SKI AREA NEWS

HOME SKI AREA LINKS SKI CLUBS ADVERTISING EMPLOYMENT SKI AREA EVENTS SKI TIPS WANT ADS GREAT SKIERS LODGING

Sixth Annual SAPPHIRE OUTHOUSE RACE this Saturday!

The Sixth Annual SAPPHIRE OUTHOUSE RACE takes place this Saturday, February 18th at 3:00 PM. Held at the Sapphire Valley Ski Area.

This event is a fund raiser to sponsor ski scholarships so children may attend our after school ski programs, children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to ski or to learn this life skill. We are proud of our accomplishments and the fulfilling rewards of giving back to those that deserve it.

So come on out and have a blast!! Imagine Nascar on ice!!!!

Lincoln, NH, February 5: New Hampshire's Loon Mountain rolls into February with over 97% of total trail acreage open, five terrain parks, New Hampshire's only superpipe, and celebrates midseason with a calendar full of upcoming entertainment and special events.

The CASA Snowfest returned to Loon for its twelfth year on Friday, February 3. Teams competed on skis and snowboards in a shotgun-style golf tournament with proceeds going to support the Court Appointed Special Advocates program in New Hampshire. Loon is proud to host both this successful fundraising event for CASA, as well as a fun day on the snow for CASA volunteers.

New England Disabled Sports hosted the 2012 New England Disabled Sports Ski and Ride Challenge and Adaptive Sports Expo, on Sunday February 5. Formerly known as the Ski and Ride-A-Thon, this event is a major fundraiser for New England Disabled Sports. The challenge for participants is to try to ride and ski from every lift within their ability at Loon and everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of Fischer skis. More information is available at nedisabledsports.org.

USASA members can earn points toward national competition in the USASA Giant Slalom and Slalom event on February 12 and in a pipe event on February 24. For more information, visit www.usasa.org.

Family fun is the focus for the February Presidents' vacation week, when Loon hosts a number of activities and events for the whole family, including Mo the Clown and his balloon creations, a magic show, Seasonal Program Meet and Greet, Fluorescent Nights, snow tubing, zipline and more. The Little Sister trail, with terrain park features, will be lit up from 6 - 9 p.m. for Fluorescent Nights from Thursday, February 23 through Saturday, February 25. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Little Sister Tubing Center. Park Education and Etiquette Pass (PEEPs) holders will receive $5 off tickets for Fluorescent Nights. More details about the event can be found at loonmtn.com and information about PEEPs Passes can be found at www.loonmtn.com/info/rideloon.

Loon Mountain Park and Stepchild Snowboards have collaborated to host the Child Support Blue Ribbon Rail Jam at Loon Mountain Park on February 18. This unique event has no divisions, no pressure, and is open to all ages. Prizes will be handed out informally and competitors will be judged on overall impression.

Join WXRV - The River, and friends and supporters of The Faulkner Breast Centre and raise funds for the fight against breast cancer by skiing in a dual course in The Briefcase Race with Mike Lynch on March 3. To sign up, visit www.briefcaserace.org. Following the race, enjoy an après ski auction and awards party Babe's Lounge in the Governors Lodge.

The popular Women's Performance Camps (WPC), which debuted last winter, return this season. WPC, which are designed by women to cater to women who are comfortable on terrain ranging from blue square to double black diamond rated, will be offered March 10-11. The two-day session costs $200 and includes a two day lift ticket and rates are available for New England Pass holders, too. Reservations are highly recommended, as the first camp held in January sold out. Reservations are available by calling 1-800-229-LOON.

Following on the heels of last season's successful Saturday Night Entertainment Series and the first several successful shows this season that featured bands such as the Paranoid Social Club and The Alchemystics, the Series continued with Love in Stockholm on Saturday, February 4, sponsored by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Upcoming shows include the Doctor Doom Orchestra on Saturday, February 11, McAlister Drive on February 18 and the crowd pleasing Bad Rabbits return on February 25. Saturday night entertainment continues in the Bunyan Room through March 24. Shows begin at 8:30 p.m. and are open to anyone 21 and over. A full schedule is available at loonmtn.com.

The storm ended Tuesday afternoon and nearly every resort posted double-digit snow totals for the week. Wolf Creek, in the southwest part of the state, boasted 35 inches for the most recent seven-day period, and Steamboat, in the northwest region of the state, enjoyed a robust 28.5 inches for the week. Silverton measured a weekly total of 25 inches and Telluride benefited with 23 inches.

Loveland and Winter Park enjoyed 21.5 inches of new snow for the week and Monarch celebrated 20.5 inches. A weekly total of 20 inches of new snow fell at both Copper Mountain and Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort.

Nearly that much came down at Arapahoe Basin as that resort reported a weekly snow accumulation of 19.25 inches and Crested Butte Mountain Resort reported an even 19 inches. Howelsen Hill saw 17 inches from the storm and Snowmass gained 16 inches.

More than a foot of new snow covered Eldora and Sunlight during the week-long storm, with those resorts both reporting 14 inches. And exactly a foot of snow piled up at Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Powderhorn and SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch.

The snow system brought Echo Mountain 11 inches of powder, Buttermilk nine inches and Ski Cooper eight inches. Skiers and riders are encouraged to safely enjoy the fresh powder and packed powder conditions, and be aware of changing mountain conditions.

Resorts are welcoming guests during President's Day weekend and spring break with events and deals.

Guests visiting over the President's Day holiday will have more than new snow to look forward to with a variety of events taking place at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Kid-O-Rama is a weeklong celebration, Feb. 18-25, for kids of all ages. Big trucks, street parties, balloon animals, kids' concerts, races, s'mores and snowtubing are just a few of the festivities in the lineup. At Alpine Meadows, Feb. 18, skiers and riders will kick off their boots and get down at the Apres Ski Party Featuring Headphone Union. And Feb. 23-24 marks the second annual Rahlves Banzai Tour stop at Alpine Meadows. This event combines the competitive excitement of skier and boardercross with the speed-thrill of a downhill race.

There is no better time to take advantage of the Tahoe Super 2, a limited time offer available only for two more days (through Feb. 17). Priced at $98 ($49 per day), the Tahoe Super 2 provides two days of skiing and riding with absolutely no date restrictions and is valid for any two days in the 2011/2012 season (the two days do not need to be consecutive). The Tahoe Super 2 also includes two additional afternoons, 12:30-4 p.m., of skiing and riding at Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows.

With new snow and more on the way, now is a great time to plan ahead and take advantage of the incredible value of the Kids Ski Free package - purchase an adult two-day lift ticket and receive two children's two-day tickets for free when you stay at The Village at Squaw Valley. Rates start at $158 per person, per night. Not valid Feb. 17-20, 2012. Other restrictions apply.* The Village at Squaw Valley is located in the heart of Squaw Valley, just steps away from the lifts, and is a quick shuttle ride to Alpine Meadows.

*Rate for Kids Ski Free package includes one adult two-day lift ticket. Based on two adults, per night, two-night stay for a standard room, up to four children for free. Rate does not include taxes. Offer is subject to change and availability. Lift tickets are valid the day after check-in, and are for consecutive days. Offer is valid for one-night stays and available for other room types, rates will vary.

18" of Snow Since Monday Allows Resort to Open More Expert Terrain

Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif./Nev. - February 15, 2012 - After receiving 12" of new snow on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, Heavenly Mountain Resort will open Milky Way Bowl for the first time this season, giving the resort additional expert and off-piste terrain. Heavenly will have 50 percent of the resort open, totaling 2,400 acres.

"Mother Nature has finally come through at a perfect time, as we head into the President's holiday. Our guests can expect a great variety of terrain and LakeTahoe's best surface conditions for their trip," said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly's general manager. "February and March are traditionally our snowiest months, and it looks like the storm door may be opening. We hope this means big snow for the rest of the season."

Since Monday, February 13, Heavenly has received 18" of new snow, and the entire upper mountain will now be open. Heavenly encourages guests to stay on the open trails as obstacles may still exist off the maintained runs.

Stratton couldn't be poised with more pleasant conditions as it prepares to dip into nine days of Presidents' Week events, bookended by two can't miss rail jams. With temperatures that have risen since last weekend's cold spell, groomers have been able to canvas the hill in a most pristine corduroy. The packed powder conditions will have you carving from edge to edge all day long.

Cold Wars Rail Jam - The Rail Jam series is back this Saturday, February 18, on Tyrolienne. And this time, it's a day jam! Registration ($20) is in the Overflow Room from 9-10:30am, competition kicks off at 11am. Skiers and riders of all ages are invited to compete for swag and cash. Helmets required.

