Tourism Sun Peaks up for National Tourism Award Snow Bum Campaign an Award Finalist

Sun Peaks, BC - Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) has been selected as a finalist in the National Awards for Tourism Excellence, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). TSP’s I want to be the Snow Bum campaign from last October is one of three finalists for the WestJet Online Marketing Campaign of the Year Award. The Snow Bum campaign was designed to generate both public and media awareness about Sun Peaks as a world class ski destination, leading into Winter 2009/2010. Thanks to strategic targeting through organic Facebook and Twitter buzz, plus editorial pitches to key media publications, the campaign, and ultimately the resort, garnered significant interest around the world.

What's New at Kimberley Alpine Resort

Kimberley, BC - In addition to run enhancements and glade widening, the biggest news last season at Kimberley Alpine Resort was the commencement of a 24,000 sq ft Conference & Athletic Training Centre being constructed directly at the ski base. The centre is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2010 and will be open for operation when the ski season commences at Kimberley Alpine Resort.

Enhancements to North America's Largest Gladed Ski Terrain, including the infamous Black Forest, can be noted as the largest glading project in Canada. New glades have been created in the Black Forest between Windfall & Tramway as well as between Twist and Geneva. Ultimately, this will make more skiable terrain accessible in Kimberley Alpine Resort's gladed areas, creating more skiing fun.

A new flight schedule from Air Canada now makes it easier than ever to ski Kimberley Alpine Resort from Australia. The adjusted schedule will now allow for a quick connection in Vancouver from Air Canada Flight AC34 (SYD-YVR) to Air Canada Flight AC8213 (YVR-YXC) for easy access directly into the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook.

Belleayre to Host 31st Annual Fall Festival and Craft Fair at Overlook Lodge on Columbus Day Weekend

Highmount, NY - There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are turning fiery reds and oranges, so that means one thing. Belleayre is continuing preparations for the 31st Annual Fall Festival and Craft Fair on Columbus Day Weekend on October 9 and 10. This year is going to be bigger and better than ever with an expanded entertainment/outdoor expo village including concerts by a number of local favorites including the local rock of Detour, the classic reggae of The Big Takeover, Belleayre regulars and favorites The Trapps fresh from opening for America at the Belleayre Music Festival and the alt-rock of New Paltz based Ratboy. The popular zipline run by Catskill Outback Adventure will be back this year and don’t miss the Gibbons Slackline Demonstration that will be open to the public as well. NASCAR fans will be excited to hear that the National Guard will be in attendance at the Belleayre Fall Festival and one of the many attractions they are bringing is the #88 Car that they sponsor. NASCAR fans won’t have trouble recognizing the number of fan favorite Dale Earnhart, Jr. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a picture snapped with this famous ride.

The 31st Fall Festival will feature an expanded selection of local artisans, craft vendors and food vendors that have been the core attraction of this long-standing popular event which traditionally draws around 5000 people per day. Food vendors will include traditional Jamaican fare from Reggae Boy Cafe, traditional Oktoberfest German fare food, Mama’s Boy café, BBQ chicken, Russ’ Pulled Pork, along with fair standards such as funnel cakes, cotton candy, kettle corn, pizza and hotdogs. And this is the place to gear up for your winter sports because the Uber Winter Apparel and Ski Gear Sale will be back as well. Belleayre will be the place to pick up last year’s new gear at rock bottom prices.

Still Three Colorful Weekends at Mont SUTTON’s Fall Festival

Sutton, PQ - Mont SUTTON’s fall festival is ongoing every weekend and this until October 17th. Colors are at the rendez-vous, as well as many outdoor and nature lovers. The best of the Mont SUTTON’s fall festival awaits you! With three more weekends of activities and workshops, including several new ones this year, you will understand the meaning of words like nature, colors, fun, physical exercise and relaxation.

In addition to the multitude of activities that take place each weekend, one will also enjoy the popular chairlift ride, workshops for kids, BBQ with some local produce and music at the foot of the mountain.

Autumn Timber Festival

Lumberjack Shows, Tethered Hot Air Balloon, Fall Foliage & More Oct. 9, & 10 at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PQ - With the picturesque mountain as a backdrop during prime fall foliage time, the Autumn Timber Festival offers a weekend full of family friendly entertainment, music, food and festivities. Featured entertainment is the 2010 Timber Team Ironjack Shows. Each 45 minute show thrills spectators with both demonstration and competition as World Class Lumberjacks pole climb, log roll, chop, saw and chainsaw. A colorful announcer combines folk lore, comedy and history into each show to encourage a rowdy frontier spirit. Three shows will be performed daily.

Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides will be available Saturday and Sunday afternoon. All Tethered Balloon Rides are available on a first come first served basis and are weather permitting.

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

Festival Americana and novelty entertainers include David Fiemster’s “Sue Wee” Pig Racing, Magician Stephen Christopher’s Traveling Medicine Show, Paul Bunyon Stilt Walker, “Pie Man” the Living Statue, and balloon art by Aardvark Entertainment. Chainsaw Carvers Brian Dionysius, Neil Egan and Rick Mack will demonstrate and display chainsaw sculptures throughout the weekend.

Fall Ski Pass Sale - On Until Oct 16, 2010

Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort & Nakiska Ski Resort, AB - La Nina means Big Snow for Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Fernie, sits right smack dab in the funnel of the jet stream created by La Nina. La Nina winters tend to have big swing in temperature variations, precipitation and storminess. What forms is a more variable jet stream pattern over the East Pacific. This condition can bring snowier than normal winter to the Canadian Rockies.

Powder Matt says ‘this is the winter to ski!’ The last La Nina winter brought epic snow to Fernie Alpine Resort. In fact we would have back to back blower snow-storms dropping loads of Canadian Rockies Powder and it became work to find your car after a day of rippin up the slopes. La Nina means strong storminess and copious amounts of moisture – translated for Southeastern British Columbia- means snowier than normal conditions for Fernie Alpine Resort. Don’t miss out- get your Season Pass today before the sale ends Oct 16th…

Huge Snowstorm Hits Banff-Lake Louise!

Banff, AB - Over 20cm of snow blanketed Banff-Lake Louise today, with more forecasted. The snowstorm started yesterday and continued non-stop throughout the night. With just over a month until opening, it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic season.

Fall colors have arrived at Mont SUTTON!

Sutton, PQ - With an opening weekend of activities that took place under the sun and especially with the arrival of fall colors, the kickoff has actually been given for the Mont SUTTON’s fall festival! The celebrations will continue every weekend until October 17th for the pleasure of all outdoor and nature lovers. With a diversified program, which includes several new activities this year, Mont SUTTON comes first in mind for a fall destination.

Waterville Valley, Forum Snowboards and Dekal Join Portsmouth Museum of Art for SugiPOP!

Waterville Valley, NH - Forum Snowboards, Waterville Valley and Dekal, Inc. have joined the Portsmouth Museum of Art in a special presentation of its upcoming show SugiPOP!: Anime, Manga, Comics and Their Influence on Contemporary Art. It's happening Saturday, October 23 when Forum premieres its latest team video at the Music Hall and the Portsmouth Museum of Art hosts a premiere party from 11:00-5:00 with all three sponsors.

As part of the show, the museum has engaged eight regional artists to create original work for a series of snowboards donated by Forum. Artists include Raul Gonzalez, Natacha Sochat, Kathy Halamka, Lara Halamka, Elaine Bay, Rascal Smith, Anna Koon, and Boriana Kantcheva. The finished pieces will hang in the SugiPOP! Show at the Portsmouth Museum of Art from October 13, 2010-January 16, 2011 and will be auctioned off during the course of the show to raise funds for the museum. The pieces will also be featured in a pop-up gallery on display at Waterville Valley in January. In addition, the art will be reproduced as topsheet designs for sale at Dekal's online store, and customized to fit snowboards, skis and laptops, with a portion of the proceeds from those sales going to support the Portsmouth Museum of Art.

Winter Park Resort Shows its Colors

Winter Park, CO - Fall is in full swing at Winter Park Resort! The aspens are glowing gold, the air is getting crisp, and before you know it the flakes will start to fly.

Marmot Basin Gets First Big Snowstorm of the Season!

Jasper, AB - Canada’s most elevated ski area, Jasper’s Marmot Basin, received over 10 cm of snow today with considerably more accumulation at higher elevations. At 1,700 metres, Marmot boasts the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski resorts meaning it often gets large amounts of snow when it is raining lower down in the Athabasca Valley and the town of Jasper. That was exactly the case today when a mix of rain and snow fell on the valley floor while heaps of wet, white snow fell on the mountain slopes.

