Snow alert for Jackson Hole wy.
Snow alert for Snowbird Utah
Snow alert for kirkwood Ca.

***
New Hampshire
We are about halfway through the 2005-06 season. December's weather gave us a great start to the season and January's weather challenges have kept snowmakers and groomers on their toes. Fortunately, this week's forecast calls for cold nights, and some small storms to help refresh the slopes. Over the past few years February and March have been when we've received the most snowfall. Keep the faith and hopefully we get crushed with snow over the next several weeks!
Super Bowl Weekend
Believe it or not we won't be watching the Patriots win another Super Bowl this weekend! The good news is that traditionally Super Bowl weekend keeps alot of fair weather skier and riders home, which means fewer people at your favorite NH downhill and XC areas. The game doesn't start until after 6pm on Sunday, so it seems silly to bag the whole weekend. Along with the Super Bowl comes specials at several ski areas, and parties scheduled through the weekend in honor of the game. Check out the link to our deals and events planned for the weekend!
With the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino just around the corner, it's time to do your homework on local talent that will be going for the gold. Among the NH athletes headed to Italy are the US's top hopes for gold in both cross country and downhill events. Kris Freeman from Andover, NH leads the cross country squad's efforts. On the alpine side we have that guy Bode Miller who isn't too bad either. Ski new Hampshire

***
Into racing? ... Worth a look !


flying Downhill

***
Wildcat
Pinkham Notch, NH ? It has been snowing at Wildcat Mountain and the mountain is now back to 90% open. Wildcat received 5-8 inches from Sunday night's storm, another 1-2 inches overnight on Monday, and continuing light flurries into Tuesday. In fact, the forecast calls for a chance of snow every day this week. This adds to the 7-10 inches of snow Wildcat received last week.
and has the cumulative effect of rapidly improving conditions for skiing & riding. On Monday Wildcat opened 15 trails, and so is now open for skiing & riding on 41 of Wildcat's 47 trails. The conditions are powder and packed powder, with variable and thin cover areas on the all-natural snow trails. Grooming is on about 75% of the open terrain, and Mountain sources report that Wildcat has been receiving very positive feedback from skiers and riders on trail grooming, and the overall skiing "shape" of the mountain all season long.
For Events on the weekend February 4th & 5th Wildcat will be hosting an Apres Ski Party sponsored by Sam Adams on Saturday Feb. 4th. Entertainment will be provided by live DJ Brian Sparhawk, who is known for interacting with customers by playing hilarious games and having plenty of prize giveaways. Wildcat

***
Heavenly Valley
Over 6-8 inches of new snow! The next storm rolls in tomorrow, so enjoy today's mostly clear skies, light winds and crisp temperatures! Call 1-800-HEAVENLY or visit
EVENTS
Jackpot Rail Jam Series Feb 10, 2006 | Feb 24, 2006 | Mar 17, 2006 | Mar 31, 2006
Jib your way to big fame and cash prizes at the Jackpot Rail Jam Series. Contests are held Friday evenings from 6pm-8pm (Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 17, Mar 31) in the High Roller Nightlife park located at the Cal Base Area. Registration begins at 9am the day of the event in the Race Dept at the Cal Lodge and is open to the first 50 applicants. The entry fee is $5. Get yourself to Heavenly, enjoy the show and help the judges decide who gets the cash and who gets the hook
IN california, Heavenly has partnered with Any Mountain Sports & NAC Ski, LLC to provide skiers and riders with an easy and value-oriented way to get from the Bay Area to our slopes for the day. Trips are scheduled for most Saturdays from the beginning of February to the end of the season and depart from select Bay Area Any Mountain Sports stores. Round trip bus fare is just $38 and discounted lift tickets and rental packages are also available. Nac Ski
Heavenly Valley

***
Kirkwood
6-10" of NEW SNOW! 211-365" of snowfall this season to date. Today's Forecast: Mostly Sunny. Temp: High 30s. For the current status of lift operations, road conditions and up-to-the-minute snowfall totals, visit www.kirkwood.com

***
Crystal Mountain
It has been snowing like CRAZY here and it does not look like it wants to let up! We received 2" in the past 24 hours, but because upper mountain was closed yesterday today will be a powder day up top. There is 18" of untracked powder on the upper slopes calling your name!
Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 Time: 6:00am Weather: It is calm this morning with overcast skies but we are expecting a big system to move in later today producing large amounts of snow!! Base Temperature: 24 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 94 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 2 inches
Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 17 inches

Crystal

***
Bear Valley
Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge have teamed up once again to offer the 2005-2006 Central Sierra Series (CSS). A dual-mountain Slopestyle competition, skiers and snowboarders alike have a chance to test their skills against the area's best. Bear Valley will host the second event in the series tommorrow, Saturday, January 21st. Registration will be open at the slope-side events shack from 9am-10:30. The competition will kick off at 12pm on the Shady Grove terrain park. Riders must compete in at least 3 of the 4 slopestyle competitions to be eligible for the series title and cash purse (ages 16+), in addition to swag from our sweet sponsors.Lifts & Terrain,2 triple chairs 7 double chairs 1 carpet lift Summit 8,500' 1,900' vertical drop JANUARY 21 CSS Slopestyle #2 - Sports Illustrated Next X Qualifier 28 Bud Light / Gatorade GS Race #3 28 CSS Slopestyle Series #3 @ Dodge Ridge February 5 Superbowl Sunday 10-12 M.A.S. Telemark Festival 11 Bud Light / Gatorade GS Races #4 & #5 25-26 Special Olympics Bear Valley


***

***
Trip Advisor


This week's special deals:
* Switzerland: Book Now - Pay on Check Out!, Venere.com Buying Direct Means Lower Price

Article: "Traversing the Alps, realm of the gods," Los Angeles Times (free registration required) Description: Full service ski huts have allowed back-country skiers to make an arduous journey through rough terrain a little easier.



***
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Snow Report fro January 31, 2006 New Snow (past 24 hours): 6:00am
12" @ Upper-Mountain
10" @ Mid-Mountain

Snow Depth:
99" @ Upper-Mountain
100" @ Mid-Mountain
Total Snowfall(season to-date):
355" @ Upper-Mountain
310" @ Mid-Mountain
The world is inverted, and I've lost count. Powder days are threatening to outnumber their snowless brethren. 12 inches of heroic possibility this morning, so forget the snooze button. Click on the headlamp, amass your gear, fire up the car, down an extra coffee or two or three, and slot yourself in line. With the bases as high as they've been in recent history, the mountain is primed and waiting. Don't hesitate. This is what we live for.
Jackson Hole

Late Edition

Snow alert for Beaver Creek
Snow alert for Big Sky Montana
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb B.C.
Snow alert for Crystal Wa.
Snow alert for Tahoe Basin, Alpine,Homewood, Sugarbowl & Squaw Snow Alert for Kirkwood


***
Whistler Blackcomb
Snowing lightly to the village, tapering to flurries this afternoon. Accumulation of 5-10cm expected Tonight more flurries with an acc. of 2-4cm. Tuesday acc of 15-20. Events
27-29 Chinese New Year 29 Master's Race Series - GS
Regularly Events Daily
(Wed-Sat) 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
Weekly LUNA Alternative Nighttime Events

Want more whistler Info? Whistler Blackcomb

***
Habuka 47 Japan
Monday, January 16, 2006 17:18:24 Blue sky.
There are mountains covered with white snow. People are enjoying their skis or snowboards and their time of sun]bathing in the nature. Manager is working outside and correcting all the nets and poles that were used for Inter College GS Competitions

FIRST TRACKS

First Spur / First Track and Breakfast First Spurs / First Tracks offers early birds a breakfast, early loading privileges and a guide. Upload to 1450m above the sea level on Hakuba47 between 7:30am and 8:30am. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, strech yourself and ski / snowboard down to the bottom. Approximate lift rides will be 1 gondola and 2 quad lift during the tour

Vertical: 856 m Longest Run: 6.4 Km (R-1) Skiable Terrain: 32 hectares+Hakuba Goryu & Iimori Developed Area: 120 hectares+Hakuba Goryu & Iimori Habuka 47

***
Big Sky
Weather: We should see snow flurries throughout the day with winds gusting out of the SW. Temperature: 28° to 16° (Fahrenheit) Wind: gusty from South West New Overnight Snow: 1" Snow Fall past 24hrs: 2" Snow Fall past 48hrs: 7" Base Snow Depth: 54-83" Surface Conditions: Powder, packed powder, machine groomed Terrain Open: 100%
Big Sky

***
SteamBoat
"Eight inches mid, ten at the summit," was my mantra as I left the house before dawn and waded out into the shin deep snow. Having your car in the shop is no excuse for missing a powder morning. Fortunately, the first car stopped for my outstretched thumb, and I made it to the Gondola with time to spare. Celebrity guest rider, Ryan Zeller and I drooled as we looked out the Gondola window at the freshness of Lower Valley View. We then watched the groomer roll the last strip of Heavenly Daze before the Doors opened to let us out. Game on!

Some early morning trees off the edge of Huffman's were our first taste of the day's bounty. The wind had blown it a bit, but there were still stashes everywhere. On Sundown Express we could see the imprint from where last night's wind had blown the snow and the piles where it landed. On High Noon, I felt like a teenager learning to drive a stick shift: rev, stall, rev, stall, woops, fall. It felt a lot like my rookie year. When we entered One O'Clock, we found the right side to be the most consistent. Thigh-deep-grin-inducing-nothing-else- I'd-rather-be-doing-fun. We finished up our Sundown runs with a freshly-groomed Rolex which offered the same inconsistent depth. Once again, the right edge of the run was smoothest. Finally, we decided to get a taste of lower Mountain with upper and Lower Valley View. It felt more consistent down there, and the grin is still frozen on my face.
Do some exploring today to find your run of choice.
New Snow last 24 hrs at mid-mountain: 8"
New Snow last 24 hrs at the summit: 10"
New Snow last 48 hrs at mid-mountain: 14"
New Snow last 72 hrs at mid-mountain: 15"
Settled Snow Depth Base at mid-mountain: 73"
Settled Snow Depth Base at the summit: 96"

Steamboat

***
Dragon & Phoenix Mountain China
Project Description: The Longfeng Mountain Scenic Zone is located at the west of the Zhangguangcai Mountain of the Changbai Mountains to the southeast of Wuchang City. The total planning area is 1840 km2. The area for tourism development is 240 km2 including 45 km2 of water area. The Zone is of easy access, 50 km from Wuchang city proper and 165 km from Harbin. The Zone will be divided into 6 sections. The construction of these 6 sections is as follows: (1) Service Section: total area: 4 km2, build a hotel of 18000 m2, a parking lot of 10000 m2. (2) Lake Scenic Area: total area: 8 km2, build an amusement park, 2 docks, etc. (3) Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain Scenic Area: total area: 12 km2, build Phoenix Mountain Villa, cableway, etc. (4) Chaofeng Resort and Fenghuang Tour Tourism Area: total area 31 km2, build ski runs, villas, and road around lake. Further translation not available


***
Kirkwood
9-13" of NEW SNOW! 205-355" of snowfall this season to date.

This is what Deep looks like in California

Expedition & OUT BACK
Saturday, January 21st, 10AM. While the rest of Kirkwood’s guests were busy picking their lines from the chair lift, nine lucky individuals were climbing aboard Kirkwood’s brand new 12 passenger snowcat, about to ski 18 inches of fresh cold powder on the inaugural cat skiing expedition to Martin Point and Two Sentinels.
A coveted area beyond the Palisades at the northern edge of Kirkwood’s Special Use Permit (SUP), Martin Point is known for great snow long after the storm and offers 1,300 feet of consistent pitch, with great fall line runs through trees, open bowls and gullies filled deep with soft powder. Previously accessible only by a long traverse and uphill hike, Expedition: Kirkwood now services Martin Point by snowcat, offering adventurous guests the quintessential powder skiing experience… deep powder runs, time to explore at your own pace and deluxe transportation that makes the trip to the top of the mountain as much fun as the ride down.
As the cat breaks through the trees to the ridgeline that leads to Martin Point in one direction and Two Sentinels in the other, it offers incredible 360˚ views of the entire Kirkwood Valley, as well as landmark peaks such as Mt. Tallac, Freel Peak and Round Top. Experienced guides take the guess work out of getting down, ensuring all guests have plenty of options for fresh powder turns. From the cat ride up to the boundless lines down, Martin Point Powder Cat Tours is a guaranteed good time and a definite memory maker.
Open to skiers and riders, strong intermediate and up. Four runs per expedition (approximately 2.5 hours). For the current status of lift operations, road conditions and up-to-the-minute snowfall
Kirkwood

***
BEAVER CREEK
Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge have 100% of their terrain open, and Vail is at 99%. Between the four mountains, there are nearly 12,000 acres open for your skiing and riding pleasure with plenty of fresh lines and tracks just waiting to be discovered Snow 10 " IN 24 HOURS
17 " IN THE LAST WEEK ALONE

Vail Resorts Management Company
Vail 3" 63"

Beaver Creek 4" 58"
Breckenridge 5" 69"
Keystone 5" 65"
Heavenly 2" 113"


***
SUN Valley
4 inches of new snow as of 4 p.m. and still snowing at Sun Valley.
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." The Count’s enthusiasm spread to Harriman, who rushed to join the Count, and within days purchased 4,300 acres of what was soon to become Sun Valley.
SUN VALLEY RECEIVES PLATINUM CHOICE AWARD
Sun Valley Resort has been recognized by SMART MEETINGS as one of only 100 properties in the Western United States, Canada Sister resort
SNOWBASIN Home to the Winter Olympics 2002 Downhill, Snowbasin offers nonstop skiing on a daily basis with runs for various skill levels. Located just 40 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport, Snowbasin is a must for any dedicated skier. Experience 3,200 acres of skiable terrain and a 3,400 foot total vertical drop. Snowboarders are welcome as well. Contact the Concierge for information concerning Ski Packages.
Sun VAlley

***
US sKI TEAM NEWS SUMMARIES
Nyman 4th on Rugged Kandahar Downhill
Mancuso Fifth in Cortina GS Kearney 2nd, Roark 4th Under Madonna Lights Mancuso-Kildow 2-3 in Cortina Super G PARK CITY, Utah (Jan. 27) - Tyler Jewell (Sudbury, MA) will remain on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team. An arbitrator in Denver Friday denied a challenge brought by 2002 Olympic medalist Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) over selection criteria for the parallel giant slalom team and instead upheld USSA's interpretation and application of the criteria.
"Arbitration is a very important part of the Olympic athletic selection process," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) President and CEO Bill Marolt.
Jewell had been nominated to the team based upon the higher average of his two best World Cup points results earned during the selection period. Klug questioned the interpretation, arguing that his 15th and 16th place World Cup finishes were better results than Jewell's 9th and 24th place finishes. The arbitrator determined that USSA's use of World Cup points was valid and well understood by the athletes.
Given the overall stronger results in all other snowboard disciplines, the selection criteria allowed only one spot to USSA in men's parallel giant slalom within the IOC-mandated overall team size of 16.
"Both Chris and Tyler are outstanding, world-class athletes and either would be a great Olympian," said USSA's Vice President of Athletics Alan Ashley. "We greatly respect Chris for his accomplishments in the sport." USSA - Us Ski & Snowboard Teams

X Games results
Rather than direct you to corp sponsor, have a look at Home town section of Aspen Times
RESULTS
Men's snowboard superpipe - part 1 results
Moto X - Best Trick, part 1
Snocross
Best Trick - Skiing, men's
Women's skier X - consolation results
Men's skier X - consolation

Aspen Times
I regret I was not able to secure reprinting rights.This is not to deminish the significance for the X games,
I just didn't get it done!

Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb
Snow alert for Crystal Wa. Snow alert for Tahoe Basin, Alpine,Homewood, Sugarbowl Squaw Snow alert for Nevada Heavenly Valley
Snow Alert for Utah, Snowbird, Alta Snow Basin
Snow Alert for Japan
PART A



***
Chamonix Fr
30th January 2006 Les Grands Montets top station is OPEN
LIfts Open
AIGUILLE DU MIDI téléphérique Chamonix - Plan de l’Aiguille AIGUILLE DU MIDI téléphérique Plan de l’Aiguille - Aiguille du Midi PANORAMIQUE DU MONT-BLANC télécabine Aiguille du Midi à la Pointe Helbronner FUNIVIE DEL MONTE BIANCO téléphérique La Palud - Pavillon FUNIVIE DEL MONTE BIANCO téléphérique Pavillon - Rifugio Torino - Pointe Helbronner MONTENVERS - MER DE GLACE train à crémaillère Chamonix - Montenvers GRANDS MONTETS téléphérique Argentière - Croix de Lognan GRANDS MONTETS téléphérique Croix de Lognan - Les Grands Montets DOMAINE DE BALME - LE TOUR télécabine Le Tour - Charamillon DOMAINE DE BALME - LE TOUR télésiège Charamillon - Col de Balme DOMAINE DE BALME - LE TOUR télécabine Vallorcine - Tête de Balme FLEGERE téléphérique Les Praz - La Flégère FLEGERE télésiège La Flégère - L’Index BREVENT télécabine Chamonix - Planpraz BREVENT téléphérique Planpraz - Brévent PLANARDS télésiège Chamonix - Les Planards BOSSONS télésiège Les Bossons - le Glacier BELLEVUE téléphérique Les Houches - Bellevue PRARION télécabine Les Houches - Le Prarion TRAMWAY DU MONT-BLANC train à crémaillère Le Fayet - Bellevue - Nid d’aigle
This timetable is kept up to date by the Chamonix Tourist Office
Exceptional vertical drops, famous pistes and tremendous glacier skiing have given the Grands-Montets its prestigeous reputation. A resort of international renown due to the extent and variety of its itineraries. The geographical situation plus snow canons on the lower slopes permit the ski area to remain open until the beginning of May. EVENTS
Gay-Couttet’s photographs: a testimonial of a century in Chamonix from 1880 to 1980, 5 generations, a family history…… Approximately 400 photos have been selected and sorted by theme; a century’s evolution viewed from every angle.
Chamonix

***
Wild Cat
5-8" of new snow opened a bunch of terrain on the Cat - 15 trails opened today! (back up from 26 to 40 trails!). Granted many trails are open on thin cover, so you want to keep a watch where you're going . . . but it's just what we needed to get some meat back on the bones! This snow had some body to it, so it's here to stay! Snow is in the forecast all week as well, so if your throat is feeling a little scratchy . . . there's good medicine for that up here in Pinkham Notch! (wink, wink --- this isn't about sitting around a pot of lemon & honey tea!). WildCat

***
Sugarloaf
Open trails: 76
Open lifts: 9
Grooming: 52
Miles: 32.47
Acres: 384.43
Primary Surface: Packed Powder/Machine Groomed
Secondary Surface: Powder
Coming soon: THREE Maine Days this week!

The 4 inches of snow we received last night will be groomed out on 52 trails tonight, making for some excellent packed powder conditions. But you should still be able to find some powder on the sides tomorrow.

We'll have 76 trails open and nine lifts scheduled to run. We saw little or no wind today, and we can expect the same tomorrow, so that fresh snow should stay where it is.
Mother nature's timing with this new snow couldn't be more perfect. We have decided to extend our Maine Days this week to include Tuesday and Thursday, as well as the usual Wednesday. Maine residents can ski for $26 per day. And if you want to ski all three days, and I highly suggest that you do, we have some impressive ski and stay packages for Mainers.
Sugarloaf

***

Check with your favorite resort for special offers.
For those in Asia, Europe, New Zealand & Canada
Support Your National team


***
Panorama
Groomed to cruise ,...
Recent snowfalls, left more than 60 cms of fresh snow on the slopes, and Panorama's groomers are in supreme condition. Long, wide runs like Skyline off the Champagne Express and Heaven Can Wait on the Sunbird Chair are groomed to Panorama perfection and will leave you looking for more.
Panorama

***
Sun Peaks
Today’s Forecast: Snow easing to a few flurries in the morning. Accumulation 3 to 5 centimetres. High minus 5. Winds southwest 25 to 35 km/h. Extended Outlook: Scattered flurries on Wednesday with a weak trough of low pressure lying over the Southern Interior. A ridge of high pressure should give some sunshine and less chance of flurries on Thursday. Sun Peaks

Snow Alert For Whistler BC
Snow alert for Tahoe basin down to Mammoth Mountain
Snow In Washington


*** Due to technical issues some of this weeks earlier entries were deleted and reposted on the end of todays broadcast. Script resizing forced a column to bottom-out ,..... of page. :-(

Moving on.... Squaw
Silverado surprised us Monday with its winter opening. We can look forward to many more fresh and fun days enjoying her steep terrain, bowls and cliffs that make this area so special.
Squaw Valley has been receiving some small storms over the past couple days leaving us with 6 inches of new snow this morning and more forecast through Saturday. This weekend we have fun activities for the entire family including snow tubing, ice skating, rock climbing walls, the Sky Jump and all the dining and world-class shopping you can handle.



THIS WEEKEND AT SQUAW FRIDAY: Sam Adams Humane Society Benefit & Party. 7pm at Bar One. Pets available for adoption. FRIDAY: Craig Beck's Day Dreams DVD Release Party at Zenbu. $5. 8pm. SATURDAY: The original Apre Ski Party at Bar One 4-7pm. DJs, drink specials and much more. SATURDAY & SUNDAY:Live apre music in the Village with Jeff Jones 2-4pm FREE weather permitting
Squaw Valley got KT?

***
Crystal
5 inches of dry, light snow in 24 hours, 7 inches in the past 48 hours. Date: Friday, January 27, 2006 Time: 7:30am Weather: It has been snowing throughout the nite and is expected to stick around today!
Base Temperature: 24 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 73 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 5 inches Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 7 inches
Summit Temperature: 18 degrees
Summit Snow Depth: 111 inches
Summit New Snow Fall 24hrs: 5 inches
Summit New Snow Fall 48hrs: 7 inches
For all other mountain information visit us at
Crystal

***
Cortina d'Ampezzo- Italy

Weather conditions Mostly sunny, slightly cloudy
Temperature top 09:00 -14
Temperature base 09:00 -9
Depth of snow top 100
Depth of snow base 40
Last snowfall 1 January 2006
Wind force gentle breeze (gale force 3)
wind direction north
Conditions slopes Powdery, corn snow

General:
Cortina D'Ampezzo Welcomes The Olympic Torch Relay
On day 48 of the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic flame has reached the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Tomorrow, the Olympic flame will continue its journey by travelling to the town of Merano.
From the 18th to the 29th of Jan.06 the Olympia slope will be closed due to the Alpine World Ski Cup. Not to be missed the celebration of the 1956's Olympics from 19th to 26th January.
Cortina Cortina d'Ampezzo Dolomiti Organization


***
U.S. Ski Team Day Did you know that Feb. 10-11 is U.S. Ski Team Day? Visit a participating local resort to kickoff the Olympics and help support the Team. Simply click usskiteamday.com to find a resort near you. You'll get a free U.S. Ski Team Day pin just for skiing!



Great discount on Olympic Pin
The 2006 Olympic Pin features the famous U.S. Ski Team shield, the team's Best in the World! mantra and the five Olympic rings. As a special offer to Members, we'd like to offer you $5 off the pin (in addition to your 10% Membership discount). Use coupon code PIN1017 at checkout. Thanks for supporting the Team
USSA

***
IOC news release
Torino 2006 set to break Olympic Winter Games broadcast records
The Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games are expected to be the most watched Winter Games in history, according to a pre-Games broadcast report commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and prepared by Sports Marketing Surveys. Increased free-to-air coverage in Africa and Asia will see the number of countries and territories broadcasting the Games rise from 160 for the 2002 Salt Lake Games to 200 for Torino 2006. Moreover, new media initiatives, including the first-time use of mobile telephony, will offer sports fans greater choice of viewing experience.
The report indicates that 84 per cent of broadcasters (responding to the pre-Games survey) will increase coverage of the Games; two-thirds will increase their live coverage; one third will increase their prime time coverage; and almost one third will be using new innovative broadcast techniques. Hours of coverage:

NBC’s 416 hours of broadcasting in the United States will include the most live coverage across the most platforms of any Olympic Winter Games, including the Salt Lake Games, and include the most high-definition availability of any Olympic Games.

***
Mammoth Mountain Ca.
The storm expected to roll in today looks like it's going to hold out until tomorrow. We should see clear skies for most of the day with gusty winds and temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Wind and weather permitting, we are expecting all lifts to operate with the exception of 7, 20 and 26.

With a 12-14 foot base and 144 inches of new snow this month, January has been epic! There are great deals every midweek with rockin' events to go along. We'll be hosting a scavenger hunt on the mountain next Thursday, February 2nd with first prize being a 2006/2007 Mammoth Season Pass. Now that would be EPIC!
Mountain Conditions
=================== Main Lodge Temp : 18.6 degrees
Skies : clear
Winds : gusty
Daytime Temps : 30s

Base Depth : 12-14 feet
Mammoth Mountain

***
Olympiv venues revisited
Sarajevo
In 1984, the Winter Games took place in a Socialist country for the first and only time. The people of Sarajevo gained high marks for their hospitality, and there was no indication of the tragic war that would engulf the city only a few years later. Skier Jure Franko brought joy to the host nation by earning Yugoslavia’s first Winter Olympics medal : a silver in the giant slalom. Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen won all three individual cross-country races for women. In speed skating, Gaétan Boucher and Karin Enke each won two gold medals. Biathlete Eirik Kvalfoss earned a complete set of medals. Twin brothers Phil and Steve Mahre took first and second place in the slalom. The highlight of the figure skating competitions was the free dance performance of Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean. Their interpretation of Ravel’s Bolero earned across-the-board perfect scores for artistic impression.

