Category: Alterra Mountain Resorts

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Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Matterhorn at dusk. Photo credit: Marc Weiler. Zermatt Tourism Office. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Ikon Pass expands into Europe with the addition of Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia Valtourneche in Italy for the 2019/20 ski season

Soak up the magic of the Matterhorn as Zermatt in Switzerland becomes the first European destination partner on the Ikon Pass. Now Ikon Pass holders have access to snow at 41 global destinations across five continents.

The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps. Connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access to Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, plus Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy, collectively known as Matterhorn ski paradise.

The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.
The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, also with no blackout dates.

“The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer for Alterra Mountain Company. “Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains. Now they can experience Zermatt’s glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass.”

“Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe,” said Sandra Zenhäusern, Director of Marketing, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

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Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin photo: Dave Camara. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin has made the news recently for leaving the alliance with Vail Resorts and being part of the Epic Pass due to major problems with overcrowding, including parking on US6 that was making it just dangerous for visitors and drivers alike.

Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.
Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

I guess it is difficult to be an independent resort in the current climate of concentration of the ski market in the US, so now A Basin will be part of the competitor of the Epic Pass – the IKON Pass. The IKON Pass can be used in 40 global ski destinations, including six in Colorado, now with A Basin:

Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort.

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Was the past one a great ski season? Enjoy it for now!

Norbert, Nico and Eva playing at Squaw Valley. Alterra Resorts. Was the past one a great ski season? Enjoy it for now!

Was the past one a great ski season? Enjoy it for now!

From Bloomberg Business

This past winter’s weird weather patterns delivered record snowfalls. There are now five North American ski resorts still open and even Mammoth is planning to use its chairlifts in August.

Peak 6 in Breckenridge, CO. Photo Andrew Maguire. Vail Resorts. Was the past one a great ski season? Enjoy it for now!
Peak 6 in Breckenridge, CO. Photo Andrew Maguire. Vail Resorts. Was the past one a great ski season? Enjoy it for now!

The ski industry – a business of $8.4 million in North America has gone from being really bad, to have a good year even when there is a fallout of climate change.

It was a record year for skier days in the US – as the National Ski Areas Association published there was an 11% increase in skier days from the prior year reaching 59 million skier days in the US.

Both Alterra and Vail Resorts have taken advantage of this. From November through April, Vail received 13.7 million skier days – a 20% year on year. Total revenue increased 14.5 percent to $1.8 billion.

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Squaw Valley offering $5 passes to ski or ride in June

Squaw Valley Tram. Photo: Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley offering $5 passes to ski or ride in June.

Squaw Valley offering $5 passes to ski or ride in June.

Squaw Valley is to offer $5 advance-purchase lift tickets every Friday in June with all proceeds benefitting the non-profit Tahoe Fund

Resort to match skier contributions with an additional donation of up to $10,000

Skiers and snowboarders are invited to celebrate spring on the slopes at Squaw Valley with $5 lift tickets on Fridays in June (all ages). “Five Dollar Fridays” will benefit the Tahoe Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, enhance outdoor recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation and inspire greater stewardship of the region.

A rider is ready to take the plunge - Squaw Valley photo. Squaw Valley offering $5 passes to ski or ride in June.
A rider is ready to take the plunge – Squaw Valley photo. Squaw Valley offering $5 passes to ski or ride in June.

All proceeds from advanced online lift ticket sales on Friday June 7, 14, 21 and 28 will support the Tahoe Fund’s goal of raising $35,000 to assist the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition in providing “Bike Racks for Basin Businesses.” Through this program, the Tahoe Fund and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition will provide low- or no-cost bike racks to businesses in the Lake Tahoe Basin to encourage locals and visitors to ride instead of drive.

