AmericaSkiing.com - Ski News

Snowbird Customer Appreciation Days Begin Oct. 11

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"October brings two weekends of free Aerial Tram rides at Snowbird with a donation to the Utah Food Bank. Snowbird Customer Appreciation Days will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12, and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, weather permitting.

One can of food equals one free Tram ride during Customer Appreciation Days. In lieu of food, a $2 donation may be made for a Tram ride. All food donations benefit the Utah Food Bank and monetary donations benefit the Wasatch Adaptive Sports program.

The Tram will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both weekends. Bring food to the front entrance of the Snowbird Center, accessed by Snowbird Entry 2. Cash donations will be accepted at the Snowbird Center ticket office.

Live music will be provided on Saturdays on the Snowbird Center Plaza Deck from 1-4 p.m.

Snowbird’s Alpine Slide, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline, four-station Climbing Wall and Inflatable Kids Rides will also be open during Customer Appreciation Days, with the same operating hours as the Tram, weather permitting. Tickets for the Alpine Slide, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline, four-station Climbing Wall and Inflatable Kids Rides are separate from the Utah Food Bank food-raiser.

Offering the longest season in Utah, Snowbird is scheduled to open for the 2008-09 season Saturday, Nov. 22. Last winter Snowbird had a 183-day season with skiing and riding from Nov. 30 to June 22.

For more information on Snowbird Customer Appreciation Days call the Snowbird Events Hotline at (801) 933-2110 or go to www.snowbird.com.

Guests can enjoy a fall getaway and a $50 Snowbird gift card when booking a lodging room during Oct. Rates for the Oct. $50 Gift Card Giveaway, valid Oct. 1-31, 2008, start at $109. Restrictions may apply. Call (800) 880-5738 for more information or to book a reservation."

Stratton Vermont 08/09 Upgrades

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Crow’s feet, memory loss, stiff joints, hair loss in desired places, hair growth in unwanted places. Getting older is not always pretty for humankind. But like a fine wine or Brady Bunch re-run, Stratton Mountain seems to get better with age. After experiencing one of the snowiest winters in recent history, the resort couldn’t be more excited for the 2008-2009 ski season. In preparation, a number of changes, additions, and overall improvements to the terrain, equipment and events calendar will have the place looking and feeling better than ever when the first skiers and snowboarders arrive in November.

Terrain

New Trails: Two new (yet to be named) intermediate trails in the Sunbowl area of the mountain, located off skiers right off of Sunriser Supertrail. The trails will be treated as glades this season with no snowmaking.

Glades: The largest off season glade project has been the creation of natural terrain features (ie: jumps, rails, banks, rollers etc) in the Emerald Forest glade. This process, originally used in the Test Pilot glade, utilizes logs, felled trees, rocks and other naturally occurring obstacles to create organic counterparts to features normally found in terrain parks. Stratton’s longest and most innovative glade, Test Pilot, is also receiving some attention this off season as some of the more densely treed areas are being thinned out to create better lines and more space to rip. All of the harvested timber will then be used to create features within the glade.

A New Way Down: Easy Street will be a newly launched, three mile long, family friendly trail that starts at the summit and winds down to the base through Mike’s Way, West Meadow, Drifter Link and Old Log Road. Mountain Patrol will be stationed along the route as a reminder that this trail is designed for an easy-does-it style of skiing and riding. The route delivers big time views of the surrounding area and will cater to families, beginners and everyone looking to take it easy.

Retooled and Revamped Parks and Pipes:
* Suntanner trail will no longer host a terrain park but will instead have a Boarder-X course on its lower reaches
* Tyrolienne will be the beginner/ intermediate park and will play host to a Saturday night, under the lights, series of events
* East Byrneside and Old Smoothie will be the intermediate/advanced parks and will be updated with newer features for 08’/09’.
* An 18 foot Superpipe will be built on Sunriser Supertrail (in the Sunbowl area) by MLK day or before if conditions permit.
* Betwixt/Beeline will be a rail/jib park with multiple lines designed for all abilities of park riders.

Equipment

New and Improved Machines: The grooming fleet is enhanced with a new Prinoth Sherpa Winch Cat (for grooming steep pitches) and a Prinoth BR350 terrain park cat with more horsepower and range of motion for better functionality when creating terrain park features.
Better Efficiency and Lower Enviromental Impact: Stratton is investing half a million dollars in snowmaking energy efficiency programs including…
* 40 new low E tower guns which increase snow particle size leaving flakes less susceptible to wind, reducing air consumption and saving energy dollars, increases snow output, and reduces small snow particle fog.
* The installation of a more efficient VFD pump which provides up to 30% energy savings with an Efficiency VT rebate attached to it.
* A New 1700 cfm air compressor which creates 20 – 30% more energy efficient and better overall output.

Events

Under The Lights: New this year to the events calendar is a series of amateur snowboard and freeskiing events that will be held on Saturday nights, under the lights on the Tyrolienne Slopestyle course. Events are open to all and are currently scheduled for December 27, January 17, and February 7. Details to come!

Being one year older and one year wiser, it should be obvious that time is best spent at Stratton Mountain Resort; A blend of traditional with cutting edge and a place of mixed generations where both Generation Y’ers and Octogenarians can co-mingle amongst terrain park features and boutiques in the Stratton Village. Where terrain expansion does not come at the expense of the natural environment and mountain advancements complement the traditional features that have made Stratton great for many years.

