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 got snow ?              News from The Steep, Deep & Extreme International Big Mountain Slopes

12.28.2005

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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



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