Destination Northeast Resorts' Feature Stories

• Ascutney Offers High Altitude Entertainment for the Whole Family

• Bretton Woods Keeps Getting Better

• Okemo Continues Improving

• Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lake Placid Winter Olympics

• Stowe's Reward Program is Big on Benefits

ASCUTNEY OFFERS HIGH ALTITUDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

BROWNSVILLE, VT -- Ascutney Mountain Resort is continually creating new activities and entertainment to enhance the family fun experience. This season, Ascutney has added additional entertainment and recreational value to their already expansive list of amenities.

Cheddar’s Happy Hour

Saturdays are not complete without attending Cheddar’s Happy Hour and movie night. From 5 to 8 p.m., children ages 4-12 play games, color, have their faces painted, “pig-out” on pizza, and – the most favorite activity of all – enjoy dancing to DJ music with mascots Cheddar, Blizzy and Rocky. At 6:30 p.m., a children’s movie winds down the crowd in preparation for a good night’s rest. This event is always a kid pleaser.

Ascutney Mountain’s Alpine Cinema

A new attraction to Ascutney’s high altitude entertainment is an in-house movie theatre. Alpine Cinema features current family films every Saturday night throughout the season and select days during holidays.

Bumps, New England’s No. 1 Under 21 Teen Center

Bumps, a true teen center, offers all the right music for the in teen scene, up-to-date video games and billiards. Teens 13 and up can enjoy a place they can call their own. With the supervision of Bumps professional staff, your teen can be left to an evening of pure fun. Bumps is open every Saturday evening and select dates throughout the season.

Apres Ski

What completes a fantastic day of skiing and riding? Apres ski, of course. After you take that last run, there is nothing better than to kick off your boots and enjoy some quality music with your favorite beverage. Every weekend, and select days during the holidays, join your friends and family for our new entertainment line-up in the Mountainside Lounge. Along with good times and good food, there are great prizes for everyone. Music from 2:30-6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and select dates during the holidays.

Great Live Entertainment

To round out your dining and entertainment pleasure, Brown’s Tavern is host to some of the finest musicians in New England, performing all your favorite tunes. Every Thursday features the area’s hottest vocalist, Jason Cann, and every Friday and Saturday offers more great live music.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Trails

In addition to the 1,800-foot vertical with 56 trails offering a wide diversity of terrain for all abilities, Ascutney has developed cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. If you’re looking for a change of pace, or if you’re not a skier or snowboarder and want an outdoor activity, the 20 kilometers of trails should appease your need. Consisting of five separate loops, these trails offer a diversity of terrain for beginners and advanced abilities. Trails allow you to take in the natural beauty that Ascutney has to offer, with pristine meadows and beautiful wooded trails. Cross-country skis, snowshoe rentals and trail maps are available at Cunninghams’s Ski Barn.

Extended Spring Skiing Hours

Starting March 12, guests can ski until 4:30 p.m., seven days a week through the end of the season.

For a 2004-05 Ascutney Magazine, call 1-800-243-0011; email at info@ascutney.net, or link to their website - www.ascutney.com.

BRETTON WOODS KEEPS GETTING BETTER

More New Trails, New Groomers, More Snowmaking, Improved Programs

BRETTON WOODS, NH -- Since the owners of Bretton Woods Mountain Resort made a commitment to turn the nice little ski area in Crawford Notch into a tour de force, it has become a destination that now receives national acclaim for snow quality, grooming, family programs and superior service. Not only has Bretton Woods broken and maintained the record for the longest ski season in the state, it also holds the title of New Hampshire’s largest ski area with 431 acres of skiable terrain. Amazingly, this year, Bretton Woods is getting even better with a dozen new trails and glades, five miles of new snowmaking capability, two new groomers and improved ski school programs.

The 2004-05 winter season marks the completion of the Rosebrook Summit expansion at Bretton Woods. Although there are easier options available, most trails and glades starting at the Mount Rosebrook Summit are designed to lead into the more challenging terrain of Rosebrook Canyon.

“Many of the new trails opening this winter were rough-cut last year and skiers could view them from the new Rosebrook Summit Express high-speed detachable quad lift as they rode to the Rosebrook Summit,” says Bretton Woods’ director of operations Chris Ellms. “This year, those rough trails are being refined and enhanced with snowmaking as well. We’re focusing on creating more challenge with the existing terrain and intensifying the most difficult terrain on the mountain through creative design and good forestry practices.”

Bode's Run, McIntire's Ride and Fire Tower, the three new black-diamond trails that diverge from the Rosebrook Summit and lead into Rosebrook Canyon, one will be designated as a bump run at all times. Panorama, the easiest way off the summit, is an intermediate trail with a spectacular view toward Crawford Notch. Devil's Den is a gnarly, steep glade that falls between Bode's Run and McIntire's Ride and empties into the lower section of McIntire's Ride. Several new glades have been added to the Rosebrook Canyon area and some existing glades throughout the mountain have been improved through selective tree cutting and brush removal.

