LONDON — December 09, 2011 - Amelia Hempleman-Adams, a 16-year-old schoolgirl whose father was the first Briton to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported, has become the youngest person to ski to the bottom of the world.

She joined her adventurer dad David Hempleman-Adams on the two-week, 97-mile trek to the South Pole from explorer Ernest Shackleton's Farthest South Point. Shackleton's granddaughter Alexandra Shackleton had met with Hempleman-Adams before the trip and had given the young expeditionist a photograph of her grandfather to take to the Pole.

The nine-strong party completed the journey at 0130 GMT Friday after a final 14-mile push.

"I'm really proud to have actually made it and just really happy," the younger Hempleman-Adams said by satellite phone from the Pole.

"It's really exciting to be able to achieve something like this.

"It hasn't quite sunk in yet that we've actually made it because it's been such a tough journey but I'm sure it will in the next few days.

"We arrived here and we all just hugged each other and congratulated each other and it was really nice to finally get here."

The teenage explorer took her homework with her but her father removed some of it from the sledge, saying it would be too heavy.

Appropriately, she did manage to take along her geography work, "but by the time you get into the tent at night it's too late to even think about doing anything", she said.

Hempleman-Adams spent time training for the expedition in a frozen food storage facility in southwest England.

Guinness World Records said the record for the youngest person to trek overland to the South Pole without the use of dogs or motorised vehicles was set by Canadian Sarah Ann McNair-Landry, who was 18 when she reached the Pole on January 11, 2005.

She made the 680-mile kite-assisted trip as part of an unsupported expedition led by her mother.

"At 16, Amelia could be on course to break the current Guinness World Record," a Guinness World Records spokesman said.

"We look forward to hearing from Amelia's party so that we can look into verifying this feat."

Hempleman-Adams said seeing what her father's expeditions were all about had been her aim, rather than rewriting the record books.

"I didn't really do it to go out and get a record. I just wanted the experience, especially with my dad. I'm really proud to finish it," she said.

source: www.google.com

December 9, 2011 - As nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, area ski resorts are making preparations for the big crowds soon to arrive.

Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton planned Thursday to power up its snow guns sometime after sunset to be ready for a Dec. 16 opening.

Although Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Alburtis has yet to decide on an opening date, it expects to start making snow in the next few days , spokesman Ryan Werst said.

"We're set for the season," he said. "We're ready to begin."

And that translates to jobs for a lot of Lehigh Valley residents. Bear Creek will have 1,400 employees on its payroll at the peak of the season. Blue Mountain, which is a much bigger ski area than Bear Creek but does not have a hotel, has between 900 and 1,000 employees.

The two resorts will serve roughly a half-million visitors under normal winter weather conditions.

That's a good deal of economic activity, and it hinges on one thing: the temperature. The mercury has to dip below the freezing point at night — something that's in the forecast — for artificial snow-making.

Real snow isn't even necessary any more. A snowstorm only makes it more difficult for customers to reach the mountain, although it does have the benefit of whetting the appetite of skiers and snowboarders.

Blue Mountain, for instance, has 1,000 snow guns capable of laying a two-foot base over 164 skiable acres in a matter of days. (All told, Blue Mountain, with Pennsylvania's highest vertical drop of 1,082 feet, has 39 trails, including two news ones.)

Indeed, advancements in snow-making technology have transformed Pennsylvania skiing in recent decades. Snow guns run on pressurized air, which is made by electric-powered compressors. The newest snow guns at Blue Mountain are 10 times more energy efficient than some of the older models.

Bear Creek, too, has upgraded its equipment this year. It spent $360,000 on a new trail grooming machine for better maintenance of its steepest slopes.

Visitors will also notice new amenities at both of the Lehigh Valley's ski resorts. Blue Mountain renovated its ballroom and added an outdoor pub. Bear Creek built a new patio.

If Blue Mountain and Bear Creek open next week, that will be about a week or so later than normal. Though in past years, the resorts have opened as early as Thanksgiving weekend and as late as January.

At Blue Mountain on Thursday, the slopes were green, except where tire tracks had turned up brown mud in the grass. Yet, in the shadows of adjacent bushes and trees, a dusting of white was the telltale sign of recent snow gun test runs.

"We're ready as soon as Mother Nature complies," said Blue Mountain marketing manager Heidi Lutz.

source: www.mcall.com

December 11, 2011
Reporting from Sequoia National Park—

After Barry Ohm met mountain guide Dave Beck, Ohm knew he had to ski across the Sierra.

Ohm, a seasoned climber who was living in South Lake Tahoe in 2009 when he took a winter survival class from Beck, was enthralled with Beck's tales of skiing in the "old days."

Ohm took a series of wilderness ski-camping courses, and in May 2010, he signed on with Alpine Skills International to ski the Sierra High Route, which runs through Sequoia National Park and wilderness areas of the Inyo National Forest. The six-day mountaineering traverse crosses nine mountain passes at elevations from 10,500 feet to 13,000 feet.

Carrying a 40-pound pack, Ohm skied the route, which begins in Wolverton, on the west side of the Sierra, and covers about 40 miles before ending near Independence. It leads skiers over high ridges, glaciated plateaus and cirques. The route also features spectacular alpine views and long downhill runs on what is usually fun-to-ski corn snow.

"It was something of a rite of passage for me," said Ohm, 50. "If you've skied the Sierra High Route, it's sort of like you have done something that — while not exactly elite, perhaps — is certainly respectable."

Otto Steiner, an Austrian immigrant, pioneered the traverse in 1931. Starting in Wolverton and traveling alone, he completed his crossing in three days. For good measure, he threw in an ascent of Mt. Whitney, elevation 14,505 feet and the tallest peak in the lower 48.

Beck popularized the traverse in the 1970s and inspired Alpine Skills owners Bela and Mimi Vadasz to begin guiding the route in the early 1980s. For Ohm, who learned to climb on the big rocks east of San Diego, time stood still while he was on the traverse.

"This wasn't so much about skiing steep couloirs for me," he said. "It was getting away and traveling across the mountains with a small group of friends." He used light alpine touring gear with bindings that lift free at the heel for climbing and can be secured again for more controlled descents.

Ohm has hiked the John Muir Trail, where he encountered as many as 20 people a day. "But this was a much better experience because there were no other people besides our small group," he said.

"It was quiet and pristine. We were up at 13,000 feet and if you saw a bird, it was a big deal. I've backpacked all over the Sierra, but this was the best."

He said the hardest part was mastering the skill needed to ski with a pack on his back. Nor was it easy, at the start, to "skin" up 2,000 vertical feet on his alpine touring skis. (Ohm used synthetic skins of nylon fabric strapped to the bottom of his skis to gain traction on the snow.)

"Then there were some spots on a few places where it was really steep, and I had to 'survival ski' down the pitches," he said.

Ohm enjoyed the long 3,000-foot descent on corn snow in the Super Bowl down to Mahogany Flat. But he said the best part of the trip was covering long distances on his skis.

"Truth be told, at least 60% of the trip is skinning up slopes and touring," he said. "It's not like at a resort with lifts. Only 30 to 40% is downhill skiing, and you had to work for it.

"The trip was all about going across a major mountain range on skis, which is a fabulous way to travel. People forget how big the Sierra is because it is so accessible. But it has 14,000-foot peaks and huge expanses of wilderness."

Peter Leh, who has been guiding the High Route trip for 30 years, said people who want to do the Sierra High Route should consider Alpine Skill's two-day Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley tour to learn and practice its ski camping system.

"You need to be a solid skier, in good shape and preferably have some mountaineering skills," Leh said. "It's demanding, but a spectacular trip if you're up to it."

Sierra High Route tours take place the first or second week of May when freeze-and-thaw cycles create ideal spring "corn snow" conditions, also known as "hero snow." It is relatively easy to ski on.

"Last year, we were cutting turns until after 6 p.m. because the sun was still out," Leh said. He sometimes logs as many as 25,000 vertical feet on the traverses because he climbs high to get long ski runs, often after setting up camp in the afternoons.

