®| ® |
NATIONWIDE SKI INFO
FEBRUARY - SPRING 2007
VOL. 20 - ISSUE 74 - GET OUT & SKI ISSUE
| Editorials,
Cover Story and
Feature Articles |
Updates
& News Technical & Instructional |
Featured
Lodging - Great Hotels and Lodges with Great Deals |
| EDITORIALS COVER STORY FEATURE ARTICLES TECHNICAL INFO ...by Tony D. Crespi, SKIER NEWS Instructional Editor |
UPDATES
& NEWS MORE WESTERN RESORT INFO 2006-07 Utah, New Mex & Colorado Favorites 2006-07 Tahoe's Best - Travel Planner 2006-07 Destination Western Canada & the Northern U.S. Rockies EASTERN RESORT INFO |
FEATURED
LODGING |
|
by Publisher and Editor, Dave Leonardi REMEMBERING PRESIDENT FORD  President Gerald Ford was kind enough to pose with SKIER NEWS’ Publishers and Editors Dave and Lorie Leonardi at a 1994 Vail World Cup event, The Subaru American Ski Classic World Cup Finals. President Ford was an avid skier and is credited with bringing Vail to the forefront of the skiing world in the 1970’s. Perhaps our most athletic President, he was an All-American football player in college at the University of Michigan - playing both offense and defense. He frequently skied at Vail and had a home in Beaver Creek. He was a board member and an advocate for the Vail Valley Foundation and assisted in presenting medals at Vail’s World Cup Races when possible A Vail Daily article on December 28, 2006, mentioned that “While Ford’s name is well-known through(out) the valley, and attached to a park and amphitheater in Vail, according to Vail Valley Foundation Director Ceil Folz, Ford never sought those honors.” “President Ford recognized that people want to recognize him, and he (would) do that in the name of a good cause,” Folz said. “But he would always ask if someone else didn’t deserve the honor. Both of them (he and Betty, his wife) are very humble.” The article continues to report that Folz was always struck by Ford’s “regular guy” nature. At the 1994 Vail race award ceremonies, we were struck by his relaxed, unhurried nature. President Ford posed for three pictures with us, at the time it seemed that no Secret Service agents were nearby but the same guys were always in the background of the photos. It was refreshing that while some politicians only travel with an entourage, President Ford quietly moved about, with his competent but unnoticed security force. A few years later, at Beaver Creek, we sat at a table behind him at a fireworks display that was the kick-off to another race event. He attended the event with his friends from the Foundation although he most likely could have watched the display from his nearby home. That event also was special to us, sitting behind a former President, skier and someone we had met a few years earlier. There was no need for more photos or even another introduction, for us it was special and more fond memories indeed. The SKIER NEWS’ photo above was taken by our staff member, Jennifer Hawkins. A link to the complete article in the Vail Daily can be found on the left side of the home page of www.skiernews.com. BAD GUYS -- Part Three -- GUILTY PLEAS BAD GUYS -- GUILTY PLEAS In our October-November Issue I reported in this column that the alleged arsonists were indicted for the fire set to Vails’ Two Elk Lodge and other buildings atop Vail Mountain in 1998. Two pleaded guilty and the alleged ring-leader William Rodgers, committed suicide by suffocation in an Arizona jail. In May 2006 eight counts of arson were delivered by a Denver federal grand jury. A group of three women and one man were indicted in connection with the sabotage against the resort. Chelsea Gerlach, 29, and Stanislas Meyerhoff, 28, were in custody when indicted. Two others, Josephine Overaker, 31, and Rebecca Rubin, 33, were thought to be outside of the U.S. at the time and remain at large. Gerlach and Meyerhoff, according to the Vail Daily, had already pleaded guilty to some of the $20 million worth of arsons committed between 1996 and 2001 by a group based in Eugene, Ore., known as the Family. The group reportedly planned and perpetrated the attack on Vail to discourage the resort from expanding in Blue Sky Basin, claiming it would ruin lynx habitat. The fires followed a final approval of Vail’s expansion plans after several other enviro groups lost in court to the ski area. Also according to the report, in Eugene, Judge Ann Aiken asked the pair if they pleaded guilty to the charges. Gerlach responded “yes” and Meyerhoff responded “Yes, I do.” The hearing lasted about ten minutes. The Vail Daily report also states that “according to court records, Rodgers recruited Meyerhoff and Gerlach to help him firebomb the ski resort in Vail to prevent it from expanding into endangered lynx habitat.” The report continues that Gerlach “has already pleaded guilty to 18 counts in five attacks, saying she was motivated by “a deep sense of despair and anger at the deteriorating global environment,” but has since realized the firebombings did more harm than good for her cause. Meyerhoff has since renounced the ELF (Earth Liberation Front) and has pleaded guilty to 54 counts from seven attacks, according to the paper. Sentencing for Meyerhoff will be on April 10 and for Gerlach on April 18. Another eight in the case who have pleaded guilty will be sentenced at the end of April. You can read the full Vail Daily report from a link on the left side of the home page of www.skiernews.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And once again, we ask God to bless our troops who continue to defend America against terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world so that we can enjoy the blessings of liberty here at home. Please continue to travel and enjoy the freedom of skiing and thank our heroes for helping to preserve our outstanding way of life.
