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2004-05 ARTICLES
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by Tony D. Crespi |
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Publisher and Editor, Dave Leonardi WOW! WHAT A WEIRD and WACKY SNOW YEAR! As we go to press in mid-January, reports claim an inundation of snow in California, from Mountain High to Mammoth to Lake Tahoe. Some flights into Reno, Nevada, were cancelled, a rarity. Snow fell in Las Vegas. Lee Canyon in Nevada is close by, so is Brian Head in Utah, for easy access to the slopes. All of the Utah resorts, and northward to Sun Valley in Idaho, have reported better base depths in mid-January than many previous recent years, and more snow on the way. The resorts in the interior of Western Canada, Sun Peaks, Big White and Panorama are also doing well. Wherever possible, this information is reflected in the articles published about the resorts throughout this issue of SKIER NEWS. Of course conditions can and do change. Will the snow subside in Tahoe? Will a January or February thaw prematurely turn the powder to mush? IT BETTER NOT! Last year the western half of the U.S. began to warm to mid-April temperatures in early March. This year the west is experiencing snowfall depths in January that, in some places, rival snowfall totals from 1916. Let’s see what happens in February. In the meantime, get out and carefully enjoy it. Too much snow is not a good thing. Lifts must be dug out. Tree wells become dangerous. Many people who prefer groomed runs lack the ability to ski in inches of powder, not to mention feet of it. Avalanche dangers become high, also. For better control of the snow pack, ski resorts purposely trigger avalanches by firing howitzers and other guns into prone areas. Ironically, two California resorts had howitzers on loan from the U.S. Army. The military asked that the guns be returned to help our troops in Afghanistan. When that request was made last May, who could have guessed that those resorts would be experiencing snowfall that would make the Donner Party drool. They were according to one report, “the only ski resorts in the United States using the 119-A howitzer, the most modern model available,” said Bob Moore, a U.S. Forest Service specialist in Truckee, Calif. “Other resorts have older 105mm howitzers.” The Forest Service worked on securing the 105mm guns as replacements. Some adventurous skiers prefer to stupidly wander out-of-bounds. Others hike into backcountry areas. Neither should be attempted. Sometimes they find their dead, frozen bodies before the Spring thaws. As horrible as the tsunami pictures have been, how equally horrible it must be to become engulfed in an avalanche; in a wave of snow instead of water. Stay safe in the deep stuff. Also, do not ski during white-out conditions, once described to me by a snowboarder friend as “snowboarding in a bowl of milk!” Here is a simple base-depth guide I use to determine what conditions I can expect when skiing at resorts West of the Mississippi: Below 30 inches: Look out for bare spots, rocks, tree stumps, stones and soda cans. At 30 to 40 inches: Tree stumps and rocks are still a problem; if you value your knees or your skis, stay on the groomed runs and the closer to 40 inches the better. From 40 to 50 inches: You can cruise any groomed trail comfortably and after a few runs you should have a positive feeling of enjoying the day without worrying about being snagged by a rock. However, you still need to be careful about the steeper parts of trails where rocks or stumps may only have a thin cover disguising them. Above 50 inches: Anywhere on the mountain should be skiable. This is the depth that I begin to think about conquering the black and double-black trails. (If you need help with that, see our Technical article on page 10.) Above 60 inches: You are in Heaven, above 70 inches Nirvana, above 80 inches Utopia. In Colorado, Telluride and Durango are reporting the Nirvana to Utopia range. Utah is in the 120-inch range, that’s double Heaven. And Heavenly and other Lake Tahoe resorts have received over ten feet. You can name that yourself. So much for the global warming theory. The East, in early January, has seen temperatures that are Spring-like, some rain, snow and some great snowmaking conditions. Last year, during the same period January temperatures hovered around highs of 10 degrees. Do not worry Eastern skiers, snowfall is on the way. While there are no guarantees, just look at the calendar. It is winter and it happens every year. In the east, the groomed trails need only a few inches of snow to ski smoothly, usually accomplished with a night of snowmaking. So where should the smart skier go to find the best snow? Log on to www.skiernews.com and easily link to the many resorts listed on the right side of the homepage to see their live web cams and get their latest snow report. Or log on to www.skiernews.net and read more about the resorts and then link to the their web site. The snow and the deals are out there, we will see you on the slopes. And once again we repeat, God Bless and protect our troops fighting the War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world, as they help to secure the blessings of liberty that we enjoy here at home. HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS THAT ARE ACTUALLY USEFUL In most holiday issues of most magazines, descriptions of lists of products are presented that are guaranteed to make your life simpler. Not to be out done, SKIER NEWS has you covered from head-to-toe, literally. We run across many products each year, some of which are functional and many of which are not. Did I ever tell you about the Velcro straps to hold your poles to your legs? So now, I will remind you of two products we mentioned last year and two new products. So, get out your shopping list and write these down before you return to your favorite ski shop. We will begin with the ears and hands from a company named 180s To protect from winter’s wrath, 180s has introduced its next generation of performance ear warmers and gloves to further advance its line of winter accessories to keep skiers warm, dry and comfortable. This year, 180s has expanded and evolved the wrap-behind-the-head™ ear warmer line. 180s’ designers have introduced a petite ear warmer frame specifically for women and children as well as 180s Storm Shell Ear Warmers for snow sports. Incorporating the latest fabrics and technologies, such as wind-blocking, lightweight Thermolite® Active insulation and moisture-wicking Polartec® Power Dry® fabric, the new 180s Ear Warmer styles are perfect for winter. We have found these ear warmers to be lightweight, comfortable and as the press release claims, “with a simple twist, they collapse to easily slide into a jacket pocket.” Moving to the hands Were you ever outdoors and had to take off your gloves to exhale your breath into your fingers to get warm them? Did you ever remove your gloves to rub your fingers together for warmth? Did you ever wonder why no one had invented gloves that you could breath into? Well then, fret not. 180s Performance Gloves, with the patent-pending Exhale Heating System™, allows users to inject a blast of warm air directly to their fingertips without removing their gloves and exposing their hands to the cold. Now, 180s Exhale Performance Gloves are available in a wide selection of styles to protect your hands from the cold. 180s Performance Gloves utilizes high-quality fabrics, such as heat-retaining Primaloft‚ One insulation to ensure ultimate warmth, and weatherproof EPIC‚ by Nextec‚ to ensure water- and wind-resistance with the ability to breathe. For more info, check out their web site: www.180s.com. Eye comfort on the slopes If you use contact lenses when you ski, then you must try COMPLETE® Moisture Plus for your eyes. Below is info from their Press Releases. All I know is that our accountant (Charles “Chopper” Weber) has skied for 30 years with contacts, and his eyes have never felt better. Before COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS™ he could not wait to get back to his room and remove his contacts. Now, using the product, his eyes feel as comfortable at the end of the ski day as the beginning. It is his testimonial that drives us to repeat the info about the product. COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS™ is a multi-purpose solution that cleans, rinses, disinfects, stores, removes protein and conditions any soft contact lens. COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS™ is the first and only multi-purpose solution to offer two kinds of moisturizers, essential electrolytes and taurine. Exclusive lubricants hydrate and surround your lenses with a lasting cushion of moisture that protects the health and wellbeing of your eyes. COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS™ is available at your local grocery, drug, club and mass merchandiser stores. It is conveniently packaged in a 4-ounce On-The-Go Pack with Lens Case or a 12-ounce Bottle with Lens Case Carrier. Larger amounts are available. Log on to www.amo-inc.com for more info. Now to the feet Custom foot beds have never been easier since SOLE Custom Footbeds gave the consumer the ability to totally customize their footwear. Using “heat to fit” technology the footbed is molded to your foot. The result is great support and cushioning. We simply followed the directions and heated the footbeds in our oven. When the SOLES indicated they were soft and moldable, we placed them in our footwear (ski boot, hiking boot, etc.) and inserted our feet. The SOLE conformed to our feet, then cooled and became a firm footbed with cushioned support. Learn more, including purchase outlet locations, on www.yoursole.com. Happy Holidays to all, and God Bless and protect our troops fighting the War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world, as they help to secure the blessings of liberty that we enjoy here at home.
