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UTAH and COLORADO TRAVEL PLANNER
2004-05 SEASON
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SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT SPENDS $1.5 MILLION ON IMPROVEMENTS SOLITUDE, UT -- Solitude Mountain Resort spent $1.5 million in on-hill improvements during this past summer, the bulk of which went into overhauling the resort’s snowmaking system. That may seem like a strange improvement for a mountain that is blanketed in 42 feet of Wasatch snow each season. The improvements included the purchase of 11 new snow guns, the burial of more than two miles of snowmaking pipes and electrical lines, the construction of a new pump house and the addition of a brand new automated pump system, which when run at capacity, will pump nearly seven times the output of the old system. “The reasoning behind these improvements is very much strategic,” said Michael Goar, vice president of Mountain Operations for Solitude Mountain Resort. “This improved snowmaking system will allow us to create an optimal early season base, and offer the best possible conditions all season long, especially areas that have typically been hot spots in the past. Goar also noted that even with the minimal snowmaking system of the past, Solitude does not suffer from a lack of snow, receiving more than 500 inches of Utahs Greatest Snow on Earth" each year. In fact, the mountain has never made snow after the first week of January and the same will hold true for this season, and others to come. “This system will simply allow us to better prepare the mountain in specific places for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring us,” said Goar. The burial of the snowmaking system’s piping, along with several electrical lines, is a very welcome and long-awaited improvement. It not only benefits the snowmaking system itself, but is an aesthetic improvement, as well, removing unnecessary equipment from the side of popular Solitude trails. Solitude’s 11 new snow guns are all SMI Super Polecats. Nine of these Super Pole Cats are carriage-mount fan guns, which are mobile and will be transportable throughout the resort, as well as two Super Polecat tower-mount fan guns. The tower-mounts place an oscillating fan, complete with its own weather monitoring system, 25 feet off the ground, offering excellent and even dispersion of snow. These two tower mounts will be placed on Sunshine Bowl (near Sundancer) and on the top third of Gary’s Glade, two of Solitude’s more popular trails that not only see a lot of traffic but also a lot of sun. Specifically, the Super Pole Cat on Gary’s Glade will allow Solitude to groom the trail earlier in the season than usual, opening more groomed terrain to visitors. The remainder of the $1.5 million of on-mountain improvements included the purchase of another new groomer, a Bombardier BR 350, as well as the excavation for the new day lodge at the Moonbeam Center, slated to open for the 2005-06 season. The new BR 350 adds another excellent grooming machine to Solitude’s fleet and reaffirms its commitment to not only offer some of the best natural terrain in the Wasatch, but the best corduroy, as well. The planned day lodge at the Moonbeam Center will be a welcome addition for Solitude’s day guests, offering a 12,000 square foot lodge-style facility home to a new rental shop, lockers, indoor and outdoor food service, an après ski bar, a heated patio, a rooftop sun deck and a large, comfortable den. Solitude Mountain Resort, a year-round, family-friendly destination, receives more than 500 inches of the Greatest Snow on Earth" every year and is located just 40 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport. For more info, please call 1-800-748-4754 or log onto their web site - www.skisolitude.com.