|
|||
|
STEAMBOAT IS STILL SETTING STYLE by Don "Snoshu" Thompson Steamboat Springs in northwest Colorado, with a mountain called Mt. Werner, has been a trendsetter for many years and continues today. A few years ago the first wind-powered ski lift, Burgess Creek, went into operation saving as much energy during the season as taking 48 cars off the road for a year. Last year it was a “Mountain Watch,” a device that you secure on your wrist that sends out a signal, showing where you are, every 12 seconds as long as you are in the area of the resort. What a great item for smaller kids who may not be able to work a cell phone or a walkie-talkie radio. You can rent them for as many as ten people. The cost is about $5 per day per device. This season Steamboat installed a Leitner-Poma of America high-speed quad chairlift, replacing the Sunshine fixed grip triple chairlift. The Sunshine Express will significantly enhance the guest experience by reducing travel time from 11 minutes to five minutes. Sunshine Express will have a vertical rise of 1,400 feet, a slope length of 5,500 feet, and a top speed of 1,000 feet per minute. As a part of its long-standing commitment to the environment, Steamboat purchased renewable energy certificates to offset the electricity needed to power the Sunshine Express lift. Steamboat is purchasing renewable energy certificates from 3 Phases Energy Services to ensure the delivery of clean, natural power to the “grid,” thereby displacing an equivalent amount of energy that otherwise would have been created by non-renewable sources. Under the energy certificates, the Sunshine Express will operate on a combination of wind and solar power, the first lift in the country to use solar power. Earlier innovations included “Ski with a Naturalist.” Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30, a Yampatika naturalist will guide skiers and boarders down a green, beginner trail. Yampatika is a local non-profit environmental education organization. They also offer snowshoe and cross-country ski tours around the area. It is a great program for all ages but especially kids. Yampa is the name of the valley in which the town of Steamboat and other small communities are located. You could ski with a world famous racer, Billy Kidd, winner of a silver medal in the 1964 Olympics, which is one of the first alpine medals won by an American. Meet at Billy’s signpost just outside the gondola at 1 p.m. and let him give you pointers as you glide down a blue trail. Billy is great with kids and loves photo-ops. If you do not ski but would like to meet Billy, then ride the tram for a moderate fee and then use the voucher for a discount on food at one of the three restaurants on the hill. This is a great way for older folks or non-skiers to see the kids in action. The woman we rode up with was pregnant and enjoying the views during her pregnancy. Did you know they had over 33 feet of snow the 2005-06 season? They are well on their way to getting close to that mark again this season. Steamboat is a large mountain with plenty of terrain and lifts for all. It is legendary among U.S. ski resorts. If you need to research the resort, log on to www.steamboat.com. There is a lot more to a ski area than the mountain, for town info and more housing, shopping and dining info try www.steamboatsprings.com. Don "Snoshu" Thompson is a local legend in the Reno and Tahoe area. His ski writing and travels take him throughout the west and we try to publish his accounts as often as possible.
|
|
SUBARU U.S. FREESKIING SERIES EXPANDS SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series continues to grow and establish itself as the premier big mountain freeskiing series with over $100,000 in cash prizes and the addition of a fifth event, the Subaru Squaw Valley USA Freeskiing Open. Winter 2007 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals at Snowbird, and returning for a second year are the Subaru Telluride Freeskiing Open and the Subaru Jackson Hole Freeskiing Open. The Big Mountain Heli Ride in Valais, Switzerland, takes the place of the Verbier Ride and joins the Columbia Freeride Les Arcs, in Les Arcs, France, as World Tour events. Registration for all confirmed U.S. Freeskiing Series events sold out in only four days. The events are organized by Mountain Sports International (MSI). “On the freeskiing tour there is a common goal shared among the competitors and organizers,” said veteran competitor Tyson Bolduc. “I am excited for this season’s tour not only for the amazing experience, but for the new venues and adventures MSI has created. I can’t wait to hit the road and experience the thrills and camaraderie of another winter skiing on the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series and World Tours.” Title sponsor Subaru of America, Inc. has reaffirmed its support of competitive big mountain freeskiing by signing a two-year deal. Presenting sponsors The North Face and Nordica have also stepped up their commitment along with new presenting sponsor Corona Extra. Additional sponsors Tramdock.com, Yakima, Scott USA, Leatherman, Scullcandy, sportsinsurance.com, Grabber, and Emergen-C join media sponsors Powder Magazine and Ski Press in welcoming athletes from around the world who will compete for the title of U.S. Freeskiing Series and World Tour Champions. “Subaru is pleased to once again sponsor the U.S. Freeskiing Series,” said Tim Mahoney, Senior Vice President and CMO, Subaru of America, Inc. “Freeskiing is a dynamic and fast-growing sport and Subaru all-wheel drive is the best way to go to check out the new tour.” New in 2007, MSI will be posting real-time daily video broadcasts on the newly redesigned usfreeskiing.com (re-launched in Jan. 2007), featuring state of the art video and photo player technology. The daily uploads of video, photos, news and results of each day’s competition action will be available mere hours after each day concludes. The North Face Young Gun Award returns, honoring outstanding new talent in competitive freeskiing. Spectators can anticipate freeskiing’s elite battling it out for the Tobias Lee Sickbird Award, renamed for the winner of the final Sickbird of 2006. Tobias Lee passed away in an avalanche in April. “Being an announcer for over 10 years, I have seen some of the most spirited competition runs ever. The Sickbird Award represents those performances,” said MSI Winter Sports Director Dak Williams. “I look forward to watching the youth and the legends come together to tear it up in the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series.” SUBARU 2007 FREESKIING EVENT SCHEDULE Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series Subaru Telluride Freeskiing Open Telluride, Colorado • February 8-11 Freeskiing World Tour Columbia Freeride Les Arcs Les Arcs, France • Feb 5-9 Freeskiing World Tour Big Mountain Heli Ride Valais, Switzerland • Feb. 22-25 Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series Subaru Squaw Valley USA Freeskiing Open Squaw Valley USA, California •Feb. 14-17 Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series and Freeskiing World Tour Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals Snowbird, Utah •March 6-11 Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series Subaru Jackson Hole Freeskiing Open Jackson Hole, Wyoming •March 15-18 Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series Finals and Freeskiing World Tour Subaru North American Freeskiing Championships Kirkwood, California • Dates TBD Freeskiing World Tour Finals Tignes, France • April – Dates TBD SUBARU'S MASTER the MOUNTAIN PROGRAM CONTINUES (from our previous issue.) This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Subaru Master the Mountain program that tours popular destination resorts throughout the U.S. providing skiers and snowboarders alike with the opportunity to learn to ski or improve their current skills through professional instruction. Subaru’s Master the Mountain 2006-07 Schedule: December 16-17, Seven Springs, PA January 6-7, Kirkwood, CA January 6-7, Jack Frost, PA January 20-21, Telluride, CO January 20-21, Bear Creek, PA January 20-21, Durango, CO January 27-28, Camelback, PA February 3-4, Taos, NM February 10-11, Blue Mountain, PA February 17-18, Loveland, CO March 3-4, Camelback, PA March 10-11, Seven Springs, PA March 24-25, Eldora, CO WHY SUBARU? Subaru hosts hundreds of outdoor events each year from coast to coast. This approach helps Subaru learn more about their customers’ interests, and enables them to demonstrate how Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive can complement active lifestyles. Simply put, it is much more than hanging a banner on a mountain or sponsoring a racing team – it is the real deal. It is what makes Subaru unique. You could say that Subaru is the official vehicle of the outdoors. Please log on to Subaru’s Outdoor Life website via an easily found link and Subaru logo banner on the homepage of www.skiernews.com. You can also log on directly to www.outdoorlife.subaru.com.
