Month: January 2019

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First National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day in the US.

Mt Hood Meadows. Learn to Ski and Snowboard. First National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day in the US.

First National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day in the US.

Approximately 6,200 Beginner Ski or Snowboard Lessons Taught on 1/11/19 – National Learn to Ski or Snowboard Day

I have always be interested in how to create skiers and boarders, and when I was young and working at CBMR (Crested Butte Mountain Resort), I remember they had a program of Learn to Ski Free with no strings attached! It was a massive success and it made lots of people learn their first steps in the snow in Crested Butte, and wanting to come for more! I can see this, (without too much science behind), having started with my youngest son skiing in Pila, Aosta Valley, Italy. He does not want to go to any other resort, he is so not interested. You create very loyal skiers of learners, so that is something for the industry to think about. This kind of program in the States is something to imitate. I am not aware of something like that in Europe, though there might be programs like that – I would be keen to know – please email me at info@the-ski-guru.com if you have such info. But here is the story of today:

Mt Hood Meadows. Learn to Ski and Snowboard. First National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day in the US.
Mt Hood Meadows. Learn to Ski and Snowboard. First National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day in the US.

Friday January 11, 2019 was the snow sports industry’s first National Learn to Ski or Snowboard Day at resorts throughout the U.S. Many resorts offered special deals for newcomers to take beginner lessons from professional instructors as a way to celebrate the sports. It was part of the industry’s annual Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

Organizers estimate that participating resorts provided approximately 6,200 beginner lessons on that day. Results are based on information reported by resorts that signed up on the www.learntoskiandsnowboard.org web site as well as others that participated but did not sign up on the web site.

 

“We wanted to create a special day that would shine a spotlight on taking beginner lessons from professional instructors and to set an industry record for the most beginner lessons provided in a single day at U.S. locations,” explained Mary Jo Tarallo, director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard (Month)/Bring a Friend initiative. “We tried for a Guinness World Record in 2016 but their requirements are strict and not really suited for compliance by multiple locations in four different time zones. So, we decided to do our own thing.” The Guinness try generated about 6,000 lessons but no official record.

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What is New at Les 2 Alpes this season.

Winter at Les 2 Alpes. Photo Nils Louna - Les 2 Alpes. Skiing amongst friends. What is New at Les 2 Alpes this season.

What is New at Les 2 Alpes this season – Les 2 Alpes season is well underway and the resort will be opened until 27th April 2019. This young, dynamic and international resort has guaranteed snow with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Located at 1650 m with slopes from 1300 m to 3600, it offers a great vertical drop of 3000 m. Les Deux Alpes is home to 2,100 inhabitants, 3,000 seasonal workers and 29,265 tourist beds. The French make more than half its clientele, with 55.9% total visits while Britain is the leading non-French source of guests with 18.8% visits. This is followed up by Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic and Canada.

These tourist beds include 29 hotels, with two 4-star, eight 3-star, eight 2-star hotels amongst others.

Winter in Les 2 Alpes. Photo b Yoann Peisin. Les 2 Alpes. What is New at Les 2 Alpes this season.
Winter in Les 2 Alpes. Photo b Yoann Peisin. Les 2 Alpes. What is New at Les 2 Alpes this season.

To get to Les 2 Alpes you can go by plane to Grenoble Alpes Isère airport (1h30m away), Lyon Saint Exupėry (2 hours) or Geneva airport (2h30m away). If you come by train, from Grenoble train station, it is one hour by car or 1h30 m by bus.

What is new in terms of investment and future projects:

A number of these long-term development projects have started in May 2018. Les 2 Alpes is positioning as benchmark and market leader amongst French ski resorts. Over the next five years, Les 2 Alpes’ large-scale projects represent an investment of almost 500 million Euros (ski lifts, ski run equipment, expanding the artificial snow cover, leisure properties and public infrastructure).

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Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3

Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3 - New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship. Photo courtesy of Aspen Skiing Company.

Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3 – New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship

 For the ninth year in a row, Aspen Snowmass, is scheduled to host the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Saturday, Mar. 2. For athletes not quite ready to take on the full course, participants have the option to race the Power of Two that covers the last two mountains of the full route, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain.

New this year, The Power of Four will play host to the National Championships for both the team and vertical disciplines.

Snowmass Burnt Mountain Climb. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3. New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship.
Snowmass Burnt Mountain Climb. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3. New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship.

