Section Contents - Quick Links

• 1 - Okemo 2006 Improvement Review

• 2 - Families Are An Okemo Specialty

• 3 - Stowe "Spruces Up" with Rewards - Plus

• 4 - Ascutney Makes Affordable Family Fun Vacations

• 5 - Bretton Woods' Mountain Hosts Make Guest Service Special

• 6 - Team Bode Improves Kids' Skills at Bretton Woods

• 7 - Sugarbush Is Ready for a Super 2005-06

• 8 - Lake Placid to Torino in Winter 2006

• 9 - Preparing for a Vacation Getaway - What to Pack

Okemo 2006 Improvement Review

LUDLOW, VT — There is always something new and exciting happening each year at Okemo Mountain Resort and 2005-06 promises to be OKE-MONUMENTUS!

In addition to nearly $3.5 million in improvements and a variety of new program options, on January 31, 2006, Okemo will celebrate 50 years of history and tradition and its emergence as one the most successful snowsport enterprises in the country. A 50th Anniversary Celebration, along with an exciting improvement line-up, lies ahead for skiers. Here is a preview of what is to come this winter.

New Trails:

Two new trails have been added in the Jackson Gore Peak area increasing the resort’s total skiable acreage to 624 acres. Big Bang and Eclipse (double black diamond trails) can be accessed from the top of the Jackson Gore Peak and promise plenty of challenge and excitement this season!

New Lift:

The new F-10 Carpet lift, tailor-made for beginner skiers, replaces the F-10 Poma lift in the Okemo base. The new surface lift will enable novice skiers to easily access the learning area and lift network and begin the thrill of downhill even faster.

Groomed to Perfection:

Okemo’s Mountain Operation team will be all smiles on the trails this winter with two new Camoplast Park Cats, and two new trail grooming machines added to their fleet. The new Park Cats will enable the grooming team to prepare the Parks, Pipes and trails with even greater efficiency.

Snowmaking Pond Upgrade:

Okemo’s massive 70-million gallon snowmaking pond is undergoing a major upgrade, bringing its total capacity to 153 million gallons. This massive increase in size will ensure that the Snowmaking Team will have plenty of water for snowmaking during the winter season. Construction on the snowmaking pond will be finished in 2006-07.

Cutting Edge Learning Center Programs:

New this season - Young Mountain Explorers and Young Riders (ages 7-14) are offering a full day option for all ability levels - including beginners! The full day program lets young adults explore Okemo’s vast terrain network and have fun with kids of their same age and ability. Young Mountain Explorers is offered every day as a full-day program, a morning lesson or an afternoon lesson for all ability levels. Lift ticket and rental equipment is additional.

The Penguin Playground Day Care Center is offering an expanded Mini Stars lesson program for children ages 3-4. A new 2-hour morning session has been added to the Day Care line-up of lessons for tots (running from 10 am until noon). Children can reserve a spot in the Mini Stars program as an add-on to their Day Care reservation, or take a Mini Stars lesson as a regular group lesson (without Day Care).

Okemo’s Culinary Services:

“Which wine tonight?” The Coleman Brook Tavern, located in the Jackson Gore Inn, features the perfect marriage of food, wine and ambience with the opening of their new Wine Room. The Wine Room’s decor is romantic and warm, giving the feeling of dining in an exclusive cellar. Fabulous selections of wines are displayed along the walls. Guests will enjoy exquisite entrees, delicious desserts and the most diverse selection of wines under one roof. With seating for up to 40 guests, the Wine Room is ideal for private parties and will cater to an adult clientele during the winter months. Whatever the occasion, the new Wine Room in the Coleman Brook Tavern will leave a lasting impression.

Gables Restaurant at Solitude is sporting a brand new look and new menu, all with easy access to the Solitude Express Super Quad. It just keeps getting better every year!

50 Years of History & Tradition:

On January 31, 2006, Okemo will celebrate 50 years of history and tradition, and its emergence as one the most successful snowsport enterprises in the country. Lift ticket and lodging specials will be available on selected dates throughout the month of January.

Stay in touch with www.skiernews.okemo.com for more details.

