New Lift at Solitude and Olympic Specials at Whistler

Solitude Cranks It Up
Hard core skiers rejoice! Solitude, in Utah, has replaced their old Powderhorn double lift with a new $1.5 million fixed grip quad lift, which is also named "Powderhorn". This new lift will allow skiers to access the upper mountain as it has moved the beginning of the lift to mid-mountain. This lift will mainly access the more expert terrain and will separate more experienced skiers from people who are just learning to ski.

Solitude was recently infused with $7 million of capital investments, including new lifts last season getting more skiers up the mountain, reducing lift lines and allowing skiers to navigate the area more smoothly.

Olympic Special! Can It Be!
Usually when you think of the Olympics, you think "Man that is going to be expensive!" Well the Four Seasons in Whistler is trying to change that perception! During the Olympics, you can get a FREE $200 food and beverage credit per day per room when you book in three night increments. Packages must be booked in any of the following three night increments: February 11-14, February 14-17, February 17-20, February 20-23, February 23-26 or February 26-March 1, 2010. With savings like that, the games are the best deal around. Get to Whistler Blackcomb and cheer on the athletes!

Still More Snow In Aspen

It seems the reports out of snow country are becoming more common on the subject of new snow. This picture just came in from Aspen Snowmass Resort. Here is some new snow on Maroon Bells Peaks across from Aspen Mountain.

While we are talking about Aspen, check out this great ski package at Independence Square Lodge for only $599 per person for 5 Nights/4 Days with the 5th Night Free!

Snow, Snow Snow!!

New Snow is on the Menu at Snowbird

Utah has always been known for lots of fluffy powder, and it looks like this ski season is no different. Early snowfall has left the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah white and caked. Snowbird sent us these pictures to let everyone know that they are already making turns. Although not officially open yet, Snowbirds' locals have already managed to make some turns in the new snow. Opening day is only a little over a month away.

Check out the latest 4th Night Free special at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird with packages starting at $698 per person.

Ski Salt Lake is offering a great promotion for the 2009-10 season. Get a Free Day of skiing on top of the already amazing value of this four mountain pass. The Ski Salt Lake Super Pass is valid for Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude, Utah. Thousands of acres of fluffy powder are waiting for you. Think Snow!!!

Early Snow hits Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass resort got into the excitement with some early snow of their own. As you can see by the photo, snow was falling at the Sheer Bliss lift at Aspen. Snowmaking is scheduled to begin soon at Aspen as well. Home to some of the best skiing in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen Snowmass also hosts some of the biggest events in snow country. From the X Games to World Cup Skiing Events, there is always something going one there.

Now is a great time to book one of Aspen's Early Book By Specials. Check out this 5 Night, 4 Day Ski Package at Independence Square Lodge from $599 per person. You must book by December 1, 2009, so make your plans today.

Snow Reported Across the Rockies

It seems that the summer always goes too fast. The long sun-drenched days filled with relaxing outdoors and recreation only last for a short while. Most of the human population are sad to see the leaves change as they know a long dark winter is approaching. There is, however a small sect of the population that gets giddy when there is a nip in the air for the first time. When the leaves start to fall, they know the snow will too. The members of the snow country nation rejoice when the first coating of snow covers the mountains. It's never too early for these die-hards.

Recently, snow has been reported over the Rocky Mountains. The nations highest mountain range routinely gets early snow to begin a base for the winter and this year is no exception. Steamboat reported its' first snowfall this week. Known for some of the biggest snowfall numbers, "the Boat" starts early and all but guarantees good conditions in the early season. Known for the most face-shots per run, Steamboat looks to improve upon the epic season they had last season. That must be why they just released a ton of Free Day and Free Night Specials.

Keystone was right behind in their announcement of fresh powder. Summit county received snowfall all the way down to the base areas which officially began their snowfall count for the season. With opening day less than a couple months away, it already looks to be a banner season. Check out this $50 Free Mountain Money Deal they just offered! Obviously they want people to get to Keystone this season.

Feet of Snow Prompts Park City to Extend Season

Park City, UT - The information was pretty clear as to why Park City Utah decided to extend their season until April 19, 2009; Snow! And lots of it.

Thanks to more than eight feet of snow in the past two weeks, and a 97-inch settled base depth, Park City Mountain Resort has decided to extend the closing date by one week to Sunday, April 19. Beginning Monday, April 13, seven lifts are scheduled to continue operating including PayDay, Bonanza, Silverlode, Thaynes, Jupiter, First Time and Three Kings lifts.