Olympic Organization

***
Homewood Mountain Resort
From Lake Tahoe's west shore
We still have a small and very limited number of $99 Value Day passes left, but they won't be around much longer. Don’t miss this great opportunity to become a part of the Homewood family! You can purchase your pass in person at the guest services office, over the phone at 530.525.2992
Events
Jan 28th - Sierra League - Slalom
Jan 29th - Sierra League - G.S.

FEBRUARY
Feb 2-3 - Women's Edventures
Feb 4-5 - Women's Edventures
Feb 4th - Open League - Clinic
Feb 11th - Singles League - G.S.
Feb 12th - Tahoe League - G.S.
Feb 14th - Lovers Cup Race
Feb 18-20 - Presidents Weekend

Homewood Mountain Resort
on Lake Tahoe's west shore


***
French Connection
…No snow alert from pyrénées... but good weather for Freeride film festival... Good jury: Isabel MIR, bruno Compagnet, Serge Vitelli, Bernard Crépel, ivan Killich, greg Poissonnier for skiers and snowborders... Good movies with big production and homemade movies... The results :


Flocon du Meilleur Film 2006 / best movies : the Tangerine Dream Flocon de la Meilleure Prise de Vue 2006 / best shooting : White Shine Flocon du Meilleur Rider 2006 : Candide Thovex in Pull Up Flocon du Prix Spécial du Public 2006 « La Dépêche du Midi » et « La Nouvelle République » : White Spirit (pyreneen freeride) Flocon de l’Esprit Freeride 2006 / freeride spirit : Un millième des Alpes ( alps freeride)
While waiting for the snow... Bye Sylvain
Sylvain’s page
Ski Movie with no name.He's working on it !

***
Val d’Isère
The Laisinant Express : a brand new way to get to the slopes. 33 years after the opening of the Iseran sector, the resort now boasts another brand new access to the slopes from an area which had never been equipped with a lift. A new detachable 6 seater chair lift will be inaugurated in December 2005. Its cost : 4.3 million €. This chairlift will take on some of the central Solaise Express traffic. Skiers staying in the Laisinant area can use this lift to get to the Fornet and Solaise sectors. After having skied the fabulous L or Mattis runs, no need to take the free shuttle to get back to the slopes. Environment is also taken into account. The commune of Val d’Isère has signed an agreement with the National Alpine Botanic Conservator in order to make an inventory of all protected species and to ensure their replanting if necessary. The agreement signed between the STVI and the Vanoise National Park makes provision for the counting of the royal eagles and black grouse nesting within proximity of the lift over the next 7 years.
Host to the Albertville Olympic events
Val d’Isère

***
Olympic venues revisited SAPPORO 1972

XI Olympic Winter Games

The 1972 Sapporo Games in Japan were the first to be held outside Europe or the United States. The subject of amateurism stirred controversy when skier Karl Schranz was banned for receiving payment from ski product manufacturers, but full-time ice hockey players from Communist nations were allowed to compete. Galina Kulakova of the USSR won all three cross-country skiing events for women. Ard Schenk of the Netherlands took three golds in speed skating. In Alpine skiing, little-known Marie-Thérès Nadig of Switzerland won both the downhill and the giant slalom. Norway’s Magnar Solberg won the 20km race to become the first repeat winner in an individual biathlon event. Before the Sapporo Games, Japan had never won a gold medal in the Winter Olympics, but in the normal hill ski jumping event, three Japanese jumpers, led by Yukio Kasaya, swept the medals.

Zakopane Poland
Zakopane is a charming town at the foot of Tatra Mountains. Zakopane is situated in southern Poland. It's a city with almost 30 000 inhabitants situated at 800 meters above sea level. The best place for skiing, snowboarding and mountains clibing (what's more cheap). You can buy there some souvenirs from highlanders, including famous cheese "Oscypek". It's a very nice town with its own history and culture . Zakopane

***
Not to forget, ...the photo above is from Ski Dubai. Dubai is the newest
Indoor snow dome. Hit the link located in the snow domes section of Endless Winter to learn more OR
have a look at Snow 365 Patrick T. over in the UK follows the indoor snow scene globally and we share info about dry slopes and snow domes.

Reminder: To find information on a resort or topic enter search term into
"Search this Blog" Field at the top of this page





Closed this weekend 1/28-29/ 2006
Gone skiing !

Skiing in China
THE CHINA EXPAT WINTER SKI GUIDE 2005[ By Chris Devonshire-Ellis ]

IntroductionChina skiing is still very much in it’s infancy, however it’s only going to get more popular and now is a good time to get off the beaten track, live a little, and find out what’s REALLY going out there. But first of all, some points to bear in mind: 1) This ain’t Whistler. Expect a low standard of accommodation – warm and dry, but not much in the way of luxuries. 2) The Chinese are not yet aware of ski etiquette. Keep an eye on what’s going on behind you as well as what’s going on in front. 3) Yes, he probably will propel himself off that run with no lessons. Look out…4) -20 means icy snow, so use your ski edges.5) China is where all the moguls expelled from Europe and the States come to live. 6) Some trails can be very icy and run through narrow paths amongst dense woods, so don’t do a Sonny Bono. 7) Thermal underwear – you’ll need it. The Resorts: Yabuli / Beidahu / Changbaishan / Erlongshan / Lijiang / Mulan / Alshan / Beijing CHINA SKI REVIEW : YABULI, Nr. HARBIN, HEILONGJIANGYabuli used to be the royal hunting ground in the Manchurian Qing Dynasty. Covering an area about 23 square km, the resort is China’s largest ski area with best facility, and the home to the China Olympic Ski team. As China’s premier ski resort, Yabuli has a number of quality down hill and country trails, ranging from runs for new skiers to highly challenging ones, some of which are comparable with those in North America and Switzerland. In addition, the resort has new runs being planned. Yabuli also has the longest Tobaggan run in the world. In 1996, the resort was chosen to host the 3rd Asian Winter Games, which was proved a success. Windmill Village has normal comfortable hotel rooms and villas. The resort is not only famous as a ski resort in China but also renowned for its scenic beauty. It was granted National Park status in 1993. The ski center, located 195 kilometers north of Harbin, the provincial capital, boasts a 3,000 meter-long ski run, the largest of its kind in the country. It is also the largest ski training center and the venue for the annual China International Ski Festival and the annual meeting of the China Entrepreneurs’ Forum. Ski equipment is available for rental at the center.Getting There : Flight to Harbin, then a 2 hour drive West, or 1 hour on the train. The resort also picks up from downtown Harbin hotels. BEIDAHU, Nr. CHANGCHUN, JILIN Beidahu Ski Resort is located in Songhuahu Lake Nature Reserve, and was built in June 1993. It covers 17.5 square kms, hosting alpine ski trails, cross-country skiing trails and ski jumping (diving) platforms, free style skiing area for almost all levels of skier. Skiers can also enjoy downhill, freestyle, jumping, heliski, slalom, alpine, and cross country ski. 10 snow making machines with lifts are sited here, the course is also regularly used for skiing competitions and is Yabuli’s main competitor. Profile Best Season for skiing : 01Nov to 01Apr. Altitude : 1400 Meters Resort area : 1750 hectares Lifts : 6Trails : 6 (one cross-country cycle trail) Total trails length : 20000meters. Skiable trails : 30hectares. Platform : 4 Trail slope : range from 32° to 4° Trail width : range from 20-60M Skiable days : 140days Average temperature in winter : -10.2 Snowboards : Yes Ski Training Center : Yes Ski school & instruction : Yes Snow making machine : 10 Snow groomers : 2 Skiing market : for adventure, advanced, expert, intermediate and beginners; race and competition.ProfileVertical Drop : 3,600’Top Elevation : 4,122’Lifts : 9Terrain : 20% 30% 30% 20%Trails : 11Skiable Acres : 1,500 (plus snowcat skiing, slides, horse and sleigh)Annual snowfall : 300”Nordic : 5 km groomedSnowboards : YesHours : 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM dailyNight Skiing : Until 10:00 PM dailyForeign Instructors : Yes, also decent nursery slopesInformation : 86-451-3455088Lodging : 86-451-3455088Snow conditions : 86-451-121E-mail : info@yabuliski.comWeb Site : www.yabuliski.com CHINA SKI REVIEW Beidahu: Trails & Platform : (Follows not opened to the public all, some for Professional Training )Platform : W90m, W50m, W20m and one freestyle. Skiing cost : From 30USD/dayGetting There :To either Changchun or Jilin airports, then taxi - about 1.5 hours from Jilin City, and 3 hours from Changchun.Contacts: Tel: 0432-4202 023, http://beidahu.gotojilin.com/, www.beidahuski.com (under development), beidahuski@163.com CHINA SKI REVIEW CHANGBAISHAN, JILIN Located in the primitive forests of Changbeishan Nature Reserve, Jilin province, this is an increasingly developed resort, with alt 1640 to 1820M. There are two trails with lengths of 3000M total for mountain skiing, off piste about 5000M, one cable car about 600M. Entrance fee for the Reserve, 5USD/p.p. Skiing cost, from 30USD/day.Changbaishan is also Koreas’s most sacred mountain, and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Make sure you stay on the Chinese border though – that is North Korea on the other side, a hapless Brit went trekking at Changbaishan five years ago and ended up spending six weeks detained at Kim Il-Jong’s pleasure until he could be diplomatically released. Good story down at the piste bar though. Profile Getting There :Flight to Yanji, then by airport transfer or private car to Changbaishan, about 3 hours. Contacts : Tel : 0433-5746 088Standard Alpine TrailsTrail No.Duration for skiingCategoryLengthWidthSlopeMark115Beginner9046010°-15°Platform 0.5M, night available220Intermediate14044025°3Adventure150020Naturally terrain & condition425Beginner1691506°530Advanced12496032°-40°Cross-country trail: 1 cycle, 10000meters.Better Season for skiing : 01Nov to 01May. Top alt : 1820M Base alt : 1640M Lifts : 1X600MTotal trails : 4 Alpine trails : 2, total length 3000meters with drop 130meters.Terrain or cross country trail and winter : 2 trails, 5000meters in length through primitive forests. captivity for free style : 100persons. Snowboards : Yes Ski Training Center : Yes Ski instruction : Yes Accommodation : 400beds CHINA SKI REVIEW ERLONGSHAN : ERLONGSHAN, HEILONGJIANG Erlongshan or Longzhu (dragon pearl) Ski Resort, is located about 60KM west to Harbin, the capital of Helongjiang Province. Built in 1999, the top altitude is 266 meters while the resort covers some 780000sq meters, with 8 trails for beginner, middle and advanced skiers, with 6 trails totaling 5600 meters for alpine skiers with slopes range from 3° to 30°. Snow cover is about 170 days. Accommodation for 800 persons with ski equipment for rental, and China and Western restaurants. Ski cost from 50USD/day.Getting There :Flight to Harbin, then 1 hour by taxi or bus. Contacts :Tel : 0451-5790 8333, www.longzhuski.net, longzhu@longzhuski.net JADE DRAGON MOUNTAIN, LIJIANG, YUNNANLijiang is a beautiful destination anyway during the winter, sited in the Himalayan foothills half way to Tibet. It’s overshadowed by the huge Jade Dragon Mountain, which can be reached by bus and has a cable car route to the summit also. The skiing here is off piste and you’ll need to bring your own gear. It’s also not really encouraged. The snow however was powdery – unusual in China where most of it falls in more frigid areas north of Beijing – but there is a lack of marked trails and wed strongly recommend you are an experienced off-piste skier before tackling these mountains. The trail also includes a couple of rock faces so be careful. The altitude here is about 3,500 meters. Getting There : Lijiang is reached by plane from Kunming, plenty of cheap backpacker accommodation in town amongst the traditional Naxi low rise dwellings, get let off at the old town and walk in a little way (no cars) to find the best deals. Taxi’s or buses will take you to the mountain. This is do-it-yourself so good luck ! MULAN, CHENGDELocated in Chengdu, and previously an Imperial royal hunting area, Mulan (also known as Saihanba ski resort) has an altitude of about 1600meters, built in 1997, covering an area of 1600mu, for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. We haven’t visited but our Beijing friends tell us it is worth checking out. Skiing cost: 70USD/dayGetting There : Train, 4 hours from Beijing Contacts : Tel : 0314-7802 222 ALSHAN, INNER MONGOLIA Alshan Ski Resort is located in Alshan city, Inner Mongolia, close to the boundary of China - Mongolia, surrounded by primitive forests, with the resort covering some 10KM². There are average snowing periods of 180days from Nov to Apr with soft Winds, while the resort contains mainly country and alpine trails.This resort if also reaches downtown Alshan, there are two main trails, the western hill area covers 5.5KM² for competition and training and is professionally maintained, mainly for country skiing with 1500, 2000, 2500, 4000, 5000 trails, and the eastern hill area covers 4KM² for alpine ski and snow entertainment. Every December Alshan holds an Ice & Snow Festival. It’s a pretty resort and a lot of fun if you’re looking to get off the track a bit.Getting There : It’s 200 clicks from either Ulanhot or Hulunbel airports.Contacts : Tel : 0482-7126 669Total ski area : 78 hectares Top alt : 266Meters. Trail : 6 Total trail length : 5600meters Trails slopes : 3° to 30° Snow making machines : 2 Snow groomers : 1 Accommodation : 800beds Skiing market : tourist skiing and entertainment for beginners. CHINA SKI REVIEW BEIJING: BEIJING There are a number of resorts popular amongst Beijingers just an hour or so out of the city. They are basic, but can have long runs and are well equipped with snow blowers etc for a quick fix. These are the best:NanshanLocated in Miyun county, Beijing, about 80Km from downtown, the Nanshan Ski Village, has assorted trails, some 3000 pairs of skiing equipment for rental, and over 150 snow-boards. With 1318 meters of Toboggan Runs, crossing 9 highs, one bridge, and 5 jumping segments, it has a skiing school with 40 international instructors. The resort itself boasts of 8 trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, and the first Halfpipe of international standard as well as the China first Mogul’s advanced trail, and the first snow football ground for six players. Accomodation is available in the ski resort at Shirton Villas, which has 24 double rooms all equipped with fireplace, and at the Nanshan Skiing Club.Cost : USD 50 per day. Contacts : Tel : 010-6445 0990, www.nanshanski.com, nanshan66@hotmail.com Saibei We haven’t skied this but we’ve seen it from afar and heard some good reports. Built : 1995 Location : Zhangjiakou, Hebei province. 270KM to Beijing Alt : 1600-2000meters. Skiing time : Dec to Mar Trails : 10 Total trail length : 7000meters for begginers, intermediate and advanced skiers One trail for Beginner : 2800MX8-10M Skiing capacity : 1000persons Lift : yes Groomer : yes Snow maker : yes Instructor : yes Accommodation : 300persons/night Travel : Beijing-Xuanhua-Zhangjiakou by car 4-5hours. Skiing cost : 60USD/dayContacts : Tel : 010-6442 3873, www.saibeiski.com, sales@saibeiski.comHuaibeiIs located at the Jiugukou natural scenic spot, 70Km from Beijing, about 1hour driving by private car, and is also known as being the part of Jiabianlou - the only rectangle tower of the Great Wall. Huaibei is the biggest ski resort in Beijing with the longest run, covering in total more than 30,000sprare meters. The ski trails at Huaibei International Ski Resort are more than 3,100 meters long in total, with a drop elevation of 238 meters. The ski trails are made up of two advanced trails & two intermediate trails, and another four beginner’s tracks. The cableway is 1,200 meters in total. Contacts : Tel :010-6966 1177, www.hbski.com, hbski@hbski.com

Snow alert for Alyeska
Snow alert for Finland
Snow Alert For Wildcat
Sunscreen alert for Torino
BEST SNOW IN 20 YEARS. SUN VALLEY, ID….... With a total natural snowfall of 177 inches on Baldy, (150% of average for December and January), Sun Valley is boasting some of the best snow and skiing in 20 years. A special package, the “Idaho Special” has been created so more skiers can take advantage of the great snow at a great price. The package begins Sunday, January 29, and runs through Thursday, February 2, 2006, offering one night’s lodging at the resort and two lift tickets for only $94.50 per person, per night based on double occupancy. For more information and reservations, call 800-786-8259. Sun Valley


***
Big Sky
New Overnight Snow: trace"
Snow Fall past 24hrs: 1"
Snow Fall past 48hrs: 5"
Base Snow Depth: 54-82"
Surface Conditions: Powder, packed powder, and machine groomed runs with more than a foot and a half of fluffy snow at the top. Terrain Open: 100%
Big Sky

***
Panorama's
Taynton is fully open! RK Heliski captured some great shots of Taynton Bowl, Panorama's backcountry style terrain. It's steep, it's deep and it's 100% open - there are still fresh lines from our recent snowfall of more than 60 cms. Check out runs like B 1st or Heli-High. Panorama

***
WildCat 4-6" of New Snow at Wildcat
From Pinkham Notch-- it's been awhile, we know! We received 4-6 inches of new snow today & it looks, feels, and tastes just PURRRRFECT! Snow is in the forecast through Thursday this week (currently!), so rearrange your schedule . . . or do your conference calls from the summit . . . no one has to know you're wearing hat & goggles & we won't tell a soul! Tomorrow is going to be GORGEOUS!

***
Alyeska Alaska
6" of new snow at the base, 11"
at midway and 10" of new snow at the top. Looks like it is going to be
a great day at Alyeska! You should definitely come check it out! The ski hotline phone (754-7669) is not working today as well as all the phone lines on the mountainside at Alyeska Resort. The phone company is working on the problem and they should be up and running in a few hours. The chairlifts will open on time today and the hours are 10:30am-5:30pm.
For a full report of current conditions at Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort

***
Sugarloaf
It's been snowing since mid-morning, and a nice layer of fluff is forming on the trails. We will probably see a couple of inches from this storm, and another system is expected to pass through on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Today was great with temps in the mid-20's and no wind. Snowmakers were out yesterday with their guns on King's Landing and Hayburner, Skidder, Sluice and Whiffletree. The groomers were also working all night and did a great job of softening up the snow. They'll be out on 49 trails again tonight, and we'll have 56 trails open in all tomorrow. We'll also plan to have nine lifts running.
We weren't able to have the Dummy Downhill contest today, but that has been tentatively rescheduled for Friday. But the rest of the White White World Week events will carry on as scheduled. We'll celebrate tonight with the Blues and Brews roaring 20s costume party at the Bag and Kettle. Tomorrow we will have the Silly Slalom race at the Race Arena from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Après Ski will be at Gepetto's, and Tufulio's will host the cross-dressing party. And don't forget that lift tickets are just $35 Monday through Friday, and ski and stay packages start at just $59 all week. For more details go to Sugarloaf

***
Val Gardina Italy
Events 21th January 2006 until 04th February 2006
22.01.2006 - S. Cristina Val Gardena Ciasp 25.01.2006 - Ortisei Arriving of the Olympic torch - Torino 2006 31.01.2006 - Selva Gardena
Exhibition by the Alpine Horns 03.02.2006 - Ortisei Music entertainment by the group "De Cater" more events... Val Gardina

***
Squaw Valley
I heard a patroller rumor ……cough cough ! ! Silverado chair at Squaw started today ( Mon ) Silverado has some really interesting Black Diamond terrain The roll- over of Hanging garden, Jimmy’s stump farm off of Broken Arrow, Mules leap,McKinneys The Swell, Medussa chute, Kima’s Paw , Frog and Toads chutes not the same as “Mr Toad’s Wild Ride” off the Palisades. The snow on Kt22 late afternoon warmed the wind blown new snow into a delicious Tasty treat
Final run of the day was down (KT to Rock garden into bowling alley exit bowling pin rock) Alpine, Homewood, Heavenly,Kirkwood Mt Rose and down the road Mammoth Mountain were given a nice new years gift. ( One –10 quality scale) 7,-
specific water content% unknown. Tasty Treat, this stuff was no pancake batter, Elmer’s glue, Sierra cement.

***
USSA
JERET "SPEEDY" PETERSON LANDS 3RD ON ONE SKI Jillian Vogtli nails critical podium in Lake Placid
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (Jan. 22) - The Nature Valley Freestyle Cup, the last pre-Olympic qualifying event before the Olympic Team is announced, concluded Sunday with U.S. skiers landing on two podiums - defending World Cup aerials champ Jeret "Speedy" Peterson (Boise, ID) was third in aerials, despite losing a ski on landing his signature "Hurricane" jump, and Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY) was third in the women's moguls contest at Whiteface Mountain.
Olympic moguls champion Kari Traa of Norway won the women's event at Whiteface, topping World Cup leader Jennifer Heil of Canada, 25.82 points to 25.30 with Vogtli third at 24.60. Shelly Robertson (Reno, NV) was fourth (23.90).
More,… DARON RAHLVES 6TH IN KITZBUEHEL SUPER G 2004 super G champ lone American in top 30
KITZBUEHEL, Austria (Jan. 20) - Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) was the only American to break into the top 30 Friday, finishing sixth in a World Cup super G won by Hermann Maier of Austria as Hahnenkamm Race Weekend got underway in Kitzbuehel.
OLN will broadcast Hahnenkamm coverage - along with the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix at Mountain Creek, N.J., and Chevrolet Freestyle International from Deer Valley, Utah, - Sunday at 5 p.m. ET as part of its ongoing 10 Weeks to Torino programming, with a re-air Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET.
Maier picked up his fifth super G victory on The Streif run - and the 52nd of his career - with a time of 1:22.97 with Italy’s Peter Fill second, .05 back under blue skies with temperatures in the upper 20s.
MEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP 65th Hahnenkamm Race Weekend Kitzbuehel, AUT - Jan. 20, 2006 Men’s Super G 1. Hermann Maier, Austria, 1:22.97 2. Peter Fill, Italy, 1:23.02 3. Hannes Reichelt, Austria, 1:23.25 4. Stephan Goergl, Austria, 1:23.37 5. Klaus Kroell, Austria, 1:23.44 - 6. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:23.46 33. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., 1:24.91 38. Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Calif., 1:25.54 42. Steve Nyman, Orem, Utah, 1:25.77 44. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 1:25.93 47. JJ Johnson, Park City, Utah, 1:26.18 - DNF: Bode Miller, Bretton Woods, N.H. For complete details:

LINDSEY KILDOW POWERS ONTO ST. MORITZ PODIUM, 3RD IN COMBINED
ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (Jan. 22) - A relieved Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) reached her first podium in six weeks Sunday, finishing third in a World Cup super combined event, the one-day race mixing downhill and a lone run of slalom, while Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) finished ninth. World Cup leader Janica Kostelic of Croatia won her third race of the season.
The men's moguls test went to World Cup leader Dale Begg-Smith of Australia with 26.33 points. Michael Morse (Duxbury, MA) was a surprising fourth with world champion Nate Roberts (Park City, UT) seventh and Toby Dawson (Vail, CO) 11th.
FIS

***
Snowboard News
16 NOMINATED FOR 2006 SNOWBOARD OLYMPIC TEAM
MOUNTAIN CREEK, N.J. (Jan. 22) – Teen halfpipe superstar Shaun White (Carlsbad, CA) and snowboardcross world champions Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton, VT) and Seth Wescott (Kingfield, ME) lead a 16-member U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team announced Sunday, subject to U.S. Olympic Commitee approval, following the last Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix qualifier.
Bill Marolt, president and CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding, said the team – introduced following completion of the final Grand Prix halfpipe contest at Mountain Creek resort – will include nine men and seven women.
More,…
SHAUN WHITE SWEEPS 2006 CHEVROLET U.S. SNOWBOARD GRAND PRIX Gretchen Bleiler wins fourth of five events with second victory in Jersey
MOUNTAIN CREEK, N.J. (Jan. 22) - Shaun White (Carlsbad, CA) and Gretchen Bleiler (Aspen, CO) won consecutive Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix halfpipe contests Sunday at Mountain Creek, New Jersey.
The announcement of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team will tentatively take place at 1:30 p.m. ET with the event to air on NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET.
White became the first rider in the ten-year history of the Grand Prix to win every halfpipe contest of the season, while Bleiler took four out of five with Hannah Teter upsetting the sweep at the opening event in Breckenridge. In addition, they both won a new Chevrolet Colorado truck as the overall champions of the tour. For complete details: US Snowboarding

Snow alert for Alyeska Snow alert for Kiev Russia Snow alert for France Snow alert for Washington, Crystal Mtn Snow alert for upper Michigan Snow alert for Beaver Creek , 6 inches of freshness Snow alert for Snowbird Snow alert for Whistler five inches overnight Sunscreen alert for Torino Italy, 51°

