®| ® |
NATIONWIDE SKI INFO
DIRECTORY - HOLIDAY/JANUARY, 2002 - ARCHIVE
VOL. 15 - ISSUE 54- SKI AND LIVE YOUR LIVES ISSUE
| Editorials & Current News | Feature Articles | Technical/Instructional Features |
|
"Trickle Up" Economics |
by Tony D. Crespi |
|
|
“Trickle Up” Economics Publisher, Dave Leonardi You’ve no doubt seen the television commercial featuring a speech by President George Bush, interspersed with repeated lines spoken by people from the travel and tourism industry, that proclaims: “Americans are asking, what is expected of us? We ask you to live your lives. Do your business around the country. Fly and enjoy America’s great destinations. Take your families and enjoy life, the way we want it to be enjoyed. Greatness is found when American character and American courage can overcome American challenges. And we will.” With the 2002 ski season underway, it seems as though most skiers are following that advice. (Retail sales in ski shops are reportedly up 4.6 percent over this time last year.) But others are concerned about the economy. I agree with many others who claim that the best way to end any recession is not to participate in it. Ignore the talk about it; spend money, and that will aid in the recovery. Call it “trickle up economics.” As mentioned in my previous editorial, the ski industry thrives on snowfall, more so than the overall economic picture. When snowfall is abundant, skiers participate. When it is sparse, they stay home regardless of the economy. After 9/11, will that be the same? Distributing SKIER NEWS at three ski shows this November (flying to two of them, Chicago and San Jose), we surveyed consumers and asked if the terrorist attacks of September 11 would alter their ski travel plans. An overwhelming majority, 94 percent, said no. Last year was a record setting ski season with 57 million skier visits recorded around the country. Let’s do that again. Let’s each ski an extra day and set another record. Let’s reach at least 60 million visits this year! Let’s take advantage of the great U.S. dollar exchange rates and visit the great Canadian ski resorts. Let’s watch the Olympics from the slopes of Idaho or Montana or your local ski area, and visit Salt Lake City any time this year to get some first-hand Olympic spirit. Let’s take advantage of the extra-steps the resorts are taking to provide package deals that add free nights or free lift tickets or both. Durango Mountain Resort, Vail, Breckenridge and Lake Tahoe are all promoting offers to help you stretch your budget and give you more. Please look for their ads and related articles throughout this issue and call them for the details. Subaru and Head are once again offering free Women’s ski clinics around the country. The companies donate money to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund based on the number of women in the program. For more info, see the related articles on page three. You can ski for free and help a great cause. So while we are a nation currently at war, and while we respect our troops and remember those who perished in the 9/11 attacks, we are still blessed with the most beautiful land on the Earth. So, let’s live our lives. Fly or drive and enjoy North America’s great ski destinations. Take your families and enjoy life and the beautiful American experience skiing has to offer. Our greatness is in our great, collective American character. Together our challenges will be met. And we will prevail. Recession? Let’s not participate. And we will overcome this challenge... See you on the slopes.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
HEAD AND SUBARU OFFER FREE WOMEN'S SKI CLINICS CHERRY HILL, NJ - The Head/Subaru Women’s Ski Clinics offer women a day of free skiing, instruction and the chance to try new skis. Head and Subaru make a donation based on the number of total participants and the sales of made-for-women Head Light skis. Based on record-setting participation at the 2000-01 Head/Subaru Women’s Ski Clinics at sixteen ski resorts around the nation, Head and Subaru have jointly donated over $30,000 to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a 30 percent increase over their donation of a year ago. Women who wish to attend a clinic should check out www.head.com for more information. Pre-registration is necessary; head.com has all the details. Make plans to attend, ski, learn and promote a worthy cause. The schedule is printed below. “MASTER THE MOUNTAIN” PROGRAM CONTINUES TO ROLL WITH SUBARU CHERRY HILL, NJ - Subaru's Master the Mountain is open to the public and full of free instruction and giveaways. There will be instructors on hand to conduct free one-hour mini-lessons and Learning Lane instruction, patrollers to guide NSP Insiders' Operations Tours, and hosts to assist in sign-up at the Subaru Central Tent. It’s a fun day; please call the participating mountains, listed in the schedule, for more details. For more info on Subaru's great all-wheel drive vehicles, visit SUBARU’s web site. SUBARU/HEAD WOMEN'S CLINIC FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH THIS IS A FREE SKIING and LEARNING PROGRAM. HOWEVER, PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER. Log on to www.head.com for the full 2002 schedule and information.
SUBARU'S "MASTER THE MOUNTAIN" PROGRAM
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
PRODUCTS and WEB SITES HELP SKIERS GEAR UP AND PLAN TRIPS EWING, NJ - Each year at our SKIER NEWS’ office we receive new, sample items or get information about web sites that are worth noting. Many of these products are very functional and useful. Here are some of the better products and web sites. SERIOUS SNOW SOX We reported on this item last year, and it’s worth repeating. Serious Snow Socks are lightweight, over-the-calf socks that are designed for active people whose feet are locked into a stationary position, such as a skier in a hard-shell boot. We tried them in 12-to-16 degree temperatures skiing in Vermont last season, and the socks performed as the company claims. They were comfortable and allowed for blood flow adequately to the feet in the cold temperatures. (Did you know that thick socks, clamped tightly in ski boots, could restrict circulation to the feet, thereby causing cold feet?) They also helped to massage the legs, through their patented design, and eliminated cramping and stiff calf muscles as well. And now we use them all the time. The reasonably priced socks can be found on-line at www.snowsox.com. SNOW MONSTERS Here’s a great video for kids to get them interested in skiing, outdoor fun and respect for nature. And who better to help show kids RESPECT for nature than Aretha Franklin, who plays Mother Nature! This video takes kids on a magic trip to explore the slopes and visit our National Forests. To learn more about on-slope safety, kids ski and snowboard programs, our National Forests, and Snow Monsters videos, CDs and coloring books, log on to www.snowmonsters.com. SKI KEYS A SKIER NEWS favorite is the SKI KEY. Have you ever seen metal ski racks at a base area and couldn’t figure out how a lock applies to it? It was probably a SKI KEY rack. It’s operation is very simple, but you need a SKI KEY lock. They are small and easily fit into your jacket pocket. When the horizontal bar in the rack is placed across your skis and locked in with your “key,” your skis are secure. The only item you need to carry is the small plastic locking device called the SKI KEY. SKI KEY racks are in use in all Canadian ski resorts and some U.S. resorts. You can only buy the locks (about $15) at ski area shops that use the racks. Then you can use them at any resort. For more info or to order, log on to www.skikey.com. SNO-SKI.COM A great web site to order either standard ski gear or various off-the-beaten-path items is www.sno-ski.com. The company has been providing equipment since 1992 and boasts several customer comments that praise their service. The goal of the company is to make your skiing experience the most enjoyable. They offer you one of the best selections of skiing accessories, gifts, clothing, novelties and information you can find anywhere on the web. www.Sno-ski.com did away with catalogs in 1998. This enabled them to offer more products for less, and they passed the savings on to the consumer. The web site is easy to navigate. You will easily find your way to a product, or browse through the menu of the many categories. It’s worth visiting and browsing through. Happy shopping!
