Ski Center Does Part to Help Economy

Tuxedo, NY - The Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center, located in Sterling Forest, is hosting the 2nd Annual Pre-Ski Jamboree Ski Swap and Winter Job Fair on Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7thth from 9am-3pm.

The Pre-Ski Jamboree is a kick-off party that celebrates the chill that marks the upcoming ski season. At the Jamboree, there will be a ski swap, children’s activities, live music, beer and wine tasting and a seasonal job fair. Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center’s General Manager, James Mezzetti, said, “This event is an opportunity for people of all ages to clean out their attics, basements and garages and make some extra cash by selling their ski and snowboard equipment. Anyone looking to purchase equipment for
themselves this season can stop in and save a lot of money by buying used.” Equipment to be sold can be registered Friday, November 5th between 4- 8pm. Twenty percent of all items sold will benefit the Sterling Forest Ski Patrol.

Making Snow at Wild Mountain

Taylors Falls, MN - Winter is fun in Taylors Falls! We are making snow like crazy here in Taylors Falls at Wild Mountain. We are hoping to open today!

Opening Day and Early Snow in Canada

Kananaskis Village, AB - Nakiska Ski Resort continues to strive for an early season opening now set for Saturday November 6, 2010. With Alberta's largest snowmaking system and recent cool temperatures, efforts to develop on-mountain snow coverage are in full force. The tentative opening on November 6th will commence the season with weekend operations until Saturday December 4th, at which point the resort will officially open for the season. Known for impeccable grooming and advanced snowmaking, the Nakiska Mountain Operations team is working hard to produce great snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy starting Saturday November 6th.

Fernie, BC - Fernie Alpine Resort has been hit by a heavy storm, with up to 20cm of snow in the upper alpine of Fernie's legendary 5 bowls. Temperatures remain cool and the snow continues to currently fall, right down to the base. With the predicted La Niña weather cycle for the Pacific Northwest, cool temperatures and more snow than Fernie Alpine Resort's annual 29 feet of snowfall are expected.

Telluride Welcomes First Heavy Snow of the Season

Telluride, CO - Local skiers and boarders in Telluride awoke this morning to the first heavy snowfall of the season. With the storm total at18 inches mid-mountain and more up on top of Palmyra Peak and Revelation Bowl, the season is off to a good start. Snow covered the surrounding peaks and top of the resort a few times over the last couple weeks, but last night's storm dropped several inches all the way to town.

The National Weather Service is predicting snow showers through tomorrow, with an additional 2-4 inches possible today and 1-2 inches overnight.

"We're thrilled with the early season snow and looking forward to a fantastic year," said Telluride Ski & Golf CEO Dave Riley. "With snowmaking underway and our summer projects nearly complete, including new runs, dinners at Alpino Vino via Snow Coach, and new retail, plus the returning World Cup and a feature in Warren Miller's Wintervention, we are ready for winter."

North Carolina Ski Areas Contributed $146 Million to the State's Economy During the 2009-2010 Winter Season

The North Carolina Ski Areas Association (NCSAA) www.goskinc.com in collaboration with RRC Associates www.rrcassoc.com conducted an economic value analysis study of the North Carolina Ski industry during the 2009-2010 winter season. For the 2009-2010 winter season total skier visits in the state of North Carolina were 671,554, total revenue was $32,526,608, year-round employment was 96, seasonal employment was 1,557, total payroll was $8,700,000 and capital expenditures for the North Carolina ski industry as a whole were $3,341,237. A complete report for the NCSAA economic value analysis can be found at www.goskinc.com/economics.

On Wednesday, November 17 at 1 pm the NCSAA members and RRC Associates will host a press conference at Sugar Mountain Resort. Dave Belin, Sr. Director at RRC Associates will present the study findings. The event is open to the public. All media; local, county and state officials are invited and encouraged to attend. Sugar Mountain Resort is located at 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, North Carolina 28604.