***
Sun Peaks
Snowflake with the Sun Peaks Snow Report for Friday January 20, 2006 at 5:30 am. .
We had 6 cm of new snow overnight, and all of it fluffy light champagne powder! What a great way to start your Friday, and a fantastic kick off for our 8th Annual Icewine festival going on all weekend! I’m not sure how many ways I can say this- the snow just keeps getting better and better and you REALLY need to be here! .
Our base is pumped up and gorgeous at 139cm and we are 100% open. Covered in fresh powder, with more on the way. .
The temperature is currently - 4C in the Village, at Mid-mountain -9C, and –9C at the Top of the World. The winds are light and right now the sky is puking fresh pow. .
The forecast for today is calling for cloudy skies with snow up to 6cm by noon. Definitely a day to skip the java and let an icy cold powder shot in the face wake you up. All our major lifts are spinning today, the West Bowl T-Bar will be open all weekend, and all 3 mountains are 100% wide open. 117/117 runs open and waiting for you! And did I mention the FRESH POWDER?! TOD MOUNTAIN – Where it all began, the original and classic Sun Peaks mountain. Check out Tod’s open bowls and challenging terrain, as well as The 5-Mile, our signature top-to-bottom family-friendly green run.
SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN – The first mountain to open and the last to close each day. Home to our award-winning groomed runs, terrain park, half-pipe, ski school learning area and Tube Time park.
MT. MORRISEY – Sun Peaks’ third and newest mountain offers an award winning layout of open glades, cruising style runs and black diamond steeps, with more steeps to come in the future. Morrisey’s northerly exposure also keeps the snow light and dry and ensures that it lingers well into the spring each year. • Skiable vertical 881 m / 2,891 ft • Village base 1255 m / 4,117 ft • Burfield top 2080 m / 6,824 ft • Burfield base 1,199 m / 3,933 ft Sun Peaks

***
Crystal Wa
8 inches of new snow in 24 hours, 7 inches overnight at the base. The POWDER is calling YOU!! Weather: It has been snowing throughout the nite and is expected to stick around today! Base Temperature: 28 degrees Base Snow Depth: 77 inches Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 8 inches Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 10 inches Summit Temperature: 23 degrees Summit Snow Depth: 115 inches Event Tracy McEwan Gibbons’ Womens Camp ~ Click Here To RegisterJoin Northwest native and former U.S. Ski Team member Tracy McEwan Gibbons as she and our top women coaches work to improve your skills and increase your confidence while having lots of fun. Space is limited so sign up early. Sponsored by Rossignol and Sturtevants Sports. Clinic price includes continental breakfast and lunch.
For all other mountain information visit Crystal

***
Bear Valley
Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge have teamed up once again to offer the 2005-2006 Central Sierra Series (CSS). A dual-mountain Slopestyle competition, skiers and snowboarders alike have a chance to test their skills against the area's best. Bear Valley will host the second event in the series tommorrow, Saturday, January 21st. Registration will be open at the slope-side events shack from 9am-10:30. The competition will kick off at 12pm on the Shady Grove terrain park. Riders must compete in at least 3 of the 4 slopestyle competitions to be eligible for the series title and cash purse (ages 16+), in addition to swag from our sweet sponsors.Lifts & Terrain,2 triple chairs 7 double chairs 1 carpet lift Summit 8,500' 1,900' vertical drop JANUARY 21 CSS Slopestyle #2 - Sports Illustrated Next X Qualifier 28 Bud Light / Gatorade GS Race #3 28 CSS Slopestyle Series #3 @ Dodge Ridge February 5 Superbowl Sunday 10-12 M.A.S. Telemark Festival 11 Bud Light / Gatorade GS Races #4 & #5 25-26 Special Olympics Bear Valley


***
Bif White Silver Star
With a mid mountain base surpassing 220 centimetres at Big White and 185 centimetres at Silver Star, both resorts are offering ample base coverage and fresh champagne powder on an almost nightly basis! Tell your friends about $5 Fridays! The Okanagan’s best winter ski and snowboarding value has returned for another season, and the response has been fantastic! Thousand of skiers and riders flocked to both resorts and enjoyed a lift ticket price out of the Fifties, only $5 on Fridays, as well as fabulous discounts on ski and snowboarding rentals and lessons. Mountain Dew Series Half Pipe this Saturday at Silver Star BC Snowboarding Association Provincial Series at Big White Ski Resort this Weekend Honda Nor Am Tour of Champions at Big White ? Jan 27 ? 30 Australia Day at Big White and Silver Star ? Thursday, Jan 26 Crashed Ice at Big White Join the Vernon Vipers at Silver Star Mountain Resort - Saturday, Jan 28 TELUS Park Grand Opening at Silver Star, Feb 4 Sharpen Your Skills at Big White and Silver Star, and Make New Friends! 1. Mountain Dew Series Half Pipe this Saturday at Silver Star Come out this Saturday, Jan 21st and compete in the second Mountain Dew Series Competition! Big Prizes at the end of the series for the most points! Register at the Info Desk in the Snowsport School. Waivers must be signed by parent/guardian if under 19 yrs old. Helmets are mandatory. 2. BC Snowboarding Association Provincial Series at Big White Ski Resort this Weekend Come on up to Big White and catch the rising stars of the snowboarding scene competing in halfpipe (Saturday) and SBX (Sunday) as part of the BC Snowboarding Association Provincial Championship Series. Entry fee is $30, with a 25% discount on lift tickets to all registrants. For more information, go to www.bcsnowboard.com. Helmets are mandatory for training and competition. 3. Honda Nor Am Tour of Champions at Big White ? Jan 27 ? 30 Snowboard action picks up the following week when the Honda Tour of Champions returns to Big White from January 27 – 30. Friday, January 27th is training day, Saturday will be the slopestyle, and Sunday the super pipe. This event was a huge success at Big White last year, and resulted in plenty of TV coverage on OLN and the Extreme cable channels. 4. Australia Day at Big White and Silver Star ? Thursday, Jan 26 G’day, mate! Join the hundreds of loyal Big White and Silver Star staff who make these Okanagan resorts the “Little Australia” of BC by celebrating their major national holiday on Thursday, January 26th. Watch for special Australia Day events at both mountains, and don’t be surprised to see lots of green and gold on the slopes. 5. Crashed Ice at Big White Red Bull is having a regional qualifier for the Crashed Ice event, qualifications are taking place in 12 cities across Canada. Big White Ski Resort will be hosting the Kelowna qualification on January 28th 2006. Registration is FREE, but limited to the 1st ONE HUNDRED online entries. Qualifying for Crashed Ice at Big White Ski Resort includes an all expense paid trip to Quebec to compete against Canada's fastest ice skaters and a crack at the $10,000 cash purse . Click here for more details. 6. Join the Vernon Vipers at Silver Star Mountain Resort - Saturday, Jan 28 Come up to Silver Star Mountain Resort next weekend and watch the Vernon Vipers - the North Okanagan's favourite BC Hockey League franchise – take to the ice at Silver Star's Silver Lake for a little three-on-three shinny and an autograph session! The Vipers will be wearing their Third Jerseys and bringing skates, sticks, and pucks for a practice and scrimmage, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on January 28th. Come on up and enjoy hotdogs, marshmallows, hot chocolate and soft drinks. The KISS-FM crew will be on site for the party! For guests and residents of Silver Star, there's even better news. Silver Star is continuing its tradition of running shuttle buses from the resort into the Vernon Multiplex to catch Vipers home games! The night before their pond shinny scrimmage, the Vipers will be in action against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs There's a bus available to and from the game which departs Silver Star at 6:00 pm. Book your seat early! Game time 7:00 pm. Bookings: infodesk@skisilverstar.com. Cost is $25 for adults, $23 for students, $20 for children; and includes bus and ticket. 7. TELUS Park Grand Opening at Silver Star, Feb 4 Originally slated for mid-December, the Grand Opening of TELUS Park at Silver Star Mountain Resort is now slated for Saturday, February 4th. Join some of the top talent in both freestyle snowboarding and New School skiing in celebrating the many unique features of this great new facility! 8. Sharpen Your Skills at Big White and Silver Star, and Make New Friends! Big White and Silver Star’s world-famous ski and snowboard schools are proud to announce several new programs for 2006! Big White’s new Singles Saturday lets you join other singles for some great instruction, followed by the best apres party in the Okanagan! This Saturday program runs from now through April 8th – and is priced for just $39 for one-day drop in or $120 for a pack of four. To register, call (250) 491-6101 or e-mail skischool@bigwhite.com. Silver Star’s 'A Rush Black Diamond Challenge is a brand-new program for those who want to ski/ride black diamonds exclusively. Get lift line priority, rip down lines you don’t know existed and learn to ski/ride faster and with more confidence with each day. This 4 day clinic runs Tuesday to Friday every week from now until March 10, 2006. Sessions start at 9:30 am run for 2.5 hours daily at a cost of $160. Contact the Silver Star Snowsport school (250) 558-6065 or by e-mailing lessons@skisilverstar.com. Silver Star Events
Jan 22 Cruz the Blues Jan 21 - Jan 22 Mountain Dew Series Half Pipe Jan 21 Come out this Saturday, Jan 21st and compete in the second Mountain Dew Series Competition! Big Prizes at the end of the series for the most points! Register at the Info Desk in the Snowsport School. Waivers must be signed by parent/guardian if under 19 yrs old. Helmets are mandatory. Big White

***
Air France to Torino
GREAT FARES TO THE WINTER OLYMPICS GAMES! Italy will be hosting the XX Winter Olympics from February 10, 2006 through February 26, 2006. Book now to Torino, Milan, Bologna, and the rest of Northern Italy. Don?t miss out on our special low fares in Economy Class* starting as low as:Sample fares to Torino from our 13 U.S.gateways: New York (JFK/Newark) $227* ,Boston $237 * ,Philadelphia $247* ,Washington, D.C $247* ,Los Angeles $267* Chicago $277* ,Cincinnati $277* ,Atlanta $287* ,Detroit $287* ,Houston $287*, San Francisco $287* ,Miami to Rome $294*

More info: Information and reservations: Air France (800) 237-2747


***
TORINO 2006: The Olympic Flame arrives in Venice The Olympic flame today arrived in the city of Venice, where it will stay until tomorrow. It will then continue its journey, visiting the town of Trieste tomorrow. This is the 39th day of the Torino 2006 Olympic 21/01/200622/01/2006 Skiing European Freestyle Cup Dolni Morava Czech Republic (CZE) Olympic Committee

***
LIBBY LUDLOW 12TH IN ST. MORITZ SUPER G WITH 25 DNF'S ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (Jan. 20) - Michaela Dorfmeister of Austria earned the 23rd World Cup win of her career Friday, capturing a deceptively tough super G by four-tenths of a second with Libby Ludlow (Bellevue, WA) turning-in the top U.S. result in 12th place in a race where more than one-third of the field failed to finish. MICHELLE ROARK WINS AGAIN, TOBY DAWSON THIRD IN LP MOGULS NO. 1 LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (Jan. 20) - Michelle Roark (Denver), liberated by her victory at Deer Valley a week earlier, won her second consecutive World Cup moguls event Friday at Whiteface Mountain while Toby Dawson (Vail, CO) was third in the men?s contest in light rain at the Nature Valley Freestyle Cup, the final weekend of Olympic qualifying. International Competitions Olympic Winter Games 2005 FIS Freestyle World Championships, Ruka USA Freestyle World Cups Nor Am Tour For complete details: Us Ski Team

***
FIS Freestyle World Cup Schedule
Date     Event    Dis.
17.01.2006 St. Moritz (SUI) AL
18.01.2006 Kitzbuehel (AUT) AL
19.01.2006 Meiringen (SUI) TM
19.01.2006 Leysin (SUI) SB
20.01.2006 Lake Placid (USA) FS
20.01.2006 Kreischberg (AUT) FS
21.01.2006 Sapporo Okurayama (JPN) JP
21.01.2006 Oberstdorf (GER) CC
21.01.2006 Harrachov (CZE) NK
22.01.2006 Nendaz (SUI) SB
24.01.2006 Schladming (AUT) AL
24.01.2006 Montgenevre (FRA) TM
27.01.2006 Cortina d'Ampezzo (ITA) AL
28.01.2006 Garmisch (GER) AL
28.01.2006 Zakopane (POL) JP
28.01.2006 Seefeld (AUT) NK
28.01.2006 Madonna di Campiglio (ITA) FS
28.01.2006 Winterberg (GER) SB
29.01.2006 Skeikampen (NOR) TM
02.02.2006 Rjukan (NOR) TM
03.02.2006 Chamonix (FRA) AL
03.02.2006 Ofterschwang (GER) AL
03.02.2006 Spindleruv Mlyn / Pec p/Snezkou (CZE) FS
04.02.2006 Willingen (GER) JP
04.02.2006 Milano (ITA) SB
04.02.2006 Davos (SUI) CC
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) AL
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) FS
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) CC
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) JP
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) NK
10.02.2006 Torino (ITA) SB
01.03.2006 Jisan Forest Resort (KOR) FS
01.03.2006 Shukolovo (RUS) SB
02.03.2006 Sun Peaks (CAN) SS
03.03.2006 Hafjell-Kvitfjell (NOR) AL
03.03.2006 St. Petersburg (RUS) SB
03.03.2006 Davos (SUI) FS
04.03.2006 Lahti (FIN) JP
04.03.2006 Lahti (FIN) NK

FIS ski

Sölden
The Bergbahnen Sölden Lift Company warmly invites you to enjoy a night skiing adventure of a very special kind every Wednesday from 5.30 pm. Besides a perfectly groomed, 4 km long ski run with floodlights a great entertainment program with "Stars & Fire" night ski shows on Wasserkar slope, carving and snowboarding demonstrations, live music, entertainment shows, and Tirolean specialities are on the program. A highlight not to be missed - performed by 100 ski instructors of the local Sölden Hochsölden Ski School. Head out for the ultimate ski experience 2006 if you still did not enjoy great fun on the slopes this season. Perfect snow conditions and inexpensive package deals guarantee unlimited winter sports. Take full advantage of our top "Rent a Trend" programs available from 3 nights - Daily check in. 150 km of immaculate slopes and 34 ski lifts await you! Restore new energies while enjoying a unique winter walk across the snow-covered wonderland. Discover unspoilt meadows and white forests on your own. The surrounding villages of Vent, Längenfeld and the central Ötztal Valley offer a great variety of winter walking paths, tobogganing tracks and cross country skiing routes. Soelden

Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Kitzbuhel, Austria ,br> Snow alert for Snowbird Alta ,Deer Valley Utah
Snow alert for Beaver Creek , Vail Colorado
Snow alert for Big Sky Montana
Snow alert for Kirkwood, 12-18" of NEW SNOW! 196-342" of snowfall this season.
***
Killington
4" of new snow in the past 24 hours!!

Our mountain op's team has been hard at work over the past few days and nights! Snowmaking expands Thursday evening over Bear Mountain, Skye Peak, Snowdon, North Ridge and Pico. Flurries are expected for this evening and tomorrow is looking to be a fantastic January, winter day with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 30's. Kick off the weekend a little early and come enjoy the most available open terrain in the East!
Our grooming fleet will be busy tonight laying miles and miles of corduroy on 74 trails for Friday.
President’s Weekend Package Arrive Friday night of the holiday weekend for a three-night/three3-day package including lodging and lift ticket starting at $132 per person per night. Package must be booked at least 48 hours before arrival. Available February 17-19, 2006. Call 800-621-MTNS or visit www.killington.com.
Killington

***
Steamboat
More Than Two Feet Falls At Mid-Mountain Over Last Four Days

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO—January 19, 2006—With more than 22 feet of snow this winter, Steamboat has reached another snow milestone, recording a three-wire winter, when the snow stacks up past the third row of fence wires. Yampa Valley ranchers have traditionally measured the severity of a Routt County winter by how high the snow stacks up against their four fence wires. "Clearly, Steamboat has the best and most snow in the Rocky Mountains with a mid-mountain base that rivals some summit bases," said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. "With our snowiest November on record, over 100 inches in December and our snowiest January in the past four years, Steamboat is definitely showing why it is the home of Champagne Powder snow."
This season, snow has surpassed the third row of fence wires across the Yampa Valley and is fast approaching the fourth. As Sureva Towler writes in her book, The History of Skiing at Steamboat Springs, "By January or February of a typical winter, snow will cover the third fence wire, usually 30 inches high." Four-wire winters, generally more than 350 inches at the resort’s mid-mountain location, were recorded in 1983-84, 1989-90, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1999-2000.
As of 5am, five inches has fallen overnight at mid-mountain and nine inches at the summit in a 24-hour period. In the past four days, 25 inches (2.08 feet) has fallen at mid-mountain and the summit. Since the resort opened on November 23rd, snow has fallen 38 out of 58 days (65.5%) with 23 of those days recording four or more inches. So far this season at mid-mountain, Steamboat has seen 15" in October; 83" in November (a new monthly record); 105" in December (5th time 100" has fallen during month); and already 65" in January (most in past four years) for a combined total of 268" (22.33 feet).

Steamboat

***
Panorama Mountain Village
½ inch new snow
Events
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


February
Feb 5-11 Western Days Feb 17-20 Family Day Weekend Feb 20 Snowboarders for Christ Halfpipe Competition Feb 27-28 BC Highschool Provincial Ski/Snowboard Championships
More Information

Panorama Mountain

***
Big Sky
Over a foot and a half of powder and enjoy the ideal conditions
See web site for special Discount 48.00 lift ticket ( Restrictions apply )
Weather: Snow flurries throughout the day with partly cloudy skies. Winds are from the southwest at 5-20 mph. Temperature: 18° to 6° (Fahrenheit) Wind: 5-20 from South West New Overnight Snow: 1" Snow Fall past 24hrs: 8" Snow Fall past 48hrs: 15" Base Snow Depth: 59-79" Surface Conditions: Powder, packed powder, and machine groomed runs with more than a foot and a half of fluffy snow at the top. Terrain Open: 100% Lifts Scheduled to Open: Lone Peak Tram, Swift Current, Thunder Wolf, Ramcharger, Gondola One, Challenger, Iron Horse, Southern Comfort, Lone Peak Chair, Lone Moose, Explorer, White Otter, Shedhorn, Bear Back Poma, Mitey Magic Carpet, Magic Carpet, Pony Express, Cascade
What's Happening
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 th 3:30-6 pm , LIVE MUSIC:MIKE HARING -Carabiner 3:30 pm , SNOWSHOEING -Meet in Firehole Lounge, see concierge for cost information and reservations. 4:30-6:30 pm, CRAZY AUSTRIANS -Chet's Bar 6:30 pm, FACE PAINTING- Huntley Lobby by the Bear 8-10:30 pm, LIVE MUSIC:KEVIN FABOZZI -Carabiner 8:30 pm, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT (MOVIE) -Amphitheater 9 pm, LIVE MUSIC:THE SUGAR BEETS- Chet's Bar SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 st 3:30-6:30 pm, LIVE MUSIC:MIKE HARING -Carabiner 4:30 pm, YOGA- Meet at Summit Concierge Desk 4:30-6:30 pm, CRAZY AUSTRIANS -Chet's Bar 4:30 pm, S'MORES BY THE FIRE –Fire pit in the Plaza 5 pm, SKI PATROL RESCUE DOG DEMO –Fire pit in the Plaza 6-8 pm, SNOW-BAR- Margartiaville Theme 8 pm, FIREWORKS –Best viewed from the Plaza 8:30 pm, WARREN MILLER'S HIGHER GROUND –Amphitheater 8-10:30 pm , LIVE MUSIC:KEVIN FABOZZI -Carabiner 8:30 pm, LIVE MUSIC:THE SUGAR BEETS- Chet's Bar
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 nd 3:30-6:30 pm, LIVE MUSIC:MIKE HARING -Carabiner 3:30 pm , SNOWSHOEING -Meet in Firehole Lounge, see concierge for cost information and reservations. 8 pm, YELLOWSTONE SLIDESHOW –Amphitheater 8 pm , LIVE MUSIC:JOHN METZ –Chet's Bar 8-10:30 pm, LIVE MUSIC: KEVIN FABOZZI - Carabiner
Big Sky




***
It's National Safety Awareness Week and resorts are offering special incentives for those who ski safely, and buy helmets or get their bindings checked, for example. Meanwhile, Travelocity is offering a multi-pass deal for skiers who would like to ski at multiple mountains. The Olympics will be underway soon and ski events leading to the Olympics continue. Check with your favorite resort for special events and discounts if offered.

***
USSA News
HAHNENKAMM WEEKEND SET TO OPEN WITH NEW SNOW Daron Rahlves set downhill victory on the 2006 goal list
KITZBUEHEL, Austria (Jan. 19) - A snowstorm that dropped upwards of three feet of snow on The Streif, the fabled Hahnenkamm downhill course, erased two days of training as the Super Bowl of ski racing neared. Organizers planned to go ahead Friday with the super G.
“Oh, training is overrated,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach Phil McNichol laughed Thursday night. He quickly added, “Seriously, of course, it’s always better to get more training on this hill. It’s gnarly and you want your athletes to be prepared.” One training run is not optimal, but it’s the cards we have to play this time.”
OLN will televised race coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET as part of its ongoing 10 Weeks to Torino pre-Olympic coverage.
The schedule for Hahnenkamm’s 66th race weekend includes a super G Friday, the downhill Saturday and a slalom - with a combined calculation from the DH - on Sunday. The races are the final speed events before the U.S. Olympic Team is named next Wednesday during the Snowsport Industries America trade show in Las Vegas.
One of the central figures this week in Kitzbuehel has been Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA), who has won two Hahnenkamm races. He captured the 2003 Hahnenkamm DH and the 2004 super G. And he listed winning the Hahnenkamm DH again as one of his goals this season.
Rahlves has won three downhills this winter - at the VISA Birds of Prey races at Beaver Creek, Colo., and then Bormio, Italy, after Christmas and the Lauberhorn DH last week in Wengen, Switzerland. He was fourth in the lone training run Tuesday on The Streif.
The U.S. Ski Team will start Rahlves and five others Friday in the super G: defending World Cup leader Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH), JJ Johnson (Park City, UT), Scott Macartney (Redmond, WA), Steve Nyman (Orem, UT) and Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, WA).
“We’ve had two nice days of powder skiing,” said Sullivan, a 2002 Olympian Sullivan, who is looking to rebound from two years on the sidelines with knee injuries to make his second Olympic Team. Sullivan was 16th last weekend in the Lauberhorn DH.
“I got my first decent result last week and I’m feeling confident again. I’m looking for some good skiing here. It’s a sweet course,” Sullivan said.
“It’s been a little crazy,” added DH/SG Coach “Johno” McBride. “I set the [super G] course, so hopefully the boys’ skiing will reflect some good coaching.”
The soft snow, on top of a totally injected DH run, should make for some tricky conditions, especially if the temperature climbs into the 40s over the weekend, as predicted. “There’ll be places where the surface is very good and places where it’s less than ideal,” McBride said.
“It will be interesting to how inspection - with all the sliding that goes on - buffs things out a little more. If it gets to 50 - and they’re calling for maybe plus-10 Centigrade, it will have quite an effect, I’d think. It could be quite a rough ride...and difficult to win from even No. 30 start.
Hahenkamm

US Ski Team

***
Kitzbuhel – Home to the Hahenkamm
Conditions updated: 2006-01-19 07:37:01 New snow: 5" Base Depth: 35" - 48" Hours open: 0 Park recut: 0000-00-00 Jumps: 0 Pipes: 0" Open Lifts: 55 Conditions: Powder Open runs: 62
Kitzebuhel

***
USSA News
ALPINE (Olympic Team to be named Jan. 25 at SIA show in Las Vegas) Men – Daron Rahlves won the 76th Lauberhorn DH in Wengen, SUI, as a tuneup for this week’s “Super Bowl” at the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuehel, AUT. The win – his third of the season – tied him with Picabo Street for most DH wins by a U.S. skier (nine). Ted Ligety continued his hot slalom results, grabbing his third podium this season. Women – Kirsten Clark was fourth in a super G at Bad Kleinkirchheim, AUT, and Libby Ludlow finished seventh for the best result of her career. Heading into the final races for Olympic qualifying in St. Moritz, SUI, this weekend, Lindsey Kildow was second in DH points, sixth overall.. CROSS COUNTRY (Olympic Team named Tuesday, Jan. 17) U.S. Championships Jan. 3-10 drew 450-plus skiers; 2002 Olympian Kikkan Randall won three more titles and Kris Freeman took two as final Olympic spots were decided for the 17-member team heading to Torino. Final pre-Olympic camp was set for Seiser Alm, Italy, before final World Cup races Feb. 4-5 in Davos, SUI. DISABLED (Paralympic Teams to be decided in February) Alpine skiers used Huntsman Cup races Jan. 3-5 in Park City, Utah, as strong training runs before World Cup races Jan. 23-28 in South Korea and Jan. 30-Feb. 1 on the 1998 Paralympic course in Nagano, JPN. Cross country skiers were prepping for World Cup races of their own in Norway at month’s end. The Paralympics are March 10-19 in Torino. FREESTYLE (Olympic Team to be named Jan. 25 at Deer Valley Resort) Moguls – After Jeremy Bloom and Hannah Kearney said g’bye to 2005 with U.S. Ski Team Olympic Trials wins Dec. 30 in Steamboat Springs, U.S. moguls skiers had an electrifying Friday the 13th at Deer Valley. Toby Dawson and Michelle Roark each won a World Cup moguls event at the Chevrolet Freestyle International. Final Olympic qualifying opportunities are this weekend with two moguls contests and an aerials event at the Nature Valley Freestyle Cup in Lake Placid. Aerials – Ryan St. Onge and Joe Pack electrified Deer Valley by finishing 1-2 Friday; it was the second World Cup win of the season for St. Onge. If there were any doubt, St. Onge clinched an Olympic berth by winning the Olympic Trials under the lights in Steamboat Springs along with Emily Cook. JUMPING/NORDIC COMBINED (Both Olympic Teams named Monday, Jan. 16) Nordic Combined – Bill Demong kept producing top-10 race results in World Cups. “He just needs to tighten his jumping a bit – and that’s coming – and he’ll be on that podium,” said Coach Lasse Ottesen. U.S. Championship competition is Friday at Steamboat Springs. Jumping – U.S. jumpers are training this week at Utah Olympic Park before heading to Steamboat Springs for nationals Friday and Saturday. SNOWBOARD (Olympic Team to be Named Saturday, Jan. 21 at Mountain Creek) Halfpipe – Shaun White and Gretchen Bleiler each grabbed another halfpipe win at Mt. Bachelor during the second stop of the Chevrolet U.S. snowboard Grand Prix. Mason Aguirre finished second for the second time in a row while Danny Davis posted his second-straight third place. Hannah Teter placed second for her second ’06 Grand Prix podium and Elena Hight posted podium no. 3. The Grand Prix culminates in Mountain Creek, N.J., with two halfpipe contests Jan. 20 and 21 and the Olympic Team announcement. Snowboardcross – Americans continued to grab podiums on the World Cup including Jason Smith, who won the SBX in Kronplatz, Italy, Saturday with Jayson Hale placing third. Alpine – Rosey Fletcher captured her first podium of the season and the 20th World Cup podium of her career Jan. 8 in Austria. US Ski & Snowboard Teams

