Tag Archive for: Snowbird

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

Tuesday I was sledding with grandkids in Manhattan’s Central Park.

I arrived a few days earlier in New York unprepared for winter; felt it from head to toe. Wednesday, I stepped out of Salt Lake International Airport into 75F. The resorts are reporting temps in the 40s and 50s. It’s expected to cool off later next week. My experience in this part of the world is that the first two weeks of April generally deliver large snowfalls. Will it happen this year? In New York my fingers were frozen. Now they’re crossed.

CALIFORNIA

Next season’s Tahoe Super Pass is available for purchase now. Buy before April 18 to get extra savings. Multiple plans are available. The most luxe offers unlimited skiing at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows plus 50% at all Mountain Collective resorts, plus free skiing from April 1 to end of season, plus other benefits. 65+ costs $719; 76+ costs $389.

COLORADO

Aspen Highlands will host an old school bumps challenge at its Freestyle Friday, noon March 31. Should be a blast with neon one-pieces and other retro garb.

OREGON

Registration now open for the Ligety Weibrecht Ski Camp at Mt Hood. From the website, it looks like a terrific experience for teen-aged grandkids.

QUEBEC

The Canadian Alpine Ski Championships will be held March 24-28 at Mont-Tremblant.

Stoneham Mountain Resort issued a short artsy video of skiers and boarders on its Olympic half pipe. It appears that the riders are jumping in front of a massive screen filled with colorful images.

UTAH

Park City’s Grand Summit Hotel in Canyons Village will undergo $15 million in renovation this spring, after which it will become a RockResorts property. The project is expected to be completed by mid-summer.

Snowbird‘s free Plaza Deck Concerts are scheduled for every weekend starting March 17 through May 14. Always good for a nice afternoon vibe.

VERMONT

Okemo Mountain Resort’s on-the-snow beer festival is slated for April 1. This will be the third year for the one-day Hops in the Hills event. Admission is free and open to the 21+ crowd, but there’s a fee to sample the 10 seasonal brews. Food also on tap.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

Mountain goats in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Photo: Harriet Wallis

Contributor Harriet Wallis snapped this pic on her way down one of the Cottonwood Canyons connecting Salt Lake City with several resorts. Mountain goats are visible from the road this time of year. They maneuver the narrowest ledges like they’re strolling Main Street. Thanks for the picture, Harriet!

CALIFORNIA

Dennis Quaid’s band, The Sharks, will kick off Squaw Valley’s Toyota Ski Pro-Am, Saturday, March 11 at the Resort at Squaw Creek.

COLORADO

Aspen hosts the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. March 15 – 19. The world’s top 25 men’s and women’s alpine ski racers will compete in Aspen, the first time the event has been held outside Europe since 1997.

UTAH

Park City Area Lodging Association’s Delta Gift Card Program gives an $800 Delta Air Lines electronic gift card when booking a minimum six-night stay, valued at $800 or more. Good through April 16. Program details: 855-585-0776.

Snowbird got 75″ in seven days. It released a brief video to celebrate the event.

Solitude Mountain Resort is offering several attractive Spring ski and stay packages.

OTHER

The ’17-’18 Mountain Collective pass just went on sale for $399. It provides two days of skiing at some of the world’s best resorts. Additional days are 50% off. This season, I’ve met several older couples on a grand tour of Mountain Collective areas. One couple from D.C. started at Stowe and worked their way to Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Snowbird and Alta. Another couple, from the state of Washington, started at Whistler Blackcomb and worked their way south to the participating Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado resorts. Now is the time to get the best deal on the pass; prices increase over coming months. If you ski two days at each of four resorts, the daily rate will be less than $50. This season, an online advance purchase for two days at Aspen, alone, (included in the pass) costs $250.

FITS is the sock manufacturer that makes the FILM SKI OTC sock. I tried it and liked it. Because it’s thin, I recommend it for spring conditions. I needed to buckle down one additional notch to accommodate for thinness. Made with non-cushioned merino wool, the sock has graduated compression all the way over the calf. It also has anti-itch and flame resistant properties (good if you plan to place feet on hearth). Odor resistant and antimicrobial, the FILM SKI OTC is a practical addition to any ski wardrobe. Around $24.00 online or in ski shops.

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows announced that five of its skiers were named to the 2017 U.S. Alpine Ski Team. All are part of the area’s development system and have been successful in International Ski Federation (FIS) competition.

COLORADO

Numerous Colorado resorts offer free skiing for young children—a definite benefit for grandparents taking the kids for a ski holiday. Ages, dates, and other details vary by resort, and are worth checking on line or when making reservations. Among the resorts offering this perk: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Loveland, Purgatory Resort, Steamboat, and Telluride.

