The members of the On-Snow Demo, the Copper Mountain and the WWSRA during the announcement. Photo: Austyn Williams, Copper Mountain Resort

“After careful consideration of a variety of Colorado-based resorts that could potentially host the Demo, SIA’s On-Snow Demo Task Force felt Copper Mountain had all the ingredients essential for a good demo-terrain, facilities, services and the proximity to Denver,” said On-Snow Demo Task Force and SIA Board Member Annelise Loevlie of Icelantic Skis. “Also, Copper has a vibrant feel and dynamic terrain that will compliment and carry the energy over from the Snow Show, to keep the stoke flowing,” added Loevlie.

The facilities at Copper Mountain Resort include the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, a unique full length downhill early season training facility. The resort also features Woodward at Copper, the indoor/outdoor year round action sport training facility. Additionally, Copper Mountain’s trail provides the environment for testing the latest gear and snow technologies.

“Copper Mountain is honored and excited to welcome Snow Show attendees from around the world on our slopes and facilities,” said Jesse True, Copper Mountain Resort’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Copper’s world-class conference center and pedestrian friendly village will be the ideal base camp for SIA’s On-Snow Demo.”

The 2013 On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest has gathered more than 3,000 attendees including retailers, reps, brands and media from across the world. At the event, guests have an opportunity to test out Nordic, alpine, AT/backcountry and snowboard gear among more than 130 snow sports brands. The event is hosted annually in a partnership with the Western Winter Sports Reps Association’s Rocky Mountain Demo.

The announcement has been made on Tuesday, June 11 at Copper Mountain Resort. Photo: Austyn Williams, Copper Mountain Resort

Morgan Turner, president of WWSRA says, “CWWSRA has a long history of running incredibly successful demos with Copper Mountain and its staff. We’re excited to work with Copper again,” adding, “Copper has perfect testing terrain, conditions and facilities to accommodate the growing demo.”

Watch the 2014 SIA On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest video to preview all that the event will have to offer:

The post Copper Mountain Resort to Host SIA On-Snow Demo for 2014 appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Josh Garrett set off on the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail on June 10th. 
Photo: Mercy for Animals

June 10, 2013, marked the starting point for Josh Garrett’s journey across the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail – a grueling path from Mexico to Canada.

Garrett, 30, a Santa Monica College track coach and exercise physiology instructor, intends to use his expedition as a tool to raise awareness and funds for Mercy For Animals – a national charity working to prevent cruelty to farmed animals and promote compassionate food choices and policies.

In 2009, Garrett thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in just 88 days, which is about half the time taken by most hikers. However, Whole Foods CEO, John Mackey, is confident that Garrett can hike the trail this time in under 64 days, the current trail speed world record. Mackey, who also shares a passion for plant based eating habits and who has hiked with Garrett in the past, will be sponsoring him by providing hiking gear, food and water.

In order to break the record, Garrett will have to keep a pace of 42 miles per day through 7 national parks and 25 national forests, home to a a variety of different terrains including the blazing Mojave Desert and the steep Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Garrett will be traveling over a marathon and a half a day, for 64 days in a row, through some of our planet’s harshest conditions.

“At the beginning of the trail, you are hiking through the desert, parched, desperate for water. Before you know it, there is way too much water—you are wading across streams, chest deep, trying not to get washed away. It is a fantastic challenge,” says Garrett.

Garrett promotes the benefits of a plant based diet for both animals and self.
Photo: Mercy for Animals

Now, a vegan for 18 months, Garrett feels stronger than ever, and hopes to use this achievement to promote the benefits of a plant based diet. While Garrett will have some food support along the way, he will also be relying on the trail plants as he travels.

“Just two years ago I was a big meat eater, wild about dogs but not letting myself think much about other animals,” he said. “Then I saw a Mercy For Animals undercover video where a slaughterhouse worker was using live turkeys, suspended upside down on a conveyor belt, as punching bags. I was sickened. And my own consciousness started to change.”

To make this record successful, Josh has to have weight management down to a science by cutting tags and extra fabric off his clothing, estimating where he can procure natural water and food along the trail, and living without many items that most hikers would consider essential. Food included, Garrett will be carrying nearly 30 lbs of gear.

Garrett will have to keep up a pace of 42 miles per day in order to break the current 64 day trail speed world record.
Photo: Mercy for Animals

Some of the essentials that didn’t make the cut include weapons and a tent.  Josh will have a sleeping bag, a thin mat and a small piece of vinyl to break the wind when necessary.  The weapon part of the equation is particularly important as along the way, Garrett will undoubtedly encounter all types of wildlife including bears, mountain lions, pack animals like wolves and coyotes, rattle snakes and a myriad of other critters that might derail a day with an encounter.  Hopefully some of those predators will give him some credit for being vegan.