Red Bull Butter Cup - The Pro and Am contest series, landing at Stratton on Saturday, February 25, showcases creativity in technical flatland trickery. The jam session format keeps the action flowing while riders compete for cash and fresh gear. Registration ($10 for Am, $20 for Pro) is 10-12pm; practice, 12-1pm; Am qualifying jam, 1-2pm; Pro qualifying jam, 2-3pm; finals, 3-4pm.

Marchdi Gras - Save the date for a Village block party that'll redefine your sense of fun, March 3, 3pm til you can't take it anymore. The Stratton Village will be lined with food and drink vendors, including an ice bar where you're encouraged to take a shot off the luge, and a day full of live music. We've got the beads; now bring your friends to enjoy a day into night of music, drinks and just enough naughtiness to keep you on Santa's nice list next year.

Video tour of Stratton Parks - With enough parks and features to keep a jibber busy for days, Stratton's snow reporter, Marsha, has put together a video tour of the current parks. Take a spin with Marsha as she gives you a tour of Big Ben, Lower Middlebrook and Tyrolienne, parks designed for all abilities.

Congrats local Dillon Lovell - A hearty congratulations to Stratton athlete Dillon Lovell for taking first at the Freestyle A Meet hosted on his home turf this past Sunday, 2/12. Dillon skis with Stratton's Allegro Freestyle A Team, a seasonal program. Photo attached, credit Hubert Schriebl.

Lemieux takes bronze in NorAm dual moguls

PENTICTION, BRITISH COLUMBIA (February 14, 2012) - It was a sweetheart of a Valentine's Day for Penticton's Andi Naude as she earned her second straight NorAm gold in the dual moguls event today at Apex Mountain Resort.

Naude, 16, took won the singles yesterday with a score of 24.90 in the ladies super final. Americans Ali Kariotis and Sophia Schwartz were second and third with scores of 23.93 and 19.76, respectively.

Today Naude went up against Schwartz in the final. It was a close dual, as Schwartz beat the Canadian across the line. But in the end, Naude's turns and air scores gave her the edge. Kariotis was third.

Naude, who is with the BC Freestyle Academy program and calls Apex her home mountain, said, "I probably had a bit of an advantage because I know this course so well." She added, "I was excited to compete at home in front of my friends and family."

And her family's reaction to her success here? "My mom was happy I made it down the course safe."

On the men's side, the US swept the podium in yesterday's single mogul competition. Troy Tully was first at 24.87, Nathan Roberts was second at 24.7 and Nicholas Keating was third at 22.06.

Luke Ulsifer of Calgary was the top Canadian man in seventh position.

Ulsifer, who is a four-year member of the Alberta Freestyle Team, said "I was really happy to make finals for the first time in a NorAm. This is one of my favorite courses and I'm pretty confident on it." Ulsifer also made finals today, finishing in 15^th.

In the rest of duals action, Americans Shane Cordeau and Reed Snyderman were first and second. In the small final Canadian National Team rookie Simon Lemieux battled his one-time idol American Nathan Roberts and the Repentigny, Que. native emerged the bronze medalist.

It was Lemieux's best NorAm finish this year. "I couldn't ask for more, especially with my last dual against my hero from when I was young. Today I was fast and I did two good jumps against Roberts."

NorAm action continues next week with moguls events in Val St. Come, Quebec

The snow continues to fall as Meadows snowpack reaches the century mark

Special $79 online deal for 2 midweek lift tickets this week at SkiHood.com

MT. HOOD, OR (Immediate Release) - Mt. Hood Meadows received some Valentine's Day love in the form of new snow - so far 4 inches have accumulated in this storm, increasing the base area snowpack to 100 inches. Snow is expected to fall into the evening, before skies clear giving way to a sunnyWednesday.

The resort is celebrating Valentine's Week with a 2-for-1 online lift ticket offer - purchase 2 midweek lift tickets for just $79. The tickets are to be used together on the same day, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of this week. It's a perfect way to enjoy the new snow with someone specials. The tickets must be purchased in advance.

PARK&RIDE RUNS SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Heading into the holiday weekend Meadows will run its Park&Ride shuttle buses Saturday, Sunday and Monday (President's Day.) The round-trip bus and lift price is $89 and is purchased online.

$10 MONDAY EVENING 3 - 9 PM ONLINE SPECIAL

And the resort is extending hours on Monday, February 20th until 9 PM in celebration of President's Day. A special $10 evening ticket - good from 3 - 9 PM is available online. The same ticket purchased at the ski resort Monday evening will be $15.

Whistler, B.C. - The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival has released the call for entries for the world's preeminent action sports photography competition, the OLYMPUS Pro Photographer Showdown. This unparalleled celebration of still images, and of the commitment shown to build a body of work that captures time and captivates the human spirit, tasks photographers to create a body of work indicative of their personal photographic journey. In tribute to the masters of their field, we invite action sports and lifestyle photographers from around the world to submit their work for an opportunity to earn a trip to Whistler BC, during the 2012 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival to showcase their work for an audience of sports enthusiasts, media and industry professionals….and to win the $10,000 cash prize for Best in Show. In addition, all four runners up will receive $1,500 cash as an appearance fee.

All Interested action sport/action lifestyle photographers are asked to submit a Quicktime Movie (.MOV) containing a 3 minute slideshow of your images set to music. Click here to view the world wide Submission Call for full details. Five photographers will be awarded a spot to present a 9 minute slideshow of their life's work on April 19th, 2012 in Whistler, BC. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 1st, 2012 (prior to 5pm). Late submissions will not be considered.

Finalists will be notified by Thursday, March 8th, 2012.

OLYMPUS also steps up as the sponsor for the ever-popular 72hr Filmmaker Showdown, the short filmmaking competition that defies logic and breaks levels the playing field. Post-production trickery, exotic locations, superstar talent and big budget advantages are made irrelevant when filmmakers are tasked to shoot, edit and produce a 3-5 minute short film within 100km radius of Whistler over the course of 72 hours. Relying purely on originality, craft, speed and endurance, the OLYMPUS 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown distills the art of film-making into its purest form - taking creative vision from concept to reality in record time in order for it to be enjoyed on the big screen by an 1800-strong audience. The Best of Show winner will take home a $10,000 cheque and $5,000 in prizes. April 17^th, 2012. *This event is now SOLD OUT

The first annual instalment of Intersection blew the roof off the Whistler Conference Centre in 2011. In 2012, 6 to 8 teams, each receiving an immediate $1,000, will be invited to face the all-powerful Voleurz team, victorious winners of this groundbreaking new event. Teams are challenged to produce a 5-7 minute action sports film incorporating both skiing and snowboarding, shot over 7 consecutive days, starting Tuesday April 10^th, all within 100km of Whistler. This new filmmaking competition gives the audience and the media a sneak peek into what it's like to produce an original and award-worthy action sports film, with the added pressure of time restrictions. As a reward, the winning team will walk with a staggering $15,000 and recognition from their industry peers.

You can view Voleurz winning video from 2011, here.

Pecha Kucha, held in the comfy confines of Maxx Fish Nightclub, is the most explosive, up to the minute form of public speaking and entertainment. Pecha Kucha, loosely meaning 'chit chat' in Japanese, tasks presenters with the challenge of communicating their thoughts, ideas and concepts in short bursts of 20 x 20 second Power Point slides. Think Twitter meets Skype meets Facebook, all in real life, all in real time. A mecca for designers and entrepreneurs, Pecha Kucha will be showcasing some of the funniest, smartest and most entertaining minds at the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Pecha Kucha: Monday April 16^th, the $10 ticket includes one drink ticket and a seat at the most stimulating event of the year!

Big Snow Year, Course Change for 4^th annual north face vertical challenge competition at alyeska resort

February 1, 2012 ( Girdwood , Alaska ) - In its fourth year, Alyeska Resort's North Face Vertical Challenge will feature a new course this winter. This friendly "competition" is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012. An endurance race event at heart, the North Face Vertical Challenge offers all disciplines (alpine, telemark skiers, snowboarders) an opportunity to "lap the tram" and log as many vertical feet on Alyeska Resort's infamous North Face between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. as physically possible.

The 2012 North Face Vertical Challenge route takes a fresh approach with a new big-mountain course. Same as previous years, the entry gate at the top of the venue will be positioned just uphill of the Upper Tram Terminal portal. As the competitors head down the North Face, they will stay to the left and descend thru an area called Tram Pocket. Competitors will pass under the tram tower and race towards Small Dawgs near West Line. At this point, they will enter the North Star gate and continue through steep gladed terrain in the Northwest Passage area which the resort developed two winters ago. This path results in 2,000 vertical feet of off-piste terrain with a final exit near the groomed trails of the Refinery Terrain Park where with the aerial tram in sight, competitors will get a chance to regroup before charging another lap.

