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.

Spring has sprung in the mountains, and Loon Mountain Resort is already pumped and gearing up for an exciting summer. The resort will open for the summer season on Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday-Monday) and will be open on weekends through mid-June, with daily operations beginning June 22.

This summer, Loon is excited to offer a wide range of activities for the entire family to enjoy, including several fun new interactive features! For alpine adventure, visitors can ride New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride and enjoy spectacular vistas of the White Mountains from the observation tower, eat lunch at the Summit Cafe, or explore the summit glacial caves and self-guided nature walk.

For you adrenaline junkies out there, the Loon Mountain Adventure Center offers rock wall climbing, bungee trampolines, a 700-foot zipline across the Pemigewasset River, and a new spider web climbing feature and slide for kids. Bike rentals and Segway tours are also available.

For a truly unique challenge, visitors can test themselves in the Aerial Forest Adventure Park. Located high in the alpine forest, the park consists of five courses with varying levels of difficulty, perfect for families and kids ages seven and older. Participants are challenged to maneuver from platform to platform high up in the trees by crossing bridges, climbing ladders, zip lines and other obstacles. The park, a Swiss design built to the standards of the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), consists of platforms and elements that range from 9 to over 40 feet off the ground. This is a great confidence-building activity for individuals and team-building activity for families and groups.

New this year is Bunyan’s Backyard, a larger-than-life fun park featuring the Paul Bunyan-sized LogJam Maze, where kids and families find their way to various checkpoints while racing against the clock; an interactive Gyro Loop swing that would throw Babe the Blue Ox for a loop; and an assortment of games and amusements that are sure to entertain kids and adults alike.

The Adventure Pass and Super Adventure Pass are great ways for families to save on a whole day of fun this summer. At $41 for adults and $31 for juniors, the Adventure Pass allows for unlimited access to the gondola skyride, rock wall, and bungee trampoline, as well as a two-hour bike rental and round-trip zipline. The Super Adventure Pass – at $69 for adults and $59 for juniors – offers all those activities, PLUS a two-hour session in the Aerial Adventure Park.

There are also plenty of events happening this summer, including the lung-busting Loon Mountain Race on July 7; the revamped Monster Mud Run on July 13; the New Hampshire Highland Games on September 20-22; and Oktoberfest on October 12-13. Be sure to check www.loonmtn.com for more event details.

The post Loon Mountain Resort Opens For Summer May 25 appeared first on The Ski Channel.

This annual event showcases some of the many craft breweries in Colorado. Photo: Dave Camara/Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Ten Colorado breweries will be sampling their brews at this year’s event including; Pug Ryan’s, Dillon Dam, AC Golden, Avery, O’Dells, Oskar Blues, Wynkoop, Tivoli, Twisted Pine and Elevation Brewing. A-Basin’s culinary team will be serving sliders, turkey legs, tacos and other items for purchase. At the ticket office steps the bluegrass band Hardscrabble will be playing live from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A-Basin is open through Memorial Day weekend for skiing and riding seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“This is one of most fun days at the Basin,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin’s Chief Operating Officer. “Great music, good friends, and spring skiing – it doesn’t get much better than that.”

This exciting day at the Basin is full of great music, good friends and spring skiing. Photo: Dave Camara/Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Mugs for the beer tasting go on sale the day of the event at 11:00 a.m. Each mug costs $25 and allows for unlimited beer tasting from noon to 4:00 p.m. Mugs can be purchased at either the Season Pass Office or in Guest Services until 3:00 p.m. Festival attendees must be at least 21 years old but do not need a lift ticket to attend. Food tickets will also be available for purchase for $1 per ticket or 15 tickets for $12.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is scheduled to close on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Single and multi-day lift tickets and 2013-2014 season passes can be purchased online at www.arapahoebasin.com/passes.

The post The 12th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs Hosts Live Music, Craft Beer and Skiing appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Are you a yoga fanatic AND outdoor lover? Well, very soon, you will be able to enjoy both…AT THE SAME TIME!

Squaw Valley and Wanderlust are proud to announce the planned opening of the resort’s new yoga studio, Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley. The new studio is an extension of the longstanding partnership between Wanderlust and Squaw Valley. Squaw was the original birthplace of the Wanderlust Festival, which has now expanded to seven locations around the world. The new studio, which will be the ONLY full-time yoga studio in the valley, is scheduled to open on First Street in The Village at Squaw Valley in late June 2013.

“The Wanderlust brand is truly among the preeminent brands in yoga with an ever growing presence well beyond yoga. We’re proud to be the origination of the now global Wanderlust Festival and this dedicated yoga studio space is a natural, exciting extension of our partnership with Wanderlust,” said Andy Wirth, President and CEO of Squaw Valley. “We see this relationship coupled with our recent alliance with Ironman as one more progressive step towards Squaw Valley becoming the region’s epicenter of health, wellness athletic development and training.”

