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Change of Strategy

clock November 19, 2008 00:50 by author rrbutler

courtesy of Mt Snow

 This is interesting.  Since the change of ownership, many interesting things have happened here.

Mount Snow Changing Snow Reports to Reflect Accuracy

WEST DOVER, VT (November 17, 2008) – With a new strategy of reporting open acreage instead of open trails, Mount Snow announced today that it is changing its snow reporting methods to more accurately convey terrain availability and snow conditions. 

“The bottom line is that a trail count does not tell the whole story,” said Tim Boyd, president of Mount Snow’s parent company, Peak Resorts. 

The new move, unique to the New England ski industry, will make acreage the standard measurement of open terrain. The overall percentage of available terrain – calculated using open acreage and not trails – will also be prominently reported. 

“An acre is an acre. There’s no gray area,” said Boyd. 

Boyd pointed out, “In the past, we could report 28 open trails, but in reality there were only 4 top to bottom runs made up of connectors and ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ portions of trails. Then, if we reported 54 out of 107 trails it gave the impression that our mountain was 50% open, when in fact, only about 25% of our terrain was skiable.” 

“New England has a credibility problem when it comes to reporting open terrain,” said Boyd.” We’re trying to overcome that and be more transparent.” 

Boyd cited Snowdance, a popular intermediate trail on the Main Face of the mountain, as an example of the misleading nature of high trail counts. “Snowdance has 24 skiable acres. On the other hand, Upper Lodge, Lodge, Choke, Charlie’s Chase, Yard Sale, Uncle’s and Launch Pad, added all together, comprise just 19 acres. In this case, one trail has more acreage than seven trails combined,” said Boyd. 

Since purchasing Mount Snow in April, 2007, Peak has installed over 250 new-technology fan guns, the most of any resort in North America. Boyd explained that these machines can “cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time,” and guests can expect excellent coverage on wide trails. “A trail count doesn’t tell you about the fantastic conditions on large, spacious trails – acreage lets you know that you’ve got lots of trail to play with, and, by the way, we’ve got great snow on those trails.” 

All other statistics, such as open mileage, new snowfall, base depth, etc., will be reported as usual. Guests will still be able to see exactly which trails are open, and if they’ve seen grooming or snowmaking in the past 24 hours, by visiting Mount Snow’s website or referring to on-site snow reports. 

Tree skiing will also see a major change, as all nine of the mountain’s glades will be open at all times, from opening day to closing day. Tree skiing will not be included in open acreage statistics. 

Boyd added that, by next season, he plans on restructuring the trail names at Mount Snow. He would eliminate “upper” and “lower” portions of trails and designate summit to base trails as one unit. “This ‘name game’ is misleading, and we’re no longer going to hide behind it,” said Boyd. 

A full explanation of the new snow reporting philosophy can be found on Mount Snow’s website, www.mountsnow.com. 
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Sunapee Program

clock November 16, 2008 03:57 by author rrbutler

courtesy of Mount Sunapee Resort

 

MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT LAUNCHES A NEW SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SKIERS AND RIDERS AGES 13-17.

Newbury, NH – (November 10, 2008) – The new skills development program at Mount Sunapee Resort called MyPlace, is truly a 

program that skiers and riders ages 13-17 can call their own.  They helped design it.
 
During July, 2008 Mount Sunapee staff held conference calls with young skiers and boarders ages 13-17 to help create a program just for them.  Mount Sunapee asked what they wanted out of a program, what would make it fun, 

what Mount Sunapee should do and shouldn’t do.  “These kids were amazing”, says Maura Gorman, director of the Learning Center at 

Mount Sunapee.  “They were prepared, articulate and knew exactly what they wanted and didn’t want.” 
 
The panel definitely wanted to improve their skills, but not on the “bunny” slopes.  Hence, MyPlace is for intermediate and advanced 

skiers and boarders and their classroom will be the Main Mountain at MountSunapee including the glades, mogul runs and terrain parks.  

Skiers and riders will be grouped by age and personal goals in a fast-paced two hour session.
 