"It's like the mountainside has been groomed baby-bottom smooth," he said. "And besides the incredible scenery, the fantastic skiing conditions are one of the main reasons I keep coming back year after year.source: www.latimes.com

I love skiing, write on it often, and typically take four to six major ski trips each winter. I love the snow, the sport, the après, the ski towns – everything about it except the hassle.

Now that most major airlines charge $35 each way for the second checked bag, the hassle factor is even higher, since there is no way to stow skis or a snowboard in your suitcase. In fact, a pair of skis is probably the lightest thing you might check all year long, but they are still going to whack you for $70.

Cost aside, there are plenty of good reasons not to bring skis on a ski trip. One is conditions: despite the explosion of so-called “all mountain” skis, there is no ski that is the best on hard pack, groomers and a powder day. Renting gives you the option to switch whenever you want – every day if needed – to maximize equipment and match the best skis to the current conditions. Also, ski technology improves every season, so why drag your 3-year old models when you can benefit from the most current technology.

Even if you are wedded to your favorite skis, you can rent them. Unlike golf clubs or other highly customized equipment, if you have any major brand of ski and binding, you can usually find exactly the same thing at a ski resort – except probably better tuned and in better shape.

For all these reasons, it has been years since I brought my skis with me (on the other hand, I would not leave home without my boots!).

But last winter I tried something new: instead of arriving at my destination and heading straight to the ski shop to fill out forms and wait-in line, I had the rental shop come to me, in the form of Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery. I was staying at the Osprey hotel, a Rockresorts property slopeside in Beaver Creek village, and I sat at the hotel’s wonderful lobby bar sipping a cocktail at the appointed time (7PM). My skis arrived right on time, so all I had to do was vacate my stool for a few minutes while he went over my options. I had chosen the high-performance package, so he brought three different models from that category and explained the variations and let me pick one. He then fitted the bindings to my boot, and dropped the skis at the hotel’s ski concierge. I hadn’t even finished my drink – hard to beat that convenience.

But I did not get to appreciate the full advantage of Black Tie’s services, because I was not traveling with kids. A good friend who rents a house at Deer Valley each winter with his three young children always has skis and boots delivered to the house, and the small price difference between that and seeking a budget shop is more than made up for by the convenience.

“You just got off the plane from a long trip, with all this baggage and three young kids who don’t really like to fly, and you met the property manager and got the keys and got into the house. The last thing you want to do next is try to load them all up in the rental car and take them to a crowded shop where they are fitted one at a time while the other run around looking for trouble, and you might have to wait an hour for help. If you don’t have a rental car, you have to drag all the stuff back. No way. The van comes to our door, they bring everything, even helmets, they can do the boots and skis for one kid at a time while the others play Angry Birds on the iPad and I have a beer. It is the only way to go.”

Black Tie also rents snowboards, and services 35 major North American ski resorts, including all the big Western destinations: Vail/Beaver Creek, Park City/Deer Valley/The Canyons, Whistler, Aspen/Snowmass, Mammoth, North & South Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge/Keystone, Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, Winter Park and Big Sky. The delivery is free, the prices are on par with better shops, and to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary this year, they are offering across the board 10% discounts even in high season, and 20% in shoulder seasons. They carry name brand new equipment for all terrain and ability levels from the likes of K2, Nordica, Volkl, Dynastar, Salomon, Rossignol, Atomic, Burton, Armada, and they also stock their vans with all the little things families forget on ski vacations, from lip balm to gloves to goggles, and they rent helmets too. It’s best to book your gear packages online in advance, especially during peak holiday periods like Christmas or Presidents Day.source: www.forbes.com

Apple Vacations and VacationRoost today announced their partnership in the launch of a new ski program effective October 10, 2011. The partnership will increase Apple Vacations' current ski offering to 23 destinations across North America. The program provides consumers with a complete travel-planning solution, including air transportation, lodging, ground transportation, lift tickets, gear rentals and more.

"Apple Vacations is excited to offer a greatly enhanced ski program using the VacationRoost platform," said Apple Vacations President Timothy Mullen. "VacationRoost's leading-edge technology, ease of booking, expert destination knowledge and customer service made it an easy choice. We are already hearing positive feedback!"

VacationRoost will provide complete website merchandising capabilities, online booking and full call center reservation services under the Apple Vacations brand. The Company is able to provide customers with this service thanks to its extensive availability of ski destination inventory, its direct-connect technology that powers real-time availability and rates online, and its industry leading Destination Expert customer service team that ensures guests find the perfect ski vacation every time.

"Expanding Apple Vacations' ski program is something we are very excited about and is a great opportunity," said Julian Castelli, CEO of VacationRoost. "We look forward to being able to offer their customers the best ski vacations available in the industry."

About Apple Vacations

For more than 40 years, Apple Vacations, America's Favorite Vacation Company, has provided affordable, top quality vacation packages from U.S. departure cities nationwide to vacation destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe, as well as top ski resorts throughout the US. With the support of travel agents, Apple Vacations has delivered more passengers to Mexico and the Dominican Republic than any other North American tour operator. Apple Vacations is consistently voted Best Tour Operator to Mexico as well as Best Tour Operator to the Caribbean by readers of the leading travel trade magazines.

About VacationRoost Inc.

With more than 150,000 vacation rentals in 84 beach and ski destinations across North and South America, VacationRoost.com offers the largest selection of professionally managed vacation homes and condos throughout its network of websites and affiliate partners. Travelers can search, compare and book their vacation rental online, or work with an experienced destination expert to find the perfect vacation home for their vacation. VacationRoost's team of travel professionals is committed to making booking a vacation rental as easy as booking a hotel room online.

SOURCE: VacationRoost

source: www.westsideintltravel.com

Oct 17, 2011 - Skiing is often the easiest part of planning a winter vacation. With a family, making a destination resort trip can be chaos.

Recognizing that the best advice comes from those who have survived family ski trips, Krista Parry came up with the idea for the Snowmamas web page. Parry, who works for the communications department for Park City Mountain Resort, realized she was answering a lot of questions regarding family ski trips and came up with the idea for the site in 2008.

“There seemed to be a dire need for a community of parents that could provide tips on how to plan a winter family vacation,” Parry said.

While the page is based out of Park City and is linked to the resort’s website, Snowmamas is a useful resource for families planning a trip.

The success of the page comes from using advice from real parents, not only from Utah, the West or even the United States.

“We have contributors to our discussion from all over the world,” Parry said. “We try to divide the country into regions and get representatives from each one. We had several international applicants this year.”

More than 1,000 people applied to be a Snowmama for the 2010-11 season. Only 10 made the cut, but another 200 or so form the Snowmama advisory council.

Parry said tighter rules reduced the number of applicants for the 2011-12 winter, but that the quality of entries was exceptional. Several veteran Snowmamas will help the newbies out.
source: www.sltrib.com

Breckenridge, Colorado - Even Che Guevara has been spotted in Breckenridge, with a pair of ski goggles perched on his nose - albeit just as an image emblazoned on a bright red T-shirt in a shop window on Main Street.

'Powder for the People' reads the slogan in capital letters under the face of the revolutionary. It's a reference to the default consistency of snow in these parts. Draped next to it is a smart designer anorak decorated with glittering rhinestones.

The picture is apt for this little town west of Denver in the US state of Colorado, which is among North America's top ski holiday destinations.

Like the other resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge has its share of million-dollar holiday chalets, but the outlaw image counts for more. Mariah Carey and Kevin Costner are welcome to stick to the pistes in upmarket Aspen. 'Breck' feels more at ease with daredevils like Olympic winner Bode Miller.

'After all, we do have a reputation to live up to,' said Gail Westwood of the local Heritage Alliance history society. She scrunches through the snow in a long skirt, her hair tied up in a bun, passing colourful Wild West buildings with crooked facades.