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SUBARU’S MASTER THE MOUNTAIN ENHANCES EXPERIENCE WITH NORDICA CHERRY HILL, NJ — Subaru Master The Mountain, is an instructional ski tour for skiers and snowboarders. At these events, you can demo Nordica skis, and take advantage of ski lessons for all skill levels. You can learn to ski or improve your current skills from some of the country’s top professional instructors. This year marks the 10th 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. WHY SUBARU? When you see a Subaru driving down the road, at a ski resort or at a trailhead, chances are it will be loaded with a kayak, canoe, mountain bike, skis or snowboard. That is because The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System provides drivers with superior performance in all types of conditions - essential for transporting outdoor sports enthusiasts to the river, the mountains and those “off the beaten path” destinations with safety and confidence. You could say that Subaru is the official vehicle of the outdoors. Make no mistake this is no idle marketing hype. Subaru has a long history of supporting active lifestyle enthusiasts and the organizations that are important to them. Together with their partners, 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. SUBARU-NORDICA SERVICE TEAM CREATED Building on a previous agreement, Subaru and Nordica have expanded their relationship by establishing the Subaru- Nordica Service Team (SNST). This new and extended partnership continues to build upon the successful Subaru Master the Mountain tour that is an instructional ski tour for skiers and snowboarders. At these events, the SNST will offer free ski demos to any skier with a valid lift ticket. “Nordica added tremendous value to the Subaru Master the Mountain program last year,” said Rick Crosson, vice president, marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “This success prompted us to extend and expand our relationship. We believe the results of this new partnership will continue to be a valuable asset to the ski community.” “We are more than pleased to announce the growth of this partnership,” said Andy Knittle, CEO of Nordica USA. “The creation of the Subaru Nordica Service Team places a tremendous amount of resources in the field working at the grass-roots level. We hold these service activities among the most important aspects of our business, and this new team is a key part of those activities.” SUBARU’S MASTER THE MOUNTAIN IS FUN Do you love to ski or snowboard? Then you are going to love Subaru Master the Mountain. It is a full day of fun and excitement at your local ski resort where you can enjoy the following activities:
A day of fun at a Subaru Master the Mountain event is easy. Just choose a day you would like to ski or snowboard from the remaining dates below and they will see you there. Stop by the Subaru tent slopeside to sign up for the free lessons and start your day of fun. Subaru Master the Mountain Remaining Schedule: February 5-6, 2005 - Palmerton, PA - Blue Mountain Ski Area February 12-13, 2005 - Champion, PA - Seven Springs Ski Resort February 26-27, 2005 - Kirkwood, CA - Kirkwood Ski Resort March 5-6, 2005 - Eldora, CO - Eldora Mountain Resort April 9-10, 2005 - Loveland, CO - Loveland Ski Resort Please log on to Subaru’s Outdoor Life website www.outdoorlife.subaru.com.
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SNOWBOARDREGISTRY.COM ON LINE TO HELP STOP SNOWBOARD THEFT “It’s just bad karma to buy and ride a board that was stolen from a fellow snowboarder.” POUND RIDGE, NY – Snowboard theft has been a consistent unspoken problem at many mountain resorts, and now a snowboarder has taken an active step to help the snowboard community stop snowboard crime. SnowboardRegistry.com is a free online database where snowboarders can enter their snowboards’ serial numbers and have them appear in an easy-to-read chart online. The registry is designed to help snowboarders in two ways: First, if a missing snowboard is recovered, the owner of the board can be identified and contacted, as long as the board was registered at SnowboardRegistry.com. Owners names and contact info do not appear online. Second, buyers of used boards can check the registry before buying a second-hand board to ascertain that the board has not been reported as missing. “It’s just bad karma to buy and ride a board that was stolen from a fellow snowboarder. Be a good citizen of the Snowboard Universe and check online to make sure you’re not buying someone else’s stolen board,” says Lauren Traub Teton, founder of SnowboardRegistry.com. “And of course keep your board locked when it is out of your sight.” Teton plans to spend as many days as possible riding snow this winter and spring, and she loves to ride in the East. She has two other snowboard websites that readers find valuable: the largest Snowboard Events Calendar in the Eastern US, in an easy-to-read format, at www.WhatsOnSnow.com, and a website to help snowboarders evolve and stay safe, at www.SnowboardSecrets.com. She emails the “Snowboard Szine” newsletter to keep readers up to date on the snowboard scene. “I started these sites to share my passion for snowboarding and supply information that I couldn’t find anywhere else,” says Ms. Teton. Lauren Traub Teton is a member of ski writer organizations ESWA and NASJA.
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TRAVELERS “WEIGH” LUGGAGE OPTIONS FOR SKI SEASON DURANGO, CO – For as long as people have been flying to mountain resorts for a winter vacation, they have been faced with a challenge far less pleasant than those found on the slopes. That challenge is; how are you supposed to carry all of that luggage and ski gear to, through and from the airport? The hassle factor of traveling with ski and snowboard gear has increased in recent years, as airlines have been pushed towards new restrictions and fees, and are strictly enforcing rules that were once overlooked by many ticket counter agents. Since 9/11, increased security measures have made traveling with additional and oversize items even more unpleasant, as travelers lose valuable time waiting for their items to be searched and scanned. Fortunately for skiers and snowboarders tired of paying fees for excess, oversized and overweight baggage—for the privilege of lugging heavy gear through the nation’s airports—there is an another option. Sports Express, in association with trusted shippers like FedEx, UPS and DHL, arranges for your luggage, skis, snowboards and other sports equipment to be picked up at your home or office and delivered directly to any destination. Sports Express guarantees that your equipment will be waiting for you at your destination, and offers $500 in free insurance on every order. Two major trends make Sports Express’ service a newsworthy travel tip. First, having baggage and sports equipment delivered allows vacationers to travel without the hassles associated with lugging bulky items to and through the airport, and on to their final destination. Another is that the risk and uncertainty of checking baggage with airlines, and the loss of valuable time waiting at baggage check-in, screening and claim areas for your skis, etc., is eliminated. Then there are the hidden costs of flying with your gear. Using Sports Express reduces or eliminates costs associated with excess, oversized and overweight baggage charges of $50-$80 per bag, each way. Your need to rent a larger vehicle (or one equipped with racks) just to transport your gear to and from your hotel is also eliminated. Deliveries can be arranged online (www.SportsExpress.com) or by calling Sports Express toll-free (1-800-357-4174). The website provides 24/7 online booking, instant price quotes, and delivery tracking. If you need a carrycase, the web site visitor can also purchase sportspecific travel cases. At the call center, Sports Express’ friendly, professional Travel Concierges™ offer personal service and expertise. Sports Express provides personalized notifications via email or fax to keep travelers informed, and coordinates deliveries and pickups with hotels, resorts and other destinations. Winter vacationers are discovering what business travelers have known all along: it is more enjoyable to travel without being burdened by lots of luggage. “Traveling light is the vacation mindset these days, and Sports Express offers travelers the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind,” says Jay Marqua, CEO of Sports Express. “A truly worry-free vacation starts when you know your gear is already waiting for you at your destination.” To schedule your pick-up, or to learn more about Sports Express, log on to www.SportsExpress.com or call 1-800-357-4174.
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McLEAN, VA -- There are few sensations that can match the joys of alpine skiing. You soar down a snow-covered mountain, the wind in your face. You are enjoying a winter playground with your friends, your family. You control your speed and your destiny with subtle body movements. You reach the bottom of the hill energized, invigorated and with a smile so big your face hurts. But skiing also can be intimidating for first-timers or those who are re-entering the sport after a long absence. The uninitiated can be confused by what seems like complex equipment choices and a bunch of strange-sounding words. This guide is designed to soothe those fears and provide some basic information that will help get you started the right way.
