Big Beers Festival Organizer Grants Interview Co-Founder and Organizer Laura Lodge Discusses Charity Event

Vail, CO - The Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival is a three day event held in January in Vail, Colorado. Offering beer and food pairings, a commercial tasting, educational workshops and seminars, Big Beers is considered a premier destination beer event and is open to the public. Brother and sister team Bill and Laura Lodge host the event; Bill as founder of the initial concept eleven years ago, and Laura as the active organizer of this charitable event for beer enthusiasts. Laura was recently interviewed regarding her role with Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines.

The Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival is a three day event held in Vail, Colorado each January, featuring educational seminars, two Brewmasters dinners, a Commercial Tasting, a homebrew competition and other tastings and pairings. Designed to welcome the beer connoisseur, the innovative homebrewer, or the novice taster, participants will find events appropriate for all levels of interest. The festival regularly draws breweries from around the world offering literally hundreds of choices. The beer & food pairing competition is a popular option as well as the Cicerone Workshop, a program similar to the Sommelier designation in the world of wine. Additionally, the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival actively supports the efforts of the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, a local organization that helps individuals who live and work in the Vail Valley that have critical financial need due to medical catastrophes, accidents or long-term illnesses.

Summer at Winter Park is Officially Open

New York Times named Winter Park Resort one of six “Bargain Summer Trips Free From Crowds

Winter Park, CO - Even with lingering snow on the slopes, the 2011 summer season at Winter Park Resort officially opened on Saturday, June 11, 2011. All family base area activities are ready for guests, the Epic Singletrack Series began the first of seven races and life has returned to The Village at Winter Park. Trestle Bike Park is scheduled to open next Saturday, June 18.

Opening day coincides with a recent article published by The New York Times, where Winter Park Resort was honored by being named one of six destinations in a story written by travel editor, Michelle Higgins, titled Bargain Summer Trips Free From Crowds. It highlights a value vacation free from the heat, where lodging prices are drastically reduced in summer versus peak winter travel dates. The article also references the abundance of family activities and the lift-accessible mountain bike terrain in Trestle Bike Park. Other destinations named include Aruba, Las Vegas, St. Petersburg, FL., New Orleans and Scottsdale, AZ.
Marlinton

Arapahoe Basin Will Reopen for the Summer Season

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin will remain open seven days a week through June 5 and will reopen for summer skiing for at least two three-day weekends – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays June 10, 11, and 12 and June 17, 18 and 19.

The ski area has reported over 420” of snow this season; 15” in the last week. Because of the strong snow season and current 94” base, A-Basin will be able to push the ski season into the summer. This is the first time the area will experiment being open on weekends only.

“Having our greatest season in years, ideally we would like to stay open on the weekends until the fourth of July, but it’s too early to know what the conditions will be to make that call,” said Alan Henceroth, COO of Arapahoe Basin.

During Arapahoe Basin’s Summer Season, the ski area will open at 8:30 a.m. with two lifts serving top to bottom skiing. Black Mountain Express will close at 2:00 p.m. and Lenawee Mountain Lift will close at 2:30 p.m. Lift tickets at the A-Basin ticket window will be $39 for adults, $29 for youths (ages 15-19) and $19 for children (ages 6-14) during the Summer Season. No other discount or lift ticket offer will be accepted during this period. All season passes and pre-purchased lift tickets valid at A-Basin during the regular season will be valid during this Summer Season.

A $10 barbeque lunch special will be featured on the deck at Black Mountain Lodge, the A-Frame café will be open for breakfast, and the 6th Alley bar will serve pizza and drinks. The retail and rental shops will be open with ski, snowboard and clothing rentals and sales.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort Opens for Summer June 18, 2011

New for summer 2011: Zip Line Tour; improved bike park, trails; new events

Crested Butte, CO - Springtime brings summer dreams and the news from Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) offers plenty to fuel the imagination. CBMR plans to open for the summer season on Saturday, June 18, 2011 with a new, year-round Zip Line Tour, improved on-mountain trails for downhillers and cross-country riders, additions to the Evolution Bike Park, and a host of great events.

New for the coming summer season, CBMR introduces the Crested Butte Zip Line Tour. The guided tour, which debuts in June 2011, includes five zip lines, and a series of features, such as an “Indiana Jones Bridge,” a “Burma Bridge” and a net climb. The Zip Line Tour at CBMR will be available during the summer and winter seasons; the resort will offer the only guided zip line tour at a Colorado ski resort, and one of the only winter canopy tour operations in the state.The resort’s Adventure Park and the new Zip Line Tour will open for the summer season on June 18, 2011. Attractions, including the Crested Butte Zip Line Tour, mini golf, bungee trampolines and climbing tower, are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer. The Adventure Park will close for the summer season on Sept. 5, 2011, but the resort will continue to offer zip line tours on weekends through the fall for leaf-peeping opportunities.

