Thursday, June 08, 2006 *** For many users, Blogger will have been extremely slow or down for most of the morning. We continue to work on fixes for this problem and hope to have it resolved as quickly as possible. I apoligize for the delays

Snowbird
Brother Bob "The Devil" & friends report good conditions! While work continues on the Mountain for next season, The Tram will take you to the Top. "THE CIRC" is open !
For all that is going on at The Bird or to ick up a summer pass; Snowbird New Zealand Snow Co.
Only 2 days to go until Mt. Hutt and Coronet Peak open! The Remarks are set to open on the 24th of June. Ruapehu ski fields are scheduled to open on June the 16th. Cardrona is set to open on the 23rd of June, followed closely by TC on the 27th and then Snowpark on the 30th. Temple Basin, Broken River and Mt. Cheeseman are looking to open on the 24th of June with Porter Heights on the 28th. Round Hill and Ohau are set to open in the the first week of July. BRING IT ON!!!!

8 June 2006 The first big event in June is the Auckland 2006 Ski & Snowboard Expo at Snowplanet this weekend (Sat 10th & Sun 11th). Snow Co New Zealand

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SnowPlanet? have a look at Indoor Slopes index here on Endless Winter

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Steamboat
Steamboat Ski Area and the larger community are poised for a great season in 2006/07 when you match these capital improvement plans with the resort’s industry leading guest service, family and on-mountain programs," stated Chris Diamond, president of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. The Sunshine project includes the replacement of the Sunshine triple chairlift with a high-speed detachable quad chairlift, a new trail and expanded snowmaking coverage. Staemboat

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Saas – Fee
During the "Herbschtmanund" as September is called in the Saas valley dialect, guests will benefit from the Saas Valley Card, with which they will be able to travel free on the railway and Post Bus systems.
*Ed note a good value if you plan on visiting both Zermatt and Saas- Fee
Saas-Fee Tourism 3906 Saas-Fee T: +41 27 958 18 58 F: +41 27 958 18 60 to@saas-fee.ch www.saas-fee.ch

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USSA
| CHRIS KNIGHT NAMED WOMEN'S HEAD TECH COACH PARK CITY, Utah (June 8) - Chris Knight, a U.S. Ski Team coach since the 2003 season, has been promoted to head coach of the U.S. women's slalom and giant slalom team, Head Coach Patrick Riml announced. Knight, who was born and grew up ski racing in New Zealand, replaces Trevor Wagner, who resigned. He graduated with an undergraduate degree from Canterbury College in Christchurch and is working toward a master's in sports science and sports coaching from Australia's University of Queensland. Knight joined the U.S. staff with the 2003 season at the Europa Cup level before moving to the women's WC speed team for a season. He's spent the last two winters coaching the women's tech skiers. Previously, Knight coached Australian great Zali Steggall, the 1998 Olympic medalist and '99 World Championships slalom gold medalist, before becoming personal coach for Great Britain's Chemmy Alcott. "Chris has coached at a variety of positions during his four years with us and he's always shown great leadership, great team spirit," Riml said. "He finds ways to make things happen for the women and I'm sure he'll be an outstanding head coach." U.S. Alpine Director Jesse Hunt echoed Riml. "Chris has been a key player in the women's team in a number of roles. While he has been gaining experience and rounding out his skills, he has earned the trust of the athletes and staff. Chris will bring consistency and continuity to what has been a continually evolving program." Knight lives in Park City.
USSA

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Bear Valley
BEAR VALLEY, Calif. –March 15, 2006 – Bear Valley Mountain Resort, the premier year-round family destination, today unveiled plans to add a new high-speed lift to the mountain. The addition of the quad lift, scheduled for operation in the 2006-07 ski season, comes as part of Bear Valley’s first phase facilities upgrade plans to enhance and expand the resort’s facilities and nearby lodging. The new high-speed lift, manufactured by Leitner Poma of America, will replace Bear Valley’s Hibernation Chair and represents one of the most advanced, environmentally-friendly high speed quad lifts in production. Providing faster loading for skiers, a smoother ride and power redundancy to ensure always-on operation, the lift will reach the summit in less than half the time of the Hibernation Chair. With 67 trails, including double Black Diamond slopes and an abundance of intermediate runs, skiers of all ages and abilities have long enjoyed Bear Valley’s scenic beauty, family atmosphere and diversified terrain. The addition of the new lift is one of many changes in the last 10 months as a result of the ownership change in July 2005. Other improvements include increased grooming capability, lodge remodeling, improved transportation to and from the mountain, enhanced guest services and Direct-to-lift tickets. Bear Valley’s new season passes have also been enhanced to offer more value including all-season discounts to horseback riding, rafting, summer concerts, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. All Bear Valley season pass holders receive 10 percent off food and retail shop purchases at the Winter Lift, group lessons (ages 9+), ski / snowboard repairs and child care (ages 2+). “Bear Valley continues to build upon its reputation as one of the premiere family destination in the Sierra’s,” said Jim Gentling, general manager, Bear Valley Mountain Resort. “The additions of our new high-speed quad lift combined with the tremendous value of the 2006/2007 season passes provide more great ways for visitors to enjoy the mountain.” BearValley