Last winter Marmot opened on November 11, its earliest opening date ever, with ideal snow conditions. So far this fall is shaping up to deliver a repeat performance of last year’s early season snowfalls which helped contribute to Marmot’s record setting year for attendance. “I think this snow is here to stay”, predicted an optimistic Brian Rode, Marmot’s VP of Marketing and Sales. “We may still get some warm weather, but given that it’s nearing the end of September, I am quite sure this is the beginning of a very good base layer”, added Rode.

Marmot Basin is once again targeting November 11 as the opening day of the season, only 52 days from today.

Big Sky Resort Offers Ski PE for Montana Students

$38 lift ticket, ski lesson, and ski rental gets kids skiing Lone Peak for Gym Class

Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort is excited to announce the 2010-2011 winter season Ski PE program. For $38 per student, Montana schools can sign up to bring entire classes to Big Sky Resort to ski during the school week. The package includes a lift ticket, a two-hour lesson with a certified instructor, and ski equipment rentals for each student and chaperone.

“It’s important for kids in Montana to be able to take advantage of their amazing natural surroundings, and we want to help them do that,” said Christine Baker, Big Sky Resort’s Basecamp Programs and Snowsports Children's Program Manager. “This is a great opportunity for students to get outside, be active, and work on their skiing and riding skills. Our program is an affordable way to expose kids to snowsports, and it’s really fun too!”

Rates are valid on non-holiday weekdays throughout the ski season from November 25th, 2010 through April 24th, 2011.

Ivana Radlova Named Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center Director

Sun Valley, ID - Ivana Radlova has been appointed Director of the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center. Ms. Radlova comes to Sun Valley Resort with 32 years of cross country skiing experience and 10 years of coaching experience.

Most recently, she was Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Nordic Ski Education Foundation at Steamboat Springs, CO. Other Nordic ski related positions she has held include Nordic Center Manager and Head Development Coach at Bogus Basin, Boise, ID, Instructor and Assistant Manager at Steamboat Ski Touring Center and Assistant Coach for the Colorado University Ski Team in Boulder, CO.

Ivana now lives in Hailey and is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the Sun Valley Resort Recreation Team.

Pro Rodeo Gallops into Shawnee!

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, in association with the Barnes PRCA Rodeo, will host its 14th Annual Professional Rodeo on September 25 & 26, 2010 at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.

Come and experience the thrill of the Pro Cowboys competing in six events, including Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Team Roping and Bull Dogging. These events are fully approved and sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and will feature Pros from the First Frontier Circuit competing for thousands of dollars in prize money. Sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, women competitors will show their skills in the WPRA Barrel Race.

“Shawnee Mountain is a great location for a Professional Rodeo and we look forward to providing a quality family oriented event” commented Bob Barnes, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer and owner of Barnes PRCA Rodeo.

The Shawnee Mountain Rodeo will begin at 2:00PM both Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26. Gates will open at 11:30AM with the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off returning to kick off Saturday’s events. Included with admission from 11:30AM to 1:30PM, Rodeo goers will have the opportunity to sample and then vote on a variety of specially prepared chilis. From mild to hot to vegetarian to buffalo chili, samples will be served by area restaurants, food vendors and individual chefs. It’s people’s choice, one vote per admission, with a winner being announced during the Rodeo intermission on Saturday. The Cook-Off Winner will receive a cash prize of $200 and bragging rights!

The Sidekicks Band will return to perform all your country favorites prior to and after the Rodeo each day. There will also be a country & western vendors bazaar and a Hickory Licks Barbecue both Saturday and Sunday.

A New Puppy for Timberline Lodge, and the Tradition Continues

Government Camp, OR - Oregon's famous Timberline Lodge is a place of traditions, and one such tradition continues this week with the arrival of Heidi, an adorable St. Bernard puppy. Since 1937, when Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the lodge, St. Bernards have been a part of the alpine landscape. The first Timberline St. Bernards were Lady and Bruel.

This week, Front Office Manager, Kristin Garrett is the proud and pleased owner of a particularly lovable and docile new pure-bred female St. Bernard mascot, Heidi, who at just 8 weeks old is of course getting a lot of attention at the lodge!