Westwood recalls the turbulent beginnings at the Gold Rush camp 150 years ago, with tales of golden nuggets, gunslingers and red light districts. The ghost of Sylvia the widow is still said to haunt a Victorian mansion at 130 South Main Street, roaming the rooms in search of a new husband.

Breckenbridge ski resort seems tamely civilised by comparison to its Wild West past.

A carpet of conifers reaches almost up to the valley stations of the ski lifts. Although the peaks are all around 4,000 metres high they are not particularly jagged. The Rocky Mountains are a few million years older than the dramatic Swiss Alps and their surfaces have been worn away by eons of erosion caused by wind and weather.

Breckenridge's diverse network of 155 slopes is grouped around four adjacent mountains of the Ten Mile range - pragmatically named Peak 7 to 10. The season lasts from November through to April, with the best snow to be found from January to March.

A range of lifts and the celebrated Breck Connect gondola take skiers to the base of Peak 8 in style. While traversing the Cucumber Gulch nature reserve, travellers should keep a lookout for a bad-tempered elk said to hang out at the base of Peak 7.

Broad, well-groomed intermediate slopes await ski beginners, especially around the base of Peak 9. Some visitors will want to whirr up the Imperial Express Superchair at Peak 8 - the highest lift in North America, rising to 3,910 metres.

For those who like it a little wilder, there are a number of dramatic chasms leading up to Peak 7.

For snowboarders and freestyle ski fans there five terrain parks with big halfpipes. Breckenridge is proud of keeping up with the times, as one of the first Colorado resorts to embrace new-fangled snowboards 25 years ago, allowing them on its hallowed slopes. These days, snow bikes are the big hit in neighbouring Keystone.

Keystone is a ski territory without a discernible centre. Only 300 people live here the whole year round and the community is made up solely of hotels, lodging houses and apartment complexes.

The driving force behind the creation of Keystone was pioneer Max Dercum, whose bulldozers started cutting runs in 1971. The first were dug where Dercum and his co-founders had a hunch that they would turn out to be good - today there are 135 trails, half of which feature challenging terrain suitable for advanced athletes only.

Unlike in Breckenridge, the ski areas are not sited conveniently next to each other but lie around Dercum Mountain, North Peak and The Outback. Behind Dercum Mountain lies The Outpost, a blockhouse lodge with a well-regarded restaurant.

Keystone is cheaper than Breckenridge and more suitable for family vacations. One of the attractions for youngsters is a life-size snow castle complete with towers and a labyrinth. The town features sledge runs, snow tubing and a skating rink along with a magical forest of mineshafts, tunnels and bridges.
source: www.monstersandcritics.com

Toronto, Canada – Toronto-based Porter Airlines is launching seasonal service to Burlington, Vermont, this winter, augmenting its winter ski flights from Newark and Toronto to Tremblant in Quebec and Quebec City, expanding its U.S. network and adding a new destination for passengers looking to enjoy a season on the ski hills.

With twice-weekly roundtrip flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Burlington International Airport beginning on Dec. 15 until April 8, passengers can enjoy easy access to northern Vermont skiing and snowboarding as well as an assortment of other local attractions.

“Our new service to Vermont is a perfect complement to our current winter schedule already featuring prime destinations such as Mont Tremblant and Quebec City,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “Burlington offers access to an incredible array of spectacular ski hills, and a vibrant community to explore.”

The Burlington schedule includes weekly round trips on Thursdays and Sundays, with the exception of long weekends which offer Thursday and Monday roundtrip options. One-way fares start at $99, plus applicable fees and taxes.

“This is a great partnership that will boost tourism in Vermont and provide an economic boost to our ski areas,” said Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin.

Special Porter ski packages from Stowe Mountain Resort, Jay Peak, Smugglers Notch and Sugarbush will be offered at the Ski, Snowboard & Travel show in Toronto, October 13-16, and at www.skivermont.com in the coming week.

The service supplement’s a resumption of Porter’s ski service from Newark International Airport directly to Mont Tremblant in Quebec, eliminating the long drive to the popular ski destination from the New York City metro area. From Dec. 22 to April 12, passengers can enjoy weekly roundtrip flights from Newark International Airport to the base of Mont Tremblant.

“Canada is world-famous for our award-winning outdoor attractions,” said Deluce. “Introducing non-stop flights to Mont Tremblant provides passengers in Greater New York with even easier access to some of the best skiing we have to offer.”

Highlights from the new Tremblant schedule include weekly departures on Thursday mornings, return flights on Monday mornings from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2, and return flights on Sunday mornings from Jan. 8 to April 12. Passengers can also connect through Toronto for even greater travel flexibility with 11 weekly departure times and 10 return options.

“The non-stop flight from New York with Porter is a great opportunity for our guests to enjoy a drastic change of scenery in only 90 minutes or so,” said Alain Houde, Directeur Général of Tourisme Mont-Tremblant. “They can maximize their leisure time and hit the slopes in record time.”

Porter offers the only non-stop service between Newark and Mont Tremblant.

Porter is partnering with Ultimate Ski Vacations to provide air-inclusive packages, including lift tickets and accommodations, with a “best price guarantee”. Skiing and snowboarding packages can be customized by visiting www.ultimateski.ca or calling (800) 465-3034.source: www.firsttracksonline.com

PRNewswire/ -- With snow-season just around the corner, Americans are starting to plan their winter vacations. This year, be prepared to enjoy the snowy outdoors more than ever before with FindTheBest's winter sports comparisons. FindTheBest's Sports and Recreation category helps users compare and contrast thousands of listings to help them find exactly what they need in just a few clicks. FindTheBest's comparisons—which compile results from manufacturer websites, public databases and other expert sources—include listings that are both relevant to the search topic and user friendly as well.

Before heading up to a ski resort, be prepared with the best equipment. Whether you're a snowboarder looking for the best all-mountain snowboards or a skier in search of the perfect set of alpine skis, FindTheBest can help you make the most of your experience. The buying guides—on everything from snowboard boots to snowmobiles–are helpful in determining how to choose the best option. The buying guides, on the other hand, provide essential background information for the inexperienced consumer.

FindTheBest also answers important questions users may have in regards to purchases. For example, when considering buying skis or a snowboard, users may want to know what the cheapest snowboard or the best skis of the season are and how they compare to the rest of the market.

For experienced snow-goers who already have all the necessary equipment—from snowboard boots to snowmobiles—FindTheBest can help you find the perfect location for your winter cat skiing or heli-skiing trip. Not quite sure what cat skiing is? FindTheBest's cat skiing glossary of terms takes the guesswork out of the otherwise dreary trip planning process.

Before planning the family's winter vacation, let FindTheBest help you narrow down and compare all of your options.

source: www.prnewswire.com

September 24, 2011 - The ski season is inching closer and Lake Tahoe ski resorts are hoping for another La Nina visit this winter.

Long-range forecasts indicate ocean conditions this summer mirror last year, setting up the region for plenty of powder. The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center issued a La Niña watch for the 2011-12 season and the Old Farmer's Almanac calls for stormier-than-normal periods between November and December, with the heaviest in January.

With new terrain, wider runs and expanded resort options, skiers at South Lake Tahoe can anticipate bountiful skiing, boarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing with arguably the best combination of beauty, recreation, dining, entertainment, gaming and nightlife in the country.

All-time records were approached in 2010-11 with more than 700 inches of snow at many Lake Tahoe resorts.

Heavenly ski resort: The south shore resort has several new mountain enhancements, including new and wider runs, new grooming machines, ground-breaking EpicMix technology and state-of-the-art learning tools for kids.

Heavenly added three new trails on the Nevada side of the mountain, accessed by the Galaxy Chairlift and providing a haven for intermediate and lower-intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Trails have been widened on the California side making Heavenly’s 4,800 acres even bigger, spreading people out and allowing more groomed surface for skiers and riders to enjoy. Heavenly added two new Prinoth Beast grooming machines, increasing the largest fleet of the most technologically advanced and efficient groomers on the market to four.