The North Carolina Ski Areas Association is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to foster, stimulate and promote skiing and snowsports, as well as safety in skiing and snowsports in North Carolina; to further and protect the legitimate interests of the North Carolina area operator and to encourage cooperation and assistance from state agencies to promote skiing and snowsports in North Carolina. Members include Appalachian Ski Mtn., Beech Mountain Resort, Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Sugar Mountain Resort and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.

Word of the Week: Snow!

Whistler, BC - A heavy Pacific storm has been hitting Whistler Blackcomb this weekend, dropping between 25-30cm of snow at higher elevations. The freezing level is expected to remain steady with more periods of snow forecast for this week. Meteorologists are calling for a La Niña weather cycle for the Pacific Northwest, meaning cooler temperatures and more snow than Whistler Blackcomb’s annual average of 34 feet/10.25m.

Camelback Mountain Resort Dedicated to Beginner Skiers and Snowboarders

Tannersville, PA - Camelback Mountain Resort is looking forward to another great winter season and as demonstrated over the last 47 years, Camelback is passionately dedicated to the beginner skiers and snowboarders. This winter, an older beginner chairlift is being replaced with a state of the art people mover that makes the ride to the top of the beginner slope easier and more comfortable. The new "magic carpet" is similar to the moving walk-ways seen in airports.

Along with this new lift, Camelback's snowsports instructors are continually developing new teaching techniques for skier and snowboarders of all calibers. Camelback is committed to providing all its guests with a great experience and a love of snowsports. To highlight its commitment to beginners, Camelback is entering into a partnership with the National Ski Areas Association to emphasize January as the "Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month." Special promotions and packages will be made available to encourage beginners to try these exciting winter sports.

Camelback has invested a significant amount of money since last winter and all these improvements are aimed at improving the experience of all its guests. The older Sunbowl Lodge, now called CBK Lodge, has been given a face lift with a more rustic exterior, an expanded deck, a new fire pit and an expanded paved parking lot located just feet away from the slopes. "Our long time guests will appreciate these renovations and with the new menu, they will get to re-acquaint themselves with this long time favorite lodge" continued Blier

Sun Valley Resort and Apple’s Bar & Grill HOSTS the Idaho PREMIERE OF THE STORY AT Apple’s, October 22 2010

Sun Valley, ID - The Sun Valley Premiere of The Ski Channel Film Tour’s THE STORY comes to the Apple’s Bar and Grill in Warm Springs on Friday, October 22. “The Story” features mountain sports’ biggest stars including the marquee athletes of alpine skiing, Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn, and X Games phenom Bobby Brown. It is the personal narratives and mesmerizing alpine backdrops that tell the tale of those who devote their lives to the mountain. The feature HD film, THE STORY, anchors the slate of films presented by The Ski Channel on the first annual Ski Channel Film Tour.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the premiere are $10.00 at the door.

“The Story” was shot on location in Mt. Everest, Nepal, the Antarctic Peninsula, Portillo, Chile and Las Leñas, Argentina. The film takes viewers on an incredible journey down sky-scraper steep first descents in Haines, Alaska and to iconic ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Jackson Hole, Snowbird, Grand Targhee, Deer Valley and Vail. Through poignant stories and epic skiing, snowboarding, river surfing and unimaginable variations of human flight, the film explores the intangible feeling that drives those who devote their lives to the mountains.

“The film is a celebration and character study of some of the most interesting, successful, daring and charismatic people on the planet,” said Bellamy who also wrote, produced and directed the film. “It is a piece of work that will hopefully be unifying to our industry as it speaks to all of those appreciative of ski films and mountain sport cinema. It is inspirational. It is an incredible, death-defying journey of human accomplishment that rivals anything we will see in our lifetimes.”

Snow Developing On the Slopes of Nakiska!

Kananaskis Village, AB - Snowmaking efforts are well underway at Nakiska. Check out photos showing snow development on the mountain. Nakiska continues to strive for the goal of an early opening on Saturday Oct 30th! More updates to come...

Deer Valley Resort Will Host the 7th Annual Blood Drive

“Transylvania Tea Party”

Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort staff will host the “Transylvania Tea Party” blood drive, a Halloween season tradition, on Friday, October 29, 2010. The Transylvania Tea Party Blood Drive was started seven years ago by Deer Valley empolyees who wanted to help local health care facilities augment their blood supplies. Members of the public are also warmly welcomed to donate blood at Deer Valley on Friday, October 29, 2010.