To make it “fun” the instructor will capture the session on a hand-held video camera and then the video will be posted on a MyPlace page on the Mount Sunapee web site.  While the video might be used 

as a teaching aid during the session, the panel felt that it was just as important to capture the “personality” of the group on video.
 
One thing the panel was unanimous about was that the word “teen” not be used in any way, shape or form to describe the program.   
 
Two-hour MyPlace sessions are available weekends and holidays at Mount Sunapee at 10:00am and 1:00pm.  Each session costs $50 per 

person.  For more information contact the Learning Center at MountSunapee at 603-763-3500 or go to mountsunapee.com.


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Big Air Bag

clock November 12, 2008 11:36 by author rrbutler

Courtesy of Windham Mountain

 

WINDHAM, NY- Ready to fly? The 'Big Air Bag' (www.bigairbag.com) arrives at Windham Mountain on December 13-14, 2008, just in time for the holidays. Designed as a training tool for skiers and riders, the huge air-filled pad cushions the landing for aerial maneuvers. The Big Air Bag is manufactured by BigAirBag B.V. in The Netherlands, and Windham Mountain will be the sole distributor of this product in the United States.

 

Measuring 56 feet long by 33 feet wide, this inflatable compression bag will be situated near the halfpipe where skiers and riders will have easy access and visibility. The black and yellow double-compartmentalized bag is made of a heavy guage nylon and refills every 10 seconds to allow for a constant flow of traffic. 

 

Windham Mountain's freestyle skiing and snowboard programs will be able to take advantage of the BigAirBag as a training aide, offering a great opportunity to take these programs to the next level. Athletes who are ready to perfect their routines can land safely on the bag. Prior to using the bag, Windham Mountain will require the viewing of a short video to educate athletes as to the proper use of the bag. Once out on the snow, the skier or rider goes off a kicker jump, performing the desired aerial maneuver, and then lands on the BigAirBag. The bag allows the athlete to slide off onto the snow easily.

 

With this year's major improvements to Windham Mountain's base lodge and on-mountain upgrades, the addition of this fun attraction is just icing on the cake. Windham's guests will be flying higher than ever before! A 'BigAirBag Bash' will be held on December 26-27 to celebrate its arrival.

 

For more information check out   www.windhammountain.com 


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Green Guide

clock November 5, 2008 12:05 by author rrbutler

THE SKI VERMONT GREEN GUIDE

Courtesy of Ski Vermont 

In Vermont, lovingly called the Green Mountain State, one dynamic and intrinsic aspect of the local mindset is devoted to our surroundings – from the soil we tread on to the art we make and the air we breathe. In these Greener Mountains, it’s easy to unearth stories of caring for Ma’ Nature by gritty analysis of carbon offsets or a heartfelt grassroots project….put plainly, we dig this stuff. 

Those fortunate enough to live and play in the Green Mountain State have a reputation for being eco-friendly and for blazing innovative paths, big and small, on their journey toward carbon-neutrality. 

Mad River Glen, known for its environmental stewardship, is taking “going carbon neutral” to a new level. Not only does Mad River Glen offset their entire operational footprint, Mad River Glen is working toward truly offsetting the emissions from both operations and skier commutes to the mountain. 

Mad River Glen, with The Stark Mountain Foundation (SMF), implemented the “Ski Green If You Can” carbon offset program. Mad River Glen used an SMF grant to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the emissions from the ski area’s already-minimal operations. What sets Mad River’s program apart from others in the ski industry is that it also tackles the impact of skiers commuting to the mountain, similar to Middlebury College Snow Bowl, which offset operations and transportation. 

Spruce Peak at Stowe, Stowe Mountain Resort’s new base-area development, has earned two distinct honors from Audubon International, a non-profit environmental organization: Spruce Peak at Stowe is the first mountain resort in the U.S. to earn Audubon’s Green Community Award and the first in Vermont to have its golf course designated as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. 

