adventure

Blog Post: Summer Primer: Ten of our favorite mountain activities

Jeff Panis — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:21:00 GMT

Snow has given way to green grass and it's time to start thinking of ways to fill your summer calendar. Vail Resorts is gearing up for summer and this list of ideas will kickstart your planning with activities like white water rafting, world-class golf, fly fishing, downhill mountain biking, and much more. Here's a sampling of the adventure that awaits...

1. Our mountain resorts are the gateway to summer fun.

2. Take a chair lift ride.

3. Jump in the river for some fly fishing.

4. Play a round of world class golf.

5. Feel the exhilaration of white water rafting.

6. Ride our mountain bike trails.

7. Take in the scenic views.

8. Cruise along on a paddle board.

9. Get a rush on a downhill bike trail.

10. Or, relax and enjoy a beverage on the patio.

Blog Post: Best mountain golf courses

Rachel Walker — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Ahhhh, May. It’s the month when spring becomes summer, snow-covered slopes give way to green meadows, and there are plenty of excuses to take your loved one to the mountains.

Which means one thing: golf. Whether you golf as a couple or with your friends, the fairways are calling you. So if whoever you're with decides to get pampered at the spa, dust off your five iron and hit the greens. Trust us, it’s the best way to whet your appetite for the upcoming golf season.

Just be prepared to get hooked. Some of the best mountain golf courses happen to be part of the Vail Resorts properties. These courses have attracted esteemed players from President Ford to Jack Nicklaus. They sit in the valleys of towering mountains. All incorporate the surrounding, stunning natural features. And they feature skilled pros to help take your game to the next level.

Read on for a primer on the best mountain golf courses, and then look closer for lodging packages. Now is the time to plan your summer getaway.

Beaver Creek

The course: Opened in 1982, the Beaver Creek Golf Club has earned distinction in Golf Digest's "Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America." Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the par-70 6,617-yard course is known for its narrow and challenging fairways. The course is open exclusively to club members and guests of Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead lodging properties in Colorado.

The deal: Save up to 40 percent off lodging in Beaver Creek and gain access to the Beaver Creek Golf Club with our Stay & Play Golf Package.

Avon, CO.

The course: Red Sky Golf Club: Tom Fazio & Greg Norman Courses consists of two 18-hole, par-72 championship golf courses, each spanning over 7,000 yards. Located 10 miles west of Beaver Creek, this exclusive property has earned extensive accolades for its elegance, challenging golf, and luxurious amenities. The club is open only to members and select guests.

The deal: Check out the Red Sky Golf Club stay and play package deals, which includes a range of specials and some discounts for guests staying at Beaver Creek and Vail. The club also offers the Flex 36 option, which allows guests to create any 36-hole combo for $360. In addition, children 17 and under play free with a paying adult, and the club offers lodging and instruction packages.

Keystone

The course: Catering to golfers since 1980, the par-72 Keystone Ranch Golf Course was also designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. This course regularly receives Four Stars in Golf Digest's list of “Places to Play,” and is ranked as one of “America’s Top 75 Golf Courses” by Golf Digest. With challenging holes and jaw-dropping views, the course has also been recognized for its ecological contributions and is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.

The deal: Golf and lodging packages for both Keystone Ranch and The River Course at Keystone deliver savings of up to 33 percent. Prices start at $90 per person.

The course: Golf Magazine ranks The River Course at Keystone among Colorado’s 10 best resorts—and for good reason. The 18-hole, par-71 course, designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, spans 6,886 yards, offers exceptional terrain, and sits in a spectacular setting. Better yet, this course has earned many accolades for its appeal to women and is ranked as one of the nation’s 50 Best Courses for Women” by Golf for Women.

The deal: Golf and lodging packages for both Keystone Ranch and The River Course at Keystone deliver savings of up to 33 percent. Prices start at $90 per person.

Tahoe, California/Nevada

The Tahoe area is home to a range of golf courses and tournaments, including the 24th Annual American Century Championship Tournament Week (July 16 – 21) at the Edgewood golf course.

Northstar-at-Tahoe

The Course: Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Northstar California's 18-hole, par-72 golf course offers two distinct 9-hole settings for a range of abilities. Known for its scenic setting and challenging flow, the course moves seamlessly in and over the natural terrain.

The Deal: Save up to 35 percent on your Northstar room or condo when you book for four or more nights. Book for two nights to receive up to 20 percent off. Click here for more details.

The bottom line: Golf is to summer in the mountains as skiing is to winter in the mountains: a natural fit. These courses have a range of terrain to accommodate golfers of all abilities. They’re nestled into sublime settings with stunning views, (mostly) blue skies, and fresh mountain air. Trust us, a day (or four) spent here will be unlike any golfing you’ve ever done. And, in case you need more convincing, consider this: golf balls fly higher when hit at altitude, thanks to thin air. Fore!

Blog Post: Summer activities take to the mountains

Tristan Chan — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:37:00 GMT

Summer is drawing nearer and the mountains are flush with amazing activities. Whether it's staying cool by hitting the rapids, or working up a sweat biking and hiking the trails, there's always a reason to stay active in the mountains. Check out our video roundup of all of the epic things happening in the high country this season.

Vail

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Beaver Creek

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Breckenridge

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Keystone

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Heavenly

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Northstar

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Blog Post: Vail Resorts announces partnership with Arlberg in Austria

Admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:20:00 GMT

The Epic Pass is about to get, well frankly, even more epic. Vail Resorts is partnering with Arlberg, Austria, home to legendary mountain resorts of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Zürs and Lech. Starting in the 2013-2014 season, Epic Pass holders will receive five free days of skiing and riding at any of the five Arlberg resorts. In turn, Arlberg season pass holders will receive five free days at any of Vail Resorts’ seven world class resorts, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe.

Boasting an average of 276” of annual snowfall, the Arlberg area is legendary among skiers and riders from around the globe for its luxurious amenities, captivating scenery, above tree line skiing, on-mountain nightlife and activities.

"Arlberg and Vail Resorts are arguably the world's premier ski resorts, offering exceptional experiences on the mountain and an unparalleled level of customer service," said Hermann Fercher, chief executive officer of Lech-Zürs. "We are looking forward to a successful partnership and welcome Epic Pass holders to Austria next winter", chief executive officer of St. Anton am Arlberg, Martin Ebster, went on to say.