"With fantastic conditions this winter and a strong repeat class of competitors, it was time to raise the bar and update the course," said Brian Burnett, Mountain Services Manager and race founder. "The strongest athletes will snap off about 40 runs during the eight hour challenge. That's over 80,000 vertical feet in a day."

Competitors will ride the Alyeska Aerial tram starting at 9:00 A.M. and enter the specially designated event gate. They will be able to use the patrol line to reload the tram and accumulate laps until 5:00 P.M. Top finishers in the race in their respective categories will win a variety of winter-themed prizes as well as bragging rights. Registration for the race is open and available at the Tram Ticket Office at Alyeska Resort between 9:30 A.M. and open until 5:30 P.M. Sunday to Wednesday, and until 8:30 P.M. on Thursday to Saturday during night-skiing. The North Face Challenge is limited to the first 50 registrants and competitor spots sell out annually. Proceeds from the North Face Vertical Challenge will benefit Alyeska Resort's Ski Patrol Avalanche Dog Program.

Following the awards ceremony on Friday night at the Sitzmark, Pato Banton will take the stage at 10:00 P.M for a Reggae themed party. Pato Banton is scheduled to play Thursday to Saturday night, February 23-25, 2012. Tickets for the shows are $10 in advanced and $15 day of show, and can be purchased online, at any Alyeska Ticket Office and over the phone at 907-754-2275. All Sitzmark shows are 21 and over.

Seventeen Couples Renew Their Vows And Two Couples Tie The Knot During The Inaugural Cloud Nine Nuptials At Mount Snow On Valentine's Day

West Dover, VT (February 14, 2012) - The inaugural Cloud Nine Nuptials at Mount Snow Resort in Southern Vermont had 17 couples renew their vows and two couples tie-the-knot for the first time at the peak of the mountain this morning to celebrate Valentine's Day. The festive occasion began at 10:00am with a procession up the Sunbrook Quad, complete with Pachabel's Cannon in D providing the background music, followed by each couple taking their place around a giant heart painted in the snow at the top of the mountain and a spirited ceremony conducted by a local justice of the peace.
Mount Snow staffers acted as ushers and groomsmen, all decked out in black ski jackets and red neckties. Mount Snow's Director of Marketing and Events, Matt Gebo, took it a step further by donning a tuxedo for the event.

"Following the success of the inaugural Cloud Nine Nuptials we have already decided to make this an annual event," said Gebo. "There were a lot of great moments today; from the couple that renewed their vows for their 44th wedding anniversary to the two couples that officially got married at the top of the mountain. Memories were made today and we look forward to helping create more memories next year on Valentine's Day."


Mount Snow also offered two lift tickets for $49 available for advance purchase online prior to Monday, February 13. There is also a three course Sweetheart Tasting Menu dinner being offered at Harriman's Restaurant in the Grand Summit Resort Hotel from 6:00pm to 9:00pm tonight.

Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowtubing, Après-Ski Parties, Live Bands and More.

Henniker, NH, February 14, 2012 -- Thanks to the season long hard work of the snowmaking team, PATS PEAK, southern New Hampshire's favorite mountain, will continue to have 100% of their slopes and trails open for the winter school vacation weeks. Skiers and Riders can ski/ride day and night enjoying trails for all abilities and three terrain parks.

The snowmaking team has been out on the mountain this week to add a top layer of powder to the trails. The grooming crew spends each night grooming out the slopes to provide the best snow conditions daily.

Snowtubing Park
The Snowtubing Park is open daily during both February School Vacation Weeks. Guests can purchase a 2 or a 4-hour tubing session. Advance reservations are recommended.

Pay-One-Price (POP) Under the Lights on Saturday Nights!

Saturday Night POP is only $43 and includes skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, rental equipment, lesson tips and entertainment. Ski or ride a Saturday Night 3pm to 10pm. Tubing hours are from 5pm to 10pm. Lesson Tips are from 4pm to 6pm in the Beginners Area.

On Saturday afternoons, guests can arrive early, get their rental equipment early and start skiing/riding early with Step Up To "POP" Tickets:

Ticket Valid: 12pm to 10pm - $73

Ticket Valid: 1pm to 10pm - $63

Ticket Valid: 2pm to 10pm - $53

Ticket Valid: 3pm to 10pm - $43

The POP ticket is the only lift ticket available on Saturday nights. Rentals available on a first-come, first-served basis. Child (5 & under) $24 for rentals during POP.

PATS PEAK NASTAR Race Course

The NASTAR race course will be open everyday during the February President's Vacation Week from 11am to 3pm. Race Course is set on the "Downdraft" trail for all ages and abilities.

Après-Ski Entertainment and Beer Promotions in the Sled Pub

Fri, February 17:

Friday Night Karaoke: 4pm-Close with DJDaveEntertainment.com
Wine & Wing Promo: Bucket of Toes & Bucket of Wings

Sat, February 18:

Ride & Ski Tour: 2-for-1 lift ticket w/R&S Card, Après-Ski Party

Après-Ski Beer Promotion: 3-7pm Harpoon

Après-Ski Party - Live Band: 4-9pm The McMurphy's

Sun, February 19:

Après-Ski Beer Promotion: 2-6pm Samuel Adams

Après-Ski Party - Live Band: 3-8pm Dusty Gray

Fri, February 24:

Friday Night Karaoke: 4pm-Close with DJDaveEntertainment.com

Wine & Wing Promo: Bucket of Toes & Bucket of Wings

Sat, February 25:

Après-Ski Beer Cancer Lifeline Promo: 3-7pm Smuttynose/Lifeline Raffle

Après-Ski Party - Live Band: 4-9pm October Sons

Sun, February 26:

Après-Ski Beer Cancer Lifeline Promo: 3-7pm Smuttynose/Lifeline Raffle

Après-Ski Party - Live Band: 12-5pm October Sons host several Lifeline Benefit Rock Bands in "We Will, We Will ROCK Cancer".

Childhood Cancer Lifeline Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & February 26

12th Annual Childhood Cancer Lifeline Event. This promises to be a fun filled weekend, full of activity and promise! Join for all or part of the event and know that you are helping to support NH families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer. This continues to be the most successful fundraising event for the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of NH.

Saturday & Sunday:

-This is a great opportunity to enjoy skiing and support NH families who have children with cancer.

-Make a donation to the Childhood Cancer Lifeline.

-Take a chance on a Raffle.

-Purchase a Childhood Cancer Awareness Pin.

-View the Childhood Cancer Awareness Quilt.

Saturday:

October Sons will be playing in the Sled Pub from 4pm to 9pm.

Sunday:

October Sons hosting several Lifeline Benefit Rock Bands in "We Will, We Will ROCK Cancer" from 12pm to 5pm.

Sunday Afternoon/Evening:

Help us to chase the blues away for NH families whose children have cancer. Along with a great dinner, there are some fabulous live and silent auction items including tickets to all New England sports teams!

3pm: Raffles, Silent and Live Auction

5-5:30pm: Dinner by Pats Peak's Executive Chef, Guy Pelletier

Tickets purchased before the weekend of the event: $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Tickets purchased the weekend of the event: $25 per person or $40 per couple.

Tickets may be purchased at PATS PEAK Guest Services, (603) 428-3245, throughout the event weekend in the Main Lodge or at the door.

Scout Weekend - Saturday & Sunday, March 3 & 4

This is a special scout weekend where scouts come to PATS PEAK to enjoy skiing, riding and/or snowtubing. Advanced reservations must be made with Group Sales in order to attend Scout Weekend.

Champagne Powder® Makes the Perfect Valentine's Day Present

Mother Nature Drops Two Feet of Snow in a Week, 65 Inches Since The New Year

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-February 14, 2012-Mother Nature proved that she "loves" Steamboat, by giving the best Valentine's Day present: a powder day. Seven inches of new snow greeted powderhounds first thing this morning, with steady snow falling throughout the day, resulting in more than two feet covering Mt. Werner in the past 6 days.

"What better way to toast this holiday than by playing in the Champagne Powder snow with loved ones," said Chris Diamond, president & chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. "With two feet of snow in the past week, the conditions at Steamboat are the best of the season, and the forecast shows even more snow is on the way."

Steamboat is currently in a storm cycle that, as of the 5 am report, yielded 7 inches at mid-mountain and 9 inches at the summit, 11 inches at mid and 13 inches at the summit in the past 48 hours, and 24.5 inches at mid and 29.5 inches at the summit in the past six days. Snow continues to blanket Ski Town, U.S.A.®.

Since January 1st, Steamboat has seen 5.4 feet of snow pile up at mid-mountain and 6 feet at the summit. Forecasts are calling for additional snow through Thursday with 4-8 inches of accumulation possible. Another storm system moves into the area on Sunday with additional snowfall predicted.