Waterville Valley Expands Snowmaking and Grooming

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"The Mountain, Snowmaking, Grooming Equipment and Terrain Park Improvements

a. Eighty-five new energy efficient tower guns will give Waterville Valley 25% more snowmaking power to ensure an earlier and more expansive start to the season. Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to a greater variety of terrain opening earlier than usual, including Exhibition Park and Lower Meadows learning area. Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. IMG_4010

b. A new Prinoth 350 snow cat has also been added to Waterville Valley's extensive grooming fleet to expand nightly grooming and park maintenance operations.

c. Thanks to Mother Nature's generosity last season, guests discovered the fun of Waterville's glade skiing and riding. The resort invested in thinning tree-skiing entrances, exits and lines down Old-T Trees and Psycho Glades this summer, making the glades a whole new adventure at
Waterville Valley.

d. Snowboarders get a new line up of rails and boxes created by Waterville's Terrain Park
Manager and Pro Rider, Luke Mathison. The resort will continue its popular co-branded signature features in Exhibition Park with partners that include Oakley, Red Bull, Forum and Fuel-TV.

e. Greeting guests and keeping the energy going all day long will be an upgraded music
system in the base area and in Exhibition Park.

§ Environmental Decisions

a. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, all resort shuttle buses will be running on bio diesel this winter. Waterville Valley's fleet of shuttle busses transport guests from the Valley floor to the mountain, reducing daily car traffic.

b. A new bio diesel shuttle bus will also be used for Waterville's employees. Waterville Valley will run the daily shuttle to Campton, NH, just off I-93 at Exit 28 to transport employees the additional 11 miles to the resort.

c. Waterville Valley's food service will use biodegradable plates made from bamboo and biodegradable cups made from corn. On mountain restaurants will continue their recycling efforts with the Town of Waterville Valley.

§ Technology Upgrades

a. An enhanced online e-commerce system will allow guests to make reservations prior to arrival, including snowsports and packaging options with tickets, rentals and lessons.

QUOTES

""The addition of 85 energy efficient guns means Waterville Valley will be able to get a jump start on the season, with more snow, more trails and a greater variety of terrain,"" said Tom Day, General Manager. ""We expect to be able to open 25% more acreage than previous seasons.""

""The expanded snowmaking and new groomer will help us deliver the most variety of terrain for all ability levels,"" added Rob Batchelder, Mountain Manager. ""This includes green, blue square and black diamond glades, intermediate to expert moguls and groomed runs open each day."""

Alpine Meadows Renames Ski Trails for 08/09 Season

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Alpine Meadows has renamed three of its popular mountain trails, thanks to more than 1,000 suggestions from the Tahoe and Truckee communities. The winning names were contributed by Greg Jellinek (Dancefloor), Melanie Jackson (Werners Schuss), and Daryl Nolch (Boomerang).

Red Trail has been renamed Dancefloor, a trail name from Alpines yesteryear which is often heard from the mountains tenured skiers. Blue Trail has been renamed Werners Schuss, in honor of Werner Schuster, the legendary Director of Ski School from the early 1960s to the mid 1970s and continued his career as Vice President of Marketing through 1997. Many longtime Alpine Meadows employees pay tribute to Werner for making Alpine Meadows what it is today; and still enjoy skiing with him. Green Trail has been renamed Boomerang. Its direction and shape, if viewed from above, indeed resembles the well known Aboriginal throwing stick.

Why were the trails renamed? Underwhelming but true, the colors which served as trail names were given because they were the colors of the survey tape used during the trails construction during the 1960s. In search of unique new names, the Trail Renaming Contest ran for two weeks during early September through Alpines new website blog page. All entries were then collected and presented to a judging panel at Alpine Meadows, who made the final decisions.

As expected, the suggestions were plentiful and very creative, said Jim Kercher, Alpine Meadows General Manager. There was so much great input, and the judging panel debated for a lengthy time about some of the names. In the end, we have three special new names that were inspired by the community. Everyone at Alpine is very thankful for so much participation, he added.

The contest winners received a sunset snowcat ride for up to eight people, a midweek pass for winter 2008/2009, and a full-day mountain tour for up to five people including line-cutting privileges. The new names will grace the trails, mountain trail maps, and website."

Burton Snowboards to Build Terrain Park at Vermont's Killington Resort

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Burton Snowboards and Killington Resort today announced plans to build The Stash®, a revolutionary resort run created by Jake Burton and Burton team riders that utilizes the natural terrain, local wood products and organic features to create the ultimate freestyle riding experience. The first run of its kind in New England and Burton’s home state of Vermont, The Stash at Killington is slated to open to the public on December 19, 2008.

“Bringing the Stash to Vermont has been an objective from the start,” says Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. “Vermont riders are all about tree riding and jibs. This will take it to the next level, giving local riders a chance to have that much more fun on the mountain.”

Located at the Bear Mountain area of Killington and accessible by the new Skye Peak Express high-speed quad chairlift, The Stash will be a half-mile long run that features wooded glades, banked turns, log slides and pillow lines. The Stash at Killington will also feature a street-style wooden staircase and a jibbable fence. A classic Vermont sugar shack cabin that can be jibbed or jumped will reside at The Stash at Killlington. Inside the sugar shack, riders can check out a timeline of snowboarding history in Vermont along with vintage snowboard gear and photos.

Burton pro snowboarder and Lincoln, Vermont native Yale Cousino is working with Burton and Killington on design ideas for The Stash. Snow Park Technologies, an industry leader in terrain park development, is also adding its expertise to the design and construction of The Stash. Features for The Stash are built with local and organic materials like rocks, stumps and logs. By using local trees and natural elements on the trail, The Stash is designed to limit the impact on the environment.

“We are extremely pleased to work with Burton on this project and offer our guests the opportunity to experience The Stash at Killington,” said Chris Nyberg, president and general manager of Killington Resort. “The organic nature of The Stash also aligns with our company's environmental initiatives.”

Michael Bettera of Snow Park Technologies had this to say, “I am excited to be working on The Stash project at Killington. With the resort’s deep snowboarding history, close proximity to Burton and the gnarly glade terrain, The Stash at Killington will stand out as a premier riding location.”

The Stash is part of more than $8.4 million in on-mountain improvements that will debut at the largest ski and snowboard resort in the east for the 2008/09 season. Other improvements include the new Skye Peak Express; a new Magic Carpet, for skiers and riders in Killington's first-time Ski and Snowboard School programs and the Burton Learn to Ride program; a new beginner trail off Skye Peak; snowmaking improvements; and expanded environmental initiatives, including offsetting 100 percent of the resort’s electric usage through Renewable Energy Credits.