SUN VALLEY GETS MORE SNOWMAKING & DEALS SUN VALLEY INTRODUCES NEW MULTIPLE-DAY LIFT EXCHANGE PROGRAM SUN VALLEY, ID — Sun Valley’s new Lift Exchange Program, is on its way to becoming one of the resort’s unique and distinctive traditions. Because of the myriad of wintertime activities and adventures tucked within the Sun Valley walking village, the resort has developed a program providing skiers and snowboarders many other options with the purchase of a multiple- day lift ticket. Sun Valley Resort owns and operates the entire ski area, Sun Valley hotels, accommodations and all the village amenities and goods that can be exchanged. This allows skiers and snowboarders purchasing multiple-day lift tickets the option of redeeming one day for many other activities, at no charge. Now you can choose one of the following options already built into your multiple-day lift ticket: • A massage at the Sun Valley Salon & Day Spa • A Sun Valley Nordic Package • Snowshoe rental and lunch at historic Trail Creek Cabin • Ice Skating Package and lunch at Gretchen’s Restaurant • Sunday Brunch for two at the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room • Dinner at the Ram Restaurant and movie at the Opera House • Dinner for two at Bald Mt. Pizza and movie for two • Shopping at the Sun Valley Lodge or Village Gift Shops. Exchange options also include a Sun Valley musical snow globe, a vintage porcelain platter or a hand painted, numbered edition Christmas ornament. Also available is a Sleigh ride and lunch at Trail Creek Cabin. For more info on this program, which optimizes your Sun Valley ski experience for the whole family, please call the Sun Valley Recreation Office at (208) 622-2135. Or log on to their website at www.sunvalley.com. SUN VALLEY INSTALLS NEW SNOWMAKING SYSTEM ON DOLLAR MOUNTAIN SUN VALLEY, ID — Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain will sport state-of-the-art snowmaking from top to bottom this ski season, with 44 York Safyr Snow Gun Towers and new snowmaking infrastructure on four runs: Sepp’s Bowl, Sepp’s Road, Dollar Face, Old Bowl Lane and Race Hill. New ski technology is nothing new to this sunny and gentle old mountain. In 1936, the world’s first chairlifts were engineered and installed here by Union Pacific Railroad, founders of Sun Valley Resort. From the opening of Sun Valley to the present day, Dollar Mountain has maintained its reputation as one of the finest ski teaching areas in the world. Lots of Sun Valley sunshine graces this 6,638-foot, treeless mountain with seven lifts and a lift capacity of 3,400 skiers per hour. Dollar Mountain’s base lodge, the new 26,000-square-foot family center, opened in 2004 and completes the ultimate ski experience for all ages – an ideal winter playground for the young and young-at-heart. Sun Valley Resort’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Holding, began the reconstruction of the resort’s on-mountain lodges in the mid-90’s. All nationally acclaimed as some of the world’s finest mountain facilities, this newest development will embrace Sun Valley Resort’s commitment to providing an unparalleled winter family vacation experience. Learn more about Sun Valley by logging on to their web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com pr directly at www.sunvalley.com. SUN VALLEY LODGE GETS $6-MILLION REMODEL SUN VALLEY, ID — A $6-million remodel of Sun Valley Resort’s Lodge Apartments was completed for Sun Valley’s 71st ski season, 2006-07. The 50 two- and three-bedroom apartments are graciously appointed with the very finest European fabrics, carpeting, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, granite and marble counter tops and fireplace surrounds. Deep, rich, wood cabinetry, stainless steel and granite accent the open air kitchens overlooking the living rooms and new gas fireplaces. Aconvivial color palette of rich earth tones of rose, forest and moss greens, and vibrant Sun Valley autumn gold is carried throughout the richly upholstered, custom crafted furniture and the all wool, woven patterned carpeting milled by Brinton’s Axminster in England. State-of-the-art technology also has been incorporated into the renovation with 36-inch, flat-screen plasma televisions and high-speed Ethernet access. Guests staying at the new Lodge Apartments also enjoy all the amenities of the adjacent Sun Valley Lodge including the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room, Gretchen’s Restaurant, cocktails and entertainment in the Duchin Lounge, the year-round outdoor ice rink and the outdoor glass-enclosed heated pool. It is easy to make reservations for the new Lodge Apartments or any of Sun Valley’s 500 hotel rooms, condos or cottages, please call 1-800-786-8259.