MONTANA

Absaroka Dogsled Treks is based out of Chico Hot Springs in Pray, MT, about an hour from Bridger Bowl and two hours from Big Sky. The outfitter offers tours, ranging from $125 for a six mile trip (small kids free) to $450 for the day. Chico Hot Springs has a great natural hot pool where the community gathers to soak and an outstanding kitchen, recognized far beyond this little wonder, 45 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

NEW ENGLAND 

Open Snow, the very excellent snow forecasting site, has reported that New England is in for “an arctic blast” for the next 10 days.  That means big time snowmaking.  But beware, it’s also going to be windy up there this weekend, so bundle up.

NEW YORK

Internationally renown artist Jeff Koons, 61 and a nascent snowboarder, designed the graphics for 50 boards that will be sold for $5,000 each at a fund raiser in New York City for the Chill Foundation, a charity established by the founders of Burton snowboards. The foundation helps children from underserved communities learn through competitive sport.

UTAH

Salt Lake City is offering the Ski City Super Pass with discounted tickets at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude, free public transportation to get there, and discounted rentals. Available with lodging packages at participating Salt Lake City hotels. Staying in Salt Lake City and skiing different areas is a great way to experience the Wasatch Front. Many restaurant and entertainment options.

Park City’s KPCW radio interviewed SeniorsSkiing.com co-publisher, Jon Weisberg about (what else?) seniors who ski and why they’re important to skiing. The podcast can be heard by clicking here.  Jon’s comments start at 39:00 if you want to skip ahead.

Utah Olympic Park in Park City will host luge athletes from over 20 countries competing for a chance at a World Cup title, December 16 and 17, 2016.

WYOMING

Moe’s Original Bar B Que opened in Jackson Hole. FeaturingSouthern soul food, the chain resto was named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S.

OTHER

Patagonia is offering 50% past-season products. The on-line deal is good for Tuesday, Dec 13, only.

 

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

historic7_

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Introduces “Women of Ski Patrol” Calendar. Proceeds from the $25 item help fund avalanche safety education scholarships. The calendar showcases 13 female patrollers from last season’e Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol Teams. Calendars can be pre-ordered online now for $25 and will be available at retailers throughout the Village at Squaw Valley®.

CANADA

Whistler Blackcomb has a 30″ base. More on the way.

COLORADO

Crested Butte has a four night Christmas family deal at The Grand Lodge. Two adults and two kids get lodging and three days of passes for $1099 (+ tax and fees): http://www.skicb.com/deals.

On December 10, Crested Butte plans to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of skiers in full Santa suits (top, bottom, hat, and beard). Arrive in costume and get at $23 lift ticket. www.cbsantacrawl.com. Memo to Santa: Please bring snow!

Eldora’s Annual Ugly Sweater or Elf Costume Contest, is schedued for December 24. Prizes for the ugliest; www.eldora.com.

Purgatory  acquired Coloado’s largest snowcat skiing operation. Purgatory Snowcat Adventures  has guided cat skiing for skiers/boarders with access to 35,000 acres. Snowcat tours for non-skiers also available.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Loon Mountain Resort celebrates 50 years with a special anniversary weekend scheduled for January 28-29.

Ragged Mountain Resort‘s MISSION: AFFORDABLE program offers season passes for $449. Rossingol’s Learn to Ski & Ride program offers three free lessons to newbies.

Cranmore Mountain’s $79 Value Card provides a one-day lift ticket plus $20 off all subsequent lift ticket purchases (no restrictions). Card holders get a free lift ticket after every 7th visit.

Mount Sunapee offers half-price mid-week lift tickets when purchased four days in advance, online (holiday blackouts apply).

Waterville Valley Resort‘s new Frequent Skier Card gives the first lift ticket free and a $15 discount on future tickets.

UTAH

Alta postponed opening day scheduled for November 18 due to warm weather and lack of snow. The resort also announced that Lucy, a puppy, has joined its patrol. As an Alta passholder, I can report that watching a patrol dog working its way down the mountain in deep pow is a source of pleasure. Best wishes in your new job, Lucy!

Brighton has free skiing for anyone dressed as Santa on Christmas Day.

Numerous Utah areas have torchlight parades on skis during the holidays. They’re memorable. Dates/locations: Deer Valley (Dec 30); Park City (Dec 24); Snowbird (Dec 24); Solitude (Dec 31); Snowbasin (Dec 24).

OTHER

Ted Heck, longtime snow sports writer with a quick wit, passed away. He was 94.

Year-end gift giving: Consider a gift to a ski museum. Some accept tax-deductible donations of vintage gear. All welcome financial support. Two of our favorites are:

  • The Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, UT. It’s a must-visit facility with superb displays, including interactive exhibits utilizing the best of digital technology
  • The New England Ski Museum in Franconia, NH. It has a comprehensive exhibit of skiing history with an emphasis on New England. On display through mid-April 2017 is a wonderful exhibit on the 10th Mountain Division.

