Shawnee Mountain Military Appreciation Weekend

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - In an effort to honor the brave men and women defending our freedom and our great Nation, Shawnee Mountain is pleased to announce Military Appreciation Weekend Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 16, 17 & 18, 2012. As a special "Thank You" all active Military and their immediate family (spouse & children 18 years and under) will receive FREE Lift Tickets and Ski or Snowboard Rentals for any of the 3 days. Also, Group Lessons and SKIwee Children's Lesson Programs will be made available at a 50% Discount.

Valid active military picture ID is required and valid dependent cards are required. All branches of our Armed Forces are eligible, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard active duty members. For all Retired Military and Reservists and their immediate family a discount of 50% off Lift Tickets will be offered during the Military Appreciation Weekend. Again valid active military picture ID is required and valid dependent cards are required. As a special bonus, those attending Military Appreciation Weekend are welcome to enjoy the Costume Carnival Day and Parade taking place at Shawnee Mountain on Sunday, March 20 at 1pm.

Winter Fun, Spring Style - March Madness At Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

Banner Elk, NC -

March Madness means discounted rates beginning Monday, March 5th at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. Skiers and snowboarders can delight in 25% savings on lift tickets, rental equipment and lessons for the remainder of the ski season. Plus Winter Value Packages are discounted 40%; making spring skiing and riding more attractive than ever.

March Madness also signals a new season and a new attitude. BOSS HAWG brings their distinctive brand of Blue Grass to the Sugar Mountain Lodge March 3rd and 17th. Both shows begin at 4 pm and deliver two hours of rousing, foot tapping music.

On Sunday, March 4th we celebrate the life of the late Dick Trundy, a decorated Marine Corps General and aviator who served as Sugar Mountain's Director of Operations after his retirement from the service. The Dick Trundy Sugar Cup Giant Slalom competition is a NASTAR style competition open to skiers and snowboarders from the age of four to seniors 65 years and up. Event registration begins at 7:30 am with racing starting at 9 am on Big Red. One-hundred percent of all $15 entry fees go to the American Cancer Society.

March 4th as well marks Sugar Bear's Birthday Celebration another annual event that adds to the magic of the spring ski season on Sugar Mountain. Activities include the Great Bear Race, special treats, and of course cupcakes and ice cream. Kids love this event and that always puts a smile on the adults, too.

On Sunday, March 18th Sugar Mountain hosts the Sixth Annual Easter Egg Hunt right on the slopes. Dress up in your Easter Best costume and join Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear in the snow in search of prize-filled eggs. Hundreds of colorful plastic eggs will be tucked away over the Lower Flying Mile slope within view of the lodge. One lucky skier or snowboarder will find an egg containing a 2012-2013 Sugar Mountain season pass. The Easter egg hunt is free for all children 12 and under with a valid lift/slope ticket, or pass. The event begins at 9 am at the bottom of the No. 1 Summit lift.

A-Basin Opens Montezuma Bowl

Arapahoe Basin, CO - Arapahoe Basin’s Montezuma Bowl opened to the public today at noon.

All of the intermediate terrain in Montezuma Bowl is now open, including Columbine, Larkspur, Shining Light, Ned’s Cache, Independence and Elk Meadows. In addition, the advanced, gladed terrain in Torreys, Grays, Bierstadt and Lightning Traverse is now open. All of the newly-opened terrain is accessible from the Zuma chairlift. Terrain will be growing quickly to include additional runs as conditions permit.

The past week of storms along with grooming and patrol work have enabled A-Basin to open Montezuma Bowl to the public for the first time this season. 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.

Updated stats for the ski area as of today: 6 lifts open 63 trails 600 acres 100% beginner; 94% intermediate; 49% advanced

SnowEast Magazine Call for Nominations for Best Ski Resort in the East

Wilmington, NY - SnowEast Magazine has opened the nomination period for its annual Reader Survey. Categories range from Most Scenic to the Best Ski Resort in the East. Last year’s survey generated more than 6,500 votes from the magazine’s readership.

Last winter, Whiteface/Lake Placid, N.Y. won the honor as the magazine’s top ski resort in the east and this season it was voted the Most Scenic.

The resort has received a number of accolades already this season. In November, readers of SKI Magazine tabbed it as the number-one ski resort in the state of New York and ranked it as the fourth top ski resort in the eastern United States. And for the 19th consecutive year, the publication’s readers selected Whiteface/Lake Placid number-one for Off-Hill Activities.

In December, National Geographic Magazine named Whiteface/Lake Placid, as one of the “Best 10 Winter Trips 2012.” The publication also included the destination in its January feature of “Top-10 Winter Adventures.”

TIMEBENDER Turns the Time/Space Continuum on It's Head‏!

Whistler, BC - Everything at Whistler Blackcomb is in constant motion, but sometimes the subtleties of that motion are lost to the naked eye. In Timebender, we turn the time/space continuum on its head; slowing down the fast action and speeding up the slow stuff. The season is still young and there's no better time to visit Whistler Blackcomb. What's stopping you?

View TIMEBENDER Here!

Shawnee Mountain Raises Money For Local Charities

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - Shawnee Mountain is pleased to announce its donation of all the proceeds from the Pennsylvania Learn to Ski Day held January 5 on the Ski Area’s Learning Center. A total of $960 was donated to the Bushkill Outreach. The Bushkill Outreach is a local food bank affiliated with the Reformed Church of Bushkill and St. John’s Catholic Church of Bushkill, PA.