For more info, please call 1-866-746-5366 or visit Okemo’s web site via a link on www.skiernews.com or log on to (do not use the “www”) skiernews.okemo.com.

Families Are An Okemo Specialty

LUDLOW, VT - Keeping families connected is not as easy as it used to be. There are busy work schedules, after school sports and a myriad of interruptions in the daily life. But the staff at Okemo knows how to provide just the right amount of attention to enhance the family spirit and bring back the fun.

It all starts with a resort that is owned and managed by a family. It is their reputation for more than two decades of excellence that sets Okemo apart from other resorts. Tim and Diane Mueller’s personal touch can be seen and felt and is one of the reasons why the resort is a family-favorite.

The mountain layout and trail network offer miles of playful terrain to suit any ability level. You will find gentle beginner slopes, long intermediate cruisers, bumps, steeps, glades. There is plenty of freestyle action with the largest superpipe in the East, a mini halfpipe and six terrain parks.

From the Okemo base to Jackson Gore, families can ski together from virtually any lift, or go their separate ways to explore the vast and varied terrain.

Why Families Love Okemo Mountain:

* FREE skiing and riding for children ages 6 and under.

* Five FREE beginner surface lifts - three at the Okemo base and two at the Jackson Gore base (available when Snow Stars is not in session).

* FREE lodging for all children ages 12 & under at Okemo Mountain’s deluxe slopeside condominium accommodations and the Jackson Gore Inn when sharing a unit with their parents.

* Young Adult lift ticket category for ages 13-18 that offers a significant savings compared to adult ticket pricing. Okemo was the very first resort to offer this innovative pricing model.

* State-approved Penguin Playground Day Care Center, with two convenient locations at the Okemo base and Jackson Gore base for children ages 6 months to 6 years. Mini Stars skiing session for kids ages 3 & 4 provides a positive skiing experience for youngsters. This is available as an add-on to Day Care or as a single lesson option. Junior ski rentals are available for an additional fee inside the Okemo Express Rental Shop and Jackson Gore Express Rental shop.

* Evening Day Care at the Jackson Gore Penguin Playground Day Care Center on Saturday night and during selected holiday periods from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

* Wide variety of customized ski and snowboard instructional programs that include Snow Star Skiers (ages 4-7) and Snow Star Riders (ages 5-7); Young Mountain Explorers (ages 7-14) and Young Riders (ages 7-14).

Snow Monsters: Visit Okemo’s Snow Monsters website at www.okemonsters. com and find out all about Snow Monsters. This program is dedicated to children, families and educators. Onslope safety, courtesy, protecting the environment and having fun is Snow Monster’s mission. Kids can take the monster quiz and earn “Okemonster” points, send a postcard to a friend, play online games, take the snow vote, check out Okemo stories and much more!

For more information or reservations, please call 1-866-746-5366 or visit Okemo’s web site via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com or log on to skiernews.okemo.com (do not use “www”).

Stowe "Spruces Up" with Rewards - Plus

BIG CHANGES ON SPRUCE MOUNTAIN

STOWE, VT — Stowe Mountain Resort’s fabled Spruce Mountain is what Eastern skiers and boarders consider some of the most beautiful and authentic alpine terrain in the northeast. That is why skiers did not mind riding for 15 minutes on a double chair circa 1954. They were able to ski only during a select number of days that were dictated by natural snowfall.

Everything except the best and most beautiful terrain part changes this winter 2005-06 in Stowe. The old double chair is being replaced with a high-speed quad Also, top to bottom fully automated snowmaking systems are being installed, and extensive trail work will allow access to routes down the mountain never explored before. All totaled, these projects represent $30 million in improvements to some of the best intermediate terrain east of the Rockies.

These brand new improvements complement the two new lifts and beginner terrain that were added to Spruce last winter, 2004-05.

At the resort known for the past half century as “The Ski Capitol of the East,” greatly improving the skiing and riding on almost 20 percent of its terrain is a significant improvement that has been overdue for decades.