|
|
STAY at UTAH’S WOLF CREEK RESORT EXPERIENCE WOLF MOUNTAIN, POWDER MOUNTAIN and SNOWBASIN EDEN, UT – In 2007 the readers of SKI Magazine rated Powder Mountain No. 1 for Snow and Value and Snowbasin Resort No. 1 for Lifts. Chances are you have probably never heard of either of these resorts amongst Utah’s more notorious mountains. What they lack in fame is good news for you, because it means uncrowded slopes, nary a lift-line, and fresh powder, days after a big dump. Both resorts are located in northern Utah, the “soft snow” capital of the state, just one hour from Salt Lake International Airport. POWDER MOUNTAIN Powder Mountain offers 5,500 aces of in-bounds and backcountry skiing and two unique adventures. Powder Country, a portion of Powder Mountain, is a wideopen series of steep glades and chutes where you pick your own line. Then you ski down to the access road to the resort where a big school bus and friendly driver are waiting to take you back up to more powder stashes. The other unusual experience at Powder is Lightening Ridge. For a nominal fee, a snowcat will pull you along a ridge. You can choose to be dropped off wherever the snow looks most appealing. Upgrading the in-bounds skiing, the resort added the Hidden Lake Express Quad this year, so you will get to that No. 1 rated snow much sooner. SNOWBASIN Snowbasin, a Sun Valley Resort, is across high mountain valley from Powder Mountain. The resort was home to the downhill events during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, so you can test your turning skills on the Grizzly Downhill (Men’s) or the Wildflower Downhill (Women’s). You can even turn on the same trail as Bode Miller, when his most amazing recovery earned him a silver medal. When it is time for a rest, there are three magnificent day lodges and the finest restrooms anywhere. High-speed gondolas whisk you to almost 3,000 acres amidst rocky ridge lines that remind most skiers of Switzerland’s landscape. Once you sample Snowbasin, you will know why SKI Magazine readers rated them No. 1 for Lifts. WOLF MOUNTAIN Wolf Mountain is perfect for those just learning or getting back into the sport. The resort offers a very affordable option with excellent learn to ski & ride programs. It also has a cool and edgy, yet safety minded terrain park, and Utah’s largest night skiing operation. Check it out at www.wolfmountaineden.com. Skiers and riders who want to visit these resorts need look no further for accommodations than Valley Lodging at Wolf Creek Resort. With a full assortment of fully outfitted vacation homes and condominiums within 20 minutes of all three mountains, they can accommodate just about any group size. Their friendly staff can assist with your entire post ski adventures, including snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and more. Check them out at www.valleylodging.com WOLF CREEK RESORT Wolf Creek Resort is located in a small town that really is called Eden, just 8 miles up canyon from Ogden, which offers all the urban conveniences with fine dining, shopping and cultural events. The wide-open feel and rural open spaces differentiate this area from Utah’s more crowded and congested resort towns. The future is very bright for this family friendly, master-planned community. Wolf Creek Resort’s Resident’s Club program includes an existing par 72 Championship golf course, with an 18 hole private member course on the horizon. The Family Recreation Village will offer every possible amenity for all to enjoy, such as the indoor Adventure Lagoon and Pool, climbing walls, tree houses and playing fields. In addition, there will be a lake for sailing and kayaking, tennis courts, basketball courts and an infinity edge pool. They will also offer a Little Trappers Clubhouse for arts and crafts and a seasonally changing interactive science exhibit so the kids can learn how all that stuff out there in the world actually works. There will also be a Day Care Cabin for the little ones, and a fully trained staff will be on hand to provide endless enjoyment. Trails meander through dense forests of trees so your kids will never know what they will find next, perhaps a teepee, an old tire swing or a fishing pond. Endless opportunities for discovery will be offered. For quieter enjoyment, the new Members Lodge overlooking the 18th green will offer his and hers locker rooms, a Club Room, indoor pool, fitness facility, a family theater room and a full service day Spa. The Resident’s Club program is so full of fun and value that it’s no wonder so many folks come out for a vacation quickly decide they want to join the Club and become property owners. Please visit www.wolfcreekresort.com or call 1-800-301-0817 to learn more or for reservations. Also log on to www.valleylodging.com and you can easily find a link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com. ###
|
|
DENVER - THE MILE HIGH GATEWAY TO GREAT SKIING DENVER, CO — Contrary to public belief, Denver is not in the mountains, it is near them. The “Foothills” are a gentle series of peaks ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 feet high that start to rise 15 miles west of the city. Just beyond that is the Continental Divide and a series of peaks soaring to heights of 14,000 feet, known locally as the “Front Range.” These Front Range peaks are home to Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper and Vail. The city of Denver itself, however, is located on high, rolling plains. Denver’s airport (D.I.A). is east of town. Although considered “Western” in character, Denver is actually located in the center of the country, just 346 miles west of the exact center of the continental United States. With the exception of Kansas City, Denver is closer to the exact center of the nation than any other metropolitan area. As far as Denver’s altitude, everyone knows it as the “Mile High City.” In fact the 13th step on the west side of the State Capital Building is exactly 5,280 feet - exactly one mile - above sea level. Denver can be a transition city, in terms of altitude, for those coming from near sea level towns. Many skiers begin their vacation with a day or two in Denver to help them become familiar with the higher altitude and it really pays dividends. Nothing can ruin a well-planned ski vacation more than altitude sickness when you move from sea-level to 10,000 feet. Many skiers have little or no problems, and there are some helpful hints to avoid altitude sickness. But if you have a chance to visit this beautiful, cosmopolitan gem of the West, why not take it? Denver’s architecture reflects the city’s three boom periods: Victorian, when silver was discovered in Leadville; turn-of-the-century, when gold was discovered in Cripple Creek; and contemporary, when the energy boom added 16 skyscrapers to the downtown skyline in three years, 1980-1983. In Denver’s central downtown area you will find, within easy walking distance, 5,300 hotel rooms, the city’s convention complex, performing arts complex, a wide variety of shops, department stores, restaurants and nightspots. Also within easy walking distance are some of the city’s top attractions including the Denver Pavilions, Denver Art Museum and Colorado History Museum. Lower Downtown, called “LoDo” by locals, is on the northern edge of northern Denver and offers a great concentration of Victorian buildings and warehouses, many of which have been refurbished to house restaurants, art galleries, offices and shops. It is also the center of the city’s brew pubs. No matter what season you visit Denver, there will be a major league franchise playing baseball, football, hockey or basketball in a new and modern arena, close to the downtown area. Denver is one of the few cities in history that was not founded on a road, railroad, lake, navigable river or body of water. Denver just happened to be where the first few flakes of gold were found in 1858, and it was there that the first camp was made. Thus began the great “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rush. The first permanent structure was a saloon. In its first few years Denver survived a flood, two major fires, several Indian attacks and even raised an army that defeated an invading force of Confederates from Texas during the Civil War. For more info, log on to www.denver.org. For lodging locations convenient to all of the downtown attractions, check out either of the two Denver Hyatt hotels at www.grandhyattdenver.com. ###
|
|