The resort is reporting a 51-inch base at mid-mountain and 60-inch base at the summit on powder conditions. Currently 162 out of 165 trails covering 2,885 acres, or 97% of terrain, including the resort's legendary tree skiing area-Shadows, Closets, Flying Z, Twilight, Triangle 3 and Pioneer Ridge.

The snow is piling up and so are the deals. Book the Champagne Powder Package by February 29th through Steamboat Central Reservations® to save an additional 20% on lifts and lodging and get $100 in Boat Bucks. As an added bonus, receive a $100 American Express gift card for every airline ticket purchased into Steamboat/Hayden Airport as part of the Champagne Powder package through Steamboat Central Reservations. With the powder piling up, you have to act just as fast!

Steamboat Central Reservations, which represents the majority of the lodging properties in the area, offers a variety of winter vacation packages and air specials as well as its exclusive online iCORIS technology, allowing guests to book their entire vacation online. Call toll-free (800) 922-2722 or visit steamboat.com

While the new snow is welcome by everyone, the resort reminds skiers and riders to be aware of changing mountain conditions. The avalanche danger as rated by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in the Steamboat zone is CONSIDERABLE. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained.

"Valentine's Day is a great reminder that skiing and riding is that much more fun with someone you love," said John Kohnke, patrol director. "Even on a powder day, there's always room for friends, especially if you're skiing and riding in deep snow conditions, near trees, in the side-country or in avalanche prone areas."

This Saturday saw the Nike Snow Jam series head to Beidahu for the second stop of the tour. Featuring an identical rail setup throughout the tour, the local Beidahu riders were out in force to impress the judges on their home turf. As Skullcandy cranked the tunes and hot chocolate and giveaways kept the crowd warm, it was definitely a fun atmosphere despite the below-freezing conditions!

Once again it would be a Russian at the top of the podium as Stepan stomped a number of technical tricks on each jib option! Local boys Yan Ziqi (2nd) and Xiao Yuan (3rd) also deservedly moved through, shredding hard all session on each feature. Now the series heads to Shenyang in order to gather the final three riders that will compete in the Nike Snow Jam Finals on February 25th in Beijing's Chaoyang Park.

February 1, 2012 (Girdwood, Alaska) - Wine dinners in the winter ski season seemingly make for the perfect pairing. Alyeska Resort's award-winning mountain-top restaurant, Seven Glaciers, has embarked on its third season of winter wine dinners. The first of the series, held on Sunday, January 29, featured Merryvale Winery from Napa Valley, California. The menu featured a five -course evening from the kitchen of Seven Glaciers' executive chef Jason Porter and finished with a delectable dessert from the resort's executive pastry chef and chocolatier, Judy Carpetina.

For the month of February, the featured vineyards and wineries includes a meritage of wines from the Wagner family of Napa Valley, California. The Wagner wine family includes world-acclaimed Caymus, Conundrum, Mer Soleil, and Belle Glos. Each winery represents a unique talent and passion amongst members of the Wagner family. The Wagner Wine Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, February 26 and reservations are highly recommended.

For five generations, the Wagner family has lived in Napa Valley originally settling in the area in the 1800s. Caymus Vineyards was established when a mother and father and their son embarked on a family winery in 1972. Charlie, Lorna and their son, Chuck, began work in 1971 by planning the construction of a barn-like structure for the winery while they continued farming the already planted vineyards.

Beginning in November of 1971, Charlie and Chuck along with one other worker pruned their 55 acres of grapes. With this initial effort began a bonded relationship, which would endure until Charlie's death in 2002. Charlie died in his 90th year of his hard working yet illustrious career. Charlie Wagner believed in moderation - yet had consumed about 3,000 gallonss of wine in his life.

Son Chuck Wagner is the winemaker and viticulturist for Caymus. Decisions are made lot-by-lot about maceration times, fermentation temperatures, the type and toast level of French oak barrels, and the length of barrel aging. Selected lots are blended to make wines Chuck Wagner believes best express the vineyards and vintage. As Chuck Wagner says, "Growing grapes and winemaking takes a tenacious will and endless spirit to be successful. I am proud that our family continues this way of life."

Charlie has passed his passion and knowledge onto his three children, Charlie (the second), Joseph and new winemaking apprentice Jenny. The family tradition continues with Charlie making exquisite Chardonnay at Mer Soleil in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County and Joseph making fine Pinot Noir under the Belle Glos label in the coastal areas of California. Jenny has been learning the ropes at Caymus. Jon Bolta, a longtime (yet unrelated) family friend continues as winemaker for Conundrum, perfecting his craft of making that puzzling, white wine blend.

Charlie Wagner will be joining the staff of Seven Glaciers and guests of the Wagner wine dinner for an evening of family-style story telling. The Wagner Wine Dinner will start at 7:00 P.M. Seatings for the dinner are $165 per person. Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling 907-754-2237 or online. Guests must be age 21 or older to participate in this event.

Finals Culminate at Snowbasin Resort with Five New Champions

Burr Ridge, Ill. - February 12, 2012 - With massive crowds cheering them on, the contestants at the Gatorade Free Flow Tour Finals took to the professional Winter Dew Tour courses in prospect of being crowned the 2012 Champion. Topping a competitive field of the nation's best snowboard and freeski amateurs, the slopestyle Finals saw Andy Partridge in ski and Brooke Voigte and Kent Callister in snowboard take the top spot, earning a prequalified spot in the 2012-13 Winter Dew Tour. Sunday saw down-to-the-wire superpipe contests as the snow began to fall on Utah. Callister doubled his win, topping the podium for the second day in a row, along with Kelly Berger in snowboard and Broby Leeds in freeski.

Friday afternoon, the freeskiers cleared the professionals from the slope course at Snowbasin as they went head to head and run for run for first place. Earning the win with an impressive run was Park City local Partridge. The youngest skier of the day was spot on with his 270 on the down-rail, frontside switch-up to backside 270 on the up-down rail, and 270 off the cannon rail, followed by a clean right 900 and big switch 1080.

"The course was really good," said Partridge, only fifteen years-old. "I'm stoked itw as on the Dew Tour course. It was a lot of fun. Competing on the Dew Tour is something I've been wanting to do for a while, and I'm really stoked that I get to do it now."

Saturday the snowboarders took to the rails and immaculate jumps, where Voigte and Callister proved they were ready to make the step up from amateur status. With a 50-50, 50-50 frontside boardslide, tailgrab off the cannon rail, frontside 360, backside 180, Voigte earned her spot in next year's Winter Dew Tour. Closing out the day, the Callister kicked off a weekend of success with his frontside lipslide on the first rail, boardslide to fakie on the 2nd rail, cab boardslide 270 out off the cannonbox, cab 900, frontside 1080.

As the snow finally started to fall on the slopes of Snowbasin, the snowboarders and freeskiers took their best tricks to the pipe. The women went first, where Berger made her first trip to the Finals worthwhile. Her front five, back five, clean straight airs and front seven to cab three earned the highest marks of the contest. Said Berger of her success, "It's really exciting! The Gatorade Free Flow Tour was one of the main things I was focusing on this year, so I'm stoked." Followed by the men's snowboard division, the contest came down to everyone's second runs as they proved their abilities were made to Flow to Pro. Callister, after taking the slopestyle win less than 24 hours earlier, smashed the competition with a score that lead the next contestant by four points. His straight air and front ten were a clean start to his cab seven, front nine, back nine and five. The first Gatorade Free Flow Tour athlete to ever Champion in two disciplines, Callister could hardly express his excitement, saying "It's pretty awesome, I'm really excited about it. I didn't expect it!"

The freeskiers took to the 614-foot long pipe last, proving to the supportive crowd that the show was not over. Leeds, a three-time Finalist, earned the victory with his nine hundred to alley-oop nine hundred, 720 tail to switch alley-oop 720, 540, right 540, and finished with a boosty 1080. Competing on the largest pipe in the world was no problem for the 18-year-old - "I added a couple hits, didn't have to add in anything new but worked on performing them better." With a pre-qualified spot in next season's Winter Dew Tour, Leeds said after his five-plus point win over second place, "I'm very excited! I have a lot to learn I think, but it should be lots of fun."

With their wins at the Gatorade Free Flow Tour Finals, Partridge, Voigte Callister, Berger and Leeds will make their professional contest debut at the 2012-13 Winter Dew Tour, where they will compete against the biggest names in their sport.

Friday throuh Sunday, February 10-12, 2012

Snowbasin, Utah

Freeski Slopestyle

1. Andy Partridge, Park City, Utah 2. Samuel Viseur, Centennial, Colo. 3. Max Szekely, Red Wood City, Calif. 4. Ian Hamilton, Missoula, Mont. 5. Noah Wallace, Spokane, Wash.