The studio plans to open six days a week with a variety of classes including Hatha, Vinyasa and Iyengar – ranging from beginner through high-level instructor training. Unique to Squaw, some classes will incorporate its extraordinary landscape, taking the practice outside on the mountain as well as classes that will begin in the studio and wrap-up with a hike, bike ride, run, swim in Lake Tahoe or, come winter, skiing and riding on the mountain.

“Squaw Valley’s breathtaking mountain scenery and positive energy makes for a truly unique and inspiring place to practice yoga,” said Heather Cooley, Squaw Valley’s coordinator for the new studio. “Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley’s ability to do what no other studio can do with our outdoor landscape makes us different from every other yoga studio both locally and nationally.”

Through Squaw Valley’s partnership with Wanderlust, the studio will be able to offer classes taught by some of the most recognized yoga instructors both regionally and nationally. Wanderlust and Squaw Valley will also be working together to host several two to three day retreats incorporating yoga, activities and accommodations.

“Wanderlust’s core mission is to create community around yoga and mindful living,” said Wanderlust co-founder, Jeff Krasno. “The opportunity to do this on a 365-day basis in Wanderlust’s birthplace is beyond exciting. The integration of a first-class yoga program with all of the outdoor activities and natural beauty of Squaw Valley will create a totally unique experience for local residents and guests.”

In the style of the Wanderlust Festival’s vibrant fusion of yoga and music, Squaw’s new Wanderlust yoga studio will feature a full sound system to be used for some yoga sessions as well as for monthly live music in the studio. Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley will host its grand opening party during this summer’s Wanderlust Festival, coming to Squaw Valley July 18-21. Mark it down on your calendars now as this is a party you will NOT want to miss!

The Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley studio is the third of three Wanderlust yoga studios. The first opened in Austin in spring 2012, followed by a studio in Montreal earlier this year.

Namaste.

Photo Credit: Mario Covic

The post Wanderlust Joins Forces With Squaw Valley to Create Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley Studio appeared first on The Ski Channel.

“The Grand Prix is the longest running series in the US, and from that experience they put on some of the best events out there. The Olympic qualification events are in good hands with the Grand Prix and I am looking forward to the Olympic season.” – Kelly Clark, Olympic Halfpipe Snowboarding Champion

Tucker Perkins during the Halfpipe finals at the Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix in Park City, Utah. Photo: Sarah Brunson/U.S. Freeskiing

The Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix presented by North Face will also see freeskiing events in collaboration with the Spring U.S. Grand Prix. In it’s 18^th season, the Grand Prix will host stops at Colorado’s Copper Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort with the final Olympic Freeskiing Team being announced after double events at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort and snowboarding at California’s Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

“It’s great to have the Grand Prix in Park City. Competing at my home hill is awesome and I am sure PCMR will put on an amazing event. It’s pretty cool that we get to have this sweet Grand Prix that helps with the U.S. Olympic Team selection in America!” -Tom Wallisch, AFP Slopestyle Champion

Matt Margetts during the Halfpipe finals at the Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix in Park City, Utah. Photo: Sarah Brunson/U.S. Freeskiing

Every tour stop will see exciting action at both the halfpipe and slopestyle that will each count towards Olympic selection.

The post Tickets to Sochi Will Be On the Line for Snowboarding and the Newest Olympic Sport of Freeskiing appeared first on The Ski Channel.

“It’s a long time coming,” said Josh Knight events and recreation manager at Whitefish Mountain Resort. “Four years of planning in partnership with Flathead National Forest and professional trail builders has finally come to fruition. These trails will offer riders more choices and variety to our lift-served terrain and more than doubles our present downhill network. The word around the campfire is stoked.”

Mountain bikers can expect a whole new adventure this summer as more trails open up to explore! Photo: Whitefish Mountain Resort

Four of the five new trails will be added to the upper mountain, which includes top to bottom trails. Kashmir, a 2.54-mile expert only trail will run along the west ridge of the mountain towards the pod of existing trails in the Chair 3 area. Kashmir will intersect existing intermediate trails enabling riders to get on and off the trail.

The Freebird 1.7 mile trail will start at the top of Ptarmigan Bowl and head down the main drainage underneath Chair 1 featuring berms, jumps and quick descents. GNR is the shortest new trail at .21 miles however; it tackles 1,090 of vertical distance. This trail hops off the Summit Trail near the top and is a more technical start to a rider’s descent. The Classic Rock trail adds .31 miles of rocky descent connecting Kashmir to the Summit Trail and provides more expert options to traverse the mountain. Overflow will become the main route and features a big jump line option to a fun finish.

