Snow Alert: Sierra Nevada range above 7000' , Cascades Oregon, Wasatch Utah above 7500
Storm Warnings Washington & British Colombia, Idaho, Sawtooth Mtns, just about every ridgeline west of the Rockies
Snow Alert:Austria
Kitzbuhel (Alpine) New snow: 6"
Snow Alert: Nagano Japan
Snow Alert: Oslo Norway
Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Alyaska
Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow Alert for Alta, 8" High Rustler more around ridgelines
Snow Alert for Snow Basin
Snow Alert for Snowbird
New snow 12" at upper Tram station, 6" at the Bull wheel, snowing, Mineral basin is getting it!
Bob reports snow quality as Spackle / Sierra Cement - Wet & Heavy
Book ends dusted cover to cover

Snow Alert for Sun Valley 6" new and Jack says it's still coming down on "The Roundhouse"
Snow Alert Whistler Blackcomb (Alpine)
Conditions updated: 2005-12-30 13:19:38
New snow: 5"
Base Depth: 45" - 45"
Conditions: Powder

Not to leave out anyone, Crystal, Big Sky, LonePeak Mt. Stevens Pass Wa. MT Hood, MT Hood Meadows, MT Shasta, MT Ashland, Bachelor, Ruby Mtns NV Heli ski, Nakiska Canada all new snow ......

***
US SKI TEAM News
JEREMY BLOOM, HANNAH KEARNEY CLINCH FIRST OLYMPIC SKI TEAM SPOTS Pair skis from back of the pack in qualifying to land in Torino

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 30) - Defending World Cup champion Jeremy Bloom (Loveland, CO) and Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT), the reigning women’s world champion, came from back in the pack Friday to clinch Olympic Team berths, winning the moguls event at the U.S. Ski Team Olympic Trials.

NBC will televise coverage Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET and OLN will have coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET as part of its weekly 10 Weeks to Torino series of major event coverage as a lead-up to the February Olympics in Italy.

Bloom qualified 10th but won over 2002 Olympic silver medalist Travis Mayer (Steamboat Springs, CO) with Toby Dawson (Vail, CO) third. Kearney finished ahead of Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY) with Shelly Robertson (Reno, NV), who led qualifying, in third place. Only U.S. Ski Team athletes were eligible for the one-day trials.

U.S. SKI TEAM FREESTYLE OLYMPIC TRIALS
Steamboat Springs, CO - Dec. 30, 2005
Men’s Moguls
1. Jeremy Bloom, Loveland, Colo., 27.82 points
2. Travis Mayer, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 27.57
3. Toby Dawson, Vail, Colo., 26.84
4. Nate Roberts, Park City, Utah, 26.01
5. Tim Preston, Campton, N.H., 25.81
-
Women’s Moguls
1. Hannah Kearney, Norwich, Vt., 26.66
2. Jillian Vogtli, Ellicotville, N.Y., 26.40
3. Shelly Robertson, Reno, Nev., 26.37
4. Shannon Bahrke, Tahoe City, Calif., 26.31
5. Michelle Roark, Denver, 26.21

Photos are available at: USSA Gallery

US SKI TEAM

***
OLYMPIC NEWSLETTER N°87 - Olympic ComitteeNews
Naples Welcomes The Olympic Torch Relay
Olympic Comittee Photo
On day 22 of the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic flame has reached the city of Naples. Tomorrow, the Olympic flame will continue its journey by travelling to the town of Frosinone. The XX Olympic Winter Games –...
TORINO 2006: The Olympic Flame arrives in Palermo The Olympic flame yesterday arrived in the town of Palermo, where it will stay until 26 December. It will then continue its journey, visiting the town of Catania on Boxing Day. This is the 16th day of the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch...
World Cup nordic skiing results
03/01/2006 Skiing FIS Nordic Combined World Cup Ruhpolding Germany (GER )
Olympic Organization

***
Olympic Countdown ,Venue Review CORTINA D'AMPEZZO 1956

VII Olympic Winter Games
The 1956 Winter Olympics, held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, were most notable for the first appearance by a team from the USSR. The Soviets immediately won more medals than any other nation. Their speed skaters won three of the four events, while their ice hockey team ended Canada’s domination. Pavel Kolchin became the first non-Scandinavian to earn a medal in cross-country skiing. Anton Sailer won all three men’s races in Alpine skiing - the first clean sweep in Olympic history. Madeleine Berthod celebrated her birthday by winning the downhill by an amazing 4.7 seconds. The United States began to emerge as a definite power in figure skating as Tenley Albright won the women’s title and Hayes Alan Jenkins led an American medal sweep on the men’s side. The Cortina Games were the first to be televised and the last at which the figure skating competitions were held outdoors.
32 NOCs (Nations), 821 athletes (134 women, 687 men), 24 events
From Olympic Organization Comitte Archives


Cortina Today
On 27th, 28th, 29th January, the Olympia skitrack will host Ladies' Alpine Ski World Cup races.
The challenging racetrack is just below the towering Tofana summit (3243 m.)

Cross-country ski ,The 5th February 2006 Cross-country skiing international competition "GranFondo Dobbiaco-Cortina" Part of the race is along the old Dolomite railway track.(42km)
Adrenalin
Taxi-bob, Snowrafting, crazy Sledge, Extreme skiing
Bobsleigh races
The "Eugenio Monti" Bobtrack, considered to be one of the most technical and beautiful track in the Bobsleigh world circuit, will host:

Women Bob World Cup
9th-15th January 2006:
Europe Cup

Cortina - Italy

***


***
Deals on Southwest Air
Special Edition December 30, 2005
Hot Weekend Sale!

$89 or less one-way, 5-day advance purchase in select markets
Available only online at southwest.com. 5-day advance purchase required. Purchase December 30, 2005 through January 2, 2006, midnight Pacific Time. Travel January 4 through January 31, 2006
Terms and Conditions Apply
See:Southwst for complete terms and conditions of offer.
Southwest Airlines

***
BEST WISHES for Your New Year!
Input ( Spotters) for your local resort are wanted, with photos, clear if reduced to 250 pix sw

Annie, have fun! and , Keep your eyes in the Fall Line in front of you, try not getting to distracted too much, ...by external issues.
You rip girl , .... I hope to see you in the Xtreme Mountain finals. Rip two lines three times and have "The Devil" time you. You have a great coach and Dad on your side. ...Sail with the Bird, Lydia would be Proud with what you've accomplished and your direction ! ! ! .

***
Closed on New Years Day,Field Research .... Gone skiing

Kvitfjell
Kvitfjell is not the largest ski destination in the world, but many people declare that it is one of the best. The reason is probably the variation of the slopes skiers will find here. For the youngest as well as for beginners we have small bunny hills and for the more advanced skiers we can offer steeper slopes where the skies really catches wind. Skiers at all levels will find their own challenge in Kvitfjell that is why so many ski enthusiasts return to our destination.
Quality is our motto. Everything that has been and is being build here in Kvitfjell is of the highest quality, and that includes the destination as a whole. More than NOK 200 millions has been invested into different projects, which results in that Kvitfjell is one of the most modern state-of-the-arch destinations in Norway. Kvitfjell is able to cover approximately 80% of all slopes with artificial snow and due to this we are one of the first destinations to open every year. Number of lifts: 7
Lift capacity: 8100 p/h
Longest run: 3500 m
Vertical drop: 840 m
Highest mountain: 1044m

There are many reasons why you should visit us in Kvitfjell this winter. From Kvitfjell you have access to more than 600 km of cross-country trails, a snowboard/terrain park, great ski instructors who will teach you to enjoy skiing, one of Norway’s most luxurious hotels in the mountains, etc. Kvitfjell

***
Verbier


MAIN EVENTS
From To Name
Day / Month
18/02/2006 24/02/2006 Verbier Ride
25/02/2006 26/02/2006 King of the Mountain
17/03/2006 19/03/2006 O'Neill Xtreme by Swatch
01/04/2006 01/04/2006 Verbier High Five by Carlsberg
22/04/2006 25/04/2006 XSpeedSki by Tag Heuer
27/04/2006 29/04/2006 Patrouille des Glaciers
29/04/2006 30/04/2006 Ultime Session
14/07/2006 16/07/2006 Verbier Golf Pro-Am Schroeders
21/07/2006 06/08/2006 Verbier Festival & Academy
20/08/2006 20/08/2006 Grand Raid Cristalp Verbier-Grimentz

Photo: Verbier Marketing / Tourism
Verbier

***
Gastein -Austria
(“Two planks and perfect Snow”) these words have a meaning in Gastein. Leave the world behind you on snow covered mountains, and on some of the down hill runs. Apart from skiing and Snowboarding you can also have fun on snow and ice in Gastein - a true paradise in winter. Whether you are ice climbing, enjoying a horse drawn sleigh ride or snow shoe walking, the idyllic winter landscape will make your heart beat faster. Then afterwards it’s off to refined Après ski in the traditional original Huts and comfortable lounges.
Gastein

Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert Whistler Blackcomb 12cm of new snow
Snow alert Crystal Mountain
Snow alert,...... The west coast triangle B.C. to SF out to S.L.C.

Saas-Fee
1. Holiday Season concerts

Sit back, close your eyes and listen to the wonderful sounds. Christmas concerts in Saastal are a treat for the senses. Music that will penetrate from the ear right into your heart. Go on! Cconduct your feeling in the right direction: 26th December in Saas-Grund, 27th December in Saas-Almagell and 29th December

2. Do you know how many candles are lit?
Candlelight lights up theses dark and cold nights. The light trail goes from Restaurant Schäferstube to the Weiler Hohnegg. When? Friday 23rd December from 9 p.m. Enjoy this contemplative and bright moment with a glass of mulled wine (Glühwein). And why not donate a bit of warmness elsewhere: see the donation campaign from Saas-Fee tourism.
3. Happy birthday mountain railways

We congratulate and are also taking part. The Saas-Almagell mountain railways are celebrating their 40th birthday. Guests will be treated to special birthday offers. All the more a chance to take in the magnificent view of the Mischabel-Kette and the Monte-Rosa Massiv (lofty mountains in the Saas-Fee region). You don't have to be a ski star to follow in the trails of the likes of well-known Swiss characters such as Pirmin, Heidi and Silvan Zurbriggen. Skipass for young and old available in a family-friendly ski region. Further information

4. Ski & Fun week

100% good-quality snow: meet new people, ski together and experience the night-life around you. In the Ski and Fun week from 14th to 21st January fun and sport will have equal priority. You will stay in well-chosen hotels or holiday apartments with a five day group skiing course (Monday to Friday) as well as evening/animation program included.

5. Ice and Sweat

The coldest temptation since ice first appeared! At the North Face Ice Climbing World-Cup (2nd to 4th February 2006) the worlds best ice climbers will be showing what they can do on a 30 metre high ice face in the Saas-Fee main parking lot. Definitely a spectacle where even the spectators will break into a sweat!
6. Freestyle-Parks

Go on! Treat yourself to some leisure time! From the end of January 2006 two new parks will raise the pace of action for all Freestylers. Go direct into the Mainpark Morenia with the Alpine Express. The new beginners park in Stafelwald is becoming a meeting point for Freestylers. Spectacular, fascinating, wild and crazy - that is Freestyle.
7. Swimming under a full moon

The moon is out - and everyone is going swimming. Use the energy of the moon and relax in the leisure centre Bielen, whether it be swimming, sauna or in the bubble-pool. There is a new full-moon swimming event with candlelight and a glass of champagne. So even if you're not a complete full-moon addict, take note of the following dates: 14. Januar 2006 und 13. Februar 2006.

Saas-Fee

***
Whistler
Periods of snow. alpine high minus 2. snowfall accumulation 2 to 5 cm. freezing level surface.
Tonight..periods of snow. alpine low minus 3. snowfall accumulation. 5 to 10 cm. freezing level surface.

Best pics: Whistler Saddle " The Peak",
Blackcomb Jersey Cream SPANKY"S RIDGE & Big Bang
Events
Dec 31
First Night 2005: New Year's Eve Celebrations in Whistler Village

Regularly Scheduled Events
Daily
(Wed-Sun) Avalanche Awareness Tours
Daily Fresh Tracks
Daily Mountain Orientation Tours
Daily Pontiac Race Centre
Daily Demo Days
Daily TELUS Guest Communication Centre
Weekly Whistler Welcome Nights
Weekly Fire and Ice Show

Whistler Blackcomb

***
Habuka 47 Japan
Kae Yoshioka sends in a reminder,Habuka is open with good early season conditions. A link for English speaking visitors.Habuka 47 has some of Japan's best
Big Mountain terrain
Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park TEL 0261-75-3533 FAX 0261-75-3566
Habuka 47

***
Loveland Basin
8 New Snow" refers to natural snow received since the last reported period. Snow received after 5a.m. that day will be accounted for next reported period!
Lifts Open 9 / 9 - Trails Open: 77 / 77 Skiables Acres Open: 1125 %Area Open: 82 % %Beg Inter 100 % %Expert: 100 %
Event:
9:00 AM Winterstick Soul Ride Demo Tour Description The Winterstick Snowboards Soul Ride Demo Tour offers two days of free snowboard demos and daily prize giveaways from tour partners Snowboard Journal, Standard Films, and Purl Wax. Individuals wishing to participate with have to fill out and sign liability release for
Loveland

Closed on Sunday, Gone skiing

Snow Alert: From British Colombia -Seattle to central California, Storm Warnings Tahoe basin New Snow Alpine, Heavenly,Homewood, Kirkwood , Sugar Bow &l Squaw !

***
Panorama
Ride the Panorama Express Bus from Calgary through the picturesque scenery of B.C. & Alberta's mountain parks. A Panorama Host with Playwest Vacations will direct you to the Express Bus and ensure that the atmosphere of the motor coach trip is about R&R, that will prepare you for an active weekend on the slopes. Call 1-800-663-2929 to book. Say goodbye to 2005 and welcome in 2006 at Panorama Mountain Village. The annual torch light parade and fire works extravaganza will commence an evening filled with other spectacular events and festivities to ring in the New Year with your family and friends Panorama

***
Val d'Isère

Cécile F. in France sends in,Val d'Isère elected best ski resort of the year in Europe for 2006
Val d’Isère, situated at the convergence of two deep valleys, bears witness to the eternal energy of its mountains : the legendary Bellevarde , the more easily accessible Solaise and the wildest and most picturesque Iseran …. Dissimilar but magnificent places full of potential for inspiring skiers to reach beyond their wildest dreams.

Play with the gradients, conquer the snow, carve perfect turns, slalom through the forest, feel the heady intoxication of the glaciers and giddy heights, follow sun’s path to enjoy optimum snow conditions
open
Slopes / lifts
Val d'Isère 39/75 - 35/47
Tignes 32/65- 27/47
Espace Killy 71/140 - 62/94

January
6th "Étoile liberté" by Sylvain Tes
son(Cinema Conference)
3rd French Ski School Spectacular 4th/11th/18th/25th Cross-Country Skiing Race
13th “Fire moon” (Skiing by moonlight)
14th "Grand Raid" (Free Ride Competition)
23rd "Snow Spectacular" (Torchlight Descent and Firework Display)

Photos: valdisere Tourism
Val d'Isère

***
Air Fare Sale for the Olympic Games in Italy this winter! February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006, Italy will be hosting the XX Winter Olympics. With great fares to Turin, Milan, Bologna, and the rest of Northern Italy, as low as $221* one-way, Air France is the way to go!

Air France

Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb , Kirkwood and central Sierra Nevada Mtns.
Snow alert for Heavenly / Mammoth Mountain
Snow alert for Hintertuz Austria

Stowe
Stowe's 3 foot snowpack is in great shape, with more SNOW tonight, and even MORE SNOW forecasted to continue through the weekend!
We will have TEN groomers out on the hill tonight, and every night right through the weekend, creating optimal conditions for the remainder of the holiday week. We will also crank up our greatly expanded snowmaking capabilities to blanket the slopes with fresh coatings of snow to augment the quantities that Mother Nature is expected to provide.
We will have ALL LIFTS and the majority of our terrain open this weekend, including both our terrain park and the ONLY halfpipe in Northern Vermont, and skiing and riding will continue to be great. We hope that you can come up to enjoy it with us! Stowe

***
Big White Silver Star Resorts
"It's the Snow"" is our motto at Big White and Silver Star, and wintry weather has returned to both resorts, just in time for our New Year's celebrations. The Powder Chair opened at Big White on Wednesday, and this morning, the lower Cliff has opened. Tomorrow, Friday, December 30, guests will be able to access the entire Cliff area when the Cliff Lift opens at 8:45 a.m. The Gem Lake is near to opening; we're just waiting for Mother Nature to bring us a bit more snow. Silver Star boasts 91 open runs, including new trails accessed by the fabulous Silver Woods Express high-speed quad. TELUS Park is open for snowboarders and New School skiers. New Year's is one of the most anticipated events at Big White and Silver Star, and both resorts will be hopping with activities for all members of the family including fireworks, carnival activities, and live entertainment.
Big White / Silver Star New Year's Eve Events
January Lesson Package Specials at Silver Star and Big White Big White Silver Star Resorts

***
US Ski Team News
DARON RAHLVES WINS STELVIO DOWNHILL, TAKES OVERALL POINTS LEAD Bode Miller finishes ninth, sits second behind Rahlves in points
BORMIO, Italy (Dec. 29) - Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA), gathering speed as he came down the hill on new skis, collected the second World Cup victory of his glittering career in Bormio Thursday -and his 11th win - as he took the World Cup overall points lead while Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH) finished ninth and is second in the points.
OLN will have World Cup coverage Sunday night at 5 ET as part of its 10 Weeks to Torino series of major events reporting.
Rahlves, who won both training runs on the Stelvio course where he finished as silver medalist behind Miller in downhill last February at the World Championships, was timed in 1:57.68 for his eighth DH victory. After 16 races, Rahlves has 489 points to 471 for Miller.
MEN?S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Bormio, ITA - Dec. 29, 2005
Men’s Downhill 1. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:57.68
2. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 1:58.00
3. Tobias Gruenenfelder, Switzerland, 1:58.03
4. Michael Walchhofer, Austria, 1:58.04
5. Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 1:58.19
-
9. Bode Miller, Bretton Woods, N.H., 1:58.58
26. Steve Nyman, Orem, Utah, 1:59.70
36. Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Calif., 2:01.04
41. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., 2:01.58
-
DNF:
JJ Johnson, Park City, Utah
For complete results: US Ski Team News

Support the Olympic Teams

Better Boot fitting
Shims, pads, cants, wedges,... So You want a better fit? Start simple. The shop that sold you the boots as part of Great customer service)should be willing to spend a few mins making minor adjustments Or, .You may be able totake on the task yourself. You know what feels right. A little loose, Pad the outside of a liner that is a bit loose( Push toward the inside. Mole skin padding is available at your local retail pharmacy foor care section ( Dr School's ) More than a little loose, heel shims or shims inserts, that run the lenght under the insole 1/16 1/8 1/4 can help fill volume by pushing your foot up. Cants, can help minimize those that are bow legged , If you have already adjusted a boot with an upper shell in / out rake. Too tight, sometimes it is necessary to have the liner stretched by a performance boot fiiting shop. Thos shoe stretchers you find at thrift stores can oftern solve the issue. A little stretch at a time. You can not re compress a liner, be careful or take your boots to a shop. Only when you are absolutely sure it is necessary after a second opinion, Pushing ( heating and stretching the boot shell at critical points) can solve the issues out of the ordinary.DO NOT try freelance blow drying. Not worth random results! Canting strips are available at Tognar Tool works or from racing supply stores. Many standard items are at your local pharmacy, pads and cushions. Insoles and shims are available in the Endless Winter equipment section.



