As always, there’s lots happening at our favorite ski/snowboard resorts in February, especially outdoor events now that the days are getting longer. This month’s Short Swings features two areas hosting important major competitions, new snowcat skiing and an uphilling program. Women’s Ski Jumping at Lake Placid Last year, the Olympic Regional Development Authority committed to […]
As always, there’s lots happening at our favorite ski/snowboard resorts in January. This month, let’s start with a shout-out to two of them which are making headlines for ground-breaking (literally) new lifts and new terrain. Deer Valley The Utah resort Deer Valley has officially opened the first phase of its major 3,000-acre expansion area with […]
As always, there is plenty of good news at our favorite winter resorts for the end of 2024 and start of 2025. But let’s begin this monthly edition of Short Swings with a warning – don’t hit the person who hit you. On one of the first days of the new season in November, two female […]
“We want to have a positive impact on this industry after a tragic event in our lives,” says Chauncey Johnson, who founded the Snow Angel Foundation with wife Kelli, to educate skiers and snowboarders to be safe on the slopes, by being more aware of those around them – and slowing down. In 2010, their […]
The lifts already are operating at some Colorado ski and snowboard resorts, but it’s not too late to tell you what’s new for the season, including new lifts and terrain and bargain-priced lift tickets and lesson plans. In alphabetical order, since that’s the only fair way. Arapahoe Basin is rolling out two group lesson deals for […]
There are plenty of special events on the calendar at our favorite winter resorts, including World Cup and other races worth a visit. Here’s the schedule for the first part of the 2024/25 season, for you to watch or even participate in – plus one super-cheap lift ticket deal for grown-ups and another for kids. Now […]
Want to avoid nightmare traffic gridlock on I-70? You are not alone. Because of increased demand last season, Amtrak is increasing service this season on its popular Winter Park Express Ski Train, with fares starting at just $19 each way. What a deal. The Amtrak Winter Park Express glides between Denver and the foot of the […]
New Hampshire’s downhill and X-C areas have been busy all summer expanding snowmaking, widening and reconfiguring trails, renovating buildings, and adding new technolgogies to make it easier and faster to get to the lift. Several of the improvements are one phase of a multi-year plan. Here’s what’s new up north, in alphabetical order, since that’s […]
What were you doing all summer? Resorts in Utah were working full-time adding new lifts and snowmaking, smoothing out terrain, even adding major expansions. Those improvements will come in handy in 2034, when the Winter Olympic Games return to Salt Lake City and the resorts around it. Here’s what’s new in Utah for the 2024/25 season. In alphabetical […]
The Indy Pass gets better every year. It just added 30 new resorts in the USA and around the world for the 2024/25 season, on top of the 52 it added last season. As its name implies, the Indy Pass focuses on independent areas without another affiliation such as biggies Ikon, Epic or even Mountain Collective. It […]
While you were tanning on the beach in the Caribbean or throwing coins in the fountain in Rome this past summer, Vermont resorts were busy upgrading chairlifts, trails, snowmaking, dining and lodging. Here’s what’s new in the state with some of the most popular ski/snowboard/Nordic destinations in the Northeast. In alphabetical order, since that’s the […]
Thanks to late season storms, some downhill destinations will be skiing and riding into August, while others have closed and already starting construction on new lifts. Here’s what we know now about the 2024/25 season, including pass price changes, so you can put these resorts on your bucket list – or not. Prices Going Up […]
Three cheers for spring. It means longer hours to linger in the sunshine, wearing fewer layers, ditching goggles for sunglasses, and also enjoying oodles of end-of-season events and early bird discounts for next season, including new season pass options. Here is a round-up of what to check out before you pack away your skis, snowboards, neck […]
With Ikon and Epic season passes costing around $1,000, and some walkup day passes hitting $300, a $6,000 Lifetime Pass sounds like a great deal. That’s what’s being offered by Loup Loup Ski Bowl, a small and fiercely independent ski destination in Okanagan, in central Washington State about 125 miles northeast of Seattle. It’s an innovative […]
Days are getting longer and warmer, and spring skiing is the reward we downhillers get for braving frosty fingers and toes until now. Let’s hope the snow holds until April or May. Until then, enjoy these events and deals happening at the destinations we love. Here are bits and pieces from here and there for March for […]
Every time I drive Route 23A to Hunter Mountain, I am reminded of a lifetime connection to the area. I learned to ski here, and so did my kids, but I started visiting Tannersville long before the ski mountain opened in January, 1960. My family spent two weeks each August at the Rose Garden Hotel […]
Add another mountain to the growing list owned by Alterra – Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, which everybody calls A-Basin. A favorite of locals and those who prefer an old-fashioned, low-key destination, A-Basin has been part of the Ikon Pass system since 2019. Devoted fans hope Alterra won’t change it into a glitzy resort like its neighbors, […]
In case you missed it, here are bits and pieces from here and there about several of our favorite winter resorts East and West, to help you plan your downhill or XC time and your time before, during or after. See you on the slopes! Birding on Skis at Alta This is a unique winter […]
January is National Safety Awareness Month, a good time to be reminded about safety on the slopes we all love, to keep us, the kids and the grandkids all safe and smiling on the slopes we all love. We invite you to add your comments about experiences with downhillers who have violated the safety code. […]
Our monthly roundup of this and that from here and there includes news about the winter Olympics returning to the USA, sled dog racing, a prize you can win, an event that set a world record, a new lease on life for a small family-owned area, something about next season, and more. Because there’s always […]
Age has its privileges. That includes discounts for senior skiers and snowboarders. Here’s what’s available for 50+, 65+, 70+, 75+ or 80+ in Colorado, including where to ski free or a super-bargain $25 for the entire season. Alphabetically of course, since that’s the only fair way. See you on the slopes – with a discount pass for […]
Take the train to one of your favorite ski/snowboard resorts, and avoid highway traffic jams and base area parking problems. Amtrak has expanded its service this season to slopes in California and Vermont, in addition to the beloved ski train between downtown Denver and Winter Park. Amtrak Benefits on All Ski Trains Unlike airline checked baggage […]
In case you missed it, here are bits and pieces from here and there about several of our favorite winter resorts, to help you plan your downhill or XC time and your down time before or after. See you on the slopes – or before or after! Mountain Collective New Passes New this season is […]
Resorts all over the USA were busy all summer upgrading lifts and new terrain, including more snowmaking to extend the season. Here’s what skiers and riders can look forward to in New York State and Pennsylvania this season, including new resort names, new ownerships and new season passes. In alphabetical order by state, since that’s the […]
If you like to ski or ride in the northeast, you’ll have lots of new lifts, new terrain and upgraded amenities to explore and enjoy this season at downhill and XC resorts in Maine and New Hampshire. There’s even a brand new pass for uphillers in New England. In alphabetical order, by state, since that’s the […]