintendent to Panorama." states Rick Jensen, President & CEO of Panorama Mountain Village. "We are excited about working closely with the Totem Golf team and continuing to offer our guests an exceptional experience on and off the course."

Greywolf is rated among Canada’s Top 25 courses per Score Golf magazine and is home to “Cliffhanger” one of the most dramatic par 3 holes in the world. Summer golf packages are now available through Panorama Mountain Village.

The Wailers Come to Crested Butte for FestEVOL 2013

Opening Band Twiddle Will Bring Funk to the Reggae Sounds of this Spring Show
Crested Butte, CO - FestEVOL, Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) springtime concert series returns for another show this spring. FestEVOL is a unique lifestyle experience combining snowsports with live music, innovative natural brands and the sustainably focused Reverb Eco-Village. In its fourth year, FestEVOL will showcase a great line-up of live music, skiing and riding, and all-natural foods to CBMR. On Saturday, March 9, local band Mine Control will start the festivities off, followed by Vermont-based band Twiddle, with special guest John Popper of Blues Traveler. The main act will be The Wailers, reggae legends and also crowd pleasers.

Concert tickets are now on sale for the Crested Butte event at www.SkiCB.com/festevol. General admission tickets are $25 per person and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $50 per person. CBMR season passholder discounts are available when purchasing in the Adventure Center at the resort. Lodging, lift ticket and concert packages are available at a 25% discount, when purchasing all together. Call Crested Butte Vacations for more information at 800-600-2803 or locally at 970-349-4554. Guests can also buy concert tickets onsite for $30 per person until the show begins.

This year, FestEVOL begins its three stop tour at Crested Butte Mountain Resort March 9th. Then heads east March 16th to Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont, where O.A.R will open for Yukon Kornelious and Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, New Hampshire on March 23, featuring O.A.R.

As a little background, FestEVOL began three years ago in Crested Butte, Colo. as an idea among friends and now partners; combining mountain sports, live music, innovative natural brands and a sustainably focused “eco village” to keep the event green and to help spread environment consciousness among concert-goers. FestEVOL teamed up with the IZSTYLE winter tour to feature the Reverb Eco Village. This interactive village includes local, regional and national environmental non-profit groups alongside alternative energy and transportation exhibits. The Eco Village also highlights all natural/organic food sampling and ski/snowboard equipment demos with Nordica skis and Burton snowboards.

Reverb is a non-profit started by Guster band member Adam Gardner, and his wife Lauren Sullivan as an effort to “green up” concert venues, including things like enhancing recycling efforts, switching tour buses to bio-diesel, and using LED lights for on-stage lighting to name a few.

Spring Deals at Mount Snow!

West Dover, VT - Snowsports enthusiasts in the northeast will find an abundance of deals to ski and ride at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont as March rolls in, including the Vernal Eternal Spring Pass which provides the pass holder unlimited direct to lift access from March 1 through the end of the season. As a major snow storm deposits several inches of snow on the mountain during the waning days of February, the spring skiing and riding season is shaping up to be stellar which will make the list of deals that much more appealing.

Mount Snow branded the last five weeks of the winter season Vernal Eternal as a way of identifying the timeframe that is jam packed with annual festivals, events, competitions and live music; Vernal Eternal is also known as a time when the sun is higher in the sky and the deals are easy to come by.

Vernal Eternal Spring Pass - Valid every day from March 1 through the end of the winter season with direct to lift access; non-transferable. Available online Feb. 28 for $249.

Bud Light St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Green Eggs and Kegs, live music, outdoor party and $17 lift tickets on Sunday, March 17. Lift ticket deal is only available for advance purchase online with a limited quantity of 2,000 available.

Timberline Lodge Joins Historic Hotels of America

Government Camp, OR - RLK and Company, operators of Timberline Lodge is pleased to announce it has been accepted into the Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Timberline Lodge is now one of a distinctive group of hotels, resorts, and lodges throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.

"The trend of cultural and heritage travel in America continues to grow," said Lawrence Horowitz, executive director of Historic Hotels Worldwide. "By inviting Timberline Lodge into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing the lodge's rich history. Our goal is to bring these historically special hotels and their authentic experiences to the attention of the traveling public."

Timberline's General Manager, Mark Vincent commented that "We are very pleased to have been recognized by The National Trust for Historic Preservation and to join this wonderful grouping of historic properties. Timberline Lodge is rich in history and architectural beauty. We love to share this special place with others. What we offer our guests is a quality, authentic, and memorable experience."

Snowing! Castle is taking shape for this weekend's Winter Carnival!

White Pass, WA - Hats off to Hugh Webber, Dave Mahre and Kevin McCarthy for their part in creating the White Pass Winter Carnival! First held in 1987, the event has become tradition for generations of northwest families. Tubing down the castle, making that first run on the Kids' Obstacle Course or competing in the Ski 4 Kids race weekend make memories that last a lifetime! We look forward to seeing you at White Pass this weekend.