Recently on Saturday and Sunday, Feb 4, Shawnee Mountain held its annual Race Against Cancer on the Upper Tomahawk NASTAR Race Trail. Race fee proceeds, along with corporate sponsorships and individual donations raised $7,446, all of which has been sent to Monroe County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Both Pennsylvania Learn to Ski Day and the Race Against Cancer are long standing Shawnee Mountain Events and along with other fundraisers are held annually at the family orientated Ski Area.

New Snow, Deals at Sugar Bowl for Presidents' Week

Donner Summit, CA - The recent winter storms that rolled across Donner Summit left behind 18” of new snow on Sugar Bowl Resort, just in time for the busy Presidents' Holiday week of skiing and snowboarding. And with another system forecasting additional snow for this coming Saturday, resort operators are expecting quality conditions out on the mountain with plenty of skiers & riders hitting the slopes. Sugar Bowl is offering holiday specials and deals for both day skiers and passholders alike:

Sugar Bowl will keep in place the lower, regular season lift ticket rates, straight through the holiday week.

Sugar Bowl Season Passholders with a restricted pass, blacked out over the holiday week, can take advantage of $39 Adult, $33 Young Adult/Senior and $10 Child Tickets, on that specific pass blackout day, FEB 18-26. Passholders need to visit the Judah Special Tickets office, or any ticket window, with their 2011/12 Sugar Bowl season pass, to receive the discount lift ticket. Offer is valid for one lift ticket per passholder.

All Sugar Bowl CORE Daily and Season Passholders can bring along a friend and save them $15 on the price of their lift ticket, FEB 17-26.

Season Passholders from any other ski resort can also take advantage of the $15 saving on their Sugar Bowl lift ticket, FEB 17-26. Passholders from other resorts simply need to visit the Judah Special Tickets office, or any ticket window.

Valentine's Storm Stacks Up to 32" and Still Snowing!

Pagosa Springs, CO - There was no need to get your sweetheart a snow globe if you spent your Valentine's Day at Wolf Creek - A storm that began early Sunday morning has stacked up to 32" so far, and it's still snowing! The all-natural snow depth at the summit has reached the 100 inch benchmark, reaffirming Wolf Creek's title as the Most Snow in Colorado! And to share the good fortune, Wolf Creek is offering $33 adult lift tickets and $19 child and senior lift tickets for tomorrow, February 15th.

New Snow Brings Snowpack up to 100" at Mt. Hood Meadows

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows received some Valentine’s Day love in the form of new snow – so far 4 inches have accumulated in this storm, increasing the base area snowpack to 100 inches. Snow is expected to fall into the evening, before skies clear giving way to a sunnyWednesday.

The resort is celebrating Valentine’s Week with a 2-for-1 online lift ticket offer – purchase 2 midweek lift tickets for just $79. The tickets are to be used together on the same day, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of this week. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the new snow with someone specials. The tickets must be purchased in advance.

Heading into the holiday weekend Meadows will run its Park+Ride shuttle buses Saturday, Sunday and Monday (President’s Day.)

And the resort is extending hours on Monday, February 20th until 9 PM in celebration of President’s Day. A special $10 evening ticket – good from 3 – 9 PM is available online at SkiHood.com, The same ticket purchased at the ski resort Monday evening will be $15.

Regular operating hours are 9 AM – 9 PM Wednesday – Sunday, with lifts closing at 4 PM Monday and Tuesday. But Meadows is extending hours to 9 PM on Monday, February 20 to celebrate President’s day.

Family Fun in Full Swing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke, BC - With the introduction of new family amenities at Revelstoke Mountain Resort , the fun is in full swing with all features ready for visiting families arriving for Family Week and Spring Break. New family amenities at the resort include the Turtle Creek Beginner Area & Tube Park, Kids ROC, Mountain Child Care, and The Sutton Place Hotel outdoor pool and hot tub facility. Loads of family fun is planned around the Family Day holiday (February 20, 2012) with a full week of low-cost and no-cost activities for children and families offered through Kids ROC and Mountain Child Care.

Kids ROC Family Week Activity Schedule Activities will include both daytime and evening fun such as a scavenger hunt, snow party, helmet decorating, in addition to Kids ROC après-ski programming with game, craft and snow tubing nights that include dinner. Mountain Child Care will also offer special evening child care services most evenings during Family Week. Thursday February 16 – Saturday February 25.

The new Turtle Creek Beginner Area & Tube Park has been very popular since opening in early January with Kids ROC weekend programs seeing an all-time high for enrolment.

Tahoe Junior Freeride Series Makes Season Debut at Sugar Bowl

Donner Summit, CA - The Tahoe Junior Freeride Series makes its first stop at Sugar Bowl Resort this weekend, February 11-12th. The region's best junior big mountain skiers will test their skills each day in a two run cumulative score format. Age groups of 10-14 and 15-18 for both boys and girls will be battling for points that now count towards national ranking. The Tahoe Junior Freeride Series began as a friendly competition between Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley’s Freeride Team and has since become a structured regional event that boasts some of the best junior talent in the country, with teams representing Squaw Free, Auburn Ski Club, Kirkwood Freeride team, Squaw Valley Freeride team, Alpine Meadows Freeride team and the Sugar Bowl Freeride team. Contestants are judged on their line choice, control, fluidity, technique and overall impression. Competition begins at 10:00 am each day.

