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FIS NEWS
Unfortunately, most of the 990 Congress participants have had little time to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather on the beaches of Vilamoura (POR). Over 250 hours in more than 100 meetings are being spent in deliberations by the FIS Council and by the various FIS Committees and Sub-Committees in addition to many more informal sessions and gatherings taking place daily. Besides the election of the organizers of the 2010 and 2011 FIS World Championships on Thursday, the FIS Council’s agenda in its meetings throughout the Congress Week includes the approval of the FIS World Cup calendars for the 2006-2007 season as well as decisions on the proposals submitted by the Technical Committees following their meetings earlier in the week (for the Committee meeting schedule, click here). The main work of the Council, however, is focused on the Congress Agenda in order to deliver its opinion to the Member Associations on the various proposals before Friday’s General Assembly. The FIS Newsflash will provide a detailed report on the decisions of the FIS Congress and Council in its 77th edition next week. FIS Ski

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Need a lift ?
From cableways.net

BelleayreMountain: High-Speed Chairlift Construction Underway Highmount, NY. - A crowd of curious onlookers gathered Tuesday, May 2nd at BelleayreMountain to witness the removal of the towers of the Super Chief chairlift by helicopter. This was a major milestone in the process of changing the lift to a high-speed detachable quad. As a detachable, the capacity of the lift will remain the same at 2,400 people per hour, but the travel time to the summit will be reduced significantly. A ride that used to take anywhere from 12-15 minutes will now take only 5 minutes. “Our customers will really appreciate the shorter lift ride to the summit,” stated Tom Folts, General Manager of Forest Parks at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation The bulk of the work to the chairlift is being accomplished in-house by BelleayreMountain employees. To complete the project, fourteen of the lift towers will be modified to accommodate the specifications of a detachable chairlift. Within one month, new tower bases will be dug, formed and poured, and the helicopter will return to set the towers the first week in June. After replacing the loading terminal and modifying the chairs, the new and improved Super Chief will be ready for operation in the 2006-07 ski season.


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

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Down to the feet,.... For those interested in a little hiking , here are a few Locations that with a topozone ( Maps )account, will help you on your way to; Calif: Mattherhorn Peak, Dana Cyn, Tioga Pass Dick's Peak, Jake's, Pyramid Peak, Desolation wilderness near Lake Tahoe Three Sisters & Mt Jefferson IN the Oregon Cascades Mt. Ranier IN Washington TopoZone