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SNOW MONSTERS FOR KIDS WHO LIKE TO SKI or SNOWBOARD A Great Holiday Gift Idea... DURANGO, CO -- Have you ever seen a snow tiger that likes to ski and snowboard? What about snow snakes, powder pigs, mogul gophers, blizzard babies and snowboard beavers? They're all Snow Monsters and you can find them at ski resorts across North America. Snow Monsters are the brainchild of Jack Turner (Sirdar; Durango, Colo.) the creator, writer, producer and part-time stunt tiger. Turner does both the skiing and snowboarding for Snowball the snow tiger, the Snow Monsters lead character. “The project started when I was writing songs for my kids,” explains Turner. “The next thing I new we were making our first film for kids and it took off from there.” Snow Monsters blossomed into a mini-industry involving more than a hundred ski resorts and thousands of schools. Snow Monsters products include two children’s films, coloring books, a CD/audiocassette narrated by Picabo Street, trading cards, plush toys, and apparel. Snow Monsters also supplies customized children’s Internet content and activities to resorts. Likewise, many resorts also use the full-sized costumed characters to entertain kids and their families. Even celebrities have gotten into the act. Aretha Franklin performed as Mother Nature and sang the Grammy-award winning hit, “Respect,” in the film, “The Snow Monsters Meet Mother Nature.” More than 25,000 video copies were distributed to elementary schools and youth programs to encourage children to respect the environment. Anyone interested in Snow Monsters products can purchase them at resort retail shops or shop online at by logging on to snowmonsters.com.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
TAKE YOUR DAUGHTERS TO SNOW WEEK BOULDER, CO - Every woman is a "daughter" in the fifth annual, nationwide "Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week." Approximately 200 winter resorts, trail systems, snow sport retailers and rental shops across the country will participate in this winter's on-snow festivities during the week of January 28 - February 3, 2002. Ski racer Picabo Street is once again the national spokeswoman. "Participating in snowsports is a great way for a family to enjoy exercise and the great outdoors together," says Street, whose credits include one Olympic gold medal, one Olympic silver and a downhill world championship. Nina Kemppel, a Nordic ski racer who has competed in three Olympics and won 15 national championships, is enthusiastically endorsing Daughter Week. "Cross country skiing is my passion, and I want everybody possible to share it with me. My parents started me on skis at a very early age, and it was a great way for our family to enjoy both physical fitness and the outdoors. I encourage all moms and dads to take your daughters out to the ski trails." Individual resorts and cross-country centers put together their own programs, which vary from weekend activities to a week full of choices. A common program is a substantial discount (or 2 for price of 1) on lift and trail tickets. Programs sometimes include specials on food, equipment rentals, lessons, clinics, racecourses, tubing, snowshoeing, ski bikes, women's workshops, or end-of-the-day events. Retailers and rental shops also organize their own programs, such as discounts on equipment rentals, equipment tune-ups, storewide promotions on clothing and gear, and how-to clinics. Some put together weekend bus trips or evening programs combining clinics, personalized shopping and entertainment. The event is promoted by the Snow Sports Association for Women (SSAW). The association invites anyone who skis downhill or cross-country, snowboards, or snowshoes to bring a daughter, sister, mother, niece or female friend to the snow that week. Snowlink.com will continue to add resort, trail system and retailer participants throughout January, so check often. Closer to the event, Snowlink will post an entry form for a Daughter Week prize drawing. Prizes are being donated by several promotional sponsors. Please find more information on the event at snowlink.com.
|
|
ON THE SNOW... CHRONICLES ROAD TO OLYMPICS ORINDA, CA - There’s only one place on the web to get details of how North Americans are faring in their quest for Olympic Gold. The road doesn’t begin in Salt Lake in February, and it lasts much longer than the Games themselves. It’s underway now. That’s why those who care about snowsports – and you wouldn’t be reading SKIER NEWS if you didn’t – have been clicking to Paul Robbins’ “Winter Olympics” column found on OnTheSnow.com, the web site with complete centralized snowsports information. Robbins is covering events leading up to his seventh Olympic Winter Games. Once the competition begins, he will be handling cross-country and biathlon analysis and commentary exclusively for OnTheSnow.com, NBC and MSNBC. A full-time freelance writer living in Weathersfield, Vt., he has covered the U.S. Ski Team and countless World Cup alpine, Nordic and freestyle events since 1978. He has worked for ABC and CBS at previous Olympics in addition to ESPN and Turner Sports at non-World Cup ski events. With the World Cup and pre-Olympic events underway, Robbins is chronicling the rough road to a spot on the rosters. His column is updated every Friday with the latest news from the alpine camps (gates, etc.), freestyle (moguls and aerials), snowboarding, cross-country, Nordic combined, jumping and biathlon. Robbins will provide an afternoon update for OnTheSnow.com each day at the end of snowsports competition during the Games. It will become the one place to turn for the results-in-a-capsule. And you can catch the Olympic spirit right now at www.OnTheSnow.com. SET YOUR TRAVEL PLANS WITH OnTheSnow.com ORINDA, CA - Once upon a time, we had to sift through endless resort brochures before finding the perfect package that met our family’s needs. No more. Just by clicking to www.OnTheSnow.com, the oldest and largest snowsports web site, we can get literally thousands of travel options in just seconds. “Our lives are too busy and too complicated these days to have to plan our trips resort by resort,” says AMI Group President Rob Brown. AMI publishes OnTheSnow.com. “We’ve done the work and make it simple to plan the trip that is exactly right for every individual.” The web site has an extensive database of vacation offerings from ski and stay packages to just lodging at ski resorts in every alpine state. Visitors can select to view by resort or state to quickly find the information they are seeking. Veteran travel and ski journalist Mitch Kaplan sorts through the listings and those from his own sources and offers a daily Hot Travel Deal on the site. Those who look for bargains have learned to check out Kaplan’s feature every day. “OnTheSnow.com has become the centralized web site for all skiers, because they can find travel, lodging, regional news, snow conditions and much more all in one place,” Brown says.
