"Endless Winter Snow"

12.18.2008

Snow Alert - Zermatt - Switzerland, Crystal Mountain -Wa, Stevens pass -Wa,
Beaver Creek- Colorado

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Big Sky - Montana
Packed powder Today's Word: The Marx bowl is now open and is riding very well with great coverage. The groomers have been smooth and there is even a little powder left to be found. Our current early season pricing is: $69 for adults, $49 for juniors and college students and $59 for seniors. Remember to dress appropriately to keep warm if you are going to be out on the slopes today, as the wind could make things a little chilly. www.bigskyresort.com/

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Mammoth Mountain

The 6:00 a.m. temperature at Main Lodge was 16 degrees and it was 6 degrees up at the summit. Winds are expected to be light today and temps are projected to reach the low 20s this afternoon.The following 19 chairs are expected to be operating today, wind and weather permitting: Broadway Express, Stump Alley Express, Face Lift Express, Roller Coaster Express, Chair 5, Thunder Bound Express, Chair 8, Gold Rush Express, Discovery Chair, Chair 12, Eagle Express, Canyon Express, Schoolyard Express, Chair 21,22, 23, both the Upper and Lower Panorama Gondola, and the Village Gondola. Main Park, Forest Trail Park and Disco Park are currently open with multiple jumps, rails, boxes and jibs for all ability levels.Regular season ticket rates are:$83 adult $62 youth $41 children/seniorsMammoth is excited for the return of the Night of Lights at Canyon Lodge this Saturday, December 20. Come celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a winter lights show against the majestic backdrop of Mammoth's ski slopes complete with a firework show, torchlight parade,
Red Bull Air Force skydivers and live music. Please remember that obstacles do exist so always ride with caution. Expected Lifts
============== Main Lodge: 10 expected
Canyon Lodge: 8 expected
Eagle Lodge: 1 expected

www.mammothmountain.com/MyMammoth/

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Crystal Mountain - Wa
Current Weather Snowing New Snow Overnight:8" 24hr: 18" 48hr: 18"Current Temps Base: 28F Summit: 12F Base Total: Base: 35" Summit: 40" Winds: Light Visibility: Fair Season Snowfall Total: 58" Operational Status: Limited operations - Discovery, Chinook Express, Forest Queen, Rainier Express, Green Valley & High Campbell lifts will be open from 9am-4pm. Comments: Tickets are reduced to $45 due to low-snow and limited operations. comments: Tickets are reduced to $45 due to low-snow and limited operations. www.skicrystal.com

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Durango- Colorado
BACKSIDE OPENS THIS WEEKEND!
If you haven’t visited Purgatory this season yet, wait no longer! If you have been up to enjoy the early season powder, glad you got your practice runs in.
The backside opens this weekend, as well as Lift 2 on the frontside, allowing more convenient access to dozens of trails. Stay tuned for the opening of Lift 5 and 8 on the backside as these next few storms roll in over the San Juans
www.durangomountainresort.com

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Stevens will be opening today
Thursday, the 18th. It's been snowing all day with lots of nice dry powder, so plan on doing a lot of smiling tomorrow on the mountain! We will be opening SkyLine, Hogsback, Daisy, and Brooks. As a friendly reminder, early season conditions exist, so it is recommended to stay on groomed runs. For early season ticket pricing and what amenities will be available, visit the Hours of Operation page of the website. Northwest Demo Tour Be a part of the first annual Northwest Demo Tour at Stevens Pass on December 20th, 2008. This massive demo will feature all your favorite ski & snowboard brands for you to demo on the hill! The best part - IT'S FREE!!!

Ski Washington License Plates Show your support for winter sports in Washington all year long with a stylish new license plate. More than half the proceeds from each license plate goes to the non-profit Northwest Winter Sports Foundation. www.stevenspass.com/

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Killington Vermont
NEW Skye Peak Express Opens Friday!
Six months of hard work is about to pay off as the New Skye Peak Express opens on Friday, providing access to some of Killington’s best uninterrupted terrain and The Stash terrain park. Moving at more than 1,400 feet per minute, the Skye Peak Express will deliver you from the base of Bear Mountain to the top of Skye Peak in less than five minutes!

The Stash Opens Friday! There are only five on the globe, and only one in the East and it opens Friday at Bear Mountain – The Stash, Burton’s all-natural terrain park is unlike anything you’ve ever seen or ridden! Access the Stash off the new Skye Peak Express via Stash Way and see what it’s all about!

