"Endless Winter Snow"

Snow Alert - Saas-Fee Switzerland, Snowbird , Big Sky , Moscow
Avalanche Warnings -

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Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - Freeride competition
Freeride World Qualifier - Freeride de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (FRA), 15-19 February

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc hosts one of the 11 Freeride World Qualifier events (FWQ), thus the resort renews its ties to the discipline after a few years without any such competition. World renowned for its freeride areas, the resort’s return into the world freeride competition realm have been long awaited for all those who love this sport. And a spectacular entry with the Qualifier, and official event of the Freeride World Tour (FWT), that allows its participants to earn points towards the Freeride World Ranking 2009 (FWR). And for this first edition, the registration was such a success that numerous riders had to be turned away as the spots were limited. (Entry list attached)

Definition of a Freeride World Qualifier
The Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) are independent competitions, 11 this winter, that take place in Europe and in the United States, that are validated by the Pro Freeriders Board that represents the athletes. These qualifying stages complete the 4 Freeride World Tour (FWT) events for which the world’s best athletes are selected by their ranking (like in ATP tennis). The ‘Qualifiers’ allow riders from around the globe to be ranked in the Freeride World Ranking (FWR). With this point system, winning a FWQ is like placing 7th of a FWT event, so even riders qualified for the FWT come to earn points at FWQ events! These events are a true opportunity for young talented riders to qualify for the Freeride World Tour thus competing against the world’s best!

The venue: The “Pentes de l’Hôtel” in Brévent or the “Aiguille Pourrie” in Flégère Situated in the Brévent area in the ‘Aiguilles Rouges’ facing the impressive Mont Blanc mountains, the ‘Pentes de l’Hôtel’are very popular among freeriders. This eastern facing slope is around 500 vertical meters, very technical thus allows skiers and snowboards to reveal their talent. An ideal spot for the public as well since you can see the competition form the Freeride de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc village set up at the base of the slope. Of course since there are many people on winter holiday, there will be lots of spectators to cheer on the riders.

Another option has of course been planned, according to weather and security conditions, in Flégère (still in the ‘Aiguilles Rouges’) on the ‘Aiguille Pourrie’: “We will decide which is the best option depending on the conditions at that time”, explains Jerome Ruby, mountain guide and security manager for the event. “Both faces are really great and have lots of features for every riding style.”

Competition format
Each participant goes down the slope one after the other. How they get from point A to B is their choice. The run is judged by a panel of judges the foot of the slope. One score is given for overall impression for each rider. To evaluate the athletes, the judges use a 10-point system from 1.0 to 10.0. Among the aspects evaluated, line choice, fluidity and control are the criteria that guide the judges in their overall impression.

Testimonial
Aurélien Ducroz (FRA), currently 2nd of the Freeride World Ranking 2009: “A freeride event ‘at home’ in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, I have been waiting for this for a long time. Those just a bit older than me were able to compete here, but they stopped competitions the year I started! So, I helped Nicolas Hale-Woods, Freeride World Tour founder and organizer, when he was working with local government to put this FWQ event together here. The ‘Pentes de l’Hôtel’ like the ‘Aiguille Pourrie’ are awesome to ski and have endless possibilities. This will be a spectacular competition. I will be in front of my home crowd and I am so excited. I am also happy to see that this competition has attracted so many competitors; the registration had to be closed and riders refused. That proves that there is a high demand for this sport, this site and for the Freeride World Qualifiers. For me, it is still interesting to compete in the FWQ competitions because it can guarantee me precious points towards the FWR in case I have a bad FWT event. However, I don’t think here is the place where I can have guaranteed points since the competition is going to be tough! Especially with Sébastien Michaud, 2nd of the Freeride World Ranking 2008, who will also participate. He has already competed here and loves this face!”

www.freerideworldtour.com

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Crested Butte - Colorado
You'll like the stats again this morning, because we've received another 6 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours, 3 in the last 12 hours, bringing this year's snow total to 215 inches. In the past 48 hours, we've had 9 inches of snow and I am glad to say that it is cloudy and snowing as I write this report at 5 am.

Our base is skiing and riding very nice right now at 58 inches at the top and 45 at midway. We've got 15 out of 16 lifts up and running and a grand spanking total of 1250 acres open, 481 of which is groomed. Take your pick of 104 trails- you'll find powder and packed powder conditions throughout the accessible terrain and practically perfect conditions everywhere you turn. The Superpipe is open and freshly cut and our other terrain parks are looking fresh and ready for all you rippers out there

Summit Elevation 12,162 ft / 3,707 m
Base Elevation 9,375 ft / 2,856 m
Lowest Lift 9,100 ft / 2,774 m
Vertical 2,775 ft / 846 m - lift-served
3,062 ft / 933 m - requires short hike to Peak

www.skicb.com

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Big Sky - Montana
Unidentified slopeside Object

Photo: Lonnie Ball
We have been seeing scattered snow showers for the past 24 hours and it's still lightly snowing. The slopes are nice and soft with a few inches of fresh snow on the ground and more on the way.