ON-LINE TRAVEL EXPERTS DEPEND ON RENTSKIS.COM DENVER, CO -- More and more skiers and snowboarders are discovering an alternative to schlepping skis and snowboards through busy airports and across slippery parking lots. They have found the convenience of www.rentskis.com, a service that allows skiers and riders to order their preferred equipment in advance to be available for pick up at dozens of major resorts in the western United States. The trend is mushrooming in popularity, with reservations sky rocketing 481 percent from inception of the service in 2000 through the 2005-06 season. Rentskis.com allows skiers and riders to reserve the hottest new skis and boards on-line before their trip to the mountains, then select the shop closest to their lodging for convenient pick up. Skis and snowboards can be reserved either on-line at www.rentskis.com or toll free at 1-800-544-6648. Once guests arrive at the resort, they simply go to the shop, sign their paperwork, get their reserved equipment, and they are out the door. With numerous locations throughout Colorado, California, Utah, and the Rocky Mountains, rentskis.com also allows skiers and riders to now simplify their winter vacation with the largest and most efficient rental equipment system in North America. Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, ski.com, and skireport.com all use rentskis.com as their preferred equipment provider. Most shops are slopeside for maximum convenience, but there are additional locations in a variety of mountain communities as well as at metropolitan ski shops in Denver, Colo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and the Bay Area in Calif. Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off the regular daily price. For every adult rental, a junior (age 12 or younger) gets a free rental for the same number of days at selected stores during non-peak periods. Renters even have a rock solid guarantee – if the equipment is not satisfactory, they receive a refund for that day’s rental and can exchange their board(s) for another set-up. Options range from the Sport Package for beginners through intermediates, the Performance Package for intermediate to advanced skiers, and Demos for the most cutting-edge equipment, including popular skis from K2, and the most sought after models from Rossignol, Salomon, Atomic, Volkl, and Dynastar. Snowboarders can choose from Burton’s entire line including their innovative Learn to Ride equipment. Boards are also available from Salomon, Rossignol, and Palmer with either step-in or traditional strap bindings. Skis designed specifically for women are available at all locations. Depending on location, Sport Packages start as low as $13 per day up to $36 per day, while Performance Packages start at $16 per day up to $38 per day. Demo equipment rates begin at $24 per day and range up to $50 per day, and a snowboard package begins at $18 per day to $36 per day. Rentskis.com Gold For a seamless rental experience that is efficient and practically effortless, www.rentskis.com offers an upgraded gold program. The Gold Service guarantees that skiers get the specific demo equipment they request with their bindings already adjusted and ready-to-go, free ski and boot storage, daily equipment tuning and fitting appointments. Gold Service guests are escorted through the entire rental process with a personal ski concierge. This service is tailored to skiers and riders with exacting standards and tight schedules. “The appeal of rentskis.com is that it allows skiers and riders to spend more time on the slopes because their equipment will be pre set and waiting for them,” said Chris Swallows, national sales manager for rentskis.com. “Our Gold Service customers are raving about the exceptional service they receive when their goal is to move through the rental process quickly and emerge with exactly the equipment they want.” Here is a review of the best reasons to use rentskis.com: • Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off • Age 12 and younger get free junior rentals with every adult rental at selected stores during non-peak periods • If the equipment is not satisfactory, receive a refund for that day’s rental and you can exchange your board(s) for another set-up • Skis designed specifically for women are available at all locations. • Gold Service guarantees that skiers get the specific demo equipment they request Save the hassle of lugging your skis and get the latest gear. Reserve either on-line at www.rentskis.com or toll free at 1-800-544-6648. You can also log on to rentskis.com from an easily found link on the homepage of wwwskiernews.com.
|
|||
|
ASPEN GETS NEW GONDOLAS and MORE TERRAIN for 2007
ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO — As they celebrate 60 years of skiing in Aspen, they also look ahead to the future and wonder what the next 60 years might bring. This year, they took a big step toward that future with major improvements. The resort spent more than $23 million in capital improvements this year including the new Elk Camp Gondola in Snowmass and new cabins on Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola. The Renaissance of Snowmass is continuing at full speed, and this winter you will see the first phases of the new base village springing from the ground. The 25,000- square-foot Children’s Center and the new residential and commercial space are scheduled to open for next season. Added terrain is opening at Aspen Highlands in the newly opened Deep Temerity area of the mountain. Forty new acres of steep, gladed terrain will be added to the 180 acres that opened last season off the new Deep Temerity lift. Here are more details and highlights: Aspen’s gondola cabins are new this season. The Silver Queen gondola began running the cabins this past summer to rave reviews. The outer shell of the cars are mainly glass, so the views of the surrounding peaks, weather permitting, are outstanding whichever direction you are facing. Those hardy Aspen skiers of old may remember the three, slow, cold lift rides that took 45 minutes to reach the summit. The gondola has provided comfortable transportation and a 15-minute ride. Now the cabins’ upgrade continues to provide the unmatched luxury expected from this resort. Aspen Highlands open an additional acreage. Last season Aspen Highlands opened the new Deep Temerity lift and 180 acres of new advanced, expert and extreme terrain. This year, up to 40 additional acres of new terrain will open, depending on snowfall, in the area bringing the total acreage for Aspen Highlands to 1,010. Highlights of the new terrain are in the area to the skier’s right of the lower Highland Bowl boundary which will include portions of the “R” Zones, Lower Child’s Play, Child’s Play Gully and Sleepy Hollow. In the Temerity area, Mushroom is extended to run to the bottom of the Deep Temerity lift and additional acreage and length were added to Lucky Find. The Renaissance of Snowmass continues. A long-term vision of Aspen/Snowmass is coming to life. A new base village and mountain plan to match your passion for skiing and snowboarding. Already one of North America’s premier resorts, Snowmass is undergoing a renaissance. A host of on-mountain improvements will greet skiers and riders in the 2006-07 season. The new eight-person Elk Camp Gondola makes quick work of the distance from the new base village to the Elk Camp lift in a mere 8.5 minutes. The existing Funnel chairlift was replaced with a new 8-passenger, high-speed gondola. The gondola provides access to Elk Camp, Alpine Springs and Burnt Mountain areas of Snowmass. Comfortable cabins transport 2,800 people per hour. Elk Camp Gondola is 8,560 feet long, with 1,360 vertical feet of rise. Combined with last season’s new Village Express six-pack and Sky Cab gondola, the lift network at Snowmass promises to whisk you up the mountain almost as fast as you can come down. Other on-mountain upgrades for 2006-07 include a new and improved terrain park and halfpipe area, while future projects such as the new Elk Camp Meadows activity center and the new Sam’s Knob restaurant are just a season away. With development underway on the new base village at Snowmass, families and guests alike will soon be able to enjoy a 25,000-square-foot children’s center in 2007. Guests can also expect 15,000 square feet of conference space and 64,000 square feet of new shops, pubs and restaurants, a 246-unit Westin conference hotel, The Little Nell at Snowmass, and 359 condominiums — all connected to the upper village by a two-minute gondola ride via the Sky Cab. For more info on all of the four mountains owned and operated by the Aspen Ski Corp., please visit www.aspensnowmass.com.