Pico Mountain Opens Saturday With all this new snow, it’s going to be a great season kickoff Saturday at Pico Mountain! Once again, we’re teaming up with the United Way of Rutland County to offer guests a FREE Pico Card with a donation of $10 or more to the United Way this Saturday and Sunday. The Pico Card, which sells for $20 plus tax, offers saving of $10 per day off window ticket rates every day of the season. Donations will be accepted at the Pico Mountain ticket office throughout the weekend.

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Sierra Avalanche Center
The current storm system is picking up increasing moisture off of the Pacific Ocean and it is combining with an Arctic air mass. Moderate snowfall rates are expected to continue this morning and intensify this afternoon and overnight. Single digit air temperatures on the mountain tops this morning are expected to rise into the low teens today. Ridgetop winds have decreased from 24 hours ago, but remain moderate in speed out of the west southwest. Storm totals are running 6 to 10 inches across the forecast area.
Avalanche concern number one: Near and above treeline, fresh slabs have formed in wind loaded areas below ridgelines. Expect slopes above 7,500' with a northerly aspect component to have an old snow crust below the new snow or slab. Expect other areas will have new snow over the ground (dirt). As wind loading continues, mainly on NW-N-NE-E aspects, expect continued formation of unstable slabs in lee areas. Small but not inconsequential human triggered avalanches are possible. Natural avalanches are unlikely but not impossible today.

www.sierraavalanchecenter.org

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Squaw
December powder! We've seen over a foot of new snow this weekend and it's looking to keep getting deeper
Dec 19 2008 High Camp and the Cable Car Open at Night Dec 20 2008 17th Annual Snow God's Ball Dec 24 2008 Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade Dec 25 2008 Merry Christmas from Squaw Valley USA

Squaw Valley Lift Tickets & Lessons
www.squaw.com

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Alyseka Resort - Alaska
All main runs have been groomed. Early season conditions do exist so be on the lookout for rocks, trees, dips, & debris. Today's Weather .TODAY...SNOW SHOWERS...MAINLY NORTH OF MOOSE PASS. SNOW ACCUMULATION 1 TO 6 INCHES...HIGHEST AMOUNTS INLAND AND AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S TO MID 30S. VARIABLE WIND 5 TO 15 MPH. NEAR SEWARD...NORTH WINDS
Now is the time to take advantage of the exciting changes taking place at Alyeska Resort. Our on-mountain improvements including snowmaking from the bottom of the mountain to the top of the tram are nearing completion, trail grading and widening on Jim's Branch, the Weir, Mighty Mite, and Spoonline have been completed. Magic carpets are scheduled to be installed next month. Renovations are currently underway at the Sitzmark & Daylodge. The Sitzmark Bar & Grill will also have extended hours serving food 7 days a week until 9:30pm, live music every Thursday and Sunday, open until 2:00am Friday and Saturday nights. Addition of new Ski School Programs including a Ski School desk located at the Tram Ticket Office on the second floor of the Hotel Alyeska. We have also relocated our terrain park to Tanaka and added a Burton Learn-to-Ride Center, where kids and adults can learn to snowboard using the latest gear and technology. All these changes are sure to make this season one to remember starting November 17 when we usher in a new era at Alyeska Resort. Season Passes can be purchased by visiting
www.alyeskaresort.com

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Stubaier Glacier- Austria

The new glacier lift Daunscharte with 833 meter length offers even more space for skiers and snowboarders. Two new slopes - Nr. 20 Kogelferner (blue) and Nr. 21 Schartenschuss (red) offer more variety of slopes up to 3,145 meters above see level.

Facts
Length glacier lift: 833 m Entry altitude: 2.888 m Exit altitude: 3.145 m Capacity: 1.200 persons per hour www.stubaier-gletscher.com/de/winter/

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Kvitfjell- Norway

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

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

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Montafon - Austria
The alpine valley Montafon lies in the south Vorarlbergs (Austria) and by the three powerful mountain courses of the Raetikons, the barrier and the Silvretta with mountains up to 3.312 m (Piz Buin) is surrounded. Beside places with a sporty character and varied leisure program cosy recovery villages suitable for families invite in the Montafon.
St. Anton im Montafon (650 m) lies at the entrance to the Montafon Valley and is popular with all holiday-makers. Here, within a radius of 2-6 km are all the requirements for an active winter holiday. The Skigebiet Golm ski area can be reached in approx 3-5 minutes free of charge and in comfort on the ski bus.

The Hochjoch, Silvretta Nova and Schafberg ski areas can also be reached in a very short time free of charge and in comfort on public transport. The athletically inclined can, depending on the snow conditions, also reach Schruns on trail-marked cross-country ski runs. St. Anton im Montafon and the parishes of Bartholomäberg and Silbertal are considered the “THREE CHARMERS

New in the Silvretta Nova 6-seater Sesselbahn Vermiel chairlift
The new fixed 6-seater Vermiel chairlift with conveyor belt entry and luxury upholstery replaces the three Vermiel drag lifts. With the new lift and the moving of the new mountain station to the mountain station of the Grandaubahn, this area is experiencing a substantial qualitative improvement.