Olympic Venues revisited
In 1952, the Olympics were finally held in Norway, the birthplace of modern skiing. The Olympic flame was lit in the hearth of the home of Sondre Nordheim, the first famous skier, and relayed by 94 skiers to Oslo. Speed skater Hjalmar Andersen starred for the home team, winning three gold medals. His winning margins in the 5,000m and the 10,000m were the largest in Olympic history. In Alpine skiing, the combined event was dropped and replaced by the giant slalom. Andrea Mead Lawrence won both the giant slalom and the slalom even though she was only nineteen years old. Canada won the ice hockey tournament for the fifth time, bringing their cumulative Olympic record to 37 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties. In those 41 games they scored 403 goals while conceding only 34. For the first time, a cross-country skiing event was held for women. The winner was Lydia Wideman of Finland. 30 NOCs (Nations) 694 athletes (109 women, 585 men) 22 events

Sun Valley
Jack dropped me a note, Holiday Storm Drops 12.5 inches on Baldy in the last 24 hours. Still snowing and additional snow in the forecast. Snow report 800-635-4150
The history of the “American Shangri-La,” as Sun Valley is sometimes referred, is not too different from the magical village of legend. It all began in 1935, when Count Felix Schaffgtosch, under the hire of Union Pacific Railroad chairman Averell Harriman, set out in search of the perfect spot for a grand American resort.The count spent months searching the mountains of the west and surveying many areas that would latter become famous resorts, but none of them met his strict criteria. Feeling defeated and ready to abandon the search, the Count was preparing to wire Harriman the bad news when he heard locals talking about Ketchum, an old mining town in central Idaho. The Count postponed his return home and set out for the Ketchum area. Upon reaching the Ketchum valley, Count Felix Schaffgtosch was overwhelmed by the area and wired his employer, saying: “This combines more delightful features than any place I have ever seen in Switzerland, Austria or the U.S. for a winter resort." Sun Valley
..... sister resort
Snow Basin
Snowbasin's 2,959 vertical feet of ski trails, powder bowls and lush glades cover over 2,500 acres and truly offer terrain to suit everyone's needs. Our 64 designated runs include 11 percent novice terrain, 45 percent intermediate and 44 percent expert. Twelve lifts, including two high-speed gondolas, two handle tows, one magic carpet and a detachable quad, provide a lift capacity of over 14,500 skiers per hour, meaning less time in line. Our wide runs ensure you'll have all the elbow room you need. Nordic trails are also available for Nordic skiing and snowshoe enthusiasts. The Superpipe and two terrain parks are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Our tubing hill has six lanes, each with a different terrain type and steepness, for all fans of snow-tubing. Snowbasin's three day lodges will tempt anyone to stay in-doors and enjoy the fine cuisines and sumptuous scenes served daily. Whether you're an expert, taking to the mountain for the first time or here for the food, Snowbasin's mountain will fit your style
Events Date: Jan. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Event: Mountain Outdoor Program Classes Description: Snowbasin is pleased to offer our Mountain Outdoor Program Classes again this year through the months of January, February and March. For additional information, view the Mountain Outdoor Program Brochure Snow Basin Home of the 2002 Olympic DH & Super “G”
Ski Canada Organization
Canada Passes US In 2005-06 World Cup Medals Race
After concluding one of the most memorable weeks in the history of Canadian winter high performance sport, Canada passed the United States of America and remained in second place behind new leader Germany in the overall 2005-06 World Cup medals standings.
From the start of the season, through last weekend’s competitions (see SnowOnline’s reports on WC wins in THIS WEEK IN COMPETITION), Canada recorded an additional 20 podium finishes to boost its overall total to 94 (accomplished in a nation-leading 37 events and 11 sports). Germany leads all nations with 103 total medals (34 events and 11 sports), followed by Canada, the United States of America with 93 (35 events and 10 sports), Russia with 58 (24 events and seven sports) and China with 56 (13 events and four sports).
Canada’s current medal haul of 94 in 2005-06 is now 18 ahead of the pace set in 2004-05 and 26 ahead of the pace set in 2003-04.
Prior to December 12, Canada ranked second overall in the number of total 2005-06 World Cup medals won with 74 (accomplished in 29 events and nine sports). The United States of America led all nations with 84 podium finishes (33 events and 10 sports) followed by Canada, Germany with 72 (29 events and 10 sports), China with 51 (13 events and four sports) and Russia with 41 (21 events and seven sports).
The Canadian Olympic Committee’s (COC) findings were compiled using the results of the 71 events on the 2006 Olympic Winter Games program which have been contested on the World Cup or Grand Prix circuit to date. The notable absence of Norway in the top five overall medal standings is due to the fact that several World Cup Nordic events have yet to be contested this international season. The 2006 Games in Turin will feature a total of 84 events in 15 disciplines.
“Canadians from coast to coast received an early Christmas present last week as Canada’s athletes are winning more medals in more events than ever before in the history of winter sport,” said COC Director of International Performance, Alex Gardiner. “It’s rewarding to see Canadian athletes and coaches building off the success and the momentum created through the Fast Track To Turin plan. As we get closer to the opening ceremony in Turin, the Canadian Olympic Committee is becoming increasingly focused on achieving the goal of a top-three finish at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games."
Last season, World Championship podium performances indicated that Canada was on target to achieve the COC’s goal of a top-three finish at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games after ranking third overall in terms of total medals won at 2005 World Championship events.
More news from Canada
Tremblant Strike: Freestyle Cancelled, Moved to Mont Gabriel The union at Mont-Tremblant Resort initiated an unlimited strike on Saturday, December 17th. Negotiations are continuing but the union has rejected the company’s latest offer and no immediate end to the disruption is in sight. “The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (CFSA) has investigated all possible contingencies and alternatives over the past several days,” say CFSA officials “as we waited to hear what impact the labour disruption would have on our ability to stage the 2006 Freestyle Grand Prix from January 6-8, 2006. “We were informed by the management team at Station Mont-Tremblant that they would not be able to provide the site preparation, accommodation and logistical support that are required to successfully stage a Freestyle FIS World Cup event.
Ski Canada Intrawest Completes Sale Of Mammoth Canadian-based Intrawest Corporation has announced an entity controlled by Starwood Capital Group Global, L.L.C. (Starwood Capital) has completed the previously announced purchase of a majority interest in Mammoth Mountain Ski Area (Mammoth Mountain), California, based on an enterprise value of $365 million. The transaction has resulted in a pre-tax profit to Intrawest of approximately $101 million. Pre-tax net proceeds to Intrawest after debt assumed, working capital adjustments, transaction costs and reinvestment in Mammoth Mountain amount to approximately $171 million. Initial use of the proceeds will be to pay down debt while Intrawest evaluates its options for the best use of the proceeds. Intrawest has retained a 15 per cent interest in Mammoth Mountain and will continue to provide management expertise and other corporate resources as required. The operations of the resort will remain unchanged with Rusty Gregory continuing as chairman and chief executive officer and maintaining approximately a 12.5 per cent interest. Also previously announced, Intrawest and Starwood have entered into a preliminary agreement for a joint venture on the development of the majority of Intrawest's separately owned real estate in the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

***
Worldwide Call For Submissions of Snowboard & Skateboard Art After its hugely successful debut at the 2005 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Masterpiece in Motion has expanded for 2006 with a worldwide search for the best in original snowboard and skateboard art. The contest is open to amateur and professional artists anywhere in the world. Masterpiece in Motion (MIM) is an artistic competition created by US-based OriginalSnowboardArt.com, the world's source for original snowboard and skateboard art. MIM is produced in association with the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival, the largest annual winter sports festival in North America held each April in Whistler, Canada. For 2006, MIM is casting a worldwide call-for-submissions for the best original visual art and graphics for the snowboard & skateboard canvas. Artists can enter the amateur Open Division for free or pay a modest fee to enter the Professional Division for cash prizes. The work of the 30 finalists will be profiled on the whistler2006.com and OriginalSnowboardArt.com websites and will be exhibited in front of an international audience in Whistler during the ten days of the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. All winners will receive an Original Snowboard Art Topskin(tm), in addition to cash prizes or honorariums. "The passion and energy of board art is an ideal fit with the creative spirit of the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival" says Bob Lutnicki, co-founder of OriginalSnowboardArt.com, "The Masterpiece In Motion Snowboard and Skateboard Competition gives board artists an incredible opportunity to present their art to a massive audience that shares this passion." "Over the years, the Festival has become the epicenter for showcasing the arts in the action sports world," says Doug Perry, Chairman of the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. "Some the most progressive, innovative art today emanates from the snowboarding and skateboarding cultures. We share Original Snowboard Art's vision for creating the forum to celebrate the artists who are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity." Registration and competition details can be found online by going to whistler2006.com, or directly to OriginalSnowboardArt.com. The deadline for submissions is March 17, 2006, at which point the art is judged by a jury of respected members of the creative and board riding communities. Value will be placed on successful presentation of the vitality and creative energy for which board riders of all disciplines are known. Contest Information: please visit
original snowboard art

***
Big White Makes Gold List The readers of LUXURY TRAVEL magazine, one of Australia's top travel and lifestyle publication, recently voted Big White Ski Resort as the number seven ski resort in the world. The Luxury Travel Gold List awards are the result of a survey in which tens of thousands of Luxury Travel Magazine’s subscribers and readers nominate the World’s Best Hotels, Ski Resorts, Spas, Cruise Lines, Golf Courses, Airlines and Destinations –a total of 22 categories in all. LUXURY TRAVEL is a quarterly publication that has an international travel focus.
Results were tallied from an extensive online survey, conducted between September and October this year, where no prompts to respondents were provided, simply allowing readers to choose their favourite luxury travel experiences.
The top 10 ski resorts were: .
1) Whistler, Canada .
2) Aspen, USA.
3) Vail, USA.
4) St. Moritz, Switzerland.
5) Zermatt, Switzerland.
6) Courchevel, France.
7) Big White, Canada.
8) Val d'Isere, France.
9) Steamboat, USA.
10) Chamonix, France.
Big White

***
Swiss Budget Hotels® - where you sleep well and pay less!
Swiss Budget

Jackson Hole
Conditions updated: 2005-12-27 05:41:16 New snow: 9"Base Depth: 18"Conditions: Powder
6 in. of New Snow for Colorado Resorts ,Beaver Creek

***
Crystal Mountain: The snow is back and it's here to stay! Snow all week and weekend! Get up here.... Date: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Time: 7:30am Weather: It's snowing!!! We got 18" of new snow in the past 3 days!!! Base Temperature: 33 degrees Base Snow Depth: 43 inches Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 9 inches Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 13 inches Summit Temperature: 31 degrees Summit Snow Depth: 61 inches Summit New Snow Fall 24hrs: 8 inches The snow is back and as sweet as ever. We have gotten 7 inches of new snow overnight and it is still comming down in heaps this morning!!! It is going to be a great day out on the slopes with fresh powder for all who come to join us. It looks like the snow is going to continue to fall for the next few days. My Winter Wonderland is back, and I am so excited! Come ring in the new year with us. Ski all day and party all night. Firworks begin at 9am and the party at the Bullwheel starts immediatley afterwards with music, dancing, party favors and more. 21+ at the Bullwheel after 9pm. Disount ticket books are ony available for only a few more days. Get 5 days of skiing for only $225, sale ends December 31st. Ticket books are available online and at many puget sound locations. For all other mountain information visit us at www.skicrystal.com. US SKI Team News ANJA PAERSON WINS LIENZ GS AS WORLD CUP SCHEDULE RESUMES Kildow leads U.S. with 24th, Schleper returns to action LIENZ, Austria (Dec. 28) - Defending World Cup overall champion Anja Paerson of Sweden powered her way to her first giant slalom win in 14 months Wednesday and regained the World Cup points lead. Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) was 24th and Kristina Koznick (Eagan, MN) 25th. Paerson, who has won the last two overall titles and whose last GS win came in Soelden, Austria, to open the 2005 season, picked up her third win of the season with a two-run time of 2:09.94 with Austrian Nicole Hosp second (2:10.15) and Slovenian Tina Maze third (2:10.34). Kildow’s time was 2:12.65 with Koznick 25th in 2:12.70. The race marked the return of two-time Olympian Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), who had been sidelined since the eve of the opener in Soelden in October, with back pains. She underwent surgery in Innsbruck last month and has been free-skiing since earlier this month. Paerson, who has won the last two overall titles, holds the overall lead with 540 points to 532 for Janica Kostelic of Croatia and 510 for Austrian Michaela Dorfmeister. Kildow stands fifth (397) with Mancuso ninth. The women race slalom Thursday and then are off until Jan. 5 with a night slalom in Zagreb, Croatia, followed by another GS-slalom combination Jan. 7-8 in Maribor, Slovenia. WOMEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP Lienz, AUT - Dec. 28, 2005 Women’s Giant Slalom 1. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 2:09.94 2. Nicole Hosp, Austria, 2:10.15 3. Tina Maze, Slovenia, 2:10.34 4. Kathrin Zettel, Austria, 2:10.38 5. Marlies Schild, Austria, 2:10.45 - 24. Lindsey Kildow, Vail, Colo., 2:12.65 25. Kristina Koznick, Eagan, Minn., 2:12.70 - Did not qualify for 2nd run: Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif.; Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo.; Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Jessica Kelley, Starksboro, Vt.; Lauren Ross, Stowe, Vt.; Kristen Mielke, Dillon, Colo.; Kaylin Richardson, Edina, Minn.; Resi Stiegler, Jackson Hole, Wyo. For complete results: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=18206

Christmas was wonderful here at Squaw Valley. Carolers were abundant, skiers and riders were enjoying the slopes and Santa was seen enjoying the weekend skiing at Squaw. Oh ya, we received a foot of new, fresh powder yesterday. The holiday celebration continues the next two weeks at Squaw as New Years is approaching and more snow is in the forecast.
NEW YEAR'S EVE SHUTTLES- ON THE NORTH SHORE This year come out to Squaw for New Years and celebrate safely by taking advantage of the shuttle buses to and from the West Shore. The bus will travel ever hour between Squaw and Homewood from 7:30pm until 3am. There wil be transfers in Tahoe City. For specific schedule information refer to laketahoetransit.com or call (530)-581-3922.
24 lifts are scheduled to spin throughout the New Years weekend, including the Cable Car, the Funitel, Siberia, Shirley Lake, Solitude, Granite Chief, Emigrant, Gold Coast, Headwall and much more. There is skiing & riding available all over the mountain for all abilities. Please check

Squaw Valleygot Kt?
You can purchase Squaw Valley Lift tickets / lesson in the Endless Winter shopping section.

Some like it Fast
Speed skiing is the fastest non-motorized sport on earth. A speed skier can go zero to 100 mph in less than 10 seconds. Tracie's fastest speed achieved so far is 142.2 mph, or 227,850 km/h. If you have any questions for Tracie
I finished in 1st place overall, winning another Crystal globe! In second place was Kati Metsapelto of Finland, and in third place was Elena Banfo of Italy. This is the same line up as the World Championship race that took place in Cervinia Italy. It was a great season, and I finished the last 2 races in Verbier Switzerland with enough points to easily keep me in the lead for the overall victory. The men's world cup podium was Simone Origone (Ita) in 1st, Jonathan Moret (Sui) 2nd, and Philippe May (Sui) 3rd. I am very proud of my work this year. It was one of the most difficult seasons I have had yet.
I am grateful to that Tracie has allowed me permission top use her photos of Verbier Switzerland and speed ski events that have appeared here earlier in the year. Speed Skiing is part of FIS
Follow Tracie and her fast friends at Speedski.com or on her personal site: Quick Chick Tracie Max

Snow alert for Alyeska Snow alert for Austria; Hintertux , Kitzbühel Snow alert for Whistler, Washington, Oregon, Cascades, & Pacific Coast Snow alert for Snowbird


BIG WHITE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, December 28, 2005 - More terrain, more powder, more variety. The Powder Chair at Big White is scheduled to open tomorrow morning (Wednesday, December 28th) at 10:00 am. "This will be great for our season pass holders and destination guests alike spending their holidays with us. We thought it was important enough to send this breaking news as many of you have been awaiting its opening." commented Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort. "The intermediate to advanced black runs in the area can now be enjoyed by all."
Big White Events
Dec 28 - Dec 29 Cruz the Blues Sponsored by Tim Horton's, Powered by Dockside Marine Dec 31 New Year's Festivities Jan 13 Kelowna Rockets
Silver Star Events The Banff Mountain Film Festival Dec 28 - Dec 29
Cruz the Blues Dec 29 - Dec 30
Valdy Concert Dec 30
Big White / Silver Star Resorts

***
Jackson Hole
Snow Depth: 49" @ Upper-Mountain
45" @ Mid-Mountain
Total Snowfall
(season to-date):
156" @ Upper-Mountain Lifts Open: 11 of 11
Trails Open: 96 of 96
Groomed Trails Open: 100% ,Rodeo Grounds: Open ,LIttle Britches: Open
Jackson Hole

***
Stowe
Stowe opens new terrain park!
New medium sized terrain park has been added on Lower Standard for 05/06!
Stowe's expert terrain park on Tyro is scheduled to open soon... Currently, Stowe is one of the very few resorts in the Northeast with both of these freestyle facilities in operation on Vermont's Highest Peak
Stowe Vermont's Higherst Peak

***
Easy as A,B,C -Z Alyeska , Beaver Creek, Chamonix to Zermatt.Find the accomidations You want and read what others have to say.Trip Advisor Lodging in the Travel section



Reminder: To find information on a resort or topic type into "Search This Blog" field at the top left of this page.

MORE THAN 75 RESORTS TO CELEBRATE ‘U.S. SKI TEAM DAY’ PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 26) – The U.S. Ski Team today announced that 75 resorts and ski areas have signed on to host the inaugural U.S. Ski Team Day, a promotional event to benefit U.S. Ski Team athletes. The program will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, with some resorts launching the event Feb. 10 in celebration of the Torino Olympic Winter Games’ opening ceremonies. Participating areas across the country will donate one dollar per lift ticket or cross country trail pass sold on event day to back U.S. Ski Team initiatives. “It’s exciting to know that skiers from coast to coast will be supporting our nation’s athletes as the Torino Games begin,” said U.S. Ski Team President and CEO Bill Marolt. “That energy will certainly help the Team’s quest to be Best in the World in 2006.” The roster of committed areas to date includes: ALPINE/SNOWBOARD RESORT AREAS Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, CA Arapahoe Basin, Dillon, CO Attitash, Bartlett, NH Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, MT Bogus Basin Mountain Resort, Boise, ID Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, MI Buck Hill Ski Area, Burnsville, MN Caanan Valley Resort, Davis, WV Catamount Ski Area, Hillsdale, NY Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, NH Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, MI Deer Valley Resort, Park City, UT Eldora Mountain Resort, Nederland, CO Grand Targhee, Alta, WY Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland, NY Jiminy Peak Mtn. Resort, Hancock, MA Killington, Killington, VT Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, Las Vegas, NV Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, VT Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, MT Mount Snow, West Dover, VT Mt. Abram Family Resort, Greenwood, ME Mt. Bachelor, Bend, OR Northstar-at-Tahoe, Truckee, CA Park City Mountain Resort, Park City, UT Pico Mountain, Killington, VT Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, ME Sierra Summit Ski Area, Lakeshore, CA Snow Trails Ski Resort, Mansfield, OH Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, CO Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, VT Ski Butternut, Great Barrington, MA Ski Sundown Resort, New Hartford, CT Sunburst Ski Area, Kewaskum, WI Sunday River, Bethel, ME Swain Ski and Snowboard Resort, Swain, NY The Canyons, Park City, UT Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley, NH Whiteface, Wilmington, NY For more information on this festive day and to check for updated postings of new participating ski areas, visit US SKI Team Day

***
Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel Tourism News
Our pretty Alpine town is now decked out in a carpet of white that was delivered right in time for Christmas. Your winter dreams can now come true!