Skiers and riders receive the lowest guaranteed prices on next season by purchasing their Epic Passes before May 27, 2013, and can also lock in early-bird lodging deals at Vail Resorts and Arlberg:

Save up to 33 percent off lodging at Vail’s premier properties, including The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort; The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail; and Austria Haus, when you stay 6 nights or more and book before November 15, 2013. This deal is available exclusively to Vail Resorts’ international guests when booked through Vail Resorts’ preferred travel partners in your local area, listed at snow.com.

So let’s review, this year’s 2013-2014 Epic Pass holders will receive:

Unlimited, unrestricted, year round access to Vail Resorts’ seven world class resorts, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe.
Unlimited, unrestricted access to Arapahoe Basin and Eldora in Colorado, Mount Brighton in Michigan and Afton Alps in Minnesota.
5 free days at Verbier in Switzerland
5 days at Arlberg, Austria’s 5 legendary mountain resorts, St. Anton, St. Christoph and Stuben, Zürs and Lech..

Learn more about the Epic Pass.

Blog Post: The Best Gifts for any Mountain-loving Mom

Rachel Walker — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:10:00 GMT

Want to surprise your mom with a treat? Here are some unique ideas to elevate your gift giving whether it's for Mother's Day, her birthday, an anniversary or just because it's Thursday.

Mother’s Day is the time to officially appreciate mom but every day should be an opportunity to thank mom. To thank her for her multitasking skills that would put professional chefs to shame. To thank her for bathing, feeding, transporting, educating, cuddling, coddling, bandaging, facilitating, reading, playing, nourishing and helping you or your kiddos day after day after day..

Here are some options to get you started. (Hint, go the extra mile, book a stay in the mountains and the whole family - including you - will enjoy a weekend getaway.)

Lodging

She spends much of her life creating a comfortable and cozy home. Return the thoughtfulness by booking a room, suite, or condo in one of the luxury Rock Resorts properties at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge.

It is actually impossible to say which of these destinations sets the “gold standard.” So here are some highlights.

The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a stately hotel reminiscent of centuries old European chalets that anchors Lionshead at Vail. The rooms are elegant and decorated in a classic style. The condos, many of which feature balconies overlooking the ski mountain, are spacious, high-end properties. In Beaver Creek, the Osprey will wow the mother in your life with its modern elegance—think mid-century modern meets, well, RockResorts standards. In Breckenridge, a stay at One Ski Hill Place is guaranteed to erase the memories of diaper changing, Goodnight Moon, and bedtime battles—at least while you’re in the mountains. Tucked away at the base of Peak 8, this new lodge evokes the grand turn of the 20^th century hotels like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn.

Spa

Until I spent a morning at the spa at the Lodge at Vail six years ago—my first time ever—I didn’t think I was a “spa person.” That seems silly to me now. At the time, I didn’t appreciate the absolute relaxation afforded by treatments mixing warmth, essential oils, strong touch, and hot water. It is not an understatement to say that facial and massage (along with the comfortable bathrobe and lounge area with tea, fresh fruit, and cucumber water) were life changing.

There is a reason that every culture in the world incorporates the elements (water, steam, stones, heat) with human touch to reach a trance-like zone. And that reason is this: because it is relaxing and rejuvenating at every level.

Since then I’ve sought out treatments at spas throughout the high country. And there are a plethora to choose from. Most RockResorts properties, as well as the Ritz Carlton Residences, house a spa that caters to some of the most sophisticated world travelers with top-notch service and offerings.

Restaurants

What better way to say, “I love you and appreciate everything you do for our family” than to treat her to a four-star meal at Keystone Ranch. This secluded dining option housed in a solid log building with floor to ceiling windows that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains? Love steak? Head to Elways at the Lodge at Vail. Looking for a bold red and authentic Italian? Toscanini’s at Beaver Creek is your place.

Got a sweet tooth? Check out our bakery offerings here.

Other ideas

Epic Mix photos. Remember those ski vacation photos you took at the top of the mountain a few months ago? Why not buy the high-resolution versions for her and print a few, put them in some frames and voila ... instant ski memories of the whole family.

A season pass. The ultimate gift for any skier or snowboarder is a season pass to her favorite mountain or mountains. And, for mom - why not add in a handmade coupon for free babysitting to give her a worry-free, kid-free day or two or 10 on the slopes? Check out the Vail Resorts Epic Pass, the best skiing deal, that includes skiing/riding at 15+ mountains in three countries.

New ski jacket. Every mom wants a functional jacket with lots of pockets for storing tissues, snacks, sunscreen and other kid items but that doesn't mean it can't be stylish. Upgrade her look on the slopes. O2GearShop.com has a wide selection.

Bottom line

Mother’s Day is all about her. Pampering, comforting, and indulging the woman who either gave you life or gave life to the little ones you love most in the world.

She deserves it. You know she deserves it. For most moms, a simple trip to the mountains would be a wonderful treat. Tack on one or more of these tips, and that treat is elevated, as it should be.

How are you going to celebrate Mother’s Day? Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #mountainmothersday.

Blog Post: Winter 2012-2013 Recap

Jeff Panis — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:29:00 GMT

Before you put away the skis and snowboards in favor of shorts and sandals, take a look back at the winter season across our resorts.

Vail Extended Season:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Beaver Creek Season Recap:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Breckenridge 2012-2013 Season Review:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Keystone's Winter is a Wrap:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Heavenly Season Recap 2012-2013:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Northstar: Thanks for a Great Season!

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Kirkwood's Final Day of the Season:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Blog Post: Epic Wish elevates the guest experience

Rachel Walker — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Skiing and dreaming—they go hand in hand. You know what I’m talking about. In November, my dreams (literally, at night, while asleep) take me to steep slopes with knee-deep powder. During the season, I waste spend a significant amount of time daydreaming about the mountains. Wishing I were there.

This time of year, after the last chair has lapped the bullwheel, I put storage wax on my skis and I wish I could still ski. I wish for more time. More snow. Longer winters.

If you’re reading this, chances are you can relate. Maybe you dream bigger. Maybe you work hard to bring your dreams to fruition.

Maybe, just maybe, Vail Resorts already gave you a helping hand this seasonwith its “Epic Wishes.” This online campaign granted wishes to select skiers and snowboarders, guests at all of the Vail Resorts destinations, who shared their wish on Facebook. The catch? You had to bare it all in the hopes that the wish might come true.