Cranmore Joins Three Mountains for New White Mountain Super Pass

White Mountain Region, NH - Bretton Woods, Cranmore, Cannon Mountain and Waterville Valley ski areas announce the launch of the White Mountain Superpass to go on sale February 23, 2013. The pass will be valid any day of the 2013-2014 winter season at all four mountains. There are no blackout date restrictions.

”There has been such great success with our combined 4NH College Pass, we all quickly agreed that offering a season pass to everyone for the same four areas was an exciting proposition,” said Chris Sununu, CEO of Waterville Valley. The 4NH pass includes the same four mountains, but is a college student-only pass and has been offered since 2008.

The new White Mountain Superpass will give skiers and riders access to a combined total of 284 trails, 41 lifts, 1,148 acres and 6,900 vertical feet; and it includes a special “Bring-A-Friend Bonus.” The bonus enables the pass holder to get a friend $15 off the purchase of a one-day full-priced adult lift ticket. The offer can be used once per day for the purchase of one ticket. Pass holders may also receive a 10 percent discount from select retail outlets at each ski area.

"We think it’s a fantastic value and certainly one of the best combined passes in the East,” said John DeVivo, Cannon Mountain’s general manager. “The Superpass really gives skiers and riders amazing options when it comes to choosing where to take their next ski trip.”

Shawnee Mountain Gives Back - 2013 Charitable Event Donations

East Stroudsburg, PA - Shawnee Mountain is pleased to announce its donation of all the proceeds from the Pennsylvania Learn to Ski Day held January 3 on the Ski Area’s Learning Center. A total of $1,340 was donated to the Bushkill Outreach. The Bushkill Outreach is a local food bank affiliated with the Reformed Church of Bushkill and St. John’s Catholic Church of Bushkill, PA.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, Feb 9 & 10, Shawnee Mountain held its annual Race Against Cancer on the Upper Tomahawk NASTAR Race Trail. Race fee proceeds, along with corporate sponsorships and individual donations raised $6,797, all of which has been sent to Monroe County Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Both Pennsylvania Learn to Ski Day and the Race Against Cancer are long standing Shawnee Mountain Events and along with other fundraisers are held annually at the family orientated Ski Area.

Lake Louise Ski Area, Tube Park Now Open

Banff / Lake Louise, AB - Just in time for Family Day and for the first time ever, guests at The Lake Louise Ski Area can experience the delight of tubing. Sunny Tube Park is the latest addition to the Lake Louise Ski Area’s Base Area Play Zone and is perfect for both first timers to a ski resort, as well as seasoned skiers and snowboarders looking for a different kind of snowy adrenaline rush!

We are very excited to introduce this new activity to The Lake Louise Ski Area,” says Mike Moynihan, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager. “There is much more to our winter wonderland than downhill skiing and snowboarding. With snowshoe tours, cross-country skiing, and now Tubing at the mountain, and many more activities offered in the Lake Louise area, we are proud that all ages can enjoy a winter experience of a lifetime here.”

Sunny Tube is located at the base of The Lake Louise Ski Area and will be open seven days a week until the end of the ski season. Guests are carried up the slopes on a moving carpet, and then get to enjoy the thrill ride down a groomed, two-lane track. No previous experience is required; just bring an appetite for fun.

Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Reports Sold-Out 13th Anniversary

Vail, Colorado - The 13th Annual Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival in January,the Big Beers Festival, highly valued for the attendees' ability to connect directly with brewmasters and importers throughout a diverse weekend of events, has been deemed a success once again. A tradition held in well-renowned Vail, Colorado, garnered rave reviews from attendees and presenters, and the three-day festival has earned a reputation for attracting the "who's who" in craft beer, while remaining approachable to all interested. This year the entire event sold-out; some selections gone within the first two hours after tickets were released, including the debut option of VIP tickets and the hallmark of the event: the Commercial Tasting. Big Beers was also was the hot spot for numerous awards bestowed to both homebrewers and commercial brewers, earning national recognition for the winners as a result.

Demonstrating how an uber-successful craft beer festival (dubbed by one newspaper headline as "The Nation's Best") can still retain an intimate connection with the attendees, festival organizers responded to last-minute requests for an important Denver Broncos play-off football game to be shown during the Commercial Tasting. A selection of all-Colorado craft brewers in what became dubbed "Broncos Alley" presided alongside a five-foot television screen showing the play-off game, surrounded by more than eighty of the world's most innovative brewers, importers and their imaginative and extremely popular creations.

Diversity of programming was another key element that remained a hallmark of the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival, including a homebrew competition and seminars offered by the brewmasters who presented eclectic sessions on all things brewing, from "Smoke" to "The Beer in My Cheese", and from "Brewing Belgian Styles" to "Creating Flavor: The Art of Blending Hops". A memorable event for attendees of the Cicerone Workshop (similar to a Sommelier program in the wine world) was an "off- flavor" beer tasting-not something that is usually found at beer festivals.