Improvements to the mountain experience are just the beginning of what is now a $300,000,000 revitalization project that is transforming Stowe Mountain Resort into the premier winter destination in the East. The new village will have a luxurious base lodge, outdoor ice-skating, performing arts center, restaurants, shops, private residences, an 18-hole golf course, and a five star Destination Resorts hotel and spa. Now in its second year, the development named “Spruce Peak at Stowe” is going vertical with the on-mountain improvements.

A mountainside alpine village, befitting the history and architecture that has made Stowe an internationally known resort brand, was not easy to conceive. It took about 10 years of planning before construction began.

To learn more please call 1-800-253-4754

Log on to Stowe’s web site via an easily found link on right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

STOWE CARD PLUS OFFERS $38 DEAL

STOWE, VT — For the 2005-06 Season, the Stowe Card is supercharged with even more benefits, preferred daily lift ticket rates, added value throughout the resort and a new online advance sale rate.

The Stowe Card PLUS purchase price is $65. Here is a list of benefits for the Stowe Card PLUS!

* For every six tickets purchased, your seventh day is FREE

* $49 daily tickets all season long

* BUY ON-LINE! Purchase six one-day tickets on-line at $44 each; receive seven (With this deal you can ski for less than $38 per day!)

* 10 percent discount at the Cliff House and Fireside Restaurants (food only)

* 20 percent discount on full tune-ups and non-sale items at Stowe Mountain Resort retail shops (all year)

All 2005-06 Stowe Card PLUS! tickets are valid Sunday through Friday during non-holiday time periods.

Stowe Card PLUS! benefits and tickets are non-transferable.

Stowe Card PLUS tickets are not valid on Saturdays and 12/25/05 through and including 1/1/06. Also, they are not valid 1/14/06 through and including 1/16/06 and 2/19 through and including 2/26/06.

Learn more at www.stowe.com or call 1-800-253-4754.

VACATION REWARDS PLUS! THE CHOICES ARE YOURS

STOWE, VT — Stowe Mountain Resort offers a package that combines everything you will need for a great week of skiing and snowboarding. By booking in advance, you are rewarded with major savings off retail rates. The Vacation Rewards Program (VRP) 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 how it works:

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

With a two or three consecutive day adult/senior ticket purchases, you can choose a two-hour ski/snowboard demo from the Stowe Toys Demo Center or a night lift ticket.

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, VP of Sales and Marketing. “It offers a big price break for booking early, and includes the convenience of having all your tickets ready to go when you arrive.”

Package Offers for Vacation Rewards Plus! (VRP)

(14 day pre-purchase required):

Thanksgiving Weekend Package: Available November 19-27; 10 percent off all three or more day early season ticket rates. VRP premiums not included.

December VRP: Available November 28- December 16; Save an additional 10 percent off all VRP Prime Time multiday rates. This includes the VRP 4+ day premiums.

December - President’s Week Holiday Package: Available December 17- January 1; February 18-27; 10 percent off four or more day Holiday ticket rates. VRP premiums not included.

January - February VRP Getaway: Available January 2 – February 17; Save an additional 10 percent off the four or more day ticket rates. This includes VRP 4+ day premiums.

Spring VRP Getaway: Available March 27 – April 23: 10 percent off late season multi-day rates. VRP premiums not included.

Just visit www.Stowe.com or call 1-888-253-4TIX (1-888-253-4849).

After which, the only thing you will need to worry about is waking up early enough for first tracks!

Log on to Stowe’s web site via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

Ascutney Makes Affordable Family Fun Vacations

BROWNSVILLE, VT — In an effort to make skiing more affordable for families, Ascutney Mountain Resort has designed special vacation packages to fit a family’s budget and lifestyle. With 100 percent slopeside lodging, on-site restaurants, and a plethora of children’s off-slope activities, these packages not only make family skiing affordable, but fun as well. For reservations and information, guests should call 1-800-243-0011 or visit www.ascutney.com.