Heated seating for the 6-seater Sesselbahn Nova chairlift The SB Nova, newly constructed last winter, is being equipped with heated seating Events
Musikfinale in der Silvretta Nova - 22.03.08

"King of the Water" in Gargellen & Hochjoch difrfernt dates - 29.03.08
A 20 m long pool - 2 skiers or snowboarders start at the same time and on their descent to the water have to pass through gates or over jumps. The one who arrives first on the far side of the pool goes into the next round. The event promises to provide an exciting day in Gargellen.

Großes Saisonfinale am Golm - 06.04.08

www.montafon.at/

Val d'Isère - France
Val d'Isère fills the tank with animations and events with each week: - the night ones of Thursday, - animations of snows. And throughout the season of many events like: -
From the 7 to April 10, 2008 "Scara" (international Competition of Alpine skiing for the 12 to 15 years) -
From the 15 to April 17, 2008 15th Festival "MUSICAVAL" Festival of chamber music -
From the 21 to April 24, 2008 the 12th Festival "Ventures and Discovered" (international Festival of film on the adventure and the discovery).

www.valdisere.com
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Bacardi Gets the job Done

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N American Training Seminar

Mt. Shasta Climb and Ski - Now is the time to start planning and training for NASTC's annual climb and ski adventure at Mt. Shasta. This is an overnight course, where you will basecamp on Mt. Shasta, climb up to the summit and ski down. This is an ultimate mountaineering adventure offered exclusively through NASTC and the Shasta Mountain Guides.

Cortina d'Ampezzo - Italy
Cortina d'Ampezzo with Dolomiti Superski is carrying out an important awareness campaign about caution on the slopes and good practice on skis/snowboards aimed at all skiers and snowboarder with the title TAKE CARE.
All those who purchase a skipass will receive a leaflet with tips and advice on correct ski and snowboard practice. The suggestions range from areas such as pre-skiing preparation and nutrition to the 12 FIS rules on correct behaviour on the slopes as well as guidelines on how to act when involved in an incident on the slopes. www.cortina.dolomiti.org

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Colorado Snow
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin has always been known as the legend for its legendary steeps on East Wall and off Pallavicini lift, legendary views from the Continental Divide, and now for a legendary 80% terrain expansion into Montezuma Bowl. Arapahoe Basin will almost double in size this season as we expand into Montezuma Bowl with high alpine groomed runs, bowls, chutes and glades.
Aspen Mountain
The flagship mountain of Aspen rises imposingly out of the heart of downtown. Famous for its steeps, bumps, and incredible views, Aspen Mountain and its double-blacks and tree runs are fun for riders and skiers alike.
Crested Butte
Keystone
3 Mountains, 5 Bowls, Acres of Fun. Located in the White River National Forest, Keystone is home to three magnificent mountain playgrounds - Dercum Mountain, North Peak and The Outback. There's something special for every skier and rider of any level at each mountain. There are more than 3,000 vertical feet and over 3,000 acres of bowls, bumps, glades, steeps and groomers to be experienced
Snowmass
Telluride
The free scenic gondola connects the historic Town of Telluride with the modern luxury of Mountain Village
Vail
All with 1-3 inches of new snow last 48 hours
for detailsed information see
www.coloradoski.com Glacier 3000 - Switzerland
The Glacier 3000 ski area includes 10 installations and 30 km of ski runs ranging from 1350 to 3000 m above sea level. It is a part of the ski area shared with Gstaad Mountain Rides (250 km of ski runs) and the Vaudoises Alps (225 km of ski runs) and is particularly attractive for Freestylers and Freeriders. With the 7km long Olden ski run, Glacier 3000 is able to offer one of the most challenging ski runs in the area - a challenge for any skier or snowboarder

For people who like to have unlimited fun in the snow, the 7 km long Olden ski run is just the right one. The black ski run is one of the longest of this difficulty level in the region

Lifts
Name - Length - Vert - Top Station
P1 Reusch – Oldenegg 1624 m 572 m 1922 m
P2 Oldenegg – Cabane 2270 m 601 m 2523 m
P3 Col du Pillon – Cabane 1960 m 979 m 2524 m
P5 Cabane – Sex Rouge 1551 m 406 m 2930 m
P6 Oldenalp – Oldenegg 797 m 81 m 1922 m

www.glacier3000.ch/en/Winter
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