The new Vertical Race will take place on Aspen Mountain Sunday, Mar. 3 with a 7 a.m. start at the base of the mountain. Racers will skin roughly 2,000 feet to the finish line and awards will be held at the base after the race.

“We are excited to be selected as the host resort for two of this year’s national championship events” says, Daragh Kneeshaw, events marketing manager, Aspen Skiing Company. “As the race grows in popularity each year, we are ready to welcome and watch the top athletes in the US compete on our home stage.”

The Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race is the winter edition of the Power of Four series that includes both a bike and run race in the summer. The ski mountaineering event tests athlete’s endurance as they race in teams of two across all four area mountains on a grueling course that covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of vertical climb. Teams start in Snowmass Village at 6 a.m., traverse to West Buttermilk, skin up Aspen Highlands, including Highland Bowl, ski down the backside of Aspen Highlands along the Congo Trail, skin up Midnight Mine Road and proceed to ski down the front side of Aspen Mountain to complete the race in Gondola Plaza.

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Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring

Breckenridge - Peaks 6 to 10- Wideview. Photo by Brent Clark- Breckenridge Ski Resort. Vail Resorts. Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring.

Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring 

Combined with Keystone’s recently announced capital improvement proposal to upgrade snowmaking and position the resort to be the first to open in Colorado, the two Summit County resorts will offer one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country.

After a record-breaking start to the winter season, Breckenridge Ski Resort announced today plans to extend the 2018-19 ski and snowboard season into May, for the first time since the mid-‘90s. The resort will aim to remain open through Memorial Day this season as well as for future seasons, weather and conditions permitting. Paired with Keystone’s recently announced capital improvement proposal—subject to U.S. Forest Service approval—to upgrade snowmaking and help position the resort to be the first to open in Colorado, together Breck and Keystone will offer one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country moving forward.

Never Nesters drink at apres in Breckenridge, CO. Photo Andrew Maguire. Vail Resorts. Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring.
Never Nesters drink at apres in Breckenridge, CO. Photo Andrew Maguire. Vail Resorts. Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring.

“Spring is an incredible time to ski Breck’s High Alpine and we are thrilled to extend our season this year, and beyond, and offer that terrain as long as the snow lasts,” said John Buhler, vice president and chief operating officer at Breckenridge Ski Resort. “With Breck’s notably high elevation and annual snowfall we are well-positioned to provide our passholders and other guests great spring skiing and snowboarding well into May.”

During the extended portion of the season this spring the resort plans to offer skiing and riding out of Peak 7, with access to primarily advanced- and expert-level terrain on Peak 8 in Imperial, Horseshoe and North Bowls, accessed by the Independence SuperChair, Imperial Express SuperChair and the TBar Lift while conditions allow.
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An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

The operation of the Säntis suspension railway (Säntisbahn), from the Schwägalp to the Säntis, will be closed during the next months. The reason for this is the damage to the structure of the first ropeway support, which was affected by an avalanche.

For safety reasons, the operation of the Säntis suspension railway will be suspended until further notice. Neither guests nor employees are transported by the suspension railway. the reason for this is the damage in the lower part of the cable car support. Due to an avalanche decline in the period of Sunday, January 13 and Monday, January 14, the avalanche protection of the prop and the structural construction were affected.

It cannot be said yet how big the damage to the support and the construction is. One must, however, assume that the damage is substantial, and the repair work could take months. In the worst-case scenario, the support will even have to be completely replaced. A project team of experts is currently evaluating the damage and will plan how to proceed with the risk accessed correctly.

An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway
An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

The recent avalanche occurred at the time when the rescue and clearing work of the previous avalanche of 10 January was discontinued on Schwägalp and the access of the whole area was locked for all people. The reason for the interruption of this work was the heavy snowfall associated with the increased avalanche danger. Like the renewed event showed, the risk was correctly assessed by the professionals. Between the first avalanche event and the one that damaged the prop there was a snowfall of 1.5 meters of fresh snow. This strong snowfall, in combination with high wind in the peaks may have led to a renewed avalanche.

This new avalanche had less snow mass displaced than the first avalanche event.  Accordingly, the snow also did not penetrate to the Schwägalp, but came to standstill before.

Due to this recent event, it is assumed that the suspension railway operation Säntis will stop for months. For the employees of the Säntis, the decision of the suspension railway has no consequences, neither financially nor with respect to their employment.

What this means for the current renovation work of the summit restaurant on the Säntis cannot be assessed at this moment. The economic effects cannot be estimated yet. However, the most important thing is to give guests and employees the highest level of safety and security.