***
Cortina d'Ampezzo , Italy Last updated 19 January 2006 Weather conditions Sunny Temperature top 09:00 -10 Temperature base 09:00 -6 Depth of snow top 100 Depth of snow base 40 Last snowfall 1 January 2006 General:
Not to be missed the celebration of the 1956's Olympics from 19th to 26th January. Dolomiti Org

***
Need More Olympic news?|
Where: International Olympic Committee Château de Vidy 1007 Lausanne Switzerland Tel.: +41-21 621 6111 Contact: Media representatives wishing to attend the event are kindly asked to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting the IOC Communications Department.
IOC Communications Department
Tel.: +41-216 216 111 Fax: +41-216 216 351 E-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org
Olympic Organization

Snow alert for Alyeska- Alaska
Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb BC
Snow alert for Beaver Creek, 7 in. of New Snow at Vail
Snow alert for Snowbird
Snow alert for Tahoe Basin, Kirkwood & Mammoth- June Lakes
     -snow level 4500 feet and cool temps left 8-16 inches of good snow
Snow alert for Saas-Fee , Zermatt, Glacier 3000 , southern Switzerland Smow alert for Japan. Cnn report Sun evening shows one city with 36" in just over 36 hrs. Unfortunately the weight of the wet snow on some roofs was causing structrural damage near Nisiki


***
SCHEDULE FOR 2006 BIG MOUNTAIN- X-treme competition(s) posted in the news section

***
Sugarloaf Maine
Tomorrow's conditions at a glance:
Open trails: 79
Open lifts: 9 Grooming: 40

Primary Surface: Frozen Granular, Secondary Surface: Hard Packed/Packed Powder Coming soon: Sugarloaf Charity Summit, White World Weekl
Groomers will be out on 40 trails tonight, double grooming many trails to give us the best possible snow conditions. And snowmakers will be on Boardwalk and Candyside tonight to resurface those trails.
If you were at Sugarloaf today, I hope you had a chance to hit Tote Road. Snowmakers added tons of snow to Tote last night, and once you got down into the tree cover, there was no wind and plenty of sunshine, making for some excellent skiing and riding. I saw Sugarloafers of all ages and abilities out there, and they all seemed be to loving it.
Sugarloaf

***
Bear Valley
Bear Valley's Grizzly Bowl opened for the first time Monday, January 16th! Anxious powder junkies dove into a field of POWDER as Ski Patrol opened the gate... Snow Valley access is also expected early afternoon today. Over a thousand vertical feet is now waiting for advanced and expert snow riders on the Lower Mountain. For a detailed snow report, lifts and trails open, see
Bear Valley

***


***
Torino Press Office- Torino Olympic Comittee

(TORINO, JANUARY 16, 2006) - TOROC's Board of Directors which met today in Torino unanimously approved the Games Budget for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games: costs are expected to be EUR 1,223 million, while income is set at EUR 1,182 million; thus an unbalance of EUR 41 million, which the City of Torino has pledged to cover.
(MILANO, JANUARY 16TH 2006) – In a worldwide preview, TOROC presented today the Closing Ceremony of Torino 2006. At 8.00 p.m. on February 26th, the Olympic athletes and spectators will come together in the Olympic Stadium of Torino to watch the spectacular show that will bring to an end the XX Olympic Winter Games of Torino 2006. The Olympic Cauldron will be extinguished and the Olympic winter appointment will be renewed for Vancouver, in 2010.
The Closing Ceremony of the XX Olympic Winter Games will also mark the start of the countdown to Vancouver 2010 (on February 26th there will be 1,447 days to go). As part of this final celebration, the Mayor of Torino Sergio Chiamparino will hand the Olympic Flag over to the Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan. As planned by the Olympic protocol, VANOC (the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee) will organise an eight-minute introductory show: the protagonist will be the Canadian rock star, Avril Lavigne. The Closing Ceremony of the XX Olympic Winter Games will also mark the start of the countdown to Vancouver 2010 (on February 26th there will be 1,447 days to go). As part of this final celebration, the Mayor of Torino Sergio Chiamparino will hand the Olympic Flag over to the Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan. As planned by the Olympic protocol, VANOC (the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee) will organise an eight-minute introductory show: the protagonist will be the Canadian rock star, Avril Lavigne.

Mary Villa International Media Relations Manager M +39.334.1124916 mary.villa@torino2006.it Torino 2006

***
Alyeska Resort Alaska
In the last 24 hours we have received 7" of very cold snow from top to bottom. Looks like it is going to be a superhero day at Alyeska! You should definitely come check it out!
For a full report of current conditions at Alyeska Resort please check out our website at www.alyeskaresort.com or call 754-7669
As of 8:30am it is 24 degrees at the base, 22 at midway and 19 degrees at the top. The winds are light. It is still snowing and the visibility is fair to good.
We hope to see you up here!! Come check it out! It should be a super fun day!!
Come burn some runs!! Have a great day!! Alyeska Resort

***
Snow Bird - Utah
Brother Bob calls , ( I know it must be great) with an eye on the twin peaks chutes The Bird is flying high and in great shape. So quality is a Plus and the chutes of choice are drawing the locals out to boot pack a through-way up the ridge, do I hear Pipeline! The rippers are out in full, the unofficial Air Force touching down in the Utah Pow.
For the official report see Snowbird.com or Alta

***
Steamboat
It's A Champagne Powder® Snow Day in Steamboat!
IT’S BEEN DUMPING FOR TWO DAYS, AND IT’S A POWDER MORNING! Someone must have knocked the rabbit ears on the TV set we call Steamboat. It started yesterday afternoon while I was sitting in the hot springs. I looked up and all I could see was fuzz. I pondered this last night as I stared into the foam atop my pint glass. I rubbed my eyes and looked outside: even fuzzier than before. This morning is no different, though our poor reception is greeted by a warm reception from skiers and riders whose whoops and hollers of glee are muffled by this same atmospheric fuzz. If you are just skimming over this drift of verbal fluff:
Steamboat

***
US Ski & Snowboard Team News
TED LIGETY SKIS TO 5TH AS GIORGIO ROCCA WINS ANOTHER SLALOM WENGEN, Switzerland (Jan. 15, 2006) -- American Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) was fifth in the Wengen slalom Sunday. First-run leader Benni Raich of Austria straddled the second gate to hand Italian Giorgio Rocca his fifth straight win. Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) had the fastest second run to finish eighth.
TIM HUMPHREYS, ELLERY HOLLINGSWORTH WIN OPENING EVOLUTION TOUR PIPE Evolution Tour starts the U.S. Snowboarding pipeline
DULUTH, Minn. (Jan. 14) - With Lake Superior in sight, Tim Humphreys (Basking Ridge, NJ) and Ellery Hollingsworth (Darien, CT) pulled out wins in the opening superpipe competition of the 2006 Chevrolet Revolution snowboard tour Saturday at Spirit Mountain.
The men’s field consisted of a solid 60 riders, while the women’s field was comprised of 16 competitors.
Humphreys’ runs featured a backside 5, a frontside 7, a cab 5, and a switch alleyoop.
MICHELLE GORGONE JOINS OLYMPIC POOL WITH 4TH IN KRONPLATZ PGS KRONPLATZ, Austria (Jan. 15) - Michelle Gorgone (Sudbury, MA) joined the pool of eligible riders for the 2006 U.S. Olympic Snowboarding Team finishing fourth in the final World Cup parallel giant slalom before the Olympic break.
KIRSTEN CLARK LEADS U.S. WITH FOURTH IN AUSTRIAN SUPER G Libby Ludlow posts career best finish with seventh
BAD KLEINKIRCHEIM, Austria (Jan. 15) -- Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) led the U.S. Ski Team finishing fourth behind Croatia's Janica Kostelic Sunday in Bad Kleinkircheim. Libby Ludlow (Bellevue, WA) finished with a career best seventh as the battle for women's Olympic super G spots heated up with one weekend remaining in qualifications.
Kostelic won with a time of 1:09.41 on the Franz Klammer course, putting her ahead of a pair of Austrians. Teammates Michaela Dorfmeister and Alexandra Meissnitzer tied for second in 1:09.51, just ahead of Clark.
American Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) also placed in the top 15, taking 13th in 1:10.37.
For Clark, it was her best finish of this Olympic season. She topped her fifth place showing in the opening SG of the season at Aspen back in Sept. It was also her top World Cup placing since Oct. of 2004 when she took fourth in a DH in Veysonnaz, Switz.
Ludlow's previous best World Cup finish was a 10th in SG at Lake Louise in early 2005.
Kostelic, the overall World Cup leader, strung together a solid weekend as she won the first World Cup downhill of her career Saturday. The phenom became just the third woman in World Cup history to win in all five disciplines.
USSA US Ski & Snowbaord Team Bureau

***
Monterosa Ski - Valle d’Aosta - 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 Ski Telemark Fest January 22nd - 29th A great appointment for a freeheel week
Monterosa Ski cable car and ski lift systems have for years been the pride of the area: with 37, many of which have been recently built, they ensure an hourly capacity of 49.137 people/hour. From a minimum altitude of 1.212 metres (above sea level) they reach up to 3.260 metres at Punta Indren, bringing skiers to the heart of the Monte Rosa chain.

Suitable for every level of proficiency, they also comprise interesting structures specially for children and beginners. The revolutionary tapis roulants selected by Monterosa Ski a few years ago are today a safe and convenient way for a beginner skier to get to grips with the slopes.
Monterosa Italy

***

Air France Europe as low as $160* one-way - 3 Day sale!

Morning Edition
Powder alert, Alpine, Homewood, Heavenly, Squaw and Mammoth Mountain Mt. Rose & Kirkwood Ca
Powder alert, Crystal Wa
Powder alert, Mt Hood
Powder alert Killington Vt
Powder alert Lake Placid NY


***
Alpine Meadows
Fluffy powder at Alpine Meadows today
Alpine Meadows woke up to some of the season’s finest light powder today with temperatures hovering in the teens and the storm that dropped 25”-31” of fantastic snow. Since December 19th, Alpine has received 6 to 8 feet of snowfall. While the weather has been tempermental thus far, the New Year is shaping up to be great for skiers and boarders
The New Sherwood Express has opened up a world of convenience for some of Tahoe’s best bowl skiing and boarding.
Alpine Meadows


***
Squaw Valley
The "Skiing for Schools" benefit day for Squaw is next Sun, Jan 22nd. You must pre-order your $35 ticket online. The ticket will be available for pick up fr: Will Call @the 'D' booth in the base village area. For complete info, go to:
Squaw Valley - got KT?

***
Mammoth Mountain
January Midweek Madness: best conditions, best deals, best days of the week. Jan. 10 - Feb. 2, 2006 is one month of super-fun Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Mammoth!
Great Deals:
Lift Tickets: $49* Ski and Snowboard School: 25%* off group lessons
Snowmobile Adventures: 25%* off 90 min. guided tours
Rental Equipment: $13* off Ski or Snowboard Demo Package
*Three day advanced purchase required, some restrictions apply.

January Midweek Madness packages from $99* per person per night. Includes lodging and one lift ticket per nights stayed. *Rooms/prices based on availability and double occupancy. Restrictions apply. Does not include taxes or fees.
Events and Parties:
Jan. 19: Mammoth Lift Challenge (win a 2006/07 pass!) Register Now: Mammoth challenge

Feb. 2: West Coast Style Groundhog Day at the Village Feb. 2: Mammoth Scavenger Hunt (win a 2006/07 pass!) Sign Up Now: ***

Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb
Snow alert for Beaver Creek
Snow alert for Crystal Wa.,Mt Hood, Ashland Or. and
Tahoe Basin; Homewood, Alpine, Squaw, Heavenly

***
DARON RAHLVES WINS 76TH LAUBERHORN DOWNHILL
Victory marks career win No. 12, ninth in DH

WENGEN, Switzerland (Jan. 14) - Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA), looking to give his wife a special gift for her birthday, took her suggestion Saturday, nailed the bottom of the longest World Cup downhill and collected his ninth World Cup DH victory and third of the season. He won the 76th running of the fabled Lauberhorn DH by four-tenths of a second.

OLN will broadcast Lauberhorn coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET as part of its 10 Weeks to Torino programming leading to the Olympics in Italy next month.

Sullivan’s 16th was a gold medal for him
Sullivan, a 2002 Olympian, tore knee ligaments in a race early in the 2004 season and then reinjured his knee a year ago. This is his first season back and his 16th place “was a showing that he’s making a move back. He’s not back,” Mcichol said, “but he’s definitely popped to the surface...and that was pretty cool to see.”

Earlier this season, Rahlves won the VISA Birds of Prey downhill at Beaver Creek, Colo., and ended the old year with a win in Bormio, Italy. He is the first American to win in Wengen since Kyle Rasmussen in 1995. The first U.S. men's World Cup downhill win also came in Wengen when Bill Johnson - battling to stay on-course - won the 1984 Lauberhorn, then went on to take Olympic gold a couple of weeks later in snowy Sarajevo, then-Yugoslavia.

The Lauberhorn festivities conclude Sunday with a slalom before the men move to Kitzbuehel, Austria, for Hahnenkamm Weekend. The U.S. Alpine Ski Team will be announced Jan. 25. following the annual night slalom Jan. 24 in Schladming, Austria.

MEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
76th Lauberhorn Downhill
Wengen, SUI - Jan. 14, 2006v 1. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 2:30.54
2. Michael Walchhofer, Austria, 2:30.94
3. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 2:31.60
4. Hermann Maier, Austria, 2:31.83
5. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Austria, 2:32.55
-
11T. Bode Miller, Bretton Woods, N.H., 2:32.95
16. Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Calif., 2:33.61
26. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., 2:34.57
42. JJ Johnson, Park City, Utah, 2:35.93
-
Did not finish:
Steve Nyman, Orem, Utah

For complete results:

FIS SKI

***
JASON SMITH, JAYSON HALE JOIN OLYMPIC SBX PICTURE, 1-3 IN ITALY KRONPLATZ, Italy (Jan. 14) - The 2006 U.S. Olympic snowboarding picture added two new faces Saturday as Jason Smith (Basalt, CO) tatooed his Olympic eligibilty with a win at the final World Cup snowboardcross event before the Olympic Games. On Smith's heals and on the podium was '05 world championship bronze medalist Jayson Hale (Sugarbowl, CA) taking third.

ALEX DEIBOLD, ALLYSON CARROLL TAKE OPENING REVOLUTION TOUR STOP Wins secure World Cup starting spots for Lake Placid
DULUTH, Minn. (Jan. 13) – The 2006 Chevrolet Revolution Tour got underway Friday with snowboardcross action at Spirit Mountain. Alex Deibold (Manchester, VT) won the men’s event, while Allyson Carroll (Truckee, CA) took top honors among the women.
By virtue of their wins, Deibold and Carrroll earned start spots in the Lake Placid World Cup March 9-12. In addition, Carroll and Jarod Minghini (South Lake Tahoe, CA), who placed second in the men’s race, were the top junior finishers and earned a spot on the U.S. team for the 2006 Junior World Championships, to be held Feb. 3-6 in Korea.

“I’ve been so close to getting a World Cup spot before, so I am really excited,” said Deibold, who will be making his first World Cup start at Lake Placid. “I was really impressed with the course. It had good rollers, tight turns, and a good hip.”

Deibold, 19, will be participating in the Winter X Games Jan. 28-31 in Aspen.
For complete details:
USSA SNOWBOARDING

***
RYAN ST. ONGE, JOE PACK FINISH 1-2 IN DEER VALLEY AERIALS
Fourth World Cup win marks Deer Valley repeat


DEER VALLEY, Utah (Jan. 13) - Ryan St. Onge (Steamboat Springs, CO) and Olympic silver medalist Joe Pack (Park City, UT) shrugged off any bad Friday the 13th karma to finish 1-2 in a World Cup aerials event, repeating their success of a year earlier at Deer Valley resort.

NBC will broadcast coverage of the Chevrolet Freestyle International competitions Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. RYAN ST. ONGE, JOE PACK FINISH 1-2 IN DEER VALLEY AERIALS Fourth World Cup win marks Deer Valley repeat
The Chevrolet Freestyle International, part of the 10 Weeks to Torino series of major Olympic qualifying events, concludes Saturday night with another aerials contest before the tour heads for Lake Placid, N.Y., and the Nature Valley Freestyle Cup with its two moguls events and one aerials meet.
FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
Chevrolet Freestyle International
Deer Valley, UT - Jan. 13, 2006
Aerials (12 make finals)
Men
1. Ryan St. Onge, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 243.59 points
2. Joe Pack, Park City, Utah, 241.49
3. Dmitri Dashinski, Belarus, 240.93
4. Ryan Blais, Canada, 240.32
5. Xiaotao Ou, China, 236.27
6. Dmitri Arkhipov, Russia, 233.63
7. Xiaopeng Han, China, 233.19
8. Anton Kushnir, Belarus, 231.64
9. Kyle Nissen, Canada, 223.68
10. Warren Shouldice, Canada, 218.13
11. Jeret Peterson, Boise, Idaho, 214.71
12. Vladimir Lebedev, Russia, 194.26
--

Women
1. Lydia Ierodiaconou, Australia, 196.51
2. Manuela Mueller, Switzerland, 185.76
3. Nina Li, China, 183.65
4. Xinxin Guo, China, 182.38
5. Olga Volkova, Ukraine, 174.43
6. Liz Gardner, Australia, 173.59
7. Alisa Camplin, Australia, 171.97
8. Anna Zukal, Russia, 171.13
9. Evelyne Leu, Switzerland, 168.48
10. Jana Lindsey, Black Hawk, S.D., 156. 65
11. Olga Koroleva, Russia, 154.78
12. Bree Munro, Australia, 143.46

For complete results:
FIS SKI

***

LINDSEY KILDOW HOLDS ON TO WORLD CUP DOWNHILL LEAD IN AUSTRIA
BAD KLEINKIRCHHEIM, Austria (Jan. 13) - World Cup downhill leader Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) was ninth Friday in a downhill and held onto her lead in the standings with Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) 11th as Sweden’s Anja Paerson won the second DH of her glittering career.
OLN televises World Cup race coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET (with a rebroadcast Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET) as part of its ongoing 10 Weeks to Torino pre-Olympic programming.
Paerson’s winning time was 1:37.70 with Michaela Dorfmeister second in 1:37.74 to climb closer to Kildow in the points. Kildow, who has won two downhills this winter, finishws in 1:38.59 and leads the downhill points with 274 while Dorfmeister has 252. Clark, the only other American to break into the top 30, had a time of 1:38.77.
“Lindsey didn’t ski well; she just didn’t ski that well in a couple of turns. She cleans it up for [Saturday’s DH] and she’ll be right in there again,” said DH/SG Head Coach Alex Hoedlmoser. “And Kirsten skied pretty well. This is a very difficult course - there’s a top chute, the Franz Klammer Chute, that leads into a flat and it’s almost like cross country at that point...30 seconds, or more, and if you get behind, you don’t have a chance because you can’t make up the time after that.
“And then there’s a very critical turn from the flat and...well, it’s tough.”
The women’s run another DH Saturday, then have a super G Sunday before a downhill, super G and one-day super combined Jan. 20-22 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The alpine Olympic Team will be named Jan. 25.
WOMEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Bad Kleinkirchheim, AUT - Jan. 13, 2006
Women’s Downhill-1
1. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:37.70
2. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:37.74
3. Fraezi Aufdenblatten, Switzerland, 1:37.78
4. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:37.79
5. Sylviane Berthod, Switzerland, 1:38.03
-
9. Lindsey Kildow, Vail, Colo., 1:38.59
11. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:38.77
33. Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 1:39.93
34. Stacey Cook, Truckee, Calif., 1:39.96
35. Bryna McCarty, Concord, Vt., 1:40.25
40. Jonna Mendes, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 1:40.70
42. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:40.86
48. Libby Ludlow, Bellevue, Wash., 1:41.76

For complete results:
FIS SKI


***
Homewood
We're knee deep in powder and the face shots are abundant! Now is your chance to get the best deal on a season pass in Tahoe. We still have a limited number of $99 Value Day passes left, but they won't be around much longer. Don’t miss this great opportunity to become a part of the Homewood family! You can purchase your pass in person at the guest services office, over the phone at 530.525.2992
We are open and in great shape!! 7 lifts, 55 runs open, and a $48 lift ticket today!! Homewood is open top to bottom, and teaching skiers and snowboarders of all ages today! The Children's Center is open at our South Base!! Don't forget that all groomed runs will have new snow on them today. No refunds due to wind, weather, snow conditions or loss of power. Homewood Mountain Resort On Tahoe's West Shore
Check out Quail Bowl after a dump !