“When it comes to helping animals, Josh doesn’t just talk the talk, he literally walks the walk,” said Mercy For Animals executive director Nathan Runkle. “We hope that Josh’s selfless journey inspires others to take steps in their own lives to help prevent the horrible suffering of animals on factory farms by adopting a healthy and humane vegan diet.”

The Ski Channel is a big supporter of Josh Garrett’s quest and will be interfacing with him daily throughout the hike. Stay tuned to The Ski Channel website and Facebook page for regular updates with images and videos! 

The post Vegan Hiker Makes 2,655 Mile Trek From Mexico to Canada to Support Mercy for Animals appeared first on The Ski Channel.

While most ski bunnies have hung up their skis for the season, this guy tried to savor the last bits of snow left on the ground… Maybe he should wait until next season to add the front flip to his bag of tricks. Check out this epic ski jumping fail!

The post Skier Fails to Launch appeared first on The Ski Channel.

What better way to kick off the summer season than to head up to Big Bear Lake Resort and try out the various activities available. Snow Summit will be open with multiple activities available for everyone in the family; including the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair, top-to-bottom hiking, biking trails and rentals for all levels, plus mountain-style golfing on the Bear Mountain Golf Course. 

Open weekends only until mid-June, the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair offers treetop views of pristine Big Bear Lake, making for a great weekend escape for the whole family. Guests who ride the Scenic Sky Chair and reach the top of Snow Summit can eat at the View Haus, one of the most scenic restaurants in Big Bear. With many options to head back downhill, one can take the Sky Chair back down, hike to the bottom or bike down one of the numerous trails in the San Bernardino National Forest.

 The gorgeous Big Bear Lake. Photo: Wikicommons/ H.G. Judd

The resort is introducing a mountain biking trail for advanced riders with multiple features for downhill enthusiasts. Gravity Logic, experts in bike park design and development, designed Snow Summit’s new advanced trail, “Miracle Mile.” The downhill trail features sweeping s-turns, 33 berms, six rollers, ten jumps and three wood features including a 30-foot bridge, diving board and berm. Snow Summit plans on opening at least three new trails in addition to existing trails with accessibility for all levels by the end of summer. Bike rentals are available on all levels of Snow Summit.

“We currently offer something for every level of golfer, hiker, biker and explorer,” says Chris Riddle, Vice President of Marketing at Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “As the summer progresses, we will be adding more activities including a 1,050-foot zipline, along with daily operation beginning June 15th. Our guests can enjoy beautiful scenery and southern California mountain weather that is ideal for being outdoors mid-day.”

Don’t miss out on all summer and winter 2013-14 season activities, which can be enjoyed at a discounted rate with the purchase of a Screamin’ Deal Season Pass available through May 31st.

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“Singing for Peace” Choirs of Russia Contest-Assembly presented by Sochi 2014 Cultural Olympiad. Photo: Sochi 2014

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“Taking a trick from the airbag to snow is one of the most gratifying feelings for sure. I mean, it’s easy to land on a big fluffy pillow all the time, but landing on the snow and knowing that you are progressing and riding that way is a really, really great feeling,” says Hight.

Hight also comments about the changes in the snowboard field in the next three to five years. She weighs on the importance for women to do more multiple doubles following the guys’ footsteps. “I think all the girls are gonna blow people’s minds.” – Elena Hight

The post Rockstar Presents Snowboarder Elena Hight Training on the Mammoth Air Bag appeared first on The Ski Channel.

K.I.D.S. is an organization aimed to help the snow sports industry efficiently target it’s clothing donations to children affected by Hurricane Sandy. The New Year New Start Sandy relief program was created as a response to the reduction of aid for the hurricane victims as the holidays and new year approached. In January, during the 2013 SIA Snow Show, 5000+ pounds of winter apparel were collected.

To watch the highlights from the SIA Snow Show, check out The Ski Channel video on demand network! Photo: Ski Channel/ Shannon Quirk

About 69 snow sports companies donated the estimated 5000+ pounds of winter clothing to help struggling families and children keep warm during next winter. The donations from the 69 companies and individuals is estimated to be valued over $100,000. The proceeds were distributed at two separate functions, ”The Winter in May” celebration and the “All In” Skateboard event.