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BRIAN HEAD MAKES LEARNING EASY BRIAN HEAD, UT -- Brian Head Resort specializes in teaching newcomers how to ski and snowboard. By combining many years of coaching expertise, first-class equipment and an entire mountain dedicated to beginners, they have revolutionized the learning experience. Their philosophy is to make it affordable, make it easy, make you a believer. For the first-time teen or adult who has never skied or snowboarded before there is a 2-1/2 hour lesson, guaranteeing you'll be turning and coming down the Pioneer chairlift area on your first day. The all-inclusive price includes an all-day, all mountain lift ticket, lesson and all-day equipment rental. This program is offered every day. Upon arrival, check with the Winter Sports School at the Navajo Lodge Learning Center for lesson start times. Then purchase your lesson when paying for your full-day lift ticket and rental equipment. “Get Better” Lesson In keeping with Brian Head’s philosophy, they offer you the opportunity to build on your existing skills or Get Better for only $10.00. Purchase your full-day lift ticket and a full-day ski or snowboard equipment rental package from one of the two rental shops conveniently located in the Navajo and Giant Steps base lodges, and you'll receive a two-hour lesson for only $10! Lessons are available at the Navajo Lodge Learning Center only. Prices vary if you do not participate in a rental program and the overall prices are slightly higher when holiday lift ticket rates apply. Personal Coach Lesson The quickest way to improve your skills on the slopes or in the parks is to tailor your ski or snowboard lesson to suit your personal needs with one of Brian Head’s coaches. Reserve your Personal Coach at the Giant Steps Lodge or Navajo Lodge Learning Center. Coaches are available for every age and ability level. For more info or reservations, E-mail skischool@brianhead.com or call them at 435-677-2049. You can also make a request for a specific coach in advance.
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BRIAN HEAD & THE CEDAR BREAKS LODGE PROVE TO BE A TOP FAMILY GETAWAY BRIAN HEAD, UT -- Brian Head Resort is one of America’s best ski vacation values. Honored as a “Top Family Getaway” by the Family Travel Forum, the Resort offers a full-service winter vacation experience at affordable prices. A popular drive destination from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Southern California since 1965, Brian Head Resort has more than 50 trails on two mountains. They receive over 400 annual inches of dry Utah powder and offer a value-priced daily lift ticket price of only $39 (slightly higher during holiday periods). To complement its generous snowfall, it is set amidst the backdrop of the spectacular red-rock formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The Resort features a safe, uncrowded, small-town atmosphere with virtually no lift lines and consistent snow conditions. There are terrain parks, two on-mountain ski and snowboard rental shops, ski and snowboard lessons through the Resort’s Winter Sports School. For your lodging needs you will find more than 2,000 units in the area, with inexpensive lift and lodging packages, dining, and shopping. One reason Brian Head Resort was honored as a “Top Family Getaway” is the resort’s Navajo Lodge Learning Center, an entire facility and mountain that is dedicated to kids and to newcomers to winter sports. Navajo Mountain features two chairlifts, a surface lift, a beginner terrain park and ten beginner trails. This area is accompanied by a full-service ski and snowboard school for all ages. For skiers and snowboarders that are more advanced, Giant Steps Mountain offers many options, with a wide variety of intermediate and advanced slopes and two large terrain parks. This area is serviced by four chairlifts. Resort guests complement their on-snow experience by “Burning Rubber” at one of the region’s best Snow Tubing Parks, which opens daily starting in mid-December. It’ like a big frozen water slide. Additional activities that are available include snowmobiling, a full-service Day Spa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Also, you will find dining at area restaurants, side trips to nearby national parks; and regularly scheduled community events at the Town Park, including bonfires and marshmallow roasts. The very best in winter fun deserves the very best in lodging. The Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa, a Monarch Grand Vacations Resort, is located adjacent to the Resort’s Navajo Lodge Learning Center, and offers the finest lodging accommodations and amenities available in Brian Head. The lodge features 118 comfortable, spacious newly remodeled villas; all equipped with fireplaces, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs. The property also has a 24-hour front desk, underground parking, an indoor pool, two large hot tubs, steam room, dry sauna and an exercise/weight room. The lodge features two restaurants and a bar on property, and its day spa offers a variety of services ranging from traditional bodywork to the cutting edge in energy therapies. With special SKIER NEWS packages starting at $109 per person for three nights of lodging and a 2-day lift ticket (based on double occupancy), the Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa is one of the region’s best values for your next ski and snowboard vacation. Come and discover what the Resort’s repeat guests have known for years – Brian Head Resort is a ski and snowboard secret waiting to be discovered, and is the region’s best and most affordable winter getaway! For more information, please call 1-888-282-3327 or log on to Brian Head’s web site - www.brianhead.com.