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The New Address in Zermatt – Chalet Zen

The New Address in Zermatt – Chalet Zen, photo courtesy of Chalet Zen.

Chalet Zen is the new address in Zermatt. This luxurious, yet cosy and privately-owned chalet is located 100 meters from the piste and main lift up to the glacier, providing access to all of Zermatt and Cervinia ski areas. The chalet is located in an unrivalled position looking up to the majestic Matterhorn and is also a short stroll from the village.

The Chalet Zen offers sleeping accommodation for 8 + 2 in a bunk suite.

The New Address in Zermatt – Chalet Zen, photo courtesy of Chalet Zen.
The New Address in Zermatt – Chalet Zen, photo courtesy of Chalet Zen.

Classically furnished, chalet Zen retains the feel of an authentic Swiss chalet and yet caters for all the modern après ski necessities including massage and steam rooms, an outdoor hot tub, WI-FI, satellite and cable TV channels. The chalet can accommodate 8 + 2 guests in four bedrooms and a bunk-room that can be combined with a 5th bathroom to form a family suite. Three of the four bedrooms have south facing balconies with Matterhorn views and the five luxurious marble bathrooms (4 en-suite) have under-floor heading. There are two spacious living and dining areas with fireplaces along with a small study and well-stocked library of books, DVDs and games to suit all ages. Lift access to all floors.

With a charming, professional manager and concierge, dedicated housekeeping team with chef available on request, Chalet Zen combines supreme comfort and privacy with service of the very highest standard.

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Snowpine Lodge Set to Open January 30, 2019

Snowpine Lodge Final Render. Credit: Snowpine Lodge. Snowpine Lodge Set to Open January 30, 2019.

Snowpine Lodge Set to Open January 30, 2019.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

A major overhaul comes to Alta with the opening of the Snowpine Lodge, the first ski-in/ski-out Luxury Resort in this famous ski area in Utah.

The long-awaited opening of Snowpine Lodge in Alta, Utah is slated for January 30, 2019. The new resort, timed with the simultaneous opening of the adjacent Snowpine ski lift, will up the ante as the first ski-in/ski-out luxury resort in the historic town, known for its laid-back style, rugged terrain and abundant supply of annual powder snow.

Swen's Rendering. Credit: Snowpine Lodge. Snowpine Lodge Set to Open January 30, 2019.
Swen’s Rendering. Credit: Snowpine Lodge. Snowpine Lodge Set to Open January 30, 2019.

Alta is set within the Wasatch Mountain Range, less than 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. It is known for its backcountry landscape, two mountain resorts including Alta Ski Area and Snowbird, as well as a bountiful supply of annual powder snow. Although the city was incorporated in 1970, it has lured visitors since the Silver rush in the 1800’s. Alta become a ski destination in 1938 when its first lift opened. Today, Alta remains an important piece in the development of skiing in Utah. Come the summer months, Alta’s fields flourish with wildflowers and bright blue skies. Visitors can fly-fish, mountain bike, hike and more while enjoying the scenic and diverse terrain.

Snowpine Lodge will be resurrected at the site of the original 1941 Snowpine Lodge and the site of the oldest building in Little Cottonwood Canyon dating back to the Silver rush of the 1800’s. Completely restored from the ground up, the new resort will boast 77 total accommodations including 58 rooms and suites and 19 traditional dorm-style bunk rooms. Premium Rooms include balconies with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon, while all rooms feature premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, slippers and robes, mini-bar, safe and more.

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A group of Bolivian ‘Cholitas’ women to climb Aconcagua

A group of Bolivian ‘Cholitas’ women to climb Aconcagua. Photo Marzena Wystrach Marchowska. Posted on their Facebook page.

A group of Bolivian “Cholitas” – (Aymara indigenous) women to climb the Aconcagua, the Highest Peak of the Americas (6,962 m/22,840 feet). Aconcagua is located in the province of Mendoza, in Argentina and towers the other mountains of the Andes by more than 1,000 meters.

These ‘Cholitas’ have been working cooking for tourist expeditions in the mountains of Bolivia. They got caught with curiosity on why people were coming back, year after year, and started climbing themselves. The feeling of freedom got them hooked and they’ve started doing it more and more.

Aconcagua is a magnet for all climbers. Being the highest peak of the Americas, where the treeline is low, makes it a very tough mountain. It has three climbing routes – the normal route, the Polish Glacier and Traverse route and the third route known as the Direct Route or the Polish Glacier Route. You can read a good article on these routes here.