For more information on the trails and other Whitefish Mountain Resort events visit www.skiwhitefish.com/events. Photo: Whitefish Mountain Resort

The post Whitefish Mountain Resort Adding Five Miles of New Mountain Bike Trails appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Germination S2, E3: Powder Playground – Fernie Wilderness Adventures

The Germination series takes a trip up North to one of their favorite powder playgrounds – Fernie Wilderness Adventures (FWA). The trip was all about playing in the BC powder while testing out the latest Epic Planks skis and snowboards.

Description of Episode:

Riders:

•  Jon Whelan
• Ian Hamilton
• Danny Arnold
• Brian Prentice

Locations:

•  Fernie Wilderness Adventures Catskiing (FWA), Fernie, British Columbia,
•  Canada

Filmed By:

• Bobby Jahrig
• Henry Hawkins

Edited By:

• Henry Hawkins

About FWA Powder Catskiing:

Established in 1986 by Kim and Deb Sedrovic, Fernie Wilderness Adventures Snow Catskiing. Their one goal in mind was to provide their clients an exceptional outdoor experience in a relaxed, casual atmosphere enjoying the snow and great Canadian Rockies. Nestled in a nearby mountain range just south west of the Alpline Resort of Fernie known for its Legendary deep snow dumps. With over 5,000 acres with a variety of Ridges to begin your descents from. The guides have a vast variety to choose from, the terrain ranges from ridges, valleys’ to spectacular gladed meadows. With the elevation at over 7,150 ft / 2170 meters the conditions keep the snow falling from the Coast and dry powder perfect for skier and snowboarders to enjoy world renowned Canadian Rockies. Fernie Wilderness Adventures is a catskiing guide partner of Epic Planks. Fernie Wilderness Adventures ski guides can be seen riding Epic Planks Crop Dusters, Rippers, and Stash snowboards, with a fleet of Epic Planks skis and snowboards available to guests as rentals.

For more information about Fernie Wilderness Adventures, visit:

http://fwapowder.com/

About Epic Planks:

Epic Planks is a handmade ski and snowboard company committed to creating innovative products while taking customer feedback to heart in order to progress the product line in a positive direction. Epic Planks has established partnerships with park skiers and backcountry ski guides worldwide. These partnerships have resulted in a solid lineup of rider designed handmade park skis, powder skis, all mountain skis, park snowboards, and all mountain snowboards. Epic Planks is committed to providing quality skis that are made in the USA at affordable prices.

For more information about Epic Planks, visit:

http://www.epicplanks.com

http://www.facebook.com/epicplanks

About Germination:

Germination is web video series documenting the growth and progress of a young ski and snowboard company. This is the second season of Germination, sit back and enjoy!

The post Germination S2, E3: Powder Playground – Fernie Wilderness Adventures appeared first on The Ski Channel.

Preparations for the 2014 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup and Sochi Olympic Winter Games season have been announced by the men’s alpine Head Coach, Sasha Rearick.  As a team, he claims their main priority will be to condition and perform at their best level, using each others’ support as their ultimate motivation.

Some significant changes to the organization will consist of the creation of a World Cup Multi Team, the addition of two new coaches to the men’s speed program, and a combined World Cup technical and World Cup B training group.  Veteran coach Forest Carey will head the World Cup Multi Team, which will be composed of overall skiers Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) and Ted Ligety (Park City, UT).  Alongside Carey, Assistant Coach Mike Kenney will return to the men’s program accompanied by former Junior World Champion for downhill and a two-time NCAA champion, Adam Cole.

The men’s speed program will continue to be led by Andreas Evers, as well as by TJ Lanning and Scotty Veenis.  Evers will welcome on board conditioning coach Tony Beretzki and 2006 Junior World Champion for downhill, Chris Beckman.

As explanation for some of the important adjustments, Coach Carey offered these words: “Ted had an amazing season last year and for him to continue to improve is critical. We can’t rest on what he’s already done and we also need the resources to support Bode as he prepares for a fifth Olympics. In order to do that we’ve created a program that enables our staff to help push Ted and Bode to continually improve.”

Forest Carey and the 2012-2013 US Men’s Alpine Ski team. Photo: USSA / Eric Schramm 

“We still needed to step up. We need to cover the hills better and we need staff to do that, but what we did was bring in a conditioning specialist to work with the guys 12 month,” says Rearick.

The combined World Cup training group will be instructed by Bernd Brunner.  In order to guarantee that their athletes will maintain proper conditioning and preparation plans for optimum performance throughout the season, all new coaches and trainers will complete the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Sports Science internship program this summer.

In terms of the men’s C and Development Teams, Randy Pelkey will remain in charge, along with Assistant Coach Ian Lockhead and established team persona Eric Holmer.

Team training will be conducted in Chile and New Zealand, as well as at the locations of official U.S. Ski Team training partners the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, and Soelden.  The Center of Excellence will also be holding conditioning camps as the team leads up to the 2014 Olympic season.

The post 2014 Men’s Alpine Staff Announced appeared first on The Ski Channel.