Women's Snowboard Slopestyle

1. Brooke Voigt, Canada 2. Nirvana Ortanez, La Jolla, Calif. 3. Jessika Jenson, Rigby, Idaho 4. Kirra Kotsenburg, Park City, Utah 5. Kelly Berger, Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Men's Snowboard Slopestyle

1. Kent Callister, Bend, Ore. 2. Mark Reninga, Fredonia, N.Y. 3. Wylie Adams, Carbondale, Colo. 4. Jack Dawe, Freeport 5. Armeen Pirooz, Harrisonburg, Va.

Freeski Superpipe

1. Broby Leeds, Vail, Colo. 2. Hunter Visser, Canada 3. Hudson Knoll, Hood River, Ore. 4. Conor Garrecht-Connelly, Steamboat, Colo. 5. Logan Dobson, Canada

Women's Snowboard Superpipe

1. Kelly Berger, Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 2. Kirby Kelly, Chicago, Ill. 3. Noelle Edwards, West Dover, Vt. 4. Shannon Branthoover, Indian Head, Pa. 5. Maggie Leon, West Simsbury, Conn.

Men's Snowboard Superpipe

1. Kent Callister, Bend, Ore. 2. Josey Chase, Sun Valley, Ore. 3. Brandon Davis, Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 4. Spencer Whiting, Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 5. Max Jenson, Rye, N.H.

Encompassing the "Flow to Pro" theme that is the cornerstone of the Gatorade Free Flow Tour, the two overall snowboard superpipe and slopestyle Champions and the overall freeski superpipe and slopestyle Champions earnedd a spot to compete against the pros at the first stop of the 2012-13 Winter Dew Tour next season.

Cloud Nine Nuptials At Mount Snow Attracts More Than 20 Couples; Some Who Will Tie The Knot For The First Time, Others Will Renew Their Vows At 3,600 Feet

West Dover, VT (February 13, 2012) - The inaugural Cloud Nine Nuptials at Mount Snow Resort in Southern Vermont has more than 20 couples signed up, three of which will tie-the-knot for the first time with the others renewing their marriage vows at the top of the mountain on Valentine's Day, including last year's Mount Snow Wedding Giveaway winners Dave Rothman and Tyne Pike-Sprenger who are coming back to the resort to celebrate their one year anniversary. The occasion will start at 10:00am with the 'processional' going up the Sunbrook Quad, complete with wedding music, and couples will unload at the top to gather around a heart painted on the snow where a local Justice of the Peace will conduct the ceremony.

Mount Snow has always been a popular couples destination with stories of people meeting at the mountain, and eventually getting married, dating back to the resort's early days of the 1950's.

"There's just something about this place that sparks romance", said communications manager, David Meeker, who met his wife while working at Mount Snow back in 2004. "Some of the folks joining us for the Cloud Nine Nuptials met here and even got married here, so Mount Snow holds a special place in many hearts."

Mount Snow also offered two lift tickets for $49 available for advance purchase online prior to Monday, February 13. There is also a three course Sweetheart Tasting Menu dinner being offered at Harriman's Restaurant in the Grand Summit Resort Hotel from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Annual World Championship Shovel Races held at Angel Fire Resort in Angel Fire, New Mexico this weekend. Photos and Results below as well. If you use any of the photos please credit "Charles Olsen, Angel Fire Resort, 2012".

Some quick Info:
• We had 100 total competitors from all corners of the country.
• A new world record was set at 73.64 mph by Chad Denney from Angel Fire, New Mexico. He made it down the course in 13.5 seconds
• Kids as young as 6 can compete
• The challenge is fairly simple. Competitors sit on the scoop of a standard aluminum snow shovel, handle pointed downhill, and then lift their hands and feet to allow gravity to take them for a ride. Each rider gets two shots to clock the fastest time down the front of the Angel Fire ski mountain.
• Top speeds regularly exceed 60 miles per hour.
• Angel Fire Resort has been hosting the event for the past 30 years - racers are expected from all corners of the country.
• The event has been featured on ESPN, ABC Sports, MTV, Winter X Games and The Travel Channel
• The Master Men was won by Jeff Hambin from Austin, TX at 13.56 seconds - with a speed of 73.31 mph.
• The women's division was won by Kelly Haukebo from Angel Fire New Mexico, with a time of 14.93 seconds, at 66.58 mph.

Adult Men
1 - Chad Denney from Angel Fire, NM. 13.5 sec., 73.64 mph (New record)
2 - John Strader from Albuquerque, NM. 13.73 sec., 72.40 mph
3 - Justin Gonzales from Black Lake, NM. 13.81 sec., 71.98 mph

Adult Women
1 - Kelly Haukebo from Angel Fire, NM. 14.93 sec., 66.58 mph
2- Paloma Gonzales from Angel Fire, NM. 15.03 sec., 66.14 mph
3 - Nancy Eberhart from Glen Mills, PA. 15.42 sec., 64.47 mph

Master Men
Jeff Hambin from Austin, TX. 13.56 sec., 73.31 mph
Sam Wilson from Angel Fire, NM. 14.1 sec., 70.50 mph
Thomas Slivan from Buffalo, NY. 14.9 sec., 66.72 mph

World Famous Shovel Race Championships Return to the Slopes at Angel Fire Resort
New Mexico Wild Winter Competition Set For February 11-12
ANGEL FIRE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Competitors of all ages are once again waxing their snow shovels for the legendary Angel Fire Shovel Race Championship happening February 11 - 12, 2012. The challenge is fairly simple. Competitors sit on the scoop of a standard aluminum snow shovel, handle pointed downhill, and then lift their hands and feet to allow gravity to take them for a ride. Each rider gets two shots to clock the fastest time down the front of the Angel Fire ski mountain. Top speeds regularly exceed 60 miles per hour.

"It has since grown into a wacky, full-bore competition with speed suits, radar guns, costumes and family racing legacies. Just about every idea to blow it out of proportion in the name of good winter fun has been exploited."
"Shovel racing began as a simple contest here in the 1970's when our lift operators would ride their shovels down the mountain at the end of their shifts," explains Dave Dekema, director of marketing, Angel Fire Resort. "It has since grown into a wacky, full-bore competition with speed suits, radar guns, costumes and family racing legacies. Just about every idea to blow it out of proportion in the name of good winter fun has been exploited."

The organized competition has been held for over 30 years at Angel Fire Resort, and racers are expected from all corners of the country. The event has even been featured by national news outlets including ESPN, ABC Sports, MTV and The Travel Channel. Shovel racing was also once a featured sport during the early years of the Winter X Games.

Children as young as age 6 are invited to participate in the "Little Scoop" race category. Cash and prizes will be given to the fastest competitors in all age-specific categories. The weekend events will include race clinics, snow shovel sculpture contests, family activities and live music.

Turski's Dew Tour win wraps up a five-medal weekend for Canada

OGDEN, UTAH (February 12, 2012) - The 2012 Dew Tour wrapped up in Snowbasin today and Canadian Kaya Turski came away with a gold medal, the Dew Cup and the award for athlete of the year, which she shared with American Devin Logan.

Turski, who won the X Games two weeks ago and was also crowned X Games female athlete of the year, has had a perfect season so far, winning every slopestyle event she's entered.

The Montreal-native had today's event sewn up on the first run where she scored a 93.75. Anna Segal of Australia was second at 90.75 and Logan took the bronze medal at 89.00.

The slopestyle course in Snowbasin was fairly technical, with three rail features and two jumps. It's the kind of course Turski loves. "The course really worked in my favor because I'm strong on the rails and I worked hard to get my rail game on point here."

Turski, who didn't have a slopestyle coach before this season, credits hard work and the resources that have become available to her since the Olympic announcement, from the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association and its partners as well and her main personal sponsor, Red Bull, with her results to date this season.

"I feel like all my hard work's been paying off -- in the gym and the summer and with my coaches and sponsor. It's exciting to have it all pay off. And I work well with [my coaches] Toben [Sutherland] and JF [Cusson]. It definitely feels good to have people at the start gate cheering for you and people to consult on your run. Before I only had my friends, and they were my competitors, so it wasn't quite the same."

Huntsville, Ontario's Dara Howell, the newest member of the Canadian National Slopestyle Team, was sixth in the semi-finals, just missing a berth into today's finals.

Turski also finished on top of the Dew Cup standings with 200 points.

On the men's side, four Canadians advanced to finals, but none reached the podium. The US swept the top spots with Nick Goepper in first at 95.00, Tom Wallisch in second at 92.25 and Bobby Brown third at 91.00.

The top Canadian was St. Boniface, Que.'s Alex Bellemare in sixth at 88.00. Next was Alex Beaulieu-Marchand of Quebec City in 10^th at 70.00. Jamieson Irvine of Barrie, Ont. was 11^th at 69.00 and Drummondville, Que.'s JF Houle was 12^th after falling on both his runs, at 13.00.