|
|
JACKSON HOLE'S FAMED TRAM LEGACY CONTINUES
TETON VILLAGE, WY — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) officials have announced their intention to enhance the legacy created over the last 40 years by committing to build a new 100-passenger, state of the art, aerial tramway from the base in Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, a vertical rise of 4,139-feet. This lift will have the longest continual vertical rise of any ski lift in North America. It will replace the aerial tram that ceased operations on October 1, 2006. With the tram gone for the 2006-07 season, skiers will be able to access Rendezvous Bowl, Corbet’s Couloir and the backcountry gates via the Bridger Gondola and a series of lifts including the new East Ridge Chair. This new chair rises 600 feet from the top of the Sublette Chairlift to just below Corbet’s Cabin. This temporary double chairlift will take skiers to Rendezvous Bowl this winter and until a permanent tram replacement lift is installed. In addition to construction of the East Ridge Chair, JHMR is adding capacity to the Bridger Gondola and Thunder Chair to ensure seamless mountain access. The Bridger Gondola will have 18 more cabins and Thunder Chair will have 16 more chairs added. From the base, the Gondola will now offer an uphill capacity of 2,400 skiers per hour where there were 1,800. “I am very proud of our company leading this two and a half year process to a successful conclusion,” stated Jerry Blann, JHMR President. “This outcome would not have been possible without our dedicated owners, the Kemmerer Family and our Board of Directors. They deserve recognition for their commitment to Jackson Hole, Teton County and the State of Wyoming.” JHMR has contracted with Doppelmayr/CTEC to construct the new Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram and anticipates a scheduled opening December 2008. Preliminary discussions are taking place with the Forest Service regarding approvals required for the replacement of the tram. With an increased capacity of 100 passengers per cabin, the uphill capacity will increase to over 600 passengers an hour, pending Forest Service approval. Carney Architects, a local Jackson firm, is developing concepts for bottom and top terminal enclosures. “We hope with this decision Jackson Hole will remain the truly unique place it is for all who love the mountains year round, like we do. When we bought the Resort we knew it needed investment and were prepared for that, but the tram replacement has taken a lot of deep thinking to resolve,” stated John Kemmerer III, Owner JHMR. “Our family considers Jackson Hole Mountain Resort an integral part of this incredible community and we feel privileged to be able to leave such a legacy for years to come.” Kemmerer added. “The enormity of this project was obvious from the beginning. When we identified the need to decommission the existing tram we immediately began researching what could replace such a lift,” continued Blann. “We studied many options and reduced them to a Tram or Bi-Cable Gondola. We all agreed the iconic nature of our “red box” was something to be treasured but we kept options open until the final and most recent decision. Ultimately the final analysis was financial. We are a small, family owned company with finite resources. This new tram will cost an estimated $25 million and so far, we have had to plan to fund the entire project privately. In conjunction with the $14 million already committed to capital improvements there will be a strain felt on our company resources, but we are steadfast in this decision thanks to the commitment from our owners.” stated Blann. “The new tram will ultimately require additional improvements including a redevelopment of Nick Wilson’s Café into a multi-purpose base lodge. The Kemmerer family’s dedication to invest in JHMR core business on public lands for the enjoyment of this community and visiting guests is completely unique in the winter recreation industry.” Blann added. “This huge investment by JHMR ownership to build a new tram stands alone in our industry,” stated Michael Berry, President National Ski Area Association. “The tram at Jackson Hole is iconic. It is recognized around the world as a lift that accesses some of the most spectacular terrain in North America. It is beloved by locals and sought after by destination visitors,” added Berry. While making improvements, Jackson Hole remains committed to preserving the Old West. Entering their 40th season, the same old-fashioned hospitality that welcomed yesterday’s mavericks and outlaws, still welcomes today’s skiers. With the new Bridger Restaurant, new East Ridge Chair to the summit and a new 100-passenger tram in the near future, the legend continues. For more Jackson Hole Mountain Resort info, please visit www.jacksonhole40.com.
BIG SKY RESORT MAKES THE BIGGEST SKIING IN AMERICA BIGGER Big Sky adds to terrain shared with Moonlight Basin with 200 acres BIG SKY, MT — As if 5,300 acres were not enough terrain to explore in a day, if not a lifetime, Big Sky opened the Dakota Territories for the 2006-07 season. Dakota is accessed from the Lone Peak Tram and is located directly west of Liberty Bowl. The addition will bring the official acreage between the Big Sky and Moonlight Basin Interconnect to 5,512 acres and Big Sky’s terrain to 3,812 acres. Dakota Territories is primarily open bowl, above tree line skiing at an intermediate angle. The run out includes wellspaced, natural glades that border Bavarian Forest. After the giant sweeping open bowl turns, the run contains plenty of natural rollers and kickers before reaching the exit. At the bottom, there is a path through the forest that connects with the Hippy Highway, which is the road that leads to the bottom of Shedhorn. From there, skiers and riders will be able to return to the front of Lone Mountain. “We made history last season by partnering with Moonlight Basin to create the largest skiable acreage in the U.S. on one ticket,” said Big Sky general manager, Taylor Middleton. “We are pleased to announce that the biggest just got bigger.” The new terrain complements the healthy dose of some of the most varied lift accessible terrain in North America. Big Sky’s beginner area had extensive reconstruction this past summer with the addition of a third magic carpet and a tube park. Intermediates have their hands full with access to Andesite Mountain which offers three high-speed lifts with big, wide, blue intermediate cruisers that are regularly groomed. The real treat is for the adrenaline-fueled advanced and expert skiers who can explore the steeps on the Challenger chair and the Lone Peak Tram. The 11,166 foot tall Lone Peak offers never-ending, Alps-like terrain between a series of open bowls, tight couloirs and technical gullies. The steepest parts of the south wall of Lone Peak are 50 degrees where the next turn requires faith and skill instead of vision. Dakota Territories will fit snugly in the overwhelming menu of choices for Big Sky skiers spread over three mountains and 5,512 acres. For more info, please visit www.bigskyresort.com. Big Sky is owned by Boyne USA Resorts, a Michigan-based corporation, the largest privately owned four-season resort company in North America. Boyne USA Resorts owns and operates numerous mountain and golf destinations throughout the United Sates and Canada including Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and The Inn at Bay Harbor in Michigan, Brighton in Utah, Crystal Mountain in Washington, Gatlinburg Skylift in Tennessee and future site of five 2010 Winter Olympic events, Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, British Columbia.