GEAR UP Before renting or purchasing equipment, ask yourself a few questions: How often will you ski? Will you ski only on a vacation or also near where you live? Determining your projected commitment level will help you decide whether to rent, lease or buy equipment. Your equipment options include: Consider renting equipment at a local ski shop or at the ski resort. You can rent equipment by the day or week. This is often recommended for first-time skiers. Some ski shops will apply the price of rentals toward purchasing new equipment. Consider leasing equipment for an entire season. Some ski shops offer this service and it can especially make sense for children who quickly out-grow gear. A less expensive than new equipment option is to buy used equipment at a local ski shop or ski swap. If you are new to skiing, stay away from garage sales. Also, be careful at ski swaps because you may wind up with gear that is outdated and inappropriate. Ski shops often sell their rental equipment after a couple of years. These skis may show surface damage, but shop personnel check them to be sure they meet safety performance standards. You can buy new equipment. You might want to consider a package deal that offers a discount when you buy skis, bindings and poles together, as well as boots. Ultimately, owning your equipment provides you with continuity as you progress through skiing’s learning stages and can also save you time and money in the long run. In general, alpine skis are made of a wooden core wrapped in fiberglass and coated in a fiberglass or plastic cap with metal edges. All skis do not perform the same; a number of things influence the performance of a ski, including combination of materials, stiffness, length, weight and sidecut, which refers to the narrowness of the waist, or middle part of the ski, in relation to the wider tip and tail. Shaped skis, also known as super-sidecut and hourglass skis, have narrow waists and wide tips and tails. These skis are designed for use in shorter lengths than traditional models and make it easier to carve turns and stop. Fat skis are designed for skiing powder and chopped-up snow. They tend to be wider and have less sidecut than shaped skis. There are a number of different styles of boots, but the most important thing is that the boots are comfortable and fit your feet. Bindings hold your boots to the skis and are designed to release when you need them, during a fall. Many bindings also have vibration-reducing features that allow you to ski more smoothly. Your ability and weight will determine the binding you choose. Poles are used to help you with your balance and rhythm while skiing. Poles can be made from fiberglass, aluminum, graphite or some combination of these materials. MEASURE UP Skis are measured in centimeters (cm). Your ski length will depend on your ability, height and weight. A shop employee will help you decide on the appropriate length.
The retention setting on bindings are measured in “DIN,” which stands for Deutsche Industrie Norm. In general, the higher your weight and skiing ability, the higher the DIN setting. Have a ski shop technician determine and set your DIN for you. Poles are measured in inches. GET GOING First-time skiers should always take a lesson from a qualified ski instructor. Do not trust a friend to teach you to ski, and do not jeopardize your relationship by allowing your significant other to serve as instructor.
FAMILY MATTERS Skiing is one of the few sports that families can enjoy together, and many areas and shops offer special family discounts. Keep a few things in mind when you are getting equipment for junior skiers:
This information is provided by SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the national , not-forprofit, member-owned trade association that represents snow and winter sports companies. SIA sponsors an enthusiastic program “Winter Feels Good” designed to assist with preparing participants to enjoy the outdoors in winter. More info on this program can be found on the web site www.winterfeelsgood.com.
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KELOWNA, BC (WESTERN CANADA) — Big White Ski Resort Ltd. began a massive construction project this past summer that is ready for skiers for the start of this winter season. The total value is $127.9 million spent on infrastructure and luxury accommodation. Added are two new chair lifts, a state-of-the-art ski and snowboard terrain park, new on-mountain day lodge including viewing deck, and six new intermediate and advanced trails. This expands the resort’s skiable terrain by 200 acres, and two new grooming machines are added to keep the snow smooth. Aluxury resort accommodation bringing the on-mountain bed base total to over 14,000 beds was also begun. “What a day it is for our customers and residents of the Okanagan Valley.” said Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “These new facilities, runs, and grooming machines will enhance our world-wide reputation and enable athletes to train for Olympic glory.” he continued. The Schumann family, owners of Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts located in the Okanagan Valley, are committed to providing world-class skiing and snowboarding at affordable prices. “Our commitment to family entertainment and affordable vacation packages are the foundations for our company’s success,” said Peter Schumann, President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “We are happy to announce (and complete) projects that will enhance our customer’s enjoyment of the resort. We’re all about creating a fun family winter wonderland.” continued Schumann. Here is a description of the improvements that await skiers at Big White this season. While lodging comprises the bulk of the investment, millions have been spent on making Big White an even greater mountain to visit and enjoy. Terrain Park The new Terrain Park area will centralize the snowboard and ski park, rail garden, half pipes, boarder/skier - cross, and Big White’s fun family race area. It will be one of the best training facilities for snowboard and free skiing in North America. The park incorporates an Olympic size 450 foot-long Super Pipe with 17-foot transitional walls that meet World Cup FIS and X Games standards. Other features include a regular-sized Half Pipe with 12- foot walls that are 450 feet in length, an intermediate terrain and rail park and an Advanced Combined Terrain and Rail Park. Also built is a Boarder/Skier-Cross Course that is capable of hosting Olympic FIS qualifying events, World Cup Ski and Snowboard Events, X Games qualifiers and National Championships. To compliment and help maintain these features, there will be snowmaking throughout the park area. This will allow the features and half pipes to be opened earlier in the season. This area will also be the home of the 2010 Go for the Gold Fun Race, with lanes for skiers and snowboarders. Overlooking all of these venues will be an on-mountain lodge with food and beverage facilities, a large outdoor deck and restroom facilities. Servicing this entire area will be a 1,800 foot double chair for fast turn around times, allowing better training, convenience, and a great view of competitors and events. The park will also be lit for night skiing and riding, making it a truly one of kind facility. The lighting will provide another venue for fun evening activity and great training. “This area will provide something for everyone from kids and families to world class athletes. We have been moving in this direction for a long time and now it is a reality!” said Flynn Seddon, Director of Snowboarding. The cost of this project is $2.5 million. New Cliff Chair A project much discussed and anticipated is has arrived. The Cliff area of Big White will see construction of a Double Chair to allow both skiers and snowboarders better access and turn around times to the famous Cliff Area. The lift will be approximately 1800 feet long with a vertical drop of 800 feet. Along with this construction, the area boundary will be expanded to include the East Peak. “This is a tremendously exciting project for both local and destination skiers and snowboarders alike. I know a lot of people have talked about this for years and now it’s here,” expressed Blair Ireland, Director of Guest Services. The cost of this project is $1 million. New Runs at Gem Lake To the west of Blue Ribbon off the Gem Lake Express lift, six new intermediate runs were cut. This added almost 200 acres of skiable terrain and increased Big White’s overall skiable terrain to almost 2800 acres. Adding more intermediate terrain to Gem Lake will make this area more attractive to both Kelowna area skiers/snowboarders and vacationers, and increase the variety of trails. This is the first phase of expansion of the Gem Lake area, with more in the future. The cost of this project is $500,000. New Grooming Machines To help groom and maintain all of these new areas, Big White Ski Resort Ltd. purchased two additional grooming machines. Slope grooming maintains the trails; covers terrain with snow, makes bumps flat, and lays down a carpet of corduroy. The machines also groom and cut the halfpipes, build the terrain park features, construct the Boarder/Skier-Cross, and maintain them all. Big White Ski Resort has received various awards for high quality grooming and has a world-class reputation for its half pipes. Big White added two grooming machines to its fleet last year as well. The cost for the new groomers is $500,000. Bigger Planes to Kelowna With all the new features that await visitors to Big White, now it is easier to get there. Americans want easy access and Kelowna in central British Columbia Canada may just well be North America’s next great ski destination city. Despite the fact that most Americans have never heard of Kelowna, you can easily get there. Every major U.S. airline carrier can get you to Seattle, Wash.; from there it is an easy Horizon Air connection to Kelowna. Many airlines code share with Horizon so it is as easy to book a flight to Kelowna as it is to any other major ski destination. Horizon Air will use larger planes than past years (flights that SKIER NEWS staffers have taken) to service Kelowna from Seattle. The Q400, 70 seat aircraft will effectively double the passenger capacity of Saturdays and Sundays. Scheduled departure times on Saturdays and Sundays from Seattle are at approximately 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Again, this allows for connections from many western and eastern gateway cities. Kelowna International Airport is the 11th busiest airport in Canada and is the gateway for easy travel to either Big White or their sister resort Silver Star. For more information on Big White or to book your fantastic western Canada ski trip, please call 1-800-663- 2772 for Big White, or 1-800-663-4431 for Silver Star. You can also visit www.bigwhite.com or www.skisilverstar.com.