Aconcagua routes. A group of Bolivian ‘Cholitas’ women to climb Aconcagua.
Aconcagua routes. A group of Bolivian ‘Cholitas’ women to climb Aconcagua.

Aconcagua is also known as the world’s highest ‘trekking peak’ and thousands of hikers attempt to climb it each year. However, it is one of the most underestimated mountains in the world and has one of the lowest summit success rates. Extreme altitude and temperatures going up to -30C, plus having a low treeline, that makes you feel the lack of oxygen sooner, makes Aconcagua a difficult mountain to climb.

These ‘Cholitas’ have left La Paz in Bolivia to get to Mendoza and start their ascent. They are between 24 and 50 years old.

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Shred-Dog stands for High Performance Kids’ Snow Gear with Incredible Value.

Shred-Dog stands for High Performance Kids’ Snow Gear with Incredible Value. Photo courtesy of Shred-Dogs.

Shred-Dog a brand for High Performance Kids’ Snow Gear with Incredible Value for their Parents.

As a parent of growing kids that loves to go skiing and exposing them since little, one thing you recognise is that they grow out of their clothes too quickly. If you do not buy clothing a bit large, you will need to purchase another kit the following ski trip!

So, when I was contacted by the people of Shred-Dog I’ve thought that this was something interesting. As they are a direct-to-consumer brand from Colorado, Shred-Dog focuses exclusively on Kids’ Gear – offering a mix of performance, technical features and great value.

As a winter sports lover, I know that if you kit your kid with average winter clothing, they might be cold and cry a lot when you are outdoors and ruin the day for everyone. I do believe in having good kit for them, but the renown technical brands are too expensive for a growing kid.

This reminds me in how you can buy intelligently ski boots for your kids and have them for some years with Roces Ski Boots.  (Roces Ski Boots expand with your kids’ feet! – another brilliant idea!)

So Shred Dog launched its first collection of high-performance winter apparel for boys and girls from three to fourteen years old.

Marc Dietz with his son Ryker with the Flatirons near Boulder. Courtesy of Shred-Dog. Shred-Dog stands for High Performance Kids’ Snow Gear with Incredible Value.
Marc Dietz with his son Ryker with the Flatirons near Boulder. Courtesy of Shred-Dog. Shred-Dog stands for High Performance Kids’ Snow Gear with Incredible Value.

What’s Different about SHRED DOG™?

Premium Features: SHRED DOG products include premium features typically found only on adult gear, including higher waterproof/breathability ratings, full seam-taping, thigh and underarm vents, 3M™ Thinsulate™ body-mapped insulation, and more.

Adjust-a-Fit System™: The company has also introduced an industry-first innovation called its Adjust-a-Fit™ system. Unlike one-way adjustments on the market that require ripping a seam, SHRED DOG jacket sleeves and pant legs can extend to grow with the child but also retract for hand-me-downs to a younger sibling or simply customizing the fit.

Dallas Moore enjoying the outdoors - Photo courtesy of Shred-Dogs
Dallas Moore enjoying the outdoors – Photo courtesy of Shred-Dogs

Direct-to-Consumer Pricing – SHRED DOG’s model of selling directly to the consumer enables the company to finally deliver the perfect balance of elite performance, kid-centric features, and a lower price previously not available in the outdoor apparel market for kids.

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Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak in Taos

Photo: Taos Ski Resort. Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak.

Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak in Taos

TSV: Two skiers extracted, ‘no additional victims’

From Taos News

Two skiers were critically injured in an avalanche on Thursday (Jan. 17) near Kachina Peak, the highest point at Taos Ski Valley ski resort.

According to a press release from the resort, an “inbounds avalanche” occurred in chute three on Kachina Peak just before noon, burying two men, who have not yet been identified.

Rescuers searching the snow extracted the men just before 1 p.m. and performed CPR on them before rushing them to the base of the resort.

Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak.
Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak.

According to a report heard on Taos Central Dispatch before 3 p.m., a medic transporting one of the men in an ambulance to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos said she had “one male trauma patient,” for whom she had established an IV and an intubator, a medical device that helps a person breath when they are unconscious.

Taos County Emergency Services Chief Chris Medina said the other man was also in critical condition and was being flown by helicopter to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

According to a press release from the ski resort, the search for others who might have been buried was called off after 2 p.m., when rescuers determined there to be “no additional victims.”

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