***
Your Sole Insoles




Closed on Sunday, Gone skiing

Kitzbühel-Kirchberg-Reith-Aurach-Jochberg

SKI REPORT
13.01.2006 | 22:20

Amount of snow mountain: 102 cm
Amount of snow valley: 70 cm
Temperature mountain: -1 - Chilly Temperature valley: -10
GOING UP
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 Lifts operating: 55

Slopes open: 62 Ski runs to valley: 17

Photos / Kitzbuehel Tourism / Media archieve
Kitzbuehel

66th . HAHNENKAMM RACE downhill training - 11.30 amFriday, 20.1. 200611.30 am Hahnenkamm Super-G 06.30 pm Prize award and draw for Hahnenkamm downhill, finish area; Saturday, 21.1.200611.30 am Hahnenkamm Downhill Race02.00 pm Kitz-Charity Trophy 06.30 pm Prize award and draw for Slalom followed by "Hahnenkamm Fireworks"Sunday, 22.1.200610.30 am Hahnenkamm Slalom, 1st heat01.15 pm Hahnenkamm Slalom, 2nd heatPrize award ceremony for slalom and combined, finish
World's biggest Skiracing-event – go there by train Getting there the relaxed way Date: Fr 20.01.2006 bis So 22.01.2006
Telephone: 0043 5356 73555
Telefax: 0043 5356 71989

E-Mail: club@hahnenkamm.com
www.hahnenkamm.com

SNOWBOARD, FREESTYLE HEADLINE NBC COVERAGE
At the second stop on the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix in Mt. Bachelor, Ore., Shaun White and Gretchen Bleiler each added another halfpipe win to their resume, securing their standings to make the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team. Watch White go for win No. 3 (and No. 2 for Bleiler) this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.
Stay seated and tuned into to NBC Sunday at 3 p.m. ET for coverage of World Cup moguls and aerials competitions from the Chevrolet Freestyle International at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. American moguls skiers Jeremy Bloom and Hannah Kearney and aerialists Ryan St. Onge and Emily Cook already have their tickets to Torino. See which teammates take the next step toward joining them!
LIVE WORLDWIDE WEBCAST SET FOR THIS WEEKEND'S FREESTYLE WORLD CUP EVENTS
Online broadcaster MediaZone.com will present live webcasts of this weekend's men's and women's moguls and aerials World Cup events from Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, at the Chevrolet Freestyle International. Visit http://www.mediazone.com/ussa now to catch all the action
MediaZone Webcast Schedule (Mountain Time): Friday, Jan. 13: 2:45-3 p.m., women's aerials finals Friday, Jan. 13: 3:15-3:45 p.m., men's aerials finals Friday, Jan. 13: 7:25-8:45 p.m., M/W moguls finals Saturday, Jan. 14: 6-6:30 p.m., women's aerials finals Saturday, Jan. 14: 6:30-7 p.m., men's aerials finals

***
Big White
160 - 170 - 180 - 190!! The snow keeps piling up at Big White and Silver Star, with the consistent storms dumping champagne powder on both mountains! Right now, Big White's base is 190 centimetres, and Silver Star has just passed the 175 cm mark. These days, if you wait for a couple of hours, it will likely go up! Note that the on-line Snow Report for both mountains has now added a "Snow in Past 7 Days" feature, so that you can keep track on storm cycle totals. Both resorts have had over 70 centimetres in the last seven days. See you 'in the pow!'
Last minute breaking news - FALCON CHAIR OPENS THIS SATURDAY!
Avalanche Awareness Days at Big White
With all of that fresh powder, it's time to educate yourself about the dangers of avalanches. The Canadian Avalanche Association is hosting its showcase Avalanche Awareness Days event at Big White from Friday through Sunday. Canadian Avalanche Events kick off with a special media day on Friday, public information day on Saturday, and a kids day on Sunday
National Ski & Board Week Special
The official launch of the Samsung National Ski and Snowboard Week will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 13th. In honor of National Ski & Board Week, Big White and Silver Star are going to have a Discover Skiing and Snowboarding package for $24.95, more than 50% off! This offer is valid Monday through Thursday. Log on to www.castanet.net Friday evening, click on the Big White Silver Star button and print off your coupon. Present the coupon at the Ticket Counter or Ski & Board School Desk to redeem.
$5 Fridays Return to Big White and Silver Star!
Break open your piggy banks - $5 Fridays are back! That's right, just $5 for night skiing at our two world class resorts from now until late March! At Silver Star, the hours of operation are from 3:30 pm - 9:00 pm; open lifts include the Summit, Silver Queen and the Magic Carpet. At Big White, hours of operation are from 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm on the Plaza Quad, and 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on the TELUS Park chair and the Bullet Express. Regular ski and snowboard rentals are $10 at Big White and Silver Star. At Silver Star, fill your belly with great food specials at the Town Hall for only $5 as well!
26th Annual Over The Hill Downhill at Silver Star Feb. 10 -12 The 26th Annual Over the Hill Downhill ... Canada's oldest recreational downhill is a fun recreational downhill race for the young and young at heart. If you are into speed find a pair of downhill boards and come to Silver Star for the best experience of a lifetime. Again, this year the Over The Hill Downhill is run in conjunction with a Canadian Masters Downhill event. You can enter as a team or as an individual. The Over The Hill Downhill is as always a one run team event that takes place in the morning. Join us for a week of expert coaching during the Race Camp or just come and register to race. For information/registration on the Race Camp, please call 250-558-6065
Big White

***
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Skiers Welcome Heavy Snowfall After a dismal season in the North last year, Jackson Hole is tooting its horn. The recent 97-inch storm at JHMR gave the mammoth area the second deepest mid-mountain base depth in their 40-year history! Last week's storms puked eight feet of snow, an average of 10 inches a day, for nine days straight creating incredibly dry, bottomless powder conditions. More's on the way. Now's the time to sign up for their backcountry clinic or steep and deep camp. 800.443.8613
EVENTS
JAN 14 - National Safety Awarness Week - JH Ski Club North Series Super G's - Snowriders 101 - Steep and Deep Ski Camp 1 - Tele Steep & Deep Camp - USASA Halfpipe Jan 15
- Welcome NASAF!
- National Safety Awarness Week
- JH Ski Club North Series Super G's
- Steep and Deep Ski Camp 1
- Tele Steep & Deep Camp
- USASA Slope Style Event
Jan 16
- Welcome NASAF!
- National Safety Awarness Week
- USASA Halfpipe -Day2 Jan 19
- 2nd Annual Barry Corbet Film Festival
- Welcome NASAF!
- National Safety Awarness Week
- JH Women's Ski Camp
Jackson Hole

***
Squaw Valley
Outside Magazine At Squaw Valley
Outside Magazine once again is conducting it annual nationwide circus, the Powder Play Tour, "showcasing all the latest and greatest cutting-edge gear you need to enjoy some serious winter fun," and the tents will unfold at Squaw Valley on Jan. 24-25. There will be the usual giveaways and raffles, with an après party at Bar One

Today: Today's Groomers Choice: Granite Chief
Un Official Ed's Choice on the Chief, Carnells, cork screw, split tree chute check to see if Swan Dive is covered!
Other events:
14 - 20 National Safety Awareness Week Demonstrations, contests and seminars Squaw Valley USA joins the National Ski Areas Association in promoting safety awareness throughout the resort.
16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
18 Adventure Series Slide Show at Bar One The Back Country Presents an adventure slideshow in Bar One - every Wednesday at 7pm, FREE. Tonight - Jim Zellers, Fun & Fiascos in the Toiyabes: Tahe area Split Board legend and Adventure Series regular, Jim Zellers returns with a humorous all season sampler of of Nevada's rarely visited Toiyabe Range.
19 Squaw Valley Challenge #2 Squaw Valley's season long recreational race series offers spirited competition in a fun atmosphere with great prizes. Open to skiers, snowboarders & telemark racers. Details: 530-583-6985 22 Annual Community Benefit Day A local fundraiser for the Excellence in Education Foundation and the Tahoe Forest Hospital. Pre-purchase donation vouchers online at squaw.com and redeem them at Squaw Valley (on Jan 22 only) for an adult all day lift ticket & skate session. Only 1,000 vouchers will be available, subject to sell out. Details: 530-583-6985 More info...
22 Steep and Deep Clinic Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic at Plaza Bar Multi-media presentations by locals guides, extreme skiers and forecasters. Evening includes a raffle with great prizes. All ages, 7:00pm More info...

Squaw Valley USA got Kt? \

You can purchase Suqaw Lifts and lessons via the shopping page of Endless Winter


***
Sugar Bowl
Jan. 13 - 15, 2006 (Fri - Sun) Winter X-Jam - X-Games IX Qualifiers at Sugar Bowl The big event returns!! Extreme athletes and homeboys will go head to head for the last chance X-Games qualifier at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. For most extreme athletes an invitation to the X-Games is the highest honor in their individual sports. Athletes who have not already qualified for the upcoming competition in Skiercross and Boardercross will be duking it out at Sugar Bowl Jan 13-15.
Both skiers and snowboarders, men & women, will battle for the final spots in hopes of making their debut for the largest extreme sporting event in the world. This is the only X Games qualifier in the US! Details:
Sugar Bowl

***
Cortina d'Ampezzo - Italy
Last updated 12 January 2006
Weather conditions Clear skies, nice
Temperature top 09:00 -10
Temperature base 09:00 -1
Depth of snow top 100
Depth of snow base 45
Last snowfall 1 January 2006

Event Not to be missed the celebration of the 1956's Olympics from 19th to 26th January. www.cortina.dolomiti.org Dolomiti

***

Val Gardena - Italy
In Val Gardena there are excellent snow conditions. All lifts are open and the slopes are well snow-covered. The Sellaronda is open in both directions.
5th Edition of the Snowshoe Race in Val Gardena. A unique experience for all participants

Val Gardina Italy

Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb Snow alert for Crystal Wa Snow alert for Timberline & Mt Hood Meadows Snow alert for Mt Shasta , Ashland

***
Bear Valley
Celebrate Martin Luther King weekend at Bear Valley featuring an annual favorite event, the Winter Explosion happening Saturday, January 14th. Skiers and snowboarders can join in the fun, to light up the mountain with a torchlight parade immediately followed by a booming fireworks show. Open to approximately one hundred intermediate and advanced riders, this event is exhilarating for all ages. The advanced group will ride Porridge Bowl through Groovy Gully, and the intermediates slide down Porridge Bowl to Spring Gap. The two torch bearing groups will reunite at Super Cub for a breathtaking stream of lights, followed by a fireworks show that explodes above the slopes. Spectators can view the event from the slope side of the lodge and the Monte Wolf Saloon’s outside deck. Immediately following the light show our Hungry Bear Cafe will serve up a scrumptious meal including Honey Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, a vegetable medley, spinach salad with balsalmic viniagrette, fountain drink and dessert. No reservation necessary, just come and join the fun Saturday night! Also on the event line up this weekend is the Rossignol / Mt Dew Jib Jam (Saturday), recreational GS Racing (Sunday) and the first Central Sierra Slopestyle Series event (Monday at Dodge Ridge). Link here for a full calendar of events.
With Bear Valley's all new Direct to Lift (DTL) Ticket program, skiers and snowboarders can save BIG in time and money! DTL day tickets can be purchased at any one of Bear Valley’s retail partners such as REI and Helm of Sun Valley. "Bear Valley's discount Direct-to-Lift day tickets provide REI's customers with another outlet to extend the company's commitment to providing not only high performance gear and apparel, but an easy shopping experience for our customers," said Megan Wier, REI Special Events.
For more Bear news visit.... Bear Valley

***
Whistler Blackcomb 30cm Fresh Snow Overnight!
Whistler Blackcomb

***
Kirkwood
Come and Get it... With a base elevation of 7,800 feet and a reputation for the most and best snow in Tahoe, Kirkwood is the top of the list for locals and visitors alike. The resort is 100% open with all 2,300 powder-packed acres available; the terrain is in immaculate shape from top to bottom. For those who like it fast and steep, Kirkwood offers the South Shore’s most extensive high angle grooming, with several black and double black diamond runs covered in wall-to-wall corduroy. Kirkwood’s legendary off-piste terrain such as Wagon Wheel Bowl, the Palisades and Thunder Saddle are all deep and soft and beckoning to the adventurous set to explore!
Reminder Kirkwood has a new Back country adventue program, Please see site or see earlier entry here on Endless Winter Snow for specific details.
For all levels, Kirkwood’s uncrowded slopes will be a welcome change to the frantic pace of most other resorts during the holidays. For more information and for the latest on snow conditions, as well as resort operations and road conditions, Click Here or call 1-877-KIRKWOOD

Kirkwood

***
Panorama
NEW SNOW last 24 hrs 16cm

Ski or ride the best snow in years! Another 16 cms of fresh snow has fallen in the past 24 hours, and close to half-a-metre this week. More is in the forecast!
Nordic Conditions
The Greywolf Nordic Centre is open daily. Lots of fresh snow! Conditions are superb. The Toby Creek Nordic Panorama Loppet is coming up on February the 5th at the Greywolf Nordic Centre.
Special Events
National Ski & Snowboard Week: January 15th-19th.
January
Jan 3-7 University and College Week
Jan 15-19 National Ski & Snowboard Week
Jan 18-24 K2 Speed Camp

February
Feb 5-11 Western Days
Feb 17-20 Family Day Weekend
Feb 20 Snowboarders for Christ Halfpipe Competition
Feb 27-28 BC Highschool Provincial Ski/Snowboard Championships

Panorama

***
International Olympic ComitteeC
Busy start of the year at the IOC Setting the tone for 2006, January will be a busy month at the IOC. On 24 January, IOC President Jacques Rogge will meet with Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan who will visit the IOC Headquarters for the first time. On the agenda, the Olympic Truce, which has enjoyed Mr Annan’s unwavering support over the last four Olympic Games, and the review of shared activities carried out with the various United Nations agencies. President Rogge and Mr Annan will meet again in Davos (Switzerland) the next day. They are expected to take part, together with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, in an Opening Media Lunch on the theme of ‘The impact of sport in the world’. At the initiative of the World Economic Forum, sport will have a privileged place within the discussions in Davos this year. President Rogge is expected to attend various sessions on 25 and 26 January. With the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games only weeks away, the indications are that, thanks to more comprehensive broadcast coverage than ever before by the IOC’s rights-holding broadcast partners, the Games will be enjoyed by a record number of viewers worldwide. Moreover, with 80 or more National Olympic Committees expected to send athletes to compete in the 84 events (compared to 76 NOCs in Salt Lake City), the widening geographical appeal of the Olympic Winter Games is clear. The latest IOC visits and test events have confirmed Torino 2006’s state of readiness, and the preparations have also been praised by the European Union for the efforts made to respect the natural environment.
Olympic Organization

***
USSA
LINDSEY KILDOW NINTH IN AUSTRIA, RETAINS WORLD CUP DH LEAD BAD KLEINKIRCHHEIM, Austria (Jan. 13) - Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) was ninth Friday in a World Cup downhill and held onto her lead in the downhill standings with Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) 11th behind Sweden’s Anja Paerson.
OLN will televise World Cup race coverage Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
STEVE NYMAN LEADS U.S. IN WENGEN SUPER COMBINED WENGEN, Switzerland (Jan. 13) - Steve Nyman (Orem, UT) was 19th and Scott Macartney (Redmond, WA) 29th Friday in a one-day super combined World Cup event that opened the 76th Lauberhorn Weekend. Bode Miller (Bretton Woods, NH) straddled a gate Friday and lost an apparent opportunity to win a one-day World Cup super combined. Austrian Benjamin Raich won to boost his World Cup overall points lead. WIN A TRIP TO TORINO U.S. Ski Team fans can win a trip to Torino to watch the Team in action! U.S. Ski Team sponsor Chevrolet is auctioning 10 VIP trips to Torino on eBay ending Wed. Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET. And 80% of the auction purchase price will go directly to supporting the U.S. Ski Team. Get into the action today!
For complete details: USSA

***
Steamboat
Record snowfall continues to come to Steamboat! We've received 139" since December 1 and 2 feet of Champagne Powder® snow in the last 7 days. The snowplow drivers haven't slept since November and another storm will be barrelling down on Steamboat tonight! Reliable sources tell us that this storm will be a big one and we are sure to go well beyond 20 feet of snow this season by the end of this big storm!
Events
MLK Weekend Events
The Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel & Condominiums - Great vacation packages available at Steamboat's only AAA 4 Diamond Resort, so get on up here and treat your family to luxury!
The Great Family Fun Festival - Join Dora the Explorer®, SpongeBob®, and Patrick® in Ski Town, U.S.A.® for days of unforgettable family fun! Steamboat's Great Family Fun Festival will feature a fun-packed line-up of children's concerts, children's film showings, games, activities and much more!
32nd Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill - Stick around for the excitement on Tuesday, January 17. Spectators of all ages watch in amazement as many of these cowboys strap on skis for the very first time.
STEAMBOAT GRAND FEATURED AS #23 HOTEL IN CONDE NAST TRAVELER’S TOP 50 SKI RESORTS IN NORTH AMERICA
Up coming Events
January 10-14, 2006 - 3rd Annual Ski Jam
January 13-16, 2006 - Great Family Fun Festival
January 16, 2006 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17, 2006 - 32nd annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill
January 21-22, 2006 - US Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships
February 8-12, 2006 - 93rd Annual Steamboat Winter Carnival
February 10-12, 2006 - Subaru Rocky Mountain Skiercross Classic

Steamboat ****** Winter Sale Update from Eddie Bauer in the shopping Section

Snow Alert: Aspen, Arapahoe Basin, Big White, Alta, SnowBird, Fernie, Kicking Horse Saas Fee, Zermatt

***
We have received 2.5" of new snow in the past 24 hours and all seven mountains of Killington Resort will be open for Friday. Temperatures are expected to drop Saturday night, with the possibility of significant snowfall Saturday night through Sunday!! At Killington we remain confident that the vast amount of terrain covered by the world’s largest snowmaking system will provide the best overall conditions available in the East, no matter what Mother Nature delivers. Our groomers will be working through the night laying miles and miles of corduroy on 74 trails. Friday we’ll be spinning 20 lifts, including the K-1 and Skyeship Express Gondolas and three express quad chairs! Check out Killington's 2-7 Day SKI & STAY Package! You`ll save money with each Ski and Stay vacation you book. A two night/ two day Ski and Stay package including lodging and lift tickets starts at just $69 per person per night during midwinter (midweek, non-holiday) and $57 early/late season. Killington

***
Steamboat
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO—January 12, 2006-- ProRodeo Champions from across North America will convene in Steamboat – Ski Town, U.S.A.® – for the 32nd Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. "The Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is an event highlight of both the rodeo and ski seasons, having become one of the most unique events in the country that the whole family can enjoy together," said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat. "This event is a tribute to the original rodeo cowboy. The combination of Steamboat’s genuine friendliness, real western heritage and world-class skiing on over 20 feet of pure Champagne Powder® snow this season has made our town and resort the ideal setting for this event for over three decades." The Cowboy Downhill started back in 1974 when Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, and Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s Director of Skiing & Olympic medalist, decided it would be fun to invite a few of the ProRodeo stars from the Denver Stock Show up to Steamboat for a day of skiing and racing fun. Today, it has grown into one of the most unique ski rodeos in the world with up to 100 ProRodeo cowboys trading in their spurs for skis and snowboards in a western-style race to the finish line. The day’s events begin with the dual slalom race at 1:30 p.m. on Headwall. After negotiating the slalom course and on-course jump, the cowboys must lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line in the fastest time and all in one piece. The grand finale of the 32nd Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is a chaotic western Stampede on skis and snowboards. The Stampede utilizes a mass start and pits cowboy against cowboy in a winner takes all race down Headwall. The greatest challenge for the winner is getting out of the way of a hundred other cowboys hurling down the hill in hot pursuit. Read the full Press Release: Steamboat

***
Crystal Mountain
11 inches of new snow in 24 hours, 6 inches overnight up top. The POWDER is calling YOU!!
Date: Thursday, January 12, 2006
Time: 6:00am
Weather: Another great day for the slopes with some partial clearing expected later!
Base Temperature: 23 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 65 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 11 inches
Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 18 inches
The Express Bus is the hassle free way to Crystal Mountain on the weekends.
Crystal


***
After clouds covered our beautiful mountain yesterday, Mammoth is once again glowing in the morning sun. I feel spoiled by Mammoth's pristine weather as another new day promises clear skies, calm winds and temperatures in the low 40s. You know you've got it made when you can put the goggles away and pull out the sunglasses for a beautiful January day. Currently it's 27 degrees at Main Lodge, but I guarantee the bright sun will warm us up in no time. We plan to operate all chairs today with the exception of 7 and 20. I'm embarking on a new adventure tonight and I can't wait to tell you how it is. I'm going on a Full Moon Snowshoe Tour! I love Mammoth's diverse outdoor experiences. I have a feeling I'll have a good report for you. Have a great day and I'll see you out there! Mountain Conditions =================== Main Lodge Temp : 30.4 degrees Skies : clear Winds : calm Daytime Temps : low 40s Base Depth : 10-12 feet Storm Total : 1 inches. Today's Snowfall : 1 inches. Surface Conditions : Packed Powder,Machine Groomed Expected Lifts ============== Main Lodge: 12 expected Canyon Lodge: 10 expected Eagle Lodge: 3 expected Mammoth Mountain

Snow alert for Jackson Hole

Lake Placid
XIII Olympic Winter Games
The 1980 Winter Games, held in Lake Placid, New York, were filled with impressive performances. The great Swedish skier, Ingemar Stenmark, won both the giant slalom and the slalom. Hanni Wenzel did the same in the women’s races and her nation, Liechtenstein, became the smallest country to produce an Olympic champion. Ulrich Wehling won the Nordic combined for the third time and pairs skater Irina Rodnina did the same in her event. In the biathlon relay, Aleksandr Tikhonov earned his fourth straight gold medal. Nikolay Zimyatov earned three gold medals in cross-country skiing. In an unprecedented achievement, Eric Heiden of the United States won all five speed skating races, from 500m all the way up to 10,000m. Nonetheless, for the home crowd, the highlight was the unexpected victory of the US ice hockey team. 37 NOCs (Nations) 1,072 athletes (232 women, 840 men) m 38 events

At Whiteface, you'll find some of the best alpine skiing and snowboarding in North America. It has the greatest vertical drop this side of the Rockies and is the only ski area in the East to have hosted the Olympic Winter Games.
Cloudsplitter Gondola - The gondola carries skiers and riders to the top of Little Whiteface in a mere 7.5 minutes
High Speed Detachable Quad - The Face Lift - 6 minutes from the Base to the top of Upper Valley
Terrain Parks - Quarterpipe, superpipe, railparks, cross course, mini and kid's park - five different areas with something for every ability level. New Park Sessions coaching program so you can learn the right way.
Glade Trails - Expert glades are accessible from Northway and Approach from the top of Little Whiteface. Silver and Golden Glades are accessible on the lower mountain from Boreen or Easy Acres.
Lake Placid

***
Mammoth Mountain
Midweek Madness: best conditions, best deals, best days of the week. Jan. 10 - Feb. 2, 2006 is one month of super-fun Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Mammoth!
Great Deals: Lift Tickets: $49*
Ski and Snowboard School: 25%* off group lessons Snowmobile Adventures: 25%* off 90 min. guided tours Rental Equipment: $13* off Ski or Snowboard Demo Package *Three day advanced purchase required, some restrictions apply.

Events and Parties: Jan. 19: Mammoth Lift Challenge (win a 2006/07 pass!) Feb. 2: West Coast Style Groundhog Day at the Village Feb. 2: Mammoth Scavenger Hunt (win a 2006/07 pass!) Sign Up Now:
Mammoth Mountain

800.MAMMOTH / 760.934.2571 1 Minaret Road - PO Box 24 - Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546


***
New Hampshire Tourism
If you look outside you may not see a mid-winter snowstorm, but don't forget that the past month has been very generous to us with cold weather and regular snowstorms. There has not been a record N'easter (at least not yet!), but we keep getting regular small storms and it shows in the trail counts and base depth at your favorite resort. The recent cold weather also allowed many of the state's terrain parks to build alot of jumps and rails for those "jibbahs" out there.

The forecast right now is calling for warm weather the next several days into the holiday weekend, which means you should find some nice spring skiing and riding conditions at your favorite mountain until we return to mid-winter weather.

With the recent snow and cool weather our friends at New Hampshire's cross country areas have a good selection of terrain available. If you haven't been out on skinny skis in awhile, take a day and head out to one of our cross country areas. It is a very relaxing experience even on the busiest of weekends, you get some great exercise, and you can enjoy some of the best scenery in New England! If you haven't been cross country skiing before, don't be intimidated! The staff at Ski NH XC areas are as friendly as they come and they love introducing new people to the sport. Find out everything you need to know by visiting XCSkiNH.com.
Ski New Hampshire

Red Lodge Mountain
2400 feet of Rocky Mountain vertical will entice any winter sports enthusiast to try the mountain once. But there’s something special that keeps bringing people back year after year – the Western Hospitality of the Town of Red Lodge. Nestled at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge’s historic downtown features unique shops, restaurants and hotels, and offers a variety of family-oriented activities.Gateway to Yellowstone Park
Events
January 20 • Red Lodge Ales' Town Series Races Party
This week's party is at the Rock Creek Resort in the Kiva Room.

January 21 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Loopian Zoo A great three piece band from Billings, will really impress you witht he instumental rock & roll. All original music, they played at the Fat Tire Frenzy this summer.

January 20 & 21 • Cody High School Races
Check out the high school racers from Wyoming. Great competition & fun to watch. Race on Lower Limited.

January 28 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Lounge Lizards
This killer trio from Powell, WY, will be pumping out the tunes, from swing to rock. Do not miss this classic band.
January 28 • Pepsi Learn to Ski/Board Free Day
RLM is teaming up with Pepsi to teach you how to ski or snowboard. Simply come on up to the Mountain and take the Learn to Ski or Snowboard package in the rental shop for free!!! more info...

January 29 • Beartooth Ford's Terrain Park Championship Series
First competition for in the series. The format and shop sponsor will be announced later. Join up for your chance to win the car. more info...

January 27 - 29 • Rocky Mountain College Races
Three days of college racing on Lower Limited. Check out some of the best racers in the region as the National Champion Rocky Mountain College Men's team play host.

February 3 • Red Lodge Ales' Town Series Races Party
This week's party is at new party sponsor, Foster and Logan's!!!

February 11 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Buzz Dawgs
They are back, and hotter than ever. Do not miss them, for this may by their last show for the season.

February 12 • Beartooth Ford's Terrain Park Championship Series
Join us for week two of the series with the shop sponsor and type of competition announced after the first of the year. Points awarded every week, get the most points, win the car!!!! more info...

February 17 • Red Lodge Ales Town Series Races End Join us at the final Town Series party at the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course Clubhouse & learn which team is this year's Red Lodge Ales' Town Series champion. Great food from Marge and even better beer from Red Lodge Ales.

February 15 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Politically UnDecid Stano & the boys are back for the President's Holiday slot. Have lots of fun while listening to one of the best trios in the area.

February 24 • Winter Carnival-Cardboard Classic Judging & Parade
Build your craft using only cardboard, tape & glue based on the theme. Judging is 5pm on Friday, Feb 24, at the True Value, race is Saturday at noon. Very fun & exciting & a great crowd pleaser. Great prizes to be won. more info...

February 25 • Winter Carnival--Mountain Bike Race
The format is still being worked out, but watch mountain bikers race down Show Off Alley after the Cardboard Classic. more info...
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Pinata Bust
3:15pm in the Courtyard: Bring the kids and get ready for the Pinata Bust. Four age groups and lots of candy.
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Cardboard Classic Race
Be ready for the Cardboard Classic Race on RLM. First race starts at 12:30pm. Remember, it takes about 30 min to haul a craft up to the start area. more info...
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Costume Contest
5:00am on the Bierstube Deck: Categories for employees, adults, teens and children. Cash & prizes to be won!!!
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Bogart's Jalepeno Eating Contest
First year for the event at 4:30pm on the Bierstube deck: Bogart's is on board and the winner will take home $100. more info...
February 24 - 26 • Winter Carnival--Mardi Gras
Fat Tire Amber Ales brings us Winter Carnival: Mardi Gras. We will have the Cardboard Classic, the Fat Tire Frenzy Mountain Bike Race and a Jalepeno Eating Contest. Call Tera for more info at 446-2610x101
February 26 • Alpine High's King & Queen of the Mountain Race
Do you have what it takes to be King & Queen of RLM? Contestants will take one run on alpine skis, then Telemark skis & then snowboard through the race course set up on Bobcat.
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Primal Nation
This foursome plays rock, reggae, fund & R&B. They are Montana's finest new dance band.
February 26 • Winter Carnival--Scavenger Hunt
Sponsored by Whispering Pines, watch for the Fairy Tale Creatures skiing and riding on the mountain on Sunday, February 26 from 9am to 3pm. more info...