|
|
BIG MOUNTAIN - MORE IMPROVEMENTS
WHITEFISH, MT – Big Mountain Resort has been busy planning and implementing many new exciting changes for this ski season and for the immediate future. Here is a brief look at some of their recent accomplishments. New Super Pipe Big Mountain Resort opened their new Super Pipe in March 2006. The pipe is 450 feet long, 57 feet wide, with 18-foot-high walls, and a 16-degree pitch, all to Federation of International Skiing (FIS) competition standards. Snowmaking, lights for night use during scheduled night skiing and a sound system complete the pipe package. It is located on the Ranger Trail headwall to the east of the Question Mark trail in the Chair 3 area. The Fish Bowl terrain park also includes revamped hits, rails and other features. $10 Million Day Lodge Expansion Big Mountain’s new Day Lodge premiered at the start of the 2006-07 ski season. The $10 million expansion creates a central location for mountain services including the Snowsports School, kids’ center and day care facility, rental shop, full-service cafeteria, main ticket office, guest services, seasonal lockers, group space, and day-use basket-check. In addition, plans include a viewing lounge to enable guests to watch skiers and boarders on the beginner slopes. There are added parking and drop-off zones. New Beginner Skiing Area and Chairlift Big Mountain has installed a new beginner quad chairlift to the east of the free Big Easy carpet lift. The new chair loads from just outside the new Day Lodge and covers 269 vertical feet with a sixminute ride time, accessing beginner terrain on lower Inspiration and Over Easy ski runs. Big Mountain Village Planning In addition to the Day Lodge area expansion, resort management has engaged the local community with several open forums and has approvals from the City of Whitefish on a new master plan for Big Mountain Village. While more details on specific steps of the plan will be forthcoming and will require additional approvals, plans for the new village include a hotel and conference center, a new high-speed quad to replace Chair 2, and a village plaza at the loading area of the Glacier Chaser high-speed quad. New High Speed Quad for 2007-08 This summer, Big Mountain will replace the Glacier Chaser (Chair 1) with a new lift. The new lift will be a quad detachable chairlift in the same alignment as the existing lift. The construction will eliminate lift service to the summit of the mountain this summer. However, the resort is planning a full slate of mountain activities during the construction of the new lift. In addition to the Walk in the Tree Tops adventure, mountain biking, hiking and horseback trail rides, new events and activities are planned for next summer including a summer concert series and a kids’ day camp For more info, please visit Big Mountain’s web site at www.bigmtn.com.
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN IMPROVES for 2007
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN, ID – This past summer and fall, Schweitzer Mountain invested just under $2.5 million in improvements to the mountain, guest amenities and infrastructure. Improvements to the Terrain Park, the grooming system and terrain improvements top the list for the 2006-07 season. Stomping Grounds Terrain Park The purchase of a dedicated Park Bully permits the park staff to build and groom better features quicker, allowing them to do more each night. Terrain park manager, Dan Nylund, will focus on building more small and medium features that appeal to the majority of park users. Skiers and riders can expect to see two to three additional jib features. On-Mountain Improvements Schweitzer is already known for its abundance of tree skiing. Extensive forest thinning throughout the mountain will add even more, particularly in the Chair 4 area over to the Great Escape Quad and in the North Bowl where the exit out of the expert chutes has been improved. Three state-of-the-art grooming machines were purchased. The three replaced two older machines and increase the fleet by one. The Schweitzer Road will be better maintained with the purchase of a Zogg snow blower, and the shuttle fleet has been upgraded with additional buses with coach seating that is more comfortable. Shuttle bus trips from the park and ride lot will be more frequent in the morning. Beginner Area The learning area continues to be improved with a new snowmaking gun and a re-graded Magic Carpet area. To support future development and growth, $1 million was invested in improving the resort’s infrastructure including sewer and water facilities, technology and networking. Other Guest Amenities The ski and snowboard rental fleet has been updated, and the rental process streamlined for a smoother and faster guest turnaround time. Special Deals – Kids stay and ski free Stay slopeside in the Schweitzer Mountain Village and kids stay and ski free this winter with any Schweitzer lodging package. Packages start at $89 per person, per night based on double occupancy. Visit www.schweitzer.com for info and online booking. About Schweitzer Mountain Resort Schweitzer Mountain Resort, one of the premier winter resorts in the Northwest, is situated in the Selkirk Mountains on the Idaho panhandle. Overlooking the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain has long been famous for its massive bowls and breathtaking views. Schweitzer is owned by a Seattle-based investment group, and is currently in the process of a 10-year master plan process, which will see the transformation into a four-season destination resort.
|
|
TAHOE'S SUGAR BOWL - WHERE HISTORY MEETS THE FUTURE
DONNER SUMMIT, CA — In 1938 Walt Disney was among the visionaries who helped pick this picture-perfect location, and placed upon it the first chair lift in California. It is believed that because they were up there first, they naturally picked the best site. What Mr. Disney and his fellow adventurers found was a prime location near Donner Summit: a place of precipitous peaks, steep narrow chutes and wide-open bowls. But more than that, they picked a spot that receives more snow than almost anywhere in North America, on average, receiving over 500 inches of feather-light snow per year. It also happened to be easier to get to than many other sites in the Tahoe area. Once you discover Sugar Bowl, you will see how the same man who brought the Matterhorn to Southern California, out did himself with a grand, true alpine experience in the Sierras. One with lots more fun and tons more snow. A spectacular view of the stars Sugar Bowl became a popular mountain hide-away for the Hollywood jet set of the 1940’s and 50’s. Stars and starlets like Claudette Colbert arrived in style by train spending beautiful timeless days on the slopes of Sugar Bowl. The original action hero, Errol Flynn, could be found dashing down the steep chutes of Hari-Kari Gully. In fact, the skiing sequence in the movie, The Two-Faced Woman starring Greta Garbo was filmed at Sugar Bowl. The Lodge itself was a place to see, and be seen. Modeled after the classic Hotel Solaise in the French Alps, Sugar Bowl conveyed an authentic alpine ambiance. When the Tyrolean music played from the deck, skiers swore they had been plunked down in the middle of Kitzbuhel. Steeped in racing tradition In terms of racing lore, Sugar Bowl is perhaps best known for the Silver Belt Classic — a world-class race attracting Olympic caliber skiers. Silver Belt itself may be the resort’s defining run. Picture a long, nearly halfpipe-shaped trail that demands many short-radius turns and a few hundred vertical feet of courage. Now imagine your quadriceps on fire, and your heart about to explode with adrenaline, and then you will be close to understanding what it took to climb the victory stand. Over the years, racers who captured the “Silver Belt” acquired much more than a prestigious winning buckle. It was also accompanied by the head-shaking awe of hundreds of spectators. A new generation, the same dedication There is a pride of ownership that you can sense about this resort. That is because Sugar Bowl is still family owned. These fifty or so families read like a Who’s Who of San Francisco success. Ken Castle of SKI Magazine wrote, “Many of them own chalets at Sugar Bowl and cherish this place as a kind of family heirloom.” What that means to you and your family is simple: At Sugar Bowl you are treated as guests, not a commodity. You will see that they do not just welcome your business, they welcome you. Vintage old, high-tech new Sugar Bowl is still the grande dame. The snow-mantled peaks, the inspired terrain and challenging runs are as impressive as ever. The cherished Magic Carpet Gondola can still transport you from your car to an authentic alpine hide-away. Of course, in the age of wireless phones and instant gratification, people want easy access, modern facilities, faster lifts and the highest-performing equipment, Sugar Bowl has all of that too. Millions in improvements Sugar Bowl is in the midst of a seven-year, multi-million dollar improvement schedule. In the past three years, they have added a new road with easier access to slopeside parking. They installed new high-speed quads on each peak and race area. They opened a glistening new Main Lodge near Mt Judah and then opened an expansion of that lodge to satisfy the visitors with more room. They also have recently added another new high-speed quad on Disney, a new larger Learning Area with a dedicated parking lot for beginners, and a brand new Beginner Quad. So, if you have not been to Sugar Bowl in a while, there is a whole new side to discover. For more info, please visit www.sugarbowl.com.