VACATION PACKAGES

Special Ski Weeks

Special Ski Weeks give skiers and riders enough time to unwind and the opportunity to take in all the activities and amenities of the resort, all from a slopeside condo with fireplace. Special Ski Weeks are available 1/1/06, 1/8/06, 2/5/06, 3/5/06, and 3/19/06 and require a Sunday night arrival. The 6-day, 5- night package includes lodging, lift tickets, use of the tubing hill, health club and pools, hot tub, sauna, game room, plus family movie night and live entertainment on Thursday in Brown’s Tavern. It also includes use of the cross-country and snowshoe trails plus five full day sessions of Young Olympians or Flying D.U.C.K.S (1 per paid adult – a value of $460/child). The cost for the package is $349 per person.

Midweek Getaway Packages – Ski for Free

These are available any midweek period (non-holiday) all season, Sunday – Friday, PLUS early and late season weekends. Getaways include slopeside lodging in a spacious condominium suite, lift tickets, resort amenities, and lessons. Book this for one or more nights at $79 per person per night.

Thanksgiving in Vermont

When guests stay slopeside two or more nights between Nov. 23- 27, 2005, a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings is included in the package. Also included is a visit to Christmas Trees of Vermont, a historic plantation on the Connecticut River, to pick out the perfect holiday tree. Package includes lodging, lift tickets, group ski/snowboard lessons, Thanksgiving dinner and a Vermont Christmas Tree. Priced at $89 per person per night.

Christmas at Ascutney

Stay slopeside any four, five or six consecutive nights departing by December 29, 2005, and enjoy a white Christmas with all the traditional trimmings. Package includes lodging in a slopeside condominium, lift tickets, Christmas dinner for the family PLUS the inclusion of the “Family Bonus Plan” for added value, typically only offered during non-holiday periods. Priced at $124 per adult per night and $99 per child per night.

Wassail Weekend

In neighboring Woodstock, December 9-11, 2005, this oldfashioned celebration includes the traditional parade of horses and vintage carriages with riders and drivers in period costumes, furs and much more. While in Woodstock, guests can do holiday shopping at a number of quaint galleries, gift shops and emporiums. Package includes slopeside lodging in a condominium suite, complimentary breakfast, use of the Sports & Fitness Center and lift tickets. It is priced at $79 per person per night.

For more information call 1-800-243-0011 or visit their web site from an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Bretton Woods' Mountain Hosts Make Guest Service Special

BRETTON WOODS, NH - First time visitors to Bretton Woods Mountain Resort are often taken aback when they start to unload ski gear from their cars. It is common to find a stranger dressed in red reaching for the skis on the rack or pulling boots and bags from the trunk of a car. Any pause of suspicion or apprehension immediately dissolves when the smiling Bretton Woods Mountain Host offers, “Good morning and welcome to Bretton Woods!”

The Mountain Host program started in the winter of 1998-1999 with twenty brave souls taking up the challenge of sharing their expertise and excitement about the Resort with every new guest at Bretton Woods. The positive feedback from enthusiastic guests was almost immediate, and the program has now grown to a compliment of 60 Mountain Hosts at the ready.

The program has grown to become an integral part of the skier’s experience. The main ingredient is a warm and friendly smile that greets the guests as they arrive. Hosts help the guests to acclimate to the layout of Bretton Woods with ease.

Ski Magazine’s annual ratings of top ski resorts listed Bretton Woods in their top ten in the East for service this year. The ski area placed first among New Hampshire ski resorts. Bretton Woods has held a long-standing reputation for hospitality and service, but the current Mountain Host program, just seven seasons old, has evolved into an integral part of the area’s appeal. The Host’s signature red ski jackets have become known throughout the ski area and the entire Mount Washington Resort. Made up of local ski-minded residents, the Mountain Hosts are a very close group that spends time together on and off the job.

The Mountain Host’s day starts at about 7 a.m. The first arrivals assist with parking, traffic control and the preparation of the drop-off area to welcome guests. A roaring fire in the reception gazebo fireplace serves to warm chilly hands and evokes a warm feeling of hospitality too. In addition to greeting skiers and snowboarders, the Bretton Woods Mountain Hosts assist with directions, answer questions, and assist in any way to help arrival run smoothly.

Out on the mountain, Hosts serve complimentary hot cider, act as guides for groups, and assist with ski school, the Hobbits children’s program, guest services, and more.