Red Mountain Lodge

Nozawa Onsen -Nagano Japan

A long time, the famous and demanding Kandahar slopes were only open for competitors. Starting season 2003/2004, on certain days (except during official races) they are open to the public as well.

Since the winter season 1999/2000 virtually all courses are open to snowboarders and skiers. Only two courses (Yamabiko and Kandahar course) cannot be used by snowboarders. There is also a halfpipe at Uenotaira to make Nozawa Onsen more interesting for snowboarders.
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
Maximum gradient: 39 degrees
Area: 297 ha
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)
Great capacity for moving people and traffic management
Chairlifts: quad chairs: 5
triple chairs: 4
double chairs: 13

Number of restaurants at the ski resort: 28
The ski resort is completely owned and managed by the village.
Even in summer Nozawa Onsen offers a possibility to ski on plastic mats at the Yamabiko Sports Park. ( dry slope )

Furthermore, Nozawa Onsen offers two courses for cross-country skiing. Rental cross-country skies are also available.

Nozawaonsen.nagano

Morning edition
Snow Alert For Whistle, 10cm Overnight
Snow Alert for Washington, 24 straight days of rain in Seattle
Snow Alert for Crystal
Snow Alert for Tahow basin, Homewood, Sugar Bowl , Alpine, Squaw , above 7200

***
Grouse Mountain Vancouver B.C.

Today I am very happy to have Grouse Mountain contribute.Chris sends in the following update.
60% CHANCE OF MORE FLURRIES! Temperature: 0 ºC / 32 ºF
Overnight Low: -2 ºC / 28.4 ºF
Humidity: 79 %
Visibility: variable

Total Snow Depth: 144 cm / 57.6 in
New Snow Overnight: 5 cm / 2 in
New Snow Past 24hrs: 14 cm / 5.6 in
Freezing Level: 1000 m / 3333 ft


Upcoming Events

Valentine's Day at The Peak of Vancouver - February 14, 2006 This Valentine's Day, whisk your loved one away from the bustle of everyday life into a pristine alpine wilderness. Romance, roses and intimate dining await you in Grouse Mountain's luxurious Peak Chalet, nestled on the mountaintop high above the glimmering city lights. This multi-course Valentine's Dinner is available for $90* with an optional wine pairing available for just $30 more. Several seatings to choose from; please call 604.980.9311 to book.

5:30pm - The Observatory
6:00pm - Altitudes Bistro
6:30pm - Timber Room
8:00pm - The Observatory
8:30pm - Altitudes Bistro
9:00pm - Timber Room
*Price is subject to 15% gratuity

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, sister resort of Grouse Mountain, is the first, new four-season mountain resort to open in Canada in over 25 years. In winter there are many appeals for skiers and snowboarders - untracked champagne powder, sun-filled skies and 4,133 feet of breathtaking vertical. Other winter activities include heli-skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, to name a few.
Visitors to The Peak of Vancouver can experience everything that represents British Columbia all in one location. Stone and timber architecture, west coast cuisine, endless views of the city and the Pacific Ocean are just part of the adventure.
The Skyride
The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
Helicopter Tours
Sleigh Rides


Grouse Mountain
Ed Note: Grouse Mountain sits overlooking the beautiful city of Vancouver. Views in the evening are amazing. A great place for night skiing or, dinner any time of the year.The Tram ride is a view to a thrill !


***
Crystal Mountain
14 inches of new snow in 24 hours, 10 inches overnight up top. The POWDER is calling YOU!!
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Time: 7:00am
Weather: Snow off and on throughout the day.
Base Temperature: 29 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 55 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 7 inches
Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 11 inches
Summit Temperature: 21 degrees
Summit Snow Depth: 97 inches
Summit New Snow Fall 24hrs: 14 inches
Summit New Snow Fall 48hrs: 26 inches
Surface Conditions: Powder and Machine Groomed
Lifts Open: Discovery, Chinook Express, Forest Queen, Rainier Express, High Campbell & Green Valley

The Express Bus is the hassle free way to Crystal Mountain on the weekends. For more information or to make reservations call 800-665-2122
For more on Crystal: Crystal Mountain

***
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
NEAR RECORD WEEK OF SNOW! With more snow forecasted this week, why wait? Head to the mountains for some great skiing and riding! Fernie

108cm over the past week!
42cm in the past 24 hours alone!

Fernie
Lake Louise

36cm over the past 5 days!
14cm in the past 24 hours.

Lake Louise
Kimberley

61cm over the past week!
22cm in the past 24 hours.

Kimberley
FEATURED EVENT
HOLLYWOOD STARS TO SHINE AT LAKE LOUISE - January 12 - 15th, 2006

Hollywood stars, including Alec Baldwin and his brother William, Kelsey Grammer, John Cusack and Marcia Gay Harden, will join Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richard Kennedy as they host the star-studded Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Celebrity Sports Invitational fund-raising event.
Stars will compete on January 13th and 14th in a variety of fun events within easy public viewing, including toboggan races and alpine ski racing.

Saturday January 14, 2006
LAKE LOUISE MOUNTAIN RESORT
• Celebrity Sport Invitational - your favorite Hollywood stars cruising the mountain
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
• Avalanche Awareness Days
• Live Music in the Griz Bar - Gorrge Street Revisited Newfy Style Pub Music
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT
• Avalanche Awareness Days
• Live Music at the Stemwinder - Mighty Joe Young
NAKISKA
• Demo Days - Carving Edition #1
• Pontiac GMC Cup


Sunday January 15, 2006
LAKE LOUISE MOUNTAIN RESORT
• Celebrity Sport Invitational - your favorite Hollywood stars cruising the mountain
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
• Avalanche Awareness Days
• Live Music in the Griz Bar - Gorrge Street Revisited Newfy Style Pub Music
NAKISKA
• Demo Days - Carving Edition #2
• Pontiac GMC Cup
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT
• Avalanche Awareness Days
• Live Music at the Stemwinder - Mighty Joe Young


Resorts of the Canadina Rockies

***
Yahoo Travel

Flights * Take off: One-way flights from $44* * Mexico from $367* round-trip * Winter sale: Fly round-trip from $73* More Flight Deals
Hotels * Save on ski destinations: Rooms from $79/night
Top Hotels in Turin Diplomatic Hotel
Turin Palace Hotel
Lancaster Hotel


Best Fare Comparitive, For Current References- From Yahoo Travel
Depart: Atlanta, GA
Frankfurt, Germany $359.00
Geneva, Switzerland N/A
London, United Kingdom - Heathrow $303.00
Paris, France - all $371.00
Santiago, Chile $609.00
Zurich, Switzerland N/A


Depart: Los Angeles, CA
Auckland, New Zealand N/A
Tokyo, Japan $455.00
Paris, France - all $345.00
Santiago, Chile N/A
Zurich, Switzerland $358.00
Depart: New York, NY - all
Geneva, Switzerland $238.00
Paris, France - all $225.00
Vancouver, Canada $295.25


Depart: San Francisco, CA
Auckland, New Zealand N/A
Tokyo, Japan N/A
Paris, France - Orly N/A
Santiago, Chile $724.00
Vancouver, Canada $293.42
Zurich, Switzerland $358.00


***
Big White Silver Star

VERNON, BC; Ski Canada Magazine Winter 2006 special issue titled “Best of Skiing in Canada" have just awarded Silver Star and Big White with a number of prestigious awards and accolades. “A year’s worth of praise and amusement, gossip and hearsay, make up our annual look at why there’s no place like home.” wrote Iain MacMilllan, Editor of Ski Canada Magazine.
“Every year the industry waits for this issue of Ski Canada magazine to be published” commented Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Silver Star and Big White Resorts. “Our teams at both resorts strive to be the best and in a large way the recognition received from Ski Canada Magazine and its readers plays a role in congratulating them on their successes and continued hard work.”
This year Silver Star and Big White dominated the awards in a number of areas. Awards listed below are excerpts direct from the pages of Ski Canada magazine and they include:
SILVER STAR

Best New Terrain – A gold medal for Silver Star’s new mostly intermediate Silver Woods area, which increases the Vance Creek side of the mountain by 54 per cent. More than 145 hectares of new terrain and 341 metres of vertical drop are serviced by a high-speed detachable quad. A neat nine new trails and gladed tree islands will provide fabulous powder on northeast facing slopes.

Best New Terrain Parks – Silver Star’s new TELUS Park dials up tricks for beginners and experts. First-timers can use fat boxes to learn to slide and mini-hits for catching their first air. Advanced riders will grind the long boxes and killer S-rails, and launch off big hits. There are also a halfpipe, aerial training site, race centre and a dual-mogul race course.
Best Powder – Silver Star ,Best Bumps in the West – Putnam Creek at Silver Star Best Grooming – Silver Star ,Best Family Skiing – Silver Star
Best New Digs – Silver Star’s luxurious new Snowbird Lodge with great ski-in/ski-out convenience and loads of extras that include an in-house cinema.
Best Non-Grooming Use of a Snowcat ­– Take a historic snowcat on a gourmet dinner tour to Paradise Camp, Silver Star’s refurbished mountaintop dinner spot.
Best Program to Keep Your Kids Climbing the Walls – Both Silver Star and now Big White have climbing walls that are open at night.
Best Place to Fly and Ski on the Same Day – Both WestJet and Air Canada offer daily service into Kelowna International Airport. The WestJet flights get in early enough to allow you to spend a half-day on Silver Star’s or Big White’s slopes to acclimatize to that champagne powder.
Best Place for an Old-fashioned Outdoor Hockey Game – Silver Star Brewers Pond
BIG WHITE

Best Place to Drop off the Kids and Get their Gear – Big White has now integrated its kids’ rental facility with the Kids Centre instruction area. Get the kids kitted out and ready for lessons in one easy step.
Best Party to get a Local’s Invite – The Shed Party at Big White is an annual invite-only shingdig that features Valdy, who’s a regular at the resort each winter.
Best Place to Celebrate Australia Day – Snowshoe Sam’s at Big White rocks with aussie aussie aussie/oy, oy, oy each January 24 as the Big White Aussie staff let down their hair – and dye it green and gold.
Best Powder – Big White ,Best Grooming - Big White ,Best Family Skiing - Big White Best Terrain Park (West) Best Place for an Old-fashioned Outdoor Hockey Game - Big White
Best Place to Fly and Ski on the Same Day – Both WestJet and Air Canada offer daily service into Kelowna International Airport. The WestJet flights get in early enough to allow you to spend a half-day on Silver Star’s or Big White’s slopes to acclimatize to that champagne powder.
Best Place for Boys to Play with Heavy Machinery - At Big White last summer, more than 30,000 truckloads of fill were dumped onto 14 runs on Gem Lake. Apparently this makes for smooth runs – and happy Dumptruck Dans.
The Ski Canada awards recognize the uniqueness of these two Okanagan resorts and emphasize the family fun they try to put into the sport. Silver Star and Big White have just completed an attendance breaking Christmas, New Year's period and are continuously receiving fresh snowfalls of their world famous Okanagan champagne powder. As of this release at 10 am, January 7th, the current snowbase at Big White is 160cm and at Silver Star 149cm.

Big White           Silver Star

Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb
Snow alert Great Lakes Region
Snow alert Oregon & Washington
Sunscreen alert for California ;-)

***
Opening Ceremony of the 118th IOC Session - Teatro Regio di Torino A limited number of invitations to the Opening Ceremony will be available for written-press journalists on a first-come, first-served basis. A pool of photographers and cameramen will also be organised. Media representatives wishing to attend this event are invited to contact the IOC Communications Department in Turin after 4 February (contact details to follow at a later date). Contacts IOC Communications Tel.: +41-21 621 6111, Fax: +41-21 621 6351, e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org
Torino Olympic Org

***
Big Mountain Montana
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WORKSHOPS $290
Monday, January 16 through Wednesday, January 18
Come join us at Big Mountain for fun and camaraderie! Our professional coaches will take you to a new level in your skiing or snowboarding in this gender-specific workshop. Personal video analysis, indoor warm-up sessions, an evening clinic on how to adapt equipment to fit your needs with a gear specialist, lunches at various mountain restaurants, and a special lecture on body movements presented by a physical therapist, are all a part of these exciting three-day programs. The best way to improve your skills on the slopes is through a multi-day coaching experience. Top it all off with an apres ski party and you have a great experience! This program is designed for intermediate to expert level skiers and snowboarders. We will form groups that fit your abilities and interests to make sure this is a most enjoyable experience.
TELEMARK WORKSHOP $290 Monday, January 16 through Wednesday, January 18
Big Mountain's Telemark Workshop is about learning and improving telemark skills, FUN and skill development! This workshop will follow a similar format to the Men's and Women's Workshops, including the indoor warm-up sessions, equipment clinic, physical therapist presentation, lunches and apres ski. We will divide groups by ability levels and goals. Beginners will learn how to move into and through functional tele stances, with the outcome of linking turns with rhythm and flow. Intermediates will focus on technique and tactics to maintain flow in difficult turn shapes and terrain. Experts will acquire and refine the skills necessary for slithering through the bumps, flowing smoothly through the powder, and sticking your turns in the steeps with confidence. Come join us for a tele adventure!

REGISTER NOW
Call 1-800-858-4152 or 406-862-2909 and talk with the Snowsports Center (ski school) about signing up for next week's workshops!
LODGING AND LIFT TICKETS
You will find guaranteed best values online for lodging and lift tickets at http://www.big-mountain.com. Use promo code: WEJ Big Mountain Montana

***
Sugarloaf
The snow is still falling lightly, and we've received 6 or more inches of powder since yesterday morning. I know many of you got in some fresh tracks yesterday, and there's a new coat of snow if you want to get some in today.
We've got 93 trails open, so this might be a good time to call in sick to work. Don't worry, I won't tell. And make sure you bring the kids, too, because SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer are here TODAY!
So what are you waiting for? Go! Get ready! Pile everyone in the car and get up here.
Check in regularly at Sugarloaf

***
Sugar Bowl
The cold temperatures have been making for some great skiing and riding! Today adults, young adults, and seniors can ski or ride for only $46! The National Weather Service Forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of snow showers in the afternoon with a south wind around 10MPH increasing to 10-20MPH with stronger gusts over the ridges.
check out the New Mount Judah Day Lodge!
It was a busy summer here at Sugar Bowl and we've got a new look!! The new Christmas Tree Express Lift is now spinning and the high speed quad will cut your wait and travel time significantly. You'll love the look of the new Mt. Judah Day Lodge


ED note:Sugar Bowl has some great snow sitting a top the Sierra Nevada crest on Donner Summit. Sugar Bowl

***
Innsbruck Olympic venue IX Winter Games
The 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck were threatened by a lack of snow. The Austrian army rushed to the rescue, carving out 20,000 ice bricks from a mountain top and transporting them to the bobsled and luge runs. They also carried 40,000 cubic meters of snow to the Alpine skiing courses. When rain caused further havoc ten days before the Opening Ceremony, the army packed down the slopes by hand and foot. Politically, the Games were notable because East and West Germany entered a combined team. Lydia Skoblikova won all four women’s speed skating events to become the first athlete to win four gold medals in one Winter Olympics. Klavdiya Boyarskikh earned three gold medals in cross-country skiing and, on the men’s side, Eero Mäntyranta won two. Sisters Christine and Marielle Goitschel finished first and second in both the slalom and the giant slalom. Ski jumping gained a second event, and the sport of luge made its Olympic debut. 36 NOCs (Nations)1,091 athletes (199 women, 892 men 34 events


Today, There are six major ski areas (Axamer Lixum,Igls,Mutters,Seegrube-Nordkette, Stubaier Gletscher, Tulfes that provide varied terrain for all levels of skiers.
Innsbruck knows quite a bit about winter sports, Having been host to the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 Skiers and snowboarders have access to over 500 kilometers (310 miles) of trails in 25 surrounding village resorts. From Olympic Org. Olympic Org

***
USSA News
Ted Ligety notched his third slalom podium of the season Sunday in Adleboden, Switzerland. He stands second in World Cup slalom points standings. Ligety also had podiums at Beaver Creek, Dec. 4, and in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, Dec. 22. Daron Rahlves and Bode Miller stand tied for second in the World Cup overall points at 489 points, behind Austrian Benjamin Raich at 606.
Freestyle
In Canada, Jeremy Bloom finished second in the World Cup moguls event Jan. 7 in Quebec followed by five American men sweeping places 4 through 8.
Snowboarding
Shaun White posted win No. 3 at the Chevrolet U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe contest Sunday in Mt. Bachelor, Ore., with Gretchen Bleiler winning her second Grand Prix. Also helping their standings to make the U.S. Snowboard Olympic Snowboard Team were Elena Hight and Mason Aguirre with their third GP podiums, and Hannah Teter and Danny Davis with their second.
On TV
TUE., JAN. 10, 5 pm, OLN
Men's World Cup; Adelboden, Switzerland (GS/SL)

SUN., JAN. 15, 2 pm, NBC
Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix; Mt. Bachelor, OR (men's/women's halfpipe)

SUN., JAN. 15, 3 pm, NBC
Chevrolet Freestyle International; Deer Valley, UT (moguls/aerials)

SUN., JAN. 15, 5 pm, OLN
Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix, Mt. Bachelor, OR; Men's World Cup, Wengen,
Switzerland (DH/SL)

US Ski snowboard assn.

***
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE OLYMPIC TEAM

Nextel Communications

Big Mountain Events compiled from:
freeskiingworldtour
US Freeskiing
US SkierCross
Freeskiers Org.
and direct contact with resort marketing depts.
January
8 - 12 Molson Red Mountain Challenge Red Resort Canada NA Tour marketing@ski-red.com
18 - 22 US Freeskiing Open Vail, CO USA BA, Open www.usfreeskiingopen.com
27 - 31 Winter X Games Ten Apsen, CO USA BA, Invite www.xgames.com


February
1 - 5 Subaru US Freeskiing Nationals Subaru US Skiercross Nationals Snowbird, UT USA BM, SX Subaru US Freeskiing Tour NA Tou Tour www.freeskiingworldtour.com www.usskiercrossseries.com
9 - 12 Aspen Snowmass Open by Nissan Aspen, CO USA Open event www.aspensnowmass.com
9 - 12 Taos Freeride Taos, NM USA www.skiing-taos.com
10 - 26 XX Olympic Winter Games Torino IT www.olympics.com
18 - 24 Verbier Ride Verbier Swiss BM, Euro Tour www.verbierride.com
22 - 26 Lake Louise Big Mountain Challenge Lake Louise Canada
22 - 28 Saab Crested Butte Extremes Crested Butte, CO USA www.cbmr.com


March
Feb 27 Mar 3 North Face Freeride Les Arcs France BM FWT/ Euro Tour www.ridetheplanets.com
2 - 5 Subaru Telluride Freeskiing Open Telluride, CO USA Tour www.usfreeskiing.com
6 - 10 Vars Freeride L'Eyssina Vars France BM Euro Tour Finals www.vars-ski.com
10 - 12 Powerade Colorado Freeride Series Aspen, CO Tour www.aspensnowmass.com
15 - 19 Fernie Freesking Championships Fernie Canada
15 - 19 Smithers Big Mountain Competition Smithers Canada www.skismithers.com
21 -23 Jackson Hole Extremes Presented by Subaru Jackson, WY www.usfreeskiing.com
23 - 26 Vermont Freeskiing Open Stratton, VT USA BA, SS, Rail, HP wwwstratton.com

Mar 29 Apr 3 Subaru North American Freeskiing Championships Freeskiing World Tour Finals, US Skiercross Finals Kirkwood, CA ... Rippin up the Wall !

Snow alert for Snowbird

***
Sugarloaf
Open lifts: 9
Miles: 40.28
Acres: 469.645
Primary Surface: Packed Powder<
Secondary Surface: Powder Coming soon: Martin Luther King weekend packages
Jan. 13-15!

Consistent snow since about 5 this morning has given us just over 5 inches of snow as of about 3:00, and with flurries and snow showers predicted to continue for some time, expect at least another 1-2 inches on top of that by morning.

Roemer's latest update says there's a chance we could see up to 3 or more inches by Thursday, too.
This snow has allowed us to open up some new terrain too, and we'll be up to 93 trails tomorrow, with the definite possibility for more as ski patrol makes rounds and drops ropes. We'll have 9 lifts open again tomorrow, and you'll find 42 trails groomed to pefection.

SugarLoaf

***
Panorama
Come to Panorama for the Big Five Weekends. Don your flip-flops, shorts, bathing suits & t-shirts for the Halfway to Summer Party, between January 13th & 15th. Great prizes for limbo contests & the couples pageant! Join us on January 20th & 21st for the Mardi Gras

The ultimate in backcountry style terrain
Panorama's Taynton Bowl was recently featured in Explore Magazine's Canada's Coolest Escapes: 21 Places to do Winter Right. "The longest runs flow for an impressive 4,000 feet all the way to the valley floor... while the vertical is impressive, it's the light powder snow that sets Taynton apart."
Panorama


***
Steamboat
Scott drops a note:
...Another perfect day! As I write this, a white orb is visible in the sky shining through what appears to be the outcome of a tear in Mother Nature’s down jacket. The miniature feathers just seem to hang there wondering whether to go back where they came from or risk landing on a snow rider’s outstretched tongue. Of the ten inches that fell in the past 24 hours, about half of them are so light that they move out of your way before you even reach them. It’s a great day to play on groomers and in the trees.

I got on the Gondola just after First Tracks finished loading and went directly to Sundown Express to see what I could find. A group was already heading down a freshly groomed Rolex, but Daybreak and West Side were still as untouched as a whiteboard on the day before school starts. High Noon to Westside was fluffy on top and firm underneath, a good warm up run, but the experience that I was looking for today was to be found in the trees.
Steamboat\

***
MT Hood Summer ski camps
Snow, more snow, and continued snowy outlook. There have been more skiers and riders happy to “not” see the sun than I can remember. We have 8 feet in the base area at Timberline with over 20 feet up top on Palmer. Another 7 day storm track is moving into the picture this week. We still have our biggest snow months coming – remember we received most of our snow in 2005 after March 20th!
We believe we already have enough snow to make it through September 2006, which has peaked interest in our summer skiing and riding programs. Early sign-ups are coming in quickly and some sessions may fill up sooner than usual. Mt Hood Summer Ski Camp

***
Heavenly Valley
New snow on top of ,.... 4,800 acres, we are one of North America's largest mountains. At over 10,000 feet, we are Tahoe's highest. Our 3,500 foot vertical is unmatched on the West Coast. And our average annual snowfall is a formidable 360 inches. And just in case that's not enough for you, we have one of the largest snowmaking systems on the continent at the ready, covering 70% of the mountain.

Let's talk terrain. Put simply, we've got it all, from breezy blue squares to hair-raising black diamonds. There's no better tree skiing on earth. And experts will have a field day at Mott and Killebrew canyons. This is what other mountains want to be when they grow up. This is Heavenly.
Heavenly Village
Tucked between the towering mountains and the pristine lake, Heavenly Village is filled with eclectic shops, exotic restaurants, live music and deluxe accommodations. And when you feel the urge to get back on the mountain, just catch the high-speed gondola right outside your door.
Snow Report More >>
Base Depth: 110"
New Snow (past 24 hrs): 0"
New Snow (past 48 hrs): 0"
New Snow (past 7 days): 46"
Surface Conditions:
Machine-groomed powder and skier-packed powder

Weather Report More >>
View Extended Forecast
Temperature: 18° F
Winds: 0 - 5 mph

Skies: Partly Cloudy
24-hour Forecast: Clear

Heavenly Valley

***
Val Gardena It
A high pressure system and dry air masses lead to sunny and cold weather in South Tyrol.

In the early morning hours some fog and low cloud patches are possible in the valleys. During the day the weather is mostly sunny and the sky is clear.
On the 25th January 2006 the Olympic flame will coming in Val Gardena - Ortisei. The Olympic flame, symbol of the next Winter Olympiads 2006 in Torino, will cross in the next months the whole national territory. The flame will depart the 8. December 2005 in Rome.

Val Gardena

***
SOme news from Pyrenees:
On the top 5 heights of snow in FRANCE, the first 3 stations (Cauterets, Artouste, Gourette) are in West Pyrénées. And the forecast for this week say "snow".. so gooood
A film festival in Saint Lary, without our film, but i will be there for see all the movies, and why not, next year, participate ! http://www.festival-freeride.com/ About our film, http:www.ibiproductions.com just openned!

See you next week !
Ski movie with no name
Sylvain P. is part of the production enretard production Company In France and sends in updates from the South of France as time allows.

