Category: Ski USA

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The “White Season” in Europe and the Big Snowstorms

Lots of snow is great, but it can bring its trouble. Photo at Pautex, in the comune of Morgex in the Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The "White Season" in Europe and the Big Snowstorms

The “White Season” in Europe and the Big Snowstorms

Looks like it will be a “White Season” in Europe. This while at the same time, there are massive snowstorms in the Continent.
I have been a bit quiet lately about writing in this blog. It happened the same when Covid became a thing last year. There was too much going on, that I did not know where to start.
 
The "White Season" in Europe and the Big Snowstorms.Photo by Unsplash.
The “White Season” in Europe and the Big Snowstorms.Photo by Unsplash.

The “White Season”- The “White Season” in Europe and the Big Snowstorms

 
There are many websites that track all the news on the ski resorts. So I’ve thought that if people need information, they can go to them. I have been only reading the news on the main papers and specialised media and it is not looking good.
 
Of all the skiing Western European Nations, only Switzerland still accepts tourists. But starting this weekend, restrictions will start for more countries who will need to quarantine 10 days on arrival. So, skiing will be for locals.
 
This already happen in Austrian resorts. Locals can go skiing, but no tourists. Spain has resorts opened. But the movement limitations in provinces make it difficult for the resorts to make money on it. So some opened with less terrain. And they don’t know how they will keep operating, when more strict measures come in.
 

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Killington will replace the North Ridge Triple Lift with a Quad Chairlift

Killington ski map. Killington will replace the North Ridge Triple Lift with a Quad Chairlift.

Killington will replace its North Ridge Triple Lift with a Quad Chairlift. They have filed paperwork with the state to replace the vintage upper mountain lift.

News from New England Ski Industry.

Killington will continue its activity of lift projects this summer, as the resort has filed with the State of Vermont a project to replace the North Ridge Triple Chairlift. This will result as per the Act 250 filed made public this week, in a Leitner Poma fixed grip quad chairlift installed along the existing line. A draft permit has been generated by the state.

Killington will replace the North Ridge Triple Lift with a Quad Chairlift.
Killington will replace the North Ridge Triple Lift with a Quad Chairlift.

The Triple North Ridge Chair was installed by Heron-Poma in 1972, with 587 feet climb in vertical drop over a run of 2,290 feet. The oldest lift in Killington, the North Ridge, is typically the first chair to open in New England’s ski season each year. But because of its high elevation, the lift construction season may be limited due to environmental issues.

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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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A new Leitner-Poma empty gondola cabin from Copper Mountain Crashes to the Ground.

Copper Mountain photo. A new Leitner-Poma empty gondola cabin from Copper Mountain Crashes to the Ground.

An empty gondola fell off American Eagle new lift from manufacturer Leitner-Poma. No one was injured in a test-run incident, the lift will still open in Copper Mountain this Saturday.

A new Leitner Poma empty gondola cabin has crashed to the ground in Copper Mountain on Monday. Nobody was injured in this incident. The lift is scheduled to open Saturday, it was announced by the Summit County ski resort.

A new Leitner-Poma empty gondola cabin from Copper Mountain Crashes to the Ground.
A new Leitner-Poma empty gondola cabin from Copper Mountain Crashes to the Ground.

This incident happened at 11 AM, just after the gondola took off from the American Eagle base terminal. The lift was not open to the public as this happened during a testing procedure.

Leitner-Poma, the construction contractor, has reviewed the lift and concluded that it was not damaged. Copper Mountain is working closely with Leitner-Poma and the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board to ensure that the American Eagle lift will operate safely and reliably.

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Snowmass Opens Thanksgiving Day with 570 Acres of Terrain

Snowmass Opens Thanksgiving Day with 570 Acres of Terrain. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.

Snowmass will open Thanksgiving Day  for daily operations on 20 trails across 570 acres of terrain Thursday, Nov. 22.

Open terrain will include The Big Burn, Max Park, Powerline Glades, Sneaky’s Glades, Lunch line, Upper Scooper and Lower Hals to the bottom of Village Express. Elk Camp chair will provide access to Bull Run, Grey Wolf, Sandy Park, Bear Bottom, Gunner’s View and the Elk Camp Meadows Beginner area. Terrain will be accessed by the following chairlifts: Village Express, Sam’s Knob, Big Burn, Elk Camp Gondola, Elk Camp Lift, Meadows Lift, Sky Cab, Meadows Carpet and Treehouse Carpet.

Snowmass Tamarack. Snowmass Opens Thanksgiving Day with 570 Acres of Terrain. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.
Snowmass Tamarack. Snowmass Opens Thanksgiving Day with 570 Acres of Terrain. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.

“With over 500 acres of terrain open we are bound to have a great holiday weekend on the hill,” says Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations. “And with more snow in the forecast for opening day and later this week we will continue to open more terrain as conditions improve.”

Elk Camp restaurant and Sam’s Smokehouse will be open for the season, and Up 4 Pizza will be open Thursday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 25 until daily operations begin Dec. 6.

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Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’

Beaver Creek solar panel. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’. Photo: Vail Resorts.

Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract and Plan to Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics in its ‘Commitment to Zero’

Vail Resorts, Inc.  yesterday took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

Eco - Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
Eco – Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
  • The agreement with Lincoln Clean Energy will produce enough wind energy to reduce the emissions associated with Vail Resorts’ estimated FY19 North American electricity use by 100 percent, which includes 17 resorts and their associated retail, hospitality, and corporate offices
  • Eco-Products named ‘Official Zero Waste Partner’ of Vail Resorts to help divert nearly 300 tons of waste from landfills through sustainable sourcing, including a Smart Straw initiative  
  • Today’s announcements are a part of the Company’s first EpicPromise Progress Report around its ‘Commitment to Zero’ initiative and corporate giving programs

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

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Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17

Mattpowerphotography.com 2/24/15 SkiCo Aspen Mountain Shoot. Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend.

ASPEN SNOWMASS, Colo.—Nov. 9, 2018— Aspen Mountain will open for daily operations Saturday, Nov. 17, five days prior to the resort’s scheduled opening date.

Snowmaking operations began Nov. 1 and have continued at a steady pace throughout the last week due to cold temperatures at night. Alongside snowmaking, recent storm cycles have delivered up to 20 inches of new snow on Aspen Snowmass pushing the snowpack above average.

Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.
Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.

“With above average snowpack and cold temperatures we have been hard at work preparing the mountain and we are excited to open early for the community and our visitors,” says Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations. “Opening early is always a great way to kick-off the highly anticipated ski and snowboard season.”

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Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass

The state of the industry in Colorado - Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass

Alterra is expecting to sell 250,000 of the new IKON Pass while Vail Resorts stated that their sales of the EPIC Pass are up thanks mostly to the $99 military pass. This was the excerpt heard during the annual Governor’s Tourism Conference at the Talisa Hotel in Vail. The “Trends in ski” panel with Alterra’s Head of Sales Bob Stinchcomb, Vail Resorts marketing chief Kieran Cain and Powdr’s Jennifer Rudolph.

Lauren Berlamino, of Karsh Hagan, a marketing, design and tech company started the discussion with where the whole ski industry is in Colorado, noting the challenges of shorter seasons due to climate change and aging demographic. The opportunities to be had are the experiences beyond skiing and the leading the way in sustainability.

Powder Skiing in Back Bowls In Vail, CO. Photo: Vail Resorts. Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass.
Powder Skiing in Back Bowls In Vail, CO. Photo: Vail Resorts. Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass.

One-fifth of skiers are 55 years or older, with some of the most avid participants are aged 70 and older. Skiers and snowboarders visits in the country have increased from 8.7 million in 1996-97 to 9.2 million in 2017-18. Berlamino states that this growth does not correlate with the overall population growth over the past years.

“It kind of sounds like we’re facing an uphill battle, but really Colorado is doing amazing in this industry,” she said. “I think nobody’s better positioned than our state to continue to ride this momentum and be successful amidst all this change that we’re seeing.”

Powder Skiing in Back Bowls In Vail, CO. Photo: Vail Resorts. Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass.
Powder Skiing in Back Bowls In Vail, CO. Photo: Vail Resorts. Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass.

According to the National Ski Areas Association, Colorado’s share of overnight ski trips in the calendar year of 2017 was 21 percent, followed by California at 13.7 percent. Of the 53.2 million skier visits, that’s about 11 million visitors to Colorado.

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So you think that Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again!

So you think that Jackson Hole is a haven for Extreme skiers only? That you need to be able to dive into the Corbet’s Couloir to say you’ve been there/done that?

This season Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is looking forward to open its 53rd ski season on November 22nd for holiday sightseeing rides on the Aerial Tram and then for skiing on the Saturday, November 24th. But this year, Jackson Hole has enhanced the mountain to make it more ‘family friendly’.

Jackson Hole is renowned for its amazing landscape. Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You think Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again. Also a haven for beginners now.
Jackson Hole is renowned for its amazing landscape. Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You think Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again. Also a haven for beginners now.

NEW! Solitude Station 

Solitude Station was thought and then built in Jackson Hole to create an easier skier progression and family experience. Dedicated entirely to kids and adults learning, this vast complex is accessed via a quick two-minute gondola ride from the base area.

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Snowmaking Operations Underway at Aspen Snowmass for the 2018-19 Season

Ajax - Aspen Mountain Snowmaking -picture by Dan Bayer. Aspen Skiing Company. Snowmaking Operations Underway at Aspen Snowmass for the 2018-19 Season

Snowmaking Operations Underway at Aspen Snowmass for the 2018-19 Season

 Up to 11 Inches of New Snow in the Last 48 Hours

ASPEN SNOWMASS, Colo.—Nov. 1, 2018—Last night, Aspen Snowmass officially kicked-off snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2018-19 season. With the necessary sustained cool temperatures, the snow guns were fired-up starting the highly-anticipated countdown to the ski/ride season. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open Nov. 22 followed by Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Dec. 8.

A lonely snowmaker working in Ajax. Photo: Dan Bayer. Aspen Skiing Company. Snowmaking Operations Underway at Aspen Snowmass for the 2018-19 Season
A lonely snowmaker working in Ajax. Photo: Dan Bayer. Aspen Skiing Company. Snowmaking Operations Underway at Aspen Snowmass for the 2018-19 Season

“All of our systems are tested and ready and you should hear the sounds of snowmaking on the streets of Aspen. Bootpacking has started, our maintenance projects are wrapping up and our teams are preparing the mountains for opening day,” says Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations for Aspen Snowmass.

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