The program was, to put it mildly, a tremendous success. Thousands of you asked for an Epic Wish. Your desires ranged from the simple to the sublime. Vail Resorts granted as many as the company could. The only stipulation was that you had to already be a guest (sorry, no free trips to Vail, including flights).

The goal was straightforward: to enhance the already exceptional experiences you have skiing at any of the mountains that are part of Vail Resorts. Each week, Vail asked folks to post their wishes on Facebook, and each week, company representatives contacted the “chosen ones.” They dialed in the logistics so that the wish would be taken care of upon arrival. Vail even hired “wish masters” (which, come to think of it, sounds like a dream job).

So what were some of the highlights? Michael Clemente, a recent New York City transplant to Denver got to spend a day at Vail with his best friend, an Afghan hound named Joe. Dogs generally are not allowed at the resorts, but Joe got a ride up the gondola, a beanie, and even some Helly Hansen swag.

Newlywed Jason Hyde wished for help amplifying his honeymoon. He and his bride rented a cabin in Alma for seven nights and planned to ski Breckenridge and Keystone for one day, each. The Epic Wishes team acted as personal concierge and scheduled multiple dinners, tubing, shopping, and snowmobiling. In addition they were treated to skiing at Breckenridge and Keystone, VIP parking, a complimentary coaster ride, and an Epic Mix photo package.

Dan Addy traveled to Summit County from the United Kingdom for his first ever ski trip. His wish posted on Facebook read: “I’d love nothing more than to lay those first tracks with patrol on a bluebird day, look out over the Rockies, and feel on top of the world.”

Done and done.

After taking a day to conquer jet lag, Dan and his sister met the Breckenridge wish master and ski patroller Rob Gannon at the base of Peak 8. Although the two were beginners, Gannon stoked their confidence by taking them to friendly trails and showcasing the mountain. By the time Gannon left the duo, they were skiing the Peak 7 blues.

Breck & Ridge Echelberg simply asked that their trip be made “memorable.” Easy. Vail Resorts granted them lessons for the kids, ages seven and eight, posted their names on electronic boards, provided VIP parking, created a printed family photo album. They also got to ride the Gold Runner Coaster with Ripperoo and then indulged in cookies and hot chocolate at One Ski Hill Place.

The wishes weren’t relegated to Colorado. Northstar and Heavenly were doling out wishes, too, and the Tahoe crew responded with enthusiasm. One woman wrote: There once was a girl from the East, Who found skiing in Tahoe was beast. She wished for more powder, that the speakers were louder, Or first tracks in the morning, at least.

Since Vail can’t control the weather (sadly), they passed on the first request but granted the second. Hello first tracks!

At Heavenly, guests asked for use of the ski school lines at the lifts; a ride on a grooming cat, a three-course brew-paired meal at Booyah’s, and more.

All told, the response was terrific and a unique way to celebrate a strong season. Better yet, even though the lifts and gondolas are done for the winter, the wishes will live on; some extend into the summer.

As any skier or snowboarder can attest, simply being out on the mountain can feel like a dream come true (I live by the adage: a bad day on snow beats a good day just about anywhere). The exhilaration that comes from fresh air, snowy slopes, and gravity is unrivaled.

We all agree on that. But throw in the unexpected upgrades, and the experience is enhanced. We all want to feel special. This season, Vail Resorts lent a hand.

Did you receive your Epic Wish? If so, leave a comment on how it went. If not, leave a comment about what you wanted. After all, there’s always next season.

Blog Post: What's your season pass story?

Tristan Chan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:50:00 GMT

Every season has a story and we wanted to hear yours. Here is a collection of some of the most soulful, poignant tales shared by you, the skiers and riders of our resorts. Thanks for joining us this season, we look for many more wonderful memories to come!

"There's nothing better than getting together with my buddies and hitting the white gold. It's a common love among us all and it makes our work or persona issues wash away for the 8 hours we're on the mountain. It's pure joy. Plain and simple."- Nick H

"A season pass, to me, means still having a place in those mountains where I can taste freedom, and beauty, again...every weekend, where I can escape the mundane, and become one with the extraordinary. A season pass, to me, means seeing my friends more than I do in the Summer, and having a million reasons to be there all the time! I LOVE LAKE TAHOE!!"- Laura L

" For me an Epic Pass is a way to escape the stress of medical school and forget about all my responsibilities and be carefree for a glorious day on the slopes. Skiing's positive benefits have been shown, albeit in a non-scientific study, by my improved performance on exams after a wonderful vacation of shredding gnar and carving groomers."- Andrew D

"The Epic Pass, it means that I have left the work world behind for the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It is a total decompression when I get up into the mountains and the Epic Pass makes it so much more enjoyable. Fresh air and open runs. Time with friends. Making new friends. I didn't get to use it much this year but there is always next year. I love the sound of the ID reader at the gondola as the day begins. Vail, nothing like it on earth!"- Danny D

"I have been skiing VAIL for 42 years, I was introduced to the mountain at age 8 by my parents. I introduced my kids ( ages 20, 17,12) to skiing as youngsters and am proud to say that VAIL is their favorite ski area too ! It has been exciting sharing my stories of the mountain with them, and the changes that have taken place over the years. As a family, time together is hard to find and spending it on the slopes is a great way to bond . We all have EPIC passes and to me the time together is priceless!" -Liz R

"I am proud to say I have had an epic pass, along with my wife and three kids, since they started! We use it all winter AND all summer! My epic pass let me get to a million vert on Vail alone! The real story is how it inspires me both in the winter and in the summer, and makes the mountains part of our everyday life, literally every day!" - Antonio C

"To me the Epic Pass is much needed family fun time. The kids have a blast (aged 7 & 11), the husband has a blast, and I enjoy all the smiles, belly laughs, and fun memories of the season. Plus I love the looks the kids get as they zoom past the adults on the mountain... Priceless!"- Amy G

"Confession: I often wear my season pass when I'm not skiing because I love it so much (and it makes a great accessory)." -Heather U