The Stash at Killington Resort is the fifth run of its kind worldwide and the first in the Northeast. The Stash can also be found at Northstar-at-Tahoe, USA; Avoriaz, France; The Remarkables, New Zealand and Flachauwinkl Resort, Austria."

What's New at Mad River Glen

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Capitol Improvements for 2008-09: So your ski area just had one of the best winters in memory, there’s a bit more cash in the till than normal so where do you put your money? Well if your Mad River Glen, the iconoclastic, skier owned mountain your going to renovate the bathrooms. “I guess no one will ever accuse of us spending like drunken sailors,” quips Mad River Glen’s President Jamey Wimble.

Since the inception of the Co-op in 1995, Mad River Glen has invested nearly $4 million in capital improvements. Unlike other ski areas Mad River’s goal is to maintain and preserve the experience rather than overhaul or upgrade it. Both the skier-owners and the management understand that skiers come to Mad River for the unique combination of legendary terrain, sense of community, low skier density and intimate atmosphere. “We don’t want to mess with a winning combination,” President Jamey Wimble explains, “Our capital plan is designed to maintain the existing infrastructure and to make small changes that will improve the overall experience for our skiers.”

While most capital projects are relatively mundane and will not be obvious to many skiers, they are nonetheless very important to Mad River’s goal of keeping the buildings, lifts, and mountain in good shape and enhancing the overall experience for the skiers. Not surprisingly, a big chunk of the budget is earmarked for trail work, lift maintenance, and buildings. “Nothing fancy,” admits Mountain Manager Nate Martin, “Our skiers just want to come and have a great ski experience. Our job is to make sure everything is safe and it works, from the bathrooms to the lifts.”

The ability of Mad River Glen to consistently reinvest in the mountain’s infrastructure is a testament to the success of the Cooperative. Capital projects are funded by a combination of operating income and Co-op share sales. Since Mad River Glen will continue to have significant capital needs in the future, Co-op share sales are always important. New shareholders will know that their support will enable critical projects designed to protect and preserve the Mad River Glen ski experience for generations to come.

Environmental Efforts and Efficiency

Mad River Glen's Revolutionary Approach to Sustainability

While Mad River Glen’s ski experience is unique, the mountain’s business model of sustainability and its mission of protection and preservation are downright revolutionary. We believe that by operating in a responsible and sustainable way, with minimum impact, (along with the great skiing) Mad River Glen will appeal to a viable niche of skiers.

It is common these days for businesses to talk about their “carbon footprint” as concern over climate change has finally begun to resonate with consumers. Mad River Glen operates under the philosophy of maximizing efficiency while minimizing the operational “footprint” in the first place. Most resorts use tremendous amounts of energy to make snow, run lifts and create and maintain base area development. These are all activities that Mad River Glen’s business model disdains. Mad River Glen’s philosophy is; if you don’t build it in the first place you minimize the “footprint” and reduce the need to offset long-term environmental effects. The mission statement of the Mad River Glen Cooperative, America’s only skier-owned mountain is:

“…to preserve and protect the forests and mountain eco-system of General Stark Mountain in order to provide skiing and other recreational access and to maintain the unique character of the area for present and future generations.”

To fulfill this mission the mountain has committed itself to an array of environmental initiatives.

The mountain has:

Continued on its established path of sustainable ski area management which includes a decided lack of snowmaking and non-essential development. This philosophy is exemplified by the historic rehabilitation of the Single Chair.
Decided to swap the Single Chair’s old diesel drive for a more efficient electric drive that drastically cuts green house emissions.

Worked with Efficiency Vermont to maximize Mad River Glen’s overall energy usage efficiency.
Invested in efficient compact fluorescent lighting throughout the area.
Developed an overall forestry management plan that will maintain the health of the forests on Gen. Stark Mountain, reduce soil erosion and minimize the need for man-made snow for generations to come.

Offered, for over a decade, year-round guided naturalist programs in an effort to educate the mountain's community about the environment of Gen. Stark Mountain.
Opened an on-mountain (ski/snowshoe-in) Nature Center to educate and inform the public about the environment at Mad River Glen.
Instituted a ski-area wide recycling program that significantly reduces Mad River Glen’s contribution to the waste stream.

Partnered with Native Energy of Vermont and The Stark Mountain Foundation to purchase carbon offsets that render the mountain’s entire operation “carbon neutral”.
Develop the one-of-a-kind “Ski Green If You Can” program challenging skiers to offset the carbon emissions caused by their commute to the ski area. This ""carbon footprint"" is calculated to be 5 times that of the ski area operation itself. In the programs first year skiers voluntarily offset 100% of their travel to the mountain.

Purchased carbon offsets through Native Energy of Vermont. All offset funds are earmarked for the development of methane digester projects on family farms right here in Vermont. These projects reduce green house gas emissions in a meaningful way and would not have been possible without these carbon offset purchases.

MRG Goes Carbon Neutral and Then Some

Mad River Glen, a mountain 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, it also inspires skiers to voluntarily offset emissions from their commute to the ski area. Mad River Glen is one of the first ski areas in the nation to work toward truly offsetting the emissions from both operations and skier commutes to the mountain.

Last season Mad River Glen, with the help of its non-profit partner, 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 skier commuting to the mountain, not just the operational impact.

After careful demographic analysis Mad River Glen calculated that an average skier’s commute has five times the greenhouse gas emission impact as the mountain’s operations [it can’t be the mountain’s total operations – perhaps the skier’s share of the day’s operations? Please clarify]. Using the “Ski Green If You Can” program as a vehicle, Mad River Glen challenged skiers to follow the mountain’s lead and voluntarily offset their commute when they bought tickets or season passes. Skiers paid either $1 for a day ticket, $3 for a Mad Card (a book of 3 discounted tickets) or $10 for a season pass when they made their purchase.