Also, beginning Monday, April 13, our full-day lift ticket pricing will be as follows:
Adult: $50
Senior: $35
Youth: $30

In addition, dining will still be available at Legacy Cafe, Kristi's Coffee Cafe and the Summit House. Park City Mountain Rentals will remain in full operation as will the ski and snowboard school.

The End of the Season = Parties & Events Galore!

The end is near, yet there is so much to be done! Resorts are winding down to their last few weeks of skiing and now is the time to have some fun and save some dough! Many resorts use the waining days of spring skiing to show their "true colors", as it were, and let their hair down. Carnivale atmosphere, crazy races, pond skimming events and just good ole partying can be found at most of your favorite resorts.

Aspen Highlands has extended their closing date due to epic conditions. The Highlands will reopen for two more weekends on April 18th and April 25th. Don't miss out on some of the best spring skiing in snow country.

At Crested Butte, snow is on the agenda for the end of their season which is this weekend. Nineteen inches of spring powder fell in the last week and conditions couldn't be better.

Steamboat is boasting a foot of fresh powder over the last two days which will make the competitors of the 29th Annual Smartwool Cardboard Classic happy! The event takes off on April 11th and pits the areas top projectile architects against one another in a Chinese Downhill style free-for-all. Powder and mayhem; what could be better!

Copper shows seven inches in the last few days and is paying homage to the god of sun with their Sunsation Festival! Michael Franti and Spearhead, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot and Rusted Root are just a few of the acts that will be hitting Copper Mountains stage April 18-19th. Sounds like a good time!

Up north in Whistler, they go big with the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Parties every night and bands hitting the main stage daily make this a can't miss event. For 10 days, pro skiers and snowboarders impress with their biggest bags of tricks at world renowned competitions, free concerts rock the village, film and fine art events dazzle crowds and parties pump up the beats. There is so much going on, it would be impossible to mention it all here!

Get to these events now! and save by going to our Hot Deals section.

Save Some Green And Ski Some White Gold...

St. Patricks Day is upon us and the usual "traditions" of drinking green beer and eating enough corned beef and cabbage to stuff a leprechaun are par for the course. This season, instead of partaking in those activities that only take money out of your wallet, why not do something that will actually put some money back in your wallet. There are tons of deals in ski country that can save you money while you are skiing some of the best powder the west has seen in years.

Jackson Hole has received over two feet of fresh powder in the last couple weeks and over 400 inches of snow so far this season. The runs off the Tram are in great shape with more powder coming soon. The Buy 1 Night, Get 1 Night Free special starting from $398 per person for 4 nights and 3 days is a great place to start your Jackson Hole spring planning.

Whistler Blackcomb got it's share of White Gold earlier this month with 32 inches over a four day period. A great stat released by Whistler Blackcomb was that 1/5 of the snowfall for the season had fallen on Mondays! I guess that means the odds of a sick day at the beginning of the week are pretty good! Check out deal at Chateau Whistler that gives you One Free Night of Lodging and One Free Day of Skiing starting from $726 per person for 5 Nights and 4 days.

Vail was blessed with another 10 inches of snow last week and is offering some great deals as well. Don't miss the Buy 4 Nights and Get 6 Nights starting from $1139 per person for 6 nights and 4 days

Everyone is Irish today, so "Kiss me, I'm Irish" has a whole new meaning!

Free Nights and Super Savings Galore This Spring

From the great northwest of Whistler, British Columbia to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Spring has birthed Hot Deals everywhere that will save you money. With the economy in the proverbial "pooper", the resorts of the west have responded.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia - With the 2010 Olympics just months away, the world is watching Whistler get ready for one of the greatest spectator events around. Getting a preview of what's to come is easier than ever with Whistlers Hot Deals that are available now. Check out these 6 Nights/5 Day packages including 2 Nights Free + 1 Free Day of Skiing at Marketplace Lodge and Stoney Creek Northstar starting from $667 per person.