A new 2,200 square-foot ski school facility at the top of the Gondola will match the level of its Heavenly’s world-class instructors. Kids can explore in the new adventure zone called Black Bear Hollow, a meandering, low angle skiing and riding trail with groomed whoop-de-doos, entry level progression park features small rails, gentle jumps and boxes designed to help youngsters explore.

The next generation of Vail Resorts’ popular ski and snowboard application, EpicMix will definitely change how guests take and share photos when it launches this season. Upon request, Heavenly’s photographers will take portrait and action photos and deliver to the guest’s EpicMix account by scanning a guest’s RF-enabled lift ticket or season pass. See www.skiheavenly.com for more information.

Sierra-at-Tahoe: A number of new features include Huckleberry Cat Tours, The Burton Riglet Park, additions to Blizzard Mountain and more value-added rates.

Thrill-seeking expert skiers and boarders will now be able to access the backcountry with the addition of the Huckleberry Canyon Cat tours. The guided tours shave time and energy getting to the canyon's edge to access cliff and cornice drops, rock chutes, open bowls, gladed runs and powder pillows.

In partnership with Burton Snowboards, Sierra Resort's new Burton Riglet Park is a mini-snowboard park designed to introduce kids as young as three to snowboarding. Along with its Learn to Ride Program, the resort will utilize Riglet Reel technology, allowing instructors to tow kids around obstacles.

The all-new Blizzard Mountain, a snow play and tubing area features two rope tow-accessible tubing lanes, an expanded snow play area, a bounce house, snack bar, fire pits, picnic tables and sledding. The 3-Pak lift tickets include Skiing or Riding for $51 a day over three days and are available through Dec. 16, 2011. Visit www.SierraAtTahoe.com or call (530) 659-7453.

Kirkwood MountainResort: The popular resort off Highway 88 has invested over $6 million in capital improvements, including upgraded on-slope accommodations at The Mountain Club. The upgrades include new two-bedroom condos converted from hotel suites, full workout room, spa and message treatment facilities. The improvement also comprises a newly re-designed, state of the art rental facility – one of Lake Tahoe’s most complete demo centers and the new Monte Wolfe’s restaurant.

Kirkwood Outfitters, a new $1 million facility, provides special clinics, private guides, backcountry awareness, classroom/conference center, high end retail, demo gear and is the hub for leaning about and exploring the backcountry.

The year-round Zip-Tahoe Tree Top Canopy Tour continues flying this season with eight lines with speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Kirkwood is vested in offering a diverse resort experience for kids of all ages with Thunder Mountain Snowmobiles – Tahoe’s only kids snowmobile park – evening snow cat tours and a new Tube Park.

Kirkwoodhas several new season pass deals starting at $199. For more information visit www.kirkwood.com or call (209) 258-6000.

Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center: For the person who doesn’t ski or snowboard, this snowmobile operates from late November until mid-April, featuring lake views at 9,000 feet. Lake Tahoe Adventures offers unguided snowmobile rentals for seasoned riders into the heart of Tahoe’s forest lands to the top of the mountain ridge as well as guided off-the-trail tours for less-experienced adventure seekers. Both locations feature moonlight snowmobile tours along with ride and dine options.

The winter months feature helicopter tours; horse-drawn sleigh rides with Borges Sleigh Rides; dog sled rides; boat cruises on the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II; and ice skating at the Heavenly Village or indoors at the City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.

Snowshoe and cross country trails abound Hope Valley, Fallen Leaf Lake and Camp Richardson’s 35 kilometers of groomed trails through dense trees and snow-covered beaches.source: www.examiner.com

(Host) Vermont's largest ski resorts are trying to get the message out that, despite the wrath of Tropical Storm Irene, they are open for fall visits and will be ready for the ski season. VPR's Nina Keck has more.

(Keck) Bonnie McPherson is director of public relations at Okemo Mountain. Her own marketing offices were flooded, and while the carpet and walls had to be torn out she says they'll soon be replaced.

Across the street, an access road that was completely torn up has already been fixed. Considering the storm damage in some parts of the state, she says Okemo was lucky.

(McPherson) "We had a bit of a mud slide come in and deposited about 4 feet of sand and silt. But we're big time in recovery mode right now. So the lift shack is back on its feet. We've graded out and removed a lot of the sand and silt. And now we're putting in some fill and additional drainage and as you can hear and the work is going on!"

(Keck) While repairs are still under way, resort officials say come winter, skiers at Okemo shouldn't notice anything amiss.

Farther south at Mount Snow, PR director David Meeker says their resort suffered only minor damage.

Access was the biggest problem, he says, because Route 9 and neighboring communities like Wilmington were in such bad shape. Thankfully, he says, things are better.

(Meeker) "Now the message has gone from, ‘Don't come because we need to give these guys some room to work,' to, ‘We are open for business, the leaves are changing and it's one of the most beautiful times of year. So please come and enjoy.'"

(Keck) But getting that positive message out can be difficult. Meeker says social networks like Facebook and Twitter are playing a much bigger role than even a year or two ago.

Chris Danforth, marketing manager for Killington and Pico Ski resorts, says social media sites are changing the way companies deal with a crisis like Irene.

(Danforth) "Perfect example: Part of our base lodge collapsed and a photo gets out on the Internet with the caption that the entire base lodge has collapsed. And if you don't get out ahead on the story on social media, then someone else is likely to tell the story for you and it might not be correct."

(Keck) For the record, Danforth says, only the Superstar Pub section of the base lodge was destroyed. The good part of that story, he says, is they'll be replacing it with a large outdoor deck and two heated umbrella bars.

(Danforth) "Lemonade out of lemons, definitely."

(Keck) Of all the ski resorts in the state, Killington was probably hardest hit by Irene. Danforth says most of the base lodges had water damage, some worse than others.

But he says the gondolas and chair lifts were not harmed.

And while he says there was some erosion on ski trails, it was minimal and can be repaired. He says the resort has posted a lot of photos on its website to highlight cleanup efforts and have ramped up advertising on social media sites.

(Danforth) "On paid search and Facebook we're blowing through our budget, so that means people are clicking on and are interested in Killington and foliage. The interest is out there and people are checking in with us. At the very least to see how we're doing and I see that as a positive sign."

(Keck) One, he says, that will hopefully lead to bookings.

For VPR News, I'm Nina Keck.

(Host) The ski resorts say despite all the extra work with flood cleanup, they all plan to open as usual late this fall - as long as there's sufficient snow. source: www.vpr.net

September 25, 2011 - There's a war happening in the Australian snow fields and Perisher started it with their $699 Perisher Freedom season pass.

The price war for season passes for 2012 has been a long time coming. The idea of offering heavy discounts to season pass holders if they purchase early with a definite cut off date is not new to the dollar-savvy North American resorts.

Vail Resorts in Colorado are the king of season lift-pass deals with their Epic Season Pass offering unlimited access to all seven Vail Resorts for US$649 per person, buy this North American autumn and $5 goes to Shaun White's chosen charity, buy before September 25 and go into the draw to win an Epic Pass for life. No one can compete with that.

Australia hasn't seen season pass prices like Perisher's since the late '80s, despite Aussie skiers and snowboarders balking at the high price of skiing in Australia thanks to $100 lift passes and overpriced accommodation and food. Many Aussies have headed to New Zealand where the strong Aussie dollar means more bang for your buck, despite some of the minuses of Kiwi resort skiing (have to drive challenging roads to access the mountain resorts twenty to forty five minutes from town, no on-mountain accommodation).

Skiing and snowboarding in Australia has become viable again as other resorts have matched Perisher's offer. Perisher's Freedom Pass gives skiers and boarders a season pass for 2012 and the option to pay the same low price for a season pass for 2013. The pass is $699 for adults and $399 for students and seniors including one free day skiing this current season. A down payment of only $199 or $99 will secure you the pass and full payment must be paid by May 2012. The catch is you must purchase the pass before the animated V8 chairlift reaches the top on their website.