Another terrific choice is the International Skiing History Association (ISHA), which is dedicated to preserving and advancing knowledge of ski history. It’s bimonthly magazine, Skiing History, covers topics from early resorts and prominent skiers to the presence of the sport in our material and advertising culture. Members and donors receive Skiing History as a benefit. Membership in ISHA is a great stocking stuffer!

Craving fresh veggies and herbs this winter but living in a mountain town? OPCOM Farm indoor hydroponic gardening systems are worth exploring. Cost is about that of a season pass ($499 – $599.) www.opcomfarm.com

 

Jon Weisberg

This Week in SeniorsSkiing (Sept. 16)

/0 Comments/in /by

First Snow! New Cat Skiing Operation. Long Poles. Plus-Sized Ski Clothing.

Early One Pole Skiers

Early One Pole Skiers

I’m writing this from Utah where, a few days ago, Snowbird received it’s first snowfall. It’s an exciting precursor to the coming season. On Saturday, I’ll attend First Chair Festival, a ski-oriented street and film festival. Also from this weird and beautiful state is news of Whisper Ridge, a 50,000 acre cat skiing operation with three luxurious yurt villages and catering by one of Utah’s top chefs. Here’s the clincher: it’s about an hour from the airport! Can’t wait to review this developing powder paradise.

Three really interesting articles are in this week’s package.

At the top of the stack is a wonderful piece by Alan Engen, of the great Engen ski family. He tells the story of Ruth Rogers Altmann, who in her youth in Austria learned to ski using the long pole method and then learned the two-pole technique. This is must reading for anyone interested in ski history.

The next article covers long pole skiing as practiced in the remote Altai Mountains. People there have used skis to hunt and travel for thousands of years. Technology has not advanced in that part of the world. On this side of the globe, there’s a nascent movement to bring back long pole skiing. That, too, is covered in the article.

Finally, there’s a candid, and amusing, article on the difficulties associated with finding plus-sized ski clothing. Yvette Cardoso does an excellent job of spelling out the issues.

If you haven’t already registered for Promotive and its many discounts, it’ not too late. Need help registering? Email us at info@seniorsskiing.com and verify you’re a subscriber.  If you aren’t a subscriber, simply give us your email address. Access to Promotive, discounts, and great information for the older skier is delivered, free, to your screen every week.

Thanks for subscribing to Seniorsskiing.com.  Tell your friends. And remember, there are more of us every day and we aren’t going away.

mikemaginn

Snowbird Video Brings Back Winter Memories

/0 Comments/in , /by

How To Learn Cliff Jumping At Snowbird In The Pow.

On the first day of summer, we celebrate winter with a very cool video from pro skier Giray Dadali who is showing us how to jump the cliffs at Snowbird.

Pro skier Giray Dadli works it at Snowbird. Credit: Teton Gravity Research

Pro skier Giray Dadli works it at Snowbird.
Credit: Teton Gravity Research

So, if you are thinking that summer is too long, here’s a way to get back to those cool days of winter.  Hang in there.

Click for video and chill.

Screen Shot 2016-06-22 at 8.46.07 AM

http://www.tetongravity.com/video/ski/prosbro-and-a-gopro-snowbird-2016-pov

 

 

seniorsskiing

Inspiring “Powder Philosophy”: George Jedenoff, 98

/2 Comments/in /by

George Says Make The Most Of What You’ve Got.

SeniorsSkiing.com salutes George Jedenoff on his 98th birthday. Credit: Ski Utah

SeniorsSkiing.com salutes George Jedenoff on his 98th birthday.
Credit: Ski Utah

“It’s a pleasure by itself to be in the great, fresh cold air that seems to uncloud your brain…It’s a chance to reflect on your own life…[Skiing] is an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful things you can do…The plusses far outweigh the minuses…Take time to appreciate the positives.”

Thanks to Ski Utah for sending along this message from a ski legend, George Jedenoff, who has been skiing in the Wasatch for the past 56 years.

Happy 90th Junior Bounous!

/3 Comments/in , /by

Still Doing Pow And Inspiring The Rest of Us

As Junior Bounous celebrates his ninth decade, we salute his love of the sport and his motivation.  His message to the rest of us is simple: “Keep moving!”  Check.  Thanks, Junior and have a great birthday.

Here’s a short documentary produced by Snowbird that chronicles Junior’s trip down the Pipeline at age 80.