CBMR also hopes to improve cross-country riding options, including proposed completion of Westside trail following a two-year build-out. The trail would offer a new access route to the CBMR base area and five miles of winding trail through mixed vegetation and rock with tall views of the town of Crested Butte and Paradise Divide to the north. In addition, crews would tie in Lower Meander to Meander and Gothic Road after some technical riding while overlooking East River Valley. The resort hopes to begin all new trail construction this summer pending final approval from the U.S. Forest Service.

Arapahoe Basin Reaches 100” Base

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin ski patrol reported a 100” base this morning. This snow depth represents the deepest base A-Basin has experienced all season and one that has not been reached since 2003. The current storm has dropped 7” of snow in the last 24 hours and 15” in the last three days. More snow is expected in the forecast.

Tomorrow, April 27, Arapahoe Basin and Summit County local radio station, KSMT The Mountain, will throw a Locals’ Day party to celebrate. A free State Farm, Big Hit and Nomis Air and Style competition will be held in the Treeline Terrain Park with cash prizes. From 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. enjoy barbeque specials, entertainment and giveaways at Black Mountain Lodge. Live music with Sam Adams and Jagermeister specials will take place in the base area from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Demo Tech Nine gear and partake in the Silverthorne Recreation Centers volleyball competition. KSMT is also putting on a scavenger hunt during the day.

A-Basin is 100% open and boasts 382” of snow so far this season. Closing date is currently set for June 5, 2011. For more information on snow conditions or spring events, please log on to arapahoebasin.com or call (888) ARAPAHOE (272-7246). Please carpool or ride the Summit Stage to Arapahoe Basin. The free Summit Stage will run through May 29, 2011.

Mother Nature Helps Winter Park Celebrate End of Season with Plenty of Powder

Winter Park. CO - Not going quietly, the 2010/11 season will end under a thick blanket of fresh powder and with many skiers and riders in a cold, wet splash on Sunday, April 24. This season has been truly memorable with incredible snowfall, entertaining events, warm and friendly staff and loyal guests.

Golden Bunny Candy Hunt -- Saturday, April 23
There is no shortage of Easter festivities at Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver on-mountain holiday fun with a candy hunt in Discovery Park. For children 5 and under, a base area egg hunt will be held as well. This 30-year tradition is a favorite for children of all ages. Other Easter activities include a “fun race” on the mountain and a coloring contest. Due to closing day being on Easter Sunday this year, please note the Easter activities will be held on Saturday, April 23.

Coca-Cola® Spring Splash -- Sunday, April 24
Closing day is considered a holiday on the mountain, so why not come out and enjoy one last day of spring skiing and riding? The fun-filled day starts at 12 p.m. as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on Larry Sale trail race course and then attempt to skim across an icy pond in hopes of finishing the race first. Prizes include a 2011-2012 season pass and cash prizes.

Registration begins hours before the race at 8 a.m., and participants race in the order they registered. Registration is limited to 100 participants and the roster filled quickly last year, it is advised to register early on Sunday. Helping celebrate the end of a great ski season “Better Than Bacon,” a popular band out of Fort Collins will set the tone for the closing day party from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

April's Spring Skiing is a Blast at Winter Park Resort

Closing Day is Easter Sunday, April 24

Winter Park, CO - Boasting a season of incredible snow and with closing day not until April 24, Winter Park Resort is making April an event-filled month for guests by offering races, live music, Easter holiday festivities, and one of Colorado’s most sought after closing day parties.

Hi Standard Double Big Air -- Saturday, April 16
Vans and Protec presents the Hi Standard Double Big Air, in Rail Yard® terrain park. For this event, style is everything and nothing over a 720. Only $20 entry fee and $45 discounted lift ticket if needed. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three with a $3000 purse. For details, click here.

20th Annual Tom’s Terrific Cross Country Downhill -- Saturday, April 16
This five-kilometer "mostly downhill" fun race benefits junior skiers in the Competition Center. The race begins at 5 pm outside The Lodge at Sunspot atop Winter Park Mountain and involves some uphill sections and follows mostly green terrain. Past participants have raced on alpine, telemark, cross-country skis, snowboards and ski-boards. For more information, call the Competition Center at 970.726.1590. Registration Form

Spring Blast -- Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17
Spring Blast offers great food and drink specials at the Derailer Bar and Doc’s Roadhouse. Along with food and drink specials, guests can indulge in end-of-season sales and end the day with live music. Spring Blast is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out and enjoy live entertainment along with the beautiful spring weather. Saturday features the band “Hot Cheeze Soup” from 1-4pm, Sunday “James and The Devil” will rock the house from 1-4pm.