|
|||
|
BRECKENRIDGE INCREASES VACATION VALUES BRECKENRIDGE, CO - A favorite with regular Breckenridge guests, the Ski Free/Stay Free Package is perfect for early or late season visits to Breckenridge. With a base area of 10,000 feet at Peak 8 and skiing upwards of 13,000 feet, Breckenridge ranks as one of the country’s highest resorts. The elevation and location create a distinct early and late season snow (and snowmaking) advantage, allowing the resort to routinely operate for six months each season. When guests call to book Ski Free/Stay Free with Breckenridge Central Reservations (toll free) at 1-877-864-0869, they receive an additional night of lodging and an extra day of free skiing. Ski Free/Stay Free prices are based on a minimum of three nights’ lodging and three days of lift tickets during Early and Powder season or four nights lodging and four days of lift tickets during Value season. Ski Free/Stay Free is offered throughout Breckenridge’s lodges and hotels; the prices listed below represent a few examples. Ski Free/Stay Free Package Value Season Deals Jan. 2- Feb. 28 (Based on four nights, per person, double occupancy)
Ski Free/Stay Free - Powder Season Deals April 7- April 14 (Based on three nights, per person, double occupancy)
Taxes and applicable fees are not included. Some restrictions may apply. All rates subject to change without notice. “PERFECT 10” Vail Resorts’ Perfect Ten ticket gives guests 10 days of skiing or snowboarding at Breckenridge and its company brethren for $299. The Perfect 10 allows vacationers to ski 10 days at Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek and Arapahoe Basin for $299 throughout the 2001-2002 season. Children ages 5-12 can ski 10 days for only $149. The Perfect 10 is non-transferable; at least one ticket must be used prior to January 31, 2002. Other restrictions apply. TAKE A CLASS, GET A FREE PASS – LEARN-TO-SKI PACKAGE AT BRECKENRIDGE INCLUDES FREE SEASON PASS Breckenridge is offering new incentives in the sport of skiing and snowboarding; a season’s pass for the 2001-02 season upon completion of the resort’s special learn to ski (and ride) offer. The package includes three rentals, lift tickets and learn-to-ski lessons. The lessons are non-transferable and don’t have to be taken consecutively. The package is designed for first-time skiers and snowboarders; the season pass earned at the end of three days is also good at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. For more information on the Breckenridge program, call 1-888-LRN-2SKI. To find out more, or to easily book your trip, log on to Breck’s web site or call 1-877-864-0869 and ask for your great deal. AFTER SKIING, LET THE NIGHT BEGIN... DINING, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING Now here's an area in which Breckenridge doesn't merely shine - it dazzles. Let your palate be your guide, and let the dining palette color your eating experience. There's Szechwan, Mandarin and Hunan Chinese and sushi. You’ll find the usual home-style, burgers, salads, vegetarian, BBQ, brewpub, steaks and ribs. There’s also wild game, organic, continental, Northern Italian, pizza and subs, pasta, Southwest, Native American, bar food, Mexican. Most settings are casual and rustic; some are fine dining in elegantly appointed rooms; some combine the elements for casually elegant. Prices range from modest to moderate to higher. The restaurant directory in the Breckenridge Vacation Planner, found in all better hotel rooms, lists most of restaurants. Nightlife and après-ski are two more of this resort's finer points. Choose from cozy little bistros where you can dine and sip, to outrageous dance floors where you can dip and slide - and a whole spectrum of nightspots in between. Cocktails, dancing, music - big names or low key, country and western, rock 'n' roll, reggae, jazz, blues, alternative and juke box. Several clubs bring in national recording artists, and several feature local artists who, like Jim Salestrom, have numerous albums and CDs to their credit. For shopping, few places beat Breckenridge for diversity. More than 100 stores beckon you inside with their wares, from kicky boutique items to off-the-beaten-path books. You'll also fine a trove of haute couture and hot cuisine, fanciful T-shirts, great ski and sports apparel, both fine and costume jewelry in hundreds of designs, keepsakes and mementos, sports equipment and accessories, antiques, toys, home furnishings and accessories, music, chocolate (!), sunglasses, Christmas ornaments, leather goods and fishin' poles. So cut loose and sound the battle cry or stroll casually from shop to shop. Visit www.gobreck.com for more information on Breckenridge Resort, Colorado.
