Snow Squad

Blog Post: Top five stories from the 2011-2012 ski season

Beth Hartman — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:19:00 GMT

As people take their final runs for the 2011-2012 ski season today, I wanted to reflect on the past six months of skiing stories. From getting in shape for the season with yoga to chairlift pick up lines, I've really enjoyed sharing with all of you. See you on the slopes next winter!

The season began with a story on building your fitness with yoga, which will also come in handy for biking and hiking season this summer. "Yoga enhances strength, flexibility and body balance. Yoga also improves body alignment and muscular imbalances. Furthermore, yoga helps with focus, concentration and breathing."

Next, after building up that fitness, it's important to know how to avoid traffic on I70 as you're heading up to the slopes. From leaving early to leaving late, having dinner or spending the night, there are plenty of creative ways to get around long delays on the road.

Now that we've discussed ski fitness and getting to the slopes, remember to stay safe once you're out there by wearing your helmet! Not only will it help keep you safe during potential collisions with trees, rocks, or other people, a helmet can also help to keep you warm and looking stylish.

Aside from staying warm and looking cool in your helmet, tricks of the trade on the slopes also include the top chairlift pickup lines for hitting on the ski bunny or stylish snow bum next to you. From getting lost in the trees together to overheating inside too much fleece, there are plenty of cheesy lines to keep your lift buddy entertained and possibly even romantically interested in you by the time you get to the top of the mountain.

Finally, depending upon the successful execution of those pickup lines, you may one day want to plan the perfect mountain wedding! From choosing a great venue to creating a bad weather back up plan, there are a few tips that will be sure to help make the day truly amazing.

Hope you had a great season, and see you on the slopes in another six months or so!

-- Beth

Blog Post: Sprint Photon Motorola 4G: A phone for all occasions

Chris Yonushewski — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:01:00 GMT

This season I was given the brand new Sprint Photon Motorola 4G phone, using the latest Android operating system, to test in the rugged mountains of Colorado. While I had grown attached to my older smartphone, I quickly grew to love three new attributes of my Photon.

1. Screen Size & Camera Capability
One of the first things I noticed about my phone was how huge the screen is. Boasting a 4.3 inch diagonal display of 960 by 540 pixels, this touch screen dwarfs most other phones without being too bulky or hard to hold. Combine that epic screen size with a fantastic 8 megapixel camera and you 're in for a treat. Toss out the ole "Point n Shoot" as the Photon delivers a worthwhile photo on an easy to navigate screen where ever you are. This quickly became my favorite feature of the phone during the first part of the season as I could take great photos while skiing, send them to my friends back on the front range, and reel in the mountain envy.

2. Kickstand
I had always thought that the kickstand was a cheesy and lazy way to add a feature onto a phone. However, when your cell phone's screen doubles in size and the 4G network allows streaming video with ease, it certainly makes more sense to have a prop for it. This proved invaluable during the busy traffic days during midseason. Between snow slow downs, winter break traffic, or simply the weekend rush hours, my friends and I could just kick back and enjoy clips from YouTube, shots we took earlier that day, or movies saved to the phone the whole way back home.

3. Social Media Platform on OS
The last major plus for me with this phone is the seamless integration of my various social media outlets with the new Android operating system. I can easily catch up on the latest tweets, status updates, photo posts and anything else from friends and family on one of my seven different home screens. Just as easily, I can shoot photos, copy links, and share my thoughts through any number of social outlets with the click of a button. Late in the season, this was a great asset as there were so many events going on. Between all the concerts, events, adventure races, and pond skimming fun all over the county it would have been impossible to keep track of everything and everybody without my Photon.

So on the whole, if you're looking for a versatile phone, well suited for Colorado's high country, and you're a bit of a social butterfly or shutterbug, Sprint's Photo Motorola 4G is the perfect phone for you. Enjoy!