Stowe Mountain Resort is enjoying a dramatic resurgence fueled by Spruce Peak at Stowe, a new slopeside community, and enhancements to the ski area encompassing Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Spruce Peak at Stowe, features fine residences, a new luxury hotel called Stowe Mountain Lodge, a world-class spa and wellness center, an 18-hole golf course, a dining and retail esplanade and swimming pool. The environmentally sound development was started in 2003, and is concentrated on only 35 of 2,000 pristine acres. For more information, visit the web site Sprucepeak.com. 

Stratton Mountain sees the Vermont’s maple resource as a vehicle for sustainability. The recipient of two Vermont Governor’s Awards for environmental excellence and winners of three Silver Eagle environmental awards, Stratton knows the environment is a ski and snowboard resort’s No. 1 asset. This year, Stratton’s Fresh Tracks initiative employs the services of local, green certified, Brattleboro logging company Allard Lumber to extract timber from 494 acres of land. The sugar and red maple cut from the Stratton land will be part of a pilot program initiated by Redstart Forestry and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF). The logs are cut and harvested from the Stratton lands, milled at Allard Lumber and will ultimately end up at Copeland Furniture in Bradford, Vt. They will be turned into two lines of quality Forest Stewardship Council certified hard wood furniture. The program aims to aggregate the supply of Vermont grown sustainably logged wood and maintain a chain of custody from tree to finished product. 

Last year Killington Resort and Pico Mountain set out to reduce their overall carbon footprint by initiating a resort-wide co-mingled recycling program, setting a no-idling policy for all company owned vehicles, - including snowcats - and installing Freeaire systems, which uses outside winter air for cooling, on six of Killington’s walk-in coolers. 

Smugglers’ Notch keeps Green through various initiatives, from protecting bears and birds to recycling. For reducing its carbon footprint, Smuggs was recognized with the 2006-2007 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence & Pollution Prevention. This award was based on Smuggs’ effort to reduce its carbon footprint and establish a trend to purchase offsets. Smuggs chose to reduce rather than solely offset its carbon footprint over the years. They have accomplished this through construction of 5-star energy rated homes, use of an electric Club Car in the shuttle system, installation of solar hot water panels, development of a no-idling policy for resort vehicles, use of bio-diesel in off-road equipment, the purchase of an electric compressor for snowmaking and several other initiatives. 

For ways to help guests decrease their carbon footprints, Smuggs also offers a Ride Share web forum and offers free weekend and holiday transportation in three surrounding counties. Catch a Ride! 

Bromley’s most recent green initiatives involve Green-wear biodegradable plastic cups – now used throughout the resort – and of all things, French fries. To wit, the vegetable oil used to cook up all of those yummy fries does double duty; once its cooking day is done, that oil goes on to fire up the waste-oil furnace that heats Bromley’s maintenance facilities all winter long. A bit further down the road, once a refining system is in place, Bromley plans to use “French Fry Power” to fuel its fleet of diesel vehicles. 

Thinking of new ways to protect the environment on which we thrive is the norm. Acting green, Mount Snow already recycles spent cafeteria grease for shuttle bus fuel, re-circulates excess heat from snowmaking compressors to warm the base lodge, saves company vehicles’ used motor oil to heat buildings and purchases soy-based inks to print all on-site signs. 

Okemo Mountain Resort’s culture for environmental stewardship starts at the top with owners Tim and Diane Mueller and filters down to the day-to-day commitment of Okemo’s staff. Two years ago, the Muellers started offsetting 100 percent of Okemo’s electric energy use through the purchase of renewable energy certificates. 

The Environmental Committee of Okemo (ECO), made up of volunteer staff members, has expanded Okemo’s recycling program to a single-stream system. Through education and regular communication with staff members, ECO has helped lay the groundwork for a workplace culture where individuals can and do make a difference. 

For those traveling to Ascutney Mountain Resort, taking the train is an option that makes sense, economically and environmentally. Amtrak’s Vermonter Line starts every morning from Washington, D.C. and follows the eastern seaboard through nearly every major city en route to Windsor, Vt., only five miles from Ascutney Mountain Resort’s front door. 