"The best part about my Epic Pass is that I don't feel bad about getting a late start to the day. I can do a few laps then stop on top to relax and enjoy the amazing view. On the other hand I can go to every mountain depending on where the snow is the best. The freedom to ski when I want with no blackout dates allows me to ski Beaver Creek with my family on Christmas day and still ride with my friends in Vail or Breckenridge on a Tuesday afternoon. Epic pass is the only way to go in my opinion because of the flexibility and limitless options to explore each mountain to its fullest, including finding the best bloody marry on top of the world." -Carolyn L

"My season pass is my escape. It brings me home were I belong! It helps me breath and experience joy beyond belief! My season pass puts me in my element. The memories and experiences a season pass provides is invaluable!" - Mary-Elyse W

" I had spinal surgery in September for a cyst in my lower spinal canal that cause pain, weakness, and numbness down my right leg. The surgery went well but it stopped me from doing any physical activities for three months as I went through rehab. My friends and family were telling me I shouldn't worry about skiing this season and I could return my Epic Pass because of surgery. But instead I used keeping my pass and getting the most out of it as motivation to get through rehab. I was cleared to resume activity the last week of December and my first day back skiing was the first weekend of January for my 30th Birthday! Even though I was sore and it wasn't a very long day, it was a great reward to be back on the mountains after a the pain and surgery I dealt with. I have been skiing 8 times and counting this year and looking forward to many seasons to follow."- Blake S

"It's why I live in Colorado"- Luiz D

For more information on next season's passes visit us a www.epicpass.com

Blog Post: April snow, brings one mo... weekend at Vail and Breck

Tristan Chan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:09:00 GMT

When mother nature speaks, Vail Resorts listens. Breckenridge and Vail Ski Resort officials announced today that they will extend the two resorts' ski seasons one additional weekend, April 19-21, due to the spring snowfall. Breckenridge received five feet of snow so far in April with 16 inches tallied since the official closing on Sunday. At Vail 24 inches has fallen since they officially closed out their 50th anniversary.

“After skiing some amazing powder turns on Closing Day and more heavy snow in the forecast this week, we just don’t have the heart to shut down Breck’s lifts just yet,” said Pat Campbell, senior vice president and COO at Breckenridge Ski Resort. “We can’t deny how great the conditions are, so this is a great opportunity for all of our guests to take advantage of a few extra days and enjoy more of the spring skiing and riding we all love here in Breck.”

“This is a great way to end our 50^th anniversary season,” added Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and COO at Vail Mountain. “This is an opportunity for our season pass holders and skiers from around the region to take advantage of a few extra days, and enjoy more of the spring skiing we all love here in Colorado.”

Skiing this weekend will be free for 2012-13 Vail Resorts season pass holders. For more information on terrain, skier services, lessons and more for the extended weekend at each resort, look for updates on Facebook and Twitter: Breckenridge Ski Resort at www.facebook.com/Breckenridge or @breckenridgemtn; Vail Mountain at www.facebook.com/Vailmtn or @vailmtn.

Breckenridge will be offering free parking for this bonus weekend, the town of Vail has also committed to offering free parking this weekend and resort lodging is currently 40% off for the month of April.

While you're out enjoying the bonus weekend of spring skiing and riding don't forget to renew or reserve your passes for next year, because who knows what other pleasant surprise next season may bring. Visit www.epicpass.com for more information.

Blog Post: Skiing with a rock star: Brett Dennen's Vail visit

Ryan Sutter — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:14:00 GMT

“I welcome the sun, the clouds and rain, the wind that sweeps the sky clean and let’s the sun shine again. This is the most magnificent life has ever been... Blessed is this life.” ~ Brett Dennen

The lyrics from the Song “Blessed” by Brett Dennen perfectly summed up the two days I spent skiing on Vail Mountain with my friend who also happens to be a critically acclaimed Rock Star. We skied in the sun, the clouds, the snow and the wind. It was magnificent.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Taking a break from recording his latest album (due out this August), Brett was in Vail for a couple of days to ski with his longtime friend and part time manager, Mark Lynch. The two had known each other since grade school and had decided to make a ski trip out of a scheduled concert in Colorado.

I met Brett last summer at a charity event called Vail Rocks. Later that year I was able to convince him to come back to the Valley to play an intimate show at Bol Vail in celebration of Trista’s 40th Birthday. He clearly loves the mountains so I wasn’t surprised to learn that Brett was coming back to ski. Though it required taking two days off work at the firehouse, I was excited for his return to Vail and for my opportunity to ski with a Rock Star.

Perhaps I had expected more Diva than Dude from the experience, or perhaps I didn’t really know what to expect at all. The truth of the matter was that skiing with Brett, skiing with a Rock Star, was not unlike skiing with my kids or with anyone who is truly enjoying the adventure - one precious moment at a time. (after all, at the end of the day, he’s just a guy who likes to ski and happens to play the guitar really, really well)

Brett is a songwriting genius and a skiing novice, however, both sport and art are rooted in the same honest, heartfelt appreciation of life, friends and experiences. Brett hit the mountain earlier than me and stayed out later. He was up to any challenge I presented and welcomed with enthusiasm any opportunity to improve his skiing. His pursuit of as much time on the mountain as possible was a reflection of the passion and commitment that makes his music so appealing. Brett’s musical style showed through in his skiing as he playfully enjoyed the opportunity to explore Vail’s vast terrain. (and got into his own rhythm )

We have all been in that place where it didn’t matter how tired we were or how late it was; where we were simply having too much fun to care or really even notice our legs aching or the timing passing. I had fully expected to provide a star performance on the slopes for Brett - that would show him just how great my life is up at 8100 feet. In reality, like my kids often do, it was the Rock Star Brett Dennen who showed me how blessed my life is. Thank you Brett! Come back soon...

While visiting Vail, Brett shared a playlist of songs and artists that have influenced his work. We decided to also include a few of his top hits. Enjoy Brett Dennen's Playlist.

Blog Post: What's ON in the off season

Shauna Farnell — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 23:10:00 GMT

Even when the ski areas are closed, there's a lot more going on than melting snow and mud after the end-of-season concerts and throw downs. In fact, there is still plenty to get excited about this summer season. To prove it, here are some of the hottest food and beer festivals and opportunities for adventure happening in the not-so-off season:

VAIL

Taste of Vail

April 3-6

This is no small morsel. Not only do some of Vail’s most revered restaurants bring in guest winemakers from around the globe to display their pairing prowess with scrumptious dishes, but education abounds with seminars on everything from olive oil to cigars and the action culminates with a high-elevation feast – the Mountaintop Picnic – Friday afternoon and the Grand Tasting Saturday evening.