Everything is set for skiing and boarding and snow fun unlimited: The magic of more than a meter of powder snow means perfect conditions on the mountain and winter walks. Come and enjoy winter your way for perfect Christmas and New Year holidays in the snow with family and friends!
66. INTernational. HAHNENKAMM RACE THIS IS a prelude to the Turino Olympics 20 - 22 JANUARY 2006 Welcome to the 66th edition of the world famous ski race 66th Hahnenkamm Race is a guaranteed combination of top-class sport and entertainment. It starts with Kitzbühel’s grand opener at 11.30 on Friday, 20 January, when the world’s best skiers come to the starting box for the Super-G. That is followed at the same time on Saturday by the Daddy of them all, the Downhill. And to round it off there is the Slalom starting at 10.30 and 1.15 on Sunday.Non-stop highlightsAfter the famous Hahnenkamm Downhill race, leading figures from the fields of sport, politics, business and the arts line up for the 10th KitzCharity Trophy, which means giant slalom fun for the skiers and onlookers alike. This “fun event for a good cause” is again being held to raise money for needy farming families in the mountains of the Tyrol. In 2005 donations totaled 100,000 euros. Off the racing trails, it goes without saying that Kitzbühel will be where the action is, with endless parties and fun and a good time to be had by all. With numerous events in support of the sporting thrills, stalls set up in Kitzbühel’s old town center and live Hahnenkamm radio shows produced for Austria’s vibrant Ö3 radio program, the perfect atmosphere is assured that will again make the 2006 Hahnenkamm Race an unforgettable experience for one and all. Programm:Tuesday, 17.01.200611:30 a.m 1st downhill trainingWednesday, 18.01.200611:30 a.m 2nd downhill trainingThursday, 19.01.200611:30 a.m 3rd downhill trainingFriday, 20.01.200611:30 a.m. Hahnenkamm Super-G06:30 p.m Prize award Hahnenkamm Super-G and draw for Hahnenkamm Downhill, finish area Timing buildingSaturday, 21.01.200611:30 a.m Hahnenkamm Downhill Racefollowed "Kitz Charity Trophy"06:30 p.m Prize award Hahnenkamm Downhill and draw for Hahnenkamm Slalom, finish area balcony of Timing building.Sunday, 22.01.200611:30 a.m Hahnenkamm Slalom - 1st heat01:15 p.m Hahnenkamm Slalom - 2st heatfollowed Prize and ceremony for slalom, and combined, finish Wishing you a happy and successful year in 2006
Kitzbühe

***
Panorama Resort
Ride the Panorama Express Bus from Calgary through the picturesque scenery of B.C. & Alberta's mountain parks. A Panorama Host with Playwest Vacations will direct you to the Express Bus and ensure that the atmosphere of the motor coach trip is about R&R, that will prepare you for an active weekend on the slopes. Call 1-800-663-2929 to book.
Say goodbye to 2005 and welcome in 2006 at Panorama Mountain Village. The annual torch light parade and fire works extravaganza will commence an evening filled with other spectacular events and festivities to ring in the New Year with your family and friends
Facts • Located in the province of British Columbia in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 308 km west of Calgary. Take Hwy 1 west to Hwy 93 south to Invermere. Panorama is 18 km west of Invermere. • Owned and operated by Intrawest Corporation, the world’s leading developer and operator of village-centered resorts. • A summer/winter resort offering skiing and snowboarding at Panorama Mountain, golf at Greywolf Golf Course and a variety of accommodation options. Ski-in/ski-out, golf-in/golf-out real estate opportunities are available in the upper and lower villages and along the fairway at Greywolf. • Panorama’s ski hill offers over 2,847 patrolled acres, over 4,000 vertical feet and over 120 trails serviced by 9 ski lifts, including two new quads. The terrain is broken down into 20 per cent beginner, 55 per cent intermediate/advanced and 25 per cent expert. The mountain is open from early December to late April. • Greywolf Golf Course is an 18-hole, 7,140-yard, par 72 course designed by Doug Carrick. It is open from early May to early October. • Accommodation for 3,000 people.
1-800-663-2929 Panorama

***
Kirkwood
Massive powder alert 18" of NEW SNOW! 92-186" of snowfall this season to date. Today's Forecast: SNOW
Close to two feet of new snow at the bottom; more on top! It's a powder day! Kirkwood

What a difference a day makes,TAHOE BASIN Dec 24 early season conditions at lake level.. Dec 25 enough wind to make a Kansas .tornado look mild., Dec 26 avalanche control in progress. Overview 10 lake level and much more above 8000 feet. Kirkwood was blessed with 24 inches of Christmas cheer.Quality on a zero, elmers =elmers glue to 10 = fine powdered sugar I’d say between a five and six depending on the elevation. Well worth the trip. Carry chains and patience, the river of cars heading Up the hill while on my way home was considerable.... Squaw Valley
POWDER to the People! KT-22 is OPEN
Squaw received a 'Perfect Award' from SKI PRESS MAGAZINE, for the perfect challenge on KT22. ( a must do on the list of experts; West face, rock garden,Coleman’s Railroad, nose chutes,and the hallmark Chute 75) not enough try the “Ahh chute” !
REPORT DATE 24 hr NEW SNOW (inches - as of 6am)
Dec 26, 2005 10-12" 6200' 12-14" 8200 Squaw Valley got KT?

***
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain wants to see you ! Starting at $99.00 per person per night Double occupancy, including a free lift / per day,nights stay /ticket with package a great value.Terms; stay must be betweenJan 9 2006 and Feb 1 2006. Specific details of offer at Mammoth Mountain


***
Crystal Mountain 5 inches of freshies!
The freezing level has dropped and the warm weather is now finally behind us. It started snowing off and on Monday morning. The snow is expected to continue all week/weekend, even the extended forecast looks great! It's time to break out the fat skis and snowboards because there is powder out there waiting for you! Heavy snowfall today and tomorrow. Come ring in the new year with us. Ski all day and party all night. Firworks begin at 9am and the party at the Bullwheel starts immediatley afterwards with music, dancing, party favors and more. 21+ at the Bullwheel after 9pm.
Crystal


***
Merry Christmas! 10% off sale untill the 31st! Street, Skate clothing and equipment Use Coupon code "AMXE101, final check out screen and click apply to save! Aggressivemall Al In the last 24 hours we have received a trace of new snow at the base, 9" at midway, and 10" of new snow at the top of the mountain! That means over 22" of snow has fallen at the top in the last 3 days! It has finally stopped snowing and it looks like the visibility is going to be much better today. It should be a fantastic day of skiing and riding. Come burn some runs! Alyeska Resort

***
Snow alert for Jackson Hole Whistler Blackcomb
Snowing in the alpine! More snow forecast for the rest of the week, 19-41 cm.

***
Bear Valley
19 inches new snow Bear Valley

***
WHISTLER - BLACKCOMB. TODAY..SNOW. ALPINE TEMPERATURE STEADY NEAR MINUS 4. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION 5 TO 10 CM. FREEZING LEVEL 800 METRES RISING TO 1000 METRES THIS AFTERNOON. MOUNTAIN TOP WINDS SOUTHEAST 50 TO 80 KM/H DIMINISHING TO 40 THIS MORNING. TONIGHT..SNOW ENDING EARLY THIS EVENING THEN CLOUDY PERIODS. ALPINE TEMPERATURE STEADY NEAR MINUS 3. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION TRACE TO 1 CM. FREEZING LEVEL LOWERING TO THE VALLEY. MOUNTAIN TOP WINDS LIGHT AND VARIABLE BECOMING EAST 20 KM/H OVERNIGHT. WEDNESDAY..INCREASING CLOUDINESS IN THE MORNING THEN PERIODS OF SNOW. ALPINE TEMPERATURE STEADY NEAR MINUS 4. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION 5 TO 10 CM. FREEZING LEVEL RISING TO 1200 METRES. MOUNTAIN TOP WINDS EAST 20 KM/H BECOMING SOUTH 10 IN THE MORNING. Room Only Rate - Rooms from $99 CAD ($83 USD) We've negotiated some great rates that can get you a hotel room in Whistler for as little as $99 CAD ($83 USD) per night. Regularly Scheduled Events Daily
(Wed-Sun) Avalanche Awareness Tours
Daily Fresh Tracks
Daily Mountain Orientation Tours
Daily Pontiac Race Centre
Daily Demo Days
Daily On-mountain Photography
Daily TELUS Guest Communication Centre
Weekly Whistler Welcome Nights
Weekly Fire and Ice Show
Dec 31 First Night 2005: New Year's Eve Celebrations in Whistler Village Whistler Blackcomb Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics

***
Sugarloaf
We have 6+inches of new snow at the base and reports from the top say elevation has its privileges bringing significantly higher snow totals above 2500 feet.

Also on the good news front, Sugarloaf's Pipe Dreams Superpipe is now OPEN, the first and only open superpipe in Maine. It's 400 feet long with an 18 degree pitch and 16+ foot walls courtesy of our new Zaugg Halfpipe Monster.
This is going to be a great holiday week at Sugarloaf so make tracks here today.
Check in regularly at
Sugarloaf

Valle Nevado sends in a Holiday greeeting


***
From Alaska To Zermatt, I have recieved many Holiday greetings from the resorts.
Blue bird skies and powder joys to all of you !

I will be away skiing for three days.Best wishes for a joyous Christmas Holiday
I will post again Christmass evening after the eggnog kicks it up a notch ! Mike

Whistler Blackcomb 20cm of new snow
Alyeska snow alert

***
Zermatt
Zermatt has been dusted with a coat of very fine snow. The magnificent slopes invite you to go skiing - and winter- and snowshoe hikers can get going too!
The new combination railway from Sunnegga paradise to Blauherd offers both: 6-seater chair lift and 8-seater gondola, setting off alternatively. Taking you up to the top more comfortably and more quickly: the railway has more spaces and is faster.

12/23 Father Christmas rides through Zermatt (Festival / Customs) Time: 16:00 Father Christmas will ride through the main street in Zermatt and hand out presents to all the children. This event is organised by the "Zukunft Kinder - Vision: die Zukunft von Zermatt" group promoting a family-friendly resort, Bahnhofstrasse
Winter Walking (Excursion) Time: 16:30 Nordic Walking through spectacular scenery. Take an introductory course in Nordic Walking, the new, up-and-coming sport. On a guided tour, you will learn technique and how to move correctly Possibility of taking a shower in the Hotel Riffelberg. Price per person (excl. rental of poles & train ticket): CHF 10.- Reservations in the Hotel Riffelberg, 027 966 65 00 Riffelberg

12/27/05
Off-piste skiing (Excursion) Skiers don't have to content themselves with just skiing on the pistes! We will guide you down slopes in their natural state to isolated valleys. If we have sufficient participants we offer these guided tours for groups at the price of CHF 165.- / EUR 110.- per person. For information and reservations contact the "Alpin Center", Mountain Guides' Office, tel. 027 966 24 60 Alpin Center (8F / 111)
Guided Village Tour (Diverse) Time: 16:00 - 17:00 Learn about Zermatt past and present on a tour of the village with Mrs Edith Villiger-Imark. Minimum 4 people. No reservation necessary. Free of charge Tourismusbüro, Bahnhofplatz (6G / 103)

12/28
Ice climbing (Sports) Ice climbing for beginners. Groups of 34 participants. Price: CHF 170.-. Reservations up to 7.00 p.m. on the previous day in the Alpin Center Zermatt, 027 966 24 60
Fondue party at Sunnegga paradise (Excursion) Time: 19:00
What could be nicer than a fondue in good company? Enjoy a tasty fondue and some good local wine from the Valais in a cosy atmosphere. For further information, prices and reservations (by 12 noon at latest) contact: Restaurant Sunnegga, telephone 027 967 30 46 Sunnegga Express (6D / 104)

12/31/05
New Year Party - Moon and Stars (Diverse) DJ Minus8, SO_Project (Electro, House, House Classics, Mainstream) DJ Nikol, Urban Kollektiv (Old House, Disco, New Jazz, Hip Hop, Alternative) Tickets - Entry limited: Partyticket (from 23.30) CHF 60.- / Dinnerticket (from 20.00) CHF 100.- (Tapas Buffet) Reservation: 027 967 66 36 Vernissage (7F / 578)

Zermatt

***
Crystal Mountain, WA – Snow returns just in time for the holidays. The freezing level has dropped and it’s snowing heavily at the base of Crystal Mountain. Over the past 24 hours the upper slopes have received 6” of new snow and more is expected tonight and all day Friday. Currently at the base area there is 33” of snow and at mountain-top there is 47” of snow. Primary surface conditions are machine groomed and heavy powder. Crystal Mountain is open daily from 9am-4pm. Lift tickets are $50 for adults and $45 for youth. Kids can ski with Santa this Saturday and Sunday as he spreads cheer and candy across the hill. The staff at Crystal Mountain would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season! Crystal Mountain

**

Killington
Seven inches of snow in the past 48 hours and light snow is in the forecast for later this weekend. At Killington we're skiing and riding on the best early-season conditions we have seen in years with more than eight feet of snow so far this season. For the Christmas weekend, we’ll have 145 trails open! That is 67 miles of terrain served by 27 lifts, plus the world famous Outer Limits, the longest, steepest mogul run in the east, opened Thursday at Bear Mountain.
At Killington Resort this Christmas Holiday Weekend, you will be skiing and riding on by far the most open terrain, served by the most lifts in New England!
For Friday, we'll have 136 trails open, that's 57 miles of terrain, served by 18 lifts!
Killington

***
Kirkwood
(Kirkwood, CA) – The adventure family is emerging as the latest trend at ski resorts across North America and Kirkwood is leading the pack with new programs, equipment and amenities designed specifically for the modern needs of adventure families. Studies show that parents are much more willing to take their children out of school for a vacation if they think their children will learn something along the way. Kirkwood teaches children and their parents about the rewards of winter adventure. The Expedition Kirkwood programs enable families interested in breaking into the backcountry to do so safely by providing the knowledge required to responsibly navigate uncontrolled and unpatrolled terrain. Powder Cat Tours on Red Cliffs allows families to experience the ultimate powder runs days after the storm has rolled through. Families can participate in monthly backcountry awareness clinics where they will learn about snow safety and proper avalanche avoidance techniques. Parents and children alike can practice using avalanche beacons in Beacon Basin, the only beacon training facility in California. Led by Kirkwood ski patrollers and seasoned backcountry guides, hikes up Martin Point let families experience terrain that they may not be comfortable exploring on their own. Located at a base elevation of 7800 feet, Kirkwood receives an average of 42+ feet of snow every winter – more than any other South Shore resort. Unparalleled expert terrain, a top rated beginner area, no crowds and just 177 miles from San Francisco via Highway 88, Kirkwood is the ultimate winter adventure destination for your family. Located at a base elevation of 7800 feet, Kirkwood receives an average of 42+ feet of snow every winter – more than any other South Shore resort. Unparalleled expert terrain, a top rated beginner area, no crowds and just 177 miles from San Francisco via Highway 88, Kirkwood is the ultimate winter adventure destination for your family. Log onto www.kirkwood.com or call 209.258.6000 for more information. Kirkwood

***
Treble ConeNew Zealand

The team at Treble Cone wishes you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year
Treble Cone are proud partner sponsors of 2 Ski Racing NZ National Team athletes - Mickey Ross (Oamaru) and Nicola Campbell (Wanaka). Congratulations to Mickey who won the SRNZ Snowsports Athlete of the Year Award and was also nominated for NZ Sportsperson of the Year. Both athletes are now in full training in the lead up to the Winter Olympics in Torino. We wish them luck in the selection process for the Games.
Treble Cone wins ’05 Ski Area Award Treble Cone came out top on the People's Choice Snowco New Zealand Ski Area Service Award Survey for 2005. This is the third time since its inception in 1999 that Treble Cone has won this award. The public that completed the survey also thought that Treble Cone offered the best service in tickets, rental, lifts & café facilities.
Terble Cone
***
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - After 20 years together, Big Head Todd and the Monsters have crafted an on-stage show that has blown away audiences across the country. Sugarloafers should expect no less when the band takes over the King Pine room in the Base Lodge on Jan. 28, 2005 as part of Sugarloaf/USA’s Bud Light Concert Series.
The Sugarloaf concert is open to those 21 and older. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-THE LOAF or 207-237-6939. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Proper ID is required.
Visit Sugarloaf or call 1.800 THE LOAF for reservations.

Kirkwood Powder alert
12-24 at top" of NEW SNOW!
70-154" of snowfall this season to date.
For the current status of lift operations, road conditions and up-to-the-minute snowfall totals, visit
Kirkwood

***
Panorama Mountain New Snow (24hrs) 4 cms
Events
Christmas Eve service on the summit of Panorama Mountain and for the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks on New Years Eve
Dec 24 Service on the Summit & Evening Christmas Eve Service
Dec 26-31 New Years Celebrations and Fireworks!
Dec 31 Torchlight Parade
January
Jan 2-5 Saskatchewan Cup Alpine Race
Jan 3-7 University and College Week
Jan 15-19 National Ski & Snowboard Week
Jan 18-24 K2 Speed Camp


*** Panorama Resort

*** Monterosa Italy
The Monterosa Ski area is situated where the mountains rise up to form a bridge between Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont: 180 kilometres of perfectly created pistes are supplied by technologically advanced facilities and have a touch of retro ambiance for lovers of powdery snow-scapes and the purest mountain setting.
monterosa

***
Sugarloaf/USA
Upcoming Events
Dec 26-31 Holiday Week at Sugarloaf/USA
Dec 31 New Year's Eve for all Ages with Family Entertainment, Fireworks & more!
Jan 2-6 College Snowfest
Jan 9-13 Children's Festival Week featuring SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer

Sugarloaf

Soldier Hollow Hosts 2006 U.S. Cross-Country Championships Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah, plays host to the Olympic Cross-Country qualifiers Jan. 3-10. "This is the last chance for America’s best skiers to earn a spot on the 2006 Olympic Team," said Howard Peterson, Soldier Hollow general manager. Cheer on the country’s best, then jump on the course after the races and see how you fare. The event is free for spectators and discounted trail passes and ski rentals available.
Mammoth Mountain
The snow keeps falling in Mammoth and we're loving it. Four more inches fell last night. It's been a warm storm with the snow level right around 8,000 feet - but thanks to our elevation (11,053 feet at the top) temperatures on the mountain were cool enough for snow!
Dress to keep dry today because it's wet out there. This storm will linger over our area for the next few hours but is expected to clear later in the day. Beautiful blue skies are back in the forecast for Christmas weekend.
With a base depth of 5 to 7 feet of powder, packed-powder and machine-groomed snow, lifts expected to operate today include chairs 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25, the Lower Panorama Gondola and the Village Gondola. Chair 12 is on weather hold. We will be updating our online snow report on a real-time basis as conditions and operations change.
New Snow: 4 in.
Storm Totals: 4 in. Depth: 5-7 feet
Surface Conditions: Fresh Powder,Packed Powder,Machine Groomed Mammoth Mountain

***
Snow Conditions Summary
Resort New Base
Alpine Meadows 0 33 - 62
Arosa 0 28 - 39
Bear Valley 0 0 - 55
Boreal 0 33 - 62v Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 0 16 - 43
Champery 0 12 - 39
Courchevel 0 17 - 17
Crans-Montana 0 18 - 24
Davos 0 30 - 45
Diamond Peak 0 38 - 42
Dodge Ridge 0 6 - 42
Engelberg 0 12 - 47
Grindelwald - Wengen 0 16 - 37
Gstaad 0 18 - 28
Heavenly Mountain Resort 0 34 - 50
Kirkwood 0 37 - 78
Klosters 0 28 - 45
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area 0 60 - 84
Megeve 0 31 - 43
Mt. Ashland 0 31 - 67
Mt. Bachelor 0 62 - 66
Mt. Hood Meadows 0 64 - 104
Northstar-at-Tahoe 0 12 - 48
Saas - Fee 0 13 - 50
Homewood Mountain Resort 0 7 - 22
Squaw Valley USA 0 18 - 60
St. Moritz 0 20 - 28
Sugar Bowl Resort 0 24 - 39
Verbier 0 18 - 30
Wengen 0 16 - 18
Whistler Blackcomb 0 12 - 35
Zermatt 0 9 - 118
(measurementin inches)

US Ski Team News
MANCUSO NINTH, FIVE U.S. WOMEN FINISH TOP 20 IN CZECH SLALOM
SPINDLERUV MLYN, Czech Republic (Dec. 22) - Defending World Cup champion Anja Paerson of Sweden won her second consecutive World Cup slalom Thursday with two solid runs while Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) had the fastest second run and moved up to ninth as five U.S. women broke into the top 20. WOMEN'S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Spindleruv Mlyn, CZE - Dec. 22, 2005
Women's Slalom
1. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:38.49
2. Anja Kostelic, Croatia, 1:38.98
3. Marlies Schild, Austria, 1:39.76
4. Annemarie Gerg, Germany, 1:40.40
5. Kathrin Zettel, Austria, 1:40.49
- 9. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 1:41.36
10. Kristina Koznick, Eagan, Minn., 1:41.48
13. Resi Stiegler, Jackson Hole, Wyo., 1:41.66
14. Lindsey Kildow, Vail, Colo., 1:41.73
17. Kaylin Richardson, Edina, Minn., 1:41.90
The men's tour resumes Dec. 29 with the annual downhill in Bormio, Italy, and then moves to a GS and slalom Jan. 7-8 in Adelboden, Switzerland.