Canadian men who did not advance to finals included: Vincent Gagnier of Victoriaville, Que. in 17^th; Philip Casabon of Grand-Mère, Que. in 19^th; Charles Gagnier of Victoriaville, Que. in 22^nd; and, Alexi Godbout of Mont Tremblant, Que. in 24^th.

Turski's medal wraps up a five-medal weekend for the Canadian Freestyle Team, including one in aerials, one in halfpipe, three in moguls and one in ski slopestyle.

The National Slopestyle and Halfpipe Teams next compete at the Mammoth Mountain World Cup on March 2 and 3.

Freestyle action continues this week with back-to-back mogul NorAm competitions at Apex Mountain Resort tomorrow and Tuesday; an FIS World Cup Aerials event in Kreischberg, Austria on February 17 and a World Cup mogul competition in Naeba, Japan on February 18.

WINTER CARNIVAL DAY

Set for Sunday, February 26, 2012

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA - The base of Shawnee Mountain will come alive on Sunday, February 26 with a festive carnival atmosphere and a fun day for Skiers, Snowboarders, Snow Tubers and Spectators.

Presented by Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and sponsored by Coca-Cola, Winter Carnival Day will feature ice sculptures, music, fun games and trivia contests, product sampling, outdoor BBQ, prizes and giveaways.

Sculpted Ice Works of Lakeville, PA will present an Ice Sculpture contest during the festival. Three professional ice carvers will each transform a 300 pound solid block of ice into a sculpted work of art in front of the festival crowd. Spectators will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite carver and sculpture with a "Peoples Choice" award presented at 2pm.

The Shawnee Mountain Junior Development Team will perform a Skiing and Snowboarding Skills Demonstration on the Thundercloud Trail and Greenhouse Slope in full view of the base area spectators.

WSBG 93.5 Radio Station will provide DJs with outdoor music and giveaways all from the base of Shawnee Mountain. The Monster 4x4 will roll in for Winter Carnival Day with free samples.

The majority of activities will take place from 11am to 2pm in the base area, slope side. Funnel cake, kettle corn, crepe and roasted nut concessions along with face painting and carnival games for the kids will all add to the Winter Carnival atmosphere!

Shawnee Mountain is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just off Exit 309 of Interstate 80. Call 570-421-7231. For lodging information, call 800-SHAWNEE (Shawnee Inn), or 800-POCONOS (visitors bureau).

World Cup win despite injury?

Ivica Kostelic (CRO) is the big winner of today's Super Combined in the Olympic dress rehearsal in Sochi (RUS). His impressive victory ahead of Beat Feuz (SUI) also earned Kostelic the title in the Combined World Cup. Having clinched victory three times in four races the Croatian has now made things clear in this particular World Cup ranking. Kostelic has also increased his lead in the overall World Cup at the same time. Today's race, however, also had a negative consequence for the best skier in the world at the current time: Kostelic may have injured a knee joint.

Initial diagnosis: meniscus injury

It is assumed that there is a problem with his meniscus (which had already been giving him trouble) which flared up during Kostelic's outstanding Slalom run. The Slalom expert acted as if nothing had happened during the run with his textbook turns on what was a very difficult piste. Despite going into a clear lead he appeared to be disturbed by something. This was hardly surprising as the winner of the Combined World Cup had to limp out of the finish area and was treated immediately in the medical tent. "I know this pain, I've often had it and most of the time it was the meniscus. But we won't be able to say anything of course until I've had it checked out in hospital," said Kostelic, forced to swallow a bitter pill despite the day being so successful.

Downhill the foundation stone, Slalom the icing on the cake

Ivica Kostelic had already put in a strong performance in the Super Combined Downhill run, paving the way for the Slalom with a good 15th place, only 1.52 seconds behind the leader. Kostelic then left his opponents no chance in "his" discipline. Even technical specialist Benni Raich (AUT) was trailing 0.66 seconds behind today's winner. An icy slope, a technically demanding run and interesting terrain do of course favour Slalom experts such as Kostelic, but: "The Downhill is also extremely fast, with lots of bumps and it really takes it out of you. The speed specialists certainly have bigger advantages here. So all in all the chances were balanced," says Kostelic, who once again showed that he is capable of seizing an opportunity.

Devin Logan Wins First Women's Dew Cup

Snowbasin, Utah - Feb. 11, 2012 - The men's freeski superpipe final at the Toyota Championship saw one of the closest Dew Cup races in Winter Dew Tour history culminate today in Snowbasin. Going into the competition, Kevin Rolland was leading the standings, with Torin Yater-Wallace just two points behind him. Neither was able to get past David Wise tonight, after he landed a solid first run, scoring a 94.50 that could not be topped by anyone's second attempt through the pipe. He started his run with a switch double cork 1080, followed by a rightside 900, a leftside 900, an alley oop 540 tailgrab, and a double cork 1260. "I'm on a hot streak for sure," said Wise after his first Dew Tour win. "It's fun to be out here enjoying the sport. Just being able to land runs and enjoy doing what I do has been awesome. And that's honestly what's made the difference for me."

Rolland edged out Yater-Wallace by a quarter of a point to land in second place to earn the 2012 Freeski Superpipe Dew Cup. "This feels really great especially because I didn't win at the last Dew Tour stop," said Rolland, after being awarded the Cup. "So there was a little bit of trouble in my mind. I tried to do my best and get the Dew Cup."

Women's freeski superpipe finals awarded the first women's freeski Dew Cup to Devin Logan, after her aggressive run blew away the competition with a score of 90.00. Already holding the lead, she dropped into the pipe, starting her run with a japan grab to a 540 tail grab, followed by a flare, mute grab, alley-oop critical grab, 720 mute, ending with a switch alley-oop 540. Logan was able to land seven tricks due to the superpipe 615-foot length, the longest ever built for a contest. "I'm so excited," exclaimed Logan following her win. "I can't describe my feelings right now. It's hit, but not really. I'm just in amazement right now. I'm so happy with everyone skiing and myself."

You can catch all of the final runs from today's top finishers here. Tomorrow's men's ski slopestyle finals will air live on NBC at 1:00pm MST.

Winter Dew Tour Toyota Championship

Snowbasin, Utah

Feb. 9-12, 2012

Women's Snowboard Superpipe Final Results

1. Kelly Clark, West Dover, Vt., 95.00. 2. Gretchen Bleiler, Aspen, Colo., 94.25. 3. Xuetong Cai, China, 89.75. 4. Sophie Rodriguez, France, 77.00. 5. Sarah Conrad, Canada, 68.50. 6. Arielle Gold, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 26.25.

Women's Snowboard Superpipe - Tour Rankings

1. Kelly Clark, 200. 2. Gretchen Bleiler, 180. 3. Xuetong Cai, 164. 4. Sophie Rodriguez, 113. 5. Sarah Conrad, 107. 6. Arielle Gold, 107. 7. Serena Shaw, 89. 8. Sarka Pancochova, 87. 9. Hannah Teter, 83. 10. Maddy Schaffrick, 76.

Men's Snowboard Superpipe Final Results

1. Louie Vito, Bellefontaine, Ohio, 98.00. 2. Iouri Podladtchikov, Switzerland, 97.00. 3. Spencer Shaw, Stratton, Vt., 90.00. 4. Trevor Jacob, Malibu, Calif., 88.00. 5. Zachary Black, Breckenridge, Colo., 86.00. 6. Ben Ferguson, Bend, Ore., 83.50. 7. Jack Mitrani, Mammoth Lakes, Calif., 81.50. 8. Mason Aguirre, Duluth, Minn., 80.00. 9. Kyle Mack, W. Bloomfield, Mich., 73.75. 10. Paul Brichta, Burnsville, Minn., 70.00. 11. Ben Watts, Bend, Ore., 67.00. 12. Scotty Pike, Sun Valley, Idaho, 63.00.

Men's Snowboard Superpipe - Tour Rankings

1.Louie Vito, 330. 2. Iouri Podladtchikov, 317. 3. Spencer Shaw, 220. 4. Zachary Black, 199. 5. Mason Aguirre, 181. 6. Jack Mitrani, 169. 7. Trevor Jacob, 160. 8. Matt Ladley, 150. 9. Kyle Mack, 132. 10. Luke Mitrani, 124.

Women's Freeski Superpipe Final Results

1.Devin Logan, Dover, Vt., 90.00. 2. Rosalind Groenewoud, Canada, 82.50. 3. Maddie Bowman, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 80.00. 4. Anais Caradeux, France, 70.00. 5. Ayana Onozuka, Japan, 67.25. 6. Brita Sigourney, Carmel, Calif., 54.50.