As a small Vermont ski area, Magic Mountain still aims to move forward as an environmentally friendly ski area. In order to accomplish this goal, Magic works on the small tasks. To start, Magic is increasing its recycling efforts mountain wide. Not only will Magic be recycling cans and bottles, but a new office paper recycling program is now cutting down on waste. Also, Magic is replacing many light fixtures with energy efficient CFL bulbs. Finally, the employees of Magic have developed a task force to become more energy efficient. They aim to make their mountain a leader in environmental stewardship in the northeast ski industry. 

NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE GALLON, KILOWATT & DOLLAR 
- 100. That’s the percentage of power that these resorts offset with the purchase of renewable energy credits: Killington, Mad River Glen, Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Okemo Mountain Resort, Pico Mountainand Stratton. 
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl was the first ski area to take carbon neutrality to the level of offsetting electric, gas, propane, diesel and bio-diesel usage, as well as skier transportation to and from the ski area. In its first season, 2006-2007, the ski area offset 679.9 tons. 
- Stratton will offset 22 million pounds of CO2 and recycle 107 tons.Smuggler’s Notch will recycle 80 tons and compost another seven this season. Smuggs has already kept 688 tons of CO2 emissions from reaching the atmosphere. 
- Mount Snow’s 251 new fan guns require 1/3 the energy of traditional air/water guns. Each fan gun has its own onboard air compressor that eliminates the need for diesel-powered air compressors and saves an average of 200,000 gallons of fuel per year. Vermont already has the lowest carbon footprint of any state, and the resorts aim to help keep it that way. 
- At Killington, millions of dollars were invested into snowmaking efficiencies and Low Energy snow guns have reduced the resort’s diesel consumption by more than 30 percent and electricity by 25 percent over the past three years. 
- With one of its most critical operations—snowmaking, Sugarbush is following Rule One of being green; reduce and conserve. Since installing 230 low-energy snowmaking nozzles in 2006, Sugarbush has reduced its electrical demand by over five million kilowatt hours and saved close to 200,000 gallons in fuel consumption, which has resulted in the reduction of 250,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. And it turns out being green lets a little green flow to the bottom line; total estimated savings: $300,000. 
- Okemo’s major energy savings is manifest in the resort’s efficient snowmaking system. Although the resort has used HKD tower guns for years, last year’s introduction of HKD SV10s and Genesis tower guns allowed Okemo to make the same amount of snow as in previous years using a reduced amount of energy. The result was a fuel-cost savings of $140,000. More SV10s are being added to the arsenal this year. Also, the Muellers’ purchase of wind power saved the release of approximately 18,800 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere the first year they offset the mountain and their commitment to wind energy continues today. 

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Snowbird opens

clock November 5, 2008 11:56 by author rrbutler

Courtesy of Snowbird

 

Snowbird Announces 2nd Earliest Opening Ever
opening day friday, nov. 7
 
Snowbird, Utah – Continuing the tradition of offering the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort will open Friday, Nov. 7.

 This year’s opening marks the second earliest start to a season in the resort’s 38-year history.
 
“This storm and the subsequent lake effect have provided a timely blanket of snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar.

 “Skiing early season powder is a great way to kick off the season.”
 
Snowbird will be offering the Aerial Tram and two lifts, Gadzoom and Mid-Gad, to skiers and riders beginning Friday at 9 a.m. Expected open terrain includes Regulator Johnson from the top of Hidden Peak, as well as

 Big Emma and Bassackwards. Additional lifts and terrain will open as conditions permit. The Snowbird Center and Creekside Lodge will be offering

 multiple food, merchandise and equipment rental options throughout the weekend.
 
More than 3 feet of snow has fallen in November, and cold temperatures have allowed snow guns to operate, adding to the already impressive early 

season snow totals. 

 Last year, Snowbird received 611 inches of The Greatest Snow on Earth® and had a 183-day season with skiing and riding from Nov. 30 to June 22.
 