“This event has become a Halloween season tradition for our staff,” explains Kim Mayhew, Resort director of human resources. “Many employees find it fun to get dressed up and get together for a common goal and to support a worthy cause. With busy work and home obligations, our staff members look forward to the opportunity to contribute during the work day. Last year we had over 100 donors participate and many were our friends and neighbors from around the community. We truly appreciate the community’s support of this event.”

Waterville Valley Ski Resort Announces Over $500,000 in Improvements for 2010-11 Season

Waterville Valley, NH - Twenty five more energy efficient snowmaking tower guns and a new grooming cat top the list of immediate investments announced by the new owners at Waterville Valley for the coming season.

"We completed the purchase of Waterville Valley on October 13 and are now going as fast as we can to make improvements before the start of the ski season", said Bob Fries, General Manager of Waterville Valley Ski Resort Ltd, "The increased snowmaking capacity will help Waterville Valley leverage its 4,000' elevation, allowing us to open a greater variety of terrain for Thanksgiving and early December." Opening date for Waterville Valley is set for Saturday, November 20.

Base Lodge Upgrade
Major upgrades to the resort's main base lodge will include new ground floor bathrooms, additional family bathrooms and refreshed Alpine Grille food service area and menu.

Expanded Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Waterville Valley will be adding to their ski and snowboard rental inventory featuring the new mini Burton snowboards for kids. "Each season, parents seem to want their kids to start skiing and snowboarding at younger ages", explains Peter Weber, Snowsports Director, "In response, we're always looking for innovations in kids equipment that will let them start young but still have a blast. This season, we'll be introducing the new super mini snowboard from Burton into our Explorers Kamps for ages 4-6. The new design makes it easier for kids to roll from edge to edge and actually build skills on their very first days on snow. Waterville Valley already has mini skis so now parents and kids will have a choice."

Big Sky Resort Recognized in National Ski Magazines

Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort is celebrating this week after being highlighted in numerous national ski publications, including an image of Lone Peak appearing on the cover of Ski magazine.

Ski magazine, a Bonnier publication with a national circulation of 450,000, released its fall special issue resort guide with a photo of “perfect corduroy” beneath Big Sky’s “rugged” Lone Peak. The photo was taken during the 2009/2010 ski season by Public Relations Manager Chad Jones.

Big Sky’s Lone Peak really stands out from other ski resort landscapes,” says Jones. “It’s the towering, singular mountain that really makes Big Sky who we are. I’m always looking for a way to get that iconic image out there, and was thrilled when Ski’s editors decided to feature it on the magazine’s cover this fall.”

Ski magazine is known for highlighting luxury ski travel and resorts. In the 23rd annual issue of the guide, Big Sky was ranked 21st for the nation’s best overall resorts. Also in the guide, Big Sky Resort was ranked 6th for both best terrain and most challenging mountain.

Brighton Resort Adds Child Care

Brighton, UT - Brighton Ski Resort will now have a child care available to its guests and locals. Located at the beginning of the Brighton loop, the Utah State licensed child care facility will operate seasonally from 8:30am to 4:30pm, while the Brighton Resort is open (approximately mid-November to mid-April). The Brighton Child Care will work closely with the Brighton Ski School and provide ski school lesson drop off and pick up. There are half-day and full-day options for children 6 weeks old and up. Multi-day discounts are available.

Ski for as little as $42 a day with Brightons discounted coupon books!
Fully transferable and use as many as you want in a day
-Only available through Oct 31st 2010
For your convenience Brighton will be at REI selling coupon books and printing season passes.
Make your first day a day to ski a time to ski and not a time wasted waiting in the pass line.