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EXPLORE THE CANYONS RESORT in 2004-05 Utah’s newest and largest ski resort offers skiing vacation packages year-round for destination travelers PARK CITY, UT — The Canyons is one of the most exciting stories in the ski and snowboard world. Since its inception in 1997, The Canyons has grown to be the newest and largest resort in Utah, and fifth largest in the United States. Located three miles from downtown Park City and just 32 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, The Canyons is one of the most accessible destination resorts in the world. The Canyons welcomes skiers and snowboarders alike with 3,500 acres of terrain, a progressive terrain park, seven natural half-pipes, and seven acres designated for first-time skiers and snowboarders. The Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Sundial Lodge provide guests with more than 500 slopeside rooms just walking distance from The Canyons Village. FREE DAY DEALBuy two or more days of skiing or riding at The Canyons Resort, and you will get an additional day on the slopes free. The Canyons Resort is offering a free day of skiing and riding to guests who purchase two or more day tickets to The Canyons. In order to redeem this offer, guests must log onto www.thecanyons.com/freedaydeal to pre-register. After registration, participants will access an online certificate. By presenting the certificate at the ticket window, guests can redeem an additional day of skiing with the purchase of a multi-day ticket. FIRST TRACKSBe the first on the slopes of The Canyons on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a resort “insider.” First Tracks at The Canyons makes its debut during the 2004- 05 Season. For $30 plus a lift ticket, guests will have the pleasure of being the first on the lifts, and the first to make tracks at Utah’s largest resort. When you are done exploring, breakfast at Red Pine Lodge will be waiting and is included with your First Tracks ticket. Reservations are required. Call (435) 615-8042 for meeting times, reservations and details. SKI FREE POWDER PACKAGESample Utah’s famous powder at The Canyons Resort, and ski free when you stay at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel or Sundial Lodge between Feb. 27 and March 31, 2005. Each adult will get a free lift ticket for each night they stay. Prices start at $254 per night for two adults at the Sundial Lodge, and $312 per night at the Grand Summit. For more information on this special vacation package and others, please call The Canyons Reservations toll-free at 1-866-766-9464. “CELEBRATE CHILDREN” SKI FREE PACKAGEThe Canyons makes bringing the whole family to the slopes affordable and fun. “Celebrate Children SKI FREE” packages are available throughout the 2004-2005 Season. Bring your kids to The Canyons Resort and celebrate with free skiing and riding for Mom and Dad, free lift tickets for kids 12 and under, 50 percent savings on kids’ equipment rentals and 50 percent savings on group ski clinics. Celebrate Children SKI FREE packages are available during the following weeks when you stay Sunday through Thursday night (ski Monday through Friday) at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel or Sundial Lodge: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, 2004; Dec. 5 - 9, 2004; Dec. 12 - 16, 2004; Jan. 2 - 6, 2005; Jan. 9 - 13, 2005, and Jan. 23 - 27, 2005. For reservations and additional information about the free and affordably priced ski vacations, learn more by calling 1-877-766-9464 or visiting www.thecanyons.com.
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LAKE TAHOE'S IMPROVEMENTS COMPLEMENT MASSIZE SNOWFALL LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV -- On September 20, two days before the official start of Fall, Lake Tahoe was hit with the first snowfall of the year. A quick but intense storm dumped up to four inches of fluffy, white gold at some of the higher elevations. Ski Lake Tahoe has always had the magic formula to entice winter enthusiasts: great mountains, great terrain, great views and tons of snow. Over the past five years, to further enhance the experience of skiing and riding in Lake Tahoe, the resorts on both the North and South Shore have made significant improvements including new base villages, terrain expansion, lodging and dining options as well as many other on-mountain enhancements. Following is a look at just some of the improvements to the Ski Lake Tahoe resorts for the 2004-2005 ski season. This year, the Alpine Meadows base lodge received a complete interior remodel, making use of rock and pine support beams, new furniture and carpeting, and rustic copper and wrought iron chandeliers. Several new dining options debut this year as well, including the Shooting Star Sushi Bar, Mountain View Mexican Café, Butcher Block Rock Burger Bar, Ward Peak Pastas, and Alpine Bakery. At Heavenly, East Peak Lodge is getting an extensive exterior remodel complete with a weather-protected outdoor area boasting a new roofline, glass wind-screens, more convenient seating arrangements and a new outdoor bar and barbecue. Additionally, a new high-speed, six-passenger chairlift, Powderbowl Express, replaces two older slower triple chairs on the California side of the mountain. With the purchase of five new state-of-the-art grooming machines and several energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns, the resort is reinforcing its commitment to excellent snow quality. Heavenly will also be adding two new features to its line-up of terrain parks and trails features. The new "rail" trail on the California side is the resort's first run dedicated exclusively to rail features and offers jibbers a run to call their own. Meanwhile, the new "wave" run on the Nevada side of the mountain provides a series of gentle "rollers" for those who aren't quite ready for the parks and pipes, but are looking to add a little spice to their day on the mountain. Kirkwood offers a host of new activities for visitors this season, both adventurous and beginner. Expanded high-angle grooming guarantees more steep groomed runs. The new Expedition Kirkwood HQ & Salomon Test Center offers guests an opportunity to try out the latest demos, including new telemark and randonnee gear. Expedition programs such as Quests, Powder Cat Skiing and backcountry-focused clinics are available. Other upgrades include expansions to the terrain park, new learn to ski programs and lessons for "new school" skiers and riders. At Northstar-at-Tahoe, the new village is in the first phase of construction, with 100 condominiums, boutiques, shops and restaurants slated for completion in December 2005. Until then, the resort is creating two different facilities located west of the current Gondola building. The Village Pavilion and a second facility will house skier services such as tickets, lockers, Wi-Fi Internet service, a sports bar, café refreshments and complimentary overnight ski storage. As another major improvement, the Echo chairlift will be replaced by a high-speed quad chairlift that will transport guests to mid-mountain in only five minutes. Other upgrades include three new Bombardier snowcats, a Zaugg halfpipe cutter and a family-oriented terrain park. In keeping with Sierra-at-Tahoe's reputation for excellent grooming, the resort invested $400,000 into new grooming equipment for the upcoming season. Two, state-of-the-art, Bombardier snowcats will lead the charge to achieve perfect corduroy and a new mid-day grooming program will ensure that the runs remain in pristine condition. Getting to the resort has never been easier with new shuttle service from Harrah's and Harvey's Casinos as well as the Marriott Grand Residence Club. For serious jibbers, the new super-sized Bashful terrain park has the most vertical of any of Sierra's parks and contains the most advanced terrain features, including a 16 by 20 foot wall ride. At Squaw Valley USA, to add convenience and options for beginners, a new beginner double chairlift has been installed. A second magic carpet transport lift was added for the Squaw Kids Children's Center, and a new fleet of K2 skis for Squaw Valley's rental shops. Throughout the resort, restroom and facility renovations have taken place. The recently completed Phase II of the Village at Squaw Valley features the new Tantara Bakery, Bistro & Beyond restaurant and additional shopping options. Surrounding North America's largest alpine lake, each Ski Lake Tahoe resort offers unparalleled scenic vistas of nearby forestry, panoramic mountain and lake views. For the latest mountain news and conditions, visit the Ski Lake Tahoe Web site at www.skilaketahoe.com. For a Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide, call 1-800-588-SNOW, ext. 1.
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LAKE TAHOE WEB SITE PROVIDES UNIQUE ONLINE BOOKING SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Skiers who wish to examine all types of lodging opportunities can find a wide variety at the web site of Lake Tahoe Accommodations. The site offers the viewer a chance at a virtual tour of some 350 of the better condos, mountain cabins and homes for rent around the lake. Once the property site has been viewed and decisions made, the user can easily book their stay. You will even find out all the details of your rental, such as washer and dryer availability, a fireplace and more. Lake Tahoe Accommodations makes it easy for you to view, select, and reserve your Lake Tahoe vacation rentals online. To complement those 350-plus vacation rentals is their friendly, knowledgeable staff. They can help you book that perfect vacation rental. Cozy cabins, condos, comfortable family homes or exquisite executive retreats, they have it all. Search Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals by Map If you are not sure where to begin your search, then start with their interactive map. Lake Tahoe Accommodations has properties dotted around the lake. From South Lake Tahoe, to North Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Keys to Incline Village, get to know the area and then start your search in the area of the Lake you would like to stay. The convenience continues after you select your site since Lake Tahoe Accommodations has check-in locations in several Tahoe cities. You’ll get your keys and be close to your rental, avoiding any extra mileage on arrival. For more information, please call 1-888-778-9403 or log on their web site www.tahoeaccommodations.com.