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BEAVER RUN RESORT IN BRECK' GOES BIG BRECKENRIDGE, CO -- When skiers and boarders go to the Rockies for vacation, they expect big things: big mountains, big snow and big amenities. Breckenridge’s Beaver Run Resort fits that bill perfectly, offering anything and everything skiers and boarders want, in big style. Not only does Beaver Run offer a big selection of lodging accommodations, but also one of Breckenridge’s biggest list of amenities: comfortable and spacious accommodations, ski-in/ski-out convenience to one of America’s most popular resorts, on-site restaurants and 24-hour service. Guests will also enjoy two heated pools and eight hot tubs, children’s programs and day care facilities, massage and spa services, complimentary town shuttle. All of this is only a few blocks from a real resort town full of restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. Beaver Run offers big access to big skiing. Simply step outside your condominium and you are ready to start your day on either the Beaver Run Super Chair or the Quicksilver Six. From there, it is up to you as you begin to explore Breckenridge’s 146 trails on more than 2,200 acres. Truly, it just does not get any easier when it comes to finding accommodations with such incredible accessibility to world-class skiing and snowboarding. The property itself is big and offers big lodging choices. Its 500-plus units are beautifully appointed and offer a wide array sure to suit each and every individual’s or group’s needs. Ranging in size from hotel rooms and deluxe studios to 3- and 4-bedroom condominiums, and everything in between, Beaver Run’s lodging options can accommodate a couple looking for a romantic winter escape to a family gathering of up to 10. And with such a large selection of rooms and room types, combined with its 20 meeting rooms and 35,000-plus square feet of meeting space, the most in all of Breckenridge under one roof, Beaver Run can handle big groups with ease. Beaver Run offers big choices and something for everyone, from access to some of North America’s finest skiing and snowboarding to activities for all age groups, particularly the little ones. The Kinderhut Children’s Ski School and Infant/Toddler Nursery is a state-licensed facility with childcare for children 6 weeks to 2 1/2 years and ski instruction for kids up to six years old. Best of all, they’re located right at Beaver Run, giving parents the ultimate in convenient and quality children’s programs. Beaver Run’s “Kids’ Night Off” program is just that, a night away from the adults. The program, for kids 5-12 years old, gives mom and dad a little time to themselves while the kids are busy being kids – playing games, having pizza parties, watching videos, playing in the pool or playing miniature golf, all right on the grounds of Beaver Run. While the kids are busy being kids, big kids (adults) can ski the day away, enjoy some après ski frivolity at Tiffany’s Sports Pub, and enjoy a wonderful dining experience at the highly acclaimed Spencer’s, easily one of Breckenridge’s finest restaurants. Spencer’s offers, of course, a big selection, from its all-you-can-eat Prime Rib Dinner to its breakfast and lunch buffets. Or, for those interested in checking out Breckenridge’s famed nightlife, Main Street is just a short walk or shorter free shuttle bus ride away. In addition to Spencer’s, Beaver Run offers Spencer’s Lounge for those looking for a quieter place to soak in the beauty of Breckenridge, the Copper Top Café for those wanting a little quicker breakfast or lunch, and G.B. Watson’s Deli for those on the go. And of course, the town of Breckenridge has hundreds of other restaurants and bars to choose from, so there’s no possibility of running out of options. After a big day on the slopes and before a quiet dinner or wild night on the town, relax in style at Breckenridge Bodyworks. Bodyworks offers a full array of spa treatments for men and women, including in-room massage. If you are looking to go big this winter, look no further than Breckenridge’s Beaver Run Resort. For more information on Beaver Run’s big offerings, including packages and specials, visit www.beaverrun.com or call 1-800-525-2253.