REI 3285 E. 3300 S.
Saturday 10/16 9:30am – 5pm Sunday 10/17 11:30am – 5pm
Saturday 10/23 9:30am – 5pm Sunday 10/24 11:30am – 5pm
Saturday 10/30 9:30am – 5pm Sunday 10/31 11:30am – 5pm

Saddleback Maine Launches Season Pass Competition for Colleges

Rangeley, ME - On Oct. 15, Saddleback is launching the 2010 Collegiate Season's Pass Challenge, a competition for college and university athletic teams, clubs, groups and organizations. Running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, any interested groups can register online with Saddleback and compete with other groups from their college or university to see which group can sell the most discounted Saddleback College Passes.

"We hope this competition is a fun way for students to raise money for their school group or athletic team, and encourages them to get outside and enjoy all that Maine has to offer in the winter," said Chris Farmer, Saddleback's general manager.

Each team will be given a promotional code which enables people to purchase a College Season Pass for the discounted price of $125 (regular priced College Passes are $149.00). Saddleback will give $10 to each team for every College Season Pass purchased using their code. In addition, the winning team from each college can attend a special College Day at Saddleback on Jan. 7, 2011. Members of winning teams will each be given two lift ticket vouchers for use on Jan. 7 they can share with their friends or faculty and the club selling the most passes will receive a trophy, too.

Share Your Best Snow Dance

Donner Summit, CA - With the weather turning colder there has been lots of discussion regarding snow dances. It has come to our attention there is no one way to snow dance. Some thrash about, while others do a new age rendition of snow falling to the ground. Even though Boreal's snowmaking system is ready to crank out snow when the temps drop there is no substitute for the real stuff, so start dancing and show Mother Nature that you want winter NOW!

Share your best snow dance with us by posting a video of your best snow dance "moves" on Boreal's Facebook fan page: www.Facebook.com/borealmtn.. All Facebook fans whom post a video on the fan page will be entered into a drawing to win a Boreal Night Season Pass. All videos must be posted by October 28, 2010 at 11:59pm and the winner will be announced the next day. You must be 13 years or older to win. Remember... be ridiculous, have fun and keep it clean. Any video deemed inappropriate will be removed and not eligible for the season pass drawing.

Mark Twain Motherlode Festival – Witness history! Twain is BACK!

Bear Valley, CA - The Mark Twain Gold Rush Festival celebrates the colorful history of the Mother Lode and honors the legacy of America’s most renowned writer and humorist. 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of Samuel Clemens birth and the centennial of his death. His 88-day sojourn in the Mother Lode during the winter of 1864-1865 filled his notebooks with observations that captured the spirit and personalities of the time. The famous Jumping Frog story, which came from those notebooks, provided Clemens his first taste of national fame as “Mark Twain” and remains the most well read of all his publications. The Mother Lode has changed less than any of the places in this country where Clemens lived and worked. It is still possible to retrace his footsteps along historical trails, to visit some of the same buildings he frequented while here, and to see the place much as it appeared to a young journalist and aspiring author when it was aflame with Gold Rush fever.

The 2010-11 Louise Plus Card

Lake Louise, AB - Canada’s best loyalty ski card has is now better than ever! The Lake Louise Ski Area is thrilled to announce Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Castle Mountain Resort have partnered with this popular program for the 2010-2011 ski season.

ven with these exciting new additions, the new Louise PLUS Card will continue to provide incredible value. On sale for only $99, the Louise PLUS Card and will provide purchasers with their first two days of skiing / riding for free, with a subsequent lift ticket rate of just $50 for the remainder of the season. Free days are valid at both Lake Louise and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

“The new Louise PLUS Card is absolutely the best deal in the Canadian Rockies,” confirms Lake Louise’s marketing director John Ross. “No other discount card offers a $50 lift ticket at three major, totally different ski resorts. Our customer feedback tells us that Albertans are increasingly looking for innovative, outstanding and affordable recreational opportunities close to home. This new Louise PLUS Card will provide exactly that.”

Whiteface Ranks #1 in Eastern U.S. by SKI Magazine Readers

Lake Placid, NY - The votes are in, they’ve all been counted and SKI Magazine readers named Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., as the number-one ski resort in the eastern United States, second overall in eastern North America. The independent survey of 7,000 readers put the Olympic mountain back on top for the first time since 2003. In 2009-10, the mountain was ranked fifth. Only Mont Tremblant, Que. stood atop Whiteface in the SKI survey.