MEN'S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Kranjska Gora, SLO - Dec. 22, 2005
Men's Slalom
1. Giorgio Rocca, Italy, 1:35.98
2. Thomas Grandi, Canada, 1:36.62
3. Ted Ligety, Park City, Utah, 1:36.65
4. Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria, 1:37.06
5. Kalle Palander, Finland, 1:37.19
- 15. Jimmy Cochran, Keene, N.H., 1:37.90
- Did not qualify for 2nd run:
Bode Miller, Bretton Woods,
FIS SKI

***
Colorado
Snow has pounded Colorado and it’s in the forecast through the holidays. Resorts are loving it, as many areas such as Wolf Creek, Vail, Steamboat, Sunlight, Ski Cooper, Monarch, Loveland, and Crested Butte already have 100 percent of their mountains open. Silverton in southern Colorado had nearly two feet overnight. Colorado Ski Country USA sends word, “With 27 powder days in the last six weeks and over 14 feet of powder already falling on Colorado slopes this season, Colorado is serving up the best early season skiing and riding in decades. Fresh powdered snow is forecasted daily through the Christmas holiday

Ski New Hampshire-Tourism

A full calendar of special events at NH ski areas is a holiday tradition like egg nog and opening presents! As always NH's ski area go all out to have entertaining and unusual events to help make your vacation fun. You'll find everything from local maple syrup served up on NH's finest snow to apres' ski parties for kids. The fun continues right through New Year's Eve with at least seven ski areas hosting New Year's Celebrations. Check out our Ski NH Events Calendar for details on these events!
Ski NH Events Calendar
New Hampshire

***
USSA - US Ski Team News
From :Juliann Fritz

JANICA KOSTELIC WINS, JULIA MANCUSO LEADS U.S. WITH 14TH IN GS Kristina Koznick 16th as World Cup returns to Czech Republic
SPINDLERUV MLYN, Czech Republic (Dec. 21) - Janica Kostelic of Croatia charged through her second run Wednesday to overtake Austrian Nicole Hosp for a giant slalom win as the World Cup made its first stop in the Czech Republic. Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) led U.S. women, finishing 14th with Kristina Koznick (Eagan, MN) 16th in soft snow conditions.
OLN will broadcast coverage of World Cup racing Sunday at 5 p.m. ET as its ongoing 10 Weeks to Torino series leads to the Olympics.
Kostelic, who squandered a one-second lead Dec. 11 in a slalom at the Sirius Satellite Radio Aspen Winternational in Colorado, had a two-run time of 2:21.30 for her first win of the season. The 2002 Olympic and ’03 Worlds gold medalist in GS, had never won a World Cup GS until Wednesday.
ALPINE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Spindleruv Mlyn, CZA - Dec. 21, 2005
Women’s Giant Slalom
1. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 2:21.30
2. Kathrin Zettel, Austria, 2:21.38
3. Marlies Schild, Austria, 2:21.40
4. Nicole Hosp, Austria, 2:21.49
5. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 2:21.59
-
14. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 2:22.49
16. Kristina Koznick, Eagan, Minn.,2:22.62
-

DNF-1:
Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine
For complete results:
FIS Ski

Snow alert for Hintertux Austria

***
Members added to US freestyle Team

PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 20) - Three athletes have been added to the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and will be eligible to compete Dec. 30 in the Olympic Trials at Steamboat Springs, Colo., Program Director Polly-Jo Clark said Tuesday.
The additions - moguls skiers David DiGravio (Farmington, ME/Carrabassett Valley Academy) and Kayla Snyderman (Winchester, MA/Waterville Valley B&BTS) and aerialist Austin Cummings (Heber City, UT/Freestyle Lives all Year) - were determined following U.S. Selections Events earlier this month. Two moguls contests (and a dual moguls event) were staged Dec. 9-11 at Winter Park, Colo., and two aerials events at Utah Olympic Park Dec. 10-12.
“The Olympic Trials in Steamboat are open only to members of the national team,” Clark said, “so these three athletes are happy they were named. They get into the mix for the Olympic spots.” The trials will be held Dec. 30 and broadcast Dec. 31 on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET
Courtesy of Juliann Fritz, USSA
US ski Team

***


***
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is situated north of LiJiang Old Town. The highest point in the mountain reaches a height of 5596 meters. This prominent wonder is made up of thirteen peaks and the highest one is named as "Fan Peak". This "Fan peak" is still a virigin peak and has yet to be conquered by mountaineering enthusiasts. Above the height of 4500 meters, you can find 19 marine glaciers extending to a width of 30 meters and approximately 100 meters in length.

***
Whistler - Blackcomb B.C.
December Events
20-23 Holiday Moments with David C. Jones
25 Christmas Day - statutory holiday
27 Performance Series: Ache Brasil
29 A Ray Charles Christmas
31 First Night 2006: New Year's Eve Celebrations in Whistler Village
January 2006 1 New Year's Day
6-7 Annual Life-Link Randonee Rally
7 King of the Rail
8 Sprite Park Rider Ski & Snowboard Event - Halfpipe
12 Kokanee Valley Race Series
14-15 Next X Snowsearch
14-22 Learn to Ski/Ride
19 Kokanee Valley Race Series
21 Queen of the Rail
21-22 Atomic Ski & Snowboard SuperCross

Whistler Blackcomb. Over 8,100 skiable acres. One vertical mile. Two mountains connected by a pedestrian Village. More than 200 trails. Three glaciers. 33 lifts. Twelve alpine bowls.

Whistler Village Elevation 675 metres/2,214 feet
Creekside Base Elevation 653 metres/2140 feet
Number of Lifts 33
Hourly Lift Capacity 59,007 skiers per hour
The Steeps; Harmony Horseshoes( Harmony Ridge ),The Couloir, Spanky's,Big Bang and back bowls & more off the ridge lines.
Whistler Blackcomb

Olympic Review -ST. MORITZ 1948 V Olympic Winter Games

The 1940 Winter Olympics were scheduled for Sapporo, Japan. War with China forced the Japanese to admit, in July 1938, that they would be unable to host the Games. St. Moritz was chosen as an alternative site, but the continuing dispute about ski instructors led the Swiss to withdraw as well. The Germans volunteered Garmisch-Partenkirchen in July 1939, but four months later the reality of World War II forced the cancellation of the Olympics. The first postwar Games were held in St. Moritz in 1948. Germany and Japan were barred from competing, but everyone else took part eagerly, and it was clear that the Winter Olympics had successfully survived the 12-year hiatus. For the first time, North Americans won gold medals in figure skating. Barbara Ann Scott of Canada took the women’s title and Dick Button of the United States the men’s. In general, athletic success was evenly divided. Although 22 events were contested, only French Alpine skier Henri Oreiller and Swedish Nordic skier Martin Lundström were able to win two gold medals.

28 NOCs (Nations), 669 athletes (77 women, 592 men), 22 events
xxx After a 12-year break, caused by the Second World War, these V Winter Games were named the "Games of Renewal". Neither Japan nor Germany were invited to Switzerland, the memories of the war being too fresh.
ST moritz Today
Partner FIS Alpine Ski World Cup St. Moritz 2006
Ahead of the forthcoming anniversary of "150 Years of the Kulm Hotel – 150 Years of the Hotels of St. Moritz 1856 -2006", the town of St. Moritz and the Kulm Hotel are planning to jointly restore the old Ice Pavilion along the way to the Bobsleigh and Cresta Runs and the Olympic Stadium to create a new Swiss Olympic Museum.

Photos: St Motitz postcard collection
Olympic Organization Historic archives
St. Moritz

Alpine Meadows 19–27 inches of fresh snow
SteamBoat
STEAMBOAT SNOW REPORT (5 am): 12/20/05 New Snow last 24 hrs at the summit: 12" Settled Snow Depth Base at the summit: 69" Cumulative: 166" Winds: calm Lifts Operating: 16 Trails Open: 162 Surface Conditions: Powder
Vail 13 in. of New Snow

***
Val d'Isère

Cécile F. in France sends in,Val d'Isère elected best ski resort of the year in Europe for 2006
Val d’Isère, situated at the convergence of two deep valleys, bears witness to the eternal energy of its mountains : the legendary Bellevarde , the more easily accessible Solaise and the wildest and most picturesque Iseran …. Dissimilar but magnificent places full of potential for inspiring skiers to reach beyond their wildest dreams.

Play with the gradients, conquer the snow, carve perfect turns, slalom through the forest, feel the heady intoxication of the glaciers and giddy heights, follow sun’s path to enjoy optimum snow conditions
open
Slopes / lifts
Val d'Isère 39/75 - 35/47
Tignes 32/65- 27/47
Espace Killy 71/140 - 62/94

December Events
19th & 26th “La nuit de la glisse” (Free ride film)
27th "Glory Gospel Singer" - Gospel Concert
28th Children’s show
“Trophée Dynastar” (Alpine skiing race)
31st Firework Displays in la Daille and Val d’Isère 5.30pm

January
6th "Étoile liberté" by Sylvain Tes
son(Cinema Conference)
3rd French Ski School Spectacular 4th/11th/18th/25th Cross-Country Skiing Race
13th “Fire moon” (Skiing by moonlight)
14th "Grand Raid" (Free Ride Competition)
23rd "Snow Spectacular" (Torchlight Descent and Firework Display)

Photos: valdisere Tourism
Val d'Isère

***
Sale for the Olympic Games in Italy this winter! February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006, Italy will be hosting the XX Winter Olympics. With great fares to Turin, Milan, Bologna, and the rest of Northern Italy, as low as $221* one-way, Air France is the way to go!

Air France

Stubai Marketing Austria

Sincere Holiday greetings to all the Endless Winter viewers & members

Snow Alert:
Tahoe basin New Snow in (last 24 hours) 14"+
Alpine 24, Heavenly Just that, Kirkwood Powder !
WEATHER CONDITIONS: SNOW!
Monday FORECAST:

12/19 Monday: Slight Chance of Snow, wind across the ridges and flurries
Bear Valley Central California 20 inches


Colorado
Loveland, 6 inches New Snow
Vail,6 in. of New Snow
Jackson Hole
New Snow (past 24 hours)
4" @ Upper-Mountain Snow Depth:
45" @ Upper-Mountain
Total Snowfall(season to-date) 139" @ Upper-Mountain, Trails Open: 96 of 96

***
Sugarloaf

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - Skiers and riders at Sugarloaf/USA will be skiing from its lofty 4,237 foot summit this week with some of the best holiday week conditions in the resort’s 55 year history. Abundant natural snow combined with extended periods of ideal snowmaking temperatures will permit Sugarloaf to open terrain in every area of the mountain including the fabled summit, King Pine Bowl, and Whiffletree area before Christmas.
“Sugarloaf’s Summit is a special place not only for the terrain but for the spectacular setting,” said Bill Swain, Sugarloaf’s communications manager. “You’re on top of the world looking out over much of Maine including Mt. Katahdin, Mt. Washington and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and well into Canada. To top it off, the Timberline trail makes the Summit something even beginning skiers and riders can enjoy.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 27, guests can take to the slopes of Sugarloaf at night for the second annual Carry the Torch for the Cure Torchlight Parade. This event is a part of the Sugarloaf Charity Summit and all proceeds from the torchlight parade will benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation and the Martha B. Webber Breast Cancer Center.

Sugarloaf/USA would like to invite you to participate in an historic event. Next Tuesday, Dec. 27, Sugarloaf is hosting the 2nd Annual Carry the Torch for the Cure Torchlight Parade to kick off the 2006 Sugarloaf Charity Summit. With your help and participation we can make this the largest torchlight parade we've ever had.
Sugarlaof

***
Sun Valley

SUN VALLEY, ID….... A very special tribute to actress Janet Leigh will be presented by her daughters Jamie Lee and Kelly Curtis, and Sun Valley Resort, Thursday evening, December 22, 2005. To honor her legacy in Sun Valley, a newly renamed lane on Seattle Ridge will become “LEIGH LANE.” The dedication will include a few words by Jamie Lee Curtis Thursday evening at 6:30 pm in Sun Valley Resort’s Opera House. A free showing of “Psycho” will follow. The event is free and everyone is welcome. In addition, a new Janet Leigh Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established // for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.
Sun Valley

***
Panorama
Ride the Panorama Express Bus from Calgary through the picturesque scenery of B.C. & Alberta's mountain parks. A Panorama Host with Playwest Vacations will direct you to the Express Bus and ensure that the atmosphere of the motor coach trip is about R&R, that will prepare you for an active weekend on the slopes. Call 1-800-663-2929 to book.
Say goodbye to 2005 and welcome in 2006 at Panorama Mountain Village. The annual torch light parade and fire works extravaganza will commence an evening filled with other spectacular events and festivities to ring in the New Year with your family and friends
Panorama

***

Mauna Kea,( Hawaii ) 13,796 Feet
It is the highest in the Pacific (more than 1,000 feet higher than Mount Fuji). It is the world's highest mountain from base to summit (it rises more than 33,000 feet from the ocean floor -- Everest's height is 29,000 feet).
There are many tales of week-long storms and instances where the summit could be accessed with a Snow Cat. And there are some pretty dramatic photos of its snows. you must rent a 4WD vehicle or hire a guide. Skiers take turns being the driver up a road that also serves several observatories at the summit. Snow falls during winter months, though the ski season can run from November through July, and the snow can accumulate to a few meters depth. February and March are the best bets for good snow. This has been called the finest snow in the world, and there is a ski-able area of almost 100 square miles. Hawaii's Big Kahuna Ski Club Hawaii Ski Club

***
Squaw Valley
Get some fresh!
Over a foot of fresh-ness snow with more forecast for today. Cable Car, the Funitel, Siberia and Shirley Lake, Granite Chief, Emigrant, Gold Coast, Headwall and much more. Upper mountian is L o o k i n g Good.!

SV Ski Corp Photo /red dog photography
Headwall is open so " The SLOT" Light towers and other RIppin lines now have enough to safely open. Reverse traverse You got it !
Hail to the Chief, .... Split tree, Carnells', Swan Dive ( careful ) rock slide and other goodies

CHRISTMAS EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADE-

The Squaw Valley Ski School descends Squaw Valley's lower mountain in a brilliant parade of lights, finishing just outside the Plaza Bar. The Parade begins at aprox. 6pm. More Details
Squaw Valley got KT?


***
USSA Competition
OBERSTDORF, Germany (Dec. 18) - Olympic medalist Travis Mayer (Steamboat Springs, CO) finished second Sunday, leading three U.S. men into the top five while Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY), led U.S. women, placing fifth in wet, snowy weather.
In the second meet of the season - following Wednesday’s opener in Tignes, France, Australian Dale Begg-Smith won the men’s contest with 25.69 points and Mayer took second at 25.31, connecting with a D-spin (off-axis) up top and quad-twister off the bottom jump. In addition, defending World Cup champion Jeremy Bloom (Loveland, CO) was fourth with 2003 World Cup champion Travis Cabral (South lake Tahoe, CA) fifth.
FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
Oberstdorf, GER - Dec. 18, 2005
Moguls (16 make finals) Men
1. Dale Begg-Smith, Australia, 25.69 points
2. Travis Mayer, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 25.31
3. Michael Robertson, Australia, 24.83
4. Jeremy Bloom, Loveland, Colo., 23.99
5. Travis Cabral, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 23.69
-
7. Toby Dawson, Vail, Colo., 23.50
14. Nate Roberts, Park City, Utah, 16.65
19. Luke Westerlund, Breckenridge, Colo.
61. David Babic, Washington, Vt.
--
Women
1. Jennifer Heil, Canada, 25.86
2. Kristi Richards, Canada, 24.21
3. Nikola Sudova, Czech Republic, 23.85
4. Kari Traa, Norway, 23.79
5. Jillian Vogtli, Ellicotville, N.Y., 22.67
-
7. Laurel Shanley, Squaw Valley, Calif., 21.84
12. Shannon Bahrke, Tahoe City, Calif., 17.26
15. Michelle Roark, Denver, 13.39
30. Hannah Kearney, Norwich, Vt.
35. Emiko Torito, Denver

For complete results and World Cup standings: FIS Ski

Snow alert for Hintertux Austria
Snow alert for Killington Vermont
Monster dump in Northern China, 36" in 24 hrs
Wildcat powder alert, about 12-13 inches, still snowing!


***
SUN VALLEY, ID…....
Sun Valley Resort will open additional lifts and terrain on Baldy this Friday, December 16, 2005. Additional lifts opening on Baldy will include Greyhawk Lift #7, and Seattle Ridge #12. Exhibition #2 will open in the mornings and Sunnyside #6 will be open in the afternoons. In addition Seattle Ridge Lodge on Seattle Ridge will open for the season. Dollar Mountain and Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge also remains open for the season.

***
Bear Valley
December Events
24 Santa Visits the Slopes
28 Torchlight parade, Fireworks & Dinner

30 CSS Slopestyle Series #1 @ Dodge Ridge
31 Bud Light / Gatorade GS Race #1 & #2
31 New Year’s Party & Fireworks@ Bear Valley Lodge

Bear Valley

***
U.S. Ski Team News Bureau
VAL D’ISERE, France (Dec. 17) - Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) ignored new snow, gusting winds, shaky conditions and a couple of bobbles Saturday to win her second World Cup downhill with Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) second, the first 1-2 U.S. finish in DH since Picabo Street and Hilary Lindh in 1994.
Officials lowered the start of the race because of the changing visibility and conditions. Kildow, who has won two of the three World Cup DHs this season, led at every checkpoint down the 2K course, won in 1:21.91 and took the World Cup downhill points lead. Lalive was second in 1:22.29, her best result in nearly three years (since finishing second in DH at World Cup Finals in 2002).
Miller 8th, Macartney 11th in Val Gardena DH
VAL GARDENA, Italy (Dec. 17) - Mario Buechel of Liechtenstein won a snowy and foggy World Cup downhill Saturday by two-hundredths of a second over Austrian Michael Walchhofer while Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH) reclaimed the World Cup overall points lead, leading three U.S. skiers into the top 20.
Ligety Moves Into 2nd with Top-10
MADONNA di CAMPIGLIO, Italy (Dec. 12) — Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) moved into the second position in World Cup slalom standings Monday, finishing sixth under the lights in Madonna di Campiglio. Ligety was fifth after the first run with Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH) sixth. Miller went out at the bottom of the second run. Italian Giorgio Rocca won his second straight slalom.
Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) is the most successful male downhiller in U.S. annals – seven World Cup downhill victories – including earlier this month at the VISA Birds of Prey race in Beaver Creek, Colo., and three super G wins. He also has three World Championships medals and in February Rahlves hopes to add at least one Olympic medal to his trophy case.


Photo Credit: USSA / Eric Schlopy in the gate training

MEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Saslong Classic
Val Gardena, ITA - Dec. 17, 2005
Men’s DH
1. Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 1:27.99
2. Michael Walchhofer, Austria, 1:28.01
3. Erik Guay, Canada, 1:28.19
4. Kristian Ghedina, Italy, 1:28.42
5. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 1:28.46
-
8. Bode Miller, Bretton Woods, N.H., 1:28.73
11T. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., 1:28.90
19. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:29.29
27. JJ Johnson, Park City, Utah, 1:29.88
36. Steven Nyman, Orem, Utah, 1:30.61
37. Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Calif., 1:30.93


WOMEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
50th Criterium de la Premiere Neige
Val d’Isere, FRA - Dec. 17, 2005
Women’s Downhill
1. Lindsey Kildow, Vail, Colo., 1:21.91
2. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:22.29
3. Alexandra Meissnitzer, Austria, 1:22.30
4. Petra Haltmayr, Germany, 1:22.46
5. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:22.48
-
12. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 1:23.00
21. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:23.42
30. Stacey Cook, Truckee, Calif., 1:23.93
37. Bryna McCarty, Concord, Vt., 1:25.30

FIS SKI


***

Solden Austria
Just in time for Christmas Season: 150 km of perfectly groomed ski runs and endless sunshine hours at our glaciers and other ski slopes guarantee memorable holidays for skiing fans and nature lovers in early winter. State-of-the-art ski lifts and gondolas take you effortlessly up to the mountain peaks where outstanding skiing fun awaits you.
10 state-of-the-art ski lifts and gondolas with an average capacity of 20.000 persons per hour and 38 km of immaculate ski runs ensure perfect skiing holidays, especially in autumn and early winter. As Tiefenbach Glacier is characterized by its gently rolling and broad slopes, it makes a truly unique haven for beginners or all those who perfer skiing at a more leiseurely place. Rettenbach Glacier boasts challenging terrain for advanced skiers featuring a total capacity of 68,000 persons per hour,ski runs is divided into 53 km of blue trails (easy), 63 km of red ski runs (intermediate) and 28 km of black pistes. 6 km of skiroutes.

snowfall, low visibility, strong wind
3.249 m -13° - 1.377 m -9°

Photo Credit: Soelden Marketing

Soelden

***

Closed on Sunday, Gone skiing

Snow365
Snow 365.com and EndlesswinterSnow will combining our strenghts for enhanced dynamic Winter sports Industry News
Snow Hunter - Patrick Thorne a very accomplished writer ( Conde Nast ) and Rachel taking care of opperations for Snow365.com have agreed to inter-pooling
( Cooperative exchange ). Snow 365 will be in providing coverage of the news, events updates and developments of Indoor Domes and indoor snow facilities. Patrick has traveled to many of the domes in europe and most recently the opening of the Dubai Dome.
I welcome their contributions and expertise.

snow365

Snow365-RSS Feed

***
Snow alert for Alyeska -Alaska
Killington -Powder Alert for Friday
Wildcat - 6" new snow at Wildcat so far!
WhiteFace / Lake Placid - 7 inches and still more to come

***
WORLD CUP AERIALS RESUMES -USSA
CHANGCHUN, China (Dec. 16) - U.S. aerialists had two top-5s and two other top-10s Friday in a World Cup aerials competition. Jeret “Speedy” Peterson (Boise, ID) finished seventh in the men’s event, yielding the yellow bib as men’s points leader for the first time in nearly a year.
Canadian Warren Shouldice won the men’s event with 246.57 points, more than two points ahead of Belarussian Dmitri Dashinski, with Ryan St. Onge (Steamboat Springs, CO) fourth and Peterson seventh. Kyle Nissen of Canada, third in the contest, took over as World Cup leader.
In the women’s contest, Chinese athletes went 1-2 as Jiao Wang won (178.48). Jana Lindsey (Black Hawk, SD) finished fifth (161.04) with Emily Cook (Belmont, MA) seventh, Kelly Hilliman (Tonawanda, NY) 12th and Kate Reed (Montrose, CO) 21st.
FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
Changchun, CHN - Dec. 16, 2005
Men’s Aerials (12 make finals)
1. Warren Shouldice, Canada, 246.57 points
2. Dmitri Dashinski, Belarus, 244.18
3. Kyle Nissen, Canada, 236.73
4. Ryan St. Onge, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 234.08
5. Anton Kushnir, Belarus, 227.55
-
7. Jeret Peterson, Boise, Idaho, 217.04
--
Women’s Aerials (12 make finals)
1. Jiao Wang, China, 178.48
2. Shanshan Zhao, China, 172.67
3. Evelyne Leu, Switzerland, 168.58
4. Shuang Cheng, China, 161.61
5. Jana Lindsey, Black Hawk, S.D., 161.04
-
7. Emily Cook, Belmont, Mass., 159.92
12. Kelly Hilliman, Tonawanda, N.Y., 115.38
21. Kate Reed, Montrose, Colo.