Women's Freeski Superpipe - Tour Rankings

1.Devin Logan, 190. 2. Maddie Bowman, 182. 3. Rosalind Groenewoud, 154. 4. Brita Sigourney, 150. 5. Anais Caradeux, 148. 6. Ayana Onozuka, 140. 7. Katrien Aerts, 120. 8. Annalisa Drew, 115. 9. Keri Herman, 96. 10. Megan Gunning, 93.

Men's Freeski Superpipe Final Results

1.David Wise, Reno, Nev., 94.50. 2. Kevin Rolland, France, 93.00. 3. Torin Yater-Wallace, Snowmass, Colo., 92.75. 4. Simon Dumont, Bethel, Maine, 91.75. 5. Thomas Krief, France, 90.75. 6. AJ Kemppainen, Finland, 86.25. 7. Mike Riddle, Canada, 83.75. 8. Tucker Perkins, North Hampton, NH., 78.00. 9. Josiah Wells, New Zealand, 76.75. 10. Gus Kenworthy, Telluride, Colo., 75.00. 11. Matt Margetts, Canada, 40.00. 12. Benoit Valentin, France, 29.75.

Men's Freeski Superpipe - Tour Rankings

1. Kevin Rolland, 307. 2. Torin Yater-Wallace, 291. 3. David Wise, 266. 4. Tucker Perkins, 244. 5. Gus Kenworthy, 206. 6. Thomas Krief, 191. 7. Simon Dumont, 172. 8. Justin Dorey, 166. 9. Matt Margetts, 155. 10. Duncan Adams, 142.

BEIDA LAKE, CHINA (February 11, 2012) - Canada's Olivier Rochon battled freezing temperatures and high winds en route to a bronze medal in the FIS Freestyle aerial event here today.

The weather caused some serious consternation amongst athletes and coaches who were worried about safety. Eventually, organizers altered the regular format to a one-jump event, which meant that each athlete had only one chance and about three-and-a-half seconds in the air to make the podium.

Guangpu Qi of China used his airtime well and placed first with a considerable score of 131.67; his countryman Zongyang Zia took the silver at 127.66 and Rochon was third with a score of 123.45.

Rochon explained that most of the aerialists had planned to downgrade their jumps, but not him. "Because of the wind I only got a couple of training jumps in, but I was confident about them so I decided to go for my hardest trick, [a quadruple twisting, triple backflip]. When the Chinese guys who jumped after me saw that I landed well, they decided to do harder tricks too … I don't mind, I'm happy for them, but I am glad that I blocked a Chinese sweep."

Rochon said he is confident in challenging weather conditions because he has good skiing skills, which help him land consistently. "And," he added, "My first coach, [Nicolas Fontaine], "made us jump in every kind of weather, so I'm ready for anything."

The bronze medal means Rochon, who has been on the podium four times already this season, keeps a grip on the yellow leader's bib by a margin of 50 points over Jia. When asked if he's feeling pressure to keep amassing results, Rochon replied, "I try not too look at the big picture, when I do that I get ahead of myself and I learned the hard way that when I get ahead of myself I go down. So, I'm working really hard to stay in the moment and look at everything jump by jump."

Montreal's Jean-Christophe André was the only other Canadian in today's competition. He finished 14^th after slapping back on his landing.

"I'm a bit disappointed. I got a little excited on my takeoff today so I leaned back too much. The conditions were hard, but this was my mistake and I'm looking forward to making up for it later in the month," said André.

On the women's side, China swept the podium with Xin Zhang in top spot at 101.16; Mengtao Xu second at 95.70 and Shuang Cheng third with a score of 89.30.

There were no Canadian women represented at the event today.

World Cup action continues here tomorrow with a mogul event. The Canadian Halfpipe and Slopestyle teams compete in the Dew Tour finals in Ogden, UT tomorrow and Sunday.


Labbé-Giguère represents Canada at UOP aerial NorAms, finishes seventh

At the Utah Olympic Park in the third of three aerial NorAm events today, Canada's lone entry, Marc-Antoine Labbé-Giguère, was seventh. Americans swept the men's and women's podiums as Michael Rossi, Mac Bohonnon and Jack Boyczuk took the men's division; while Madison Olsen, Madison Gorelik and Sara Swenson went one, two, three on the women's side.

Labbé-Giguère was happy with his performance over the three events, where he finished seventh, tenth and seventh.

"I have some work to do on my jumps, especially my full-full, for sure," said the 20-year-old who resides in Quebec City, "but I didn't get to jump much this winter so far because I broke my ankle in November, now that I'm on snow my jumps are getting better and better the more I train."

Canada's only other NorAm-level aerialist, Quebec Team's Dave Blais, sat out today's event with concussion symptoms.

Telluride mogul NorAm
TELLURIDE, COLORADO (February 8, 2012) - Sixteen-year-old Canadians Andi Naude and Alexis Lalonde enjoyed their best NorAm finishes here today in a single mogul event, taking silver and bronze, in their respective categories. For both of the teenagers it was only their second appearance at this level of event.

Naude, who comes from Penticton B.C. and skis with the BC Freestyle team earned a score of 23.38 and the fastest time in the women's division. She was second to Ali Kariotis of the US, who scored 23.79. Sophia Schwartz also of the US was third at 23.03.

"I had some troubles skiing out of my top air [a 360] today, but I managed to get back into my line so I'm happy with my performance. Tomorrow I'm just going to go our and have fun, skiing is what I like to do best," said Naude, who added that the course today was "pretty easy - quite flat and not too technical."

The next Canadian woman was Christel Hamel of St. Sauveur, Que. who had her best NorAm finish, just outside the super final in 5^th.

Alex-Anne Gagnon of the Quebec Team was 21^st; Katrine Bazinet was 25^th; Clare Lambert of Alberta was 32^nd; Kate Targett was 35^th;

On the men's side, Lalonde, who hails from Chateauguay, Que. and who skis with the Quebec Performance Team said his goal for the day was to finish in the top 16, "So, I'm really happy with the bronze medal."

Americans took gold and silver. Reilly Ryan scored 26.12 and Dylan Walczyk was 25.19. Lalonde scored 24.99.

Lalonde explained that while he had an excellent run in the finals, he got a little out of control in the middle section of the super final, but managed to pull it together in time to do his signature jump, a 'cork 720 truck driver'. "It's a style jump," he said, "It's smooth and the judges like it and gave me high scores."

Canadian Team Coach Adrian Taggart was disappointed with the showing of the National Team athletes. The top National Team athlete, Simon Lemieux of Repentigny fell on his finals run and landed in 15^th position. "We had excellent training and I really expected better finishes today," he said. "But, one of the difficulties with an easy course is that it's hard for the better athletes to differentiate themselves," said Taggart.

Quebec Team members Laurent Dumais and Kerrian Chunland were 11^th and 12^th 23.28 and 23.12, respectively.

National Team member P-O Gagne of Montreal was 17^th; David Cooksley was 27^th; National Team member Hugo Blanchette of Quebec City was 28^th; Luke Ulsifer was 29^th; Troy Minogue was 30^th; Zach Hoffman was 31^st; Dean Bercovitch was 34^th; Heath Berkovitch was 35^th, Connor Spence was 37^th; Julien Dufresne was 47^th; and, Matt Joosten was 53^rd.

Utah Olympic Park aerial NorAm
PARK CITY, UTAH (FEBRUARY 8, 2012) - Meanwhile, in Aerial action at Utah Olympic Park, Canadian National 'C' Team member Marc-Antoine Labbe-Giguere of Quebec City was the top Canadian in 7^th with a combined score of 142.36 .

Americans swept the podium today. Nevin Brown was first at 207.47; Jonathon Lillis was second at 193.63 and the bronze medal went to Alex Bowen at 186.36.

Labbe-Giguere, who was injured earlier in the season, said, "I'm not really happy with my performance, I haven't had a lot of training but I hoped to do better today."

The only other Canadian in the field was Quebec Team member David Blais, who was 9^th at 137.00

In the women's field Americans Kyley McKinnon and Madison Olsen took the gold and silver at 132.16 and 126.29, respectively. Renee McElduff of Australia was third at 125.77.

There were no Canadian women in today's event.

NorAm action continues in Park City and Telluride tomorrow with another aerial and mogul event.

Once again the Alpine Carving community converges on Aspen Colorado. Alpine snowboarders from around the world at making turns at one of the three resort during this week. Alpine Snowboarding, typically known as "Carving" uses hard boots, much like ski boots, and snowboards that generally have most advanced technology in the ski and snowboarding industry. Carving is best seen in the Olympics as Parallel S / GS. Carving is thrilling and for many in the sport, addictive. It is not uncommon to find a Carver making S / GS turns dragging a hip during a graceful turn, laying down trenched in the snow, and a grin that reach ear to ear!