Go Pro Mountain Games

June 6-8

Never will you see so many hard bodies all in one place. Sponsored by GoPro (formerly Teva), the Mountain Games are four days of gear demo and snack tents, live music and crazy spectacles of bionic athleticism, featuring some of the world’s best rock climbers, kayakers, cyclists and freestyle bikers.

Vail Farmer’s Market

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning June 16

Far more than just fresh beets and tomatoes, the streets of Vail are wall-to-wall with booths of everything from tin art to crepes, barbecue to German pastries, flocked with shoppers to the soundtrack of free live jazz. It’s the best people-watching stop in the Rockies.

BRECKENRIDGE

Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival

April 6

More than 30 breweries – not just Colorado favorites like Oskar Blues and Avery, but even national (Goose Island) and international (Sapporo) minions - set up shop on Breckenridge’s Ridge St. from 12 to 5 p.m. to a soundtrack of live music from Max Gomez, Mountain Standard Time and 7Horse.

Kingdom Days

June 15-16

Did you know that Breck is actually a kingdom? It’s true. And to celebrate its mining heritage, the town offers historical walking tours, burro rides for kids and a silly, totally one-of-a-kind Outhouse Race, in which teams construct an outhouse and sprint neck-and-neck down Ridge St.

KEYSTONE

Summer Opening Weekend

June 14-16

Besides the Ranch and River golf courses opening in May, Keystone stays pretty quiet until the mountain trails open to live music and a carnival-like scene in Keystone Village.

Blue River Bacon Tour

June 22-23

If you ever thought anyone could really go nuts over bacon, you’d better check this out. Vendors, restaurants and chefs bring it home – their most inspired dishes, that is – for you to try along with the best accompanying beverage, beer.

BEAVER CREEK

Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival

May 24-27

It’s Memorial Day weekend and the aroma cloud of grilled meat and roasted corn will be seeping into the valley from Beaver Creek for four days as both local and regional BBQ aficionados pool into the base area and flip up their greatest grilled creations for your judgement. Wash it all down with a selection of choice microbrews while dancing and swaying to the sounds of Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band featuring Erica Brown on Friday and Sunday and Too Slim and the Taildraggers Saturday.

Tough Mudder

June 15-16

Even if you haven’t signed up to haul yourself through this mountain obstacle course of mud, blood and fire, watching it is priceless. Plus, there are a bunch of fun vendors , food and free giveaways throughout Beaver Creek Village.

Culinary Demonstration Series

Fridays and Saturdays beginning June 21

It’s not just about perfecting your slicing and dicing techniques. Some of Beaver Creek and Vail’s most renowned chefs teach you their little secrets to take to your own kitchen and also share their demo dishes.

NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE

Wine Walks

June 29

Italy is the theme in the village from 3 to 6 p.m. as winemakers and purveyors excited about Italian varieties provide samples their favorite sippers and local restaurants set up stations with scrumptious dishes to pair on your stroll.

Blog Post: Take care of your boards before you put them away

Shauna Farnell — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:08:00 GMT

It’s the time of year where we must wipe the tears away and think about saying goodbye to our boards for a few months. Similar to kissing a child farewell before parting, we should really consider keeping our boards happy and healthy during the separation. Because nobody wants to greet next season with rust on their edges or worse, a neglected core shot on their bases.

“You have to keep your boards in good shape. I’m a huge fan of getting it done at the end of the season. Get it tuned, get a wax on it,” says Bill Gilsdorf, Tune Shop Manager at Beaver Creek Sports. “You wax your car, don’t you? You keep your mountain bike clean. Why not take care of your stuff?”

If you haven’t had your skis or boards tuned all year – or (gasp!) for several years, if you want them to last, you’d best get to the shop before you shove them into some corner of your garage for the summer.

At this time of year, shops typically have your gear back to you overnight and a fresh tune and storage wax will ensure that it’s ready to go when you are in November.

“If you tune your skis nicely and put storage wax on them, all you have to do is scrape the base at the beginning of the season and you’re good to go,” Gilsdorf says. “If you don’t do that you ought to get a tune at the beginning of the season.”

Because humidity can make edges rust and seep into the core if there are deep scratches that haven’t been fixed, you should keep your boards in a warm, dry place in the off season.

“I usually throw my skis in my mechanical room. It’s about 80 degrees in there all the time and it keeps that wax warm and soaking into the base all summer long. That’s good for the board,” Gilsdorf says.

Same as the wax on a car, ski and board storage wax prevents dust from collecting and caking on the board, keeping it clean and protected.

Storing boards in a bag also helps keep them clean but make sure you don’t throw them into the bag with April snow still glistening off of them or they will rust over the summer.

In addition to rust, humidity in a storage location can actually warp the board if there is a deep scratch that hasn’t been sealed, so really, an end-of-the-season tune-up is key. Beaver Creek Sports has a state-of-the-art Snowell machine that can throw down a base grind in a couple of minutes. Shops also back down din settings on ski bindings at the end of the year to make the springs last longer and recommend that skiers re-check their binding settings at least once a season anyway.

“With the services we offer, they drop it off, the next morning it’s ready to go,” Gilsdorf says. “You can just check it off the list at the end of the year.”

*PHOTO by Matt Dvorak

Blog Post: Which pass is best for your next Epic?

Admin — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMT

They say the most passionate skiers and snowboarders buy their season passes in the spring. “Research” from Vail Resorts shows that the most savvy ones do. Why? Because it’s the best deal.

If you’re passionate or savvy or best yet both, then, you’re already dreaming about next season. Right now, $49 locks in the best deal for Vail Resorts season passes, summer access to our resorts and includes discounted tickets for your old or new friends (plus other perks). Here’s a quick guide to which pass would be best for you.

Epic Pass- This is the VIP, all access, gotta have it pass. With the Epic Pass, you can ski as much as you want, whenever you want, wherever you want at all of 11 mountains. $49 down now guarantees you the lowest price available. Add in a few discounted buddy passes which gives you the best deal yet. But it doesn't end there, this year Epic Pass holders will now get unlimited access to Eldora and 5 days at Switzerland's Verbier ski resort as well.