Sugar's Red Lift Receives A Face Lift

Banner Elk, NC - For the 2010-11 winter season Sugar Mountain Resort replaces its fleet of snow grooming machines. Three new Piston Bully snow grooming machines have been purchased, one being a winch cat, which specializes in grooming steep terrain. Fifteen-hundred feet of new snowmaking pipes which include air and water pipes have been replaced and upgraded in the Terrain Park with a connection to the Easy Street slope. The Red Lift which carries guests to the top of Sugar's Big Red slope and provides slope-side access to Sugar Ski & Country Club has been rebuilt. A new drive station replaced the old one and new chairs make for a more comfortable ride. Additionally six energy-efficient snowmaking machines have been purchased for the upcoming winter season.

Our event schedule continues to be packed with activities throughout the season. A few of the highlights include the Turkey Treat. For one low price, you can ski/ride any four sessions during the four days of the Thanksgiving weekend. 1994 Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist Diann Roffe, two-time (1994 & 1996) Olympian, Krista Schmidinger and US National Super G Champion Keely Kelleher top the list of this season's ski clinic coaching staff during Sugar's 17th Annual Adult Pre-Season Ski Clinic scheduled for December 10th -12th. SugarFest will be held that weekend as well which includes an ice skating performance by 1992 Olympic Silver medalist Paul Wylie. From December through March twice a month enjoy the live acoustic sounds of North Carolina High Country bluegrass. On January 8th, 2011 Sugar will once ag ain host a National Winter Trails Day, a nationwide event offering children and adults the opportunity to try snowshoeing for FREE and the on-snow Easter egg hunt is scheduled for March 20, 2011.

Hot Start to Fall with Waterville Valley 's Annual Chili Challenge

Waterville Valley, NH - In addition to spectacular fall leaf peeping and hiking in the surrounding White Mountains, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire serves up two action packed special event weekends this fall.

12th Annual Chili Challenge
Chili lovers are invited to taste test the best chili around on Saturday, October 2 at the 12th Annual Chili Challenge. Chili tasting starts at 12:00 pm and runs until 2:00 when the winning restaurant wins the coveted "King of Chili" title. The cost is $6.50 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 12 & under. Old-fashioned cars on display, Curious George story time and an outdoor concert add to the family fun.

Fall Foliage Festival over Columbus Day Weekend
The long weekend kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 9 with outdoor concerts and kids events at the Curious George Center. On Sunday, Oct. 10, events start at 9:00 am with a 1.6k Family Fun Run and a 5k Foot Race sponsored by the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department followed by pumpkin painting and mini pie eating competition. Two weekend tent sales, Sport Thoma's "kick off the season sale" and the WVBBTS Ski and Snowboard Swap, will help skiers and snowboarders get a jump start on the season.

Music and Beer

Steamboat Springs, CO - Celebrate the fall season with fun, food, fall colors, friends, family, festivities… and beer! The 2nd annual Steamboat OktoberWest takes place during the beautiful fall colors season in Steamboat, September 17-19. Saturday kicks off with a traditional keg tapping ceremony with a backdrop of the Steamboat Ski Area. The music starts early with local band 3 Wire, then Devon Allman's Honeytribe, and finishes the day with headliner Kyle Hollingsworth of String Cheese Incident. ‘On tap’ for the day are 16 beers including seasonal specialties like New Belgium Hoptober and local brewery Mahogany Ridge Uncle Daryl’s Dunkelweizen. A wide variety of beers from Pilsner to Stout are sure to satisfy every palate. And the best part, admission to the event is FREE. Commemorative beer steins are available for $10 and includes one FREE fill-up with discounted refills for $3. Follow us on Twitter @SteamboatOW for event updates and exclusive offers!

Labor Day Weekend Offers Season Pass Sale Locations and Specials

Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Steamboat Springs, CO - Labor Day weekend is a turning point from summer to winter for snow sports enthusiasts looking for the hottest deals on season passes and pass products to their favorite Colorado resorts, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain and Steamboat. All Front Range Christy Sports locations and the Sport’s Authority Sniagrab location will be offering the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus, in addition to all other pass products including the Winter Park Four Pass and the Copper Mountain Four Pack, September 3 – 6, 2010.