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Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season

Scenics at Squaw Valley Mountain Resort in Olympic Valley, California.Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season

The Investment is Part of $555 Million Improvement Plan through 2022/2023

Alterra Mountain Company announces its plans to invest $181 million in capital improvements across its 14 North American mountain destinations for the upcoming year. Marquee 2019/2020 projects aimed at enhancing the guest experience include new high-speed lifts at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Winter Park, direct to lift access at Deer Valley Resort, an expansive renovation of the Bobbie Burns lodge at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, and an upgrade of Steamboat’s gondola.

This year’s $181 million plan includes $32.3 million towards improved gondolas and lifts, a $27.1 million investment in innovation to offer customer-friendly technology, $8.3 million towards state-of-the-art snowmaking, $6.2 million dedicated to expanded dining experiences, $6.3 million in summer activity investments, and nearly $10 million in planning efforts to unlock future potential terrain and lift expansions, base area developments, new dining facilities, and four-season activity offerings.

These capital projects are part of an ambitious improvement plan totaling more than half a billion dollars through the 2022/2023 season, focused on elevating the guest experience at all destinations, after an initial $170 million investment for the 2018/2019 season.

“Alterra Mountain Company’s unique year-round mountain destinations offer skiers, riders and summer visitors of all ages from all over the world special, memorable experiences, and each aspect of our business plays a part in bringing the guest back year after year and inspiring a lifelong love of the mountains,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.  “We are committed to investing in everything from lifts to snowmaking to creative dining experiences, and technology that weaves it all together for a seamless visit.”

Early Morning KT-22 Bluebird powder day at Squaw Valley USA. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.
Early Morning KT-22 Bluebird powder day at Squaw Valley USA. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

Significant improvements for the 2019/2020 season include:

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will replace the Hot Wheels lift at Alpine Meadows with a new high-speed quad with an extended second leg to the ridge, granting skiers and riders quicker access to the Alpine and Sherwood areas. New surface lifts at High Camp at Squaw Valley will improve connectivity with High Camp facilities and enhance the beginner experience.

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort will have direct-to-lift access for winter 19/20 after an investment in RFID technology. This will streamline and speed up the on-mountain experience, and Ikon Pass holders will no longer have to visit the ticket window, giving skiers more time on the mountain.

Deer Valley Resort - a Family enjoys their time out. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.
Deer Valley Resort – a Family enjoys their time out. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

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ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee

Snowmaking. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.

 

ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT in the style of Stan Lee

Departing from its usual format, Aspen Skiing Company’s (ASC) twelfth Sustainability Report is a graphic novel. The report highlights Aspen’s history and details the company’s story of how sustainability became one of ASC’s principal efforts.

Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.
Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.

The report follows ASC’s founding, its journey to find a mission beyond skiing, and the impact of the 2016 election on the company’s renewed commitment to community and the environment. It concludes with ASC’s very public stance in support of tolerance and climate action, and the resulting Give a Flake campaign, which evokes Elie Wiesel’s advice that: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.”

More benignly, in true Sustainability Report form, the 2018 version includes data on ASC’s carbon emissions and philanthropic contributions.

“Nobody reads corporate sustainability reports – they’re too boring,” says Auden Schendler, senior vice president of sustainability and one of the report authors. “We decided it’s less important to deliver every detail. Instead, we try to tell the story of our strategic and philosophical evolution, with Batman-style graphics.”

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2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass on-mountain dining establishments announce 2018/19 winter news and events calendar.

Mountain Dining News

Sustainable and Local Food

Aspen Snowmass works closely with local purveyors to ensure that food at on-mountain restaurants is fresh, local and sustainably sourced. All hot-dogs, hamburgers and chili meat are sourced from local, grass-fed beef and on-mountain chicken products, including chicken fingers, come from Boulder Natural Meats. In addition, Aspen Snowmass works with other local sources such as Crystal River Meats, Mountain Primal Meats, Erin’s Acres Farm, Wild Mountain Seeds, Louis Swiss Pastry, Rock Bottom Ranch, Shining Mountains Farm, Colorado Pastured Pork and more.