Golden Bunny Candy Hunt -- Saturday, April 23
There is no shortage of Easter festivities at Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver on-mountain holiday fun with a candy hunt in Discovery Park. For children 5 and under, a base area egg hunt will be held as well. This 30-year tradition is a favorite for children of all ages. Other Easter activities include a “fun race” on the mountain and a coloring contest. Due to closing day being on Easter Sunday this year, please note the Easter activities will be held on Saturday, April 23.

Coca-Cola® Spring Splash -- Sunday, April 24
Closing day is considered a holiday on the mountain, so why not come out and enjoy one last day of spring skiing and riding? The fun-filled day starts at 12 p.m. as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on Larry Sale trail race course and then attempt to skim across an icy pond in hopes of finishing the race first.

Prizes include a 2011-2012 season pass and cash prizes. Registration begins hours before the race at 8 a.m., and participants race in the order they registered. Registration is limited to 100 participants and the roster filled quickly last year, it is advised to register early on Sunday. Helping celebrate the end of a great ski season “Better Than Bacon,” a popular band out of Fort Collins will set the tone for the closing day party from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Putnam U.S. Alpine Championships

Winter Park, CO - With the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Finals and the NorAm Cup season in the rear-view mirror, the U.S. Ski Team returns home for the Putnam U.S. Alpine Championships set for March 31-April 3 in Winter Park, CO. Among those expected to compete are three-time World Cup giant slalom champion and Putnam athlete Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) and three-time Olympic medalist Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA).

The championships serve as the culmination of a five-month season that crossed continents and countries so America's best alpine skiers could go head-to-head with the world. Top athletes from the over 400 U.S. Ski Team club programs throughout the U.S. will converge on Winter Park for the four-day event.

The event also wraps a full-week of alpine racing at Winter Park which opens March 25 with the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships, a culmination of the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program in the world.

"U.S. championships are always a fun way to close the season," said Mancuso, after finishing third in both the World Cup downhill and super G standings this season. "I'll definitely be racing everything in Winter Park."

On the elite World Cup level, former U.S. champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) added three more discipline titles to bring her career total to 12, while Ligety proved yet again that he is the greatest giant slalom athlete in recent years and Mancuso put on a season-long surge that resulted in victory at the final World Cup downhill.

Another notable U.S. Champs competitor is Nolan Kasper (Warren, VT), who is also a former NorAm champion. This season, Kasper jumped from 64th to 17th in the world slalom rankings and earned the Europa Cup slalom title. It was the first time an American had won a Europa Cup title since Monique Pelletier also took a slalom title in 1989.

"It's a long season, that's for sure," said Kasper. "But U.S. Champs is a pretty special event. There's no other way to see where you match up against the other top athletes across the country. Plus our families are all there and the coaches from our club programs. It feels like a big reunion."

Winter Park Again to Host Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships

Largest Recreational Ski and Snowboard Race in the World

Winter Park, CO - Winter Park Resort is proud to again host the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships, March 24-27, 2011. This event is the largest recreational ski and snowboard race in the world, bringing racers of all ages from around the country. Over 1,200 racers and their families are expected to arrive in Winter Park between Tuesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 24. The public is welcome to watch all races, enjoy two days with live music and meeting members of the U.S. Ski Team.

To qualify for Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships, participants must be ranked in the top three in their age & gender category in their division at any of the Nature Valley NASTAR resorts across the country, as of Tuesday, February 22, 2011.

Telluride Ski Resort Takes Advantage of Longer Days

Telluride, CO - Telluride Ski Resort will be taking full advantage of the longer days and premiere snow conditions this spring as Daylight Savings begins Sunday, March 13.

With warm days and cold nights approaching, and the snow piling up this March, the resort will shift its current operating hours of 9am-4pm to 10am-5pm beginning this Sunday in order for skiers to make the most of these great conditions.

Don't forget to come out this weekend for the New Belgium Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, March 12. Grab some friends, don your wildest costumes and ski around the mountain in search of Big Foot, a giant chicken and their cast of characters to win prizes and raise many for the local non-profit Telluride Adaptive Ski Program.

Ruby Hill Railyard's Fifth Season Comes to a Close

2011 On Track to be the Most Successful Season Yet

Denver, CO - Ruby Hill Rail Yard, Denver’s one-of-a-kind free urban ski and snowboard terrain park, will close for the 2011 season on Sunday, February 27.