“I’m very proud of this program. We do whatever it takes to ensure skiers and riders have a positive experience here at Bretton Woods,” says Mountain Host Coordinator Sue McQueeney. “We’ve gone as far as to lend out our own ski clothes to guests who forgot theirs.”

Service is a priority at Bretton Woods and, thanks to the many Mountain Hosts, more people are starting their day of skiing or snowboarding with a smile and a friendly attitude that makes its way to the slopes.

For more information about Bretton Woods Mountain Resort or The Mount Washington Hotel, please call 1-800-258-0330 or visit www.brettonwoods.com via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Team Bode Improves Kids' Skills at Bretton Woods

BRETTON WOODS, NH - When you’re a youngster with a pair of skis strapped to your feet, nothing beats that super hero feeling of pointing them downhill and flying down a snow-covered mountain.

What is even more fun is racing with your friends to the bottom and doing it again - and over and over - again, dodging gates on carved turns that throw out white plumes of powder.

That is, however, a feat that needs to be learned and this winter, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is offering a camp for young skiers to do just that.

“We put together Roosters Rockets last year,” said Steve DeBenedictis, the ski school director at Bretton Woods, “and by popular demand, we’re doing it again this year.”

The three-day ski camp runs during the Christmas vacation and it is geared for children ages 4 to 12 who have a little bit of experience on the slopes, who want to learn more of the basics.

“It’s for children interested in getting on skis, who may not start skiing until the Christmas break,” DeBenedictis said. “This program teaches them how to warm up and make good turns and learn the things they need to know, especially if they are interested in following an older brother and sister onto the Bretton Woods ski team someday.”

The program also leads into the season-long ski program called Team Bode, which is named in honor of Bode Miller, the two-time Olympic Silver medallist and 2005 FIS World Cup champion. Miller is also the Bretton Woods Mountain Resort’s director of skiing and not so long ago, he was a young fearless skier who delighted in racing to the bottom of local ski areas.

“Team Bode is a seasonal program that begins after the Roosters Rockets wraps up,” DeBenedictis said. “It goes for 12 weeks and it is designed for girls and boys who want to go into ski racing, but they need some work on their skiing skills.”

The program goes for a full day every Saturday and the young skiers will work with coaches on mastering the terrain across the mountain. Fitted into the schedule are free ski times, as well as training to run through gates on a racecourse, sometimes alongside ski team racers.

“This lets the younger skiers see what their big brother and sister do as part of the race team at the mountain,” DeBenedictis said.

By the end of the 12-week Team Bode program, young skiers will definitely see a transformation in their ability.

“Maybe when they start, they can’t ski steep terrain, but this is a great way for them to develop skills and maybe in future years, move on to the Bretton Woods ski team,” he said.

Parents whose children are interested in these ski programs can call the ski school at 603-278-3311 for more information and a registration form.

The cost of Team Bode is $600, which includes a season’s pass and a whole lot of fun.

For more information about Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, or the Mount Washington Hotel, please call 1-800-258-0330 or visit www.brettonwoods.com

Or log on to their web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Sugarbush Is Ready for a Super 2005-06

IMPROVEMENTS ABOUND

WARREN, VT -- Sugarbush Resort, tucked against the 4,000-foot mountains that surround Warren, Vt., is a remarkable four-season mountain destination in central Vermont’s sweeping Mad River Valley. Located just 50 minutes south of the Burlington International Airport and only a short drive off I-89, the resort’s six mountain areas, its Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed golf course and endless miles of hiking and skiing trails provide visitors with endless adventure throughout the year.

Winter opens 54 miles of the most diverse terrain in the East. The Slide Brook Basin, a 2000-acre wilderness area that lies between Sugarbush’s Mount Ellen and Lincoln Peak, is an adventurer’s paradise. Guided snowshoe, ski and snowboard tours provide outdoor lovers not only the chance to spy bear and moose, but also the opportunity to have a true backcountry experience. As quoted in this October’s Ski Magazine, “Sugarbush is to Vermont what Steamboat is to Colorado.”