|
|||
|
THE CANYONS OF UTAH - WHAT'S NEW FOR 2002 PARK CITY, UT - The Canyons is proud to announce the following new upgrades, facilities, skiable terrain, and general improvements to better serve and accommodate its guests. DREAMSCAPE AREA EXPANDS WITH NEW LIFT This season The Canyons once again expanded its terrain by adding another lift in the Dreamscape area. The fixed-grip triple chair will be located between Dreamscape and Peak 5, providing access to beginner/intermediate terrain and spectacular views. This expansion gives skiers access to several new trails and more than 25 new acres. CABRIOLET It's never been easier to get to the slopes of The Canyons. Skiers can now enjoy a scenic ride on The Canyons Cabriolet. The open-air gondola takes them from the parking area to the all-pedestrian Resort Village Center in just three minutes. By keeping vehicles away from the center of The Canyons, guests can better enjoy the natural beauty of the resort. The Cabriolet opened for operation in December of 2000 and is one of only two in the nation. SKI AND SNOWBOARD LEARNING AREA The Canyons continues its commitment to first time skiers with the opening of a new learning area. Just behind Red Pine Lodge, surrounded by pines and aspens, there is a quiet, gentle slope - perfect for beginners at The Canyons. First-timers need not worry about sharing the slopes with advanced skiers and boarders. Now children and adults will be able to relax and enjoy the experience of learning how to glide on snow. The Canyons realizes a guest's first experience may well be their most important. The new learning area is designed to make the first time a good time. IMPROVED TERRAIN PARK When skiers visit main terrain park at The Canyons, they will now have a direct route. The resort has designated one chair lift for one area. The new location of the park is on the front face of the resort, accessed by Red Hawk lift. The Canyons will also be adding additional rails, bringing the total to eight. The Canyons now has the most rails of any resort in Utah. Terrain Park Manager Eric Brown is dedicated to grooming and "tweaking" the park's features on an ongoing basis. In addition to the terrain park, The Canyons offers a plethora of natural terrain features, including five natural halfpipes. PARKING Guests at The Canyons will be pleasantly surprised with a newly expanded and paved parking area. The main parking area, conveniently located near the entrance to the resort, is serviced by the Cabriolet. The paved area will accommodate approximately 1000 vehicles and will be divided into several sections to make entering and exiting the parking area more convenient for visitors. SNOWMAKING As The Canyons continues to grow so does the ability to provide a deep base of snow throughout the season. This year, The Canyons expands its snowmaking capacity to include areas near Dreamscape. Now snowmaking equipment will be used on Harmony, one of the longest runs at the resort and the primary path taking skiers and snowboarders from Dreamscape to Tombstone. For more info, please call 1-877-766-9464, or explore www.thecanyons.com. OLYMPIC MYTHS DISPELLED... Contrary to popular belief, the 2002 winter season will be one of the most affordable and exciting times to visit The Canyons in Park City, Utah PARK CITY, UT - The Canyons is excited to be an integral part of the Olympic celebration. The Canyons will have the excitement of the Olympics without the hassles. The Canyons, free of any Olympic events, will be in full celebration mode. Visitors will have free access to live viewing sites of the Games, on-snow high-energy performances, live music in the forum and fireworks. The Canyons encourages guests from out of state to come visit the resort before, during and after the Games. 2002 will be a great time to discover the amazing skiing The Canyons has to offer. The biggest resort in Utah is ready for the biggest party on the planet and wants you to experience The Canyons and the celebration. Additional reasons why a trip to The Canyons is a must for 2002:
For more info, visit www.thecanyons.com or call (toll free) 1-877-766-9464.
|
|||
|
Opening Day with Great Snowfall Was Just the Beginning DURANGO, CO - Durango Mountain Resort and Destination Durango have organized new air service to Durango-La Plata County Airport. Continental Express, regional air carrier to Continental Airlines, has begun serving Durango from Houston with year-round daily direct jet service. American Airlines expanded the Dallas to Durango winter service to year-round operations through their regional affiliate, American Eagle. According to Bob Kunkel, Senior Vice President of the resort, "The expansion of American Airline service, and the addition of the Continental Express service are mutually exclusive. But, together they are part of our tourism and economic development plan for year-round direct access from Durango’s top four regional markets of Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Denver." There are 16 daily non-stop flights from Albuquerque, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Phoenix – all great connecting hubs for major airlines as well as the aforementioned local markets - so now, either online or through your travel agent, access to Durango has never been easier. (Even easier is one call to Durango Central Reservations to book the entire package, just dial 1-800-962-4458.) CAN THE Total Adventure Ticket BE ANY MORE TOTAL? The innovative Total Adventure Ticket" at Durango Mountain Resort has been improved upon for this season with expanded activities and options for upgrades. The basic premise is the same: The TAT" allows the holder of any four-day or more pass to exchange one day of skiing for an alternate activity. This year, however, additions can be made to the Ticket to adapt to each person’s wants and needs throughout a ski week. It is also good for discounts at local participating activities and retailers. THE SIX PACK WAS JUST THE BEGINNING On the heels of last season's added Purgatory Village Express six-pack, whisking skiers and boarders to the summit in just six minutes, winter improvements for this season have continued. They included preliminary cutting of lift lines for the new and relocated Chair #4, allowing beginners to loop near the top of the old chair and advanced skiers and boarders direct access to the backside. Durango Mountain Resort will spend $2 million this year on capital improvements. The skiing at Purgatory has always been outstanding. Perhaps no other Colorado ski resort has so many surprises. The more you ski at Purgatory, the more the mountain opens its warmth and friendliness to you. You can learn to ski on gentle trails; cruise the seemingly endless number of “blue” intermediate trails; or find your way to the steep runs and moguls for the thrill rides of your trip. Purgatory’s quantity and quality of dry, light snow makes for great conditions on either the groomed or ungroomed runs. DURANGO SPRINGS TO LIFE AT NIGHT Mountain towns are known for playing just as hard after dark as before, and Durango is no exception. With more watering holes than you could visit in the space of a week, most within a ten-block radius in old downtown, it’s like trying to pick out a movie — action, adventure, drama, comedy, there’s something for everyone. At Durango Mountain Resort the festivities start at Purgy’s and Shaker’s, while down the road is a favorite local hangout, The Olde Schoolhouse Cafe. Once in town, what you’re after decides where you go: Steamworks Brewing Company (voted “Best Brew Pub in Any Ski Town” by SKIER NEWS ) has locally handcrafted beers, pub fare, and is the kind of place you can throw peanut shells on the floor. Gazpachos touts great margaritas, a cozy atmosphere and green chili that will ‘light you up’. Lady Falconburgh's Barley Exchange is a great place for the whole family - serving lunch, dinner, & late night fare. Joel’s has a great atmosphere, an extensive martini menu and sectioned rooms for semi-privacy. The El Rancho is the local pool bar, sporting a Western touch, stiff drinks and salty popcorn. The Office, located in the Strater Hotel, is an exceptional new social establishment designed for guests seeking beautiful turn-of-the-century surroundings, fine wines, "spirits" and coffee beverages in a smoke-free environment. For live music, check out the San Juan Room, Scoot'n Blues, Carver's Brewing Company, Steamworks Brewing Company or The Patio. AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDHOLDERS ARE SPECIAL AT DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT At selected times of the year, special ski and stay packages are available. By calling 1-800-962-4458, using the source code SKIER and using your American Express Card, you can stay slopeside for just $95 per person, per night. This is based on three nights lodging and three day lift ticket. (It’s valid most of the ski season except the usual holiday periods and subject to availability, so grab your AmEx card and call soon!) For more info, log on to the Durango web site or call 1-800-962-4458.