Red Oak is very please to announce that we have reached another milestone in the skiing and snowboarding industry and will have at this years Summit Expression Session annual Carving event a ride and race ready Alpine snowboard built by Virus featuring our industry leading glide technology using "SuperGlide" construction technology and Tetra Race Base, (TRB), a waxless base material. The beautiful black Virus Race Werks 180 PGS will be available for viewing and scheduled demo. Red Oak's General Manager, Tony Stoughton, will be in Aspen Buttermilk, Friday, February 10, 2012 for Q&A. Please call for scheduling: (303) 921-6809

"Inside Alli Sports", "The Frendly Times" and "AWSM on Alli" with Todd Richards Headline the Offering

February 7, 2012 -- Burr Ridge, Ill. - Alli Sports, a division of the NBC Sports Group, and YouTube have teamed up to provide daily original action sports content. Devoted to providing a behind-the-curtain look into the athletes, sports and events that shape the action sports industry, Alli Sports' YouTube channel will give viewers more amazing content to compliment the offerings on Allisports.com and NBC broadcasts.

Alli Sports has made its name in the events and media world as the organization behind the Summer and Winter Dew Tour, Gatorade Free Flow Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and the recently announced partnership with Red Bull to create the Red Bull Signature Series. In addition, Alli produces more than 130 original hours of TV across NBC and NBC Sports Network; this past year they also began successfully producing short form digital content including The Alli Show, Step by Step, and several other original content franchises which will continue to be available on the Alli Sports YouTube channel and Allisports.com.

Headlining the new YouTube content offering are three new weekly marquee shows: Inside Alli Sports, a weekly news show hosted by Pat Parnell and Angela Sun, providing insightful perspective into the biggest stories in action sports; AWSM on Alli, hosted by legendary snowboarder Todd Richards, giving you his fun and humorous take on the industry; and The Frendly Times, a behind-the-scenes look into the lifestyles of the unique snowboard athletes who comprise the Frends crew.

"I'm super excited to be part of the Alli Sports YouTube channel. AWSM has been a project of mine for a while and to have this platform on YouTube to showcase it is amazing," said Richards. "What we're providing on the Alli Sports channel is unique and fun, and with something new every day, viewers will get great access to action sports beyond the competitions."

With a weekly schedule that includes content from the leading athletes, industry movers and shakers, and premier events in action sports, the Alli Sports YouTube channel is an all-encompassing one-stop site to get your fill on all that is action sports.

Wrightwood, CA - February 7, 2012: The $20,000 Cholula Triple Air Show returned to Mountain High on Saturday, February 4, 2012, offering the largest prize purse in Southern California. Now in its fourteenth year, the event continues to gain strength with many raving this year's course was the best it's ever been.

A perfect day on the mountain with sunny skies and warm temperatures provided riders with an amazing opportunity to let it all hang out. In the men's snowboard division, riders such as Yale Cousino, Scotty Vine, Trevor Jacob, Ian Thorley and Garrettt Warnick came out to compete but in the end, it was local hero and Mountain High team rider, Spencer Link who stole the show and the $5000 top prize with his ridiculously solid run that included a Cab 9, Front 7 and a nasty Back 10 Double.

The women's snowboard division was stacked with riders like Lynn Neil, Mariah Dugan, Nirvana Ortanez, Jamie Madrid and Melissa Evans competing. On this day, it was Katie Williams out of Salt Lake City, Utah who stole the show and the $2000 top prize with her smooth run that included a clean front 5 on the money booter.

In the ski division, some heavy hitters came out to compete including Patrick Goodhough, Max Peters, Noah Morrison and Time Gage. For the skiers it was all about the double corks with McRae Williams landing the smoothest run, dirtiest double and snagging the $3500 top prize.

This year, The Cholula Triple Air Show was upgraded to a 3 star TTR (Ticket To Ride) event which means competitors earned points toward their overall worldwide ranking. The TTR standard is what competitive snowboarders use to rank themselves against each other, and earn entry into events like the Grand Prix and the Olympics.

Special thanks goes out to the event's sponsors, Cholula Hot Sauce, Jarritos, Continuous, and more. And to Chuck Allen, the Godfather of snowboarding and co-founder of the USASA, without whom this event would not exist. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact John McColly at 760 316 7803

Cash Purse Breakdown

Open Snowboard Men's:

1st - Spencer Link - $5,000

2nd - Jeremy Page - $2,500

3rd - Trevor Jacob - $1,500

4th - Garrett Warnick - $600

5th - Ian Thorley - $200

Open Snowboard Women's:

1st - Katie Williams - $2,000

2nd - Nirvana Ortanez - $1,000

3rd - Jamie Madrid - $500

4th - Lynn Neil - $100

5th - Danika Duffy - $50

Open Ski:

1st - McRae Williams - $3,500

2nd - Patrick Goodhough - $2,000

3rd - Max Peters - $750

4th - Noah Morrison - $200

5th - Tim Gage - $100

Innsbruck, Austria - February 4th 2012 - Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) wins the 6Star Billabong Air&Style with steady Backside 1260 mute grabs all evening long. Seppe Smits (BEL) takes the TTR Big Air Tour Trophy 2012 home, after coming in second here at the Bergisel Stadium in Innsbruck, closely followed by Niklas Mattsson (SWE).

'Winning the Big Air Tour Trophy was unexpected, I was very happily surprised.' commented Seppe Smits. Congratulations came immediately from 3 time TTR Tour winner Peetu, who won tonight with a clean and stylish Backside 1260 mute grab. Peetu is back after wrestling with injury, but is again landing all his tricks with his exceptional ease. He responded: 'It was a great night, and it felt really good being here. This was definitely one of the hardest competitions for me, with everyone stomping it.'

Under icy conditions 12.500 spectators set fire to the Bergisel stadium for one of the most thrilling Air&Style competitions ever. A gripping final was the perfect conclusion of an action packed night. With final scores not more than 0.6 points apart, it was clear the riders gave it their all. Peetu Piiroinen took home the ring of glory and another 1000 points for the World Tour Rankings. More surprising action was put down by Swedish Niklas Mattsson, who rounded up the podium after holding his own against 3 clear favorite opponents in the final, including former Air&Style winner Sebastien Toutant (CAN). Niklas got the crowd to go wild with his second run, a Frontside 1080 Double Cork Mute Grab.

Eric Willett (USA) earned the second highest score of the night with a Switch Backside 1260 Double Cork Mute Grab, worth 94.0 points, but failed to make the Superfinal after encountering Peetu Piiroinen in the second round. He had the biggest chance of winning the TTR World Tour Big Air title, but missing the Superfinal tonight, meant he had to watch Seppe claim the championship. Tonight's performances had a major influence on the TTR Overall Tour Ranking, with Seb Toutant now leading the pack, and Stale Sandbech (NOR), Roope Tonteri (FIN), Seppe Smits and Eric Willett all move up, rounding up the top 5.

The TTR World Tour will move to Oslo, Norway from 10-19 February, crowning male and female Halfpipe and Slopestyle World Champions at the first World Snowboarding Championships for snowboarders by snowboarders since 1999.

Peak Resorts announces the acquisition of the high speed detachable quad chairlift formally of Ascutney Mountain, VT. The installation of the lift, along with a terrain expansion is planned at Crotched Mountain, NH for the 2012-2013 season. This 3 million dollar capital investment will happen on the 10 year anniversary of the reconstruction of the resort.

We are very excited about the prospect of adding a detachable lift at CrotchedMountain. This lift will provide quick access to the summit, ultimately providing more value and vertical to our guests. Along with the lift, the addition of 25 acres of skiable terrain will be a significant upgrade for the resort." said Jesse Boyd, VP of Operations for Peak Resorts.

While replacing the current Summit fixed grip lift, the only high speed quad lift in Southern NH will provide an uphill capacity of 2400 persons per hour, and access to an additional 25 acres of terrain in less than 4 minutes of time on the lift. The additional terrain access is accomplished by the extension of the current summit lift profile to the top of the mountain, approaching 1000 feet of vertical drop. The additional 25 acres of terrain will encompass three extra slopes and two glade areas. The new terrain will have 100 percent fan snowmaking coverage as well as being lit for night skiing.

"We at Crotched pride our self on the commitment of service to all skiing and snowboarding guests from beginners all the way to expert terrain park and racing enthusiasts. The ability for us to provide the value of even more time on the slopes is very exciting. The expansion of terrain will benefit all of our clientele with an easier route off the top of the mountain and trails that will access our progressive terrain parks, glade skiing and allow us to stay committed to the ski racing culture of New Hampshire." said Pat Terry, General Manager of Crotched Mountain.

Lift construction and trail development are scheduled to take place starting the spring of 2012 pending approval of permitting with NH State and local township regulations.