|
|
MONTBLEU EXCITES TAHOE’S SOUTH SHORE New Resort Casino, Hotel & Spa is Ready for Action STATELINE, NV — MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa adds a taste of Las Vegas sophistication and excitement to the beautiful natural wonders of Lake Tahoe. Formerly known as Caesars Tahoe, the 440-room MontBleu will made its official debut on May 24, 2006. The new resort has an array of new and contemporary venues, including seven distinct restaurants, four chic nightlife venues, a 40,000-square-foot remodeled casino, a brand new poker room and a luxurious spa. MontBleu will offer guests an elevated casino-resort experience set within the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe, an ideal combination, perfect for all four seasons. With unparalleled attention to detail, the MontBleu design team was inspired by the natural beauty and pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. Through the use of vibrant color palettes and natural materials such as wood and stone, MontBleu creates a cool and contemporary environment in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Genesis Associates, based out of Santa Ana, Calif. developed and implemented MontBleu’s interior design. MontBleu sits on a total of 21 acres and is poised to create a new standard of luxury in Lake Tahoe. The 17- story MontBleu has 440 spacious rooms and suites featuring breathtaking views of the tranquil shores of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Rooms and suites range from 424 to 1,250 square feet. All MontBleu rooms and suites feature the luxurious “Bleu Cloud Bed,” wireless Internet access and a complete set of premier toiletries by Aveda. MontBleu’s collection of shops offers a wide variety of items from unique gifts to swim and skiwear. CASINO MontBleu features 40,000 square feet of gaming space, including more than 900 slot machines and 50 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and a variety of other popular games. MontBleu recently opened a brand new poker room offering eight tables of the popular Texas Hold ‘Em at various buy-in levels. The newly remodeled race and sports book, The Zone, features 40 large-screen TVs, projection screens and plasmas showcasing the day’s hottest action. In conjunction with its opening this past May, MontBleu announced the Cobalt Player’s Club which allows guests to accrue points and participate in a wide variety of exciting casino promotions. RESTAURANTS Opal Eurasian Cuisine & Ultra Lounge will offer dozens of unique tapas and sushi before transforming into a sexy and sophisticated ultra lounge later in the evening. Opal will also feature an impressive martini, sake, wine and champagne list. Ciera Steak + Chophouse will offer a stylish and chic dining atmosphere, with an exquisite array of meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian entrees in addition to 200 wines and champagnes from around the world. Open for dinner only. Continuous Cuisine at 20-Four will be MontBleu’s retro take on the 50s diner with a warm, nostalgic feel and a limitless, round-the-clock menu. Open 24 hours a day, this is the essence of comfort food and convenience for guests with any craving, at any hour. The Unbuffet will offer a new perspective on the traditional buffet as chefs prepare fresh ingredients right before your eyes. Action stations, carving tables and international cuisine will allow guests to taste flavors from every continent and eat to their heart’s content. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Zone Race and Sports Book features its own deli that offers panini-style sandwiches, hot dogs, sausages and other popular stadium-style treats. Starbucks Coffee will offer its world-famous array of delicious coffee blends and specialty drinks. Starbucks will also feature a selection of breakfast pastries and lunch sandwiches perfect for a relaxing reprieve or a meal on the run. NIGHTLIFE Opal Eurasian Cuisine & Ultra Lounge redefines Lake Tahoe dining and nightlife, as guests move seamlessly from a decadent meal into a sultry, intimate ultra lounge setting. Opal will introduce the concepts of “bar chefs” and will host some of the top regional and national DJ’s from around the country. Blu Nightclub sets a new paradigm for nightlife at the lake. Located where Club Nero once stood, this worldclass venue will become Lake Tahoe’s hottest new nightclub and will exude an energy level that the area has never seen before. HQ Center Bar, located in the middle of the casino action, is the ideal place to meet up with friends any time of day. The main circular bar located in the center of the room surrounds a “fire and ice” pit that creates a soothing sense of bringing the outdoors inside. Del Soul Mexican Grill, located right off the casino floor, takes northern Nevada south of the border, with its “Nuevo Mexican” dishes, each with its own exotic flavor and zest. Complimenting the colorful menu, Del Soul will also boast live salsa music and an extensive tequila list and a host of creative concoctions that will heat up even the coolest Tahoe evening. Open for dinner only. SPA Reward yourself with a day of luxury or an hour of relief at the full-service Spa at MontBleu. Featuring inspirational views of the picturesque Sierra Nevada and a plethora of relaxing and invigorating services, the spa is a destination in and of itself. From soothing massages to revitalizing facial and body treatments for men and women, this world-class spa incorporates elements of nature throughout all of its services. The spa features Aveda products exclusively. The spa also features a fitness center complete with contemporary cardiovascular machines and weight training devices. Separate men's and women's locker rooms feature saunas, whirlpool baths and eucalyptus steam rooms. POOL The heated, indoor pool at MontBleu is an escape from the routine and ordinary with its gentle waterfall and rock islands. It provides an inviting and inclusive environment for relaxation 365 days a year. |