Epic Local- The Epic Local brings you unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone, Afton Alps, Mt Brighton and A-Basin with limited holiday restrictions at Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood. The Epic Local also includes 10 days of skiing at Vail and Beaver Creek. This pass is a bit more affordable, but does include restrictions. If you’re a Colorado resident or an avid skier/rider from out of state who loves skiing/riding in Summit County and doesn’t need unlimited skiing/riding in Eagle County (at Vail and Beaver Creek), this is the pass for you.

Summit Value- If you only plan on skiing Summit County in Colorado this season, this is the pass for you! The Summit Value pass gives holders unlimited skiing at Keystone and A-Basin and limited holiday restrictions at Breckenridge.

Epic 4 Day- Plan on only taking one or two vacations to ski this season? The Epic 4 Day pass might be the right pass for you – and includes 4 unrestricted lift tickets that can be used at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Afton Alps, Mt Brighton, and Arapahoe Basin.

Epic 7 Day- Do you have a schedule that doesn’t allow you to get up to the mountains every weekend? The Epic 7-Day is perfect for those who like skiing occasionally but don’t want to deal with any restrictions. This pass pays for itself after 4 days on the slopes.

Keystone A-Basin – The newest pass to the Vail Resorts family is also the lowest price for an unlimited pass. This is an incredible deal and is perfect if you’re looking for unlimited access at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with holiday restriction dates. This is the biggest bargain for unlimited skiing at multiple resorts on the market.

Tahoe Local- The Tahoe Local brings you unlimited skiing and riding at Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood with limited holiday restrictions. This is perfect for those who will only ski and ride in the Tahoe area and love the flexibility of skiing 7 days a week.

Tahoe Value- If you're a Tahoe pass holder and you don't mind sticking to Heavenly on Saturdays the Tahoe Value pass is a great deal! This package gives pass holders access to Heavenly 7 days a week with limited holiday blackout dates, and access to Northstar and Kirkwood 6 days a week with Saturdays being restricted and limited holiday blackout dates.

Kirkwood Only- If you only plan on riding Kirkwood this season this pass gives you unlimited, unrestricted access.

Afton Alps Only- Perfect for Minnesotans who plan on only really skiing at Afton Alps. No blackout dates. Plus buying now includes discounted tickets to our resorts out west.

Mt Brighton Only- Perfect for Michiganders who plan on only really skiing at Mt Brighton. No blackout dates. Plus buying now includes discounted tickets to our resorts out west.

Still not sure? Check out the Vail Resorts pass finder here, to calculate which pass would fit you best!

For prices and more information, visit www.epicpass.com

Blog Post: Behind the Scenes with Lindsey Vonn

Tristan Chan — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:16:00 GMT

Get behind the scenes with Lindsey Vonn recovery during her recent photo shoot for the upcoming Epic Life Magazine. Follow Lindsey's road to recovery on buzz.snow.com, where we'll be bringing you updates as she prepares for a comeback at Sochi.

Blog Post: Bobby Brown welcomes Vail Resorts to the world of Red Bull

Admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Bobby Brown fuels up for a morning of lapping the park on his hometown mountain of Breckenridge. This four-time X Games gold medalist goes big as he welcomes Vail Resorts to the World of Red Bull.

Blog Post: Hannah Kearney talks competition and ski routine

Tristan Chan — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:01:00 GMT

Photo Courtesy: Kirk Paulsen

The Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships returns to Heavenly Mountain Resort March 29 through 31. Catch the world's top moguls and aerials athletes compete for the U.S. Freestyle Championship title.

The action starts Friday, March 29 with the Moguls competition on Heavenly’s famous Gunbarrel Run. Saturday evening, March 30, catch the Aerials under the lights at the base of World Cup along with a live concert, fireworks and community party. The action culminates on Sunday, March 31 with the dual moguls competition.

Head to the California Main Lodge at Heavenly Mountain Resort March 29 through the 31 to catch all the action and visit skiheavenly.com for a full schedule of events.

We caught up with Hannah Kearney, 2010 Olympic Champion and Sprint sponsored mogul skier who will be competing in the upcoming event.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Growing up you competed in several other sports including soccer and track. How do you think this has helped you compete at such a high level in Freestyle Skiing? Cross training was good for my body and my mind. I loved playing a team sport in the fall, but by the time ski season came around, I was ready for the pressure of an individual sport. The balance kept me interested and happy. Both track and soccer helped me stay fit and agile when I wasn't on the mountain.
Heavenly has been a training ground for mogul skiers and continues to host several freestyle events. What do you like most about Heavenly? What are your favorite runs? I like the beautiful view of Lake Tahoe from the top of the mountain. My favorite run is Gunbarrel because it is always covered in moguls

How did you become a Sprint athlete? What does it mean to be supported by Sprint? I became a Sprint athlete in 2009. They supported me before I had a gold medal because they believed in my athletic ability as well as my ability to represent their company with integrity. Being supported by Sprint gives me confidence because they could have their pick of any of the country's top athletes, and I made the cut! Plus, I have confidence that I will be able to stay in touch with my family whether I am in California, Russia, or Japan.

How do you balance training for world events and traveling all over the world?
I travel across the globe for competitions, so I am used to adapting to different snow conditions, time zones, gym equipment, and cuisines as I train and compete. I try to find a balance of maintaining a routine while taking advantage of the unique opportunities we encounter. I've been able to explore Tokyo and drive Audis on a frozen lake in Sweden, but in the days before a competition, my routine is consumed by warming-up, skiing, exercising and recovering.

How do you keep in touch/share your accomplishments with family and friends back home? On competition days, I put my Sprint phone in my backpack. When the event goes well for me, I grab the phone and text my family as I am being called up to the podium. I also post photographs to my Facebook page so that my friends, family and fans can get a glimpse of where I am and what I have been doing.

What tips or advice would you share with the casual mogul skier/rider at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar or Kirkwood? I recommend starting on the flattest trail with moguls. This way you can practice absorbing the bumps while you keep your upper body facing straight down the hill, without picking up too much speed. Once you feel confident with the timing and the body position, you can tackle a steeper trail.

Sprint is the official telecommunications sponsor of Heavenly and the US Ski Team. To learn more about the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships, click here

Blog Post: Best end of season parties

Shauna Farnell — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Sad as it is to say goodbye to the ski season, at least Vail Resorts know how to go out with a bang. All seven resorts have an end-of-the-season extravaganza lined up with everything from live music to costumes to crazy contests, and with the warm weather and sunshine, each is pretty much guaranteed to send you into spring on a gleeful note.