The Best of Show award winning homebrewer, Charlie Gottenkieny from Littleton, CO, won with 'Winter Solstice Saison' which will now be commercially brewed by the Dry Dock Brewing Company and co-entered in the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition in Denver, Colorado this October. The winner of the People's Choice Award, Odell Brewing Co. from Ft. Collins, CO, was the chosen winner via popular vote from the attendees during the Commercial Tasting for their new seasonal 'Odell Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout', which was provided for the attendees at the welcome reception and in the Fireside Bar over the course of the Big Beers Festival. Shawn DeWitt of Coronado Brewing Co. won the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Pairing Taste-off for the second year in a row with Coronado's Hoppy Daze Belgio IPA paired with Purple Haze on Raisin Rosemary Crisps from Cypress Grove Chèvre. The win put him in competition with Steven Pauwels from Boulevard Brewing Co, who is the only other Brewmaster to win the Big Beers CraftBeer.com Taste-off twice.

The festival's success continues to boom: The Commercial Tasting welcomed more than 1,100 attendees, and more than eighty breweries and importers showcased their wares--a significant increase over the 2012 festival--and the Fireside program was so popular that more than twenty-five donated five-gallon kegs were consumed on the first two nights.

February Vacation Week Events at Cranmore Mountain

N. Conway, NH - - Cranmore Mountain, located in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley, is the place to be this President's Day vacation week. With skiing and non skiing activities and a full schedule of family events, there is something for everyone.

This February vacation week includes a special farm themed Cranapalooza and fireworks sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger on February 16th, and a Hollywood themed Cranapalooza and fireworks sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink on Saturday, February 23rd. Both of these dates include a bonus family friendly magic show at the Artist Falls Lodge from 4:30-5:30pm, with magician Ryan Mahoney. February also includes a bonus Cranapalooza on Wednesday, February 20th.

Friday, February 22nd, Stonewall Kitchen will be on the deck of Zip’s Pub & Grille with free product samples, and Rockstar will be on property sampling drinks on Saturday, February 23rd.

Cranmore's terrain parks are hosting their second freestyle event of the season, Saturday, February 23rd- RAMP Sports and Arbor Present Retro Fest Rail Jam. Grab your skis and boards, along with your best day glow gear and come out and throw down. Registration starts at 9am in the main base lodge and is $10 plus a lift ticket or seasons pass. The event will start at noon in the Double Feature Park. Winners will walk away with new skis or a board courtesy of the presenting sponsors and other prizes from sponsors, Dakine, Shreddy Times and Frontside Grind. RAMP Sports will be on property throughout the day with demo equipment.

Après entertainment is scheduled daily in Zip's Pub and Grille, February 16th through the 23rd and feature some of the best musicians in the Valley and surrounding areas.

The project East Coast Ski Bromont Successful Real Estate Contest

Bromont, PQ - The East Coast project won two awards at the Gala Domus APCHQ which took place last Saturday. Team Ski Bromont property was awarded trophies "Project and / or residential development of the year, multifamily" and "Construction of single-family $ 260,000 and less than $ 500,000." These accolades from industry are very popular, while the project will begin the third phase of its launch next spring.

"We are extremely proud of this recognition. East Coast Project is a project of great complexity involved in its planning, since it is located directly in the mountains and we are committed from the outset to integrate all of its components seamlessly in its environment. The awards in the last Domus Gala confirm the innovative spirit of our team behind the project, "says Charles Désourdy, President and CEO of Ski Bromont and Bromont Ski property.

Project East Coast, located on the Versant du Lac Ski Bromont, should include forward a hundred homes, available in different types of houses, condos or two to six units, single family homes and land for self. Sales Phases 1 and 2 have progressed rapidly, the marketing of two new buildings condos, respectively five and six units and three golf Phase 3 will be announced in the spring.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Burton Snowboards Debut Pirates Riglet Park

Champion, PA - Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania’s premier family-friendly resort, is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Pirates Riglet Park, , in partnership with Burton Snowboards, is set for 4 p.m., Friday, February 8.

Designed to introduce children as young as 3 to snowboarding, the Riglet Park is an introduction to snowboarding; a learning park for kids. The look, feel, and environment will be a creative blend of baseball and snowboarding. This unique Burton Riglet Park will be set up like a baseball field complete with a home plate view of PNC Park, the Pirate Parrot and more.

Inside the park will be a diverse selection of fun features like a cone zone where the kids will learn to weave in and out while being towed by their coaches, giant-sized bases, oversized baseball bats for jibs, a dugout for an on-snow chill-out zone, a t-ball area for kids to hit snowballs off the tee, and a home plate fort with a mini chairlift to practice safe loading and unloading skills.

Children in the Riglet Park program will begin their adventure in the Pirates Locker Room area of the Tiny Tots’ Snowboard School. Inside the locker room, which is inspired by the real Pirates locker room, kids will be issued their own locker with their nameplate on it, a Pirates helmet and a specially designed Burton vest. The vest looks like a Pirates jersey and features a handle on the back to help support the kids while learning. After a team meeting, the coaches load the kids onto the Pirates ship and will whisk them to the park to begin their lesson. At the entrance of the Burton Pirates Riglet Park, the kids will be welcomed by a giant baseball bat and ball hand-carved by one of the best wood sculptors in the world, Bob King.