“With school back in session and fall right around the corner, now is the time to ensure you’re ready for another adventurous winter of Colorado skiing," says Rob Perlman, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat and Winter Park. "With special Front Range Labor Day sales and bonus packs and passes for Winter Park and Copper Mountain, these passes reflect some of the best deals of the season. However, you have to act soon as pricing guarantees run through September 6th."

Labor Day Ski and Snowboard Sale at the Truckee High School

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl Resort will hold its annual Labor Day ski and snowboard sale at the Truckee High School parking lot this weekend, offering 50% to 65% off all ski, snowboard and clothing items from brand names including Burton, Vans, K2, Volkl, Nordica, Helly Hansen, Cloudveil, Dakine, Smith and many more. Hours of operation are 9:00am – 5:00 pm each day, Saturday, September 4th through Monday, September 6th.

Mt. Hood Meadows Holds Prices on Season Passes Added Value Incentives Offered for September Online Purchase!

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows is holding prices on season passes - offering the same prices as last year’s early season group deals, but not requiring a group to be formed to get the special pricing. Mt. Hood Meadows season passes provide direct-to-lift access to Oregon’s most popular ski resort. Unlimited season passes offer the best bargain and most convenience - with 150+ days of operation scheduled this season, an adult unlimited season pass brings the cost down to under $3 per day!

Early Purchase Individual Unlimited Season Pass Deals!
Mt. Hood Meadows is offering individual discounts on unlimited season passes purchased on-line by November 7. In the past these deals were available only by forming a group!

$449 for ages 23 – 64 regular price $900

$339 for ages 15 – 22 regular price $600

$229 for ages 7 – 14 regular price $400

$349 for ages 65+ regular price $450

Kids 6 and under receive a FREE season pass when a parent or grandparent purchases an unlimited season pass for themselves

September Online Value Add Bonus
Those purchasing a pass online in September can receive a 25% bonus when adding value to the pass. This added value can be used for purchases at the resort's restaurants, ski school, retail and rental shops. $100 of added value will get the pass holder an extra $25; $200 of added value will get the purchaser an extra $50. The added value bonus is offered at time of online purchase through September 30.

Oktoberfest Fun For The Whole Family At Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain, NC - Grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen and head to Sugar Mountain Resort for the 20th annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday & Sunday, October 9 & 11, 2010. Take in the beautiful fall foliage; cool, comfortable mountain temperatures, and a weekend full of activities from 10 am until 5 pm each day. Be sure to bring the kids because the event is for the whole family. Admission and parking are FREE. Rain or shine the festival will go on!

An array of artisan's and craftspeople open their stands at 10:00am each day. A sampling of this year's country craft fair vendors include: pottery, folk art in glass & wood, books by local and regional authors, stained glass sun-catchers, handmade wooden cutting boards, quilted items, handmade children's toys, handmade furniture, dolls, ceramics, handmade bath & body products, jewelry, home-made baked goods, jams & jellies, bird feeders, pet clothing, and much more.

As Fall Approaches, Sun Valley Resort Prepares for Its Landmark 75th Winter Season Celebration

Sun Valley, ID - This milestone may well mark the resort’s most assorted winter season with special events attracting skiers and riders with everything from a 75th Season Rail Exhibition to the Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Although Sun Valley’s traditional ski season opening comes around Thanksgiving, commemorative events will kick off prior to the holiday season when Sun Valley first opened December 21, 1936.

Dollar Mountain, where it all began will host an all new 75th Season Rail Exhibition Friday evening, December 17. Seventy five seasons following the opening of the world’s first chairlift at this location, Dollar will now showcase an additional 24 new rails and jibs in its three new terrain parks – Old Bowl, Half Dollar, and Poverty Flats. The event is expected to draw star athletes anxious to ride the sun and flip for Sun Valley’s 75th.

Season Passes and 4-Paks on Sale Labor Day Weekend!

Denver, CO - The days are getting shorter and the air slightly cooler up here at Loveland which means ski season isn't far off! It's that time of year to get your Loveland Season Passes and 4-Paks in anticipation of another stellar season!

All of our 2010 - 2011 Season Pass and 4-Pak products go on sale this Labor Day weekend at ski shows across the Front Range. Visit our Ski Show Schedule for complete times, dates and locations. Don't forget, all season passes now come with 3 days at Monarch Mountain, 3 days at Purgatory , 1 day of unguided skiing at Silverton Mountain plus tons of other great perks! Prices expire on 11-21-10.