Now in its fifth season, the 2011 Ruby Hill Rail Yard opened on January 8, 2011 for seven weeks and is on track to be the most well attended season to date. Ruby Hill’s success is largely due to the thirty-five volunteers who logged more than 900 hours to maintain the park, and to a snow cat that was provided by Winter Park Resort for maintenance purposes.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a result of a partnership between Winter Park Resort, Denver Parks and Recreation and Christy Sports: Winter Park provided seven rails, terrain park design and staff; Christy Sports provided over 300 free equipment rentals; and Denver Parks and Recreation provided the physical space and the youth programs that utilized the terrain park.

Thank you to the following partners for another successful season and for making Ruby Hill Rail Yard possible: Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports, Johnson Controls, Denver Water, The North Face, Choose Outdoors, Wahoo’s Fish Taco and the Snowboard Outreach Society, along with the crew from Winter Park Resort.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is located off of South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue. The Rail Yard will be open every day through Sunday, February 27, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Free Skiing at Eldora

Nederland, CO - Beginning Monday, February 21st, Eldora Mountain Resort will offer FREE skiing to anyone who has a lift ticket or a season pass from any other ski area.

The unprecedented offer is designed to introduce Eldora to Colorado skiers and riders. This year Eldora has received an abundance of snow and conditions are the best in years. “We’ve come to realize just how many skiers and snowboarders in Colorado have not experienced Eldora or have not been here for quite a few years. It’s time they try Eldora. There is no better way to do that than invite people to come here for free” says Jim Spenst, General Manager for Eldora.

To receive a free lift ticket, present a lift ticket or seasons pass from any other ski area. The free lift ticket is a one-time offer. It is not available on Saturdays to avoid over-crowding the ski area. The ski free promotion will run for a limited time and it is yet to be determined how long the offer will last into the remainder of the season.

In addition, people who take advantage of the free ticket or season pass offer may upgrade to a full Eldora Season Pass good for the remainder of the 2010-2011 season for only $99

Memorial Service announced for Leif Eric Borgeson

Arapahoe Basin, CO - A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Arapahoe Basin Snow Safety Director, Leif Borgeson, on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Keystone Conference Center. The doors will open at 4:30pm for friends to gather and the service will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception for all at the Arapahoe Basin A-frame including refreshments and a time to meet Leif’s family. At the A-Basin reception there will be an opportunity for friends to be video-taped and share a favorite Leif Borgeson story.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the Leif Borgeson Memorial Fund are being accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank branch.

Copper Mountain Announces New Lift for 2011-2012 Season

Doppelmayr Detachable Quad to Replace Current High Point Chairlift
Copper Mtn, CO - Copper Mountain is excited to announce that this summer we will begin construction on a new chairlift, replacing the High Point fixed grip double chair located at the base of Union Creek, which has served Copper faithfully since 1976.

The new lift will provide improved service to all levels of skiing and riding ability. The lift, manufactured by Doppelmayr USA, will have a new alignment to help improve skier and rider circulation in and out of Union Creek. In conjunction with the new lift, the addition of a new trail connection from the east will make the circulation from the Catalyst Terrain Park and the tremendous beginner and intermediate terrain in the area, much easier.

“I have been skiing at Copper since college and when Powdr purchased Copper, we did so with a goal of enhancing and improving the on-mountain experience,” says John Cumming, President and CEO of Powdr Corp. “I am very excited about taking this first step.”

The new lift will have a capacity of 2,400 people per hour, a length of 4,937 feet, with a vertical rise of 1,005 feet. The ride time will be 5 minutes, a fraction of the current lift ride from Union Creek to mid-mountain now. The top terminal will be realigned slightly uphill and to the east of the current High Point lift. The lower terminal will move to the East side of the Schoolhouse. Construction of the new lift is scheduled for June 1, 2011.

“After a year of significant infrastructure investments in snowmaking, parking and much more, we are excited to announce a more visible on-mountain improvement,” says Gary Rodgers, President and General Manager of Copper Mountain Resort. “We view the new lift as a critical step in improving the Union Creek skiing and riding experience for all ability levels.”

Epic Snow Storm Brings 4 Feet of Snow Last Week!

Loveland Ski Area, CO - Last week here at Loveland we saw a snowstorm of epic proportions. Over 4 feet of snow fell last week alone bringing our year-to-date total to 255 inches! This is more than double the amount of snowfall we had on this date last year! Not only do we have tons of snow, but the forecast is calling for the weather stay nice and clear for this weekend. Come up and enjoy some of the best skiing and riding conditions we have seen in several seasons here at Loveland Ski Area: So close to home!