Lesson programs in the Riglet Park will combine Burton’s industry-leading Kid's Learn To Ride equipment, Riglet teaching methods, Seven Springs kids coaches and an amazing environment, which equals the best way to introduce kids to snowboarding. One of the key pieces of technology that makes the magic happen is the Burton’s Riglet Reel, a specially designed reel that attaches to the nose of the 80, 90 and 100cm kids’ snowboards. Thanks to the Riglet Reel, coaches can tow kids on their snowboards, so they quickly learn how to balance, move and control their boards. Riglet Reel technology combined with Burton’s Riglet Park and Learn To Ride boards, boots, and bindings enhance and expedite the snowboarding process.

“The Pirates Riglet Park collaboration with Burton and the Pirates has created a forward-thinking project that will provide an innovative level of youth snowsports programs and set Seven Springs ahead of the industry in progressing these programs,” said Joel Rerko, Seven Springs Mountain Operations Manager. “The concept was simple – kids love baseball and playing outside, so we built a baseball field loaded with playground-like features that will have kids snowboarding with extreme confidence and having a blast in little to no time.”

A-Basin Announces New Elevation 3 Pass

Build-your-own three-day A-Basin adventure starting at $119
Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) announces the new Elevation 3 Pass, a three-day ski pass good anytime through the end of the 12/13 season, starting at $119 for adults and $89 for children ages 6-14. Guests can also add three-day dining and rental vouchers to the pass, allowing them to elevate their entire on-mountain experience at a discounted rate. The pass goes on sale Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at the season pass office and online at ArapahoeBasin.com.

Additionally, the legendary Pallavicini is open all day, every day for skiing and riding. Runs open include 13 Cornices, Standard and International.

Winter Carnival Day

East Stroudsburg, PA - The base of Shawnee Mountain will come alive on Sunday, February 24 with a festive carnival atmosphere and a fun day for Skiers, Snowboarders, Snow Tubers and Spectators.

Presented by Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and sponsored by Coca-Cola, Winter Carnival Day will feature ice sculpture, music, fun games and trivia contests, product sampling, outdoor BBQ, prizes and giveaways.

Shawnee Winter Carnival will also feature a live ice carving demo from the talented artists at Sculpted Ice Works. Sculpted Ice Works from Lakeville, PA will transform a 300 pound block of ice into a giant ice throne in front of the festival crowd. Skiers, riders, tubers and Shawnee Mountain guests will be able to take photos on the giant ice throne when it is completed.

The Shawnee Mountain Junior Development Team will perform a Skiing and Snowboarding Skills Demonstration on the Thundercloud Trail and Greenhouse Slope in full view of the base area spectators.

WSBG 93.5 Radio Station will provide DJs with outdoor music and giveaways all from the base of Shawnee Mountain. Red Bull will roll in for Winter Carnival Day with free samples.

The majority of activities will take place from 11am to 2pm in the base area, slope side. Funnel cake, kettle corn, crepe and roasted nut concessions along with face painting and carnival games for the kids will all add to the Winter Carnival atmosphere!

Top Riders at Seven Springs Mountain Resort Qualify to Compete at the Burton US Open in Vail

Seven Springs, PA - The Burton US Open Snowboarding Qualifiers presented by MINI concluded today after two amazing days of slopestyle and halfpipe competition at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania. At the event, the 10 best men and five women per discipline earned a piece of a $20,000 prize purse, and now advance to compete against some of the world’s biggest names in snowboarding at the 31st annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI in Vail, Colorado from February 25– March 2, 2013.

While the snow fell, top men and women put down some big runs during the halfpipe competition earlier today. Along with the winners from yesterday’s slopestyle event, they will compete at the US Open in Vail alongside world-class confirmed riders, including Kelly Clark, Mark McMorris, Torah Bright, Jamie Anderson, Iouri Podladtchikov and more.

The freeskiing portion of the US Revolution Tour begins Tues., Feb. 5. Designed to serve as a stepping stone for athletes making the transition from competing at the grassroots level to the elite level, the US Revolution Tour series pre-qualifies a portion of its field and then opens registration to any athlete, but is focused towards riders 13-19 years old and will award the top juniors an invite to be part of the US Grand Prix, Junior Worlds, the US Open, USASA Nationals, and participate in Project Gold camps. Some of these competitors can and will go on to the Olympic Trials!

Arizona Snowbowl's 75th Anniversary Festivities Start Friday

Flagstaff, AZ - Arizona Snowbowl's 75 birthday candles will be dancing down the mountain at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1 in a torchlight parade kicking off 10 days of anniversary festivities!

"A bonfire, food specials and prizes at Hart Prairie Lodge will warm spectators as Snowbowl employees light up the night in a procession down Sunset run," said Marketing and Sales Director Dave Smith.

Also Friday, Snowbowl will be offering 75 percent off afternoon lift tickets. Agassiz Chairlift will remain open until 4:30 p.m.; Sunset Chairlift will operate until 5 p.m.