Vail

Some may argue that Vail puts on a better party than anyone else. You’d better believe it. With not just one day but an entire week of spring festivities, base area parties, it’s called Spring Back to Vail and includes a final weekend line up of FREE A-list musicians, the World Pond Skimming Championships and an unofficial all-day, top of the mountain costume throw down. The soundtrack kicks off Friday evening, April 12 at Ford Park with rock veterans O.A.R. performing a FREE outdoor concert. These guys have sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and recently released a live album and DVD of last summer’s raging show at Red Rocks, so they’re kind of a big deal. Saturday’s show at Ford Park sees iconic California pop reggae favorites Sublime with Rome and the grand finale following the Pond Skimming Championships on Sunday, April 14 is the one and only Jimmy Cliff at Solaris in Vail Village. Be sure to check out pond skimming beforehand at Golden Peak – skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities don crazy and often skimpy costumes, fly down the slope off a ramp and skim hurdle and yes, plunk into a long pool of cold water. Costumes – both for participants and spectators – are encouraged all day long.

Breckenridge

Is it getting hot in here? Don’t worry, you’re not the only ones with Spring Fever. Breck is celebrating with its own array of sizzling bands, beginning April 6 with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Dirty Heads April 7, Colorado’s own 3Oh!3 April 13 and Matisyahu April 14. All shows are outside at the base of Peak 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. and come at you at the amazingly low price of FREE. If you’re feeling particularly fit and inspired, sign up for the famed Imperial Challenge race on April 13, combining a bike ride from town to the base of Peak, a snowshoe or skin to the very top of the mountain and a ski or ride down. Challenging is an understatement, but people do this.

Heavenly

Raising a bar all its own, Heavenly’s spring party – Spring Loaded – starts March 29 and goes for two weeks until the end of the season, April 14. Live music and dancing at Tamarack Lodge abound nightly and those with strong knees can register for the Gunbarrel 25 on April 7, following local Mohawk-famed local icon Glen Plake and attempting 25 laps on Heavenly’s super bumped out Gunbarrel run. The crucial spring bullet finds its target the following weekend with a costume-clad pond skimming contest and Ski Patrol fundraising party and concert on top of the parking garage on April 14.

Northstar

Even though Northstar runs strong through April 14, it ends on a chill note. The area’s big throw down happens on April 7 with Spring It On. Spring what on? You! Here is your big chance to wear your bright pink onesie and dust off your straight skis. That’s righ … bring on the retro. And nothing accentuates the tight pants better than a ride across the pond. Pond skimming goes off in the afternoon.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek’s end-of-the-year extravaganza is geared toward families, delivering a colorful array of SpringFest characters (caterpillars, blossoming flowers, etc) who lead a kids parade through the Village at 4 p.m. every Saturday right until the resort checks off another season on April 6. For more grown-up fun, visit the Beav’s Vilar Performing Arts Center the final three days for concerts from Elephant Revival, Los Lonely Boys and The Music of ABBA. Also, do you like to race? If you’ve been testing your speed all season in the Lindsey Vonn Race Series at any Vail Resort and have 10 results to show for it, you qualify for the Lindsey Vonn Race Series Final on March 30. Top qualifiers race on an actual race course on and although Lindsey is healing up after surgery following her season-ending crash at the world championships (and could probably still beat you with her one good leg), she might be there to cheer you on.

Keystone

Keeping a fun spectacle in mind, to close out its season on April 6-7, Keystone has a special name for its pond skimming contest: The Slush Cup, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 7. As if this weren’t enough, at 2 p.m. the resort launches its first ever Schlittentag … and no, it’s not a dirty word. “Schlitten” is German for sledding, and Red Bull sponsors Sledding Day at the Mountain House in which, similar to the cardboard derby, teams build their own sleds and attempt to be the fastest down the slope and over a jump. There is a soundtrack to inspire you from 4 to 5:45 p.m. on April 6, delivered by none other than steel guitar phenom Robert Randolph and the Family Band FREE at River Run Plaza.

Kirkwood

Kirkwood keeps its season ending party on the slopes and also wrought with competition. The Mountain Resort wraps up 2012-13 with the 19^th annual Banked Slalom Course on April 13 and 14, open to all skiers and riders aged 5 and older. Are there banks like, bags of cash on this course? No. We mean banked snow walls for extra momentum.

Blog Post: February brought big snow to CO resorts

Tristan Chan — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:45:00 GMT

(Please visit the site to view this video)

The new year has been very kind to the powder hounds. February saw several inches of fresh snow at all of our resorts. Here's a quick highlight reel from Vail and Breckenridge, shot entirely on a GoPro camera featuring facts from our resorts.

Blog Post: Meet the 2013 Epic Conquerors

Shauna Farnell — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:08:00 GMT

While they may not have planted flags on any unchartered territory, a dedicated few have conquered every single passage up the slopes at all seven of Vail Resorts’ expansive ski areas.

You’d better believe that such a feat cannot be achieved by accident, or at least it wasn’t for Bob Seto, Andrew and Lexi Casteel, Vahid Vahedi, Derek Summering, Andrew Schell or Ross Carney – the only seven skiers and riders in the world who officially hold the title of Epic Conqueror this season.

What does it take to become an Epic Conqueror? You have to ride every single lift at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in a single season. Even the bunny slopes.

“If you don’t do the bunny slopes, you don’t get the Conqueror badge,” says Summering, a 12-year Summit County resident who snowboards every day of the week and who set out with Carney – his roommate and fellow competitive snowboarder – on the Epic Conquest this season. The pair knocked off all three California areas – Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar – back-to-back in a single trip.

“I definitely went for it. I did it last year, too, but it took me a whole day just to do the front side at Vail,” Summering says. “You have to set out and spend the whole day. I finished at 3 or 3:30. After riding so much, the best way to go was I started at Cascade, got the right side of front side then back to the left and worked my way over to Blue Sky.”

As far as challenges go, Vail came in a close second to Kirkwood’s “extreme terrain” for Seto, who splits his time skiing and – get this – developing spaceships. An aerospace engineer at Virgin Galactic, Seto lives in Colorado and works in California, so getting the Epic Pass for him is a no-brainer.