For complete results:
Courtesy of: FIS Ski

Sugar Bowl
Blue skies and sunshine make for great early season conditions with top to bottom skiing on Mt. Lincoln. Lift tickets are only $46 for adults, youths, and seniors! Please ski and ride with caution and watch for unmarked obstacles out on the mountain. Please access Sugar Bowl through the Gondola Entrance.The National Weather Service Forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies today with a high of 42 and light winds.
Judah Lodge Grand Opening this Saturday 12/17 At last, the new Mt. Judah Lodge is ready for action. Check out Sugar Bowl's newest digs. We've got a great new bar, pizza oven and expanded seating. We'll be showing the new Tough Guy Productions Telemark movie "Sessions" on Saturday night at 7pm. Tickets available in advance for $6 at the Backcountry in Truckee, Java Summit Sports or at Sugar Bowl. sugar Bowl

***
California Snow
The California Gold Pass is an ultimate ski/ride pass, which is good at 32 alpine and nordic resorts in California and Nevada. The Gold Pass is good all season with no blackout dates. Most importantly, it is fully transferable, so you can share it with your friends, family, clients and employees. The Gold Pass is an ideal way to enjoy the Sierras for the 2005-2006 snow season.
The Gold Pass is good for one (1) lift ticket or trail pass at one (1) ski area every day from the start of the ski season through the end of spring. Only one (1) person may use a Gold Pass each day . To use the Gold Pass, skiers and boarders must present it at the resorts' Special Tickets or Guest Services window where the Gold Pass number is logged by a special ticket agent and a lift ticket is issued for that day.
California Snow

Photo credit: SVSC Siberia
California Office of Tourism


***
The Resort Company
Beaver Creek - Vail - Steamboat
It's snowing all across the Rocky Mountain region TODAY. Vail, Beaver Creek and Steamboat's record breaking snow conditions continue! All 3 resorts feature powder runs for the adventurous & perfectly groomed runs for those a little more easy going!

Vail Mountain surpassed its all-time historical cumulative snowfall record with year-to-date snowfall of 141.25 inches, or nearly 12 feet of snow. The prior record of 140 inches was set during the 1985-1986 winter season. In November alone, nearly 84 inches of snow fell on Vail Mountain, fully 26 inches above the ski resort's historic average of 58 inches for the month. With the recent round of storms that have pounded Colorado's Rocky Mountains, skiers and snowboarders at Vail have been enjoying more than nearly four feet of fresh powder in the past seven days. Mountain operation crews have been working around the clock to expedite the opening of terrain and lifts. In addition to the Back Bowls that are now open, resort officials will open Blue Sky Basin on Friday, Dec. 9, making it the second earliest most extensive opening of bowls in the resort’s history. More than 4,600 acres of the resort's terrain will be open on Friday.
Mountain Statistics
Beaver Creek
Conditions: Packed Powder
Snowfall in last 24 hours: snowing.
Snowfall in last 7 days: 5in.
Mid-Mountain Base: 28in.
% of Terrain Open: 83%

Steamboat
< Conditions: Powder
Snowfall in last 24 hrs: snowing
Snowfall in last 7 days: 5in.
Mid-Mountain Base: 42in.
% of Terrain Open: 100%

Vail
Conditions: Packed Powder
Snowfall in last 24 hours: snowing
Snowfall in last 7 days: 5in.
Mid-Mountain Base: 34in.
% of Terrain Open: 88%

Snow.com

***
IOC
16 December 2005

The International Olympic Committee is pleased to communicate the IOC Internet Guidelines for written press and other non-rights holding media, which will apply to the XX Olympic Winter Games – Torino 2006. These guidelines will help those written press and other non-rights holding media wishing to develop Olympic-related web activity in connection with the upcoming Olympic Games.
Olympic Organization

Alpine Skiing: World Cup in Val Gardena and Alta Badia» Italian weekend for the men’s Alpine Skiing World Cup. A weekend promising a spectacular show and enchanting landscapes: super-G and downhill in Val Gardena on Friday and Saturday, giant slalom in Badia on Sunday. It simply can’t get any better: the real champions will triumph. Impossible to cheat. To get a confirmation, it is enough to take a look at last year’s super-G ranking list: Walchhofer, Maier, Raich, Miller and Svindal. Clear? Crystal clear: the absolute best. Tomorrow, it is likely that the winner of this poker of athletes will come out, perhaps with the addition of Rahlves, who has done brilliantly so far, and of an old fox like Aamodt. For the record, in the two super-G competitions held so far, the best performances have been those of Svindal at Lake Louise (ahead of Raich and Rahlves) and Austrian Reichelt at Beaver Creek (second Guay, third Lanzinger) in a competition which, however, was affected by the bad weather...
The Olympic Torch Relay started in Rome on the 8th of December and for two months will travel across national territory. The celebrations will expand through 600 communities of all the Italian regions until February 10, 2006, when the last, mysterious, torchbearer will light the XX Olympic Winter Games’ cauldron.

Photo: IOC Media, “© 2006 IOC”

Torino 2006


***
Sugarloaf

We've got 6-7 inches on the ground right now and it's now slowing down. Roemer says up to 13" by tomorrow morning, and that's defininitely looking like a good possibility right now. See his full forecast at
Right now it looks like we'll have 34 trails and eight lifts for tomorrow morning, but that could certainly change depending on our final snow tally.
Maine Day : Ski Every WEd for $26.00, Details at, Sugarloaf

***
Stowe Vermont
Stowe’s Grand Opening celebration of the NEW Spruce Mountain Experience! When: Saturday, December 17th, at 10am
Where: Base of the NEW "Sensation" quad chairlift at Spruce Mountain

What: The Spruce Mountain Grand Opening is a celebration and acknowledgement of Stowe Mountain Resort’s most recent lift, trail and snowmaking improvements, over 30 million dollars worth. At 10am, the ceremony begins with a few brief speeches regarding the new experiences being offered on Spruce Mountain. Shortly afterward, the new lift will be officially loaded, and the gathering of ticket and pass holders will be invited to ride to the top.
If you enjoy delicious food, you should also make plans to join us for the Grand Opening Tasting at the completely renovated Cliff House on Monday, December the 19th, from 11am to 2pm, at the top of the Gondola. It's a great opportunity to see the transformation for yourself, enjoy complimentary Champagne and tasting plates, and perhaps stay for lunch atop Mt Mansfield.
Stowe

***
Snowbird Utah
Mineral Basin & Alta Connection are OPEN!

11,000’ peak, 3,240’ vertical, 2,500 acres of terrain & over 500” of annual snowfall
photo: snowbird Marketing
This morning
20°F Hi: 27° Lo: 15° F
Events
Dec-13
Tangerine Dream - TGR Movie
Dec- 14
Higher Ground - Warren Miller Movie
Dec- 15
Adventure Series
Dec- 16
Backcountry Skills Seminars
Dec-24Interfaith Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Santa's Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
and New Year Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
The New Years Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks is the best way for you and all of your friends and family to kick-off your New Year's Eve celebrations. Join us on the Plaza Deck at dusk for bonfires, hot chocolate and another spectacular torchlight parade. .... What a cool event!!!!!

Need more from "The Bird"
Snowbird

Snow alert for Colorado
West coast needs some Snow !


Panorama
Panorama is OPEN. Machine groomed snow and tracked powder. Please observe all closures. Watch for unmarked hazards when skiing and riding in off-piste areas
FIS Hershey Cup races will be held through the weekend. Canada's up and coming skiers race the clock and test their skills at Panorama Mountain Village. Events
Dec 9-11 Opening Weekend!
Dec 12 -13 CIBC COUPE NOR AM CUP SUPER "G" Men and Women
Dec 15-18 FIS HERSHEY CUP
Dec 24 Service on the Summit & Evening Christmas Eve Service Dec 26-31 New Years Celebrations and Fireworks!
Dec 31 Torchlight Parade


January
Jan 2-5 Saskatchewan Cup Alpine Race
Jan 3-7 University and College Week
Jan 15-19 National Ski & Snowboard Week
Jan 18-24 K2 Speed Camp
More Information
Panorama Resort

***
Angel Fire Resort N.M.
Chain Reaction At, Look out for a completely different kind of snowboard comp at Angel Fire Resort. "Chain Reaction," on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, is open to all ages. Teams will vie for $20,000 in total prize money. The contest combines the best elements of freestyle, relay and boarder-cross racing. "We are constantly looking for events that push the athletic edge,” said Brandon Peterson, special events manager, Angel Fire Resort.
www.angelfire.com

***
Dolomites -Italy
1 region 12 resorts
12 SKI AREAS
-Cortina d'Ampezzo
-Kronplatz
-Alta Badia
-Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi
-Val di Fassa/Carezza
-Arabba/Marmolada
-Alta Pusteria
-Val di Fiemme/Obereggen
-San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle
-Valle Isarco
-Tre Valli - Moena/P.sso S. Pellegrino/Falcade
-Civetta

Worldcup-weekend in the Dolomites! 80% of the slopes are open On 16th/17th December 2005 the SuperG and the men's free downhill will be run in Val Gardena, followed on 18th December 2005 by the men's Giant Slalom in Alta Badia.

The twentieth anniversary of the World Cup on the Gran Risa. Marcello Varallo, creator and president of this successful formula speaks to us about it. Thanks to the essential support of the President of the World Cup, Erich Demetz, who was aware of the organisational abilities of the inhabitants of Alta Badia, we hosted the first F.I.S. giant slalom competitions. Beginning from 1980, for five consecutive years, Alta Badia was host to this kind of competition. In 1985 there was a great turnaround. During the convention in Vancouver, at which we were represented by Gianni Marzola and Erich Kostner, with the extensive contribution of Erich Demetz, our first World Cup competition became part of the calendar of events, it was scheduled for the 15th of December 1985. The first year gave us the gift of an extraordinary victory. The champion Ingemar Stenmark took to the podium. Thanks to the technical difficulties of the course, only great champions took to the podium in the years to come. Ski World Cup Italy

***
Steamboat
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO—December 14, 2005--The Steamboat Ski Area will usher in another season of freeriding with the Grand Opening of Mavericks Superpipe - the longest in North America - and 70 percent of the SOBE Terrain Park on Saturday, December 17, 2005 for freeriders of all ability levels. In addition, the Terrain Park and Mavericks Superpipe are under the direction of a new team of park experts.
"Mavericks Superpipe has shot Steamboat into the elite level in the freeriding arena," said Andy Wirth, vice president of marketing & sales for the Steamboat. "This year, Steamboat's operations and terrain park crews have done an outstanding job, allowing us to open Mavericks again before the popular Christmas Holiday period."
Steamboat


***
Olympic Review -Garmisch and Partenkirchen

The 1936 Games were held in the twin Bavarian towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen. An efficient bus service allowed 500,000 people to attend the final day's events. Alpine skiing events were included for the first time, and this led to a major controversy. The IOC, overruling the International Ski Federation (FIS), declared that ski instructors could not take part in the Olympics because they were professionals. Incensed, the Austrian and Swiss skiers boycotted the events. The dispute carried on after the Games and it was decided that skiing would not be included in the 1940 Olympics. Sonja Henie earned her third gold medal and Karl Schäfer his second. Speed skater Ivan Ballangrud of Norway won three of the four races, including the 500m, the shortest race, and the 10,000m, the longest. Great Britain upset Canada in ice hockey, but it should be noted that ten of the twelve British players lived in Canada.


28 NOCs (Nations) 646 athletes (80 women, 566 men) 17 events
Content / photo Courtesy of: IOC Olympic Museum Collections
olympic Organization

Garmisch Partenkirchen Today
Cogwheeltrain Eibsee Cable Car
Altitude: 710 -Vertical: 1.890 m
Vertical: 1.950 m 2.600 m
Altitude: 1.000 -Length: 19.000 m
Length: 4.450 m 2.950 m

Gletscher Cable Car

Altitude: 2.600 – 2.950 m

Vertical: 350 m Length: 1.000 m


Whether beginner or racing expert, you are sure to find your favorite ski slope. There are a total of 118 kms (73 miles) of downhill runs of all difficulty levels, including the world famous "Kandahar", Germany’s only downhill run with a "World Cup License." Deep-snow skiing, guided ski tours, ice-climbing Werdenfelser mountaineering office at the Tourist Information Office, Richard-Strauss-Platz 2 Tel. 180 - 744, fax 180 - 755 e-mail: www.bergfuehrer@gapa.de; www.bergfuehrer-werdenfels.de Monday and Thursday 16 - 18 h (from Christmas until Easter and from Pentecost until the middle of October). Alpine information, info about tours, arranging for mountaineering and ski guides.You can also cross the border at the summit into neighbouring Tyrol (Austria). After that you can enjoy the impressive panoramic view from the observation platform, before returning to the valley on the Eibsee Seilbahn.
Events

Thursday, 15.12.2005, 15:00 Uhr Nordic Walking Nordic walking with trained instructors. Prior registration in the Tourist Information necessary, phone 08821/180736.

Sports
Friday, 16.12.2005 Curling European championships Curling 2005. Information: www.ecc2005.de. During the day Place of Event: Olympia-Eissport-Zentrum, Halle II


Friday, 16.12.2005, 08:00 Uhr Market Small local farmer´s market from 8 am to 1 pm. Place of Event: Mohrenplatz, Garmisch

Christmas Market 18.12.2005,
at the Richard-Strauss-Platz. Place of Event: Richard-Strauss-Platz 18.12.2005,

12.27 Sunset at the Zugspitze with Bavarian buffet Experience the Zugspitz very special atmosphere when all visitors have left and silence comes... Location: Zugspitze
Photo: Garmisch Media
Garmisch and Partenkirchen

Steamboat
"I am a powder-skiing junkie. But who can blame me? More than anything I’m a victim of my environment, so immersed in snow that I can no longer remember any other way.” Scott Willoughby, Denver Post, December 13th. You got that right Scott, and today is another powder junkie-day here with 8 inches of new at mid-mountain and 4 on top this morning.
New Snow last 24 hrs at mid-mountain: 8"
New Snow last 24 hrs at the summit: 4"
New Snow last 48 hrs at mid-mountain: 8"
New Snow last 72 hrs at mid-mountain: 8"
Settled Snow Depth Base at mid-mountain: 47"
Settled Snow Depth Base at the summit: 61"
Cumulative: 142"

Steamboat

***
Beaver Creek Snow Alert
Top of Red Buffalo
Elevation: 11,440 ft /3,488 m
Snow 6 "24 Hours 6 " 7 Days 34 " base
Breckenridge
6' in new on a 48 inch base


***
US Team News
WORLD CUP AERIALS - TWO MEETS IN CHINA
CHANGCHUN, China (Dec. 14) - Cold weather has kept athletes scrambling to stay warm while they train as the aerials side of the freestyle World Cup resumes competition Friday and Sunday with two meets in China.
Two U.S. men - reigning World Cup champion and current aerials leader Jeret “Speedy” Peterson (Boise, ID) and Ryan St. Onge (Steamboat Springs, CO), who won the opening two meets of the season about 100 days ago (Sept. 3) in Mount Buller, Australia - are joined by four American women for the meets. The women include Emily Cook (Belmont, MA), Jana Lindsey (Black Hawk, SD), Kelly Hilliman (Tonawanda, NY) and Kate Reed (Montrose, CO).
“The site’s outstanding - they’ve really got their stuff together,” U.S. Aerials Head Coach Matt Christensen said Wednesday. “We’ve been training for three days and the girls had an awesome day; Kelly and Jana hit their triples [three twists, two flips] today...right down to their nice landings.
“It’s just so good to back into competition. We’re all psyched that training is over and we’ll be competing again. It’s been a long time since Buller,” he said.
Peterson echoed his coach. “The temperatures have been ridiculously cold, which has been affecting us a bit. You try to burn so many calories to stay warm, and it takes a lot of energy to be warm...but it’s good we’re back into competition mode. If anything,” he said, “all the talk about this season and the Olympics just builds the anticipation and we’d all much rather be competing. I think the anticipation was getting to all of us - certainly getting to me - so it’s nice to be ready to jump for real now.”
After the two meets in China, the Americans will return for the holidays at home. The next aerials contest is scheduled for Jan. 8 at Tremblant, outside Montreal, before two World Cup weekends in the United States as part of the 10 Weeks to Torino series of Olympic-related qualifying events before the Winter Games Feb. 10-26 in Torino, Italy.
The Chevrolet Freestyle International will be Jan. 13-14 at Deer Valley, Utah, the 2002 Olympic freestyle venue and 2003 World Championships site; aerials will be held each afternoon while moguls will be held on the night of the 13th. The following weekend will be the last Olympic qualifying event for U.S. freestyle athletes: the Nature Valley Freestyle Cup is set for Jan. 20-22 at Lake Placid, N.Y., with the Olympic Team named the following week.
USSA

EVENTS 07.12.2005 31.01.2006 76th International Motor Show in Geneva Chavannes-de-Bogis Chavannes-de-Bogis
06.12.2005 02.01.2006 Christmas and New Year's beginning in Lugano Lugano Albatro
29.11.2005 30.12.2005 Last Minute - Lucerne Luzern Krone
22.11.2005 18.01.2006 Christmas Special in Glattbrugg Zürich Airport Airport
11.10.2005 26.12.2005 Holy Christmas time in Wengen Wengen Silberhorn
30.09.2005 31.01.2006 Last Minute - Geneve Chavannes-de-Bogis Chavannes-de-Bogis

***
Swiss Regional Report
Resort- km of slopes -(open / total) - Runs -down to resort- Last updated Adelboden - 27 km / 185 km 15 km powder good 3 / 8 14:52
Grindelwald - 30 km / 158 km 9 km hard / powder 0 / 7 07:59
Gstaad 59 km / 250 km 14 km powder good 9 / 27 14:52
Mürren - Schilthorn 18 km / 53 km 2 km powder closed 1 / 5 11:54
Wengen 9 km / 110 km 6 km powder good 0 / 1 07:59
Gstaad - Château-d'Oex 8 km / 30 km 0 km powder closed 0 / 3 14:52
Les Diablerets 0 km / 100 km 0 km powder from Sat 0 / 3 17:15
Villars-Gryon 0 km / 100 km 0 km powder closed 0 / 6 07:51

Aletschgebiet 20 km / 99 km 9 km powder / hard good 0 / 2 16:27
Crans - Montana 14 km / 137 km 6 km powder good 1 / 4 08:46
Leukerbad 0 km / 50 km 0 km powder / no info good 0 / 2 16:47
Portes du Soleil - Region Chablais 300 km / 650 km 0 km powder good 20 / 110 08:18
Saas Fee 39 km / 100 km 8 km powder good 1 / 3 08:40
Verbier - Mt.-Fort 14 km / 111 km 14 km powder good 1 / 15 11:07
Zermatt - Matterhorn ski paradise 97 km / 313 km 58 km powder good 2 / 6 07:24

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
SBB Swiss Federated Railways

My Switzerland Swiss Office of Tourism

***
Worth a look... A virtual tour of the Swiss pavilion 2005 World Exhibition in Aichi Japan
Swiss Info

***
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
SBB Swiss Federated Railways

***

Sestriere It- 2006 Olympic Games Venue

Sestriere is an historical destination and a sure landmark: chosen, for this reason, as the backdrop to many great sporting events, such as the 1997 Ski World Championships and the next Winter Olympic Games in 2006
The village of Sestriere has a very recent history in fact it was built from scratch in 1934 on the old territory of Champlas du Col, Sauze di Cesana and Borgata Sestriere, which used to be part of the neighbouring Pragelato


Sestriere

***
Nakiska Canada

WOW - 10 cms of snow fell overnight and it is still coming down! The forecast is calling for snow throughout today and into tonight. Today you will find a combination of groomed, soft packed runs and fresh, untouched powder.
Lifts Open 5 of 6
Trails Open 19 of 28
Nakiska

***

Sun Valley Top Mid Base Season Total
59" 44" 31" 95

Second Annual Lumiere Festival
Saturday, December 17th, 2005
CHRISTMAS TREE AND VILLAGE LIGHTING 6:00 PM
CELEBRATE WITH US AND THE SUN VALLEY CAROLERS!! Food Station, Bar, Wine Service - All Village Shops Open Limelight Ballroom Buffet 6:30 pm - Carolers 7:00 pm Reservations for Buffet 208-622-2135 - Walk-ins Welcome Adults $20.00 / Children $10.00 (Tax included) DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY IN THE BOILER ROOM ... sound good The Boiler room is great place to spend the evening hours
Sun Valley

***

Timberline Mt Hood
Its a beautiful start to another fantastic sunny day of riding here at Timberline today. We have four of our lifts open including the Magic Mile, so come on up and make some turns.