Credit: Snowbird Resort

Harriet Wallis

Remembering Dick Bass: “The Big Mouth Bass”

/0 Comments/in /by

SeniorsSkiing.com Correspondent Harriet Wallis Recalls Dick’s Uniqueness

Dick Bass' oriental rugs were hung in the Snowbird lodge by mountain climbers. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Climbers hang rugs on 11-story Atrium wall.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Dick Bass was always enthusiastic about everything. He was witty and lively, and he always seemed to be in a jovial

Snowbird founder Dick Bass had a fabulous collection of oriental rugs. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Snowbird founder Dick Bass inspects some of his fabulous collection of Oriental rugs
Credit: Snowbird

mood. He often spent time at his loved Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, and you could always tell when he was there because he’d be in the center of a group and he’d keep them laughing. He loved to indulge anyone who would listen to his tales and insights. Because of his talkative nature he called himself “the big mouth Bass.”

He loved art and literature, and he had an incredible Oriental rug collection that he displayed at Snowbird. The huge, colorful rugs carpeted many floors in the Cliff Lodge. Skiers probably had no idea they were walking on a fabulous collection. For other rugs, he hired rock climbers to scale the massive 11-story tall concrete walls in the lodge’s Atrium and hang them there for display.

Dick Bass seemed to function on only one speed: full speed ahead. We’ll miss him.

seniorsskiing

Buddy Up: Senior Ski Clubs Have More Fun

/9 Comments/in , /by

Alan Engen Recounts How Alta’s Wild Old Bunch has been meeting on the mountain since 1969.

With the baby boomers now reaching retirement age, there is a growing population of senior age skiers on the slopes, some of whom are even active in competitive skiing activities.

As a result, senior ski programs are becoming a significant part of many ski area activities in the Intermountain Region.  For example, at Snowbird, Junior Bounous has his “Silver Wings” program.  I used to have an Alta seniors program called “Silver Meisters.”  In addition, various “seniors” ski clubs abound such as The Over the Hill Gang, The One Ski in the Grave Ski Club, The 70 plus Ski Club, and a special group here in Utah called the Wild Old Bunch.

WOB clowning around at Alta circa 1970. Credit: WildOldBunch.com

WOB clowning around at Alta circa 1970.
Credit: WildOldBunch.com

In 1969, several senior ski buddies started the Wild Old Bunch by getting together on a weekly basis to enjoy Alta’s famous deep snow conditions.  The founders were Art Wilder, Foley Richards, Johnny Bell, and Rush Spedden.

Shortly after, Rush Spedden made a home movie of the group skiing powder.  Spedden named the film “The Wild Old Bunch.”  This title gained immediate favor with Wilder, Richards, and Bell.  It was decided by unanimous decree to

adopt the name on a permanent basis. Foley Richards created a patch for identification purposes which, in turn, became the groups logo.  The smile face is well-known around local ski circles and quickly sends a message as to what the group is all about—namely enjoying the pleasure of winter skiing and the companionship that goes with it.

By 1973, the group had grown to about a dozen or so regulars and, by the end of the 1970s, it had about 130 active skiers from ages 50 on up.  Because most of the membership consists of men and women retirees from the hectic pace of the corporate world, they have time to ski whenever they wish throughout the week.  Rush Spedden solemnly told me the club’s rules when I was given my special membership WOB patch.  He said, “The only rule is…there are no rules.”

Throughout the winter ski season at Alta, the Wild Old Bunch can be found congregating at Alta’s ALF’S mid-

WOB is one of the many ongoing senior ski clubs that endure across the country.

WOB is one of the many ongoing senior ski clubs that endure across the country.

mountain restaurant at 11:00 a.m. several times a week.  One of the articles written about the WOB said, “There, they swap jokes, agree to disagree, boost a few toddies and welcome other skiers.”

The driving inspiration binding this group was Rush Spedden who passed away at age 97 in late 2013.  He served as the WOB primary spokesperson for many years.  He was not only an outstanding skier; he was a noted engineer/scientist, teacher and historian in Utah.  Rush Spedden’s generous donation to the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation made it possible to add a special pair of handmade skis from the Alaska gold rush days of the mid- 1800s to the permanent exhibit in the Alf Engen Ski Museum near Park City.

Intermountain ski history certainly includes the wonderful contributions of senior groups such as the Wild Old Bunch, and they deserve special mention as ambassadors for the joys of skiing at any age.

Alan Engen is a SeniorsSkiing Advisory Council member and recognized ski historian and author.

Snowbird’s Pipeline Conquered By Junior Bounous at 80 (Taken March 8, 2014)

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

DSC04514

Snowbird’s Pipeline (the top to bottom ravine in center of picture) : One of North America’s toughest ski routes, descends from Twin peaks above Snowbird. First skied by Junior Bounous in the early 70s. He skied it again during his 80th year. Junior is an inspiration to senior skiers everywhere.
&nbsp

Skiing Super Heroes!!

/0 Comments/in , /by
Why not ski in costume? Credit: Jon Weisberg

Why not ski in costume?
Credit: Jon Weisberg

Spidey and Cap’n America, Skiing’s Super Heroes, about to save the day at the top of Snowbird tram. Senior Skiers, do you ski in costume? If you could choose one, what would it be?