“I’ve been developing spacecraft launch vehicles for most of my career and am now developing a commercial space program weekdays and skiing weekends,” Seto says. “We’re in a flight phase now, taking passengers into space and returning them to earth. It’s kind of interesting work.”

A Colorado Springs-based skier, Schell also found Kirkwood to present the toughest terrain to cross off his list.

“Out of all the Epic pins I have earned, by far the hardest was the Polar Express at Kirkwood,” Schell says. “My youngest son and I earned it together. The hardest part is the last leg, chair 4 to chair 14. Chair 14 is a T-bar lift on top of Lookout Vista, to get to it from chair 4; you must ski or push along the top of the ridge. If you will miss the angle you will find yourself too far down and will have to start over.”

Vahedi, a Keystone-based snowboarder and Atlanta transplant claims to have a map in his head and while never planning to become an Epic Conqueror at the onset of the season, now finds himself at the very top of the EpicMix 2012-13 leader board.

“It just happened when I started riding the first couple weeks. All of a sudden I was top of the leader board for EpicMix,” says Vahedi, who worked two jobs all summer to save for this winter’s ski bum lifestyle, doing the occasional evening food delivery while hitting the mountain every day.

Becoming an Epic Conqueror was not without its blows for Vahedi, particularly to his ego. But it made for some decent free comedy for people in line at Breckenridge’s T-Bar lift.

“Yup, yup … I got up there and had to let go of the lift. It took me a couple of times to make it up,” Vahedi says. “I could do the Mongolia lift at Vail, no problem. The T-Bar gets really steep.”

For both Vahedi and Seto, the highlight of their conquest was meeting new ski buddies along the way. Same goes for Andrew and Lexi Casteel, San Francisco residents and both skiers who converted to snowboarding six years ago.

“[The highlight was] running into another couple our age in line for Rip's Ride and swapping stories about the things we do for EpicMix pins,” Andrew says. “They were after the Zookeeper pin and were surprised we were close to getting our Epic Conqueror pin.”

For the Casteels, the prestige of becoming an Epic Conqueror was a carrot dangling before the season began.

“It's like Everest, its mere existence makes it necessary to climb it,” Andrew says. “We've put in bigger seasons in terms of vertical footage, but there's nothing greater than the thrill of boarding a new run for the first time. We love exploring and wouldn't give up until we'd visited every lift available to us on our Epic Pass.”

There’s no question that it just feels kind of awesome to be an Epic Conqueror. But in addition to the thrill of exploring new terrain, the making of a true conquest requires a healthy dose of doggedness.

“I’m just kind of competitive,” Summering says. “I just wanted to ski every lift at every mountain. You kind of have to want to.”

Once the desire is there, here are some other tips from the 2013 crew on how to become an Epic Conqueror …

How to become an Epic Conqueror

“Start early with a lift-by-lift plan of attack. And try not to take this EpicMix thing too seriously.” – Ross Carney

“You’ve got to plan before the season and save up for it, save your money to travel and hit all the mountains. It’s a pretty big commitment.” – Vahid Vahedi

“You need to study the map, especially if you don’t know the resort.” – Derek Summering

“Studying the pins and planning your runs and lifts is key.” – Bob Seto

"Start at one side of the mountain and work your way across. Have a backup plan if a lift or a side of the mountain closes because of weather or maintenance. Lastly, only ski with individuals that are as motivated as you to earn pins." – Andrew Schell

“Go during the week when it's less busy if possible. Try for all lifts at a resort at the same time to get the resort conqueror badge at the same time. Try to hit every lift only once. -- Andrew Casteel

PHOTOS: Top: Bob Seto rips a turn in Vail's Back Bowls. Middle: Andrew and Lexi Casteel become Epic Conquerors at Breck. Bottom: Vahid Vahedi, ultimate leader of the 2013 EpicMix leaderboard, is at home at Keystone.

To become an Epic Conqueror next year visit our Epic Pass page to begin your journey.

Blog Post: Top 5 tips for riding powder

Cody Hanson — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:56:00 GMT

Earlier in the season we put together a few tips on how to ski powder. Now that snow is once again falling on both Tahoe and Colorado, it's time to present a few tips for riding in powder! If a snowboard happens to be your gear of choice, pay attention to the knowledge below from one of Northstar's top snowboard instructors, Henry "Hank" Desjardins.

Don't lean back! The old school of thought for powder riding is to lean back on the tail of your snowboard. This position prevents you from being able to make the movements that are needed to create a strong, smooth turn. Instead of just leaning back on the tail, actively retract the front leg and extend the back leg. This move will keep you in a better position to react to the terrain.
Camber... rocker... or both? Equipment plays a large role in riding powder, especially considering the various new camber blends that the snowboarding industry has to offer. It's important to note that you can always get away with using your go-to board as long as you have the proper technique. If you plan on renting a board specifically for a pow day, start with one that's 8 - 10 centimeters longer than what you'd normally ride. Also, a board with a non-traditional camber, such as reverse camber or a hybrid rocker, will float on top of the powder much easier than other boards.
Too deep? If there is no hard surface to set an edge into, you'll have to adjust your riding in order to make solid turns. Because the snow is soft, you'll sink more while carving an edge than when riding on the large, flat base. By keeping a lower edge angle in the bottom of the turn you'll be able to put pressure on the entire board, pressing it through the turn as though it were being ridden flat. From this position you'll be able to rebound into the next turn as if riding an embankment. Because you are not edging as hard or fast, you'll also need to take your turn shape into account. Don't go into the powder expecting to be able to make turns that are as tight or as sharp as what you would do on a groomer.
Ride with a Buddy! The old saying, “No friends on a Powder Day” is a thing of the past. New equipment technology opens the door to terrain that was once difficult to get to. Sometimes a fall in deep snow can result in a difficult situation to get out of alone. When choosing a shred buddy, find someone who will keep an eye on you at all times and vice versa. That way if either of you were to need help, the other is right there to assist. Riding with a buddy has the added benefit of great camaraderie and fun story telling at the end of the day.
Flat light, ride the trees. When an overcast or storm day shuts down the light, it can be very difficult to notice terrain changes. If you find yourself in this predicament, ride the trees. The contrast between the trees and snow will break up the flat light and allow for a more clear vision of the conditions and terrain. It can also make for a most enjoyable experience during storm cycles that continue to dump heaps of snow on the mountain.