Photo: Timberline Timbercam - today -Looking up "Palmer"
Timberlinelodge

***
Big White
Events
Dec 15 Tri Cities Warren Miller
Tri Cities, Washington

Dec 15 - Dec 18 Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance Level 1 courses
Dec 16 Warren Miller Ski Show
Capitol Theatre Yakima, WA

Dec 17 White on White Party Head to Snowshoe Sam's for the White on White Party sponsored by Coors Light.
Dec 17 Warren Miller Ski Show Spokane Opera House Spokane, WA
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Festivities

15 Lifts:
1 - 8 Passenger High Speed Leitner Gondola (Lara's Gondola)
4 - 4 Passenger High Speed Chairs (Ridge Rocket, Village Bullet, Black Forest, Gem Lake)
1 - 4 Passenger Beginner Chair (Plaza Chair)
1 - 3 Passenger Chair (Powder Chair)
3 - 2 Passenger Chair (Falcon Chair, Terrain Park, The Cliff)
1 - T-bar (Summit T-bar)
1 - Children’s Magic Carpet
1 - Beginners’ Handle Tow
2 - Tubing Lifts (Mega Snow Coaster)

Big White

Panorama Mountain Village
This weekend, the village buzzed with the energy of great events and the enthusiasm of skiers and riders. All lif opend on Friday (except the Sunbird Chair), with 4000 vertical feet of great early-season skiing.

Events
December
Dec 12 -13 CIBC COUPE NOR AM CUP SUPER "G" Men and Women
Dec 15-18 FIS HERSHEY CUP
Dec 24 Service on the Summit & Evening Christmas Eve Service Dec 26-31 New Years Celebrations and Fireworks!
Dec 31 Torchlight Parade

January
Jan 2-5 Saskatchewan Cup Alpine Race
Jan 3-7 University and College Week
Jan 15-19 National Ski & Snowboard Week
Jan 18-24 K2 Speed Camp

Deals; Snow Card, 6 days, $99.00
More Information:
Panorama Resort

***

Kitzbühel
Winter sports are already in full swing in the region, with the ski trails groomed since 26 November. Now skiers and boarders can look forward to enjoying new lifts and improved runs for still more fun in the snow! Or maybe you would prefer a taste of the perfect winter wonderland down in the valley on one of our free guided winter walks or snowshoe tours before retiring for a glass of punch or mulled wine at the Christmas market?
54 modern cablecars and lifts are waiting to carry you in comfort to the top. So that you are completly flexible in your choice of runs (145 km)
"Panoramabahn Kitzbüheler Alpen" 8-seater monocable circulating gondola. At Hollersbach/Grubing in Oberpinzgau (Upper Pinzgau) to the summit terminal on Resterkogel/Pass Thurn. - "Ki-West" Kitzbühel and SkiWelt Westendorf. In less than ten minutes, the KiWest will handle approx. 1,600 passengers per hour over a distance of 3,056 metres.

Hahnenkamm

The 66th (20 - 22 January 2006) edition of the world famous ski race! Even though the spectators, racers and officials will no doubt continue to talk about the 64th Hahnenkamm race and its heroes, the Kitzbühel Ski Club (K.S.C.) will shortly be launching preparations for the 66th edition of the world’s most famous ski race. Kitzbuehel will be inviting the skiing world to enjoy the Super G on Friday, the downhill on Saturday and the slalom on Sunday.

Photo:Kitzbuehel Tourism / Photographer: © Albin Niederstrasser

Kitzbuehel

FIS Results
BODE MILLER MOVES ONTO PODIUM WITH DQ OF SWISS DIDIER DEFAGO Ligety 10th, U.S. team gains solid position in 'super combined' debut

VAL d'ISERE, France (Dec. 11) - World Cup leader Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH) finished third Sunday in a controversial "super combined" event to protect his points lead after Swiss Didier Defago, the apparent winner, was disqualified for an equipment violation.


OLN will provide race coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.

Austrian Michael Walchhofer, who won Saturday's downhill, won the super combined, which was one shortened run of downhill and one run of slalom. Second place went to Rainer Schoenfelder and Miller moved up from fourth place to his fourth podium of the year. Ted Ligety (Park City, UT), who had the third-fastest slalom time, was 10th with Scott Macartney (Redmond, WA) 21st after being fourth in the DH. Steve Nyman (Orem, UT) was 10th in the DH but skied out in the slalom.
"This was painful," said U.S. Head Coach Phil McNichol. "We'd all congratulated Martin [Rufener, Swiss head coach], and that was good, the Swiss guys had a great day, and then - Poof! - it was gone. I saw the hubbub at the equipment tent [at the finish line], someone said, 'Get Bode ready because someone in the top three is gonna get DQ'd, and the Rossignol guys went into the tent...and that was it. It's unfortunate."
McNichol: Macartney, Nyman ski “fantastic” DH Defago, who rarely runs slalom except in a combined event, was DQ'd for higher pressure plates - on his skis, under the boots - than allowed. Guenther Hujara, men's race director for the International Ski Federation, checked and re-checked measurements on the pressure plates on Defago's skis before disqualifying him.
At the same time, McNichol was pleased with the U.S. results. "We had a good day. Two guys, Macartney and Nyman, skied a fantastic downhill, so that was exciting, and then 'Scotty Mac' got down the slalom hill - he hasn't trained much, of course. That downhill result will help him have a better start, which was exactly what he wanted.
"Unfortunately, Steve went out in the slalom; he hit a funky hole about seven gates in on the first hairpin, one that took out several racers."
After nine races, Miller has 379 points to 343 for Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal, who was seventh in Sunday's event. Walchhofer is third (318) with Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA), who was a disappointed 19th in the DH and skipped the slalom, fourth at 303.
"Bode had a good day going," McNichol said, referring to his fifth-place finish in the DH, "but he made one big mistake on the lower half of the course or he probably could have won it. The slalom hill was kinda straight down the fall line, on skier's right from the downhill, a separate course but it fed into the bottom of the downhill at the last breakover before the finish. After training [Saturday], they set it, injected the whole course, then pulled the slalom gates out so they wouldn't interfere with the downhill as it cut across the slalom finish.
Miller made critical save in slalom
"But when they replaced the gates, the bottom was super-polished, very slick as it came into the downhill track. He went sideways and kinda skidded out but stayed in the course; Bode was comfortably ahead at the split and, even with a couple of decent slalom skiers to go, I think he would have done better than he did...
The slalom course wasn't as hard-hit, McNichol said, because it's lower on the hill and the mountain screens the wind more.
The next men's World Cup race is a night slalom Monday at Madonna diCampiglio, Italy, and then the tour moves on to its annual stop at week's end for a DH Friday and super G Saturday in Val Gardena, Italy, followed by a giant slalom Sunday in Alta Badia, Italy.

MEN'S ALPINE WORLD CUP
50th Criterium de la Premiere Neige
Val d'Isere, FRA - Dec. 11, 2005
Men's Super Combined (1 run DH, 1 run SL)
1. Michael Walchhofer, Austria, (3rd in DH, 11th in SL) 2:43.15
2. Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria, (14/2) 2:43.32
3. Bode Miller, Bretton Woods, N.H., (5/12) 2:43.56
4. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, (2/21) 2:43.63
5. Benjamin Raich, Austria, (7/10) 2:43.76
- 10. Ted Ligety, Park City, Utah, (28/3) 2:45.20
21. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., (4/32) 2:47.41
-
DNF-SL: Steve Nyman, Orem, Utah
DNS-SL: Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif.

For complete results:
FIS

***
Sugar Bowl
Winter X-Jam (X-Games Qualifiers) – January 13-15, 2006 Combine head-to-head downhill racing, motocross and NASCAR and you’ve got the Winter X-Jam. This premier winter sports event returns to Sugar Bowl for a 4th incredible year. The 2006 Winter X-Jam will feature top athletes from around the world competing for the last remaining slots in Skiercross and Boardercross at the X Games finals in Aspen. The “cross” races are races of speed and agility taking place in a specially crafted winding downhill course with S-curves, table tops, giant bumps and rollers. Limited contact is allowed between the racers in the gang start format. The X Games are filled with pure talent and raw passion and are considered a pinnacle event for extreme winter athletes. Boardercross is a new sanctioned event for the 2006 Olympics, so this is an awesome chance to preview the Olympic competition. The Sugar Bowl event will be the only official open qualifying competition in the US. The top finishers from each heat advance until a winner is crowned…or survives!! The Winter X-Jam at Sugar Bowl is free and open to the public. This is an excellent spectator event as all the action can be enjoyed from slope-side viewing points, the Mt Judah lift or the Judah deck. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible event and prelude to the largest extreme sporting event in the world. Sugar Bowl


Gone Skiing .....

US SKI Team News
WOMEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Sirius Satellite Radio Aspen Winternational
Aspen, CO - Dec. 10, 2005
Women’s Giant Slalom
1. Maria Jose Rienda Contreras, Spain, 1:57.17
2. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:57.51
3. Kathrin Zettel, Austria, 1:57.53

> 4. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:57.85 5. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:57.87
- 12. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 1:59.22
24. Kristina Koznick, Eagan, Minn., 2:00.52

ASPEN, Colo. (Dec. 10) - Maria Jose Rienda Contreras of Spain charged to the third victory of her career Saturday, capturing a World Cup giant slalom with Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) the top American at the Sirius Satellite Radio Aspen Winternational in 12th place. Kristina Koznick (Eagan, MN) was 24th.

US SKi Team

***


Big sky
Up Coming Events RUST – Rails Under the STars comes back for its second year. Check out some of the area’s top skiers and riders as they display their talents in the Mountain Village under the nighttime glow of the big sky. Event starts at 7 pm and includes a live DJ, slide show and after party. Cost is free. For details, call 406-995-5889
Big Sky


*** Wildcat
Nice little storm, folks! Fine flakes in the Notch. 4-5" totally powder, fine & light, absolutely! Come n' get it, top to bottom! Wildcat is open daily & the best place to find out what's open & what's goin' on is at www.skiwildcat.com. The Wildcat Express opens tomorrow --- a full week earlier than last season! If you're thinking "WildCard", then just do it now because it'll be over 12/23/05 (for the WildCard, that is!)! Jingle bells, jing-jing-jingly bells!!! www.skiwildcat.com/snowreport.html. Next day is just $25! Ski tuning special in Jeremiah's Rental, Tuning & Repair Shop at Wildcat Mountain: Pre-Season Tune n'Test - save 20% before 12/23/05! Check back for even MORE Ski & Stay packages at wildcat

Chillin Alert
See Lake Placid this weekend on TV, Lake Placid-Essex County Visitors Bureau
show, filmed against the backdrop of the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, features curling, luge, bobsled and skeleton competition from all around the world. For another opportunity to visit Lake Placid, enter to win tickets to January’s Bo-Dyn Bobsled Challenge at
LakePlacidIce

***

Snow alert for Alyeska
***
US SKI TEAM

KIRSTEN CLARK ROARS INTO FIFTH TO OPEN ASPEN WINTERNATIONAL ASPEN, Colo. (Dec. 9) - Two-time Olympian Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME), improving with every race, roared into fifth place Friday with Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) seventh and two other Americans in the top 25 of a super G on the opening day of the Sirius Satellite Radio Aspen Winternaitonal.
NBC will broadcast coverage from Aspen Saturday at 2 p.m. ET while Outdoor Life Network will have coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
For complete details:
US SKI Snoboard Team
Killington
Powder Alert! It is dumping at Killington - already 4.5 inches since 6 a.m.!

The forecast is calling for 4-6 inches of snow Friday and the possibility for up to 10 inches. What does that mean for Killington? Sixty or more trails for this weekend! Meanwhile, snowmaking temperatures remain perfect as we have been blowing snow 24/7 for the past nine days. Our open terrain is in incredible shape with deep top-to-bottom, wall-to-wall snow coverage. We are currently blowing snow on Skye Peak and Needle's Eye, which will be open for the weekend.

More advanced terrain? Killington will have more open this weekend than any other resort in the East.
Killington EVENTS
2nd Annual Vermont Holiday Festival 12/08/2005 - 12/11/2005 This event involves the entire Killington community and features decorated trees, Santa's workshop, white lights and more. For more information visit the Vermont Holiday Festival website.
Salomon Oasis
12/10/2005 - 12/11/2005
The Salomon Oasis Project is a refreshing event that’s the ultimate demo experience. From high-tech to high style, it’s a festival for the senses. Salomon has partnered with a group of cutting-edge companies to bring you an event that is a celebration of the snowriding lifestyle.
The Salomon Oasis Project is an entire weekend packed with give-aways, demos and many entertainment options. Best of all it is free to anyone with a lift ticket for the day or valid season pass.


Ski Week Adventures Begin
12/26/2005

Collegiate Snowfest
01/01/2006 - 01/06/2006
Collegiate Snow Fest rolls into Killington, home of the hottest nightlife, wildest après-ski scene and biggest skiing and snowboarding in Eastern North America. College students can enjoy the best skiing and riding, most open terrain, highest quality snow, and largest snow making system that only Killington can offer. Hundreds of college students will all be here ready to party and enjoy the best skiing and riding in Eastern North America.
During the day check out all the activities at the K-1 Lodge: Outside hot tub parties, New England’s best DJ’s spinning the hottest new music on the mountain, tons of free giveaways from Allyance and other product sponsors, free movie/pizza nights, and a ton more.
After hanging out on the mountain all day, head down the Killington road and take advantage of the special discounts at the local ski/snowboard shops, restaurants, bars and night clubs available only for college students. Check out the wildest après-ski scene around.
A complete schedule or entertainment and activities will be online soon. Don’t forget, Snow Fest returns to Killington January 8-13. More at

Killington

***
Fernie

Big snow has been reported at Fernie Alpine Resort, with more in the forecast as powder enthusiasts count “how many more sleeps” until opening day, set for Saturday, December 10th.
With o
ver 208cm (83”) of snow to date this season, it is expected all of Fernie’s famed bowls and major lifts will be open as of opening day. The mountain is reporting excellent conditions on the upper mountain, and the lower mountain is in great shape for the season start. Snowmaking has been in full swing on the Lizard run, Mighty Moose lift and in the base area.
Fernie Alpine Resort will be the place to be for opening weekend, with a number of activities, including special events, sales and après ski fun taking place all over the resort.
Photo: Fernie Marketing
For more information, visit
Fernie Part of RCR Resorts


***
Canadian updates
Sunshine Village
All lifts are now open at Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort, AB. Goat’s Eye Express Quad Chair opened on Friday, December 2, completing access to the last of three available mountains.
Banff

Lake Louise World Cup
Racing action on the alpine World Cup tour is set to resume this week as the White Circus moves to Aspen (USA) for women’s super G, giant slalom and super G races, and to Val D’Isère (FRA) for men’s downhill, slalom and super combined events.
Canadian Alpine Ski Team athletes will be in attendance and poised to build on 18 top 20 results achieved thus far over 11 races, including a second place finish by Erik Guay at the Beaver Creek (USA) super G last week.
Silver Star Opens Silver Woods - Canada's Newest Lift and Terrain

Choice Hotels International

Panorama


To the delight of extreme ski enthusiasts, the expansion adds almost 1,000 acres, increasing the mountain’s patrolled acreage to 2,847 and making it one of Canada’s largest ski resorts. Through a combination of high elevation and northeast exposure, Taynton Bowl receives excellent snow coverage throughout the season.
Accessed off the Summit Quad, Taynton Bowl offers skiers and riders over 1,000 acres of wide open and naturally gladed backcountry-style terrain. The bowl’s main chutes travel over a landscape of sparsely vegetated ridges and valleys and drop over 1,700 vertical to a common collection point. The bowl empties into the Taynton Trail ski out, which takes skiers back to the village. The entire Taynton Bowl experience covers a total vertical of 4,000 feet, one of the highest vertical drops in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Photo Credit: Panorama Marketing
Panorama Resort

***
Rich checks in with a unofficial Heavenly report
The snow is good on Orion and Dipper. I hear there are lots of obstacles on the california side except for ridge run. Right you can ski to the Stagecoach lodge on a mostly artificial base. The cover gets thin below 8000. Galaxzy and Mott are not open nor the milky way bowl. Tree skiing is not adviseble

***
Bob phoned in The Little Cottonwood update
It's cold
While mid mtn levels of snow hold on, expect 0-12 degree temps in the morning
Alta and "The Bird" must be doing ok( 60 inches mid mtn ) he was late for work, ....again
didn't advise on rippin lines unless you have time for base repair or your tools are provided by a sponsor. There are still rocks in the tight chutes.

*** Crystal, Wa
Events
Saturday, December 17th, 2005 - Sunday, December 18th, 2005
Instructor Training College

Do you have a passion for skiing or snowboarding? Learn the art of sharing your passion from the top trainers of our ski and snowboard school. Increase your skiing or snowboarding skills and gain practical teaching experience. Candidates may be offered full or part-time positions with the Crystal Mountain Ski and Snowboard School.
December 10, 11 and 17, 18
Cost (includes lift ticket and training materials) $ 185.00

For more information and registration material please call (360) 663-3030

Saturday, December 17th, 2005
Sturtevant's Demo Day & Apres Party

All the top ski manufactures will be on hand providing the latest and greatest demo equipment for you to test ride. Join us afterward in the Bullwheel for a movie and apres ski celebration.

Saturday, December 24th, 2005 - Sunday, December 25th, 2005
Merry Christmas
Ski with Santa!!! Join Santa on the slopes as he makes his way down the hill with treats for all in his path.

Saturday, December 24th, 2005
Christmas Eve Service
Come and celebrate the holidays with us in the Crystal Mountain Chapel for the Christmas Eve Candle Light Interdenominational Service at 8:00pm.

Saturday, December 31st, 2005
New Years Eve Bash
Come ring in the New Year at Crystal Mountain with Fireworks, Live Music, Parties & More. Festivities begin at 8pm. And, the snow is in VERY good shape with an ample base
Crystal


***
OLYMPIC NEWSLETTER
The Journey Begins The Olympic flame was sent off on its 64-day journey this morning by IOC President Jacques Rogge and Italy’s President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, at a ceremony held at the Palazzo Del Quirinale (the residence of Italy’s Head of State). After some short speeches, President Ciampi lit the flame for the first torchbearer, the Italian marathon gold medallist at the Athens Games, Stefano Baldini, thereby starting the Olympic flame on its journey around Italy to Turin, where the XX Olympic Winter Games will begin on 10 February 2006. The flame was also carried today by Olympic great Franz Klammer.
Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay The Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay began today in Rome and will tour the length and breadth of Italy for 64 days. It will cover a total distance of 11,300 km, visiting 140 cities, 107 provinces and all of Italy’s regions, as well as the neighbouring countries of San Marino, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France. There will be 10,001 torchbearers, who will carry the flame to Turin, where it will arrive on 10 February 2006.
TORINO 2006 The Olympic Winter Games will be held in Turin from 10 to 26 February 2006. The Winter Games comprise seven different sports and 15 different disciplines, which will be played out in eight different competition sites. Around 2,500 athletes, 650 judges and umpires and one million spectators are expected to participate in this 20th edition of the Winter Games.