The first distribution event happened on May 10, 2013 during the “Winter in May” celebration at The Far Rockaway Community Library where K.I.D.S. distributed winter clothing. As a result, about two-hundred families received donations on a first-come, first-served basis while enjoying  the festivities. On May 14, the second distribution event, The “All In” Skateboard event was held at the Queens Library for Teens, distributed many athletic and skate shoes to hundreds of children from the Rockaways, most of which were distributed by SIA members.

Companies like Spyder contributed as well. “Collecting new winter apparel was a great way for the industry to use its unique resources to impact the lives of these children,” said Tom McGann, president and CEO of Spyder.

Many needs of the victims have yet to be met but these distributions of winter apparel allowed for one less worry for the Hurricane Sandy victims who are now prepared for the upcoming winter season.

The post Over 5000 Pounds of Winter Apparel Donated to Hurricane Sandy Victims appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Previous years made for an awesome snowboard and ski season but the 2013-14 season brings more excitement and fun with state of the art facilities and equipment appealing to all guests with varying interests. To ensure skiers and riders experience the greatest snow conditions regardless of mother natures plans, the resorts are continuing to invest in a snowmaking system and grooming fleet for the 2013-14 winter season.

The focus will be on expanding the resort’s arsenal of jibs along with several signature features, allowing for more variety and creativity in the terrain park layouts for next winter. The park crews at both resorts will be designing new features for every ability level, focusing on new and creative features for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.

Alpine Meadows’ gorgeous scenery, worth every mile traveled. Photo: Alpine Meadows

New projects and installments for this ski and snowboard season include significant snowmaking improvements at both resorts that will include new snow cats for more smooth, carve-able slopes, a new Wanderlust yoga studio, Spruce, a new home furnishings store, and comprehensive room renovations at The Village at Squaw Valley, a new amphitheater at the KT Base bar, as well as new on-mountain and valley signage for increased way-finding and accessibility.

Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is internationally renowned for legendary terrain that ranges from an expansive mountaintop beginner area to unrivaled expert steeps, trees and bowls. Alpine Meadows’ seven powder bowls, summit-to-base groomed slopes, and authentic hospitality are among the many attributes that have made the resort a favorite of the local community and visitors alike.

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows joined forces in November 2011, bringing the two ski resorts under common ownership. Skiers and riders can access 6,000 skiable acres, 43 lifts and 270 trails at Squaw and Alpine Meadows on one lift ticket or season pass.

The first year of the renovation of the resort brought a new base village with restaurants, bars and fire pits to Squaw Valley, as well as other amenities including completely revamped terrain parks in partnership with Snow Park Technologies (SPT), the new SnoVentures activity zone with tubing and mini-snowmobiles, and the world’s first ski-in/ski-out Starbucks. The second year included significant snowmaking improvements at both resorts, with a new high-speed, six-passenger chairlift and improved High Camp beginner experience at Squaw, a mile-long terrain park at Alpine Meadows, and a new restaurant and two new retail stores.

Besides renovations to the resorts, Squaw Valley has committed to investing $300,000 to reduce the resort carbon footprint by 10% as of early summer 2013.

“Through extensive surveying, we have heard from our guests that snowmaking and exciting vacation experiences continue to be things they are looking for at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. “As a result, we are continuing to work with the industry’s best experts to modernize the experience both on and off the mountains with the goal of making Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows two of the top resorts in North America.”

A skier going downhill overlooking The Village at Squaw Valley Resort. Photo: Squaw Valley

The post Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Resorts 2013-14 Winter Season Upgrades appeared first on The Ski Channel.

“This year, we focused on creating events and activities that will delight the entire family,” stated Dave Fields, Vice President of Resort Operations. “It’s the perfect place to beat the city heat.”  For example, children can pan for gemstones in the Wasatch Mining Co waters on the Plaza Deck.  Beginning June 8, more summer activities like this will be taking place daily.  Some of the more fun and extreme ones include the Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampolines, Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Air Jumper, and the Aerial Tram.

Different aged camp programs, led by counselors, have also been set in motion by Snowbird Resort.  For youth ages 10-15, Snowbird Mountain Sports Camp will return for its second year and includes mountain biking, swimming, hiking and climbing with professional coaches. This year’s camp will be held July 8th-12th, 2013. Snowbird also offers Camp Snowbird for children ages 4-12, and Teen Camp for ages 13-17, Mondays through Fridays.  For more information, please visit: http://www.snowbird.com/summer/summercamps

In addition, Snowbird also offers more active experiences for all ages, such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding in Mineral Basin, horseshoes, tennis, and fishing in Austin Pond. Just in time for Father’s Day, the fifth annual Brewfest will be held June 15^th-16^th, where several breweries will be selling 3-ounce samples of their brews accompanied by live music.  A family BBQ for all dads will be grilled up on Sunday, June 16^th.