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass
Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Kid’s Cooler On-Mountain Lunches

This season, Aspen Snowmass is updating the Kid’s Cooler on-mountain lunches to include healthier options. Selections now include hummus, carrots, edamame, fresh fruit, yogurt and applesauce. Kid’s Cooler lunches are available at the Cliffhouse, Bumps, Elk Camp, Merry-Go-Round and Ullrhof.

A Commitment to Composting

On-mountain dining restaurants at Aspen Snowmass are committed to composting. Composting reduces dependence on fossil fuels and improves soil health which greatly decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. It also lessens waste sent to the Pitkin County Landfill, extending the landfill’s life. Aspen Snowmass has embraced composting at on-mountain restaurants, children’s ski school locations and hotels. Bumps, the Cliffhouse, Two Creeks, Elk Camp and Sam’s Smokehouse compost both the front and back of house and Lynn Britt Cabin, Ullrhof, Up 4 Pizza and the Sundeck all compost in the back of house. Within children’s ski school facilities, both the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center and the Hideout have implemented composting programs. The Little Nell, Limelight Hotel Aspen, and the Limelight Hotel Snowmass compost as well. By the end of the 2018/19 winter season, the vast majority of Aspen Snowmass’ waste will be composted.

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Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.

Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight

Overnight Powder Pancake Day at Aspen Highlands

Aspen Snowmass Snowpack at 120% of Median

Aspen Snowmass welcomed eight inches of new snow overnight Wednesday at Aspen Highlands followed by Snowmass with seven inches, Aspen Mountain with five inches and Buttermilk with three inches.

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.
Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.

Since Aspen Highlands received eight inches of new snow, it was announced as a Powder Pancakes day at the mountain. Free pancakes will be handed at Merry-Go-Round restaurant, located mid-mountain on Aspen Highlands, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. this morning. This takes place every time an Aspen Snowmass mountain receives eight inches or more of new snow overnight.

As of today, the Aspen Snowmass snowpack is at 120% of median with 3,960 acres of terrain open across all four resorts.

For the detailed snow report, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/our-mountains/snow-report.

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Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th

Skiing through the glades at Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year and opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort will open for the 2018-2019 ski season on Saturday, December 8, 2018. With over 40” of pre-season snow and optimal snowmaking conditions, Deer Valley® is able to open with at least 45 ski runs serviced by 16 chairlifts, including the new Homestake Express chairlift, upgraded this summer to a high-speed detachable quad. For updated mountain information, be sure to visit the On the Mountain page for the latest conditions and to sign up for Daily Conditions and Powder Alert emails.

Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.
Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

New this year, lift tickets purchased three or more days in advance during non-holiday periods will receive “Advance Purchase” pricing. A full list of lift ticket pricing can be viewed here on deervalley.com. In keeping with the resort’s commitment to service and to ensure an exceptional on-mountain experience, Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the hill each day. Deer Valley does reach capacity during the holiday periods such as December 26, 2018 through January 3, 2019 and February 16 through 20, 2019. Guests are encouraged to purchase their lift tickets in advance at deervalley.com. New this year, Ikon Pass holders are invited to reserve their daily lift tickets in advance at ikonres.deervalley.com to guarantee access during these peak holiday periods.

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20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days

Aspen Mountain from the town of Aspen. Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant

20 Inches of New Snow have fallen at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days. Aspen Highlands Opens Early for the First Time Since 1992

Aspen Snowmass welcomed five inches of new snow in the last 24 hours with accumulations reaching up to 20 inches of snow in the last seven days.

Aspen Highlands opened early today for the first time since 1992 with five inches of new snow on a 40-inch base.

1st December on Aspen Mountain. Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days.
1st December on Aspen Mountain. Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days.

Aspen Mountain received five inches of snow and Snowmass received four inches in the last 24 hours and the forecast is predicting more snowfall by end of day.

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