From 1 - 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, all are encouraged to participate or cheer on contestants as they bring their creativity to a snowman-building contest! Individuals and teams will compete for prizes. Register by calling 928-214-4018. Contestants are asked to check in at Guest Services in Hart Prairie Lodge.

Meantime Snowbowl Goes Downtown Monday through Thursday next week with discounts and contests at participating restaurants and pubs. At 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, join some of Snowbowl's famous skiers for a Fireside Chat in the Weatherford Hotel's Zane Grey Ballroom. On Thursday, Feb. 7, Snowbowl will be celebrating wild fashions from the past. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to dress in their most retro outfits during Throwback Thursday! In addition, an evening of fun is being planned for the Arizona Snowbowl 75th Anniversary SnowDown, Friday, Feb. 8 at the High Country Conference Center with the band Mogollon. Tickets are $38, commemorating Snowbowl's first season in 1938. A table of 10 may be reserved for $380. With four feet of new snow and snowmaking, amazing conditions are forecast through February. Weekday specials such as Women's Wednesdays and Boomer Thursdays are back!

Sugar Bowl's New Website Highlights Real Estate Opportunities in Snowbound Village

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl Resort has launched a new website highlighting the real estate opportunities at the nation’s only snowbound village located on the slopes of one of West’s most legendary ski resorts.

The Village at Sugar Bowl is a slopeside village unequaled in North America. Connected by groomed ski trails, the Village homes sit below the snow-laden peaks of Sugar Bowl Resort’s Mount Disney and Mount Lincoln. When the ski lifts close for the day, the Village becomes a secluded, snowbound, quiet refuge for homeowners with unrivaled recreation only steps away. A short stroll down quiet paths takes you to fireplace-warmed dining at The Lodge. A cross-country ski from the doorstep directly connects to the groomed trails of Royal Gorge, America’s largest cross-country ski resort, and downhill skiers can slide right to their front door from the top of Sugar Bowl’s peaks.

The website gives homeowners and prospective buyers information on the availability of newly released Summit Crossing homesites, highlights re-sale opportunities in the Village at Sugar Bowl, and gives an overview of the village services, amenities and recreational opportunities.

Summit Crossing is a rare release of 25 new homesites at the Village at Sugar Bowl. The new website offers details on the prices, location and amenities available to Summit Crossing homeowners.

For prospective buyers who have a hard time visualizing the experience of living in a snowbound village, a new feature video on the Village at Sugar Bowl website gives them an inside look at the advantages of village homeownership — including reserved underground parking, snowcat transportation, dedicated express liftline privileges, and full-service home care and guest services.

The website also features improved navigation, an interactive village map showing properties currently on the market, and an informational section on the improvements planned for Sugar Bowl Resort. Sugar Bowl’s unique “lots of lifts” development approach reinvests the money made in real estate sales back into on-mountain improvements.

“Soldier on Fest” 4th edition will take place at Owl’s Head!

Mansonville, PQ - The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF), in collaboration with Canadian Forces, the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers and Mont Owl’s Head is pleased to welcome disabled Canadian Forces personnel, active or retired, in their Soldier-On Program to ASF’s annual “Soldier-On Fest 2013”. Thirty Canadian Force’s soldiers who have served in Afganistan will participate.

These participants from the Canadian Forces will come from bases in the Maritimes as well as Quebec and Eastern and Southern Ontario. With curling being added to the regular adaptive ski program, the ASF has added an extra day of activities. The five-day “Soldier-On Fest 2013” will again be held at Owl’s Head Ski Resort in Mansonville, Quebec from February 3rd to the 8th.

Wounded soldiers, several of whom are returning for their second year, will work with specially trained volunteer instructors from ASF to gain new skills and confidence in adaptive skiing. The extra day of curling activity will be held at the Curling Club of Magog, with the Provincial Adaptive Team participating and giving valuable tips and assistance.

The ASF (formally the Eastern Townships Disabled Skiers Foundation) is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1995 by Peter Treacy, himself, a disabled skier due to burns suffered in an accident many years ago. Their mission has been to establish, operate and maintain educational programs that encourage people with physical disabilities to discover new abilities through winter and summer sports. Over the past 19 years they have excelled at providing that service to individuals from Montreal to Sherbrooke. The ASF provides trained volunteers who assist these individuals to become as independent as possible in their chosen sport which fosters the development of self-confidence, motivation, increased physical strength and improved self-image while learning a lifelong sport/skill which can be enjoyed with family and friends.

“2013 RACE AGAINST CANCER” Saturday, February 9th Ski, Ride & Race For a Great Cause!

East Stroudsburg, PA - Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and the American Cancer Society are working together to increase awareness of cancer prevention and to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area will be hosting its annual “Race Against Cancer” on Saturday, February 9, 2013. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Monroe Unit of the American Cancer Society in support of their mission to eliminate cancer. The 2012 event raised over $7,500 last ski season.

Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels are welcome. The NASTAR race course is set on the Upper Tomahawk Race Trail; an intermediate level run. The race course is open from 10am until approximately 3pm. The cost is $8.00 for 2 runs, or $15.00 for 4 runs on the course. A lift ticket is required.

Non-skiers can get involved and join the Race Against Cancer by purchasing an “In-Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” donation card at the Ski & Snowboard School Desk. Each card will be displayed throughout the base area to show your support. A limited number of Race Gates are also available for businesses and individuals to show their support for this cause on the course.

Park City Mountain Resort Prepares for 50th Anniversary By Collecting Guests' Stories

Park City, UT - Park City Mountain Resort will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2013-14 winter season, and will be sharing guests’ stories as part of the celebration. The Resort is making an open call for guests to send their stories, and is accepting submissions now. Selected stories will be developed into videos that will be featured on its YouTube channel throughout the 2013-14 season.

The Resort will showcase stories from each decade of its operation, beginning in the 1960’s up through the 2000’s – so whether you were on the mountain for its first day in 1963 or more recently, Park City Mountain Resort wants to hear what you’ve discovered on the mountain!

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows offer Lift Tickets for a Good Cause

Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, CA - What could be better than spending a day skiing and riding Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows all day long then watching the 49ers play in the Super Bowl from the base of the “soul center” of skiing and snowboarding – KT-22 ? Bring the skis and snowboards along with the San Francisco 49er jerseys and join the largest on-mountain Super Bowl party and celebration of one of the greatest football teams in the country and of all time. The day will be a major fundraiser for The High Fives Foundation.

“We couldn’t pass up this opportunity to celebrate, in the biggest way possible, the success of a football team that our customers are wild about,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. “We can’t imagine a better way to spend a day than skiing and riding Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, then celebrating the 49ers in the Super Bowl, as a benefit for High Fives Foundation, by viewing the game on the largest television in the Sierra – in this case, a huge diamond vision screen.”

Squaw will host a sensational viewing of the Super Bowl on a huge, 16-foot by 21-foot, 49- panel “diamond vision” screen at the KT Base Bar, located at the base of the KT-22 Lift. There will be festivities planned throughout the day including giveaways and promotions before, during and after the game.

“Don’t miss this incredible celebration of one of the area’s favorite football teams, all while raising awareness and funds for High Fives,” said Roy Tuscany of High Fives Foundation.

Mount Snow Launches Free Mobile App

West Dover, VT - Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont today officially launched a new free mobile application downloadable on both iOS and Android operating systems. The new app is GPS enabled so users can track the amount of vertical and total distance they travel while skiing or snowboarding on the mountain, as well as find their current location on the trail map.

Other features include the latest snow conditions and lift report, events calendar, live cams display, news, deals and links to the resort's social media channels.

"This is a completely free product that will really help our guests navigate not only the mountain, but the entire resort, as well track runs, track vertical feet skied and so much more," said Matt Gebo, Mount Snow director of marketing and events. "It will enhance the guest's experience during their visit and also allow them easy access to resort information through their mobile device no matter where they are."

Mount Snow worked with application developer Resorts Tapped, a company that specializes in creating "iPhone and Android apps for winter resorts", to produce the product.

Freestyle Stars Head to Lake Placid

Wilmington, NY - Olympic freestyle skiing stars in moguls and aerials will come together for the first time this season returning to the 1980 Olympic slopes of Lake Placid, N.Y. for the USANA Freestyle Cup this Thursday through Saturday. The USANA Cup will mark Olympic champion Hannah Kearney's (Norwich, Vt.) return to competition after a training crash took her off the slopes in October. Heather McPhie (Bozeman, Mont.) will be looking to continue her winning streak after sweeping the first two international competitions.

The event will be televised by NBC, Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. EST along with additional coverage on NBC Sports Network, Sunday, Jan 20, and Sunday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. EST. The moguls event on Thursday will be broadcast live on the USSA Network at USSkiTeam.com from 1:45-3:15 p.m. EST with aerials streaming Friday from 8:15-9:10 p.m. EST.

Whistler Blackcomb's Nintendo Terrain Parks Get an Overhaul

Whistler, BC - The Whistler Blackcomb Nintendo Terrain Parks span 99 acres and are home to a 22 foot superpipe maintained by a Global Pipe Cutter, a snowcross track, and more than 150 features. This year Whistler Blackcomb is excited to announce some major changes to the parks including an overhaul of the Nintendo Highest Level Terrain Park on Blackcomb, a park specific winch cat and many more new park features.

The Nintendo Highest Level Terrain Park on Blackcomb has been revamped featuring jumps ranging from 40 to 80 feet. The large jump line, previously in the Habitat Terrain Park on Whistler, has been relocated to the Nintendo Highest Level Terrain Park on Blackcomb. Helmets are still mandatory within the Nintendo Highest Level Terrain Park but guests will no longer need to purchase a separate pass to access the park.

“The park is the best it's ever been and the big jump line has really been stepped up,” says TJ Schiller, professional skier and X Games gold medalist. “The jumps are perfectly shaped with longer, steeper landings. It's really helped me get ready for my long season.”