Snowbird is offering an early season ticket price of $62 and chair passes will be honored to access the Tram until additional terrain opens. 

Early season lodging packages are currently available starting at $99/night through much of December.
  
For more information or to see photos of the current conditions, visit www.snowbird.com. Live shots of the current storm’s snow accumulation can be 

seen using Snowbird’s SnowCam at www.snowbird.com/snowcam.
 
For media information or digital images of the snow, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com.
 


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Vermont Resort Opening Dates

clock October 31, 2008 11:27 by author rrbutler

Courtesy of SkiVermont

Tentative opening dates for Vermont alpine resorts include:

KILLINGTON:  NOV. 14
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT:  NOV. 15
SUGARBUSH:  NOV. 22
STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT:  NOV. 22
STRATTON:  NOV. 26
JAY PEAK:  NOV. 28
BROMLEY:  NOV. 28
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH:  NOV. 28
BOLTON VALLEY:  DEC. 6
BURKE MOUNTAIN:  DEC. 6
TRAPP FAMILY LODGE:  DEC. 10
PICO MOUNTAIN:  DEC. 12
MAGIC MOUNTAIN:  DEC. 13
MIDDLEBURY SNOW BOWL:  DEC.13
COCHRAN’S:  DEC. 20
MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT:  DEC. 20
*MOUNT SNOW:   As soon as Weather Permits
*MAD RIVER GLEN:  ASAP, After Thanksgiving

For more info - - please check out www.Skivermont.com

 




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Pocono Highlights

clock October 31, 2008 11:08 by author rrbutler

 

 

courtesy of 

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau 


 


 

WELCOME ADDITIONS HIGLIGHT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

THIS 2008-09 WINTER SEASON

Ski Areas Announce Winter Upgrades and Renovations including efficient snow making techniques

 

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, September 26, 2008 – The Pocono Mountains are ready to usher in a successful 2008-09 ski season with a number of top ski areas announcing exciting improvements and upgrades.  A green-friendly movement headlines the new changes, as the region’s ski areas look to improve their recycling initiatives, efficient snow making techniques and reduction of energy use.  With hundreds of ski trails over seven exhilarating mountains, the region provides heart-thumping adventures to ski bunnies of all levels with the following:

 

Alpine Mountain Ski & Ride Center in Analomink (alpinemountain.com)

  • The terrain park and half-pipe have been redesigned and will offer new and exciting rails and boxes.
  • Alpine’s rental shop will once again be re-stocked and upgraded with equipment from Elan, Salomon and Vans, with an emphasis on the ‘Lids on Kids’ program.
  • Alpine’s snowmaking system has been upgraded to insure the production of snow throughout the season.
  • The base of the snow tubing park has been redone with many editions to Penguin Play Park, keeping young children as entertained as the big kids.
  • Expanded party rooms and arrangements allow for more options and entertainment.

 

Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton (skibluemt.com)

  • The new trail ‘Dreamweaver’ is set to open. This ½ mile long intermediate level trail will not only be 100 ft. wide in its entirety, but also have automated snowmaking and lights installed throughout.
  • The snowtubing park will have a new conveyor lift doubling uphill capacity, allowing for more tubes and tubing lanes.
  • Snowtubing will have a new building with seating for up to 250 people, a cafeteria with great food and live entertainment every Thursday night.
  • Blue Mountain also adds more lockers, an upgraded fleet of rental equipment and a new guests services department to make sure customers are fully satisfied.

 

Camelback in Tannersville (skicamelback.com)

  • Camelback Mountain Resort will install 110 low energy snow guns.  The addition of these guns will reduce the ski area’s energy consumption and eliminate the use of 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
  • By extending its partnership with Burton and Salomon, Camelback becomes the only resort in Pennsylvania to be considered a Burton women’s, youth andFreestyle Learn-to-Ride Center. 
  • They have also added over 150 women specific Burton LTR boards and 2,000 pairs of front entry Salomon ski boots that include women, men and toddler specific sizes.
  • Camelback adds the addition of a new Prinoth Bison X Terrain Park Groomer, new lighting and 500 feet of vertical to terrain parks and pipes.