www.bigskyresort.com/

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Snowbasin - Utah
Site of the 2002 Winter Games
Snow Basin's first ski tow was in operation by 1939. As word of Snow Basin's pristine powder spread, the area began attracting more and more visitors. In 1940, Engen and the Forest Service supervised a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crew in building an access road to the resort.
In 1995, Salt Lake City was awarded the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and Snowbasin was chosen as the venue for the men's and women's downhill, super G and combined races. The United States Congress passed the Snowbasin Land Exchange Act in 1996 as part of the Omnibus Lands Bill. In addition to mandating the exchange of National Forest System lands to Snowbasin, the Act identified a set of projects that were deemed necessary for the resort to host the Olympic competitions. On May 23, 2000, the land exchange was completed, transferring 1,377 acres of National Forest System lands at the base of the resort to Snowbasin and 11,757 acres of private land in northern Utah to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Approximately 60 percent of Snowbasin Resort remains on the National Forest.
SKIERS, RIDERS ALL ABOARD ….
the Front Runner commuter light rail service from Salt Lake City to Ogden for a day @ Snowbasin Resort. Departs Salt Lake City at the end of the Trax transportation for the hour trip to Ogden. Snowbasin will offer express van service to the mountain twice in the morning (~8:30 am & ~9:30 am) from the Ogden Depot... The roundtrip fare requires an upgradeable lift ticket purchase to include $10 per person. (Does not include train fare)The return trip to Salt Lake City will depart Snowbasin @ 4:30 pm to board the Front Runner @ 5:08 pm. Sorry, there is no Front Runner service to Snowbasin on Sunday

Snowbasin Resort is proud to present our après ski entertainment schedule! The concerts will be held in Cinnabar Lounge of Earl's Lodge from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Don't miss the John Paul downhill run off the Mt Allen Peak Tram or the Finger chutes
www.snowbasin.com

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Solden - Austria

Resorts of Solden and Hochsolden offer good snow reliability during the winter season but additionally the Solden – Otztal glacier offers a snow guarantee at the beginning or end of the season in spring.

Sölden is a large sprawling resort with accommodation, restaurants and bars dotted along the river and busy main street.

Enjoy skiing on perfect slopes in bright sunshine. Ultimative Ski fun awaits you on our more than 3000 meter high mountains. The resort itself is renowned for its pumping nightlife and accordingly attracts a young crowd in search of adrenaline filled days and nights.

The main skiing areas are accessible from either end of the resort where the gondola system will whisk you up to the snow covered opportunities.

New Lift
The 8-person chair lift at Giggijoch is not only a new, detachable mountain lift but also a part of a brilliant master plan. The most frequented part of Sölden's ski area will be made even more attractive and easier accessible for everyvone.

The extremely sunny are ranks among the most important spots within the Sölden skiing region. The ski slopes at Giggijoch are the most popular ones for beginners, advanced skiers and snowboarders. The 4 already existing mountain lifts reached their maximum capacity already, especially the old Giggijoch triple chair lift. The elevation gain between the top terminal of Giggijoch gondola and the base station of Giggijoch chair lift next to the restaurant was 8 meters. A natural obstacle for many guests, which resulted in avoiding the centrally located ski slope. After many discussions a perfect solution was found. The base station of the new Giggijoch 8-seater chair lift was moved downhill and the access area changed its position in a 90-degree angle while three thirds of the engine rooms and the service area are underground. 6000 m³ of soil were removed to realize this plan!
More service, shorter uphill ride
The new lift route is also some 250 meters longer than the old version. Additionally the Rosskirpl chair lift is easily accessible as well. At the same time also the snow-making system will be extended in order to guarantee even more comfort throughout the winter sports season. 18 new snow guns fed by the Rotkogl devices (installed last year) are added to the system in the downhill sections starting at the top terminal. The higher top station includes as well an additional skiable area of some 2.5 hectares. From December 2008 all passionate winter sports fans are warmly invited to come and see themselves the "New Giggijoch"!

NIGHT SKI SHOW- More than just night skiing !!
Every wednesday from 07.01. til 18.03.2009
05.30 pm to 08.30 pm ascent
09.30 pm last descent
Program from 05:30 pm
Music & entertainment hosted by DJ Christoph
Live performances and dance shows performed ba the "Show Express Dance Company"
Ski show of the Sölden/Hochsölden Ski & Snowboard School including torchlight ski show and fireworks
Night skiing slope (4km) with state-of-the-art floodlights

www.soelden.com/

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Kirkwood - Ca
KIRKWOOD'S TOP GUIDES have created the program to share their secrets for all mountain skills and success. Our certified guides offer tips on technique, finding the best line, how to read a slope, and terrain selection. The natural camaraderie that occurs between women adds a cooperative spirit and motivates participants to push themselves to new levels. Top pro female athletes will be joining women on the mountain to offer insight and support.

THIS 3 DAY EVENT is for beginner through expert female riders, and upper intermediate through expert female skiers. Three full days of skiing and riding this event comes with the following:

CLINICS MEET at 9:30am sharp each day and is 5 to 6 hours long. Clinic includes 3 days of coaching, breakfast and lunch daily, goodie grab bag, video analysis (weather permitting), gear from Marmot, Burton and Rossignol, exclusive sale in KMS and fashion show.

www.kirkwood.com

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