11th Annual NATO Telemark Clinic February 11 and 12 at Belleayre Get Spied by Clear Channel and Win Prizes on Saturday, February 11

Highmount, NY - Head to Belleayre February 11 and 12 for the 11th Annual North American Telemark Organization Workshop to perfect your knee-dipping technique. This popular clinic is the most complete two-day on snow telemark clinic offered in North America. Topics covered by Belleayre's own tele expert Ferd LaMotte will include everything from the DNA of basic telemark skiing to high end hybrid free heel techniques including step, jump, and hop tele's, linking smooth turns, and free heel parallel. There will also be a special section on skiing moguls and steep and packed surfaces. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting NATO Director Dickie Hall at 802-496-4387 or by emailing info@telemarknato.com.

Clear Channel Radio will be at the Overlook Lodge on Saturday, February 11 for the next installment of Slope Spies at Belleayre. Register in the morning at the Clear Channel tent outside Overlook Lodge and get a Slope Spies ticket. If a Slope Spies staff member spots you on the hill they will send you to the registration tent for a prize. Don't miss this promotion because the Clear Channel rep's give away all sorts of great prizes.

Be sure to be at Belleayre with the favorite skier or snowboarder in your life for the Valentine's Couples Race on Sunday, February 12. Maneuver the NASTAR race course on Lower Yahoo while tied to your favorite person to get the fastest time in this fun all ages event. Registration is from 8-10 in the Garden Room of Overlook Lodge and is free. Helmets are required.

Storm brings 11" to Wolf Creek!

Pagosa Springs, CO - The blizzard that is wreaking havoc across the plains was welcomed with smiles in Southwest Colorado. The timing couldn't be better: Salomon is at Wolf Creek today and tomorrow with their new BBR skis available for demo, and Wolf Creek has a host of events coming up this weekend including a Ladies Ski and Board Clinic tomorrow, and a Telemark Clinic, Local Appreciation Day and Fun Race on Sunday.

Southern New Hampshire Ski Resort Gets First High Speed Quad Lift

Bennington, NH - Peak Resorts announces the acquisition of the high speed detachable quad chairlift formally of Ascutney Mountain, VT. The installation of the lift, along with a terrain expansion is planned at Crotched Mountain, NH for the 2012-2013 season. This 3 million dollar capital investment will happen on the 10 year anniversary of the reconstruction of the resort.

We are very excited about the prospect of adding a detachable lift at CrotchedMountain. This lift will provide quick access to the summit, ultimately providing more value and vertical to our guests. Along with the lift, the addition of 25 acres of skiable terrain will be a significant upgrade for the resort." said Jesse Boyd, VP of Operations for Peak Resorts.

While replacing the current Summit fixed grip lift, the only high speed quad lift in Southern NH will provide an uphill capacity of 2400 persons per hour, and access to an additional 25 acres of terrain in less than 4 minutes of time on the lift. The additional terrain access is accomplished by the extension of the current summit lift profile to the top of the mountain, approaching 1000 feet of vertical drop. The additional 25 acres of terrain will encompass three extra slopes and two glade areas. The new terrain will have 100 percent fan snowmaking coverage as well as being lit for night skiing.

"We at Crotched pride our self on the commitment of service to all skiing and snowboarding guests from beginners all the way to expert terrain park and racing enthusiasts. The ability for us to provide the value of even more time on the slopes is very exciting. The expansion of terrain will benefit all of our clientele with an easier route off the top of the mountain and trails that will access our progressive terrain parks, glade skiing and allow us to stay committed to the ski racing culture of New Hampshire." said Pat Terry, General Manager of Crotched Mountain.

Lift construction and trail development are scheduled to take place starting the spring of 2012 pending approval of permitting with NH State and local township regulations.

It's Super Football Sunday at Whiteface

Wilmington, NY - Before Sunday’s big game, get your game face on at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y. It’s Super Football Sunday, Feb. 5, presented by Bud Light, at the Olympic mountain, where skiing and riding is just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors.

While at Whiteface join in on the slope-style competition for your chance to win a pair of K2 Revival skis. Plus, follow us on Facebook and vote for your favorite feature.

At the end of day, there’s a tailgate party in the Cloudspin Lounge complete with Bud Light specials and live music with the Blind Owl Band.

Many “Like” will make a difference at Mont SUTTON

Sutton, PQ - To support the importance of planting trees and helping the regeneration of the forest, Mont SUTTON has launched a Facebook campaign “1 Like = 1 Tree.” This project is a natural part of Mont SUTTON's eco-friendly traditions and policies, as Mont SUTTON is well known for its unique concept of glade skiing, its respect for nature and its sustainable development actions.

1 Like = 1 Tree From now until March 22nd, Mont SUTTON promises to plant one tree for every new fan on its Facebook Page. Taking part in this campaign means supporting Mont SUTTON in its actions towards sustainable development. Therefore, several “Like” will make a considerable difference in the preservation of nature.

Protecting nature: the very core of skiing at Mont SUTTON Mont SUTTON is well known for its glade skiing. Year after year, Mont SUTTON’s glades are quoted as the best in Canada, according to Ski Canada Magazine among other publications.