 

Jack Frost Mountain in Blakeslee and Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony (jfbb.com)

  • JFBB continues to increase and improve snowmaking abilities by installing new snow guns that reduce energy costs and assure the production of an abundance of snow early and late in the season.
  • Big Boulder’s Tannenbaum slope has been converted to a new terrain park snow lovers will enjoy.
  • All buildings and guest areas have been improved to reflect the color scheme of their brand.
  • JFBB has also upgraded their fleet of rental equipment including Burton snowboard boots, new boards, skis and ski boots.

 

Shawnee Mountain in Shawnee on Delaware (shawneemt.com)

·         Ten new electric fan snow guns have been added on the Little Chief Beginners’ Area and in the Learning Center. 

·         Shawnee Mountain has formally applied with the Saint Francis University Renewable Energy Center to conduct a study as to the feasibility of installing wind turbines to eventually produce renewable electric energy.

·         Shawnee Mountain has purchased 500 pairs of new Elan Shaped Skis, 150 new Rossignol Snowboards and 200 pairs of new Dalbello Ski Boots. 

·         Shawnee added snow features, more innovative rails and improved jump lines in both the novice Incubator Park and the advanced Bushkill Park.

 

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. Lackawaxen (ski-bigbear.com)

  • Ski Big Bear will be installing an additional Magic Carpet lift on the beginner hill, helping new skiers to improve their skills at a quicker pace.
  • Increased and improved snowmaking abilities, an updated and expanded terrain park, and snow guns that reduce energy costs highlight other key improvements to the mountain.

 

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.

 

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

                                                                                                                                 

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania. 

 

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KILLINGTON’S 50TH BIRTHDAY WEEKEND FEATURES EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, $50 DISCOUNTED LIFT TICKET

clock October 30, 2008 04:41 by author skibikmike

Here is a deal for an early season party at Killington, as you can see below there are just 1958 medallions available at this price so act quickand go on line. The ski and stay package is also a good deal. many areas offer ski and stay packages. So when you are interested in going check out the resort of your choice for the ski and stay packeges.This information was issued on the 28th of October so there still may be tickets. If you find out that they are sold out, let us know at snowchronicles so we can let others know.

 Killington Resort is celebrating its 50th Birthday December 12-14 with numerous events and activities for the entire family, including a special commemorative 50th birthday medallion valid for a full weekend of skiing and riding.

To commemorate the founding of the resort on Dec. 13, 1958, Killington will offer 1,958 50th Birthday medallions valid for skiing and riding the weekend of Dec. 13-14. The $50 commemorative medallions will be available for purchase through Killington’s website beginning Nov. 14. In addition to skiing and riding, medallion holders will enjoy a variety of discount opportunities from Killington Chamber of Commerce members, preferred lift access and other resort benefits. Special 50th Birthday Ski and Stay Packages, including commemorative medallions, start at just $62 per person, per night.

“The entire weekend of events and activities will offer our guests an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful heritage and history of our resort,” said Chris Nyberg, Killington president and general manager. “There are many traditions that began and innovations that have taken place over the past 50 years here at Killington. From ski lift and snowmaking technology, to the ticket wicket and the Graduated Length Method of teaching, and we want to celebrate and honor those accomplishments and the folks that made it happen.”

While not an invention or even an innovation at Killington, the ski sweater was a statement of style on the slopes. Break out your White Stag, Obermeyer, CB Sports, Icelandic or Roffe ski sweater as the Ski Sweater Soirée kicks off the 50th Birthday weekend Friday night, Dec. 12 at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa. Honoring the founders, pioneers and those instrumental in building Killington Resort as the premiere winter destination in the east, the Ski Sweater Soirée will feature photos and memorabilia from the first 50 years, along with dinner and dancing! Killington’s own Joey Leone and his Chop Shop Band will open the Ski Sweater Soirée with classic jazz sounds for the cocktail hour and dinner, and then turn up the volume for an evening of dancing and celebration.