Sestriere Borgata
The Sestriere Borgata venue is about 2 kilometres away from Sestriere, and is linked to Colle by chairlifts.
The Kandahar Banchetta slopes (G. Nasi) will host the men's super-G, downhill and combined downhill. The first part of each course alternates brief flat stretches with very technical bends. Afterwards the slope enters into a steeper and faster wooded area with a number of bends and schuss up to the finish line.
Sestriere Colle
The venue is located on the hill with the same name that links the upper Val Chisone with the upper Valle di Susa, and can accommodate nearly 8,000 spectators. The giant slalom slope at Sises is one of the most technical in the world.
Snowboard
Bardonecchia

The snowboard slopes in BardonecchiaLocated in Alta Val di Susa at an altitude of 1,312 metres, Bardonecchia is the Olympic competition venue with the greatest population throughout the mountain range (over 3,000 inhabitants).
It will host the men's and women's parallel giant slalom competition during the Winter games; men’s and ladies' half pipe; men's and ladies' snowboard cross.
Torino olympic Games

***
Around Lake Tahoe

For Events around the Lake, Clubs and a pulse on the local community
Truckee, Tahoe City, Crystal Bay & Incline
Tahoe this week
***

Big Sky
Second Deepest November on Record A November to Remember. Now for a great December, snow still flying, get here today.
The snow amounts are impressive, but according to Ski Patrol, the stability of the snowpack is creating this epic season of skiing. The snow fell early, and the water content was heavy, creating a solid base that adhered to the ground. With a week of warm temps prior to Thanksgiving, the snow was able to set up. Then starting opening weekend, the weather turned back to winter with the light, soft powder skiing snow covering the first layer. If you had the ability to design the perfect snowpack, you’d be looking at the conditions we’ve received so far this year, said Tom Thorn, Big Sky Snow Safety Assistant Director. “When the snow, the temps and the wind all work together, this mountain produces incredible skiing, just ask anyone who skied the Tram on Sunday.”
Big Sky eclipsed the 100-inch season to date snow total by Thanksgiving weekend. The forecast is calling for continued snow through the week and even into early next week. The area is operating nine lifts with over 1,800 acres of terrain with plans to open more terrain later this week.

Photo Credit: Big Sky Resort
Big Sky

***
Chamonix
The Chamonix Valley is approximately 20 kilometers and nestled between the towering Mont-Blanc range to the south and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains to the north. The birthplace of mountaineering over 200 years ago, Chamonix is still considered the ultimate place to be for all those who share a love of nature and the mountains.

Photo: Camile Liparoti
New for Christmas 2005 : A 6 seaters detachable chairlift on the Flégère ski area (Flégère - Index).
Opening date : The resort will open its slopes on Saturday 17th December and will stay open until 8th May 2006. Depending on the snow conditions, the ski area of Grands Montets could open on the 3rd December.
n.c. cm at 3000 m
80 cm at 2000 m
65 cm at 1250 m
last snowfall : Dec, 8th > 600 m
Events
• December :
- 7th, 8th, 9th : The 7th tourist summit meetings.
- From 22nd to 28th : Christmas Market
- 24th : The arrival of Father Christmas : sound and light show
- End of december : corrida de Chamonix : running competition

• January :
- From 2nd to 15th : Russian weeks

Chamonix Fr


***
Olympic Venue Review
Lake Placid
The third Winter Olympics, in 1932, were held in Lake Placid, New York State, a town of fewer than 4,000 people. Faced with major obstacles raising money in the midst of a depression, the president of the organizing committee, Dr. Godfrey Dewey, donated land owned by his family to be used for construction of a bobsleigh run. Sonja Henie defended her figure skating title, as did the French pair of Andrée and Pierre Brunet. However Gillis Grafström was thwarted in his attempt at winning a fourth gold medal, placing second behind Austrian Karl Schäfer. Billy Fiske of the United States won a second gold medal in the four-man bobsleigh. One member of Fiske’s team was Eddie Eagan, who had won the light-heavyweight boxing championship at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Eagan remains the only person in Olympic history to earn gold medals in both Summer and Winter sports.

17 NOCs (Nations)
252 athletes (21 women, 231 men)
14 events

Credit: IOC/Olympic Museum collections
Olympic Organization

For todays information on winter sports at Lake Placid
Whiteface

Mammoth Mountain
Want more snow - you got it! Three inches have accumulated thus far and it's still coming down. This storm is expected to linger over our mountain through Friday morning.
With a 2-3 foot base of powder, packed powder, man-made and machine-groomed snow, 16 lifts are expected to run today including Stump Alley Express, Facelift Express, Roller Coaster, Chair 5, Thunder Bound, Chair 8, Gold Rush, Discovery Chair, Chair 12, Eagle Express, Canyon Express, Schoolyard Express, the Upper and Lower Panorama Gondola and the Village Gondola. Of course this is wind and weather permitting.
There will be even more room to play this weekend. We plan to open Chairs 13, 14 and 22 on Saturday, December 10. We've got steeps, trees and room for speed.
Base Depth : 2-3 feet
Storm Total : 3 inches.
Today's Snowfall : 3 inches.
Surface Conditions : Fresh Powder,Packed Powder,Machine Groomed,Obstacles Exist

Mammoth Mountain

***
PARK CITY Slab slide
A sizeable slide let loose in No Name Bowl on the east side of the Park City ridgeline last week, nearly burying four people. The experienced backcountry skiers ignored the signs of a weak early season layer and took two runs without incident. Like they say, the third's the charm. About a 600-foot slab peeled off and took one skier for a 1,200-vertical foot ride to meet his buddies below. No one was injured but all four were either partially buried or mostly buried. The two semi-stuck guys dug themselves out and rescued the others. Don't let the lure of freshies with your buds affect your avalanche awareness!


***
Jackson Hole Gives Back After a record-breaking opening day, Jackson Hole has decided the locals there deserve a treat. They have opened 100 percent of their mountain and lift ticket prices will remain at the discounted early season pricing until Dec. 16th! Guests can enjoy mid-season conditions with awesome powder for only $50 for a 1-day lift ticket vs. the normal $70.
past 72hr): 9" (23 cm)
Base Depth: 21" - 50" (53 - 127 cm)
Surface Snow: Packed Powder, Machine Groomed Runs Open: 58
Jackson Hole

***
Kirkwood
100% OPEN W/ ALL LIFTS TURNING ON SATURDAY, DEC. 10TH!
We recieved 3-4 inches of snow since yesterday afternoon, and it's still snowing! Weatherman says we may get a little more before we're through. Doesn't really matter for this weekend; we're in great shape with the snow we have right now (but freshies never hurt!).
We will be spinning all lifts on Saturday, and with 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from gentle groomers to hair raising steeps, there is endless terrain for all levels to explore. From the top of Thimble Peak to the bottom of Timber Creek, we have great coverage and tons of real snow - cold, chalky and soft - to play in.

Reminder, Expedition: Kirkwood, California’s only resort based backcountry education program, teaches skills needed for backcountry skiing and riding. Seasoned Kirkwood ski patrollers and certified guides lead all programs. which include necessary backcountry specific equipment, including avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.
New Snow
(past 24hr): 4" (10 cm)
(past 48hr): 4" (10 cm)
(past 72hr): 0" (0 cm)

Base Depth: 18" - 36" (46 - 91 cm) Surface Snow: Powder, Packed Powder, Machine Groomed, Skiers Packed Runs Open: 24
Lifts Open: 5/12

Kirkwood

***

Air France
New York to Paris: $165* one-way!

And also more special offer to Europe, here a sample fares as of December 6th, 2006
Philadelphia Zurich $175**
Chicago London $179**
Washington, DC Barcelona $207**
San Francisco Geneva $215**
Boston Budapest $224**
TERMS and CONDITIONS APPLY
The Holidays are just around the corner, and Air France is already giving out gifts! This fare is valid from December 7, 2005 until March 31, 2006!* Tel: (800) 375-8723 (for U.S. residents only

Air France - The Lowest Air Fares to Europe
***
Kashmir

Riding with the Kashmir Powdercats not only provides you with expert local knowledge of snow and the available terrain, but importantly offers co-ordinated return transport from the off-piste routes which descend through the forests to the floor of the Tangmarg valley below Gulmarg. While Stage One of the gondola does offer protected riding in bad weather, the descents to the valley significantly broaden your range of options in the event that a big storm sets in, and temporarily "whites out" operation of Stage Two of the gondola during your stay.
Ski Himalaya

***

Squaw Valley
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec 3-7 North American Ski Training Center Jumpstart Clinic
Nov 26 Squaw Valley Festival of Lights runs through Dec
Dec 9-10 Advanced Ski Clinic for Seniors. Call 581-7263
Dec 10-17 Winter Solstice Events througout the valley. www.squawsolstice.com
Dec 10 Snow God's Ball at Olympic House
Dec 10-11 Learn To Ski & Snowboard Weekend
Dec 10 Hurricane Relief Day - Purchases from Valley-wide businesses on Dec. 10 will aid in hurricane relief.
Dec 17 Snowbomb's Sick & Twisted Rail Competition

Squaw got kt?

To find information on a resort or topic, type subject into field "Search this Blog" at top left of this page

US Ski Team News
THUR., DEC. 8, 3 pm, OLN VISA Birds of Prey, men's SG, DH, GS, SL
SAT., DEC. 10, 2 pm, NBC Aspen Winternational, women's SG
SUN., DEC. 11, 5 pm, OLN Aspen Winternational, women's GS/SL; men's World Cup, Val d'Isere, FRA
MON., DEC. 12, 4 pm, OLN Aspen Winternational, women's GS/SL; men's World Cup, Val d'Isere, FRA
Alpine News

At the VISA Birds of Prey races in Beaver Creek, Colo., U.S. men came away with two victories (Daron Rahlves, downhill, Dec. 2; Bode Miller, giant slalom, Dec. 3) and two second-place finishes (Miller, DH; Rahlves, GS), plus a third (Ted Ligety, slalom, Dec. 4), a fourth (Erik Schlopy, GS) and a fifth (Rahlves, super G, Dec. 1). Adding to the historic weekend was Lindsey Kildow, who won the downhill Dec. 3 and had two other top-six finishes at the World Cup in Lake Louise. Three American women were in the top 10 in the downhill Dec. 2, and five in the top 14 in the super G Dec. 4.
Snowboard News
The march to Torino begins in earnest next week for U.S halfpipe riders as the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix opens with two HP contests Dec. 14 and Dec. 17 in Breckenridge, Colo. Hannah Teter, already a two-time World Cup winner this season, and Lindsey Jacobellis - last year's Grand Prix overall champ - lead the army of Americans striving to make the U.S. Olympic Team.
Disabled News
After several weeks of training last month in Hintertux, Austria, the U.S. Disabled Alpine Team kicks off its season this weekend, Dec. 9-10, at The Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colo., and nordic skiers head to Val di Fiemme, Italy, for their first World Cup races.
US Ski- Snowboard Teams

***
Stowe Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort received up to 2 feet of snow this past weekend, energizing early season operations and opening 80% of Stowe’s vast mountain terrain. The infamous Front Four (Starr, Goat, National and Lift Line) are arguably the most exciting runs in the East. For the novice skiers and riders, there's an entire mountain (Spruce Peak) criss-crossed with easygoing runs. And with the longest average trail length in New England, be prepared to spend some time on the mountain. While our trails are classic, our lifts are modern. Along with several doubles and triples, we've got a high-speed quad and a state-of-the-art eight person gondola that whisks skiers from bottom to top in a blazing seven and a half minutes. The Cliff House at the Gondola summit has been totally renovated this year. Bring your appetite for great food and wondrous views to Expect adventurous cuisine and sublime service. Ski or ride off with every sense fully satisfied.

Stats
Summit Elevation 4395'
Highest Skiing Elevation 3640'
Vertical Drop 2360'
Average Annual Snowfall 333"
Skiable Acres 485
Total Trails: 48
Beginner Trails 16%
Intermediate Trails 59%
Expert Trails 25%
Longest Run Toll Road - 3.7 miles



Photo: Stowe Pic of the day
***
Alyeska
Alyeska Resort is CLOSED to skiing and riding today due to forecasted high winds this afternoon of 45 -60 mph with gusts to 75 mph.
We do plan to reopen the chairlifts tomorrow ( Thursday, Dec. 8th) @ 10:30am.
The chairlifts will be open Thursday (Dec. 8th) through Sunday (Dec. 11th) this week from 10:30am - 5:30pm.
7 day skiing & riding operations will begin on Wednesday Dec. 14th. The first weekend of night skiing is on Friday, Dec. 16th and Saturday, Dec. 17th.
For current conditions at Alyeska Resort, Alyeska Resort

***
Far West Division National Ski Patrol A friendly reminder, ..... for your friends
Know the Code

Skier Responsibility Code
***

Sold here

Swiss Budget Hotels
Rediscover the joys of snow ! The flocks have point out their white nose and Swiss Budget Hotels offers you exceptional special winter offers!
Snow week - Monday to Friday 4 nights for 2 people in a double room with shower/WC, including breakfast for only CHF 499.00 ! Book from now on! More special winter offers just for you! Swiss Budget Hotels

*** ***
Bear Valley
12/ 07 Opening day 12/ 10 Winter sports History night
30 inches on top / 20 at the base
Bear Valley

***
Snow.biz
Kees has provided an overview and update on what is in the works
Snow Biz is a developer of indoor SNOW facilities and in my own words
.....SNOW on Demand
Unlimited Snow aims to provide top snow and ice leisure experiences with its creations and is known for its innovative and original concepts. Its snow-how is based on the experiences gained from many existing projects and continuous research and development. Moreover, Unlimited Snow has established a leading consortium of international partners and suppliers from the winter sports and leisure industry. This ensures optimal solutions with the capability of offering extensive services throughout all phases of a project. Concepts are tailored to the location and targets groups in cooperation with its customers.
Some of pending projects are:
- Turnkey development of an Igloo Snow Play facility in the Netherlands for opening 2006. two more to follow in Netherlands / Belgium in 2007.(see attachment snow & ice activities) - Turnkey development and operation of the first Arctic to open in the Netherlands in 2008. (see attachment snow & ice activities) - General consultant to indoor snow & ice amusement park in Cardiff, Wales, UK. This will consist of a range of instant fun snow & ice play as well as a full size hockey rink, beginner ski slope, igloo village and extensive F&B and retail. Opening could be 2009.

This could be your back yard

Snow Biz Snow & Snowmaking on Demand

***
STEAMBOAT
New Snow last 24 hrs at the summit: 11" New Snow last 24 hrs at mid-mountain: 11"

Plenty of turns along the edges all the way down in billowy bumps. Back up T-Head and down the sweet 'roy on Heavenly Daze. By now, I needed to head inside for some warm air and warm drink. Now I'm gonna go back out and head for the top to check things out up there. Here's the latest word; Sundown Express is scheduled to open again on Saturday as is Sunshine meaning Wally World, i.e. Tomahawk, Flintlock, et al., will be open.
Steamboat

FIS Schedule
12.12.2005 Madonna di Campiglio (ITA) AL
14.12.2005 Tignes (FRA) FS
15.12.2005 Canmore (CAN) CC
16.12.2005 Val Gardena (ITA) AL
16.12.2005 Changchun (CHN) FS
16.12.2005 Le Relais (CAN) SB
17.12.2005 Val d'Isere (FRA) AL
17.12.2005 Ramsau am Dachstein (AUT) NK
17.12.2005 Engelberg (SUI) JP
18.12.2005 Oberstdorf (GER) FS
18.12.2005 Alta Badia (ITA) AL
21.12.2005 Kranjska Gora (SLO) AL
21.12.2005 Spindleruv Mlyn (CZE) AL
28.12.2005 Lienz (AUT) AL
29.12.2005 Oberstdorf (GER) JP
29.12.2005 Bormio (ITA) AL
30.12.2005 Oberhof (GER) NK
30.12.2005 Nove Mesto (CZE) CC
01.01.2006 Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER) JP
03.01.2006 Ruhpolding (GER) NK
04.01.2006 Innsbruck (AUT) JP
04.01.2006 Bad Gastein (AUT) SB
05.01.2006 Zagreb-Sljeme (CRO) AL
06.01.2006 Schonach (GER) NK
06.01.2006 Bischofshofen (AUT) JP
07.01.2006 Maribor (SLO) AL
07.01.2006 Otepaeae (EST) CC
07.01.2006 Klagenfurt (AUT) SB
07.01.2006 Adelboden (SUI) AL
07.01.2006 Mt. Tremblant (CAN) FS
08.01.2006 Kreischberg (AUT) SB
11.01.2006 Bad Kleinkirchheim (AUT) AL
11.01.2006 Wengen (SUI) AL
13.01.2006 Deer Valley (USA) FS

A friendly reminder came in from The Netherlands
Not all the snow is out side! ! Unlimited-snow is a developer of Indoor facilities. With the change in the weather seems I have not had an email update from an indoor snow facility in a while. Kees A. in the Netherlands had this extract I though should blend in well

For ski fanatics, snowboard enthusiasts or bobsled aficionados, holidays are no longer limited to expensive vacations in the Swiss Alps or the winter season. The new trend is to offer affordable winter-themed entertainment all year, indoors, using either imported real snow or its manufactured equivalent.
"You can get acquainted with the sports by going just around the corner rather than traveling away for the experience, and that has attracted more people to winter sports," said Kees Albers, general manager and co-founder of Amsterdam-based Unlimited Snow, which specializes in developing ice-themed entertainment. "If you're not familiar with snowy mountains and skiing, this is an [interim] step."
As the creator of 'The Arctic,' a franchise of theme parks inside domes built in the shape of an igloo, Unlimited Snow hopes to offer one of the hottest operations in this new craze. Entertainment and education are combined to take visitors to a virtual version of the world's coldest climate.
Unlimited-snow

Sapporo


German Christmas Market in Sapporo Through - December 11, 2005 at Odori Park 2-Chome Sapporo Snow Festival 2006 February 6 to 12, 2006 at Odori Park, Susukino and Sapporo Sato-Land Farm Park In the greatest winter event known to the world, over 300 snow and ice statues are built in the Odori Park and Susukino areas. It is hard to believe that these elaborate statues, standing up to 15 meters tall, are made of snow.

Nozawa Onsen
Skiing was first introduced in Nozawa Onsen in 1912 The ski resort opened in 1924 The first ski lift was built in 1950 (this was the second ski lift in Japan) Elevations:Top: 1650m Base: 565m Vertical: 1085m Number of courses: 20 Length of the longest course: 10km Beginner courses: 40% Intermediate courses: 30% Advanced courses: 30% Gondola lifts: 2 (one for 6 people and one for 12 people) Chairlifts: quad chairs: 5 triple chairs: 4 double chairs: 13 Moving lanes: 1 The ski resort is completely owned and managed by the village
nozawaonsen nagano


***
Jackson Hole
New Snow (past 24 hours): 9" @ Upper-Mountain 7" @ Mid-Mountain Snow Depth: 54" @ Upper-Mountain 47" @ Mid-Mountain
Nine Inches of powder has fallen since lifts closed yesterday. That’s nine inches of untracked, fresh, yummy powder! That, combined with the scheduled opening of Thunder and Union Pass Quads will give riders and skiers access to dreamy terrain today! Coverage was excellent yesterday when the Gondola opened, providing silky groomers and deep powder glades. Nothing but fantastic conditions.
Jackson Hole

***

Someone sent me a post card
yes the view is that good at Heavenly
Heavenly Valley

***
Coming up...

Sugarloaf
The day started with some flurries, and then the clouds parted to allow for some beautiful sunshine – clear views in every direction. The temps stayed cold enough for the snow guns to run all day, and the open trails were in good condition. King's Landing stayed busy, and Hayburner was another popular choice.
We should all thank our snowmakers for their hard work. They’ve been going non-stop since late last week and don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Thanks to them we had 10 trails open today and should have a few more tomorrow, including Lower Spillway, if things go as planned.
This will be an exciting weekend at Sugarloaf. Along with some great open terrain, there will be a Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and our annual Demo Days. Saturday night is going to be a blast when the Samples kick off this year’s Bud Light Concert Series. Because it is the first concert of the season, tickets are only $5. It is an 18 and older show. Call 1-800-THE-LOAF for tickets.
Spend your Christmas on the slopes and book your early Christmas Holiday Package at Sugarloaf! Available from December 16-25 from $69-89 per person! Packages include lodging, daily lift tickets, daily adult Perfect Turn ski clinics for ages 19 and older, and use of the Grand Summit spa of the Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness Club! Book online at Sugarloaf
or call 1-800-THE-LOAF to sign up.