Throughout the season skiers voluntarily opting into the program raised nearly $6,000. This was an outstanding result for a first year program, which is a testament to the Mad River Glen community’s concern for global climate change. To put this accomplishment into perspective the 842 tons of CO2 offset during the season was equivalent to negating the emissions from 1,684,000 miles of driving in average car (51,030 one-way trips from Burlington to Mad River Glen or 8,548 one-way trips from Boston to Mad River Glen).

These carbon offsets were purchased through Vermont's NativeEnergy and will help fund new renewable energy projects. At present these carbon offsets are helping build new family dairy farm methane energy projects. The new renewable energy projects that Mad River Glen is helping build directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a meaningful way, and would not have been possible without the funding NativeEnergy provided through its up-front carbon offset purchases."

Vermont Fall Festivals

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"The sunny, crisp days of September in Vermont are an ideal time to get outside and visit a community fair, sample local food at an autumn festival, check out beautiful locally-made artwork and handcrafted furniture, and take in some spectacular fall foliage. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in mid-September. For a comprehensive listing of events, visit www.VermontVacation.com.

Plymouth Cheese & Harvest Festival
Plymouth Notch – September 20, 2008
Celebrate the bounties of the harvest and the award-winning world of Vermont-made cheese! The festival features a sampling of cheese supplied by members of the Vermont Cheese Council, wagon rides, historic farm & craft demonstrations, old-time fiddling, guided tours of the Plymouth Cheese Factory, and activities for the entire family. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.HistoricVermont.org/Coolidge.

Festival of Traditional Crafts
St. Johnsbury –September 20, 2008
Celebrate rural creativity at this colorful festival that fills Main Street with interesting sounds and fascinating traditions that shaped northern New England. Artisans demonstrate their unique skills, passed from one generation to the next. From butter churning to wood turning, candles to soap, cider to barrels, dolls to toys, and so much more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.fairbanksmuseum.org.

Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival
Wilmington – September 26-28, 2008
The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine present a premiere culinary festival that will be an annual event in southern Vermont. This new outdoor event will take place in the Mount Snow Valley in Wilmington, with additional events occurring in the nearby towns of Dover and Whitingham. The festival will celebrate the best of wine, food and the good life and highlight the rich uniqueness, quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers and artisans. Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.TheVermontFestival.com.

Peru Fair
Peru – September 27, 2008
Join more than 100 vendors at the 27th annual Peru Fair. The event includes the fair’s famous pig roast, as well as local artisans, farmers, crafters, music and food. Parking available at Bromley Mountain. The fair will be held in Peru Village, located off Route 11. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, e-mail perufaircommittee@earthlink.net.

Bristol Harvest Festival
Bristol – September 27, 2008
Enjoy crafts, music, horse and wagon rides, children’s activities, farmers’ market, food, apple pie contest and more. The event will be held on the Bristol Town Green, West Street (Routes 116/17). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.bristolharvestfest.com.

Vermont Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival
Woodstock – September 27-28, 2008
Vermont’s Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival showcases Vermont artists-in-wood and their commitment to keeping traditional skills and crafts alive. Guests mingling and shopping see that the exhibitors live their lives with tools of the craft in hand. World-class creativity and craftsmanship are unparalleled in the exquisite array of Vermont-made furniture and wood products. Browse the displays, make purchases, chat with woodworkers, or see them at work carving, turning, and crafting their wares. Live music, food, and forest tours make this a must do! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.vermontwoodfestival.org.

West River Whitewater Release
Jamaica – September 27, 2008
Grab your canoe, kayak or raft and join paddlers from around the Northeast to ride class II to class IV rapids as the water is released from Bald Mountain Dam. The event will include vendors, including food. Jamaica State Park. For more information, visit www.vtstateparks.com.

Chili Cook Off
Poultney – September 27, 2008
Poultney’s annual chili cook off features more than 25 chili cookers competing for the best tasting chili. Come and sample some of the best chili around. Cooking starts around 7:30 a.m., and tasting is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 802-287-2016.

Fall Foliage Ride at Mad River Glen
Fayston – September 27-28, 2008
Enjoy spectacular fall foliage in the Mad River Valley by taking a Fall Foliage Ride on the quiet of Mad River Glen’s Single Chair. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event happens again on Oct. 4-5. For more information, visit www.madriverglen.com.

The Old Fashioned Harvest Market
Underhill – September 27-28, 2008
The Old Fashioned Harvest Market, started in 1975, is a family community event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year. The event features crafts, hay rides, flea market, a silent auction, parade, cider, baked goods, jams, pizza, cotton candy and much more. Route 15. For more information, visit www.unitedchurchofunderhill.com/Activities/HarvestMarket.

12th Annual Stowe Oktoberfest
Stowe – September 26-28, 2008
Stowe's Jackson Ice Arena will be transformed into a Bavarian village for this annual celebration of harvests and fall foliage. From oompah bands to authentic German foods to freshly brewed Vermont beers to pumpkin and face painting – there's something for every ""villager"" – young and old. Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.stoweoktoberfest.com.

Fall Foliage Festival
Northeast Kingdom – September 29-October 5, 2008
Seven Vermont villages invite visitors to celebrate rural life against a spectacular backdrop of orange, red and yellow leaves. The towns of Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet, Groton and St. Johnsbury each host the festival for a day, in that order. For more information, visit www.nekchamber.com."

What's New at Okemo in 08/09 Ski Season

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"When it comes to “what’s new” at Okemo Mountain Resort for the winter of 2008/2009, art and innovation combine to address the challenges of creating a better resort experience – all with an eye toward efficiency and sustainability. Laser-guided superpipe cutting, first-in-the-East lift loading and grooming technologies, plus energy efficiencies in snowmaking and other operations … these are just some of the innovations that comprise the art of Okemo.

New Terrain – Two New Trails
Okemo has saved the best for last. The final two trails of the original Jackson Gore layout are slated for completion in time for this winter’s ski season. One of the new double-black-diamond trails will measure about 1,000-feet long and the other will be about 2,600-feet long. The latter will have a vertical drop of 850 feet. Together, the new trails will add about eight acres to Okemo’s skiable acreage total – now 632 acres.