Thredo Resort was the first to respond with the Ultimate Season Sale Pass. It offers the same as the Freedom Pass, including price but for $50 you can upgrade to the Platinum Ultimate Season Sale Pass which gives holders free skiing for the rest of this season plus full use of the Thredbo Leisure Centre and summer chairlifts. The $699 or $399 pass must be purchased with a downpayment of $199 or $99 by October 10 and the balance due in May 2012.

The Victorian resorts have since upped the ante with Hotham and Falls Creek offering their Hero Season Pass for 2012. Same price but holders get access to both Hotham and Falls Creek and 15 per cent off equipment hire, group lessons and retail. But wait there's more, 15 per cent off up to five adult lift-only passes per Hero Season Pass holder. The pass must be purchased with a down payment by October 10 and the balance again due in May.

That's not all, either. The Hero Season Pass also offers holders free lift passes in Niseko, Japan and discounted accommodation deals, though to access the Japan deals the Hero Pass must be paid in full by December 12.

There has been much talk on forums and social media about what Mount Buller will come up with in response to these serious savings from their competitors in Victoria. Mount Buller attracts a loyal crowd, mainly from Melbourne but even loyalists want to feel loved.

If they haven't defected to Hotham's Hero Season Pass already, Mount Bullerites can wait until October 3 when the mountain will finally release their pricing strategy for 2012. Snow It All believes it will include a season pass but the mountain representatives can't confirm. In the meantime kids have been skiing for free at Mount Buller since September 17 and will do so until the end of season. 'Kids' at Mount Buller means anyone up to Year 12 in school (the only resort that offers this) so this is some serious saving.

I was asked recently when a season pass becomes good value? If you ski for more than a week each year then, with an average $100 a day lift pass, these new season passes have already saved you money. It really is a no brainer, but then offering time-limited discount passes is too and that's taken forever. Though hats off to Perisher for leading the charge. We're all for keeping the Australian ski industry alive.

Aussie resort closing dates: Mt Buller and Hotham September 25, Falls Creek October 2, Perisher October 3, Thredbo October 5.

What do you think of the season pass price wars? Will you be purchasing one? Will you be more likely to ski or snowboard in Australia because of it? Post a comment on the blog below.

JAPOW - IS IT SAFE TO SKI IN JAPAN?

Skiing in Japan is a head rush. The lightest, dryest powder imaginable served up with slopeside vending machines serving hot coffee in a can, private karaoke rooms, hot thermal spring onsens, wild monkeys and Japanese food.

With the northern winter soon rearing it's head I am receiving emails asking about the safety of Japan since the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant 'mishap'.

Here's the deal. According to The Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) it is safe to ski in Japan. The DFAT Smart Traveller website has ARPANSA saying that 'the current risk of radiological releases to the atmosphere is small'. The airlines are all flying into Japan and DFAT only suggests exercising caution when travelling to the coastal areas of northern Honshu due to ongoing clean up operations and the 30-80kms zone around the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Neither of which are close to the ski fields.

Japan ski resort infrastructures remain fully operational so it's 'good to go' for 2011/2012 snow season. For more information visit the DFAT site.

Will you be skiing in Japan this season? Where will you go and why? Post a comment on our blog below.

We've done it again, another exclusive from our boy Tim Myers (though we suspect he just likes to see his name in Fairfax lights). He's delivered fresh to our inbox an exclusive Snow It All cut of our favourite gal, Anna Segal, rocking the Toyota One Hit Wonder 100 foot jump alongside Kiwi Jossi Wells, and Americans Bobby Brown and Chris Laker (who takes a stack for the team).

The mammoth jump is the largest in the southern hemisphere and appears for one week only at Thredbo each September as part of the One Hit Wonder. Next time Timmeee, send bubbly, we respond better to vintage.
source: www.smh.com.au

Sep 25, 2011 - Roxbury, NY - A series of fall festivals will celebrate both Catskill Mountain fall color and the ski season ahead at the region's ski and snowboard resorts.

Plattekill Mountain ski area in Roxbury will hot its first-ever Antique Show at the mountain this Saturday and Sundayfrom 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Admission to the event is free to browse the variety of items from a bygone era. Along with antique vendors, the event will also have a variety of local food booths selling homemade pies, desserts, cheese, wine, and more. Plus the Plattekill staff will be cooking up a variety of BBQ items on the deck. Local musicians have also been asked to attend the show and the resort's chairlift will be operating all weekend for scenic fall-foliage chair rides.

The antique show itself is the brain-child of Steve Coster of Second Wind Furniture in Hobart, N.Y., who says that his main goal in organizing the event was to "make the event large enough and varied enough to make the trip worthwhile for not only the antique-goers, but the whole family."

While recent flood damage has played havoc with local Catskill communities and dealer participants in several area counties, the show must go on. In an effort to help those communities that have been hit so hard, there will be an opportunity to donate to local flood relief at the event. "Perhaps, when folks from out of the area travel through our region and see for themselves the extent of the damage, they will be moved to help ease the plight," hopes Coster.

For more information, directions to the event and more, visit the resort website at www.plattekill.com or call the mountain at (607) 326-3500 . Anyone interested in vending local goods or antiques at the festival should contact Coster for more information at (607) 538-1941

Color in the Catskills draws motorcyclists from across the Northeast to Hunter Mountain ski area in N.Y. (photo: Hunter Mountain)
The following two weekends feature two separate events at Hunter Mountain ski resort in Hunter, N.Y.: Colors in the Catskills Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and the resort's iconic Oktoberfest Oct. 1-2 and 8-9.

Colors in the Catskills welcomes autumn foliage to the Catskill Mountains with a special focus on motorcyclists. Co-sponsored by MAX BMW, the event takes place on the grounds of the ski area and all bikes are welcome. Live bands will provide entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. Food and beer will be available and activities will include dirt/trail riding, cruising on uncrowded roads, exhibits from motorcycle, arts and crafts vendors, and rides aboard Hunter's summer Skyride chairlift. Rides will be guided from base to summit and on-site camping is available.

Hunter's Oktoberfest features authentic German and German-American entertainment in the beauty of the northern Catskills in autumn. The resort's modern celebration of the harvest features a farmers market, plenty of vendors, free crafts and pumpkin painting for the kids, and more. Free admission makes the event affordable for families.

Oktoberfest hours are from 11:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. each day. On-site camping is available on grassy sites adjacent to the festival grounds on the festival's first weekend. For more information and for vendor registration, visit www.huntermtn.com.

Belleayre Mountain's 32nd Annual Fall Festival will be held at the Catskill ski resort's Overlook Lodge in Highmount, N.Y. on October 8 and 9 of Columbus Day Weekend. The Fall Festival will again this year feature its traditional Craft Fair showcasing local artisans, the Uber Winter Equipment & Apparel Sale for discounts on skiing and riding gear for the coming season, the Sky Ride to whisk people to the summit for spectacular views of the Catskill foliage, traditional German Oktoberfest Food, an expanded Fair Food Court, an Outdoor Expo and more.

Belleayre is currently taking applications for vendors and spaces are filling up quickly. For registration forms or additional information, contact Belleayre Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at (845) 254-5600 ext. 2473 or go to www.belleayre.com to download a vendor application. The expanded food court is also soliciting new food vendors. Food vendors should call (845) 254-5600 x1316. source: news.alpinezone.com

An idle chairlift provides a constant reminder that this scenic mountain resort will be operational again when the cool mountain temperatures disappear and winter’s harshness once again inhabits the picturesque Squaw Valley.

Skiers and snowboarders revel in a visit to this full-service ski resort that received world-wide attention more than four decades ago when this anonymous Lake Tahoe ski resort stepped on the world stage for the first time, hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Squaw has grown in stature since those magical Olympic moments, becoming a vacation destination for many winter enthusiasts who want the experience of big-time ski resort. What is less publicized regarding this winter wonderland is it’s a tremendous place for a summer vacation as well.