|
|||
|
SALT LAKE CITY - FOUR REASONS WHY IT MAY BE THE WORLD’S MOST PERFECT SKI DESTINATION SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Salt Lake’s early settlers certainly didn’t envision a winter sports paradise when they founded the city. But a unique combination of geologic, climactic, social and economic forces have combined to create what may be the world’s greatest ski destination. Just a 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport, four world-class ski resorts are nestled in Salt Lake’s Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Alta Ski Area, Brighton Ski Resort, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, and Solitude Mountain Resort each have a distinct ambiance and character. But the four resorts all share a unique mountain range, and have some features in common. Six other world-class resorts are less than an hour away. Combined, the Salt Lake area resorts offer better snow quality, variety of terrain, easy access and value than any other ski destination in the world. SNOW QUALITY Utah’s "Greatest Snow on Earth" brag isn’t just a catchy marketing phrase. A lucky combination of geologic features makes their champagne powder the driest, softest, most skiable snow in the world. In fact, national skier surveys consistently rank Salt Lake’s resorts number one for snow quality. And the snow in the Cottonwood Canyons is not only light and dry; it is also piled high. Salt Lake’s Cottonwood Resorts receive more than 500 inches (13 meters) of powder every year – more than any other resort in the Rocky Mountains. Salt Lake is nestled between a unique high desert region known as the Great Basin and the western rim of the Rocky Mountains. As storms travel over the Great Basin, they push cold fronts in the jet stream. When storms hit the mountains around Salt Lake, the jet stream forces the storms to rise quickly and drop moisture at very low temperatures, creating Utah’s famous powder. "Scientifically, the thing that plays the biggest factor in snow quality is the temperature," explained Dr. Jim Steenbeurgh, a meteorology professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. "In the Cottonwood Resorts, precipitation falls after a cold front has moved through. So the temperature, when the snow actually forms its crest level, is very cold." The Great Salt Lake also plays a role in what locals term "the lake effect." Small storms sometimes get trapped in the Salt Lake Valley and repeatedly pick up water from the Great Salt Lake. As the clouds spiral over the Rocky Mountains, they dump powder into the Cottonwood Resorts, and then spiral back to the lake for more moisture. VARIETY OF TERRAIN The Cottonwood Resorts offer a combined total of 6750 skiable acres served by 33 lifts. Together, they provide almost 50 percent more terrain than Aspen / Snowmass, Colorado, and almost 60 percent more terrain than Vail, Colorado. Yet each resort offers a unique type of terrain, ranging from the European-like peaks to groomed family runs through small glades of aspen. "As a watershed area for Salt Lake County, the Cottonwood Canyons retain a rustic ski atmosphere that hasn’t been spoiled by over-development, " said Annie Skeem, marketing coordinator for the Cottonwood Resorts. MOST CONVENIENT SKI DESTINATION IN THE WORLD No other ski destination offers the convenient access of Salt Lake. Travelers on both the East and West Coast can take morning flights and be on the slopes by noon. The Salt Lake City International Airport is just nine miles from the city center and approximately 30 miles from the Cottonwood Resorts. The greater Salt Lake area is home to more than 1.6 million people, and offers all the amenities of a major American city, including more than 17,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 clubs, brewpubs and restaurants. New for the 2001 and 2002 ski seasons, the Cottonwood Resorts will offer a variety of interchangeable lift tickets to make a ski vacation in the Cottonwood Canyons even easier. For the first time ever, Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon have combined forces to create Utah’s largest ski area, and third largest area in the United States with one joint lift ticket, the Altabird pass. One canyon over, Solitude and Brighton have combined to offer a multi-area pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon called the Solbright Pass. The Cottonwood Resorts also offer a multi-area voucher program for travel agents, tour operators, and groups. VALUE "The Cottonwood Resorts have always been a good value," said Eric Thompson, Director of Winter Sport Tourism for the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Salt Lake resorts work hard to offer an exceptionally high quality on-mountain experience at a reasonable price." Lift ticket prices for the Cottonwood Resorts will range from $38 to $68 for the 2001/2002 season. For some travelers, ideal lodging may mean a five-star hotel with every amenity. Others may be interested in a historic ski lodge or on-mountain condominium. No matter. "Salt Lake offers thousands of lodging options, which makes it easy for skiers and boarders to find accommodations that fit their budget, " Thompson said. “ It also gives people the option of riding a different resort every day, while only unpacking once." Each of these resorts promises a longer ski season as well as higher lifts, steeper terrain, closer access, and deeper powder. For more info on Salt Lake City, you can log on to the “Ski the Cottonwoods” web site, or please call 1-877-752-4386.