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PANORAMA – NEW, BOLD and FRIENDLY Special to SKIER NEWS by ski writer Yvette Cardoza Taynton Bowl was full of fresh snow, two feet of it, at least. And there was nobody else in sight even though this was turning into the busiest skier day of the season at Panorama. “Busy” is a relative term. A light day at Whistler just means you are not squished flat in the gondola. The heaviest day in years at Panorama, 100 miles southwest of the Lake Louise/Banff/Sunshine “biggies” in Canada, means you have a five-minute wait at the base and you might actually have to search for a brief moment for an empty table in the lodge at lunchtime. There are advantages to skiing the “little” guys, especially these days when the backwater resorts are renovating as fast as they can and the amenities are just fine, thank you. Oh yes, we remember the Panorama of 10 years ago. Those were the days of tatty, run down base lodges, glacier- slow chairs and little, if anything, in the way of luxury items. Those days are long gone. Today, there is the New Panorama. Panorama, now owned by skiing giant Intrawest, is pouring $250 million into a place where powder is legendary. There are new lifts, new lodges, new hotels. There is a funny thing about this place. Though most people think it as a small ski hill, it is not. Panorama, with 2,800 acres and a 4,000-foot vertical, ranks right up there with Snowmass and Steamboat Springs. Okay, you can call it “Intrawest Lite.” Everyone else does. When Big Daddy Intrawest swallowed Panorama in 1993, the resort honchos locked a group of planners in a hotel room with orders to come up with Panorama’s theme. “Every Intrawest resort has a theme,” explained Panorama Marketing Director Ken Wilder. Mont Tremblant is “Intimate Quebecois,” Whistler is “Expansive West.” And Panorama? Panorama is “National Park.” But while Panorama (near Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia) is surrounded by three national parks, it is not in a park, and that is a huge distinction. That means, unlike Lake Louise and Jasper, Panorama could build hotels right at the mountain base. “You want to know why someone should come here instead of elsewhere?” Wilder asked. “ We’ve got ski in, ski out lodging like Whistler but with a much more mellow feel.” Not to mention, there are way fewer bodies. In 1993, there was one hotel, an A-frame lodge and a trailer for a ticket window at Panorama. Today, there are 12 lodges, with one more on the way, a golf course, giant slopeside hot pools that operate year round, an on-site helicopter ski facility and the kind of operational efficiency you expect from Intrawest. All this is for a resort with legendary powder that is almost as big as Blackcomb Mountain. The plan is to keep further base expansion to a minimum, hence the quips about Intrawest Lite. As for skiing here, Panorama is much more than it first appears. There is a pattern to the place. The easiest runs are near the base. Wide open cruising runs line the middle of the mountain. In fact, cruising is Panorama’s trademark. And then, there is the top. Taynton Bowl is a former heli-ski slope. It is a series of steep alpine and tree runs that catch waist deep powder. On the other side of Taynton, the Extreme Dream Zone has the kind of runs that even instructors think twice about trying. As we stood at the top of a run named Gunbarrel, all we could see was tight trees, the tips of sharp bumps and a drop-off that disappeared in free fall. It is a place where extreme really does mean extreme. There is, however, one intermediate route down from the very top, should you want to ride up for the scenery, which is truly worth the trip. (Ed. Note: There is one run at the top aptly named "View of 1,000 Peaks.") Panorama does three things that many US resorts would not even consider because of liability issues:
We ended our skiing in the Canadian Rockies the way we started it, making our way down pristine powder on a trail that was absolutely empty of other skiers. Taynton has the kind of terrain that makes skiers at Vail and Whistler fight to make first tracks. But on this day and it was well past morning, we had the place to ourselves. For more information, contact Panorama at 1-800-663-2929 or visit www.skipanorama.com.
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SKI SALT LAKE’S DISCOUNT PASS LOWERS COSTS Get all four Ski Salt Lake resorts with one discount voucher available from local hotels and lodges SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Skiers and snowboarders who hit Salt Lake’s slopes during the 2004-05 season will be rewarded with easy access to the Greatest Snow on Earth through an innovative multi-area lift voucher called the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass. The deeply discounted voucher is good for day passes at Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort and Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort. The Pass also includes roundtrip transportation from downtown and suburban Salt Lake City to the resorts. With the convenience of the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, visitors can take even greater advantage of Salt Lake’s 35- minute proximity to four of the world’s greatest mountains. “The Ski Salt Lake resorts have teamed up to give travelers the most convenient access to Utah’s best skiing,” said Eric Thompson, director of winter sports tourism for the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Bureau collaborated with the resorts to develop the one-of-a-kind pass. The four Ski Salt Lake resorts each receive 500 inches of snow every year, more than any other resort in Utah, Colorado, California or Canada. Together, they provide a total of 7,500 skiable acres with 350 different runs served by 34 lifts. The resorts are closer to a major airport and metropolitan area than any other U.S. resorts. “In terms of convenience, it’s hard to top Salt Lake’s access, and the Super Pass makes it even easier for destination skiers to choose Salt Lake for their next vacation,” Thompson said. Travelers on either coast can take early flights and be on the slopes of the Ski Salt Lake resorts by noon. Salt Lake’s airport is just nine miles from the city and 35 miles from the Salt Lake resorts. The Salt Lake area is home to more than 1.8 million people and offers all the amenities of a big city, including 17,000 rooms in hotels, lodges, and inns as well as hundreds of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants. The day pass will be sold to guests at participating hotels and lodges in Park City and Salt Lake. The $42 pass will cost less than any of the Salt Lake resorts’ individual lift passes. Comparable day lift tickets at each resort are $47 at Alta, $59 at Snowbird, $45 at Brighton, and $47 at Solitude. Super Passes are also sold through dozens packages through tour operators or travel agents. Skiers and boarders present the Super Pass at the ticket window of the participating resort of their choice and redeem it for a day pass. Additional multi-area passes, which allow skiing at two or more resorts on the same day, are also available directly from each of the Ski Salt Lake resorts. A complete list of the nearly 100 area hotels offering the Super Pass is available at the Ski Salt Lake Web site: ski-saltlake. com. Powered by Travelocity, the site also offers discount air, lodging and car rental components for Salt Lake ski vacations. “Salt Lake has more to offer than any other mountain destination in North America,” said Thompson, “Salt Lake is as close to the mountains as many smaller ski villages, but we also have all the advantages of a metropolitan area, including easy access by air. In fact, we are the only ski town in the world with our own NBA franchise and professional symphony. Salt Lake offers value, snow quality, variety of terrain at different resorts, and city amenities. All in all it’s a pretty nice package.” To get info and learn more about the Ski Salt Resorts, please call 1-877-SLC-4FUN (1-877-752-4386) or find them on the web at www.ski-saltlake.com.