Situated at the foot of the ski resort is arguably Lake Tahoe’s finest lodging facility – Resort at Squaw Creek. It offers convenient ski-in, ski-out capability during the winter months, but provides many more recreational pursuits in the summer and fall when ideal temperatures and scenic mountain backdrops entice visitors to the outdoors.

That was the plan Karen Moran of Folsom was following during a July visit to Squaw Creek. While her husband was busy attending a business conference, Moran and her twin teenage daughters were hardly staying idle in their room. Rafting down the Truckee River, horseback riding a few minutes away, trying to tame the Squaw Creek golf course, and hiking were all recreational pursuits for this active family.

“My husband is up here for a conference and we’ve been coming to Squaw Creek for several years,” Moran said. “I like it much better in the summer. There is more to do and you don’t have to travel up here and worry about stressful mountain driving (in snow). There’s just so much to do, we really look forward to it. We’ve gone rafting, played golf as a family, hike up the ski run, visit Olympic Village, and enjoy the pool area.”

Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, there are 403 luxury rooms residing on the property at Squaw Creek, a four-diamond facility. There are two prime options when you wake up each morning – stare out the window at a mesmerizing panoramic view of the nearby rugged mountainside peaks, or cram in all the activity a body can handle.

Squaw Creek’s heated outside pool is a hub of activity, starting in the early morning when ambitious guests can be seen swimming laps in the somewhat chilly mountain air. The area includes a smaller “plunge” pool, a 120-foot waterslide, three hot tubs of varying sizes, plus a bar area that features some very refreshing alcohol and non alcoholic concoctions.

Other activities include:

• Golf – The resort offers discounts in the late afternoons, giving families the opportunity to play a quick round on the front nine from family tees (approximately 150 yards from the green). Serious golfers can play from the tips and challenge a course that can be penalizing with some tight fairways that requires precise shot-making.

• Biking – There’s a challenging ride on nearby Highway 89, or leisurely pedaling along the Truckee River bike path to Tahoe City. Nearby Squaw Valley is an option as well. Bike rentals are available.

• Hiking, backpacking – Squaw Creek’s nature trail begins just beyond the chairlift and connects to a variety of trails around Squaw Valley’s peaks. For an offsite adventure, take a guided hike up the Granite Chief trail that features wooded areas and waterfalls.

• Horseback riding – Nearby Alpine Meadows offers a guided horseback riding tour and gentle pony rides for the kids.

• Fly fishing –Squaw Creek’s on-site fly fishing center provides guided trips to nearby ponds and the Truckee River, catering to both fly-fishing beginners and enthusiasts.

• Tennis – Tournaments, clinics, lessons and private court reservations are available.

Speaking of diversity, a quick shuttle ride lands one at Squaw Valley’s doorstep. An extended ski season concluded on Fourth of July, but snow is still visible on a cable ride to High Camp, which deposits visitors at 8,200 feet, offering an extraordinary view of Lake Tahoe.

There’s no shortage of activities at Squaw Valley, which includes roller skating at the Olympic rink, mountain biking, tennis, climbing wall, zip line, disc golf, paintball, shopping, plus a large swimming pool and hot tub at High Camp. The Poolside Café is a great outdoor/indoor spot to grab lunch and a beverage.

The great thing about a visit to Squaw Creek is one never has to drive until departure time. Besides activities, there are numerous dining options as well.

The favorite dinner spot here is the Six Peaks Grille, where creative chef Chad Shrewsbury offers an innovative menu of distinctive dishes that feature fresh produce, seafood and steaks. The majestic view of Squaw Valley’s six peaks and the surrounding meadows may keep you tableside long after the dinner has concluded.

Other dining options include a microbrew pub that specializes in appetizers and ribs (Sandy’s Pub); the Chuck Wagon, located outdoors by the sun deck, and the poolside Oasis. One other option is the popular Sweet Potatoes Deli, where one can get a bite to eat or a Starbucks coffee in quick fashion almost any time of day.

For more information on the Resort at Squaw Creek, visit www.squawcreek.com

or call (530) 583-6300. source: my.rosevillept.com

Three species of hummers normally prevalent in Summit County, Colorado during June, July and August appeared in far fewer numbers this year.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, which nest in Colorado's high mountains and Rufous Hummingbirds, which migrate through the same area on their path south to Mexico were conspicuous by their absence in 2011. Calliope Hummingbirds, though much more rare than the other two species, were not seen at all in areas where they have been recorded for at least two years.

Summit County, Colorado's Summer Hummingbirds

Much of Summit County, a skiing destination just 70 miles west of Denver, lies at elevations of 9,000 feet and more. During the summer months of June, July and August of 2009 and 2010, birders staying at the ski resort of Keystone observed heavy populations of Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds, as well as the rarer Calliope Hummingbird, which accounted for perhaps five percent of hummingbird sightings.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds winter in Mexico as do the other two species, but while Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds travel much farther north to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alaska to nest, the Broad-tailed Hummingbirds nest in high-elevation sites including Colorado. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds return to their wintering sites in Mexico beginning in early summer, and many of these birds cross Colorado, pausing in the high country to refuel. All three birds are attracted to high mountain wildflowers, such as Scarlet gilia, to sapsucker wells and to artificial feeders which are hung by local residents and summer visitors alike.
Evidence of Reduced Hummingbird Numbers in 2011

The author spent approximately one month in Keystone and the surrounding Summit County area in each of the past three years, hanging and observing multiple hummingbird feeders, as well as interviewing local residents and other visiting birders on extended vacations. While it was immediately obvious in 2011 that hummingbird numbers were down, the most telling proof was the drop in sugar water consumption. In the summer of 2010, two-cup (16-ounce) sugar water feeders were depleted in two days or less, regardless of the number of feeders offered, and this continued throughout the three summer months of 2009 and 2010. During two months of observation from mid-June through mid-August of 2011, however, these same capacity (and roughly the same number of) feeders in the Cinnamon Ridge Condominium complex in Keystone still contained some food after two weeks. This consumption ratio suggests the number of feeding birds in 2011 dropped seven-fold.

When hummingbird populations are high, birds appear to be less timid and aggressive, sharing feeders more and feeding from hand-held feeders. Seven or eight hummers were often seen on a single feeder in 2009 and 2010, and a hand-held feeder would not discourage the birds. In comparison, in 2011 it was rare to see even two birds on one feeder, and the birds were especially wary of nearby humans.

Field trip observations appeared to confirm those made at artificial feeders. Trips to Chihuahua Gulch, where active sapsucker wells and Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds have been found in earlier years, discovered no active wells, only an occasional Broad-tailed Hummingbird and, for that matter, no Red-naped Sapsuckers. Coincidentally, Red-naped Sapsuckers were commonly found around Keystone (a lower elevation), where they were a rarity in the two prior years. This suggests a possible retreat to lower elevations for a number of birds, and in fact field observations found far fewer birds of all types at higher elevations in 2011. A similar lack of hummingbirds were found on other field trips in Summit County, including Shrine Ridge, Lower Cataract Lake, Rock Creek and Spruce Creek.
Possible Reasons for Fewer Colorado Mountain Hummingbirds in 2011

To the author's knowledge, no studies or explanations have been offered regarding declining hummingbird numbers in 2011, although weather may well be a contributing factor. Northbound hummingbird migrants encountered abnormally severe cold weather in Arizona in early February, 2011. Temperatures in the typically mild winter in and around Tucson, for example, plunged to record lows of 13-17 degrees on two consecutive days, February 3 and 4. Many resident and migrating hummingbirds were impacted by this freeze, likely including all three species of Summit County's birds, and it is probable that higher than normal hummingbird mortality resulted.