More Snowmaking
Ninety-six percent of Okemo’s trails are equipped with snowmaking capabilities and 80 new snowmaking guns will be added to the arsenal this year. Okemo’s operational focus this winter will be on energy-efficient, early-season snowmaking. With the help of HKD’s economic solutions and innovative technology, Okemo will continue to offer an outstanding snow surface at reduced energy consumption.

Grooming – Okemo introduces the first Beast in the East
Okemo’s grooming fleet is the first in the East to include the new Prinoth BR500 grooming machine, affectionately referred to as “The Beast” by Resort operations staff. The 500-horsepower dual turbocharged behemoth is about eight feet wider and ten feet longer than the next largest model, the BR350. The Beast sports a 24-foot-wide tiller and a 20-foot-wide blade. With engineered efficiencies, additional width and an ability to travel at the same speed uphill and downhill, the newest machine in Okemo’s grooming fleet will bring the art of grooming to a new level.

Laser-guided Pipe Monster
Okemo VP of Operations Barry Tucker looks nothing like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, but one thing the two have in common is laser technology. By affixing adjustable laser units with a vertical orientation to a stationary base at the bottom of the superpipe, and attaching a receptor device to the arm of the Zaug Pipe Monster, Okemo’s groomer operators can monitor superpipe shaping for better construction, upkeep and optimal vert. To infinity and beyond!

Okemo’s “Red Carpet Treatment” Lift Loading and Unloading Carpets
Okemo is installing mechanized loading and unloading carpets on one of its base area South Ridge fixed-grip quad chairs. Although familiar to European skiers, the loading carpet is a rarity in North America. Okemo’s loading carpet will be the first one in the East and the unloading carpet will be the first of its kind in the U.S. A conveyor belt, marked with lanes and moving in synch with the chairlift, will make loading and unloading easier and safer. It will reduce lift-line lengths, minimize starts and stops, reduce ride time and improve overall lift capacity."

Renewable Power Project At Whistler Blackcomb Offsets Mountains' Annual Energy

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Construction has begun on a renewable energy project that will offset the total annual energy consumption at Whistler Blackcomb. The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project, located entirely within Whistler Blackcomb's operating area, will produce 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydro electricity per year – the equivalent of powering the ski resort's winter and summer operations including 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.

The 7.5 megawatt hydro project is being developed by Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Limited Partnership, part of a joint venture between Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group. ""Whistler Blackcomb is a strategic partner in the project, their efforts to facilitate the water rights licensing and coordinate the various stakeholders allowed the project to move ahead,"" says Jamie Horner, Project Manager for the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project. Whistler Blackcomb is directly involved in the construction and environmental stewardship of the project.

""This project marks a new chapter in Whistler Blackcomb's history book and will become the bedrock of our enactment on climate change,"" says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb's Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager. ""Climate change is our number one threat, and our efforts to address this issue can be categorized under the headings conservation and renewable energy generation. While we have a solid track record on conservation, this is our first major renewable energy project and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition after six years of project assessments, careful planning, and stakeholder discussions. We can now firmly step forward in producing a renewable energy project that makes sense, and to help us move ever-closer to our goal of achieving a net zero footprint within our operating area.""

The Fitzsimmons Creek area provides the ultimate conditions for a successful small hydro electric project. The creek has an abundance of water, the necessary vertical drop, it is not a major fish-bearing stream, nor is the creek used recreationally within the project area. The creek is already tied extensively into Whistler Blackcomb's snowmaking system, and much of the area that will need to be developed runs along an existing access road for Whistler Blackcomb's operations. The project will not require above-ground hydro lines and the lines can travel underground in a previously disturbed area.

The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project will have a single turbine with a capacity of 7.5 megawatt, and the power generated by the project will be sold to British Columbia's hydro electric utility, BC Hydro. The project will be among the first to use BC Hydro's Standing Offer Program that was created under the BC government's 2007 Energy Plan.

In addition to being a significant milestone in Whistler Blackcomb's environmental policy, the project also supports the Resort Municipality of Whistler's 2020 plan, which lays out a vision for success through 2020 based on the three pillars of sustainability; economic, social and environmental. ""From what I understand about the project, it supports Whistler2020's Energy Vision of providing local sources of low impact, renewable energy, says Dan Wilson, Whistler2020 Energy Task Force Member. ""It is an early stepping stone towards Whistler2020's goal of a sustainable Whistler.""

Ledcor CMI Limited is the contractor for the project, and is the major contractor for other hydro projects in the Sea to Sky corridor. Construction is currently underway and the project is expected to be operational by 2010. A series of open houses will be conducted in the fall of 2008 offering tours of the construction site and providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project.

Frontier Airlines to Start Ski Flights to Steamboat

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Frontier Airlines today announced the newest city in its Rocky Mountain expansion. On Dec. 18, 2008, Frontier will begin daily nonstop service between Denver and Steamboat Springs/Hayden, CO. Frontier will serve the Steamboat Springs market with its fleet of 10 Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by Lynx Aviation, a subsidiary of Frontier Holdings, Inc.

""With Frontier's new service, skiers and snowboarders from across the country have convenient travel options to reach Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. and its legendary Champagne Powder snow this winter,"" said Rob Perlman, vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat. ""With the addition of Frontier, Steamboat further solidifies its position as being the most conveniently accessed resort in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.""

“Steamboat Springs is the perfect addition to Frontier’s lineup of mountain resort destinations,” said Frontier President and CEO Sean Menke. “The Q400 aircraft is really tailored for this kind of market and provides the little extras that will make traveling to and from Steamboat Springs a pleasure for our customers.”

As an added convenience, Frontier will remove four of the 74 seats inside the aircraft to make room for skis and other snow equipment on board. This allows Frontier customers to go straight from the plane to the slopes without delay. The seasonal Steamboat Springs service will run from Dec. 18, 2008 to April 22, 2009. Frontier’s EarlyReturns® members will earn double miles on Steamboat Springs/Hayden flights through January 31, 2009.