For those who want to stay ‘on-piste’, Sugarbush’s 111 trails, 2,600 feet of vertical, 11 wooded areas, superpipe, and multiple terrain parks offer skiers and riders of all abilities an unparalleled outdoor vacation. And NEW for 2005-06 is the Lincoln Peak revitalization.

Last summer Sugarbush broke ground on the most ambitious project in its almost 50-year history -- the Lincoln Peak Village. The first phase of the new Lincoln Peak Village will consist of three new facilities. The resort plans to raze and rebuild the Gate House Lodge as well as build a new guest services lodge between the Gate House quad and the Village Double chair. Construction of Clay Brook at Sugarbush, however, is well underway.

The flagship of the new village is the Clay Brook residence complex. They will feature 61 fractional ownership residences as well as an Owners’ lounge, concierge service, and a year-round outdoor heated pool. Also offered are valet parking, a fitness center, personal grocery delivery, a restaurant and cafe, and preferred tee times to the resort’s championship golf course. This is one of only two Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs in Vermont. Sugarbush plans to open the 133,000- square foot structure for the 2006-07 season.

MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS, SNOW QUALITY and ENHANCED GROOMING

SUGARBUSH HIRES TWO INDUSTRY EXPERTS

WARREN, VT — Sugarbush took another step forward in its continuing enhancement of the onmountain experience with the hiring of two experts in the field of resort operations.

Mike Wing has joined the team as the new Snow Surfaces Manager in charge of all grooming and snowmaking. Wing spent over 20 years at Sugarloaf in a similar capacity and brings an immense amount of industry expertise to the Sugarbush staff. Under his leadership, the Maine resort received SKI Magazine’s Gold Medal for both snow quality and grooming.

“Mike is a real on-hill guy,” said Sugarbush’s vice president of Mountain Services Hardy Merrill. “He focuses on the end product. He’s on the first chair every morning evaluating the work done overnight and understands that snowmaking and grooming are about fulfilling customers’ expectations.” Wing was also Superintendent of the Sugarloaf golf course, one of the most highly rated public courses in New England.

Stepping into Merrill’s shoes as the new general manager of Mount Ellen will be Dan Torsell. Torsell’s extensive ski industry background began at Powder Mountain, Utah, where he worked in Lift Operations. He then went on to spend several years at Killington supervising all operations of the resort’s Bear Mountain Complex, including lift operations, parking and guest services. After serving as general manager of all ski area operations at Tussey Mountain in western Pennsylvania, Torsell spent a number of years serving as Director of New Business Development for a high-tech firm.

Hardy Merrill, who served as Mount Ellen’s general manager last year, was promoted to vice president of Mountain Services in May. The Mountain Services unit will integrate guest services with overall resort mountain operations.

For more informaton on all of the new developments at Sugarbush please call 1-800-53 SUGAR or 1-800-537-8437 or log on to their web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Lake Placid to Torino in Winter 2006

Village to host impressive World Cup lineup leading to 2006 Games

LAKE PLACID, NY — The New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) has announced that the 2005-06 winter season will offer visitors a preview of February’s Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

The preview will come in the form of a World Cup lineup in bobsled, skeleton, luge as well as freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and will augment a season of skiing and riding at Whiteface.

The announcement came at the end of the busy 2004- 05-winter season. The past season included the successful 25th anniversary celebration of the 1980 Winter Games held in Lake Placid.

These World Cup events, which will qualify numerous athletes for Torino, will be augmented by additional events set to kick off the season in October 2005.

This will be an excellent opportunity to see medalwinners of the past and prospective medalists at very affordable prices.

Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation and ORDA, said, “It is good news that Lake Placid will be the site of so many exciting World Cup events and provide a preview to next year’s winter games in Italy. This will be another opportunity to highlight the region and our legacy in winter sports. The events will once again bring visitors and guests from around the country to experience New York State while boosting the local economy.”

“This roster of competitions once again illustrates that Lake Placid is the Winter Sports Capital of the World,” Ted Blazer, ORDA President and CEO at the time, said. Then he added, “We owe thanks to Governor (George E.) Pataki, Congressman (John) Sweeney and their colleagues who continue to support us in maintaining our state-of-the-art venues.”