***
Panorama B.C. Canada

Ready, Set, Open
Great early season snow conditions! The runs will be groomed, the lifts will be open and Panorama Mountain Village will kick off the 2006 ski season this Friday December 9 with a host of great events, and all the enthusiasm of keen skiers and riders.
The 80's themed Snow Safari will rock Panorama's opening weekend with live music & entertainment. A sacrificial bonfire will heat things up as skis and boards burn in an offering to the Snow God, Ullr. Panorama

***
Jackson Hole
The Bridger Gondola opens today, allowing access to fresh, untouched terrain. Anyone who experienced the mountain over the weekend will tell you the snow is deep and soft, with the past storm's 22 inches atop an already solid base. Yesterday I found face shots and soft landings through the trees, where wind and new snow had deposited accumulation. The corduroy on the groomed runs was smooth as silk, and the tattered edges of my rock board were perfectly capable of holding a turn all the way down Casper liftline and Werner trail. My best run of the day was when I unexpectedly left the Casper liftline to head for the bottom, and floated down the face just above Sundance. If you're looking for me today, I'll be in the Gondola line when it opens. -AC Jackson Hole

Steamboat
What can I say...it's yet another powder day in Ski Town USA! I got to the Gondola at 8:30ish, and was surprised to see that many people were still tucked away in their cozy beds, thinking the mountain wasn't going to be that great, so I'll just sleep a little longer. I can't blame them as I'm a little foggy this morning, but those people were wrong!! It's amazing once again, deep, soft, faaassst and pretty cold so the snow is nice and light...just how we like it.

First run was the standard traverse over to White Out. The bumps were firm, with an ample coating of Mother Natures finest. Then down over the saddle to ride up Storm Peak. It's blowing pretty good up there, so make sure you're dressed properly. We then skied down Buddys, skiers right ropeline to a hard traverse right. Lower Ridge was holding a lot of fresh, we sliced and diced a few turns down to the road to Flying Z. I really like Flying Z, this run also holds a lot of snow, skiers left or right, in the pines. Today it did not disappoint, with deep turns still waiting for me as I write this. Down to Storm Peak to do it again.
Steamboat


***
U.S. Ski Team/U.S. Snowboarding
The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. The Team is offering these special E-Offers to its valuable fans
Salomon Products Offered to USSA Members at Pro Prices This is a super exclusive offer good for USSA members only on a wide range of Salomon Alpine, Nordic, Footwear and Apparel including skis, boots, bindings and more with discounts on some items up to 30-40% off! Simply click on the link below and select USSA Purchase Program to register.

You must be a current USSA member to receive these savings. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive professional pricing on a broad assortment of Salomon products. Check out all of these great deals at www.salomonrace.com.


***
FREE Visa Olympic Pin Have you checked out the new Online Shop featuring hot gear from the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding? Order any product from the Apparel, Outerwear or Bags and Packs category now and receive a free Visa Olympic Pin, part of Visa’s Journey to a Dream program.
Help support our athletes be Best In the World in 2006!
U.S. Ski Team Online Shop
USSA

Olympic Countdown
Past Winter Olympic Venues
The 1928 Winter Games, hosted by St. Moritz, Switzerland, were the first to be held in a different nation than the Summer Games of the same year. A new event was contested: the skeleton, which is like luge except that the athletes descend headfirst. Speed skater A. Clas Thunberg added two more gold medals to the three he had won in 1924. Johan Grøttumbråten of Norway won the 18km cross-country event and the Nordic combined. Another Norwegian, Sonja Henie, caused a sensation by winning the women’s figure skating at the age of fifteen. Her record as the youngest winner of an individual event stood for 74 years. In men’s figure skating, Gillis Grafström of Sweden won his third straight gold medal. Canada again dominated the ice hockey tournament, winning their three matches 11-0, 14-0 and 13-0.

Credit: IOC , IOC/RÜBELT Lothar
25 NOCs (Nations)
464 athletes (26 women, 438 men)
14 events
Olympic Organization
Today
The 6th St. Moritz Design Summit will take place from 19th to 21st December 2005. The Raymond Loewy Foundation created this platform for the exchange of thinking and know-how among 33 top designers from the whole world. This year, the high-calibre participants will be representing 12 nations, including guests from China, Taiwan, South Africa and the USA
St Moritz



Closed on Sunday, gone Skiing

Powder Alert for Alyeska ,Killington, Beaver Creek, Loveland

***
Steamboat
From the top of the Gondola today straight to Storm Peak Express for a run down Upper Buddy's, thigh deep untouched prime powder, to Upper and Lower Rainbow, more of the same. Incredible! Then up 4 Points Chair and down the powder bumps of Cyclone, hollering all the way. How often can you get powder on Tornado Lane? Then up Storm again to slide across to Upper High Noon and over to Rolex. Thanks to those responsible for opening Elkhead Chair. I've been wanting Rolex for days and it was major sweet. Finally back to mid-mountain to let you know what’s going on. I'd still be out, but I have a ski tour this morning. I'm out again almost instantly. This is not to be missed ! A new all-time record total snowfall for November and a number to be remembered 83 inches! Beats the November 96 record of 78 inches and may be an omen for a repeat of January 97 when it snowed nearly a foot per day for the whole month.
Lifts Operating: 8 Trails Open: 73
Steamboat

***

Alpine Meadows
Summit Chair is ready to rock and roll.With 8–10” of new snow in the last 24 hours and ideal snowmaking temperatures, Alpine Meadows is open daily and starting Saturday, December 3rd you will not only get Kangaroo and Roundhouse Chairs, but the top of the mountain with Summit Chair scheduled to come online by early afternoon. We are more than anxious to get you where you really want to go, and we know the top of the mountain is it! Opening day conditions today were under crystal clear blue skies and chilly temperatures making for fantastic skiing and riding on the trails we have open. Check our daily operations report for the latest updates.
Alpine Meadows

***
Squaw Open

Two feet of new snow fell this week at our higher elevations. The above photo was taken Friday, 12/2/05
Photo: SVSC From Gold Coast looking up Siberia Bowl

Powder alert - Kirkwood, Ca,Beaver Creek, Keystone, Jackson Hole,Sun Valley, Loveland Basin, Dolomites Italy

Killington
It's snowing.
There's some argument around about how much snow we're going to get out of this (some are using the word 'foot'), but there seems to be little argument that accompanying this natural snow are snowmaking temps as far as the forecast can see. Seems like a good combo to me.
Just a couple of quick reminders about one deadline date for two
products geared to get you here often this season.

THE mETICKET I like to call this product the answer. -- Adults can ski for as low as $49 per day (Juniors, Seniors and Young Adults for even less).
-- They're valid at all 7 American Skiing Company Resorts (Killington, Pico and Mount Snow in Vermont, Attitash in New Hampshire, Sugarloaf/USA and Sunday River in Maine as well as Steamboat in Colorado and The Canyons in Utah). -- You do have to commit to at least 6 days, but they don't have to be consecutive. -- After March 15, 2006 they become transferable - sharing is good.
Killington

***
Steamboat

There’s a tear in the cosmic sugar bag and powder is falling everywhere. That, together with grins and cheers, is the key ingredient in Mother Nature’s crème brulee. Not to worry, everyone who shows up today will get a king sized portion.
The snow on Rudy’s was just firm enough to let me make turns without feeling the bottom. The line at Storm Peak was already forming when I got on the first Burgess Creek chair, and before I knew it I was making figure eights down Rainbow with the only other set of tracks. Next I got on Storm Peak eager to see what the conditions would be on top. It was warmer today and the wind was coming from the south. There were a few rocks exposed under the chair, but the face and everything skiers’ left was loaded with snow. From there I glided over yesterday’s bumps on Hurricane, hardly noticing them, and continued doing laps on Storm Peak. I found fresh lines in Closets every run.

Steamboat

***
Jackson Hole
It's been snowing like crazy all week, and this morning there was over a foot of new powder awaiting us here at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. We look forward to commencing what promises to be a spectacular and memorable winter season. Tomorrow we open at 9am with Apres Vous and Teewinot, and we expect Casper to open around midday. All major runs off the lifts will be open, and conditions should be superb. Join us as we kick off another fabulous season on the mountain! -AC Jackson Hole

***

Dolomites Italy
The Dolomiti Classics are amongst the major events of the Alpine Ski World Cup. Ski resorts, organisers, athletes and guests are looking forward to these competitions in the Dolomites. On 16th /17th December 2005 the Men’s SuperG and Downhill will take place in Val Gardena. On 18th December the Ski World Cup with the traditional Giant Slalom on the Gran Risa will take place in Alta Badia. Dolomites Northern Italy

***
Heavenly

Heavenly opened for the season at 9:00 a.m., marking the start of Lake Tahoe?s 2005-2006 ski season, as well as the kick-off of Heavenly?s 50th Anniversary winter. Snow conditions are fantastic with a two foot base of machine-made snow topped by over a foot of natural powder and more snow in the forecast! For additional information, to book a ski vacation or for current mountain conditions, log onto www.skiheavenly.com or call 800-HEAVENLY. Early-season package offers start as low as $100 per person, including lift tickets and lodging. Heavenly Valley

***
International Olympic Comittee IOC

TORINO 2006: Final Coordination Commission Meeting To Get Underway
With less than 75 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the XX Olympic Winter Games – Torino 2006, the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Turin Games, under the Chairmanship of Jean-Claude Killy, will pay it,..... TORINO 2006: Discover the Olympic Torch
Ten thousand and one people will get to carry the lit Torino 2006 Olympic Torch during the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay. If you are not one of the chosen few, then here is your chance to get a close-up look at the... TORINO 2006: Discover the Olympic Torch

Ten thousand and one people will get to carry the lit Torino 2006 Olympic Torch during the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay.

For Complete: OLYMPIC GAMES
SPORTS
ATHLETES
NEWS
ORGANISATION
...stories, news and Info PLease go to
Innternational Olympic Comittee

SQUAW OPENS DAILY FOR SKIING & RIDING SATURDAY
Upper Mountain Received 2 Feet of New Snow. Skiing and Riding Opens Saturday, Dec. 3rd.
All of our "Pray for Snow" parties and film festivals have paid off and Mother Nature has brought us more than 24 inches of new snow to the upper elevations in the past 72 hours and it is still coming down. We are happy to announce our season opening for skiing and snowboarding this Saturday, December 3rd. Please check www.squaw.com for updates on lift status and early season ticket prices. Check out the picture of Siberia Bowl ( Above )on on Thursday morning. Nice! UPCOMING FILM PREMIERES CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE.. Zenubu will be hosting the premieres of Emergence the latest snowboard film by Castle Peak Productions and Chainsaw Productions' premiere of Stars, Skis & Hucks on Friday, Dec 2nd. All age showing at 7pm, 21+ at 9pm. $5 at the door. Stop by Bar One in the Olympic House on Thursday, Dec 8 for the Tahoe premiere of Jusimi Two, The Stomp, the latest film by 4Reel Productions. Doors open at 6:30pm. $8 cover and 21+. visit www.squaw.com for more info. See you at the movies! LEARN TO SKI & SNOWBOARD WEEKEND! - DEC. 10-11 This weekend, introduce a friend or family member to a new winter sport and share the camaraderie of skiing and snowboarding. First time skiers & snowboarders (ages 13 & up) are eligible for the First Time Adventure Package (includes beginner lift ticket, introductory lesson and rentals) all for just $20! That's a $64 savings. Call (530) 583-6985 or Click Here for more information.
Squaw Photo: SVSC/Uber cam
.... bring it on !

SMALL WORLD Comments from the staff at Winter with no-name,... The snow in the South of France , is good NOW !
I have asked for a few pics , we'll see.
Enretard.net

French Government Tourist Office
With over 8000 km of pistes, France has the largest ski areas in the world. There is something for everyone, from family-oriented village resorts to the purpose-built resorts where you can ski from your doorstep. There is alpine skiing, nordic skiing, all the new snow-riding techniques, as well as a large range of "natural" activities (snow-shoes, dog-sledding, tours following marked routes...)
HAUTE-SAVOIE Resort Opening Closing HAUTE-SAVOIE

AVORIAZ 1800 26/11/05 30/04/06
CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC 01/12/05 08/05/06
CHATEL 17/12/05 23/04/06
COMBLOUX 17/12/05 14/04/06
FLAINE 10/12/05 30/04/06
LA CLUSAZ 17/12/05 30/04/06
LE GRAND BORNAND 03/12/05 28/04/06
LES CARROZ D'ARACHES 17/12/05 23/04/06
LES CONTAMINES MONTJOIE 16/12/05 21/04/06
LES GETS 17/12/05 23/04/06
LES HOUCHES 26/11/05 24/04/06
MEGEVE 04/12/05 02/05/06
MORILLON 17/12/05 23/04/06
MORZINE 17/12/05 30/04/06
PRAZ DE LYS SOMMAND 17/12/05 23/04/06
PRAZ SUR ARLY 17/12/05 02/04/06
SAINT GERVAIS MONT-BLANC 17/12/05 17/04/06
SAMOENS 17/12/05 23/04/06
THOLLON LES MEMISES 17/12/05 02/04/06
And MERIBEL 10/12/05 01/05/06
VAL D'ISERE 03/12/05 01/05/06
VAL THORENS 24/11/05 08/05/06


Luxury at your fingertips at the Cannes Shopping Festival
Experience royal treatment and go glam without breaking the bank. Department stores are decked out for the festive season, offering a superior shopping experience and enticing sales.
EVENTS
02/12/05 04/12/05
Christmas Market
LE LAC BLANC - Foire et Marchés 02/12/05 02/12/05
METABIEF - Expositions et visites 02/12/05 24/04/06
Exposition: St-Lary, naissance d'une station SAINT LARY SOULAN - Expositions et visites 02/12/05 01/01/06
Les Creches du Monde SAINT LARY SOULAN Expositions et visites 02/12/05 04/12/05
Wine and local produce salon GERARDMER - Salons et conférences 03/12/05 03/12/05
SAINT MAURICE SUR MOSELLE - Fêtes et festivals 03/12/05 04/12/05
METABIEF - Foire et Marchés 03/12/05 23/04/06

France Guide

***
Panorama Resort
Panorama Mountain Village, BC - Panorama Mountain Village is located 18 kilometres (11.2 miles) west of Invermere on the BC side of the Canadian Rockies, a 3-hour drive from Calgary. Framed by the Canadian Rockies and the ancient Purcell Mountains, Panorama Mountain Village offers an intimate village setting with ski-in/ski-out lodging; a pedestrian village with a variety of restaurants and après options; and the giant, slopeside, Panorama Springs Hot Pools. Two new quad chairlifts for December 2003 will get skiers and riders to Panorama’s varied terrain and epic views faster than ever! Formerly heli-skiing terrain operated by R.K. Heli-Ski,...
Photo: RK heliski
Taynton Bowl is Panorama’s newest terrain expansion and was named best new terrain by SKI and Ski Canada magazines. The powder-bowl features almost 1,000 acres of backcountry style terrain including chutes, glades, and gullies. On the front-side super-long cruising runs groomed to perfection will thrill skiers and riders of all abilities. An expert and an intermediate terrain park round out the mountain’s offerings with rails, tabletops, and a halfpipe. Panorama offers night skiing and riding in the parks and in the halfpipe with dedicated access on the Toby Chair.
Events
Dec 9-11 Opening Weekend!
Dec 12 -13 CIBC COUPE NOR AM CUP SUPER "G" Men and Women
Dec 15-18 FIS HERSHEY CUP
Dec 24 Service on the Summit & Evening Christmas Eve Service Dec 26-31 New Years Celebrations and Fireworks!
Dec 31 Torchlight Parade

More Information
Panorama Resort

I am happy that Bill S. In SugarLoaf Corp. Marketing has agreed to allow the posting of thier news , events and updates.
Sugarloaf/USA is located in the heart of Carrabassett Valley, which was carved by the Carrabassett River and is surrounded by Maine's Western Mountains. Maine's largest cities, Portland and Bangor, offer major airport service to Sugarloaf.
Maine's second highest peak at 4,237 ft. Only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East.
Vertical: 2,820 ft. - The most continuous in New England!
Lifts: 15 - Two SuperQuads, two high-capacity quads, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 2 surface lifts.
EVENTS COMING UP
Live at The Widomaker - Brightwings 12/02/2005 - 12/03/2005
Boston based acoustic rock trio.
Come see the Brightwings at The Widowmaker Lounge Friday and Saturday Night at 9:30pm! Join us for Apres Ski on Saturday at 3:30pm.
Deals
HOT DEALS · Maine Student Season
· mEtickets on sale now
· 1/2-6:College Week

Sugarloaf Opener Competition - Postponed due to weather 12/03/2005

Yellow Nose Vole Day
12/03/2005
An annual tribute to the small furry creature that is rare in the East and only inhabits above-treeline alpine areas.
Dax Brown GS Competition - Postponed due to weather
12/04/2005
Locals Week
12/05/2005 - 12/09/2005
As a way of thanking the loyal supporters in the surrounding communities, during this week, Sugarloaf is offering free lift tickets, equipment rentals and morning adult and kids lessons to all residents (with valid ID) of the following towns: Eustis, Stratton, Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, New Portland, West New Portland North New Portland, Freeman, Rangeley, New Vineyard, Strong, Phillips or Farmington.

Part of the American Skiing Company

Sugarloaf

***
New Mexico Summary
Santa Fe is scheduled to open Dec. 10 - pushed back from Nov. 24; Angel Fire should open Dec. 16 and, Pajarito is shooting for mid-December. Everyone else is up and running. Take advantage of the Taos Half-Price sale going on until Dec. 16: half price lift tickets.

Snow alert for Jackson Hole

Alpine Meadows is officially opening for the 2005/2006 winter season this Friday. With new snow, plenty of pent up demand and a long season ahead of us, now is the time to grab your gear and take the season’s first turns at Alpine Meadows. Opening day schedule includes the Kangaroo Chair, accessing intermediate through advanced terrain, as well as 4–6 jib park features. Alpine Meadows will announce additional chairs as conditions permit.
***

Mammoth Mountain
Winter is definitely here! It's snowing again on the mountain. With gusty winds and temperatures in the 30s, forecasters expect snow to continue through Friday. Keep your fingers crossed - some say up to 3 feet is possible!
With a base depth of 12-18 inches of packed-powder, man-made and machine-groomed snow, today we plan to operate Broadway Express, Stump Alley Express, Facelift Express, Thunderbound, Discovery Chair and the Lower Panorama Gondola. Of course, this is wind and weather permitting. We will be updating our online snow report on a real-time basis as conditions and operations change.
Anticipation is still on the rise as crews continue work on the Super Pipe.

Base Depth : 12-18 inches Storm Total : 10 inches. Today's Snowfall : 0 inches. Surface Conditions : Packed Powder,Machine Groomed,Obstacles Exist Expected Lifts ============== Main Lodge: 6 expected
Canyon Lodge: 0 expected
Eagle Lodge: 0 expected
Mammoth Mountain

***


My Switzerland

No place on earth offers a better prospect of this intoxicating combination than Switzerland. Nearly 50 12,000-foot peaks scrape the sky. Just below them lie some of Europe’s highest winter sport resorts. 29 of these are located at over 8'400 feet, or higher.
Special Offers:

Crans-Montana from $1,184
Davos from $845
Engelberg from $1,058
Grindelwald from $963
Interlaken from $845
Leysin/Les Diablerets from $ 931
Verbier from $1,290
Villars/ Chateau d'Oex from n/a
Wengen from $1,108
Zermatt from $931

My Switzerland offers


Events
Christmas market -Thu, 01 Dec 05 - Thu, 22 Dec 05 More than 100 beautifully decorated and dazzling wooden chalets and the wonderfu...
Gruyères - Fribourg Region Customs, Market Advent-Calendar -Thu, 01 Dec 05 - Sat, 31 Dec 05

Stein am Rhein - Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Customs, Market Fairytale mood in Stein am Rhein -Thu, 01 Dec 05 - Sat, 31 Dec 05
My Switzerland