BRECKENRIDGE'S MAIN STREET STATION IS ONE-OF-A-KIND BRECKENRIDGE, CO -- Main Street Station, an East West Resorts managed property in Breckenridge, Colorado, is truly a one-of-a-kind condominium property. Designed to be experienced as a world-class resort, it offers the comforts of home living with the amenities of a full-service resort. Main Street Station is complete with concierge, ski storage, free underground parking, fitness club, outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, and a relaxing lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains. With access to boundless mountain activities, numerous restaurants and retailers, over 4,400 sq. ft. of meeting space and luxury condominiums, its services and facilities are among the best in Breckenridge. Main Street Station holds the distinction of being the only resort located both at the base of the Breckenridge Ski Resort and on historic Main Street. One of the unique features of Main Street Station is the variety of retail space on the property. The plaza of merchants and wares offer something for everyone. The charming collection of retail merchants include: Blue Sage Spa, with complete spa packages recently voted the Best Spa in Summit County by a local poll. There is Breckenridge Jewelers with unique jewelry from around the world; Caamano which features hand knit Peruvian sweaters; Christy Sports, a full-service sports shop and Main Street Market, Liquor Store & Pharmacy, which features everything from liquor, gifts to groceries. You will also find located among the shops: Mountain Tees with a wide selection and great value on clothing; Thomas D. Mangelson Images of Nature featuring limited edition prints of the renowned photographer; Coffee Depot which serves gourmet coffee and pastry delights and Cold Stone Creamery – a gourmet ice cream shop. The Main Street Station plaza is also home to two great restaurants, The Quandary Grille which is open for lunch, dinner and après ski and Taddeo’s Italian Restaurant. When it comes to events in town, Main Street Station is a center of winter excitement. Beginning with the Lighting of Breckenridge in early December, events on the plaza occur throughout the winter. Try to plan to arrive in Breckenridge for the celebration at Main Street Station on February 9, when Breckenridge puts it’s own unique twist on Mardi Gras. New for This Winter Season Main Street Station, in cooperation with The Quandary Grille and Taddeo’s Italian Restaurant, will offer room service to its guests from Friday through Sunday, for lunch and dinner. This is designed to add a higher level to the services. Guests looking for an in-room dining experience are sure to be pleased by the convenience and quality of food. Another idea that will debut this year is a new twist on a nostalgic ski vacation. In a throwback to the tradition of gathering round the hotel lobby and trading tall tales of the day on the slopes, this year Main Street Station will be offering a mid-week dinner, in a dining hall format, where guests can gather to relate tales of the day while enjoying some classic ski and snowboard films. Who knows? You may even leave Breckenridge with a completely new group of lifelong friends from around the world. In a special agreement with Warren Miller Films, beginning in December, Main Street Station will be the home of weekly showings of the newest Warren Miller film, IMPACT. Featuring music by Coldplay, Yellowcard and the Dandy Warhols, the film promises to offer another round of spectacular skiing and snowboarding by some of today’s hottest skiers and riders. Of course, Main Street Station is merely the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to East West Resorts lodging in Breckenridge. East West Resorts offers accommodations ranging from affordably basic through to a variety of deluxe properties in town – something to suit everyone’s budget and tastes. For more information, visit www.eastwestbreckenridge.com for the latest specials and an up-to-date calendar of activities and events in town. You can also call 1-800-745-2986 to check availability or book a stay. Take I-70 west from Denver to the Frisco Exit (Exit number 203) towards Frisco/Breckenridge. Follow the exit to N. Summit Boulevard, which becomes Colo.-9. Take Colo.-9 about 10 miles to Breckenridge, where it becomes Main Street. Follow Main Street through town, Main Street Station is on the right at 505 Main Street, the corner of Main Street and South Park Avenue.