The quiet, fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced Q400 aircraft are ideal for flying into smaller markets and allow Frontier to bring its industry-leading customer service to underserved markets unreachable with its larger aircraft. Frontier’s new service is expected to reduce the average fare in the Steamboat Springs market by as much as 50%.
"

Windham Mountain Teams with Snowbird

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Windham Mountain and Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort in Utah have combined forces to offer Windham season pass holders a special deal this winter. Known for its incredible snowfall and epic terrain, Snowbird is consistently recognized as one of North America's top-rated mountains for terrain and snowfall.

And when we say snow, we mean lots of it: 701 inches last winter! Located just 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird is easily accessible and offers luxury slopeside accommodations including condominiums. A whopping 2,900 vertical feet and 2,500 acres of trails are serviced by 10 chairlifts and a tram.

This special offer is for 2008-09 Windham Mountain season pass holders only, giving them two complimentary Snowbird lift tickets per night when they stay at the extraordinary, slopeside Cliff Lodge & Spa. That's a value of up to $144 every day of your stay. Guests must book by calling 800-453-3000. This special can not be combined with any other offer. A valid 2008-09 Windham Mountain season pass for each reservation must be presented at time of check-in at the hotel.

""Windham guests often travel to the world’s best resorts and we wanted to thank our top customers with a great benefit like this,"" said Windham’s Director of Sales and Marketing Kirt Zimmer. ""Snowbird is a dream resort for anyone who loves to ski or ride, and we are very pleased to partner with them."""

Stevens Pass the Latest Ski Resort to Go RFID for 2008-2009 Season

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We hope the off-season for you has been a good one. Doesn’t seem possible, but the start of the 2008-09 winter season isn’t very far away. We have been busy preparing for the season with projects large and small. One of the biggest, and a change all our guests will notice, is a new point of sale (POS) and lift access gate system.

The POS system is from Resort Technology Partners, Inc., specializing in computer software programs for the ski industry. Sales for lift tickets and passes, retail, rental and ski/snowboard school will be integrated into one system. This makes transactions more efficient, especially if you are a regular customer who makes purchases in multiple locations around the mountain. Thus reducing the amount of time you will spend at a sales point leaving more time on the mountain.

The big news for you as a guest is the addition of radio frequency identification (RFID) lift access system. When you receive your season pass, Advantage Card or daily lift ticket (lift access media), there will be a RFID tag embedded into the card. This tag will register with an access gate at each lift. The gate will automatically swing open to admit an authorized skier or snowboarder into the lift boarding area. SKIDATA manufactures the access gate system and has several thousand in operation across Europe. Stevens Pass is one of two resorts implementing this system 2008-09; the other is Aspen, Colorado.

Some of the benefits of this new system for you are:

Stopping to have someone check your pass or lift ticket is now a thing of the past. No more having to unbundle to get a pass out or have your ticket on the outside of your coat. Your pass or ticket (lift access media) can be kept in your coat pocket – the RFID tag will be read without having to show it to anyone to check it or have it scanned or put into a slot.
Advantage Card holders will have the option of “backing” their card with a credit card. By setting up this option you won’t have to stand in a ticket sales line again. You simply go through the gate and your credit card will be charged automatically the first time you board a lift on the day you are skiing or riding.
Your future season pass and Advantage Card renewals after this season can be done completely online in our new Stevens Online Store, allowing you to reuse your existing lift access media card. No more waiting in line to pick up your pass or card the first day you are on the mountain.
For daily ticket purchasers once you buy your first daily lift ticket the card you receive can be reloaded for future visits as easy as going on-line. You can reload this card (lift access media) via our website on Stevens Online Store from wherever you have access to a computer.
When reloading your ticket online you’ll receive a $3.00 savings off the regular window price
Daily lifts tickets purchased online will be good seven days a week. So if you purchase a ticket thinking you’ll go on a specific day, but turns out you can’t for some reason – don’t worry that ticket can be used another day. This gives you the flexibility to buy in advance and choose a day that works best in your schedule. No more waiting in long ticket lines on the mountain, you can go directly to the lift!!!

We’re excited to introduce you to this new way of purchasing passes/tickets and accessing our lifts. Once you have experienced this we’re confident you’ll find it enhances your skiing and riding experience at Stevens Pass.

Mammoth Unbound Terrain Parks Undergo Big Improvements in Preparation for 2008/09 Winter Season

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Although it is Mid-August and there are no signs of snow on the ground, the Unbound Park Crew is as busy as ever preparing for the upcoming season. In keeping with its vision of creating the best terrain parks in the world, Mammoth Mountain has made $750,000 in capital investments including improved grading and expansion of current terrain, new “Adventure Zones,” enhanced snowmaking and two brand-new Piston Bully 400 Park Bully Snowcats.

Leading off the improvements for the upcoming season is the massive amount of grading and shaping being done to enhance the existing terrain in Unbound Main. 25,000 cubic yards of dirt are being moved which doubles the useable area of Thunder Road, the site of Lower Unbound Main Park. With the addition of this new terrain, the Unbound Park Crew will have more freedom than ever to create the best jump and jib setups possible.

Another big change for the upcoming season is the enhanced snowmaking capabilities for the Superpipe and Unbound Main Terrain Park. Instead of simply adding new water and air pipes into the ground, Mammoth Mountain decided to recycle underutilized snowmaking systems that were already in place to create a more efficient layout. “We thought it was more environmentally friendly to rearrange what we already had with better placement and layout, rather than putting more metal in the ground,” said Oren Tanzer, Director of Youth Action Sports Marketing at Mammoth Mountain. “This will allow us to have the best selection of features and an earlier opening of Mammoth’s world-famous Superpipe.”