Besides being good for nature, trees are also a part of what makes skiing fun! “Trees protect against the wind, help reduce soil erosion and even help reduce the speed of the snow melt, ensuring a longer spring skiing season,” explains Luc Boulanger, operations director at Mont SUTTON. “Some years, my father, Réal Boulanger, planted hundreds and hundreds of trees in order to preserve the glades,” says Luc. “With ‘1 Like = 1 Tree,’ our fans can help support our actions!” Note that Mont SUTTON also conceded land to the preservation of nature.

Brighton 75th Birthday Bash and Fireworks Show!

Brighton, UT - Come celebrate 75 years of fun on the snow this Friday, January 27th at Brighton. Bring a friend to ski or snowboard and receive 2 Adult Twilight Passes for $75! Twilight starts at 12:30p-9p. The party begins at 12:30p but dosen't't stop there. There will be prizes, music, and giveaways throughout the day on the Alpine Rose Deck. $7.50 food specials at the Alpine Rose, Molly Greens, and Milly Chalet. Take a break from riding and relax at the PBR Outdoor Ice Lounge! Warm up by the Brighton Bonfires and help yourself to complimentary Smores! Finally we are ending the celebration with a bang. Fireworks will begin after dusk. Thanks to all of you for making each one of our 75 years a great one!

In February at Mont-Sainte-Anne Tuesday is Ladie's Day!

Beaupre, PQ - In February, Mont-Sainte-Anne continues the Ladies Tuesday tradition! The event is a series of four consecutive Tuesdays [February 7, 14, 21 and 28] where ladies enjoy exclusive privileges including a 2 for 1 on lift-tickets, outdoor cardio and a cozy girl’s après-ski with massages and live music! Join them and see yourself how it’s awesome to be a lady!

Privileges for Women Only
Every Ladies Tuesday, women enjoy two lift-tickets for the price of one [day ticket]; a great occasion to invite a girlfriend. New this season, Lolë offers to ladies the opportunity to take part of a free cardio session on the stage located at the base of the mountain. Water bottles and healthy snacks will be supplied. Be there from 3pm to 4pm!

2 Snowstorms Hit Crested Butte in 1 Week

Crested Butte, CO - In this morning's snow report, we reported 19" of new snow in the past 48 hours and 37" of new snow in the past week. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has seen some of the highest snowfall totals in the state for the past week. Now is the perfect time to plan your next trip to Crested Butte!

Terrain Update
It's time to practice those powder turns! To see photos from our recent storms, be sure to visit our photo gallery. Our open terrain includes 78 trails on 553 acres, including 75 groomed trails. Recently opened terrain includes Double Top Glades, Peoria, Silvanite and Topsy. Due to the recent snowfall and phenomenal conditions, the East River Express lift will remain open 7-days-a-week.

Cooper Spur Ski Area Will Open Friday

Mt. Hood, OR - Cooper Spur Ski Area will open for the season this Friday, January 20th. The lifts will officially start turning at Noon on Friday, and the ski area will offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing. The ski area is located on the north side of Mt. Hood, just 23 miles south of Hood River.

The resort will open with a 36” settled base, having received more than four feet of snow this season, most of which fell the last few days. The ski area has one main lift, plus a beginner rope tow and two tubing tows. The ski area will operate on its regular schedule: Noon – 6 PM Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM Saturday and 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday.

Cooper Spur has long been a family favorite offering affordable lift ticket and rental packages. Lift tickets are just $25 for adults, $20 for juniors 7 – 14 or seniors 65+ and $5 for kids 6 and under. The ski area offers ski and board rentals for just $15 for all ages. In addition to its lifts and tubing; Cooper Spur offers ski and snowboard lessons and has a learn to ski or snowboard package for $50 Adults, $45 for Juniors. The learn to ski/snowboard packages includes a lift ticket, 1 hour lesson and equipment rentals. The ski area also has a lodge, food service operation and an outdoor covered deck.

Season Lift and Tubing passes are on sale for just $200 for an individual, with a max of $400 for a family (spouse and dependents age 22 and under), making an entire season of riding at Cooper Spur incredibly affordable.

Welch Village High School Invitational Ski Race

The Longest Running High School Ski Race in the United States!

Welch, MN - The 37th Annual Welch Village Invitational Ski Race will take place at Welch Village Ski and Snowboard ResortWelch Village Ski and Snowboard Resort on Friday, January 20th.

“This event with all the tents, campfires, great food and great race hills is the highlight of the season and must race to attend for most high school race teams in the area” according to Welch Village Race Director Ann Kulla. This year’s race is sponsored by the Hastings, Northfield and Rochester ski teams. This event features high school teams from across the state including schools like Cretin-Durham Hall, Hill Murray, Hastings, Richfield, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Wayzata, Woodbury, Northfield, Rochester and more. Even with budget cuts and many schools across the state the Welch Village Invitational is still a top priority for a lot of schools with ski teams.

Despite a lack of natural snow and warm early winter, Welch Village and other local ski areas still report a large base of snow for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts. This large base of man-made snow has made it possible for all high school ski teams to have training venues to prepare for races like the Welch event.

The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships Junior Finals Results from RED Mountain Resort

Rossland - RED Mountain Resort completed the final day of junior competition in The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships on Saturday, January 14th.