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at SALT LAKE RESORTS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SNOW SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Call it geology, luck, or divine providence: the four ski resorts closest to downtown Salt Lake City receive the lion’s share of Utah’s powdery snowfall year after whitewashed year. Topping off at 500 inches (more than 41 feet) the resorts of Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton get more snow than other resorts in Colorado, Canada, or Utah. Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, a half an hour from the city, the Ski Salt Lake resorts benefit from a “lake effect” jet stream. Regular mountain storms travel across the Nevada desert, lift water from the shallow Great Salt Lake, and dump their moisture on Salt Lake’s mountains before moving east to Park City, Utah and then Colorado. More snow means powder that is more consistent and a better ski experience. “When people from Utah brag about the greatest snow on earth, this is what they are talking about,” says Jason Mathis, spokesperson for the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. Copious amounts of snow and easy access to a major metropolitan area may be two reasons the Salt Lake resorts have resisted the large-scale real estate development that has fueled growth at other ski areas. Instead, the four Ski Salt Lake resorts have focused on maintaining an alpine ambiance that increasingly sets them apart from competitors. “It’s no secret that a lot of resorts around the country have shifted their focus from skiing to building condos over the past two decades,” Mathis said. “There’s nothing wrong with making real estate development your primary measure of success, but it changes the mountain experience, making it much less alpine and far more suburban.” Each of the four Ski Salt Lake resorts offers a unique base area that reflects cautious development. Alta has a string of five family-owned lodges that range from rustic to retro to elegant. Snowbird has a slopeside pedestrian village with five buildings, highlighted by the luxurious Cliff Lodge. Solitude has an intimate European-styled village anchored by one hotel and three low-rise condominiums, while the 20-room Brighton Lodge is adjacent to a small mountain village that includes bed and breakfasts and family-owned inns. More than 1,500 total slopeside rooms are available at the Ski Salt Lake resorts. In Salt Lake City, more than 16,000 rooms are available within 30 minutes of the mountains. After the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, a loose coalition called Ski Salt Lake was formed between the resorts and the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We knew after the Games there would be a lot of momentum for Salt Lake as a ski destination,” said Mathis. “We came together with the resorts to capitalize on that momentum by branding all resorts as one destination.” The four resorts share 7,500 acres of skiable terrain, 350 different runs, 34 ski lifts and one Super Pass. The Super Pass, sold for as low as $42 per day, is available through tour operators, travel agents and hotel packages at the resorts in Salt Lake and Park City. The partnership has been successful in most respects. Ski Salt Lake Super Pass sales have grown exponentially from 12,000 passes when the program was launched to nearly 50,000 passes last season. Last year, the Ski Salt Lake Resorts reported their best season ever with 1.2 million skier visits. “We are stronger working together than we would be working independently,” Mathis said. “This coalition works because the resorts share so many things like snow quality, access to Salt Lake, and a commitment to keeping the skiing pure and simple.” To get info and learn more about the Ski Salt Resorts, please call 1-877-SLC-4FUN (1-877-752-4386) or find them on the web at www.ski-saltlake.com.
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SKI VILLAGE RESORTS OFFERS PRIME VACATION PROPERTIES BRECKENRIDGE, CO — When you sit down to plan your next vacation you will soon realize that there are so many things to think through that sometimes it’s hard to keep them straight. What you really need to do is put your watch and worries away and leave it all to Ski Village Resorts. With work and family chores you have enough on your plate on a day-to-day basis, so Ski Village Resorts brings their personalized service right to your fingertips. Ski Village Resorts is located in the picturesque town of Breckenridge, Colo., and specializes in clean air, clean water and good, clean fun. Ski Village Resorts offers all its customers the same quality service and years of experience. All of their properties have one thing in common – Location, location, location! Ski-in/ski-out condos offer the convenience of leaving your front door, snapping on your bindings and cruising to the lift. Why bother lugging around all of your equipment if you don’t have to? No matter which property you choose, you can simply park your car and be done with it. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet and over 2,200 acres of skiing at your doorstep, you will be in awe of this legendary resort. The average snowfall is 300 inches, so soft cruising terrain and powder is almost certain to await your arrival on the four fabulous peaks and 146 exceptional trails at this one large ski resort. And it doesn’t matter how much skiing you have under your belt. Breckenridge has plenty of skiing for all abilities, from the bunny slopes, to the cruiser runs, to the bumps and the double black diamonds. Breckenridge’s high-speed lifts give you easy access to all types of fun. And don’t forget that you are in the middle of America’s ski country. You can expand your options by choosing Breckenridge, Keystone or A-Basin with the same lift ticket – for the same price. Vail and Beaver Creek are right around the corner as well. Consider this your invitation to our winter playground. It is all available through Ski Village Resorts. If hitting the slopes is not your style then choose accommodations within easy walking distance of all this historic town has to offer. At the base of this world famous ski resort awaits the Town of Breckenridge, a 145-year old Victorian mining town with all of the modern conveniences. Art galleries, shopping and fine dining await you. The town is full of friendly people who enjoy life and the gift of a beautiful, fun place to live. They live life to the fullest. Now it is your turn to wake up, open the curtains and enjoy Breckenridge. After all, it is about the town’s motto - Real Town, Unreal Skiing. So, whether you’re traveling on a solo adventure, looking for a romantic getaway for two, vacationing with the family, or gathering for a wedding or reunion, Ski Village Resorts has something for everyone – from studios to five-bedroom town homes. No matter what your needs, the people at Ski Village Resorts are happy to have you, and they’re happy to serve you. Your trip is just one phone call from being a reality. The majority of the accommodations have hot tubs for a little rest and relaxation, and all have kitchens or kitchenettes for your convenience. Comfortably furnished with all of the amenities, the Ski Village properties are a little slice of home without the hassle. If you need any help during your visit, just pick up the phone. Ski Village Resorts is happy to help you with dinner reservations, lift tickets, sleigh rides, ski rentals, and anything else that will make your stay the very best possible. Life’s too short. It is time to live the experience. Don’t wait another year for the next ski season to come and go, because it’s gone in a flash. You will want to be part of this year’s powder, this year’s specials and this year’s fun. Contact Ski Village Resorts at 1-888-972-8200 to get started on your winter wonderland vacation or go to www.skivillageresorts.com for more information. Quality accommodations, helpful people and an incredible vacation are awaiting you at Ski Village Resorts. Ski Village Resorts is a property management company in Breckenridge, Colo., that specializes in ski-in/skiout and slope side accommodations. Log on to Ski Village Resort's website for additional information.
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at SUN PEAKS RESORT - SKI WITH A DOWNHILL OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL WINNER A typical day on the mountain with Nancy Greene Raine, Olympic Champion and Director of Skiing at Sun Peaks Resort Special to SKIER NEWS by Nancy Greene Raine SUN PEAKS, BC, CANADA — Sun Peaks Resort is the fastest growing ski destination in British Columbia. More than $450 million, in the past 10 years, has transformed this best kept secret to a bustling up-scale four-season resort. Award winning Sun Peaks Village is nestled between three mountains. Each mountain has unique terrain to explore; plus there is skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing. My husband and I live in our condominium hotel, Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, and a typical day for us includes skiing with our guests. We ski from the hotel’s back door down to the village base and take the Sundance Express lift for some warm up runs down the front side. Then we take the long, winding Rambler run connecting across the valley to the base of Sun Peaks’ newest mountain. From the top of the Mount Morrisey express lift, the view is incredible, and so is the skiing. I take my group for a few runs through the groomed glades and then head along a ridge down Back in Time where we cross the road to the base of the Burfield chairlift. This quad chair is long and leisurely, rising 2,851 feet from the valley floor to the Top of the World with incredible views every inch of the way. I pop into the Top of the World warming hut where the friendly ski patrol gives me the latest word on the upper mountain conditions. Now I have to decide: do I head over to the wide open and easy West Bowl or down through the challenging Kookamungas? Or do I choose Sunny Side and the Chieftain facing south or head out of bounds to the north for the fantastic east facing powder fields of the Gils? There is something for every level of every group. On some days the choice is an easy groomed cruiser down to the bottom of the Crystal Bowl where we take the Crystal chairlift back to the top of the bowl. On the way I point out Lunch Time run which leads to the mid-mountain restaurant. In fact riding up we might catch the smell of fresh baking or a hamburger on the barbecue. It is time for lunch! I send the group down the easy way and take a run for myself down the moguls on the black diamond Headwall or through the powder on Sacred Line. (Ed. note; you are allowed to do that if you are an Olympic gold medal winner.) After lunch we head back up to the top of the Crystal Bowl and enjoy the groomed cruising on the famous 5 Mile green run back to the Village base. With advanced groups I would start with Spillway, steep and smooth, or Last Chance where there is always powder. All these runs join to become a wide boulevard down the valley between the Sunburst Ridge and Sundance Mountain. As we cruise down 5 Mile we pass the bottoms of run after run just begging to be skied. The variety is endless, smooth and mellow green runs, undulating blue runs, steep black ones groomed to perfection, and others full of awesome bumps. Finally, we are back to the village base where we started, but still we have only scratched the surface. At this point we have probably only skied 10% of Sun Peaks terrain. Next, we take Sun Peak’s most popular chair, the Sunburst Express complete with a bubble for inclement weather. This chairlift takes you up an incredible ridge, with fourteen completely different routes to the bottom. In between all these runs you can find all kinds of tree skiing, some of it steep and not for the faint of heart, and my favorite, which is perfect for first time glade skiers. The Cahilty Glades are open and gentle and you cannot get lost – there are many different routes to take, but they all wind up back on the 5 Mile run. By now your first day at Sun Peaks is ending. Take your last few runs on the Sundance chair where you started in the morning. Now the west facing runs are bathed in sunshine and the blue cruising runs are just what your legs want. This is a truly beautiful place to end the day, with the sun setting in the west and shadows falling across the high alpine bowls. You do not have to take that last run – instead stop in at Masa’s or Bottom’s for some lively après ski and then ride Village Platter lift home to Cahilty Lodge where more après ski awaits you at Macker’s Bistro. A typical day with me at Sun Peaks ends, as we look forward to tomorrow to explore the many runs we missed today. For more information, please call 1-800-807-3257 or log on to Sun Peak’s web site www.sunpeaksresort.com.