“Everyone at the mountain strives to give each visitor the best experience possible and this validates all of their hard work,” said New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) president/CEO Ted Blazer. “It’s great to be on top again and now our goal is to stay atop year after year. With Wilmington virtually at the foot of the mountain and Lake Placid a short drive away, we have a perfect combination of meeting everyone’s needs.”

Mont SUTTON’s improvements for the 2010-2011 ski season

Sutton, PQ - For the 2010-2011 season, Mont SUTTON has improved in several departments of the station.
New “Petits Wapitis Learning Park”
Winter sport beginners of all ages will develop their skills in the brand new “Petits Wapitis Learning Park”. This new park is located in the Family zone on the “Cendrillon” trail and was inspired by Western Canada. It suggests a trip to Banff: Far West, the Rockies, wild animals… The objective of the learning park is to make learning fun, dynamic and interactive.

The SUTTON Snow School will use this new learning park to teach beginners different technical skills, whether skiing or snowboarding. The learning park will also be accessible to all those who want to improve their skills, with or without a Snow School lesson.

New programs at the SUTTON Snow School
An All-terrain Club has been added to the weekend programs
The SUTTON Snow School now offers an All-terrain Club for skiers and snowboarders as a weekend program. The name of this program says it all; throughout this program, skiers and snowboarders will develop their skills through race course, moguls, glades and snow park. A great program for everyone who loves SUTTON and its diversity!

Sununu Family Returns Waterville Valley Back Into Local Hands

Waterville Valley, NH - Today it was announced that the Sununu family is leading a group of local investors and has completed the purchase of Waterville Valley Ski Area from Booth Creek Resorts, a California based resort group. For the first time in almost 15 years the assets including the Waterville Valley Ski Area, Waterville Valley Nordic Center, Waterville Valley Conference Center and Town Square are now back under local control.

Waterville Valley, one of New Hampshire's most popular family ski areas since 1966, is well known for its ski racing heritage, WVBBTS ski club (Gold Freestyle Ski Medalist Hannah Kearney is an alumnus) and the self-contained village designed as a four season resort by Olympian Skier Tom Corcoran. The ski area has one of the state's highest elevations at 4,000 feet with 52 trails on 255 acres, 12 lifts and 100% snowmaking.

Chris Sununu is heading up the efforts and will serve as Waterville Valley Ski Resort's new Chief Executive Officer. Bob Fries, formally VP and General Manager of Waterville Valley during the Tom Corcoran ownership years will return as the new president. Since leaving Waterville Valley in 1992, Fries has managed resorts from Breckenridge, Colorado to Stratton, Vermont including a stint at The Olympic Authority in Lake Placid.

Deer Vallery Resort's Coleen Reardon Receives the 'Business Woman of the Year' Award

Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort’s Director of Marketing Coleen Reardon was honored at the 7th annual Park City Women’s Business Network Fall Fashion Fundraiser by being presented with the annual Business Women of the Year award. Reardon received the award at a fundraiser, held October 8 at The Chateaux at Silver Lake, with over 100 local business women in attendance.

Reardon has been employed at Deer Valley for the past 17 years. She was initially hired as the communications manager, and promoted to marketing director five years later. “I am both completely surprised and profoundly honored to have received this award,” says Reardon. “When I look at the company of the seven great women who were also nominated by I am truly humbled and grateful to have been selected.”

Additional Snowfall Brings Season's First Accumulation

Snowshoe, WV - Winter has made an early appearance at Snowshoe Mountain, where periodic snow fell overnight and throughout the day yesterday. Monday began as a cool fall day, and a cold drizzle fell for much of the late afternoon as temperatures didn’t rise above 45 degrees. Temperatures continued to fall overnight, and a light freezing rain mixed with occasional flurries fell, covering some car windshields in a light mist. Temperatures continued to drop during the early morning hours, and by 9am the freezing mark had been reached. More defined snowflakes were reported across the mountaintop, with the most significant flurries occurring at the Silver Creek Area.