Bretton Woods is setting a new standard for personalized service this winter, with the Red Carpet Ski School. The new Red Carpet Ski and Ride Center includes the Burton Snowboard Method Center and Red Carpet Learn-to-Ski programs offering traditional group lessons, customized private lessons and quick tips during one-on-one single runs with professional instructors.

Another introductory program this year is “Team Bode.” World Cup Giant Slalom Champion and Bretton Woods Director of Skiing Bode Miller helped create two six-week all-mountain skier programs for kids 6-12. On Saturday mornings throughout the season, kids will learn some great techniques to improve their performance on the racecourse and improve their enjoyment of terrain across the entire mountain.

On the Nordic side of winter recreation, Bretton Woods added additional kilometers to its tracked and skate-groomed trail system and is introducing the new High Country Snowshoe Center at the Top o’ Quad mid-mountain lodge. New mountain terrain and spectacular views await the more adventurous snowshoe enthusiast at Bretton Woods this winter.

For more information about Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, please call 603-278-3320 or visit www.brettonwoods.com.

OKEMO CONTINUES IMPROVING

Ludlow, VT - New trails, an increase in snowmaking, a variety of season pass options, innovative instructional programs and Jackson Gore – it is all happening at Okemo Mountain Resort this season.

The Magic Continues

The Jackson Gore area has fast become a favorite among skiers and riders and it is no wonder. New terrain, an assortment of culinary options and the fully open, fully functional Jackson Gore Inn and base facility make Okemo a bigger version of the place everyone has come to know and love. The core has changed, but not Okemo’s core values.

The new Jackson Gore Inn and base facility is fully open and combines the warmth and allure of the Vermont countryside, with the ambiance of fine hotel. Inn rooms range in size from artfully appointed standard guestrooms to 3-bedroom suites and most are fully equipped with all of the amenities of home and more. This season, when guests arrive at the Jackson Gore Inn, they can drive up to the Lobby entrance to unload and then proceed to the underground-parking garage that accesses the main lobby by elevator. There is no more brushing the snow off the car or scraping the windshield!

New Terrain & Snowmaking Efficiency

Going from peak to peak is now easier than ever with more trails, an expanded beginner area and a newly paved road connecting the Okemo base to the Jackson Gore base. Two new gladed trails have been added at Jackson Gore that includes the 3,200-foot long "Supernova" and 1,500-foot long "Black Hole." Steep, undulating and loaded with excitement, these new glades will provide nearly 10 acres of "au natural" tree skiing to challenge any expert. The new glades are located off Tuckered Out and Upper Limelight.

Providing the finest quality snow experience possible is a top priority. To insure consistently good snow conditions all season long, Okemo has increased its snowmaking firepower again this season. Various pipe replacements and system enhancements will result in more energy-efficient and dependable snowmaking. A brand-new Bombardier BR grooming machine has been added to the fleet.

"Try Before Your Buy"

Skiers and riders have been asking for it, and this season it is back! Every morning the first hour (60 minutes) of lift operation is FREE so Okemo skiers and riders can "check out" the snow conditions before they purchase a lift ticket. Try before You Buy first hour free is only valid midweek (non-holiday) from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, and on weekends and holiday periods from 8:00 am until 9:00 am. Convenient on-mountain ticketing locations can be found at the Sugar House, Solitude Village, Okemo Base Lodge and at the Jackson Gore Base.

New Season Pass Options

Singles, families, seniors and students -- no matter what the age, Okemo has the season pass program! Introduced are the all-new Okemo Family Plan 7-Day Season Pass designed specifically for families, and the new 6-Day Season Pass (valid Sunday through Friday, non-holiday) for avid snow enthusiasts. As an added bonus, many of Okemo's season passes include benefits with sister resorts Mount Sunapee (NH) and Crested Butte (CO) and a continued alliance with Stratton Mountain (VT). Visit www.okemo.com for a complete listing of season pass values.

Telemark Skiing

It's new! The Okemo Cutting Edge Learning Center is now offering Telemark Private Lesson instruction for beginners and advanced skiers. Atomic TM 22 Telemark skis are available for rent so participants can free their heel and feel excitement. Advanced reservations are required and lessons and equipment are subject to availability.

Expansion at Okemo Valley Nordic Center

It's new and bursting with options. Guests visiting the Okemo Valley Nordic Center will notice a newly expanded Rental/Repair area with a full line of Rossignol cross-country equipment and Atlas snowshoes. Rentals are offered half-day, full day and multi-day. Mix and match cross-country skis and snowshoes for the same low price. Cross-country skis and snowshoe equipment demos are also available through the Okemo Valley Nordic Shop.

Now We Have Three Great Mountains!

Tim and Diane Mueller are the owners of the highly successful Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, VT and Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH, and owners of Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Mt Crested Butte, CO. By reinvesting a major portion of the revenue each year back into the mountain operations and by placing the quality of the product and guest service as a priority, Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Crested Butte continue to receive national acclaim in the snowsport and golf industries.

CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAKE PLACID WINTER OLYMPICS

LAKE PLACID, NY --The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) will mark the 25th anniversary of the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games with special events and festivities from Feb. 12-27, 2005.