“Overall the event was an awesome celebration of freeskiing. The male 15-18 year old category was mind blowing. Those runs would have placed well even in our senior competition. This is a strong indicator that younger athletes are really going to take skiing to the next level in future years.” said Jeff Holden, the Canadian Open’s Head Judge.

“We’re pleased that the event went very well. There were a lot of kudos from parents and coaches on the event……this event was the best event ever. This year’s event saw elite athletes from California, Utah, Colorado through to Western Canada and it was the strongest set of competitors ever. George Rodney (Aspen, CO), our top 15-18 year old athlete, sailed off a cliff for about 50 feet and that sealed his fate as the top male athlete. Sally Steeves (Rossland, BC), had a very strong run. She showed a commitment to the run and jumped from her qualifying 4th place position to take the top spot in the 15-18 females.“ said Mika Hakkola, RED Mountain Resort’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

The Senior (19 years+) portion of The North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships will run from January 19 – 21, with registration on Wednesday, January 18th.
With 65 registered athletes, the senior event still has room for competitors. The weather forecast is calling for snow all week so the conditions for the senior event look favorable.

As an “Open” format event, anyone over the age of 19 can register for competition. The senior event will see a cash purse up for grabs. Qualifiers will be held on Links Line and the semis and finals will be held on Mount Roberts.

First Tracks at Whiteface Returns... Save $20 off a Lift Ticket Monday, Jan. 16

Wilmington, NY - First Tracks returns to Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15. This is your chance to carve the day’s first turns on the Olympic mountain.

First Tracks is available to the first 14 skiers and riders who are intermediate or above with a valid lift ticket. Participants can register at the mountain’s guest services desk and be dressed, with boots on, and ready to go by 8 a.m.

While you’re at the mountain Saturday, check out the latest alpine gear during the Eastern Mountain Sports Demo Day. This is your chance to try out some of the top brands including Black Diamond, Dynafit, Scarpa, and G3. Plus instructional demonstrations and more.

Finally, at the end of the day enjoy live music and drink specials in the Cloudspin Lounge. While listening to music from Eat, Sleep, Funk enjoy Three Olives Vodka and Magic Hat draft beer specials.

On Monday, Jan. 16, bring two non-perishable food items and receive $20 off a one-day lift ticket. The food collected will benefit the Jay/Wilmington Ecumenical Food Shelf.

“This is a great opportunity to make a contribution to the community and get in some great skiing,” said the mountain’s general, manager Bruce McCulley.

Winter Festival Week Returns to Belleayre Mountain Featuring $20 Midweek Lift Tickets Michael Balboni to Honored at the 26th Annual Snowball

Highmount, NY - Belleayre will be having its traditional Winter Festival Week the last week in January from January 21-29. This popular winter celebration will kick off on Saturday, January 21 featuring a Kids' Winter Carnival beginning at noon in the Discovery Lodge. Later that evening there will be kids’ pizza party in Overlook Lodge followed the annual Torchlight Parade in front of the Overlook Lodge on Yahoo. The highlight of Winter Festival Week will be the traditional $20 midweek lift tickets from January 23-27. On Friday, January 27 come to Discovery Lodge for a Hoe Down at the Red Barn from 4pm -8pm featuring a chicken BBQ, a live band, drink specials and more.

Winter Festival Week will conclude with the 26th Snowball on Saturday, January 28 at the Overlook Lodge. This year the Guest of Honor will be the Honorable Michael A. L. Balboni, former NY State Senator and Deputy Director for Public Affairs for New York State who will be presented with this year's Spirit of the Catskills Award. The Snowball will feature music by Special Delivery with dinner catered by Main Course of New Paltz. This classic event usually sells out, so make reservations soon.

Belleayre will be honoring Rosina Montana and Joan Lawrence-Bauer at the 6th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner on March 31, 2012. Rosina Montana is being honored for her years of work with the Belleayre Ski Patrol and her work as a member on the board of directors on the Belleayre Conservatory which operates the Belleayre Music Festival every summer. Joan Lawrence-Bauer is being recognized for her work in the past in the Belleayre Marketing Department and her tireless community work in Catskills with the M-ARK project. Joan Lawrence-Bauer is currently Director of Communication and Resource Development with Rural Ulster Preservation Company.

Operators Announce Purchase of Swain Resort

Experienced Team Will Continue to Enhance Attraction for All Seasons

Swain, NY - The operators for the past two years of Swain Resort have announced the purchase of the Allegany County recreational attraction, completing a lease-to-own agreement that was reached in August 2009 with the owners of Swain Recreation Center, LLC.

The purchase was made by Denton Hill Family and Ski Resort Inc. whose officers are Scott and Jodi Carts and Shawn and Celeste Schoonover. The two couples have been operating Swain along with Ski Denton, located 65 miles south of Swain in Potter County, PA.

Assisting in the transaction were the Allegany County Office of Development and the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The purchase price was not disclosed.

“We are delighted to complete our agreement and to close on the purchase of Swain Resort,” said Scott Carts. “Over the past two years, we have worked extremely hard at improving the facilities and services to ensure a quality family experience at Swain and we are excited about the possibilities that the future holds for Swain and our customers.”

Swain Resort has been in business for 64 years and is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in New York State. Through the efforts of the new owners, Swain is a year round facility which provides skiing, snowboarding, and a snow tubing park during the winter months and has mountain biking, motor cross racing and sportsman festivals during the other three seasons.