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SUN VALLEY OPENS WITH LODGE RENOVATIONS ALL SUN VALLEY LODGE ROOMS and SUITES HAVE BEEN NEWLY REMODELED SUN VALLEY, ID — Sun Valley Resort owners Mr. and Mrs. Earl Holding have raised the bar once again on Averell Harriman’s original dream in 1935 to build a resort where “roughing it must be a luxury.” All 148 rooms of the historic Sun Valley Lodge have been exquisitely remodeled. The hotel room décor is elaborate and graciously appointed with the very finest European fabrics, carpeting and ornate wall coverings. similar to the newly remodeled Sun Valley Inn, the rooms and suites in the Lodge carry a convivial color palette of rich earth tones of rose, forest and moss greens, porcelain blues and vibrant Sun Valley autumn gold. State of the art technology also has been incorporated into the renovation with all rooms wired for high-speed Ethernet access, DVD players, flat screen plasma televisions, pay-perview, and refrigerators. A new heating and air conditioning system also has been installed to all guest rooms. Plush pool robes, slippers and daily delivery of USA Today also are provided. The Sun Valley Lodge opened its doors on December 21,1936, with all the amenities, so that each and every guest would exclaim, “there isn’t a single thing I could wish for that hasn’t been provided.” All those amenities remain today – an outdoor glass enclosed heated pool for guests to soak in and bask, “in the liquid gold of Idaho’s sunshine,” a year round outdoor ice rink, an oldfashioned yet up-scale bowling alley and game room, two restaurants, Gretchen’s and the grand Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room, Duchin Lounge and the Salon and Spa. And this winter season - the Lodge’s 69th - guests will continue to arrive in style under a newly expanded Porte Cochere, encircled by hydronically heated cobblestone pavers. For reservations and additional information about their affordably priced ski vacations, you can learn more by calling 1-800-786-8259 or visit Sun Valley's website. DOLLAR MOUNTAIN LODGE OFFERS WINTER WONDERLAND for CHILDREN and FAMILIES SUN VALLEY, ID — As the new Dollar Mountain Lodge opens this winter season, it will be seen through the eyes of a child as a wonderful winter wonderland for learning to ski, enjoy snow sports and play in the Sun Valley sunshine. And parents will look at this new and luxurious 26,000-square-foot family center as a warm and inviting facility, catering to their every need – and then some. The two-story lodge incorporates a state of the art children’s ski and snowboard center on the main level, with direct and separate access to the Dollar Mountain ski teaching areas. The Ski School Center will be equipped with all the amenities including small-sized restrooms, dryers, kitchenette, television and game area. Upstairs a new Pete Lane’s Ski Shop will provide rental, repair, ski and snowboard storage and retail. Adjacent will be a new restaurant where guests may dine, taking in expansive views of Dollar and Baldy Mountains. Food served, which also may be enjoyed on heated decking around the restaurant, will be comparable to Sun Valley’s other award winning day lodges. The interior décor will be carefully detailed with children in mind in an Austrian Mountain motif, incorporating fine woodworking, stone and selected metal finishes. Outside and to the left of the existing Quarter Dollar chairlift will be a new tubing hill and an innovative beginning terrain feature. Sun Valley Resort owners, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Holding, began the reconstruction of the resort’s on-mountain day lodges in the mid 90s. 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. The new Dollar Mountain Lodge also will provide a year-round venue for popular Sun Valley events such as the fall Swing’n’ Dixie Jazz Jamboree, meetings, conventions and weddings.
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SUN VALLEY HOLIDAY PACKAGES OFFER VALUE SUN VALLEY, ID — As traditional as turkey on Thanksgiving, Sun Valley’s 69th ski season will open Thursday, Nov. 25, with the popular Thanksgiving Package, complete with all the trimmings. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2005 and running through Sunday, Nov. 28, the Thanksgiving Package includes four night’s lodging, three days of skiing, with a lavish Thanksgiving feast included. Package rates begin at $281, (per person, double occupancy, tax not included). The Pre-Holiday Package begins Sunday, Nov. 28, and includes one night’s lodging and a one-day lift ticket for only $63. This package may be booked for multiple days through Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004. And, because the first period of the Kids Stay & Ski Free Program runs in conjunction with these two packages, kids under 16 ski free when staying at a Sun Valley Resort property. This program is limited to one child per parent, two youngsters per lodging unit. The Kids Stay & Ski Free Program also runs Jan. 3 through Jan. 31, 2005, and March 5 through the end of ski season. For reservations and additional information please call Sun Valley Resort Reservations, 1-800-786-8259, or visit their new website, sunvalley.com.
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TELLURIDE HAS GREAT TERRAIN FOR SKIERS OF ALL ABILITIES TELLURIDE, CO — Traversing from east to west, Telluride’s terrain shifts from expert to beginner, keeping skiers and riders in areas suitable to their skills. The east end of the mountain provides a formidable challenge for experts. The middle of the mountain offers plenty of cruisers and corduroy for intermediates, and the west side offers gentle runs where beginners can play. I Feel Free The sense of freedom derived from Telluride’s wide-open slopes and lack of lift lines overwhelms guests with a sense of awe and inspiration. Telluride is conveniently located in the middle of paradise, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Telluride does not attract day traffic so destination guests have the mountain virtually to themselves. The town’s bed base accommodates 5,200 people, while the lifts carry 20,000 people per hour, so lift lines are mathematically impossible. Thigh Burners Adrenaline junkies beeline to Lift 9 to conquer steep bump runs such as Kant-Mak-M, Spiral Stairs and Mammoth. Some experts opt to take the Plunge, a classic run known for its breathtaking views of town as well as a starring role in a VISA commercial. This jaw dropping, black diamond bump run descends 3,140 vertical feet from the top of the mountain into Telluride. Other snow riders prefer the steep and deep off the Gold Hill Lift (Little Rose, Dynamo and Electra). Corduroy Cruisers While Telluride is renowned for its steeps and bumps, 38 percent of the mountain is intermediate terrain. Lifts 4, 5 and 12 are the perfect hideaway for the intermediate snow rider. These lifts offer short chutes, corduroy cruisers, glades and moderate bumps. See Forever, Telluride’s most popular intermediate trail, is just over three miles long, providing panoramic views all the way to the La Sal Mountains of Utah. Mellow Yellow With wide-open slopes and no lift lines, beginner skiers and riders can learn the tricks of the trade in a friendly atmosphere. Lift 10 and Ute Park in Prospect Bowl are a beginner and lower intermediate’s dream; with meandering green and blue runs nearly two miles long. Beginners enjoy the Galloping Goose, a 4.6-mile run that gently works its way from the top of the Prospect Lift down to the bottom of the mountain. Powder Dreams Two feet of light champagne powder has fallen overnight. It is a bluebird powder day and the town is buzzing. On a day like this, true powder hounds head to the lifts at the break of dawn to jockey for the most coveted of spots - first chair. The early bird does get the worm as riding first chair translates into a sublime moment – fresh snow from top to bottom. Favorite powder runs among locals include Andy’s Gold, Bald Mountain, Mammoth and Local’s Glade. PROSPECT BOWL In January 2002, Prospect Bowl officially opened, adding 733 acres of new terrain that nearly doubled the size of the mountain. This event ushered in a new era for Telluride as the grand opening of Prospect Bowl signified a vision 30 years in the making. Telluride invested $14 million in capital expenditures to create one of the most memorable and unique experiences in ski country. Three new, Doppelmayr, high-speed, detachable quad lifts access a diversity of terrain in an unparalleled setting. From heart-stopping steeps to friendly cruisers, Prospect Bowl offers terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels. Ute Park Lift Uncharacteristic of the typical, boulevard-wide bunny slopes, Ute Park, the beginner training area in Prospect Bowl, is nestled at the bottom of a dramatic bowl with breathtaking mountain backdrops. Prospect Lift In the shadow of towering 13,319-foot Palmyra Peak, the Prospect Lift offers mind-expanding views with terrain to match. Skiers and riders enjoy perfect cruisers that wind through open forests or earn their turns by hiking up Prospect Ridge and Bald Mountain. Gold Hill Lift Of course, Prospect Bowl offers experts a challenging playground with many opportunities for fresh snow and face shots. Topping out at 12,260 feet, the Gold Hill Lift accesses terrain filled with chutes, above-tree line bowls and exciting steeps. (Plus, experienced backcountry skiers can enjoy the pristine nature in Bear Creek through a backcountry gate at the top of the Gold Hill Lift. On arrival, check with the resort for all details on this adventure.) For more information please call 1-866-888-7197 or visit their web site - www.tellurideskiresort.com.