Temperatures plummeted again during the late evening and overnight hours Tuesday, and additional snowfall left the season’s first accumulation—of less than half an inch—across the mountaintop. Grassy areas, cars, trees and rooftops all displayed a white blanket from the season’s first significant snowfall. Wednesday also got off to a cold start, and thick wet flakes once again mixed with a cold drizzle in the resort area. Temperatures are expected to hit the mid-40s today, and overnight lows won’t be as cold as the past two nights, so no additional snowfall is expected this week.

Waterville Valley 2010-11 Ski & Stay Deals Target Families

Waterville Valley, NH - Waterville Valley always has the most complete line-up of ski and stay deals to compliment its family friendly resort and this coming season is no different. Popular kids ski free deals are back with new additions like wicked long ski weekends, new school break offers and middle of the week escapes. All include access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, ice skating at the indoor arena, use of the resort shuttle and Waterville's signature extra late Sunday check-out (as late as 3 pm). With a click to waterville.com, you can see photos of all the lodges, check availability and see what special events you might want to plan around.

Snowshoe Mountain Receives First Snowfall of the Season

Snowshoe, WV - Winter has made an early appearance at Snowshoe Mountain, where periodic snow fell overnight and into the morning on Oct 5th. Monday began as a cool fall day, and a cold drizzle fell for much of the late afternoon as temperatures didn’t rise above 45 degrees. Temperatures continued to fall overnight, and a light freezing rain mixed with occasional flurries fell, covering some car windshields in a light mist. Temperatures continued to drop during the early morning hours, and by 9am the freezing mark had been reached. More defined snowflakes were reported across the mountaintop, with the most significant flurries occurring at the Silver Creek Area. No accumulation occurred.

Snowshoe is often the first resort in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast to see natural flakes and to begin snowmaking efforts. With a peak elevation of 4848’ and a unique microclimate, the resort often sees colder temperatures and more wintry precipitation than the rest of the region. Snowshoe averages 180” of snowfall a year, and last year had a similar early start to the season with the first snow on Oct 18th. That snowfall kicked off one of Snowshoe’s snowiest seasons in recent memory, with a total of 231”. Snowshoe plans a November 1st start to snowmaking efforts, with a scheduled Opening Day of November 24th.

Belleayre 31st Annual Fall Festival and Craft Fair at Overlook Lodge this Weekend

Highmount, NY - The forecast looks great for this weekend so be sure to make the trip to Belleayre Mountain’s 31st Annual Fall Festival and Craft Fair on Columbus Day Weekend on October 9 and 10. The foliage is peaking as the mountains turn a blend of reds and oranges and there is no better way to enjoy a crisp October weekend than in the Catskills Mountains. This year’s Festival 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 Ratboy. The popular zipline run by Catskill Outback Adventure will be back this year and don’t miss the Gibbons Slackline Demonstration with two pro-athletes that will be open to the public as well. The Saugerties Fish and Game Club is sponsoring a fishing contest for kids 16 and under from 12-3 each day and will be donating a new rod and reel set-up for the winners. 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 from Phoenicia, 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.

What's New at Fernie!

Fernie, BC - Fernie Alpine Resort celebrated an epic season last year with great skiing in the 5 alpine bowls thanks to implemented enhancements including an extensive run improvement program, incredible new on-mountain signage, and an enhanced trail map that now hi-lights the diverse terrain across the 5 bowls. Other exciting additions last year were the introduction of new events such as 80's Weekend and the Family Talent Event as well as a weekly activity schedule for families to enjoy.

On-Mountain

Run enhancements and improvements continue this year with blasting of the "Sky Dive" traverse which will result in easier access to this run. Significant brush cutting has been made on Boomerang, Boomerang Ridge, and Linda's Run. Tree glading between Cruiser and Cedar Center has opened up some great looking lines of intermediate glades. Fallen wood clean up in the the Bear Chutes (which lead off the Bear into Boomerang) has made a huge difference in how open these glades will ski. With Linda's and Boomerang cleaned and opened up, the Bear side will now be the place to go for first runs on a powder day. Something the"Old Side Skiers" will truly appreciate.