Burton Mountain Festival Comes To Mt. Hood Meadows January 14 - 16

Mt. Hood, OR - For the first time ever, Burton is launching the Burton Mountain Festival tour, a completely new experience that offers riders a full day of FREE on-snow entertainment, including Burton 2012 product demos, live music, sponsor giveaways, mini parks for the smallest snowboarders and an amateur snowboard contest. The Burton Mountain Festival will be presented at Mt. Hood Meadows January 14 – 16 over Martin Luther King weekend.

Burton Mountain Festival includes four key elements: Burton Test Ride, Riglet Parks, Pro-Test and live music for an entire day of good times. And while each festival stop is unique, the foundation of the festival is the Burton Test Ride program - where virtually the entire 2012 Burton hardgoods line will be on tap for riders to test at absolutely no charge. Riders can try out a variety of boards, boots and bindings to get afeel for their ultimate set-up.

In addition to Test Ride, the Mt. Hood Meadows stop willhave a Pro-Test Rail Jam event, Sunday, January 15 - an amateur snowboard competition for men and women. Riders can also win wildcard spots to compete in the US Open pre-qualifiers, and all Pro-Test events are 4Star TTR World Snowboard Tour events.

For the youngest riders, every Burton Mountain Festival stop will also feature a Burton Riglet Park where kids as young as three can try out snowboarding for FREE. Burton will provide snowboards, boots and bindings sized for the smallest kids to borrow at no charge. Kids will also be able to try out Burton’s revolutionary Riglet Reel, a specially designed reel attached to the nose of youth snowboards that makes learning easier than ever. And certified snowboard instructors will help kids learn to ride on mini features like boxes, ramps and rails.

Finally, all Burton Mountain Festival stops will feature special après events and live music.

Winter Athletes Update #5

Lake Placid, NY - The second weekend, Jan. 6-9, of the New Year saw some pretty strong results from Whiteface area athletes competing internationally.

Alpine Skiing: Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, N.Y.), Tommy Beisemeyer (Keene, N.Y.): Weibrecht spent some time home, in Lake Placid, and returns to the World Cup circuit this weekend. Beisemeyer raced in Saturday’s FIS World Cup giant slalom, held in Adelboden, Switzerland and did not finish.

Biathlon: Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, N.Y.), Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, N.Y.), Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, N.Y.): The IBU World Cup tour visited Oberhof, Germany over the weekend. In Saturday’s 10 km sprint, Burke was 36th, while Bailey finished the race in 45th position. The two, along with Jay Hakkinen (Kasilof, Alaska) and Leif Nordgren (Marine, Minn.), helped the U.S. squad to an 11th place showing in Thursday’s, Jan. 5, 4x7.5 km relay. The weekend wrapped up with the 15 km race… Bailey was 11th and Burke did not race. Cook did not race.

Bobsled: John Napier (Lake Placid, N.Y.): Heavy snow delayed the start of Saturday’s FIBT World Cup two-man bobsled race for two hours and poor visibility forced officials to cancel the race’s second run. Napier finished 17th in the one-heat race. In Sunday’s four-man race, Napier drove his sled to a 16th place result.

Luge: Chris Mazdzer (Saranac Lake, N.Y.), Emily Sweeney (Suffield, Conn.): Mazdzer made his FIL World Cup debut Friday in Koenigssee, Germany. The 2010 Olympian finished 21st in the men’s singles race. He helped USA Luge to a fifth place showing in the team relay. Sweeney did not qualify for the women’s singles race after suffering a spill in Nations Cup qualifying.

Nordic Combined: Bill Demong (Vermontville, N.Y.): Demong competed in Oberstdorf, Germany where he helped anchor Team USA to a fifth place finish in Saturday’s HS137/4x5 km team competition. In Sunday’s FIS Nordic Combined World Cup individual event, the reigning Olympic champion placed 14th.

Ski Jumping: Peter Frenette (Saranac Lake, N.Y.): Frenette did not compete in last weekend’s FIS Continental Cup event in Kranj, Slovenia. That event was cancelled

2012 Starts with Snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Beaupre, PQ - 2012 starts buried in snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne! With 50 cm of fresh snow received in the last 7 days, the resort expanded its skiable terrain to 53 opened trails, which is more than 80% of the entire terrain! No need to mention that skiing and snowboarding fanatics rushed to the mountain to get - according to many - the best snow conditions in the province! There is not doubt that the Quebec City area and surrounding ranks first this season regarding the natural snowfall.

Crested Butte Celebrates Learn to Ski Month!

Crested Butte, CO - It’s National Learn to Ski & Snowboard month and thanks to an incredible offer from Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR), there’s one more reason to learn this season.

Beginning in January, CBMR is offering a free day of lifts, lessons and rentals to aspiring skiers and riders who book a two-night stay at any CBMR property. The offer is valid for true beginners – ‘never-evers’ – and includes each person on the reservation. Even better, this package applies to both adults and children.

“With the views from the learning area and the elegant terrain guests have the perfect area to learn to ski and snowboard at Crested Butte Mountain Resort,” says Nick Herrin, director of resort services at CBMR. “The free lift ticket, lesson, and rental package makes the ‘learn to ski’ opportunity even sweeter. Guests will be able to move through the learning progression with some of the best instructors in the country, while capitalizing on a great lodging and ski offer. We are honored to introduce more skiers and riders into the sport and give them positive memories of their first time on the slopes.”