|
|||
|
SUN VALLEY HOSTS SINGLES & SENIORS PRIME TIME IN SUN VALLEY GIVES GROWN UPS THEIR OWN VERSION OF SPRING BREAK SUN VALLEY, ID - This January and February, the nation's largest invasion of senior skiers, from groups such as the Over the Hill Gang, the Society of Ancient Skiers, and the Mount Hood Gang will conquer Sun Valley's Bald Mountain. Sun Valley this winter will be like Fort Lauderdale during college breaks, except, the "babies" of the group will be 60 years old, and the youngsters 59 and under will pay more during the Prime Time weeks. There will be two "Prime Time" packages: January 19-26, 2002 and January 26-February 2, 2002. Each package includes accommodations for seven nights, a five-out-of-six day lift ticket or Nordic trail package, a welcome party, ski race and race awards party, mountain tour, discount coupons and a souvenir pin. Prices start at $482 per person, 60 years and up, based on double occupancy in a standard Sun Valley Village Condo. For an additional $28 per person, participants can enjoy the famed Prime Time Big Band Buffet Dinner dances. (Guests age 59 and younger will pay from $572 for the same package.) When many of the seniors coming for Prime Time first started skiing Sun Valley's Baldy, facilities were restricted to ski huts. Today, they can use any of three new huge day-lodges, keep their feet warm and dry thanks to plazas with underground thermal heating, get their boots dried by computer and dine on fresh pasta and salmon steak on a mountain crest at 8,680 feet. Baldy, meanwhile, has always been very user-friendly for older skiers. Approximately half of the ski instructors are over age 50, making for comfortable peer to peer lessons. And breathing is easier on Sun Valley's Baldy too. With a peak altitude of about 9,000 feet rather than 12,000 as at most other Western mountains, the air skiers breathe on Baldy contains more oxygen, making it easier on their lungs. LOOKING FOR LOVE IN THE BEST SNOWY PLACES? SINGLES WEEK AT SUN VALLEY IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE SUN VALLEY, ID - Sun Valley is making it easier for singles to find soul mates that love Nordic and Alpine skiing, boarding, ice skating or snowshoeing. From January 5-15, 2002, Sun Valley will burst with romantic energy as singles of all ages descend on the nation's first destination ski resort to enjoy the best single ski mountain in the nation and Nordic trails used by Olympic teams for training. A special package for January 12-19 is priced from $572 per person, based in double occupancy in a standard Sun Valley Village Condo. Included is 7 nights' lodging, a 5 of 6-day lift ticket, a welcoming party with door prizes, mountain tour, ski race and race awards party, discount coupon book and a famous souvenir pin. IT’S EASY TO GET TO SUN VALLEY It's easy. Consult your travel agent or book on line. Many major airlines serve the gateway cities of Salt Lake City, Utah (a great hub for Eastern travelers); Seattle, Washington; and Boise, Idaho where connections are easy. From Salt Lake City, Delta's Skywest (1-800-453-9417) is the way to go. From Seattle, use Horizon Air (1-800-547-9308) directly to Sun Valley. From Boise, either rent a car or hop on a shuttle van and be conveniently driven to the resort through scenic Idaho. For reservation and further information, call 1-800-786-8259 or the Sun Valley ski condition hotline: 1-800-635-4150 or easily link to www.sunvalley.com.
|
|||
|
SPORTS EXPRESS LESSENS AIRLINE CHECK-IN DURANGO, CO — Traveling skiers and snowboarders schlepped more than 57,354 tons of their winter sports equipment to America's slopes last season. To put it in perspective, that weight is the equivalent of: * 327,757 Marlon Brandos after enjoying a midnight snack, or * All the gold in Fort Knox times a factor of 11.4, or * 12,745 Asian elephants, or * More than 367 times the weight of the Statue of Liberty, or * 458,832,000 Quarter-Pounders with Cheese Why are people lugging this amount of gear to the mountains? Wouldn't traveling be a lot easier if your sports equipment were already there? Sports Express arranges for skis, snowboards and other sports equipment to be delivered door-to-door from wherever you are to wherever you're going, either one-way or round-trip. Worry-free travel Having sports equipment delivered eliminates the hassles of lugging bulky items around on a vacation, and the risk and uncertainties of checking sports gear as airline baggage. Sports Express - working in association with FedEx, UPS and other trusted shippers - guarantees that equipment will be at any destination prior to arrival. Deliveries can be arranged online at SportsExpress.com or by calling Sports Express toll-free at 1-800-357-4174. The web site provides online booking, instant price quotes, 24/7 delivery tracking and travel cases. At the call center, travel concierges offer personal service and keep travelers informed every step of the way. Airlines charge for skis Two major trends make Sports Express' service such a good idea. First, there are the hidden costs of flying with your gear. Airlines charge up to $80 per bag each way for items exceeding their "free baggage allowance," generally two checked pieces and a small carry-on per passenger. Skis and snowboards can be checked, but they count toward the baggage allowance. Winter travelers take note: the airlines are enforcing baggage restrictions this season, so even if you haven't been charged on previous trips, you might be unpleasantly surprised at the ticket counter this season. The bottom line: if you travel with two bags plus your skis or board, you'll face up to $160 in round-trip excess baggage fees. There also are no assurances that checked items will arrive on time or undamaged. Traveling light The second trend is a new "bag-the-baggage" attitude among savvy fliers. Winter vacationers have discovered what business travelers have known all along: it's more enjoyable to travel without being burdened by lots of luggage. "Traveling light is the new vacation mindset, and Sports Express makes it easy to go places without being weighed down by sports equipment," says Ken Stone, vice president of Sports Express. "The ultimate worry-free vacation starts when you know your gear is already there." It's affordable Sports Express rates vary by travel distance and delivery priority - and they are far less than excess baggage fees. For example, Sports Express delivery rates from New York City or Boston to many Western resorts (Vail, Jackson Hole, Aspen, Park City or Sun Valley) range from about $36 for ground, $42 for express saver three-day air to $48 for overnight service. Want to know the specific rates from your town to your destination? It's as easy as one, two, three. The web site, SportsExpress.com has a "quick quote" feature that provides instant delivery prices across the U.S. First, log on and type in hometown and destination Zip codes. (If you don't know a Zip code, there's a handy search button that locates Zip codes by city name.) Next, enter the number of skis or boards you're traveling with. Then type in your arrival date or use the handy pop-up calendar. In a few seconds, several delivery options will appear, and you can simply choose whichever option meets your budget and travel plans. Online booking is fast, easy and secure - and you can schedule your return delivery at the same time. So... what’s the math? Do skiers really carry 114.7 million pounds (or 57,354 tons) of skis and snowboards on vacation? You bet! Here's were the numbers come from: The National Sporting Goods Association estimates that there are 11 million snowsports participants. The National Ski Areas Association says overnight visitors comprise 47.4% of America's skiers. Divide 11 million by 47.4; that equals 5,214,000 - or the number of individual ski visits to destination resorts. Multiply this figure by 22 pounds, the average shipping weight for skis. That equals 114,708,000 million pounds or 57,354 tons. Now do the math. * While Marlon Brando's girth is legendary, it is the subject of speculation. A charitable estimate would be 350 pounds plus the midnight snack. * Fort Knox contains 147 million troy ounces of gold, and 14.583 troy ounces equals one pound. So there the depository holds 10,079,606 million pounds of gold. * A good-sized Asian elephant weighs 9,000 pounds. * The Statue of Liberty has 62,000 pounds of copper skin and 250,000 pounds of steel skeleton. * The Quarter-Pounder with Cheese weighs, well, a quarter pound. Regardless of stars, bars, pachyderms, statues or burgers, there's a lot of gear being carried from Point A to Point B and back. Wouldn't it be easier if Sports Express took the lug out of luggage? For more information, please call Sports Express at 1-800-357-4174 or visit SportsExpress.com.