***
Sierra Nevada is located in the Penibetic mountain range in Andalucia. It is Europe's southernmost ski resort and is endowed with the Iberian peninsula's highest summits. Last Significant Snow Fall: 6th December 2005 Ski Areas: Borreguiles 20 - 60 cms Open
Veleta 20 - 50 cms Open
Laguna 0 - 0 cms Closed
Lomar De Dilar 20 - 60 cms Open
Rio/Monachil 40 - 100 cms Open
Parador 20 - 50 cms Open
Number of Kms skiable: 55.00 of 84,02
Vertical Drop: 1,100 metres
Number of Lifts Open: 20 out of 23
Number of Pistes Open: 53 out of 79

Designated a national park in 1998, it is one of only two in Andalucia, the other being the Doñana National Park. It retains its status of natural park, which it has been since 1989, and this covers a marginally smaller area, of 85,777ha. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species.
Sierra Nevada Spain

br>***
Courcheval Fr
Events
PYROTECHNICAL ART INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Date : 20/02/2006 - 03/03/2006


This exclusive to france winter festival, formed of challenge of big fireworks shows. Will be presented by internationals fireworks specialists compagny. They'll use all of their skills on the four levels oh Courchevel.
LES MUSICIMES
Date : 27/02/2006 - 04/03/2006

Level : Courchevel 1850 / Auditorium Gilles De La Rocque
Chostakovitch et la tradition russe

COLUMBIA RIDEWEEK COURCHEVEL
Date : 05/03/2006 - 12/03/2006


The Columbia Rideweek Courchevel with the world best riders.
SKI FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP
Date : 25/03/2006 - 01/04/2006

Level : Courchevel 1850 / Stade de Slalom

GRAND CHALLENGE DES 3 VALLEES
Date : 17/04/2006 - 17/04/2006
Courcheval


***

Snow alert for Alyeska
Snow alert for BreckenRidge Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Loveland Basin
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb


***
Beaver Creek
New Snow 1 " Base 42
Breckenridge
New Snow 6 " Base 62
Keystone
New Snow 4 Base 57
Vail
New Snow 1" base 42
The Session at Vail, January 12-15, 2006 will have the slopestyle competition, rail competition, and tons more!
January Packages start from $239pp and include 3 nights lodging, 3 day lift ticket, plus free activities!
From, Vail Resorts Vail | Beaver Creek | Breckenridge | Keystone | Heavenly |
Vail | Beaver Creek | Breckenridge | Keystone | Heavenly |


***
Whistler Blackcomb
Periods of snow today. Alpine temp of-4. Snowfall Acc. 5cm. Mountain top winds diminishing early this morning More snow is forecast for the next 5 days. 60% chance of flurries tonight, alpine temp steady near -6.
EVENTS
18 Whistler Arts Council: Uzume Taiko
19 Kokanee Valley Race Series
21 Queen of the Rail
21-22 Atomic Ski & Snowboard SuperCross
26 Kokanee Valley Race Series
27-28 Whistler Blackcomb Foundation TELUS Winter Classic
29 Master's Race Series - GS

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
Weekly LUNA Alternative Nighttime Events

Runs of the Day
Whistler, Raven to Old Crow
Blackcomb, Wishbone to Zig Zag


Whistler Blackcomb

***
Alyeska Resort
Big Snowfall Alert!
It's snowing AGAIN and we have received 14" of new snow at the top and midway and 1" new at the base of the mountain. Over the last two days we have received almost 30" of new snow.
The skiing and riding have creamy snow conditions on the top half of the mountain, so come burn some runs!!
The temperature is 34 degrees @ the base and 30 degrees @ the top of the mountain. The winds are 5-15mph. The snowline is at Von Imhof Corner right now.

For current conditions and more information please check out our website at www.alyeskaresort.com or call SKI-SNOW (754-7669). Alyeska Resort

***
Loveland Basin
Snow Depth: 64"
New Snow Overnight: 2 " / 24Hrs: 7 "

Events
Ski Team KYGO Date: 1/14/2006 Time: 9:00:00 AM Join KYGO at Loveland Ski Area for a day of fun, giveaways, raffles, prizes, and skiing. Coupons for the day are available at participating Conoco and Jeep Dealers.
Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Date: 1/15/2006 Time: 9:00:00 AM
The Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge is a fun, FREE, ski and snowboard Giant Slalom race and rail jam where participants compete for Gold, Silver & Bronze medals awarded in 30 categories. In addition to the race there is a variety of entertainment on the plaza with games, contests and trivia. A live DJ and lots of FREE Mountain Dew rounds out the full day of festivities
EMS Telemark Demo Day Date: 1/21/2006 Time: 9:00:00 AM
Here is your chance to try out all of the new 2005/2006 telemark and AT skis and boots before you buy. Demos will be available from K2, Atomic Skis, Black Diamond, Scarpa and Garmont. The Demo will be in the NW corner of the Basin parking lot from 9am until 3pm. There is no additional cost to participate in the demo, but a lift ticket, valid drivers license and credit card are required.
Youth Ski League Race Date: 1/22/2006 Time: 9:00:00 AM
Young athletes, 5-14 yrs. old get their start is ski racing in the Youth Ski League. Once again Loveland has the honor of hosting their season opening Giant Slalom. For information contact the Loveland Racing Club @ 303 571 5580 x 169.

Loveland

***
ROSEY FLETCHER OLYMPIC ELIGIBLE WITH SECOND IN KREISCHBERG PGS
KREISCHBERG, Austria (Jan 8.) - Double Olympian Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK) breathed a big sigh of relief Sunday as she became eligible for her third Olympic Games by nailing a second place parallel giant slalom result in Austria. “Here on Kreischberg, I once won and finished once third. Now I grabbed silver. Kreischberg will always have a special place in my heart,” said Fletcher.
SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP
Kreischberg, Austria
Parallel Giant Slalom
Women
1. Daniela Mueli, Switzerland
2. Rosey Fletcher, Girdwood, Alaska
3. Ursula Bruhin, France
4. Aprilia Hagglof, Sweden
5. Amelie Kober, Germany
-
21. Stacia Hookum, Edwards, Colo.
34. Lisa Kosglow, Boulder, Colo.
50. Michelle Gorgone, Sudbury, Mass.
- Men
1. Phillpp Schoch, Switzerland
2. Mathieu Bozzetto, France
3. Siegfried Grabner, Austria
4. Marc Iselin, Switzerland
5. Simon Schoch, Switzerland
-
15. Chris Klug, Aspen, Colo.
27. Pete Thorndike. Meredith, N.H.
28. Adam Smith, Tangent, Ore.
29. Tyler Jewell, Sudbury, Mass.
35. Eric Warren, Bennington, Vt.
39. Josh Wylie, Londonderry, Vt.

U.S. Snowboarding News Bureau Bleiler, White Win Again at Grand Prix

For complete results:
FIS

***
FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
MONT GABRIEL, Que. (Jan. 8) - Olympics-bound aerialist Emily Cook (Belmont, MA) had her best World Cup result of the season Sunday, finishing sixth in a contest won by Evelyne Leu of Switzerland. Canadians filled the top four places in the men's event.
Kyle Nissen collected his first World Cup win in six years with 252.88 points after connecting on a quad-twisting, triple flip (four twists, three somersaults) and triple-twisting, triple flip. Jeff Bean was runnerup (247.23) while Joe Pack (Park City, UT), the 2002 Olympic silver medalist in aerials, was the only U.S. man to make finals, finishing 12th.
FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
Mont Gabriel QUE - Jan. 8, 2006
(12 make finals)
Men’s Aerials
1. Kyle Nissen, Canada, 252.88 points
2. Jeff Bean, Canada, 247.23
3. Warren Shouldice, Canada, 247.13
4. Ryan Blais, Canada, 246.30
5. Xiaotao Ou, China, 244.70
-
12. Joe Pack, Park City, Utah, 215.11
14. Jeret Peterson, Boise, Idaho
20. Ryan St. Onge, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
21. Eric Bergoust, Missoula, Mont.
--
Women’s Aerials
1. Evelyne Leu, Switzerland, 195.44
2. Manuela Mueller, Switzerland, 185.93
3. Tatiana Kozachenko, Ukraine, 178.91
4. Olga Koroleva, Russia, 169.88
5. Lanie Cole, Australia, 169.69
-
6. Emily Cook, Belmont, Mass., 169.43
9. Lacy Schnoor, Draper, Utah, 160.02
15. Jill Priest, Park City, Utah
19. Kate Reed, Montrose, Colo.

To follow freestyle World Cup action through live results: http://livetiming.usskiteam.com
For complete results:
FIS

***

Red Lodge
Events
January 14 & 15 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Skeptic New to the Stube this year, a great 4 piece band from Billings. They will have fun with the holiday crowds.
January 20 & 21 • Cody High School Races Check out the high school racers from Wyoming. Great competition & fun to watch. Race on Lower Limited.
January 21 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Loopian Zoo A great three piece band from Billings, will really impress you witht he instumental rock & roll. All original music, they played at the Fat Tire Frenzy this summer.
January 28 • Pepsi Learn to Ski/Board Free Day RLM is teaming up with Pepsi to teach you how to ski or snowboard. Simply come on up to the Mountain and take the Learn to Ski or Snowboard package in the rental shop for free!!! more info...
January 28 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Lounge Lizards This killer trio from Powell, WY, will be pumping out the tunes, from swing to rock. Do not miss this classic band.
January 27 - 29 • Rocky Mountain College Races Three days of college racing on Lower Limited. Check out some of the best racers in the region as the National Champion Rocky Mountain College Men's team play host.
January 27 - 29 • Rocky Mountain College Races The best in western region college racers will complete in the 3 day event at RLM. Race on Lower Limited.
January 29 • Beartooth Ford's Terrain Park Championship Series First competition for in the series. The format and shop sponsor will be announced later. Join up for your chance to win the car. more info...
February 11 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Buzz Dawgs They are back, and hotter than ever. Do not miss them, for this may by their last show for the season.
February 12 • Beartooth Ford's Terrain Park Championship Series Join us for week two of the series with the shop sponsor and type of competition announced after the first of the year. Points awarded every week, get the most points, win the car!!!! more info...
February 15 • Pabst Blue Ribbon presents.....Politically UnDecid Stano & the boys are back for the President's Holiday slot. Have lots of fun while listening to one of the best trios in the area.
February 24 • Winter Carnival-Cardboard Classic Judging & Parade Build your craft using only cardboard, tape & glue based on the theme. Judging is 5pm on Friday, Feb 24, at the True Value, race is Saturday at noon. Very fun & exciting & a great crowd pleaser. Great prizes to be won. more info...
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Pinata Bust 3:15pm in the Courtyard: Bring the kids and get ready for the Pinata Bust. Four age groups and lots of candy.
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Costume Contest 5:00am on the Bierstube Deck: Categories for employees, adults, teens and children. Cash & prizes to be won!!!
February 25 • Winter Carnival--Cardboard Classic Race Be ready for the Cardboard Classic Race on RLM. First race starts at 12:30pm. Remember, it takes about 30 min to haul a craft up to the start area. more info...
February 24 - 26 • Winter Carnival--Mardi Gras Fat Tire Amber Ales brings us Winter Carnival: Mardi Gras. We will have the Cardboard Classic, the Fat Tire Frenzy Mountain Bike Race and a Jalepeno Eating Contest. Call Tera for more info at 446-2610x101
February 26 • Alpine High's King & Queen of the Mountain Race Do you have what it takes to be King & Queen of RLM? Contestants will take one run on alpine skis, then Telemark skis & then snowboard through the race course set up on Bobcat. Red Mountain Lodge

* **
Snow Basin Ut
Snowbasin - A Sun Valley Resort is the essence of rustic chic and has fast become Utah's most Asked about winter sports resort. Our European guests are telling us, "It feels like home!" Cultural diversity has arrived and our guests are enjoying the sun soaked slopes, panoramic views, rocky outcrops and the Needles Ridge sculpted by cirques with the breathtaking Needles Spires. Welcoming the world in 2002, Snowbasin successfully hosted six events, including the men's and women's downhill, Super G and combined events. Acquaint yourself with the allure of Snowbasin as the legend lives on!

The mountain is located 17 miles from the city of Ogden, UT Date: Jan. 7 Event: Ski & Snowboard Demo Day Description: Snowbasin: a Sun Valley Resort, in conjunction with Decade Snow and Skate, is pleased to present a Ski & Snowboard Demo Day. The Following brands will be available: Line Skis, RTC Skis, Aramada Skis, Stockli Skis, 4FRNT Skis, Scott Skis, Rossignol Skis, Nordica Skis, Dynastar Skis, Goode Skis, Burton Snowboards, Volkl Skis, Nitro Snowboards, Salomon Skis, Rome Snowboards, Atomic Snowboards, Forum Snowboards Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: The demo will be held in the in the upper parking lot (by the Old Snowbasin Lodge). Park in the regular parking lot and ski in to try the demos. Price: Free to the public Reservations: For additional information, please call (801) 620-1120

Snow Basin

***
Timberline Lodge Or
It is going to be another great day of skiing and riding at Timberline today, start your weekend right and schuss down the slopes or enjoy a drink by the fireplace - we are open today from 9am - 10pm.

We are open seven days a week with Night Skiing on Friday and Saturday.
We have a special new deal available for Timberline & Ski Bowl Season Pass Holders -receive 25% off your lift tickets at each ski area - just show your pass at the ticket window, and we'll do the rest.
Roads are snowcovered, traction tires or chains are required. Please drive safely and we'll SKI YA ON THE MOUNTAIN!
For more information on conditions and operating schedules call the SnoPhone at 503-222-2211.

Photo Credit: Bruno and Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge Mt Hood

***
Swiss Budget Hotels
There are over 200 price conscious Swiss Budget Hotels waiting to be discovered and booked with a couple of clicks. Authentic, hospitable hotels where you will really feel at home. Traditional Switzerland at its best...
Swiss Budget Hotels location nearby - where you sleep well an pay less! Mystery-Park, Cervin, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Ballenberg, Aquaparc, Swiss Vapeur Parc, Bernina-Express, Glacier-Express, Transport Museum Luzern, National Park Zernez-Lower Engadin, Zurich Zoo, Brienzer-Rothorn Train, The Jet d'Eau of Geneva, Château de Chillon, Rochers-de-Naye, Château de Gruyères, Olympique museum, Glacier's garten Luzern, Monte Generoso, Golden Line Pass MOB, Glasi Hergiswil, Rigi, Preda - Berguen aledge adventure, Sparenmoos Zweisimmen sledge joy, Basel Zoo, Säntis, Pilatus, Nature parc Arth Goldau, Shops Zurich, Four-Cantons-Lake ship trip, Mont Blanc-Express, Saint-Bernard Express, Aletsch Unesco World inheritance.

Swiss Budget Hotels


***
Closed on Saturday, Gone skiing

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver B.C.
Grouse Mountain, Vancouver B.C.'s premium four-season resort, is committed to providing excellence in recreational, entertainment and leisure products and services. As an industry leader, Grouse Mountain is a company built on family values, community commitment and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Grouse Mountain Friday Night Entertainment Series Grouse Mountain now offers live entertainment every Friday night! The artists, locations and style of music will vary each week so check back regularly to plan your next Friday night at The Peak of Vancouver. Grouse Mountain

***
Arapahoe Basin Arapahoe Basin is situated high on the Continental Divide. It offers the highest skiable terrain in North America and views from the top of the world. We think of A-Basin as a unique place where it's all about the skiing and riding. Although there are no lodges, condos or timeshares Arapahoe Basin stands out from the other 24 resorts in Colorado because of its outstanding terrain, abundant snowfall, laid back atmoshpere, unique history and spring time festivities. Arapahoe Basin

***
For other resorts in Colorado visit: Colorado Office of tourism http://www.coloradoski.com/

***

Hyatt Hotels




***
Reminder: To find information on a topic or resort, Type into
"SEARCH This BLOG "field at Top left of this page

Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb
Snow alert for Jackson Hole
Snow alert for Killington Vt.


***
Big White - Silver Star
With a snow base of over 140 centimeters (56 inches), both Big White and Silver Star are offering the very best in skiing and snowboarding right now! We're coming off a record-breaking holiday season that saw tens of thousands of vacationers from all over the world come to sample our famous champagne powder snow!
Big White and Silver Star staff would like to extend their appreciation for the patience shown by our many guests during this very busy week. A special thanks goes out to Mount Seymour resort in North Vancouver, who shipped 300 rental skis to Big White on Xmas week when our stock ran out!
Big White Events BCSA Provincial Snowboard Series
RIPZONE BCSA Provincial Snowboard Series #1: Halfpipe and Slopestyle at Big White on January 7/8 Come up to Big White and watch the 'pros of tomorrow' face off in the first event of the RIPZONE Provincial Snowboard Series. The half pipe event goes Saturday, with slopestyle on Sunday. All competitors must be registered with the BC Snowboard Association. Competitors wishing to enter need to register at the White Crystal Inn on Friday from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, or on Saturday and Sunday between 7:30 – 9:00 am. National Avalanche Awareness Days Avalanche Awareness Days at Big White: January 13 – 15, 2006 Sponsored by the Canadian Avalanche Association and Canadian Pacific Railway, Avalanche Awareness Days are designed to raise the awareness of the dangers of avalanches near ski areas and highlight the need for safety when exploring the backcountry. Big White will stage live avalanche rescues, beacon and snow pit demonstrations, and an Avalanche Awareness Information Expo. There will also be a special guest appearance by Justin Trudeau whose brother Michel tragically died in Kokanee Glacer Provincial Park several years ago.
Come down to the Happy Valley Day Lodge on Saturday, January 14th for an avalanche inspired film festival, a silent auction fundraiser and listen and dance to a local Okanagan band The Young’uns.
Cruz the Blues Sponsored by Tim Horton's, Powered by Dockside Marine Jan 14 - Jan 15
Mountain Dew Series Slopestyle at Silver Star Sunday Come out this Sunday to Silver Star and compete in the second of 10 Mountain Dew Series Competitions! Big prizes to be given away at the end of the series, including a flat screen TV, for the most points! Register at the Info Desk by 9:00 am; entry fee is $10.00. Competitors must be registered members to the BC Snowboard Association or Canadian Freestyle Association; or register for the association at the Info Desk. Good luck!
Big White - Silver Star Kelowna B.C. Canada

***
USSA Media
KRISTINA KOZNICK LEADS U.S. WITH SEVENTH IN SNOWY CROATIA Stiegler, Kildow, Schleper, Ross also in top 30
ZAGREB, Croatia (Jan. 5) - Despite steady snow, Kristina Koznick (Eagan, MN) led five U.S. women into the top 30 Thursday night while Austrians Marlies Schild and Kathrin Zettel went 1-2 in the first World Cup race of the new year before tens of thousands of wildly cheering spectators.
Schild won her second consecutive World Cup slalom in 1:53.63 with Zettel second in 1:54.07 while national icon Janica Kostelic, seventh in the first run, took third. Koznick’s time was 1:55.69 with Resi Stiegler (Jackson Hole, WY), competing in just her third race after missing the first two months of the season with a bone bruise and high ankle strain, 10th in 1:57.24.


WOMEN’S ALPINE WORLD CUP
Zagreb, CRO - Jan. 5, 2006
Women’s Slalom (night race)
1. Marlies Schild, Austria, 1:53.63
2. Kathrin Zettel, Austria, 1:54.07
3. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:55.05
4. Nicole Hosp, Austria, 1:55.25
5. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:55.27
-
7. Kristina Koznick, Eagan, Minn., 1:55.69
10. Resi Stiegler, Jackson Hole, Wyo., 1:57.24
13. Lindsey Kildow, Vail, Colo., 1:57.53
17. Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo., 1:57.78
28. Lauren Ross, Stowe, Vt., 1:59.06

The women move to Maribor, Slovenia, for the annual giant slalom and slalom during the weekend.

For complete results:
FIS Ski

***
Wildcat
Powder folks! Okay, so it's not quite 6", but a nice 5-inch pow-wow is powder-worthy & just thought you'd be interested! Nice skiing -- with 85% of the mountain open! This is more than a nice surface-freshener, with a terrific base surface underneath! Tomorrow, Fri. 1/6, Rossignol will be at the Cat with demos on the lastest gear! Come ooooooon up! For the most up to date conditions:

Clinics on Saturday, 1/7 -- these Clinics have been awesome -- more on MLK & Feb. vacation, too! Check em' out
2,112 feet of pure vertical fun
1-888-SKI WILD

Wildcat

***
Killington
It is dumping at Killington - 5 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours. This weekend we are projecting to have 125+ trails, served by 29 lifts. Open terrain is in incredible shape with deep top-to-bottom, wall-to-wall snow coverage.
More advanced terrain? Killington will have more open this weekend than any other resort in the East. Thanks to our top-notch snowmaking crew, we've buried all your favorites including Lower Double Dipper, Lower Downdraft and Upper Vertigo with tons of snow.
Pico Mountain is open with 23 trails and 4 lifts. Upper Pike opened on Thursday and B-Slope will be open for this weekend.

Killington Killington, VT


***
Maison de la France/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...)
It's a new year and France is kicking it off with exciting events: post-holiday sales
Six-day "Paris in Spring" package from just $499
We know you need a relaxing break to recuperate from the holiday frenzy. So start planning your spring vacation! Check out Gate 1 Travel's four-night package to Paris. Package Inclusions: * Roundtrip airfare NYC-Paris including all fuel surcharges * Four nights in a tourist-class...
Holiday bargains extended: Fly to Paris from just $165 one way! Air France isn’t quite through with its holiday season sales . Book before January 10th for as low as just $165 each way. So get moving… and toast to your loved one in romantic Paris this Valentine's Day
Air France / French Government Tourist Office deal
Exhilarating music, friendly people, the sizzle of the south - all of the elements of life in the French Riviera are on full display and in living color during the annual Carnaval and Fête du Citron celebrations
For all the details and more offerings ,visit: France Guide - French Government Tourist Office

NAC Ski Visiting California? Consider visiting Lake Tahoe or one of the Sierra Nevada Resorts with a Day trip organized by NACSKI.com
To view the schedule of trips currently offered for 2006 and learn more about NAC ski Nac Ski

Snow alert for Snowbird

*** Sugarloaf
New snow is falling today and there's snow in the forecast right on through the weekend. A few inches here, a few more there: just enough to put every Sugarloafer in the skiing and riding mood and make miles of soft, carvable corduroy all over the mountain.
And if the great skiing isn't enough, how about great fun off the slopes as well. The January calendar is full of activities for just about everyone, from Children's Festival Week with SpongeBob Squarepants to White White World Week with plenty in between.
Pick what's right for you and get to Sugarloaf to enjoy the best of what winter has to offer
Martin Luther King weekend for just $99 Three day weekends are just long enough to feel like you've really been away. With the Martin Luther King holiday weekend just around the corner, there's no better time to give yourself a mini-vacation. And with our new low price of just $99 per person, per night you can rest assured you're getting the best value in ski country. Ski and Stay packages include on-mountain lodging, lift ticket, and daily adult Perfect Turn clinic. Concerts, festivals, the social event of the season, and outright zaniness Big Head Todd and the Monsters with special guests Assembly of Dust, Children's Festival Week, the Sugarloaf Charity Summit, and White White World Week are all at Sugarloaf this month. Visit
Sugarloaf

***
Panorama
Alpine Conditions:
New Snow (24hrs) 2 cms
New Snow (7 days) 8 cms
Snow Base* 44 cms
Lifts Open 9/9
Trails & Bowls Open 80/120

Ski or ride: Sun Bowl,Stumbock's,Schober's Dream, Heli-High or Cauldron. Most runs off the Sunbird Chair are also open.
Special Events It's University Week! Thursday - 8:00pm. Vancouver Hip Hop band Sweatshop Union plays free in the Great Hall. Saskatchewan Cup Alpine Ski Racing on Showoff.
Panorama Resort

***
Snowbird
Ninth Annual U.S. Freeskiing Nationals At Snowbird The world’s best freeriders show up at Snowbird Feb. 1 for the first stop on the four-event Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Series. Along with a Skiercross Series, the Freeskiing World Tour boasts an overall prize purse of $100,000 for 2006. The Top six men and top four women at the Bird will split $12,500 in prize money. It’s too late for you to register this year, but head up and watch the action; maybe take a test run on the course once the comp ends.
Snowbird Mountain Stats
Average Annual Snowfall: 500”
Vertical Drop: 3,240’
Base Elevation: 7,760’
Top Elevation: 11,000’
Skiable Acres: 2,500’
Terrain: 27% Beginner, 38% Intermediate, 35% Advanced
Number of Runs: 89
Lifts: 1 tram, 3 quads, 7 doubles
Miles to Major Airport: 29

SnowBird

***
Cortina d'AmpezzoItaly
Last updated 05 January 2006
Weather conditions Overcast and snow
Temperature top 09:00 -12
Temperature base 09:00 -3
Depth of snow top 100
Depth of snow base 45
Last snowfall 1 January 2006
Wind force moderate breeze (gale force 4)BRISK
wind direction north-east
Conditions slopes Powdery, corn snow
Number of open lifts 34 of 36
Number of open slopes 66 of 68
Conditions Snowpark Good

Cortina Dolomiti Organization

USSA News
KRISTINA KOZNICK LEADS U.S. IN CROATIA WITH SEVENTH ZAGREB, Croatia (Jan. 5) - Despite steady snow, Kristina Koznick (Eagan, MN) led five U.S. women into the top 30 Thursday night while Austrians Marlies Schild and Kathrin Zettel went 1-2 in the first World Cup race of the new year.
USSAUS Ski & Snowboard Association

***
It's a new year and France is kicking it off with exciting events: post-holiday sales, fun and fiesta along the Riviera, 2006 commemorations, and museum and theatre (re)openings. The land of romance beckons you. Why not heed its call? Whether your New Year's resolution is to de-stress, spend more QT with your loved ones, see new sites or simply kick up your heels and have more fun, France is the place to start your new year.