According to Summit County residents, an unusually late snowfall occured in the area in May, and much more snow than normal was still evident on the surrounding mountains during the summer months. This late and heavy snow, together with heavy early summer rains may have impacted migrating bird numbers and also may be partly responsible for fewer birds having been observed at higher elevations this summer.
Hopes that the 2011 Decline in Colorado Mountain Hummingbirds is an Anomaly

Fewer hummingbirds observed in Keystone in July and August may result in lower numbers of observed birds in Arizona in August and September, as the migrating birds move south. However, hummingbirds are as tough as they are beautiful. Barely weighing as much as a penny, many North American hummers fly 2,000 miles or more between central Mexico and southwestern Alaska, and their ability to induce torpor helps them survive abnormally cold weather. Hopefully, 2012 will mark a return to high hummingbird numbers in Colorado's Summit County.
source: www.suite101.com

JULY 4, 2011 - TAHOE CITY, Calif.—On most July 4ths, Scott Grosso barbecues with his friends and family in Cupertino, Calif. This year, he has different Independence Day plans: He's strapping on his snowboard.

"I plan on getting up early in the morning and snowboarding all day, then go down to the deck for some barbecue and cocktails and enjoy the 70-degree weather" in Lake Tahoe, says the 38-year-old. "I keep rubbing it in to all my friends in Connecticut. They can't believe it."

Mr. Grosso can't quite believe it, either. Skiing or snowboarding on the Fourth of July is typically hard to do in the continental U.S. But in Northern California's Lake Tahoe region this summer, the mountains are still packed with snow after an extended winter pounded the Sierra Nevada range and dumped fresh powder onto the area well into June. More than 15 feet of snow still remains atop some mountains.

That means for the first time since the mid-1990s, at least four Tahoe-area ski resorts are advertising that they will be open over the holiday weekend. And that is attracting a flood of ski fanatics, many of whom consider it a badge of honor to hit the slopes on Independence Day.

"We're not so excited about the skiing—it's the bragging rights. It's the, 'Ha! We did go," says Suzanne Hirabayashi, a 48-year-old Homewood, Calif., resident, who last skied July 4th in 1995.
[SKIJULY4-Ahed]

Indeed, skiing on July 4 comes with its own set of logistical problems. The quality of snow, for one, is questionable—forecasts call for 80 degrees and sunny. By afternoon, many skiers will probably be carving down trails that are getting slushy, ski resorts say.

Another concern is what to wear. A combination of hot weather and wet snow isn't conducive to thick ski jackets and long johns. Samantha Durbin, a San Francisco lifestyle writer, has a solution. "I think I have to ski in a bikini" top plus ski pants, says the 31-year-old, who is heading to Lake Tahoe. The bikini will do double duty since she also plans to go wakeboarding—a version of water-skiing with just one board—during her stay there.

Tahoe-area resorts such as Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are recommending that skiers and snowboarders slather on more sunscreen than usual. They are also planning to cash in on the novelty of it all in other ways. At Squaw Valley, attendees will be able to swim in a big pool and hot tub overlooking Lake Tahoe. Skiers can also compete in a pond crossing—an event in which competitors dress in silly outfits, take off down a hill, and attempt to skip across a pond on their skies or snowboard.

Meanwhile, guests at Alpine Meadows' "beach"—really a concrete sun deck at the base of the mountain—can take part in a "ski boots and swim suits" fashion show and enjoy a Slip 'n' Slide run.

"The sidebar is skiing—actually it's a Fourth of July party," says Alpine Meadows general manager Kent Hoopingarner. Alpine Meadows charged $34 for tickets bought in advance. During the winter season, single-day lift tickets cost $69.

Local historian Mark McLaughlin of Carnelian Bay, Calif., says the first organized July 4 skiing at Tahoe was in 1932—and skiers didn't have it so easy then. Those participating in an Independence Day ski-jump competition had to hike 1,000 feet up the mountain for each run.

"These guys did it old school," says Mr. McLaughlin, 54, adding that "today we focus on the yahoos out there with their high-tech equipment." He concedes that when he skis at Tahoe this coming weekend, he plans to actually use the ski lifts.

For some diehard skiers, skiing the Lake Tahoe resorts on Independence Day is just too cushy. Brendan Madigan, an avid back country skier who lives in Tahoe City, says some of the area's most devoted skiers may be heading 250 miles north to Mount Shasta, near the Oregon-California border, where the snow will likely be better. There, skiers can climb up part of the 14,000-foot mountain in shorts and hiking boots before carving their way down.

"People are looking at you on the trail like you're crazy, because you have skis on your back and they're just hiking," says Mr. Madigan, 33, who has to skip July 4th skiing because he has to work managing a sporting-goods store.

Some skiers are determined to make the day a little more challenging. Ms. Hirabayashi, for one, is planning her version of a "Lake Tahoe Triathlon" on Monday by skiing in the morning, biking in the afternoon and boating in the evening—with a few breaks in the middle for dog walking and cocktails.

"We're just taking advantage of Mother Nature [and] all the toys we amass and want to use," she says.
source: online.wsj.com

The Crystal Ski Industry Report is published later today and is expected to show what many in the industry already know; the market has fallen once again.

The season of 2010/11 was not exactly a bumper one.

It got off to a good start with some decent early season snow falls in December and then in many resorts not a flake fell for two months.

But the real reason the season was not bumper was not the snow, but rather the economic situation. Many people decided not to go skiing and decided to cutback on a winter break rather than a summer one.

Some resorts saw a sharp fall in British visitors and many of those that did make it to the Alps cut back on their spending when out there.

In 2008/09 the market fell by 13% and in 2009/10 it went down by 11%. Here at PlanetSKI we predict the fall will be less for last season but there will still be an overall decline.

France is expected to be the market leader but once again the country's share of the market will probably have fallen as people perceive it as being more expensive then say Austria or Italy.

Switzerland will be lucky if it holds steady at 6% of the market as the poor exchange rate has led many people to look elsewhere.

The schools and children's market will undoubtedly be down too, but that is as much to do with a late Easter holiday period.

On the bright side though the tour operators will undoubtedly claim success as their market share is expected to increase.

Many people now opt for a package holiday rather than a DIY break.

The report is out at 12.00 today and we will bring you a full on PlanetSKI when it is out.

If you are in the ski industry or just an interested party it will make compulsory reading.
source: www.planetski.eu

Lake Tahoe - For the second consecutive winter season, the seven Ski Lake Tahoe resorts are reporting an increase in skier visitation numbers that once again outperformed the percentage growth at U.S. ski resorts as a whole by more than four times the national average. There were more than 3.6 million skier visits during the 2010-11 season, marking the second busiest on record replacing last season's impressive double-digit growth.

Concluding this record-setting 2010-11 winter season, several Ski Lake Tahoe resorts including Squaw Valley USA , Alpine Meadows and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will open their lifts for skiing and snowboarding during Fourth of July weekend. This marks the second consecutive year that the snowpack has been deep enough for lifts to be open in Lake Tahoe from the end of October through the beginning of July.

"This continued positive trend in skier visitation to Lake Tahoe ski resorts is a result of the reliable snow conditions and the region's long-term commitment to providing the ultimate guest experience for winter enthusiasts," said John Wagnon, president of Ski Lake Tahoe. "With close to $100 million dollars newly dedicated towards lake-wide snowsports resort capital improvements for the upcoming season, Lake Tahoe remains America's up-and-coming winter destination."
With Top-to-bottom powder conditions heading into the November and December holidays, Lake Tahoe was named the "Snowiest Place on the Planet" mid-season during a four-day storm that delivered over ten feet of fresh snow -the highest storm total in more than 40 years. The final seasonal snowfall totals in the Lake Tahoe area crested the 800 inch mark and base depths of more than 300 inches were reported.

Lake Tahoe boasts more ski resorts in close proximity than any other winter destination in North America, creating an unmatched amount of on-mountain experiences and fun. It continues to be labeled as "America's favorite winter playground" supplying visitors with 24/7 nightlife and non-stop entertainment options and award-winning restaurants. While many airports have reduced or discontinued air service, the airport flying in people for Lake Tahoe fun, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, was named the number one airport in the country last year in terms of new flights.