Also new for the 2012-2013 season is an upgraded park specific winch cat. The upgraded winch cat allows the parks crew to groom and manicure steeper landings.

“Whether you’re a seasoned park professional or it’s your first time up the mountain our Nintendo Terrain Parks are all about progression,” says Brian Finestone, Terrain Parks Manager, Whistler Blackcomb. “From the very small jumps in the Nintendo Terrain Garden to the 80 foot kickers in the Nintendo Highest Level Terrain Park there is something for everyone.”

Whistler Blackcomb and the Nintendo Terrain Parks will host a number of freestyle events throughout the year including the upcoming North Face Park and Pipe Open Series which takes place January 14-17. The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series will feature some of the world’s best freestyle skiers as they compete for a place in the upcoming Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colorado. The Nintendo Terrain Parks will also host the King of the Rail competition presented by Showcase four times during the year and the Park Rider Ski and Snowboard event five times during the year.

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain Announces Lineup of Women's Skiing & Snowboarding Camps

Lincoln, NH - This winter, Loon Mountain Resort will present a series of ladies-only camps to help women take their skiing and riding to the next level. The camps are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, where students and coaches work together to improve their skills and forge lasting relationships with each other.

The first of these workshops, the Women’s Performance Camp, is designed for women who ski at an intermediate level or above, and will take place on January 26-27. With the help of expert female coaches, video analysis and more, skiers will gain the knowledge and confidence to rip black-diamond steeps, hit the moguls, and float through the trees.

“The Women’s Performance Camp is a camp run by women, for women,” says Erin Bell, a Women’s Performance Camp coach and veteran 14-year Loon ski coach. “The goal is not to make women ski more like men, but for women to ski more like women, gain confidence, and enjoy a wider variety of terrain.”

The Women’s Performance Camp includes a two-day lift ticket and 12 hours of teaching by some of the most experienced female coaches on the East Coast. Sponsors Billabong, Chaos, and Barefoot Wine will provide complimentary goodies to camp participants. Loon will host a second Women’s Performance Camp later in the season, on March 9-10.

“Selfishly, I think it’s great to get women to become better skiers,” Bell says. “That way, I don’t have to ski with the boys all the time.”

Snowboarders will get their chance to shine during the Women's Droppin’ In Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Camp, presented by Oakley, on March 30-31. This camp is designed to motivate the woman who is looking to progress into the park and pipe, or strengthen the park skills she already has. Oakley-sponsored pro skiers and snowboarders will serve as coaches, teaching participants how to have more fun on the mountain and improve their freestyle skills. Past Droppin’ In coaches have included Gretchen Bleiler, Marie-France Roy, and Kristie Leskinen. The camp includes breakfast, lunch, yoga sessions, an Oakley gift bag stuffed with goodies, and more.

These camps regularly sell out, so interested women are encouraged to reserve their spots as soon as possible by calling 1-800-229-LOON (5666). For more information about the Women’s Performance Camps or the Women's Droppin’ In Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Camp, visit Loonmtn.com and look for Snowsports Camps & Workshops under the ‘Lessons’ tab.

Senator Schumer to Visit Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Cortland, NY - U. S. Senator Charles E. Schumer will visit Greek Peak Resort, which was at risk of shutting down last summer, to celebrate a successful ski season and provide updates on the tourist destination's future in the ongoing sale process with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Schumer will also push for the FDIC to work with Greek Peak Resort through the sale and ensure that the ski resort remains open for the long term and employees stay on the job.

Last year, Greek Peak's lender failed and was put into conservatorship by the FDIC, who took over the company's loan. Senator Schumer successfully urged the FDIC to offer a lifeline to help this Cortland County tourist destination keep its doors open until the winter ski season arrived. Since then, Greek Peak has had a successful early ski season and has kept all of its nearly 1,000 employees on the job. Schumer will make his push for the resort to stay open and to keep employees on the job for years to come.

Wee Ski Returns to Mt. Van Hoevenberg... 50k of Nordic Skiing Available

Wilmington, NY - The cross country ski center at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, in Lake Placid, N.Y., continues its Wee Ski Nordic recreational program, Monday, Jan. 14. This fun family-based “mom and me” program is designed to introduce cross country skiing through play, focusing on the joy of outdoor activities.

The program held each Monday through Feb. 4, not only introduces children to cross country skiing, but also works to fine-tune skills through play in a fun, outdoor environment. Wee Ski is designed for children two to four years of age.

The program begins with an adult and child outdoor ski/play period from 9:45-10:30 a.m., followed by an inside play period for the kids and fun adult ski time from 10:30 a.m.- noon.

Day care is also provided from 10:30 a.m.- noon. This program is family based, so dads and grandparents are always welcome. The cost is $40 per child.

In addition, the cross country center’s Pathfinders learn to ski lessons continue this Saturday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. The six-week age and ability based program is for children ages four and older. Ski lessons are designed to introduce children to the techniques that will make a lifetime of skiing enjoyable. The program also serves as a preparatory course for children entering the Lake Placid Ski Club Bill Koch Program or the NYSEF Nordic Snow Cats and Trailblazer programs.