|
|||
|
SHERATON'S FOUR POINTS OFFERS COLORADO CONVENIENCE MINUTES AWAY FROM FAMOUS RESORTS SILVERTHORNE, CO — One of the travel items most skiers want is convenience. Perhaps no lodge is more convenient to great skiing than the Sheraton Four Points in Silverthorne (as of Jan., 2005 the hotel is a La Quinta Inn & Suites). Located on the free bus route, you can catch a ride to Keystone, Copper, or Breckenridge right out of your door. Vail is only a 40 minute drive away. Breakfast is served at the hotel and a Village Inn is a short walk away. For apres-ski, dinner, or sports at the bar, an Old Chicago is located in the hotel an elevator ride away from your room. For more info, please call, 1-800-321-3509.
|
|||
|
VAIL’S HOT WINTER DEALS SAVE MONEY VAIL, CO -- Vail is the number one ski area in North America, offering guests an incomparable winter experience. As the largest single-mountain ski area in North America, Vail offers guests 5,289 acres of skiable terrain found within three distinct mountain experiences: the front side, the legendary Back Bowls and the new Blue Sky Basin. With diverse terrain, great discounts and unique amenities – it’s a great time to visit Vail. Ski Vail for Less Than $32 Per Day Vail’s Perfect 10 allows vacationers to ski 10 days at Vail or its sister resorts Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin, for less than $32 a day. The multi-day lift ticket program rewards guests who ski early and often. Early, because it must be used at least once before Jan. 31, 2002, and often, because it includes up to 10 days of skiing, which can be used consecutively or non-consecutively throughout the season. An adult Perfect 10 sells for $319, and a child (ages 5-12) Perfect 10 is $159. Valid all season with the exception of Dec. 21, 2001 through Jan. 5, 2002. Additional restrictions apply. The Perfect 10 is available at any Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone or Breckenridge ticket window. Learn To Ski – Three Adult Lessons for the Price of One This season Vail and Beaver Creek are making it easier for adults to take to the mountains with its special First Time Series. Participants get three adult ski or snowboard lessons for the price of one. The offer includes a three-day lesson, beginner lift ticket and rentals. Price is $135 at Vail and $145 at Beaver Creek Nov. 16-Dec. 13, 2001, and April 7-14, 2002, or $145 at Vail and $155 at Beaver Creek Jan. 15-Feb. 12, 2002. Days must be used consecutively. Participants must be 15 years old or older. Skiers who complete the program will be given a coupon good for three more lessons for the price of one at the next ability level. Golden Gliders Intermediate Ski Program Golden Gliders is a new, specially designed three-day program for intermediate skiers ages 55 and up that will be offered at Vail and Beaver Creek this season. Participants receive tailored instruction while sharing a unique mountain experience with their peers. The weekly program is available Tuesdays through Thursdays throughout the winter. Price includes three consecutive days of instruction and costs $315 (value season), $345 (regular season) and $360 (peak season is Dec. 26, 2001 to Jan. 5, 2002. and Feb. 15 to April 6, 2002). Participants may purchase lift tickets at a discounted rate. Stay In Vail For As Low As $35 Per Night Stay in the heart of Vail’s Lionshead Village for as low as $35 per night with a special early and late season lodging offer at the Vail Landmark Properties. Choose from fully equipped condominiums just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Prices begin at $35 per person, per night April 7-21, 2002. For reservations, please call 1-888-222-9440. Adventure Ridge Is Headquarters for Unlimited Family Fun Featuring The Thrill Sled Adventure Ridge is Vail’s on-mountain activity center located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola at Eagle’s Nest. This non-skiing activity center caters to kids of all ages with activities such as lift-served tubing, snowmobile tours, ski-biking, ice skating, snowshoe tours, laser tag and the kids’ snowmobile track. The newest offering at Adventure Ridge is Thrill Sled Adventure Tours. The sleds have a hand activated hydraulic brake system and four independently suspended skis. Adrenaline junkies can sign up for a tour that takes them down the mountain at night – head first – from Adventure Ridge to the bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Kids also can give Mom and Dad the night off to experience Adventure Ridge on their own through the weekly chaperoned Night Owl program. The Beat Goes On Into The Night Vail is known for the world-class ski experience on the mountain, but the ski area truly comes to life when the lifts close with live music, nightclubs, dining, free weekly street parties and more. From apres ski acoustic guitarists to bands on the verge of making it big, music has always been a major part of Vail’s nightlife scene. Edwin McCain, The Dixie Chicks, Sarah Maclaughlin, Yo Yo Ma and G. Love and Special Sauce and many others made stops in Vail during their rise to fame. Take A Day Off To Rest And Rejuvenate at a Vail Spa After a few days on the slopes, take a day off to reinvigorate and rejuvenate tired muscles and bodies after hours on the slopes. Unique, full-service spas have become vacation destinations and there are many to choose from in Vail. Try a hot stone massage at the newly renovated Aria Spa at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, or relax with the signature Nature, Body, Spirit treatment at the Vail Mountain Lodge. In-room treatments also are available through bodyWorks. Please log on to Vail’s web site and get the latest lodging discounts in the “Cool Deals” section. If you prefer, please call 1-888-222-9440.