Mammoth Mountain prides itself on offering terrain parks for every level of rider to allow for smooth progression from beginners to seasoned professionals. With this in mind, Mammoth Mountain is excited to announce the addition of four new “Adventure Zones” to complement their Family Fun Parks. These new runs will be fun tracks built into the trees featuring a variety of berms, rollers and small bumps. “For years, the Ski and Snowboard School and Race Team kids have been exploring these ‘secret spots.’ We just decided to share these well kept secrets with all our guests in the hope that everyone will have more fun,” said Finlay Torrence, Director of Eagle Lodge Ski and Snowboard School at Mammoth Mountain. “Adventure Zones” will be located near Disco Park, Forest Trail Park, Wonderland Park and Eagle Express Lift.

Rounding out the list of major improvements for the Unbound Terrain Parks will be the addition of multiple new jibs for the 2008/09 season, some of which are signature features for Vans and Dragons to complement the popular 2007/08 Quiksilver signature jib – a large skate-inspired pyramid made of 100% steel and coated in clear Lexan plastic. Mammoth Mountain is consistently ranked as having some of the best terrain parks in the world by multiple industry publications and these new additions reinforce the commitment Mammoth Mountain puts into its world-famous Unbound Terrain Parks year after year.

Sugarloaf to host final stop on 2009 Revolution Tour

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"The future of US snowboarding will be on display at Sugarloaf this winter as the nation’s top up and coming riders gather for the fourth and final stop on the 2009 US Snowboarding Revolution Tour, March 9-11. The USSA tour will crown its overall champions for the season at Sugarloaf, and the winners will qualify for a Chevy US Snowboard Grand Prix event the following weekend.

The Sugarloaf stop will be the only east coast location for the Tour this season.

The Revolution Tour is the top junior event tour in the country, featuring competitions in halfpipe, slopestyle, and snowboardcross. The event brings together athletes from across the country to identify the top juniors. Halfpipe and slopestyle athletes 13 and older (snowboardcross 15 and older) compete together in an open-class event. The Revolution Tour is also used to qualify athletes for World Juniors, U.S. Open, U.S. World Cup, USASA Nationals and Project Gold camps.

“This is a very sought after, very fun series,” said Abbi Nyberg, US Snowboarding Program Manager. “It’s a great event for young and developing riders because it helps them build their skills and prepare themselves for the next level of competition. Sugarloaf has always been a great supporter of snowboarding events and we are looking forward to them hosting the Revolution Tour.”

Each event consists of roughly 300 athletes, the majority of whom compete in halfpipe and slopestyle. Last season over $10,000 dollars in cash and prizes were awarded throughout the tour.

Due to the high level of competition, older athletes who are regulars on the Grand Prix and World Cup circuit frequently compete in the Revolution Tour events, raising the level of competition and excitement for competitors and fans alike.

“This is a very high level event, and we’re truly excited to have it here at Sugarloaf,” said Jim McCormack, Sugarloaf’s Competition Director. “Sugarloaf has a proud heritage of hosting top level competitions, and this event is no exception. These athletes truly are the future of the sport.”

Several athletes from Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) are expected to compete in the Tour’s Sugarloaf stop, including junior Juliette Bisson, who took first place in snowboardcross at last season’s final Revolution Tour event.

CVA, an award-winning ski and snowboard academy located at the base of Sugarloaf, is one of the nation's top snowsports programs and has produced outstanding Olympians in snowboarding and skiing alike. The roster includes Olympic snowboardcross champion Seth Wescott, current World Cup Champion and three time Olympian Bode Miller, as well as recently retired three time Olympian Kirsten Clark, the only U.S. skier to win four consecutive U.S. downhill titles. The CVA Freestyle program was named the top program in the country last season by the USSA.

Sugarloaf has a long history of hosting world class competitions, including the US Alpine Nationals twice in the past three years, and the 2007 Champions Cross Sugarloaf Open, which featured the world’s top snowboardcross athletes.

Utah Ski Resorts 2008 Improvements

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Considering the 700 inches of snow which blanketed Utah’s resorts and a fifth consecutive record-breaking year of skier visits, it would appear that Utah’s 2007-08 winter season was unbeatable. However, Utah’s ski resorts are up to the challenge and rolling out a number of improvements for the 2008-09 season. Let it snow!

Alta
Alta Ski Area celebrates 70 years of skiing this upcoming season. On Oct. 19, 1938, the Forest Service issued the initial permit to construct a lift at Alta to the Salt Lake Winter Sports Association. Alta officially opened as a ski area that December and continues to remain one of the country’s favorite resorts.
Alta.com

Beaver Mountain
Recent upgrades to Beaver Mountain’s food service have caused more skiers to gather in the Resort’s traditional A-frame lodge for lunch. As a result, Beaver Mountain will make over $300,000 in improvements to the lodge adding additional seating to better accommodate guests.
SkitheBeav.com

Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort, in southern Utah, has been busy putting final touches on the major expansion which combined their two separate mountains in the 2007-08 winter season. Details include new rock work on the retaining walls, additional slope grading and mountain landscaping.
BrianHead.com

Brighton Resort
Brighton Resort has built a new day lodge called the Milly Chalet. The lodge will be situated at the base of the Milly high speed quad. The new $1.5 million facility is approximately 3,500 square feet and will provide guests a comfortable place to rest when skiing in the Millicent area.
BrightonResort.com

The Canyons Resort
Snowriders at The Canyons Resort will enjoy a new lift and gondola during the 2008-09 season. The new Frostwood gondola will transport guests staying in the Frostwood area, which includes the Miners Club, the currently under construction Dakota Mountain Lodge, and all other development projects in the area to the resort base.

In addition, a brand new fixed grip quad chair will run from the Tombstone base to a location approximately one-half mile below the DreamCatcher lift base. The lift is the first step in the Iron Mountain expansion plans, and will initially be used to access the Tombstone lift at the end of the day.