In addition to major run enhancements, skiers and snowboarders will notice a well maintained snow surface thanks to the help of 2 new grooming CATS in the fleet, including a Winch CAT. This is in addition to the two new CATS that were added to the fleet last year.

Other on-mountain changes will be noted by those familiar with run names as the dedicated race training run “Spruce” (Cedar Bowl) has been renamed to "Emily's" in honour of Olympic skier and Fernie local, Emily Brydon.

Opening November 5th!

Lake Louise, AB - Get ready skiers and riders, the Lake Louise Ski Area is preparing to open for the 2010-2011 season on Friday, November 5, 2010!
“Right now, everything is pointing to an excellent ski season at Lake Louise,” exults Marketing Director John Ross. “Based on our experience from previous years, the Lake Louise Ski Area should be open for skiing and riding in about a month’s time.”

One of the most positive prospects heading into this season is the almost unanimous opinion that “Old Man Winter” will be making a triumphant return to the Rocky Mountains as the sporadic weather phenomena known as “LA NINA” is currently establishing itself over the Pacific Ocean. La Nina years usually bring somewhat colder temperatures and much higher than average precipitation levels to Western Canada and Alberta. The Farmer’s Almanac, Environment Canada and the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) are all currently predicting a typical “La Nina” winter.

Should “La Nina” take it’s time in arriving however, Lake Louise’s world class snowmaking system is also gearing up to start full production beginning at midnight on October 15 (temperatures permitting). Current water levels and flow rates on the Pipestone River, the source of the water for Lake Louise’s snowmaking system, are running high, which will allow all snow guns to operate at full capacity right from the start.

Travelling to Lake Louise for opening day will also be much safer and faster than ever before, as the twinning of the Trans Canada Highway between Castle Mountain and Lake Louise is almost complete. The construction crew is currently ahead of schedule, under budget, and remains confident that all four lanes of traffic will be ready to go before opening day on November 5.

Monarch Mountain Season Pass Now Good at 18 Ski Areas

Revelstoke Canada Among Seven New Pass Partners

Monarch, CO - Monarch Mountain has added an additional seven ski areas to their season pass for the 2010-11 ski season. Revelstoke Mountain Resort British Columbia, Taos and Red River New Mexico, China Peak California, Sol Vista Colorado, Arizona Snowbowl and Indianhead Michigan are new to the Monarch pass.
The seven new areas will be joining Loveland, Silverton, Durango, Sunlight and Powderhorn Colorado; Angel Fire, Sipapu and Pajarito New Mexico; Alta Utah and Grand Targhee Wyoming. The benefits vary at each partner area but most are offering three complimentary tickets to Monarch pass holders and Monarch offers the same to each partner area pass holder.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia Canada is offering all Monarch pass holders three days of complimentary lift tickets, 50% off on lodging at the Nelson Lodge and discounts on Heli skiing with Selkirk Heli Skiing. “The Revelstoke discounts can be used to put together a great Canadian ski vacation for our pass holders” said Greg Ralph, Monarch Marketing Director. “Building value in our season pass is a major goal and we’re very excited about this season’s pass offerings” added Ralph.

Taos is back as a Monarch pass partner this season offering up to five ½ price tickets to each Monarch pass holder. Taos helps solidify Monarch’s pass as the best deal in the region; all of the northern New Mexico areas, southern Colorado areas and Arizona Snowbowl are now on the Monarch Mountain season pass.

Click Here for Ticket Info!

“Kudos” to Bromley’s Adventure Park Staffer Leah Ryan

Bromley Mountain, VT - As Bromley Mountain prepares for its annual transformation from amusement park to ski resort, the Sun Mountain Adventure Park’s management team of Pete Robertson and Mike Scholz congratulate and thank the Summer 2010 Adventure Park staff and announce the winner of this year’s Andrea Coolidge Kudo’s Award, Leah Ryan.