|
|
REFINED POLE USE ENHANCES SKIER PERFORMANCE by Technical Editor, Tony Crespi One of the more demanding and perplexing challenges facing skiers involves the correct use of poles. Do we even need poles? Yes! Poles can help propel us from one place to the next, and poles provide an important aid in balance and timing. Still, of all the skills that skiers struggle with, particularly at advanced levels, the pole swing looms as one of the more frustrating. Let's get a grip on the situation. Consider, momentarily, what poles can do for you. On the one hand, poles serve as extensions of our hands and arms. In this way poles help us establish greater sensitivity with the snow, provide ongoing feedback and input on snow conditions, and help refine balance and flow much as a white cane can enhance sensory input and timing for a person with visual deficits. Okay, you say, that's well and good but tell us which pole should we swing for each turn? Moreover, should we forcefully jam and jab the snow with our poles or should we keep our pole swing light? Should we swing the poles with the entire upper body, arms or wrist? Should we...Stop! We get the picture. The questions and problems are complex. Let's take it by the numbers. As a general rule, whether beginner or expert, accomplished skiers find it most effective to hold their arms (and hands) up and forward. In other words, accomplished skiers keep hands within their vision. Don't let your hands drop to your sides! Second, whether enjoying a meandering intermediate in southern New Hampshire at Mount Sunapee, or tackling a black diamond delight in Vail, Colorado, it is important to keep your arms relaxed and your hands up and forward. Realize too, if your arms are relaxed, you should find other parts of your body relaxing as well. Likewise, if your hands are clenched and stiff, it's equally likely your shoulders, back, arms and legs may be stiff. So, practice relaxing those arms. Keep your grip light. Take a run where you grip your pole, almost entirely with your thumb and forefinger. Question. Which pole do I swing for each turn? Answer. Swing the right pole for right turns. Swing the left pole for left turns. Now, whether you are an aspiring intermediate or emerging expert, practice refining your timing on un-intimidating terrain. Also, don't practice on short quick turns. Short quick turns can amplify the timing difficulties that we are hoping to refine. Practice long graceful giant slalom-type turns. The Skier's Clinic: Mountain Class in Session If pole swings have been a problem, try this sequence. First, using a wedge position, on well-groomed terrain, practice a series of slow turns. Match your skis together as you complete each turn. Be sure to swing the right pole for a right turn and swing the left pole for a left turn. After four turns, stop. Now, visualize your turns in your mind's eye. Picture keeping your arms up and forward. As you smoothly execute your turns, see yourself gradually moving progressively into more challenging turns -- from wedge-christies to parallel turns. Remember to swing the pole as you face the fall line. Give yourself a break. Likely you will feel awkward and stiff about your poles as you try to refine your timing and balance. Expect that. Typically, when anyone learns a new skill, things regress momentarily. If you play tennis, you may remember a similar experience when you practiced your serve. Regression is part of the learning cycle. One way to help alleviate the frustration, though, and one way to keep things fun, is to periodically take a few runs holding both poles together, horizontally. In other words, remove your poles, and ski with them together, as if you were holding a tray. It will help alleviate your frustration. Remember, keep your hands up and forward. More often than not, it takes time and practice to refine and master the correct use of poles. The very best skiers often have worked for years to refine foundation skills. So, remember to savor the day. More often than not, the difference between a mediocre day and a great day is attitude. Keep learning fun, and remember instructional drills are a tool designed only to enhance your pleasure. Take a moment - Enjoy the scenery - Savor the camaraderie - Ski with care Practice - Practice - Practice Technical Editor Tony Crespi has served as both a Development Team Coach as well as a Ski School Supervisor. A contributor to publications throughout snow country, his technical pointers are published throughout the season. Tony has continually written for SKIER NEWS since 1990. Recent columns can be archived from SKIER NEWS' Previous Issues.
|
|||
|
HOW TO SKI THE BLUES AND BLACKS (WITHOUT GETTING BLACK AND BLUE) by CRAIG McNEIL BOOK REVIEW by Tony Crespi, Technical Editor EWING, NJ - Former professional mogul skier and veteran Rocky Mountain Ski Instructor Craig McNeil is no newcomer to skiing and ski instruction. From humble roots teaching skiing in Southern New England to teaching and coaching at elite resorts ranging from Vail to Copper Mountain in Colorado, McNeil has coached skiers of all levels. A PSIA Full Certified Ski Pro who is one of handful of individuals to also hold certification (Black Level) through the lesser known Primary Movements Teaching System (P.M.T.S.) developed by Skiing Magazine's technical advisor Harold Harb, McNeil has released an interesting, 480 page, pocket-sized reference. Selling for under $10, this intriguing little book (approximately 5 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches by ½ inch thick) was published in 1998 and is packed with timely information. From an opening chapter on preparation for the season, to a discussion on alignment - an often ignored bio-mechanical key to facilitating advanced skiing breakthroughs - McNeil reveals insider tips for helping to facilitate skier development. His six steps to effortless skiing, complemented by tips for intermediate to expert skiers, provides cues for all skiers. His work is available through Amazon.com, and published by Blue Willow in Littleton, Colorado. The chapter titles provide an idea of the depth to which this book goes. They are (in order): Preparation, Accelerated Skier Performance System, Alignment & Ski Boots, Primary Movements, Hourglass Skis, The Six Steps To Effortless Skiing, Open Your Mind, Making Breakthroughs, Intermediate Lessons, From Intermediate To Expert. The “technical skiing” chapters finish the book: The ABC's of Mogul Skiing, Powder Skiing, Extreme Conditions, Spring Conditions, Something For Everybody, Avalanche Awareness, Cold Weather Safety, and an extensive listing of resort facts from many U.S. Ski Areas. For those skiers looking for a handy pocket-size read, which can fit in your ski-jacket pocket or boot bag, Craig McNeil's book is a nice addition. Consider exploring his web site to learn more: HowToSki.net. Who knows, if we're lucky, his turn at writing might enhance your next turn. The guide sells for $9.95 (plus $3 shiping). Log on to howtoski.net or call 1-888-932-1500, dept. 61. |
|