Six-day "Paris in Spring" package from just $499 We know you need a relaxing break to recuperate from the holiday frenzy. So start planning your spring vacation! Check out Gate 1 Travel's four-night package to Paris. Package Inclusions: * Roundtrip airfare NYC-Paris including all fuel surcharges * Four nights in a tourist-class...
The year 2006 marks the anniversary of significant French events and people in history that have shaped our world and enhanced our knowledge of math, science, philosophy, art and religion. We pay particular attention this year to the famed Aix artist, Paul... Partying on the Riviera: Nice Carnaval and Menton’s Fête du Citron Exhilarating music, friendly people, the sizzle of the south - all of the elements of life in the French Riviera are on full display and in living color during the annual Carnaval and Fête du Citron celebrations. The King of Dupes ...
France Guide


Holiday bargains extended: Fly to Paris from just $165 one way!
Air France isn’t quite through with its holiday season sales . Book before January 10th for as low as just $165 each way. So get moving… and toast to your loved one in romantic Paris this Valentine's Day. Terms and conditions apply.

Air France


***
Killington
All seven mountains of Killington Resort are open and 88 trails will be groomed for Friday. Lower Double Dipper and Lower Downdraft are now open and Upper Vertigo will open Friday.
Celebrate Martin Luther King weekend in the mountains with a 3-Day Killington MLK Package! Rates from $113 per person per night and include 3 nights lodging starting Friday night and a 3-day lift pass. Call us at 1-800-621-MTNS. Offer available January 13-16, 2006.
Open Trails: 119 Open Lifts: 21 Open Terrain: 57 miles Surface: Variable / Machine Groomed Base: 20-30" New Snow: past 24 hours: 5"; Past 48 Hours: 5"; Past 7 Days: 6"
Come ski at Killington and experience the most open terrain and the biggest variety of trails to choose from in the East! With 5" of new snow in the past 24 hours we are skiing and riding on fantastic conditions!
Collegiate Snowfest 01/08/2006 - 01/13/2006 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 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.

Killington

***


***
Snow365
snow 365.com and Endless Winter Snow will combining our strengths 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 charge of Indoor domes,the news, events updates and developments. Patrick has traveled to many of the domes in europe and most recently Dubai.

Snow alert for Jackson Hole , getting Deep around Corbets Couloir


***
Olympic Venues revisited
SQUAW VALLEY 1960

VIII Olympic Winter Games

The 1960 Squaw Valley Games were preceded by a controversy when the organizing committee refused to build a bobsleigh run because only nine nations had indicated an intention to take part. This was the only time that bobsledding was not included in the Olympic program. As the Games were held in California, it seemed fitting that the chairman of the Pageantry Committee in charge of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies was none other than Walt Disney. A new sport, biathlon (a combination of cross-country skiing and shooting) was added to the Olympic program. The first race was won by Klas Lestander of Sweden. Women competed in speed skating for the first time. Male speed skater Yevgeny Grishin gained victories in the 500m and the 1,500m, just as he had in 1956.
-The United States ice hockey team won an unexpected championship, upsetting both Canada and the USSR. -The first Miracle on Ice.
-The first winter Olympics televised
-When Alexander Cushing put forward Squaw Valley's bid to the International Olympic Committee in 1955, the resort did not even exist ! He was the only inhabitant and homeowner in the whole place (300km from San Francisco and 1,900m above sea level).
-The winner of the downhill, Frenchman Jean Vuarnet, wore metal skis instead of the traditional wooden ones. It was the first Olympic medal to be won on metal skis.
Credit: IOC/Olympic Museum collections/SV ski corp
30 NOCs (Nations) 665 athletes (144 women, 521 men) 27 events

Today at Squaw

Awesome Winter Conditions!
The New Year has started off strong bringing us 38-48" of new snow this past week. Currently we are enjoying a great base and beautiful blue skies. The upper and lower mountain has great winter conditions for all abilities and the Mountain is looking the best it has all season. This is why we ski and ride, why we enjoy the mountains and why we keep coming back. We look forward to seeing you here!
KIDS SKI & RIDE FOR ONLY $5 EVERY DAY! Squaw Valley is a kids paradise and Squaw has got one of the world's best kid's prices - Ages 12 & Under ski for only $5 EVERY DAY! That's a family value you can bank on and family time on the snow is good for all! The SquawKids Children's Center offers fun and on-snow programs for ages 3-12. SquawKids Details.

Note: Squaw has some really challenging terrain and great lift interconnectivity.After mandatory runs off of KT-22, when open, silverado has some X-citing steeps under the TRam face of High camp.Mule's leap, Medussa and Frog and Toads.Need more of a thrill head up siberia to the Palisades, more than an "E" ticket.Closer to spring, the "SMOOTHIE" from Granite chief ridge down to ,.....sometimes Silverado base the long way.

***
Mammoth Mountain
What a way to kick off the New Year! Thanks to one of the most incredible storms we've ever seen, Mammoth now has a 10-12 foot base. That's the deepest base in the US. We're stoked, as this means we'll have excellent conditions in January and hopefully another long season.

There's tons of soft snow everywhere on the mountain but my favorites so far are the Face of Chair 5 and Dry Creek. The Top and Chairs 13 and 14 opened up yesterday and will be open again today - so pack up your powder gear and head to Mammoth!

At Main Lodge this morning we have mostly clear skies with few clouds, calm winds and a temperature of 31 degrees. We are expecting to operate all lifts today except for Chair 20 and Chair 26.

Mountain Conditions
=================== Main Lodge Temp : 33.0 degrees
Skies : mostly sunny
Winds : breezy
Daytime Temps : 30's

Base Depth : 10 to 12 feet
Storm Total : 95 inches.
Today's Snowfall : 0 inches.
Surface Conditions : Fresh Powder,Packed Powder,Machine Groomed

Mammoth Mountian
Note: Dragon's Back, wipe out chutes , drop out chutes, or if into GS turns, take it from the top of the gondola to gondola base via the gravy chute.

***
Whistler Blackcomb 26cm New Snow Overnight and still snowing!
Snow. alpine temp steady near -1. snowfall 15-25 cm. freezing level valley rising to 1500 metres. Tonight..snow. alpine temp steady near -2. snowfall 10-20 cm. freezing level 1400m.
Whistler Blackcomb

Heavenly Valley Ca , Nevada
After a week of clouds and relentless storms, Heavenly skiers and riders are ready for a few days of sunshine as they shred over five feet of new snow!

For a complete mountain operations report, Call 1-800-HEAVENLY or view our CONDITIONS SUMMARY

Today's Heavenly Tram Cam, looking North into Lake Tahoe
Here are the current snow conditions as of 7 AM PST, for Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Elevation: 10,981 ft / 3,347 m
Snow 8 " 86 " 90 " Surface Conditions Powder/Packed Powder Percent of Terrain Open 100%
Temperatures as of 5 am 21F/-6C

Look at the alternate lines into Motts for freshness

Heavenly Valley

*** Treble Cone, New Zealand

January 2006
We're OPEN for summer.
The Land Rover Express chairlift opens on the 5-7 January 2006 for summer sightseeing, walking and mountain biking.
7th January 2006 - Treble Cone hosts Series 1 of the NZ Community Trust Mountain Bike National Series. Come and check out the action as NZ's hottest talent attempts to tame the new downhill trail.
Treblecone

Snow alert for Crystal Wa
Snow alert for Jackson Hole Wy
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb B.C.

Whistler
11 cm Overnight
24 Hours 11 cm
48 Hours 15 cm
7 days 117 cm
Snowbase* 158 cm

Periods of snow ending in pm then cloudy. alpine high -4. snowfall 2-5 cm. freezing level rising to 1000 m 39-65cm (15-26inches) of new snow forecast in the next 5 days! Runs of the Day
Whistler Green Acres, Raven, Old Crow and the Saddle
Blackcomb Rock and Roll

WhistlerBlackcomb

***
Jackson Hole
New Snow (past 24 hours):
8" @ Upper-Mountain
3" @ Mid-Mountain
Snow Depth:
91" @ Upper-Mountain
89" @ Mid-Mountain
Total Snowfall
(season to-date):
236" @ Upper-Mountain
203" @ Mid-Mountain

Lifts Open: 11 of 11
Trails Open: 96 of 96 more...

Huge snow, lots of locals and
the only way up was the tram or a series of chairs from the base. How quickly we forget. The Bridger Gondola was opened by lunch time and all was well with the world. The rewards for waiting for the tram in the morning were unspeakable, of course.
Need a Powder Fix? Powder Package
4 nights lodging in a two-bedroom condominium in the Jackson Hole Racquet Club and 3 day lift tickets .Starts at $299 per person based on quad occupancy. Package available: January 2, 2006-April 2, 2006.

Steep and Deep Camp Package
Prices start at $1079 per person for 5 nights lodging in the Village Center Inn and a 4 day Steep and Deep Camp at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort including lift tickets. This price is based on double occupancy. Valid: January 11-15, 2006,

Jackson Hole Resort Lodging
Stay with Jackson Hole Resort Lodging 1-800-443-8613

Jackson Hole

***
Crystal Mountain
7 inches of new snow in 24 hours, 5 inches overnight. The POWDER is calling YOU!!

Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Time: 5:30am
Weather: Mostly Clear Skies
Base Temperature: 26 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 60 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 7 inches
Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 9 inches
Summit Temperature: 21 degrees
Summit Snow Depth: 84 inches
Backcountry Status: North Country and South Country closed this morning ope! n after patrol evaluation.

What's Happening at Crystal Mountain: We're starting off the New Year right with lots of new snow and great skiing/boarding conditions. It doesn't get much better than this! Thanks to everyone who joined us on the slopes this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you out there...
For all other mountain information visit us at www.skicrystal.com.
Crystal Mountain

***
USSA News
DUNKIN' DONUTS OFFICIAL PICK-ME-UP OF THE U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD ASSOCIATION World Champion Snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis Spokesperson CANTON, Mass. (Jan. 3) – Dunkin’ Donuts, the number one retailer of coffee-by-the-cup in America, today announced its partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA). Through this partnership, Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee will be recognized as the official pick-me-up beverage of the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. Dunkin’ Donuts will support the team and help promote skiing and snowboarding this winter with the Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee Program. World champion snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis will be the spokesperson for the program that will launch in January 2006.
Between Jan. 1-31, 2006, customers who buy three Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffees (any size) will receive $10 off a full-day lift ticket at any of the following ski resorts: Hunter Mountain (NY), Stratton (VT), Wachusett (MA), Waterville Valley (NH) and Saddleback (ME). The $10 discount offered through the Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee Program will be honored at the participating resorts throughout the month of January by presenting receipts from their iced coffee purchases. For more information visit www.dunkindonuts.com.
About the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding The U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, governed by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, fields and maintains teams of world-class athletes for national and international competition, including the Olympic Games. With the vision to be the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding by 2006, the Team coordinates nationwide development and elite programs in six distinctly different Olympic sports: alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding, as well as Paralympic sports disabled alpine and disabled cross country.
USSA

***
Vail
7 feet above average for this time of year and surpassing the 200 inch-mark! Here in Vail the snow is so deep, nothing measures up. We're breaking records from nearly 20 years ago! Everywhere you ski and ride, you'll find feet of powder and secret stashes not to mention lift and lodging deals, events and activities that make being here even more fun. So get up here and find out first hand why there's no comparison.
Stay and Save
Buy a three-day lift and lodging package and recieve your fourth day of skiing and night of lodging free. Learn more;Mountain Haus 2 BR/2 BA condo $816/per person
Offer Valid:
02/12/06 - 02/17/06 03/25/06 - 04/16/06.
*Restrictions may apply. Visit vail.com for details.
Vail

***
Val Gardena It.

In Val Gardena there are excellent snow conditions. All lifts are open and the slopes are well snow-covered. The Sellaronda is open in both directions.
We are glad to inform you that the skiing are Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi will offer the following "Fun" possibilities for snowboarders:
Boarder Cross at Passo Sella (chair lift Grohmann-Cavazes);
Boarder Cross in the area Comici/Piz Sella (from the middle of January);
Natural Half Pipe at the ski lift Sotsaslong;
Half Pipe on Alpe di Siusi (chair lift Laurin)
Fun Park for children on Alpe di Siusi (chair lift Euro)
Half Pipe on Ciampinoi (ski lift Bruno)
"Val Gardena Sprint Trophy", After the huge success it had in December 2003, this year will be organized for the third time the "Val Gardena Sprint Trophy": this time right in the center of Ortisei. The best cross-country skiers of Italy will participate!
Monte Pana
5th Edition of the Snowshoe Race in Val Gardena. A unique experience for all participants.

The Olympic flame in Val Gardena - 25.01.2006
On the 25th January 2006 the Olympic flame will coming in Val Gardena - Ortisei. The Olympic flame, symbol of the next Winter Olympiads 2006 in Torino, will cross in the next months the whole national territory. The flame will depart the 8. December 2005 in Rome.

Gardenissima 2006 - Sunday, 26.03.2006
The longest giant slalom of the Dolomites

On 26th March 2006 takes place the 10th edition of Gardenissima, with 6 km the longest giant slalom of the Dolomites. Last year mor than 500 skiers took part in this particular race.
more on this race, http://www.val-gardena.com/gardenissima/ Val Gardena

***
Stubai Glacier Austria


21 of 22 lifts
22 of 26 slopes

Again the British Army Snowboarding Champoionships take place at Stubai Glacier.
Matt Lauer the famous co-anchor of the US „today show“ of NBC with more than 25 million viewers, visited the Stubai Glacier on his trip „Where in the world is Matt Lauer“? Due to perfect weather conditions you could see fascinating pictures from the Stubai Glacier - "kingdom of snow".
The glacier is an all year round ski resort and at a height of 1,750 - 3,333m snow is more than guaranteed. The highest peak on the Stubai Glacier is the ‘Zuckerhütl’ at 3,507m. Skiers can go up as far as 3,200m and from there enjoy the breath taking view of the surrounding mountains. The ski resort around the Schaufelspitze is continually being expanded not only technically but also in respect of services.
Statistics:
Total amount of investment: approx. 156.4 million EUR (excl. of government subsidies)
Investment 2003/2004: 3.568 million EUR
Turnover 2003/2004: 28,518,000 EUR
Number of visitors 2003/2004: 1,121,016
Transport capacity: approx. 36,000 people per hour
Stubai Valley 2003/2004: 1,829,020 overnight stays
Neustift 2003/2004: 1,284,011 overnight stays

Cable Cars / Lifts:
Five cable cars (Gamsgarten, Eisgrat and Schaufeljoch)
Three 6-seater chair lifts (Eisjoch, Fernau and Murmele)
One 4-seater chair lift (Rotadl)
Three double seat chair lifts (Wildspitz, Pfaffengrat, Gamsgarten)
Nine T-Bars and practise lifts
Three magic carpets at the Ski Club Micky Maus

Cable cars and lifts at Stubai Glacier:
Lift Bottom station Top station Distance
6-seater cable car Eisgrat I 1,750 2,300 1,890
6-seater cable car Eisgrat II 2,300 2,900 2,300
6-seater cable car Gamsgarten I 1,750 2,300 1,910
6-seater cable car Gamsgarten II 2,300 2,630 1,570
8-seater cable car Schaufeljoch 2,900 3,165 1,155

6-seater chair lift Eisjoch 2,620 3,130 2,268
6-seater chair lift Fernau 2,580 3,064 2,067
6-seater chair lift Murmelebahn 2,607 2,672 499
4-seater chair lift Rotadl 2,632 3,015 1,284
Double seat chair lift Gamsgarten 2,295 2,713 1,904
Double seat chair lift Pfaffengrat 2,919 3,060 323
Double seat chair lift Wildspitz 3,107 3,215 373

Skiing resort:
Total resort area: 700 hectares
Snow covered area: 25.6 hectares
Downhill slopes: 110 km

Snow guarantee:
In Austria’s largest glacier ski resort there is guaranteed snow from October to June. Stubai Glacier Ski Resort ascends from 1,750m to 3,200m and is home to world-renowned snow conditions and the finest year round skiing you can imagine.

Stubai Glacier

Soelden
Events
28.12.2005 - 15.03.2006 » Night Ski Show

30.12.2005 - 16.04.2006
» Sölden Party
27.02.2006
» Freestyle Night Sölden
22.03. - 19.04.2006
» Music brunch - Bring me Edelweiss
01.04. - 07.04.2006
» Gay Snowhappening Sölden
12.04.2006
» Music brunch - Samba do Brazil
21.04.2006
» MARS:2068
27.04. - 01.05.2006
» Wine on the mountain

Soelden

Niseko Japan
Weather Snow Snow and more snow
Temperature -4 -11 Snowfall 140 cm 300 cm Wind speed 5 m/s 15 m/s Snow Powdery It’s a powder Day !
Ski the 940-m drop in elevation from the top of the lift. Powder flies over your head.

World-famous powder covers one of the biggest ski grounds in Japan. It’s all here at Grand Hirafu, the winter resort. Check out this information and enjoy skiing at Grand Hirafu. Grand Hirafu Niseko
John N. sent me a note returning from Sapporo area in Northern Japan. ...Snow is more than plenty for the resorts around Sapporo.

***
Cary sent in a note,and I believe one good mention deserves another
Skiinharmony.com
… ” OH! TO BE ONE WITH THE MOUNTAIN” A site with a different look and feel, well worth A visit. Now I know where Suzy C. is hanging out.

***

Snow alert for Alyeska
Snow alert for Whistler Blackcomb
Snow alert for Homewood, Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, Squaw Valley & Tahoe Basin
Snow alert for Kirkwood, 18-24" of NEW SNOW!
151-283" of snowfall this season to date
Snow alert for Japan

***
Snow alert for Jackson Hole
DEEP
New Snow (past 24 hours):
12" @ Upper-Mountain
13" @ Mid-Mountain
Snow Depth:
86" @ Upper-Mountain
83" @ Mid-Mountain
Total Snowfall
(season to-date):
229" @ Upper-Mountain
197" @ Mid-Mountain

Lifts Open: 11 of 11
Trails Open: 96 of 96 more...
Groomed Trails Open: 100%

L Ks sends in a note:
I went for just one run and ended up returning a couple of hours later. hmmm I wonder why? Well not what you think (given the fact we have now had 72 inches in 7 days), but I ended up helping a family down Apres Vous who were a little out of their depth. The funny thing was, despite their situation they seemed to be in very good humor, the children thought all the snow was incredible. Just a good reminder that not everybody is a powderhound, but everybody can enjoy the snow. If you are reading this you are probably the former, but its just a good reminder if you see someone struggling in all this snow, stop and check they are having fun.
Jackson Hole

***
Air France


WOW: Wild Online Wednesdays!
Every first Wednesday of the month, Air France brings you an incredible offer: As a subscriber of our E-communique, you're receiving a sneak preview!

Great New Year´s Sale!

France on Sale!
For departures through March 31, 2006.
New York City - Paris: $165*
New York City - Nice: $177*

Athens on Sale!
For departures through February 28, 2006.
New York City - Athens: $249**


Air France wishes you a very happy 2006!
Information and reservations:

Air France or (800) 237-2747 us

***
Sugarloaf/USA marks the opening of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games with U.S. Ski Team Day Feb. 10
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - To commemorate the Opening Ceremonies of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Sugarloaf/USA will host U.S. Ski Team Day on Feb. 10, 2006. Sugarloaf is one of more than 65 alpine and cross country resorts across the nation that will donate $1 from every lift ticket sold on U.S. Ski Team Day to support the U.S. Ski Team initiatives.

“Sugarloaf will be well represented in Turino and this is one way we can offer our support for their current and future endeavors,” said Karen Greene, Sugarloaf’s brand manager. At least four athletes who trained at Sugarloaf and Carrabassett Valley Academy will represent the U.S. in the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. They are Bode Miller, who won the overall World Cup title in 2005, Kirsten Clark, who has quickly returned to prominence in this year’s FIS World Cup circuit, aerialist Emily Cook, and world champion snowboarder Seth Wescott.

All seven resorts in the American Skiing Company family of resorts will host U.S. Ski Team Days on Feb. 10. “This is a great opportunity for the American Skiing Company to help the U.S. Ski Team,” said Chip Carey, senior vice president of marketing for ASC. “We are all about skiing and snowboarding and want to help the team become the best in the world.”

U.S. Ski Team Presidents and former Olympian Bill Marolt is overwhelmed by the support of resorts across the country. “U.S. Ski Team Day will provide an outstanding opportunity for skiers in Maine and New England to celebrate our sport during the Olympic period, and to help the athletes of the U.S. Ski Team.”
VisitSugarloaf for the latest on U.S. Ski Team Day.

About Sugarloaf/USA Ski Resort - Located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Sugarloaf/USA is recognized among the top ski and golf resorts in the world. Sugarloaf/USA is part of the American Skiing Company family of resorts. Its resorts include Killington and Mount Snow in Vermont; Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine; Attitash in New Hampshire; Steamboat in Colorado and The Canyons in Utah.

***



Crystal Mountain
Time: 6:00am
Weather: Snowing heavily on the slopes today.
Base Temperature: 29 degrees
Base Snow Depth: 53 inches
Base New Snow Fall 24hrs: 11 inches
Base Snow Fall 48hrs: 16 inches
Summit Temperature: 11 degrees
Summit Snow Depth: 77 inches
Summit New Snow Fall 48hrs: 26 inches
Surface Conditions: Powder and Machine Groomed
Lifts Open: Discovery, Chinook Express, Forest Queen, Rainier Express, High Campbell & Green Valley Hour of Operation: 9:00am-4:00pm
Road Conditions: Open/Icy in spots/Snow covered ! ! Backco! untry Status: North Country and South Country CLOSED. ! !
What's Happening at Crystal Mountain: We have received 47 inches of new snow since Monday....enough said! It is going to be a great day out on the slopes with fresh powder for all who come to join us. Get on up here because it is going to be awesome!!!

Discount ticket books are only 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. Click here for more info or to purchase yours before they are gone.
The Express Bus is the hassle free way to Crystal Mountain on the weekends. For more information click here or to make reservations call 800-665-2122
Ski Crystal

Sun Valley
SUN VALLEY, ID….... Sun Valley Resort will open additional terrain on Baldy this Friday 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 addition Seattle Ridge Lodge on Seattle Ridge is open for the season. Dollar Mountain and Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge also remains open for the season. Sun Valley

***
Winter Sports Movie In France without a name
Sylvan in The Pyranees mountains, south of France, North of Spain offers a report that there is new Snow Northern Spain


Ski Movie with no Name
Sylvan P. stops in every few weeks with an update on conditions.IF you or your friends are traveling through Europes, You may want to consider seeing this independent Film just for the the action ! !

***
Val d’Isère
The Laisinant Express : a brand new way to get to the slopes. 33 years after the opening of the Iseran sector, the resort now boasts another brand new access to the slopes from an area which had never been equipped with a lift. A new detachable 6 seater chair lift will be inaugurated in December 2005. Its cost : 4.3 million €. This chairlift will take on some of the central Solaise Express traffic. Skiers staying in the Laisinant area can use this lift to get to the Fornet and Solaise sectors. After having skied the fabulous L or Mattis runs, no need to take the free shuttle to get back to the slopes. Environment is also taken into account. The commune of Val d’Isère has signed an agreement with the National Alpine Botanic Conservator in order to make an inventory of all protected species and to ensure their replanting if necessary. The agreement signed between the STVI and the Vanoise National Park makes provision for the counting of the royal eagles and black grouse nesting within proximity of the lift over the next 7 years. Val Di Isere

***
Solden Austria Just in time for the NEW Year: 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° Soleden
Homewood 8-10 new
Homewood On Tahoe's west shore has a solid base building in the Quail Ridge area. Quail Bowl is a favorite of Tahoe locals especially on days when visibility is limited at upper elevations.
Homewood
Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, Squaw and getting a second dose of the same storm system that is passing through British Colombia, Washingtin, Oregon ( Mt Hood Timberline / Mt Hood Meadows)
.....some like it Wet!
Be careful out there and check AV warnings if you intend on going Out Back. With a little luck, there will be fresh snow on Mua Kea Hawaii , I'm not kidding!

Snow Alerts : Alta, Snowbird Ut. , Crystal Wa. , Homewood Ca. , Sun Valley Id. Snow Alert :Whistler Blackcomb B.C. Snow Alert : Hintertux, Insbruck, Solden, Austria Snow Alert: Pyranese South of France N. Spain

Sugar Bowl
Conditions are great at Sugar Bowl Sitting a top of Donner Summit in The Sierra Nevada Mtns. New snowfall is measured in FEET.

Sugar Bowl has a new lodge this season and wants you to enjoy the all that the NEw Year has to offer.
Sugar Bowl

***
Sun Valley
Jack says , "It just keeps Snowing ...."
8 inches at the base more up top
SunValley