With the heightened attention due to the upcoming Torino Games, Lake Placid, in its role as host to the world’s best, will reap great publicity during the season. Most of these premier events will be seen on network and/or cable television in the United States. They will also be seen abroad – in many cases with live broadcasts. This stacks up as an important winter in the Lake Placid village.

Lake Placid’s first World Cup competition was held Nov.17-20 when the top international sliders in men’s and women’s bobsled and skeleton, under the banner of the International Federation for Bobsled and Toboggan (FIBT), invade the Verizon Sports Complex and race for the Verizon Cup.

Viessmann World Cup luge, Dec. 16-17, enters the same venue with International Luge Federation (FIL) competitions in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and the team event.

Whiteface and the Kodak Sports Park are set to host the Nature Valley Freestyle Cup as the International Ski Federation (FIS) brings men and women World Cup athletes to the region from Jan. 20-22. Mogul events are slated for Jan. 20 and 22 at Whiteface on the Wilderness trail, with a Jan. 21 aerial skiing competition under the lights at the Kodak Sports Park.

ORDA’s final World Cup meet occurs March 9-12, with the Nokia FIS snowboard tour at Whiteface. Always photogenic, the action during the State Farm U.S. Snowboard Cup will highlight Torino medalists, and will be huge in the superpipe, parallel giant slalom and snowboard- cross events.

“We are very thankful for the support of the international sports federations and the national governing bodies of bobsled, luge, skeleton, skiing and snowboarding for continuing to have faith in ORDA’s ability to execute world class events,” stated ORDA Director of Events Jim Goff. “With Lake Placid’s hospitality and the quality of our volunteers, we are poised to give them an outstanding experience.”

The World Cup schedule is just part of the action this winter, remaining events on the calendar include:

World Cup “B” Nordic Combined at the MacKenzie- Intervale Ski Jumping Complex Dec. 19-23

Annual New Years Ski Jump, also at the jumping complex, Dec. 30 (night event)

ISIA Figure Skating in the Olympic Center Jan. 13-15 Lake Placid Loppet citizens cross country ski race Jan. 21 at the Verizon Sports Complex

Empire State Winter Games Feb. 24-26 which are held at all venues

For pricing and scheduling info on ORDA venues and events and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.

For more information, please log on to Whiteface-Lake Placid web site via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Preparing for a Vacation Getaway - What to Pack

Time-Tested Tips from Diane Mueller, co-owner Okemo, Crested Butte and Mount Sunapee

Skiing and snowboarding are among the few activities in which an entire family can participate together and do at different levels. The joy and special chemistry of snowsports and children is not just that they take to it so easily and have so much fun — everyone can do it.

Okemo has earned the reputation as New England’s #1 family resort by providing a wide variety of innovative programs, incentives and special rates that make planning a family winter getaway easier than ever.

Getting the entire family ready for the slopes is not always an easy task. Diane Mueller, co-owner of Okemo Mountain Resort can attest to that. Over the years, she has developed some time-tested tips that her family uses to get ready for the slopes. By developing a “to-do” list, they put the fun back into preparing for a family getaway.

“When my kids were old enough to pack for themselves, I created a list for them to follow,” commented Diane Mueller. “It taught them responsibility and took the hassle out of getting ready for a family getaway.” Everyday wear to pack: Underwear, socks, stockings, outfits for dinner, shoes or boots for dinner, blue jeans, sweatshirt, sweater, pants, sneakers, bathing suit (in case there is a swimming pool), pajamas, toilet articles and clothes to workout.

For the slopes: Helmets, skis, poles, boots, snowboard, hat, goggles, sunglasses, neck gator, long underwear, socks, turtlenecks, gloves or mittens, glove liners, sunscreen, jacket and pants (or one-piece suit), chapstick, hand and foot warmers and wax and ski tools.

Day Care: Change of clothes, bottle, favorite blanket or toy, diapers, wipes and pacifier.

Miscellaneous items: Camera and film, books, games, CD’s, tapes, snowshoes and ice skates.

Before leaving the house: Take out the garbage, water the plants, turn down the heat, and take the pets to be boarded, clean out the refrigerator.