CBMR’s Learn to Ski for Free special is available from January 3 through March 9, 2012. A two-night minimum stay in a CBMR property is required. Included lift ticket allows access to beginner areas only and included lesson is intended for never-ever skiers and riders. An upgrade is available for a full-access lift ticket and lesson for more experienced skiers. Included rental is for ‘Sport’ level skis or snowboard.

More Trails Now Open!

East Burke, VT - Temperatures at Burke have remained cold enough to make some real nice man-made snow these past couple of days. Snowguns have been running on Carriage Road, Big Dipper, Open Slope, Dashney Mile, Upper Dipper and in a few other areas around Mid Burke. Carriage Road, Big Dipper, and Open Slope are now open and with a few more days on Upper Dipper, we should be able to open it up real soon. The weather forecast for the rest of the week looks like we will see a few more snow showers through Saturday night, giving our trails a fresh layer of natural snow.

The Coors Light Concert Series comes to the Bear Den Lounge this Saturday, January 7 with high energy local act Classic Rewind. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover charge. Giveaways from Coors Light and a Burton Snowboard raffle!

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month at Whiteface... Whiteface Offers $59 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Packages

Wilmington, NY - There’s never been a better time to learn to ski or ride than January, during the National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month. The first 31 days of the new year are dedicated as the national month to learn a new snow sport and hundreds of alpine and Nordic ski resorts in 22 states, will be offering discounts and specials on lessons, rentals and lift tickets.

The goal of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard month is to get American families on the slopes and enjoy a healthy winter lifestyle. Organizers are hoping that more than 150,000 children and adults will take ski and snowboard lessons from a professional instructor. Last January an estimated 75,000 children and adults participated in the program.

“No matter what your age, January is a great time to get outside, hit the slopes and enjoy this fun and healthy outdoor activity,” remarked Aleks Smith, Whiteface Mountain’s snowsports director. “Whether it’s your first time ever on skis, or you haven’t skied in a few years, or maybe you’re just looking to improve your skiing or riding, here’s your chance to take an affordable lesson. Skiing and riding are sports to enjoy for a lifetime.”

During the National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, Whiteface will be offering a mid-week special for just $59. This includes lessons, rentals and a lower-mountain lift ticket. Lessons begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are available for skiers and riders 13 and older.

2012 starts with snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Beaupre, PQ - 2012 starts buried in snow at Mont-Sainte-Anne! With 50 cm of fresh snow received in the last 7 days, the resort expanded its skiable terrain to 53 opened trails, which is more than 80% of the entire terrain! No need to mention that skiing and snowboarding fanatics rushed to the mountain to get - according to many - the best snow conditions in the province! There is not doubt that the Quebec City area and surrounding ranks first this season regarding the natural snowfall.

Attitash & Wildcat Mountain Support National January Learn a Snow Sport Month

Bartlett & Pinkham Notch, NH - Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire join SKI NH and several other ski areas across the nation taking part in the snow sport industries collective campaign to introduce people to winter sports. As a special offer to support January’s Learn a Snow Sports Month, both Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain invite “never-evers” to sign up for a free Learn-to-Ski/Ride lesson package, including rentals and novice lift ticket, during the week of January 7 – 13, 2011.

In addition, for those that do sign up and complete the free first lesson package at Attitash or Wildcat, participants will have the opportunity to upgrade and purchase two additional lesson packages for a discount price and for use at the resort where purchased. As an added bonus, when persons complete their third Learn-to-Ski/Ride package lesson, they will receive a free Vertical Value Card, valid for use at Attitash or Wildcat. The Vertical Value Card includes one free lift ticket and then discount savings for 10-50% off lift tickets valid every day of the 2011/12 season. The free Learn-to-Ski/Ride and 3-lesson package programs are available for first-time skiers & snowboarders only ages 13 and up. Reservations are required and space may be limited.

Sugar Bowl Resort and KidZone Museum Partner for Caboose Kickers Terrain Park Series

Donner Summit, CA - Sugar Bowl Resort has partnered with KidZone Museum to host four children’s terrain park competitions throughout the 2011/12 winter season. The first competition is on January 8, 2012 from 11:00 – 12:00pm in the Caboose Terrain Park. The competitions teach kids terrain park safety, and introduce them to a safe but competitive skiing/riding atmosphere, ultimately having fun while competing for great prizes.

Competition entry fee is $15 and participants receive half price lift tickets and a free BBQ voucher. Prizes for winners include Dynastar skis, a Flow snowboard, a Giro helmet, jackets from M3 and Vans and other prizes. Registration for all competitions begins at 9:00 am in the Judah Lodge. All kids 12 and under are welcome to compete and must wear a helmet.

Other competition dates are scheduled for February 12, March 18 and April 15, 2012. More information on these events is posted at KidZone Museum or can be found at SugarBowl.com. Sugar Bowl Resort and KidZone Museum are excited to once again partner this season for this great series of kid’s terrain park competitions.

Heli-Skiing Operation Oldest and First in Colorado

Telluride, CO - Imagine stepping out of a helicopter at one of the highest elevations in North America and gliding down the mountain - carving through knee-deep snow. This is the stuff a Powder Hounds' dreams are made of. This is Helitrax.