Yes, it’s hard to believe that 25 years have elapsed since the U.S. hockey team won an improbable gold medal and Eric Heiden took an unprecedented five gold medals in speed skating.

ORDA feels it imperative to celebrate and pass down the events, their global significance, the atmosphere and the history to our guests. This is the legacy of Lake Placid, which hosted a Winter Olympics the likes of which we will never see again.

As Lake Placid reminds its guests of the history that occurred here, we are cognizant that the winter sports scene is not precisely the same as it was 25 years ago. Yes, we host the traditional activities such as hockey and skiing. But since 1980, additions such as freestyle skiing, skeleton, women’s hockey and snowboarding have entered the picture.

Lake Placid is proud to say that we have not stood still; in fact, most every winter, you can see one of these so-called “new school” events. We can say that this two-time Olympic village continues to span this evolving landscape, connected to its historic past, while surging to an exciting future.

In our 25th winter post-1980, come and see our past and future. They will arrive in the forms of the Four Nations Cup in women’s hockey and World Cup events in bobsled, luge, skeleton, aerial and mogul skiing as well as snowboarding.

When you come to ski and ride on any Sunday at Whiteface Mountain during the month of February, bring any authentic 1980 Winter Olympic gear. That will entitle you to purchase an all-day lift ticket for just $25. Maybe you don’t have the entire 1980 outfit. No worries. Bring any gear from the 1980 Winter Games, and if it agrees with our clothing board, you, too, can ski for only $25.

The same courses that were used in the alpine events at Whiteface Mountain will be marked with appropriate signage. You can imagine yourself to be Ingemar Stenmark and ski the same runs the Swede did en route to gold medals in slalom and giant slalom.

Whiteface will entertain in the spirit of the 80s each Sunday, all month long. You’ll hear live covers of the great bands of that period in the Cloudspin Lounge.

To commemorate 1980, keep an eye on special hotel packages during mid-week, non-holiday periods all winter that include a $25 lift ticket. This is a great way to stretch a weekend trip. Log on to www.lakeplacid.com for participating properties.

Ski and ride Sunday afternoons, in non-holiday periods, for just $25.

During the Sunday Race Series (classic technique only in 1980) at the Verizon Sports Complex Cross Country Center, compete as a 1980 athlete and receive course maps used back in the day.

Buy the 25th Passport for $25, designed like a 1980 accreditation badge, and receive virtually carte blanche at the Olympic venues. It also entitles the holder to a 25th anniversary keepsake, photos from the Games and an official logo sticker.

During Presidents Week, each venue will host evening parties, activities, and events celebrating the 25th. These functions will be unique in their celebration of the Games. They will feature the 1980 torch, I LOVE NY Fun Zones and guest appearances everywhere by official 1980 mascot Ronny Racoon, who opted out of early retirement and has been spreading the Lake Placid love for these 25 years.

STOWE'S REWARD PROGRAM IS BIG ON BENEFITS

STOWE, VT -- Planning all of the details of a ski and snowboard vacation can be a little daunting. Lodging, lessons, lift tickets, gear - did you forget anything? Well, lucky for you, Stowe Mountain Resort is offering a new package that combines everything you will need for a great week. And by booking in advance, you are rewarded with major savings off the retail rates. The Vacation Rewards Program combines lift tickets with a menu of other on-mountain benefits, and many Stowe area lodges are combining it with a place to stay.

Here’s the deal: Purchase your lift tickets at least 72 hours in advance and multi-day tickets for children and receive a 10 percent savings off the regular multi-day ticket rates. Advanced multi-day adults and seniors and receive a 10 percent savings off of regular multi-day lift ticket rates plus a number of other benefits:

With a two or three consecutive day adult/senior ticket purchase, choose a two-hour ski/snowboard demo from the Stowe Toys Demo Center or a night ski/ride ticket (available Jan. 8, 2005 - March 20, 2005).

With a four, five, six, seven or more consecutive day adult/senior ticket purchase, there are options for either adults or their children. For children, the choice is a multi-day child ticket* or coupon for 25 percent off multi-day Children’s Adventure Program (lift included). For an adult, the choice is a multi-day adult group lesson or a multi-day ski or snowboard rental.

“The Vacation Rewards Program at Stowe is an amazing value,” says Michael Colbourn, spokesman for the resort. “It offers a big price break for booking early, and includes the convenience of having all your tickets ready to go when you arrive.”

The Stowe Vacation Rewards Program is not available with early / late season rates or during holiday time periods. Reward program benefits have no cash value and are not refundable. Advance sale Vacation Reward lift tickets are non-refundable and are not transferable.

The Vacation Rewards Program cannot be combined with any other resort offer, product or promotion. Vacation Reward Program pricing and offerings are subject to change without notice. Please visit www.Stowe.com for additional program details and information. Are you ready to book your vacation now? Just visit www.Stowe.com or call 1-888-253-4TIX. Then the only thing you will need to worry about is waking up early enough for first tracks!