The Nordic ski season is in full swing. Bolstered by the recent Nor’easter, which arrived in time for the holidays, cross country skiers are enjoying 50-kilomters of skiing on a packed powder surface.

Pats Peak Ski Area Celebrates 50 Years With A 50-Foot Long Cake

Henniker, NH - Pats Peak, New Hampshire’s premier family snowsports destination, celebrates 50 years under the Patenaude family ownership, which makes it the longest continuously operating ski area run by the same owner. Saturday, January 5, 2013 marked the 50th Anniversary of Pats Peak.

At Noon, the two riders in the #50 Golden Chair on the Peak Double Chair Lift, Kyle and Dylan, were pleasantly surprised by Boris and Snowball and each given a gift basket of Pats Peak memorabilia.

The center of the celebration was a 50-foot long cake. Hannaford of Concord, NH made and decorated the 50-foot long cake, which featured photos of Pats Peak’s history from its groundbreaking to the newest improvements. Wayne and Sally Patenaude, the owners of Pats Peak, with their grandchildren cut the cake. Skiers and Riders gathered in the main lodge to sing "Happy Birthday to Pats Peak" and eat cake!

The fun continued with an Après-Ski Party in the Sled Pub with a Harpoon Beer Promotion, Live Music by Nick’s Other Band and contests for Best Retro Outfit, Oldest Pats Peak Trail Map and Oldest Pats Peak Brochure.

“It was a great day to celebrate with all our guests. Lots of people joined us to enjoy a piece of cake to celebrate our 50th birthday. Family is what we have been all about for fifty years and it was great to celebrate with everyone”, says Wayne Patenaude, Owner of Pats Peak.

Park City Mountain Resort to Host Sprint U.S. Grand Prix January 30-February 2, 2013

Park City, UT - Park City Mountain Resort hosts the Sprint U.S. Grand Prix Snowboarding and Freeskiing Halfpipe competitions January 30 – February 2, 2013 in its Eagle Superpipe. Some of the world’s best snowboarders and freeskiers are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to earn points toward qualifying for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, which will include halfpipe medal events for both snowboarders and freeskiers. All events are free to the public and spectator-friendly.

“Park City Mountain Resort’s pipe is one of the best in the world and now that it is my official home resort, I am even more proud to compete here,” said Jen Hudak, a Park City All Star and Grand Prix Ski Halfpipe competitor.

2010 Snowboarding Halfpipe Olympian and 2013 Grand Prix competitor Louie Vito shared his own excitement, “I love coming back to Park City, home of the 2002 Olympics, for a Grand Prix. You take a great contest series like the Grand Prix and put it where the historic USA Olympic Sweep happened and it is just a cool feeling being there.”

Qualifying and semi-final rounds begin Wednesday, January 30, with Snowboarding Halfpipe Finals taking place Friday, February 1 and Freeskiing Halfpipe Finals Saturday, February 2. Also on the program, the Paul Mitchell Progression Session Big Air competition on Wednesday, January 30 is sure to be a fan favorite.

Best Deal in Ski Country

Telluride, CO - Skiers and riders in Phoenix and the Bay Area can now take advantage of the best travel deals imaginable in ski country, Two for One airline tickets straight to the slopes of Telluride Ski Resort.

The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization (TMRAO), Telluride Ski Resort (TSG) and Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) put the deal together with Allegiant Air to offer Two for One airline tickets from Phoenix-Mesa airport (IWA) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) non-stop to Telluride Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). This is a special that brings unmatched value to a skiing vacation.

“To my knowledge, there is no program in the industry where travelers can get two for one airline tickets and skiing opportunities at two of the country’s top resorts,” said Michael Martelon, President & CEO of the Telluride Tourism Board. “It’s unheard of to have this kind of option, and we’re excited to be able to offer it.”

This winter, Allegiant is offering one-way fare from Phoenix starting as low as $46.99 one-way ($93.98 round-trip)*. Flights from Oakland start at $49.99 one-way ($99.98 round-trip)*. The flights into MTJ started December 15 and conclude April 3. Tickets must be purchased by January 31, 2013 for the Two for One offer for use by April 3, 2013. This offer is based upon availability. For a complete flight schedule, visit www.allegiantair.com.

With the collaboration of Telluride Ski Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort launching the Ultimate 6 Pass, a 6-day pass that is good for 3 days of skiing and riding at each resort, guests can now use the centrally located airport for their travel arrangements and have the opportunity to ski both areas in one vacation. The TCB Ulimate 6 Pass is available through Liftopia.com at the unbeatable rate of $439 through January 31, 2013.

“This is a unique opportunity to experience Southwest Colorado skiing at two of Colorado’s top resorts in a single trip,” said Ken Stone, Executive Director at Telluride Ski Resort. “Combine this with the low cost of Allegiant and the fact that we will pay for every other airline ticket and you have the absolute best deal in ski country.”