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TELLURIDE’S WYNDHAM PEAKS RESORT & SPA OFFERS GREAT PACKAGES and KIDS SKI FREE TELLURIDE, CO — The Peaks Resort and Golden Door® Spa, Telluride’s premier mountain retreat, is offering winter packages that include many amenities. Here is a listing of The Wyndham Peaks Resort winter ski packages, available through April 3, 2005 at Telluride. Family Value Package - Kids Stay, Eat, Ski/Snowboard Free The family that skis together stays together at Telluride’s Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa. Throughout the winter season, kids stay, eat, ski and snowboard free. The package includes complimentary lodging, meals and a Telluride Mountain Season Pass for up to two kids ages 12 and under, when accompanied by an adult. The Telluride Season Pass allows unlimited access to lifts all season, so guests can come back and visit anytime. This package starts at $309 per night for two adults and two children. No blackout dates apply. Ski & Stay Package Enjoy daily ski-in/ski-out convenience, short lift lines at Telluride Mountain and some of the country’s best mountain scenery. The package includes luxurious accommodations and one daily lift ticket for each paid adult. This package is priced starting at $318 based on double occupancy. Rates vary depending on dates of travel and length of stay. Ski & Spa Package Guests of Telluride’s Wyndham Peaks can enjoy the exhilarating Telluride slopes and retreat to the Golden Door Spa for post-ski rejuvenation. This package includes luxurious accommodations, one daily 50-minute spa treatment per adult, one daily lift ticket per adult and complimentary access to the Golden Door Spa. This package is priced starting at $361 based on double occupancy. Rates vary depending on dates of travel and length of stay. Winter Getaway Package This is an ultimate, ideal package for the snow enthusiast or a first-time skier. The Winter Getaway includes luxurious accommodations, unlimited use of the Golden Door Spa facilities, one 50-minute Golden Door Massage daily, complimentary ski lift tickets, complimentary ski or snowboard rental and complimentary group ski or snowboard lessons. This package is priced starting at $467 per night for single occupancy and $934 per night based on double occupancy. There are no refunds on unused features. All of the above packages are based on availability. Taxes and resort fees are not included in these rates. Telluride’s Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa features 174 rooms including 28 suites, all of which offer dramatic views of the San Juan Mountains through large picture windows. The unparalleled sports and spa facilities, exceptional service and accommodations are just a short gondola ride away from the historic town of Telluride and contribute to the comforts of a Wyndham Peaks stay. To book a special package at Telluride’s Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa, travelers may call their preferred travel planner, reservations at 1-800-789-2220 or book online at www.thepeaksresort.com.
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THE MOUNTAIN LODGE at TELLURIDE GEARS UP for WINTER WITH NEW TRAVEL PACKAGES TELLURIDE, CO — The Mountain Lodge at Telluride, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property, has three new winter packages for snow goers looking for a good deal. Each package was developed with a distinct experience in mind, offering guests their choice of casual skiing down Telluride Mountain, thrill-seeking heli-skiing or off the slopes pampering and relaxation. Perched midway up Telluride Mountain, the Mountain Lodge at Telluride is an elegant condominium resort that offers spacious accommodations, slope-side convenience and upscale amenities. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodations including a lodge room, a studio, one- or two-bedroom condominium or a private luxury cabin that comfortably accommodate eight people. Each guest will enjoy personalized and friendly service in addition to the usual upscale hotel services. Amenities include heated pool and Jacuzzi, fitness room, steam room and true slope-side access with on site ski lockers and storage. Stay, Save & Ski Free “Stay Three, Ski Free” gives guests the chance to hit the slopes during prime time ski season without spending extra cash on lift tickets. Guests staying at the Mountain Lodge at Telluride will receive up to two, free lift tickets per night/per room, saving up to $295 during their stay. Guests can choose from the following travel dates: December 17 – December 24, January 3 – February 3, 2005 and March 27 – April 3, 2005. Rates start at $279 per night for a studio condominium and a three night minimum stay is required. Vertical Lift Adventure The “Vertical Lift Adventure” heli-skiing package gives adventure seekers all of the travel components needed to enjoy some of the best-untracked powder skiing on the highest helicopter-accessed terrain. World renowned for their steep and rugged ski terrain, the San Juan Mountains offer the greatest concentration of 14,000-foot summits south of the Canadian Yukon. Effective January 3 - April 3, guests who choose this adventure package will enjoy five or six powder skiing runs, full professional ski guiding service, snacks and water throughout the day, lunch and the necessary avalanche safety equipment. The total cost for the “Vertical Lift Adventure” package is $949. It includes one day of heli-skiing and two nights lodging per person. Rates are based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom condominium and a two-day minimum stay is required. Elevated Elegance For guests looking for off the slopes pampering and relaxation, “Elevated Elegance” redefines posh living in a mountain setting. Guests staying in one of the Mountain Lodge at Telluride’s luxurious three- and four-bedroom cabins will enjoy highly personalized services, making their stay at the Mountain Lodge at Telluride extra special. Each cabin features stone fireplaces and impeccably decorated interiors with flagstone entries, pine cabinetry, granite and marble finishes and jetted tubs. Guests who select Elevated Elegance will enjoy limousine service to and from the Telluride or Montrose airport plus transportation around town. A private chef will prepare three meals per day in the comfort of the guest’s cabin and you will enjoy one hour of personalized spa care in the privacy of the guests’ room. Amenities include, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne upon check-in, luxury bath basket from Tomboy soaps, 24-pack of chilled Evian water, a selection of Telluride and Mountain Village post cards, two disposable cameras and a photo album. The Elevated Elegance luxury upgrade is $250 per person and available January 3 -April 3, 2005. Rates are based on a four-night minimum stay in a three-bedroom cabin with double occupancy (six people). Thirty-day advance registration is required. Daily cabin rates start at $800. For guests that have reserved a lodge, studio or condominium unit, a light version of the Elevated Elegance upgrade is available. Guests can choose one service in addition to the amenities outlined above starting at $100 per person. A four night minimum stay and 30-day advance registration are required. “Telluride is a great ski destination but off the slopes, it also has a lot to offer visitors,” said Tara Smith, director of Sales and Marketing for the Mountain Lodge at Telluride. “People can take advantage of the various town activities, such as holiday parades, concerts, horse-drawn carriages and family mixers.” For more information about the resort or to book a reservation, p |