The award was created to commemorate the life of a long-time and much loved Bromley employee, Andrea Coolidge, who passed away in May of 2008. “Andrea loved this place and gave it her all, all day, ever day,” says Pete Robertson. “It’s a fact,” adds Mike Scholz, “Andrea was without a doubt the hardest working woman – the hardest worker, period – this mountain’s ever seen,” (the “Kudos” part of the award’s name comes from Robertson’s and Scholz’ habit of handing Kudos Granola Bars to employees who go the extra mile – the winner of the annual award is the staffer who earned the most Kudos bars over the season).

That Leah would live up to Andrea’s legacy might have been obvious from Day One. She always wore a great big smile, was a hit with both guests and co-workers and, over the course of the season, managed to work every one of the busy park’s 22 rides and attractions. That she remained cheerful, helpful and absolutely unflappable during what was by far the busiest season in the Adventure Park’s history is all the more commendable.

Master the Mountain Returns to Big Sky Resort

Successful Program Enters its 14th Season
Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort Snowsports School is proud to offer the Master the Mountain Program for its 14th season this winter. This popular ski program, designed to focus on skiing "off piste" powder, moguls, glades, and ungroomed terrain, will be held mid-week on Tuesdays and Fridays from January 4, 2011 through February 11, 2011. Weekend sessions will meet on Saturdays from January 8 through February 12, 2011.

This six-week program was created to meet the needs of Big Sky Residents and those with extended Winter Stays in the area. The program is a fun and exciting way to meet members of the surrounding Big Sky Community while socializing, developing and renewing friendships each winter.

Participants may choose between morning and afternoon sessions for both the mid-week and Saturday programs, and telemark and snowboard Master the Mountain sessions will be available on Saturday mornings only. A minimum of four people is needed per group and the Big Sky Snowsports School will attempt to keep group size to a seven person maximum.

“The Master of the Mountain program is a great way for folks of all ability levels to learn in a somewhat non-traditional way,” said Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort Snowsports School Director. “These sessions are group driven and allow skiers to really get out and about to explore new territory and push themselves while they gain expert advice from our certified instructors.”

What's New at Nakiska Ski Resort

Kananaskis Village, AB - Nakiska is excited to go into the second season celebrating all the amazing enhancements that were implemented last year including the new Gold Chair Express, the exciting introduction of the Monster Glades, and snowmaking expansion; to mention a few. These major improvements were noted by guests and Olympic athletes training at Nakiska prior to the 2010 Games and were also timely for the preparation to host the Canadian National Championships last season.

On-Mountain
- After an outstanding 2009-10 ski season, Nakiska looks forward to the upcoming season and while still feeling the glow from the recent enhancements, welcomes a new thrilling addition, the new Nakiska rail park: NaJIBska. The new rail park with have a variety of 18 features and starting mid-December, will be accessible from the Silver Chair Express and located on Elbow.

Deer Valley Ranked #1 Ski Area for 4th Straight Year!

Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort has been named the #1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI Magazine for an unprecedented fourth year in a row. No other ski resort has ever earned the prestigious ranking so many times consecutively. And remarkably, in the past ten years, Deer Valley’s rating hasn’t dipped lower than third, with a #2 ranking in 2001/2002; a #1 ranking in 2002/2003; a #3 rating in 2003/2004; a #2 rating in 2004/2005; another #1 ranking in 2005/2006, a #2 rating in 2006/2007, and #1 rankings in the 2007/2008, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons.

“We are absolutely delighted with the results of this year’s SKI Magazine survey,” says Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort president and general manager. “To win the #1 ranking four years in a row, in the company of the finest resorts in North America, is just humbling. And so incredibly exciting, because it’s unprecedented. No other resort has accomplished this. What it means to me is that both our staff and guests share the vision of excellence and consistency in everything we do. It means that all of the efforts to please our guests and provide an unforgettable experience are validated. We are here for our guests, so if they are happy, we’re happy. We’re doing our job properly. A huge congratulations to our wonderful staff, who made this award happen.”

Belleayre Finalizing Preparations for 31st Annual Fall Festival at Overlook Lodge

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.