Thirty years ago this concept became reality when four local backcountry ski partners combined their talents and enthusiasm for ski mountaineering with a generous dose of can-do optimism, and launched Telluride Helitrax. Established in 1982, Telluride Helitrax is Colorado's original and premiere Heli-Skiing and Snowboarding Guide Service.

"We were a bit ahead of our time," said Guide and Co-Founder Mark Frankman." There was no airport, and very few people had ever heard of Telluride - the helicopters and pilots were of the Vietnam and Korean war era."

Today, the Telluride Helitrax crew are experts at providing small group, customized, backcountry adventures. The professional guides and pilots utilize state of the art helicopters, ski equipment and safety procedures to lead guests through the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Helitrax accesses the highest heli-skiing terrain in North America. Staggering peaks and breathtaking mountain beauty surround the expansive alpine bowls, gladed slopes and classic couloirs.

Happy Holidays from Loveland!

Georgetown, CO - Happy holidays from everyone at Loveland Ski Area! We got an early holiday gift of 4 inches of new snow today just in time for the holiday weekend. While the forecast is calling for sunshine for the next few days, you can still enjoy a White Christmas with friends and family on the slopes of Loveland. Even Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to make some turns at Loveland! Be sure to keep your eyes out as he skis around the mountain this weekend. For the holidays, we will be running the lifts from 8:30am until 4pm everyday starting on Saturday, December 24th through Monday, January 2nd.

Celebrate The Holidays At Timberline!

Government Camp, OR - The lodge is beautifully decorated for the holiday, and an extra special meal in this spectacular setting can provide just the right ingredients for a memorable holiday with friends and family.

New Year's Eve Celebration
Ski in the New Year at Timberline! This Timberline tradition allows you to night ski on New Year’s Eve until 12:30 a.m., and enjoy a spectacular midnight fireworks display (weather permitting) all for the price of a regularly priced lift ticket. If you prefer to ring in the New Year indoors, Timberline Lodge is offering one of its most special holiday meals of the year; a 5-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jason Stoller Smith and his top-notch culinary team. The second seating of the New Year’s Eve dinner is followed by the classic rock sounds of Bob Voll and the Too Loose Band. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and dance away the night inside the magical interior of Timberline Lodge. It will be a New Years Eve you’ll never forget.

Freestyle World Cup Skiing Returns to Lake Placid and Wilmington

Wilmington, NY - American skiers Hannah Kearney (Norwich, Vt.) and Ashley Caldwell (Hamilton, Va.) will try to defend their World Cup crowns when the FIS Freestyle World Cup returns to Lake Placid, N.Y. and Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., Jan. 19-21. Lake Placid is one of only five U.S. sites selected to host a World Cup event this season.

Action begins Thursday, Jan. 19, at Whiteface, when Kearney begins defense of her moguls’ World Cup crown and France’s Guilbault Colas tries to hold off a deep men’s field and capture his second World Cup win on the mountain’s Wilderness Trail. Competition on 240-meter long course begins at 9:15 a.m. with the women’s qualifications, followed by the men’s qualifications at 11:35 a.m. The women’s semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. and the men’s semis start at 2:20 p.m. The medal rounds start at 2:40 p.m. for the women and eight minutes later men’s finals is slated to begin.

Action will move over to the Olympic jumping complex both Friday and Saturday night, for two exciting evenings of aerial competitions. The 18-year-old Caldwell, a 2010 Olympian, will begin defense of her World Cup title, when she and the rest of the international field twist, flip, summersault and soar into the evening skies, some as high as 60-feet. The fun begins both nights 7 p.m.

In addition to the exciting action, there will be bonfires, music, giveaways and plenty of food and drinks provided by Centerplate. Saturday’s jumping will also conclude with a fireworks display.

Tickets to the aerial competitions are $15 for adults and $9 for juniors and seniors. A lift ticket and skis are required to view the mogul events Whiteface.

Grand Opening of the Red Barn

Highmount, NY - The Red Barn Bar located in the Lower Discovery Lodge will be holding its grand opening on Saturday, December 24th.

The Red Barn bar was created and built by Belleayre Mountain employees as a representation of the Catskill Mountains. The main inspiration behind the bar was farming, specifically dairy farming. All of the horse tackles and farm implements used to decorate the Red Barn were donated by local community farmers.

The main sign for the Red Barn bar was fashioned from steel, a strong and permanent fixture. No paint was used in the coloration of the sign. Chemical reactions caused by vinegar and bleach, heat reactions and a touch of copper and brass were used to create the polished look of the sign.

Woodwork and framing was done primarily by Cassie Merwin with help from Raphael Santiago. The steel work was done by Darren Morgan and Donny Bush. When asked about the look of the bar, the employees said that the look evolved on its own.

Join Belleayre staff and friends for the grand opening which will include holiday drink specials and a BBQ out on the deck (weather permitting).

All Alpine Lifts Open at Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks, BC - The West Bowl T-Bar opens at Sun Peaks Resort on Saturday, December 17. The opening of this lift means all 11 lifts at Sun Peaks are now officially operational for the Winter 2011-12 season. With the West Bowl opening on Saturday, over 100 alpine runs are available for skiing and snowboarding at Sun Peaks. The entire Nordic trail system is also groomed and track-set for cross-country skiing. Fresh snow has fallen throughout the week and EnviroBC is forecasting more flurries for the weekend and into next week.