Join the Snow Day Team before January 13

Copper Mountain, CO - Copper reported 8 inches of snow this morning, Monday, January 10, so it is an Official Snow Day. If you don’t have your Snow Day Pass yet, you can still pick it up for upcoming powder days by January 13. Just in case you were wondering: this is the 15th Snow Day this season where Copper reported four or more inches, and we average 42 Snow Days a year. In addition, Copper has received 19 inches of snow this month and an amazing 176 inches this season, that’s almost 15 feet of snow!

Basically, the Snow Day Pass works like so: join the Snow Day team for just $99. Every time Copper gets four or more inches of snow, come on up and use your pass for free, because four inches has never been so satisfying.

The Snow Day pass will be on sale through January 13, so the sooner you buy it, the more chances you will have to use it. After January 13, this offer will self-destruct.

Top Disabled Skiers Compete at Winter Park Open

Winter Park, CO - Conditions as of 5:00pm on January 4, 2011

Packed Powder conditions with a 45 inch mid-mountain base and a 50 inch base at the summit. 20 lifts turning at 9am this morning, getting you to 133 trails, 8 terrain parks/pipes and 2560 acres are open.

Arapahoe Basin's Montezuma Bowl to Open This Saturday

Montezuma Bowl Opens for its Fourth Season in Time for the Holidays
Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin’s Montezuma Bowl will open to the public at 9:00 am, Saturday, December 18.

A-Basin has received over 100” of snow since opening day in October, helping to make this Montezuma Bowl opening the earliest one in its four year history. Open terrain will be growing quickly to include additional runs with the anticipated snowfall this week. Hike back terrain and other areas of the West Bowl will open as soon as possible.

The intermediate and advanced terrain to open on Saturday will include Columbine, Larkspur, Shining Light, Ned’s Cache, Miner’s Glade, Independence, Eureka, Torreys, Grays and Bierstadt all accessible from the Zuma chairlift.

Montezuma Bowl opened for its inaugural season in January of 2008. The expansion increased the ski area’s terrain by 80 percent. The 400-acre Montezuma Bowl, located on the backside of Arapahoe Basin, was the nation’s largest terrain expansion for the 2007-2008 ski season.

Telluride Ski Resort Cancels Backcountry Guide Program

Telluride, CO - Telluride Ski Resort announced today that it is canceling its backcountry guide program in the Bear Creek drainage, which is located immediately east of the ski area. The resort cited a lack of alignment with private owners of mining claims in the drainage.

The Resort was originally encouraged by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a guide service to help manage the growing use of the backcountry area.

"Telluride Ski Resort believed it was providing a much needed public service which would help people learn to safely navigate the area," said Resort CEO Dave Riley. "However, certain owners of mining claims, Irene West, Tom Chapman, and Ron Curry, have not accepted our offer to provide insurance and indemnification agreements in return for access privileges across their property."

Despite numerous attempts to reach out to the private land owners, the Ski Resort was unable to get a response. "They literally would not return emails or agree to get together to discuss a solution", said Riley.

The Ski Resort contends that the Chapman mining claims don't cause a barrier to fall line skiing in Bear Creek, but the West mining claim does create a barrier as there is no way to travel down through the drainage from the upper basin to the lower terrain without crossing the West property.

Woodward at Copper Takes Next Step to Integrate Into Every Aspect of Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain, CO - Woodward at Copper is possibly the raddest place on the planet. Some even call it the premier trick-stomping playground in the world. It features The Barn, a 19,400 sq. ft. comprehensive ski and snowboard freestyle training facility complete with indoor artificial snow jumps, jib lines, foam pits, skate features and Olympic fly-bed trampolines, offering indoor and outdoor training programs where you can learn tricks in the Barn and take them on snow the same day.

NEW this season, the teams responsible for helping build/shape the parks and pipes at Copper now are working in conjunction with the folks at Woodward at Copper. This move will leverage the best builders from Copper with the innovation and programs commonly seen from the minds of Woodward at Copper. This will expand the Woodward at Copper experience and the terrain parks/pipes experience across the resort and better integrate our people.

“I believe that this integration will prove to be a defining moment at Copper Mountain,” says Ben Brown, Director of Woodward at Copper. “I see so much passion for our parks from both the Terrain Park Crew as well as Woodward at Copper that combining the two will be explosive. The plan is for the transition to happen over time, but you should see some immediate impacts this year. Copper opened the season with more than 10 features in the Eagle Jib Park and will continue to expand throughout the season to our other five parks.”

This new decision shows Copper’s commitment to terrain parks, Woodward at Copper, progression and the integration of two very parallel departments, to form a happy union that should benefit all.