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DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT BOASTS NEW PROJECTS DURANGO, CO -- Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) invested $500,000 in capital improvements this year. These projects were highlighted by a ‘new’ family style lodge restaurant in the base area, and resort infrastructure improvements. Hoody’s Base Camp (formerly the Double Diamond), slopeside in Purgatory Village, will received a major overhaul and now offers family style lodge dining for breakfast and lunch, a game room and après-ski at a cozy bar. Hoody’s deck overlooks the slopes. Purgy’s beach and the Playground mini-terrain park, provide the perfect spot for family lunch. For après-ski, as mom and dad relax on the deck the kids can try their hand on flat rails and boxes in the Playground. Other capital improvements include, $50,000 directed towards upgrading pumps and hoses for the snowmaking system. Purgatory Rentals upgraded the adult ski boot rental fleet, featuring the Nordica Easy Move for men and women and DMR’s Mountain Adventure School is relocated to new offices in the Village Plaza. Guests can book Adult and Kids Mountain Adventure School for ski and snowboard lessons, as well as the flagship Learn-To-Ride program. Also, the Central Reservations system has been overhauled. It now includes a new call center and expanded on line booking. Since DMR has taken over management of both Cascade Village and the Lodge at Tamarron, making the resort the place to call for any of your lodging needs. You can reach them at 1-800-693-2398. Purgatory Junior Freeride Team. Durango is home to some of the best learning terrain in the Rockies and the original home of Jack Turner’s Snow Monsters. It is no wonder Purgatory Mountain is crawling with young skiers and snowboarders who tear up the slopes. For the 2004-05 winter season, DMR proudly announced the new Purgatory Jr. Freeride Team, designed to help area youngsters hone their skills and get a taste of competition. Five skiers and snowboarders, ages 8-14, were selected last spring in a rigorous one-day tryout. The Purgatory Freeride Team includes some of the most accomplished young athletes on the mountain, with skills in the halfpipe, on rails, bumps, steeps and in the air. The team will represent the resort at area events and competitions. They will also focus on DMR’s Expression Session Series and they will develop their skills for the 2005 Next Snow Search. Buck’s Dinner Sleigh Rides Relocates into Resort Buck’s Livery has long been a staple of DMR activities, but winter operations will move into the main part of the resort this year, beginning at the Columbine learning area. Sleigh rides will travel along Purgatory Mountain and beneath the Hermosa Cliffs. Columbine’s classic Forest Service cabins will serve as the dining hall for authentic western dinners, complete with cowboy poetry. Buck’s tours run twice daily during the winter season, and reservations are recommended. You can reach Buck’s at 970-385-2110, or 1-800-982-6102 DMR extension 110. Snowmobile Adventures ads Mini-Z’s Chip White’s Snowmobile Adventures will add five Mini-Z snowmobiles this winter to its already impressive fleet. This offers the chance for kids 6-12 years to feel the thrill of flying across the snow. The 120cc Mini-Z’s max out at 8-10 miles per hour, and will be available on weekends and holidays in the resort’s Columbine area. Snowmobile Adventures operates out of DMR’s base area, with access to 35,000 acres of San Juan National Forest. Tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter season. They offer rides for all levels and group sizes, including several high performance sleds for experienced riders. Snowmobile Adventures can be reached at 970-385-2141 or1- 800-982-6102 DMR extension 141, and reservations are recommended. Bio-Diesel Durango Mountain Resort continues to take the environmental lead in southwest Colorado, setting the benchmark with some of the most aggressive environmental standards seen to date under its new development plan. For winter 2004-05, DMR will begin use of bio-diesel fuel in the on-mountain fleet. During the winter of 2003-04, DMR tested this new product in a small number of vehicles used at the resort, and began using bio-diesel in the transportation fleet during the summer months. Now the environmentally friendly fuel will be used in the entire on-mountain fleet. This includes groomers, snowcats and snow removers. DMR is one of two resorts in Colorado using the bio-diesel mixture on the snow. Paradise Terrain Park The Paradise Terrain Park, was lauded last season as the best new park in Colorado, will see a relocated and bigger and better halfpipe, new rails and trickier jumps. The park also includes the Hatch rail, named for local Silas Hatch; who, along with fellow high school students created the rail in their ceramics class. For more info please call 1-800-693-2398 or visit www.durangomountainresort.com. |
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