If you haven't already, start planning your summer and upcoming winter vacation at Lake Tahoe. You can get information and help through the Ski Lake Tahoe website at: www.skilaketahoe.com.
source: www.theskichannel.com

-Even with the Southern Hemisphere’s 2011 winter season now getting underway there are a number of ski resorts still offering July skiing and snowboarding in the Northern Hemisphere, including ten in the western U.S. alone.

Worldwide, the choice of open ski resorts is well into the triple figures again with 30 ski areas still open in seven Northern Hemisphere countries joining those open in the Southern Hemisphere for the start of July. It’s as yet unclear how many U.S. resorts will remain open beyond July 4th but it’s possible that Mammoth Mountain in California and Crystal Mountain in Washington State will decide to do so.

Officials at Crystal have previously said that their resort, open this July 4th weekend for only the second time in its history, will stay open at weekends so long as the snow lasts and it’s currently still more than six feet deep. “Over 600 inches of snow has fallen since Crystal opened November 19, 2010, breaking the previous snowfall record of 598 inches,” explains resort spokesperson Justin Hyatt. “Set in 1999, that record season was the only other time the slopes were open on July 4.”

Others which have not yet confirmed a closing date include Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Snowbird in Utah, although the latter has tentatively set this Monday, July 4th for its last hurrah. Lift tickets to ski Snowbird this Friday through Monday will be reduced to $49 and limited edition t-shirts proclaiming “I skied Snowbird July 4th” will be available for $10.

Timberline in Oregon will be open daily through July and August as it does every year. California ski resorts re-opening for Independence Day weekend only include Alpine Meadows, Donner Ski Ranch, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley and Sugar Bowl, the latter for season passholders only. Donner Ski Ranch will reopen for the weekend of July 9-10 as well. In Oregon, Mt. Bachelor near Bend will also reopen for the Independence Day holiday weekend.

In Canada, Mount Washington on Vancouver island is open for the first weekend of July only to celebrate Canada Day, the first time the resort has ever opened in July. The Blackcomb Glacier at Whistler is open longer, through to July 24 from noon to 3 p.m. daily for the general public following morning sessions restricted to freestyle and race camps. While rumors were floated initially that Sunshine Village in Alberta would reopen this weekend as well, resort officials decided that with gondola renovations underway doing so would be impractical.

There are about a dozen glacier ski areas open in Europe through July. The past few weeks have been hot in the Alps and in some cases snow depths on the glaciers have been dropping at the rate of 30cm a week, but most still have adequate snow depths to see them through.

Austria has more spring, summer and autumn glacier ski areas than any other country but only three are likely to be open for some or all of July. They include Tux, which tries to open every day of the year and currently has a two-meter base and more than 20km of piste open, as well as the Dachstein and Kitzsteinhorn (above Kaprun) glaciers.

All three French summer glacier areas re-opened last month and Les 2 Alpes and Tignes will be open through July, conditions permitting. Val d’Isere, however, calls it a season on 2011 summer skiing on July 17th.

Italy also has a choice of three centers open. Val Senales re-opened last month to join Passo Stelvio, and now Cervinia on the Italian side of the Matterhorn is open for summer skiing, extending the area available all year from Zermatt and offering cross-border summer skiing.

The year-round snow slopes of Zermatt have been the only Swiss destination for skiers and boarders through June, and the snow is currently lying a meter thick there. A second Swiss ski choice re-opens on July 9th when its neighbor Saas Fee begins its 10-month season that lasts through to May 2012, starting with some major events planned for its terrain park.

In Scandinavia, Norway is where to go with its three summer ski resorts open and currently boasting the world’s greatest snow depths. Folgefonn has over 7 meters (23 feet) of snow base depth, and Stryn and Galdhoppigen both have over three meters.

Turning to the Southern Hemisphere, Australia got off with a great start to winter 2011 with record early openings in May followed by healthy snowfall for planned opening weekends in early June, with more snow falling later in the month. Cover in Australia is always a little problematic but so far it’s looking good for July at most resorts.

New Zealand had an unusually warm May and June and resorts that were due to have opened weeks ago got off to a slow start, but as we begin July Mt. Hutt and Turoa have limited terrain open and The Remarkables and Whakapapa will open this weekend. It’s snowing at last in New Zealand, if only in limited amounts, so hopefully July will be a bumper month.

South Africa’s Tiffindfell ski area is out of action this winter as ownership of the resort is auctioned off, but Afriski in Lesotho got off to an on-time start to winter last month and currently has a kilometer-long trail open plus a terrain park with a mix of machine made and natural snow cover.

In South America the Puyehue volcano erupted close to the continent’s largest ski resort in terms of uplift – Catedral – but a greater problem has been a lack of early season snow, which the resort says is why it delayed its scheduled opening last week. It has recently been snowing there and at another major Argentinian resort, Las Leñas, which also delayed opening, and they now both hope to open in early July.

It’s been a rough start too in Chile but resorts are opening, initially with limited terrain but with hopes that conditions will improve dramatically during early July. Valle Nevado has delayed opening until early July and Portillo, although 30% open, has stopped selling lift tickets until conditions improve. Currently snow depths there range from 30 to 60cm.


source: www.firsttracksonline.com

Sunday, April 17, 2011 - Ample snowfall early in the season and throughout the winter is getting much of the credit for a banner ski season at both Flathead Valley ski resorts.

Whitefish Mountain Resort set a new record for total skier visits and had an upswing in activity that beat the previous record in 2005-06 by 5 percent, resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said.

At Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, General Manager Steve Spencer estimated skier visits are up at least 16 to 20 percent over last year.

Compared to last ski season, Whitefish Mountain Resort skier visits increased by 12 percent. Season-pass visits were up 15 percent, while window ticket visits jumped 10 percent.

The upswing in skier numbers translated into revenue for Winter Sports Inc., the company that operates the resort. Total winter revenue was 8 percent above last year while lodging revenue was up 8.5 percent.

“We really saw strong growth in all segments,” Polumbus said. “Canadian participation was particularly strong over last year.”

With 355 inches of snow for the season and a 151-inch settled base at the summit when the runs closed on April 10, there were plenty of pleased skiers and snowboarders.

“Everyone knew we had great snow,” she said. “The resort also has had continued great value.”

Polumbus noted the resort’s popular Learn to Ride program that offered two days of lessons, lower mountain lift tickets and rentals for $69 as a very successful tool in getting novice skiers on the slopes.

Whitefish Mountain last week announced its 2011-12 season pass prices that are discounted until Sept. 30. The pass price will increase by $10 over 2010-11.

Blacktail had “a very good year,” Spencer said, despite a cold snap during the Christmas holiday week that nipped skier numbers a bit in late December.

“We had over 100 inches by mid-January,” he said. “We’ve been 100 percent open since the day we opened for the season. We’ve had powder most days.”

And the season isn’t done yet on Blacktail Mountain.

The resort is open this weekend and may be open for another weekend or two if the weather holds.

“We’ll see what it brings,” he said. “If people want to keep skiing they need to show up. It’s all north slopes here. It’s a shame to let it go to waste.”

An improved terrain park on Blacktail Mountain was a big hit this season, Spencer said.

Last year the resort thinned out trees between runs to enhance skiing conditions, and will work with the U.S. Forest Service on more thinning either this summer or next. The Forest Service also has approved a new beginner area at Blacktail and work on that may start this summer, Spencer said.

Whitefish Mountain also has summer projects on tap, including a new lift that will connect the Base Lodge with the Upper Village, with dirt work extending Russ’ Street through the trees that separate the Toni Matt and Big Ravine slopes.

As it is now, the only way to get from the Base Lodge to the Upper Village, other than by foot, is by shuttle bus.

Dirt work also is planned to improve skier access to Chairs 1, 2 and 3 from the site of the proposed Snow Ghost Lodge that would be built where Ed & Mully’s restaurant now stands.
source: www.dailyinterlake.com