Saturday’s events include a Poker Run throughout the resort and historical mountain tours. Saturday evening, Killington kicks off its Birthday Party at the Snowshed Lodge with a torchlight parade, followed by a snowcat parade down Snowshed Slope. Live après entertainment fills the Long Trail Pub from 6-8 p.m. along with kid’s activities and entertainment will feature magic shows, sing-a-longs, face painting and of course cake and ice cream from 6-8 p.m. at the Snowshed Lodge. From 8-10 p.m. at the Resort Center the lively sounds of Diamond Neil will fill the lodge, and of course a huge birthday cake.

Opening for business on Dec. 13, 1958 with two surface lifts and seven trails, today Killington Resort stretches across seven mountain areas, including Pico Mountain, and features 30 lifts - including three express gondolas and seven express chairs – which provide access to the highest lift-served ski terrain in Vermont at 4,241 feet off Killington Peak. Killington’s 88 miles of diverse terrain includes 191 trails and provides skiers and riders of all ability levels a choice of wide-open groomed cruisers, narrow classic New England runs, moguls, steeps and 13 tree skiing areas. 
 

This will be a fun weekend, hope you all can get out there and enjoy the festivities. Early skiing at Killington is always great!!!


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New things at Le Massif Que

clock October 28, 2008 11:40 by author rrbutler

Courtesy of LeMassif

 

Le Massif is a ski area that soars to near excess. Accessed via the summit, trails present the

steepest vertical in Eastern Canada and a unique microclimate delivers the finest natural snow

coverage in Québec. Riverside scenery ranks among the most beautiful in the country, while hors

piste skiing after a snowstorm rates tops in the East – all this, at the heart of a territory designated

as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond its natural attributes, year after year the ski area has always introduced something fresh

to keep its passionate slide sport fans content. With 26 additional acres of hors piste skiing, 4

new glades, a special glade run for youngsters and a newly-relocated terrain park that’s bigger

and better than ever, the 2008-09 season is full of surprises.

 

An Extended Hors Piste Sector – Ski A Total of 34 Acres!

 

Given the popularity of last year’s experience, Mont à Liguori now boasts an additional 26 acres

of hors piste skiing, increasing this sector’s overall skiable terrain to 34 acres. Departing from the

highest peak at 800 metres, the new runs face south-east and finish at 550 metres – last year’s

only access point!

 

4 More Glades to Explore, Challenge and Savour…

 

The Grande-Pointe Sector raises the bar for intermediates and experts: La Chaudière threads its

way down 400 metres between Le Mur and La Pioché, while La Vieille-Côte skirts the glades

tucked between La Petite-Rivière and La Gagnon. La Dérive and La Coursive combine to offer

350 metres of downhill pleasure between La Misaine and L’Archipel.

 

A Specially-Adapted Glade Run for Youngsters…

 

Over 4 acres of terrain are now devoted to the special enjoyment of children. Starting at the

summit chalet facing the trails, La Rigolette transports children through an enchanted 200-metre

glade and leads to a slope rated easy, La Jean-Noël.

 

A Newly-Relocated, Bigger & Better than Ever Terrain Park!

 

More natural features, more space – that’s what Le Massif’s new terrain park is all about. Newly

relocated to include sections of La Grande-Pointe and L’Anse is a freestylers’ paradise sprawling

over 8 acres, complete with standard and natural features harmonized into a gladed section.

 

For more information about Le Massif and What’s New in 2008-09, please visit

www.lemassif.com or contact us at 1 877 Le Massif (536-2774).


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It's snowing

clock October 28, 2008 05:29 by author skibikmike
Well the weather report was right, even though as I look out my window it is raining , it is snowing in the higher elevations. Here are a couple pictures from just across the street from Hunter mountain. taken This morning and there was about 4" on the ground already. Makes you get goosebumps, from the anticipation of  being able to ski sooner than later. Enjoy the pictures. 

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