The New Mountain Coaster at Snowbird Resort. Photo: Snowbird Resort

To start the weekends off right, free admission is granted for Family Flicks, where featured films will be shown each Friday night at around sunset.  Some classic films include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Harry Potter, Where the Wild Things Are and Groundhog Day.  On Saturday nights, after a long week’s adventure of fun, everyone is welcome to attend the resort’s free Cool Air Concert series on the Plaza deck at 6 p.m. (June 22 – August 10).  Live music will be played by bands such as the Chicago Afrobeat Project, the Jaden Carlson Band, Keller Williams, and many more.  Small coolers are welcome.

Festivities are always the best way to end the summer, so this year Oktoberfest will return to the Snowbird village on August 17th and continue each weekend (including Labor Day) through October 13th. This event is culturally focused with traditional German music, dancing, and cuisine, such as bratwurst with sauerkraut and apfelstrudel. Children can enjoy face painting, inflatable rides, caricature artist, the world champion Yo-Yo Man, balloons and more. Admission is also free.

Other summer events include the Tour of Utah, Mountain Bout Mountain Bike Race, Wasatch Wildflower Festival, Stargazers and Hidden Peak Challenge

Summer Schedule: 

MAY 2013

27                    Last day of skiing and snowboarding, conditions permitting.

JUNE 2013

7                      Snowbird Family Flicks, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

8                      Summer Activities Open

14                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Groundhog Day

15-16               4^th Annual Brewfest, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

16                    Father’s Day Brunch with live music, Atrium, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

16                    Father’s Day BBQ Celebration, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

18                    Little Cottonwood Canyon Clean-Up

21                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Despicable Me

22                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Swamp Cabbage

28                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

29                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Jaden Carlson Band

JULY 2013

4                      4^th of July Pancake Breakfast w/live music, 9 a.m.-noon, Dixieland Band

5                      Snowbird Family Flicks, Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone

6                      26^th Annual Mountain Bout Mountain Bike Race – www.intermountaincup.com

6                      Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Girls, Guns & Glory

8-12                 Mountain Sports Camp

11-14            Bowcast

12                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Cool Runnings

13                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Chicago Afrobeat Project

19                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Up

20                    Black Diamond’s Hidden Peak Hustle 5K & 10K

20                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Whitewater Ramble

26                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Mrs. Doubtfire

27                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Keller Williams

27                    Speedgoat 50K

28                    Wasatch Wildflower Festival

AUGUST 2013

2                      Snowbird Family Flicks, Where The Wild Things Are

3                      35^th Annual Bicycle Hill Climb / Ultra Widowmaker

3                      16^th Annual Survivors at the Summit Hike

3                      Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Holy Ghost Tent Revival

6                      Mid-week MTB race series

8                      Wasatch Trail Run Race Series – runontrails.com

9                      Snowbird Family Flicks, How To Train Your Dragon

10                    Tour of Utah Challenge (citizen race)

10                    Tour of Utah

10                    Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Mountain Standard Time

16                    Snowbird Family Flicks, Ghostbusters

17                    Snowbird Adventure Race

22                    Wasatch Trail Run Race Series – runontrails.com

24                    Sandy half marathon

17, 18              Oktoberfest

24, 25              Oktoberfest

31                    Grand Oktoberfest

SEPTEMBER 2013

1 & 2               Grand Oktoberfest

7, 8                  Oktoberfest

14, 15              Oktoberfest

21                    Hidden Peak Challenge

21                    Widow Maker

21, 22              Oktoberfest

28, 29              Oktoberfest

OCTOBER 2013

5, 6                  Oktoberfest

12, 13              Oktoberfest

TBD                 Customer Appreciation Days

TBD                 Customer Appreciation Days

The post Snowbird Resorts’ Family Fun Summer Agenda appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Buildings have been destroyed, a theatre has been taken over, and two elementary schools, Plaza Towers Elementary School and Briarwood Elementary School, have been severely damaged. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the ski community in Oklahoma and The Ski Channel urges readers to help the tornado victims in need by donating to the Red Cross tornado fund.

 KOCO news provides raw footage sent in by William Weaver:

Click here to view live footage at the scene of the devastation.

The post Large and Deadly Tornado Hits Oklahoma City appeared first on The Ski Channel.