Trees will be gladed in places such as Mystic Pines, off of the Peak 5 lift, opening up more tree-skiing and riding for guests. The Canyons will also upgrade snowmaking and grooming equipment guaranteeing a high quality ski experience.
TheCanyons.com

Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort has invested $8 million in on-mountain improvements for the 2008-09 winter season. Improvements include the replacement of the existing Cushing’s Cabin at the top of Flagstaff Mountain, adjacent to the Northside Express, Quincy Express, Silver Strike Express and Ruby Express chairlifts. The new cabin will seat 40 to 45 guests, feature updated restrooms and house Flagstaff Mountain Ski Patrol.
In addition, Deer Valley has remodeled the Empire Canyon Lodge to allow more seating upstairs and improve the flow through the beverage and service areas. Deer Valley has also made improvements to snow making and maintenance equipment to ensure its signature excellence.
DeerValley.com

Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort will unveil $10.5 million in improvements for the 2008-09 winter season including a new high-speed chair lift, terrain enhancements and renovation of the Mid-Mountain Lodge.

Park City Mountain Resort’s new high-speed quad chair lift, Crescent lift, will replace and realign the existing Ski Team lift. The lift will begin near the base of the Resort and extend to Crescent Ridge (also known as Ski Team Ridge). The new chair lift will significantly increase accessibility out of the base area as well as to the front-side runs, some of the Resort’s best advanced terrain.

To complement the new lift, the Resort is making terrain enhancements to improve the skiing/riding experience on the mountain, including a new run addition and expanded snowmaking. Park City Mountain Resort will also assume operations for Mid-Mountain Lodge in the 2008-09 season. The Resort will renovate the Mid-Mountain Lodge to further develop on-mountain dining.

Finally, as part of its environmental commitment, Park City Mountain Resort is offsetting 100 percent of its power consumption from renewable energy sources beginning in June 2008. This purchase of 13.9 million kWh of renewable energy credits (RECs) will avoid nearly 19 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually, which is equal to removing 1,853 passenger vehicles from the road or powering 1,100 average American homes for a year. For more information, visit www.saveoursnow.net.
ParkCityMountain.com

Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain has added a new Mountain Adventure Center located near the Timberline Lodge which will house all of Powder Mountain’s adventure programs including Snowcat Powder Safaris, Mountain Adventure Tours and the Snow Sports School. Last season, Powder Mountain started all-day guided snowcat tours called Snowcat Powder Safari. Due to the popularity of the program, the terrain available via the snowcat has been increased 100 percent to 2,000-plus acres.

Restaurants in all three lodges have been renovated to improve guest flow and to allow additional menu options. All changes are designed to minimize the time guests spend off the slopes on a powder day.

Powder Mountain is also taking steps to ensure everyone can enjoy and afford the sport of skiing. The price of a night lift pass will be rolled back to 2002-rates. An adult night pass will be $15 and a child (7 – 12) will be $12. Night operations will start one hour earlier than previous years, at 3:00pm, so guests can enjoy a few hours of sunlight.
PowderMountain.com

Snowbasin
Snowbasin Resort has replaced the Little Cat lift which services beginner terrain, with a new detachable quad chair lift starting above Earl’s Lodge and ending at the upper parking lot. The new lift will span 1,578 feet in length with a vertical rise of 173.5 feet. A 1,000 foot per minute line speed will yield a carrying capacity of 2,600 people per hour.

The new lift will better accommodate the beginning skier by reducing the intimidation from downhill skier traffic and easing loading and unloading due to the detachable lift's design.
Snowbasin.com

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
The Tram Club at Snowbird is undergoing an extensive remodeling project for the first time in 15 years. Owner Bill Carter has updated the previous ""Disco"" feel to a more modern, après-ski setting. The Tram Club will feature 12 flat screens, 3 projection screens and all major sports packages.

The Aerie Sushi Bar (on the top floor of the Cliff Lodge) has also been renovated and is now open year-round. The Aerie Sushi Bar is no longer a private club enabling the whole family to enjoy the extensive offerings, including a café menu with kid-friendly items like burgers and fries.

Kids age 12 and under will continue to ski free with all lodging packages booked through Snowbird Central Reservations or Snowbird.com. Snowbird’s Mountain School has added new pre-season pricing to its private lesson offering.
Snowbird.com

Solitude
Solitude Mountain Resort has announced $7 million in lift upgrades for the 2008-09 winter season, including two new high-speed chairlifts commencing from each base area – Solitude Village and Moonbeam Center.

Apex Express will replace the existing Apex double lift with a high-speed quad and provide access to the heart of the mountain. Another high-speed quad dubbed Moonbeam Express, will bring Solitude’s total high-speed lift count to three. The new lift will create a faster ride, eliminating a large amount of stops per ride due to passenger loading on a fixed grip lift.

Moonbeam Express will provide guests just learning the sport a much easier loading and unloading experience, hopefully encouraging them to come again and again. Solitude’s goal with terrain and lift improvements, now and into the future, is to create pockets of terrain that are specific to ability levels, which every ability level can appreciate.
SkiSolitude.com

Sundance Resort
Sundance is continuing to preserve its beautiful protected setting, against a 12,000-foot backdrop of Mount Timpanogos. Sundance offers 41 runs spread over 500 acres of snow-smothered terrain suitable for beginning to expert levels. Experts enjoy the steep and the deep in wide open bowls and narrow gladed chutes, while all can enjoy our immaculately groomed slopes. Sundance prides itself on being a place where families can gather and hospitality is a way of life. Special kids programs and a variety of activities keep the family smiling all day.

Sundance’s cross country ski center has a full 26 kilometers of daily groomed trails and are available for skating and classic skiing. Snowshoers can explore Sundance’s terrain on 10 kilometers of dedicated trails through the woods.
SundanceResort.com

Wolf Mountain
Wolf Mountain is an integral part of Wolf Creek Utah's complete amenity package, offering the best guest experience available. Major improvements for the 2008-09 season include expanded beginner learning terrain, a more convenient skier/guest drop off area and continued improvements to its terrain park. The Wolf Mountain Learning Center offers the best value in ski and snowboard education, with the “Get on Board” pass. For only $200, a new skier or snowboarder can take three lessons with equipment rental and receive a free season pass at the end of their lesson series.
WolfMountainEden.com"