Everywhere, Colorado - Ski Country powerhouse Colorado has all the options and big savings. All of the resorts seem to have received more than their share of snow this season and they are returning the favor by releasing deals for everyone.
- After Aspen got hit with an epic dump, they decided to name their best special after "The Perfect Storm" which includes Free Lodging Nights, Free Days of Skiing and Free Rentals. You also get the "Perfect Storm Card' which gives you discounts on lunches, tuning repairs and group lessons.
- At Breckenridge, you can save 50% with 5 Night Packages starting as low as $85 per person per day at the Breckenridge Mountain Lodge.
- Steamboat Springs is giving away 2 Free Nights at Trappeurs Crossing when you buy 4 Nights. Packages start at $758 per person including 6 nights of lodging and 4 days of skiing.
- Vail is also offering a "Buy 4 Nights and Get 6 Nights" promotion. Montaneros Condominiums has packages starting from $1139 per person including 6 nights of lodging and 4 days of skiing. With even more value, the Vail lift ticket also good at other Vail Resorts.
- Winter Park, Colorado jumps in with the "2 Free Nights" offerings at Founders Pointe Condominiums for families. They have packages from $430 per person including 6 nights of lodging and 4 days of lift tickets (includes 2 children's lift tickets).

Taos, New Mexico - Just a little off the beaten path, Taos offers a different experience which is surely unforgettable. The Snakedance Condominiums & Spa is offering up to 60% off during select times starting from $499 per person for 4 nights of lodging and 3 days of skiing. The Inn at Taos Valley has reduced prices by 40% with packages starting from $191 per person including 3 nights of lodging and 2 days of skiing.

Park City, Utah - The Greatest Snow on Earth should really be "The Greatest Savings on Earth". Get a free night at Silver Cliff Lodge with packages starting at $615 per person including 4 nights of lodging and 3 days of skiing. Also get a free night at the Park Station and Park Avenue.

Steamboat Records Second Consecutive 100-Inch Month...

The headline says it all! Two consecutive months of 100 inches means the skiing has to be pretty epic in Steamboat. Nearly four feet of powder feel in a seven day period last week at Steamboat resulting in conditions responsible for the photo to the right. "Ski Town, USA" is already reporting a base of over 90 inches with no sign of that number going down anytime soon. This is the fourth time in recent history that Steamboat has recorded two consecutive months with over 100 inches. The years this occurred were 2008/09, 2007/08, 1996/97 &1981/82.

Here is an even crazier factoid: since the ski area opened on November 26, 2008, snow has fallen 44 out of 67 days (66%) with 28 of those days recording four or more inches. You may actually be praying for a sunny day with that much snowage, but you probably couldn't get many powder-hounds to admit that in public.

Steamboat also just released some great deals to go along with their great snow. Trappeurs Crossing is offering 1 Free night with a 3 night stay and 2 Free nights with a 6 night stay.

No friends on a powder day!

Liz

They Call Them Hero Turns – Ski Aspen And See For Yourself!

It’s like you can’t make a mistake. Each ski turn effortlessly floating into the next. Snowboarders float up on a pillow of fresh Rocky Mountain powder and then sink into a carving cloud of snow before the graceful cycle repeats. This is a scene becoming pleasantly familiar to local Aspen skiers and visitors alike. At Times it feels like we’re never going to run out of fresh tracks to ski. Even the groomers are softer and friendlier than I’ve ever seen them, and I ski Aspen and Snowmass a lot!

The Ski Mountain photographers are having a blast. “It’s not often that almost every shot we take from the family skiing corduroy, to Epic “Hero Shots” of skiers surrounded by a billowing cloud of powder sparkling against a deep blue sky, comes out this good.

Ski airfares have come down from many cities. Ski Lodging and lift ticket deals are everywhere you look. Now Aspen is sweetening the pot with in-resort discount cards for skiers to save big on dining, shopping, ski rentals, and more! The “Perfect Storm” cards are available to our guests booking lodging and lift packages at qualifying properties throughout the rest of this epic ski season. Learn more about what Aspen Snowmass is calling the “Perfect Storm”.

Speaking of The Perfect Storm, check out this deal!!

See you on the slopes!

Liz

Just Heard From Bret in Taos and IT IS DUMPING...

I just heard from my buddy Bret down in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico and I just got another report that the storms don't want to stop. The latest storm just dumped 20 inches in the last 24 hours and it is still snowing! So that makes over 110 inches in the last four weeks. That pretty phenomenal when you think about it. The only reason everything on the mountain isn't open (they are close at 95% open) is because there is too much snow!

Here is a picture he sent me this morning from his house down on the desert (in Taos). They even got 20 inches down there at 7,000 feet (Taos Ski Valley is 9,200 feet). If they are getting that kind of snow off the mountains, it must be an epic time to hit Taos.

There are some great Taos deals going on this month like the $90 Ski Better Week. Check it out.

Think Snow!

Monique