-- Chris Yonushewski

* Photo courtesy of ZoneAndroid.com

Blog Post: 5 reasons I love my Sprint 4G Phone

Kate Thomas — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:33:00 GMT

Before I joined Snow Squad, I was a mere, poor, international student with a flip phone. A flip phone with no camera. A flip phone with no internet. A flip phone with an old-school keyboard for writing text messages with a bad text predictor. It was the worst. I had the luxury of a Blackberry in England and had to deal with this ridiculous excuse for a phone here. The one good thing about it was that, even if I threw it across the room, it didn’t break. And I never cared about losing it. That was about it. So you can imagine my delight at receiving a Sprint Motorola 4G Android back in October. It was like Christmas and 6 months later, I still love this phone. Here is why:

1) The Touch Screen
The touch screen on this phone is amazing. It picks up everything and isn’t annoying. It is also really responsive and fast, especially while one is playing games such as ‘Fruit Ninja’ and the touch screen needs to be alert. Also, texting is so, so easy and quick.

2) The Camera
With 8 mega-pixels of camera in this phone, it is the best for taking pictures and with Instagram now being on Droid as well as the iPhone, you have the ultimate application to make your images look good and a place where you can share them socially too.

3) The Apps
As I mentioned above, the apps on this phone are amazing and easy to use. My particular favorites are ‘Draw Something’, ‘Instagram’, ‘Words with Friends’, ‘The Anchorman Soundboard’, ‘WhatsApp’, ‘Runkeeper’ and the cardiograph one which takes your heart rate. Awesome. The social networks all work great too, from Facebook to Twitter to Foursquare.

4) Screen size
The screen size on this phone is perfect for reading the news or updates on the web. It is large enough that you do not feel like you are squinting at the screen, but small enough that the phone doesn’t feel too big in your pocket. I am still very much a ‘print reading for fun’ type of girl, but this phone is great for ‘on the move’ reading.

5) Kickstand
The kickstand on this phone is great. Just flip it out, choose your display and enjoy the ease of not having to pick up your phone to see why it is vibrating. Sheer laziness, of course, but marvelous all the same.

I would recommend this phone to anyone especially as the service on the mountain is perfect. No other provider can compete with the phone’s performance on the hill.

As this season comes to an end, I have to say how much of a pleasure it has been being the blogger this season. I have loved every second of it, even if the snow wasn’t as great as last year. I plan to write Mother Nature a strongly worded letter before next year, but as for this season: it has been a blast.

Thanks and have a great summer!

-- Kate Thomas

Blog Post: Why you can't miss closing weekend at Heavenly and Kirkwood

Clark Vandeventer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:47:00 GMT

This is it. The final weekend of skiing and riding at both Heavenly and Kirkwood is upon us. And with fresh snow coming to Tahoe followed quickly by warm temperatures, closing weekend will include both powder and warm sunshine.

There's 1 big reason you can't miss it:

This is it.

After this weekend we're done for the year. After this weekend it'll be time to move the skis and the boards to the back of the garage. The boots will be stored away. It'll be time to put my Helly Hansen gear on mothballs until next winter.

According to Tahoe Weather Discussion, on Wednesday night snow levels will come down to between 7500 and 8000 feet. By Thursday, snow levels will drop all the way down to the lake. With both Heavenly and Kirkwood closed until weekend operations resumed on Friday, all the snow we get until then will be preserved for the early-birds on Friday morning. At 7000 feet we're looking at up to 6 inches. On the crest we could see up to a foot.

Powder on April 27? Yes, please.

After hitting the last powder of the season, check out Puddle of Mud live in concert at Harrah's. It's all just part of the party.

Then on Saturday it's going to get warm and the final 2-days of the season will be perfect for a party on the slopes. Get in a few turns and then have a beer at the lodge. Hang out with your friends. Take in the moment.

This is it.

Moments like this are bittersweet. The end of another ski season signals the beginning of another. I'll soon be paddleboarding Lake Tahoe with my friends at South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle getting ready for the Race the Lake of the Sky. I'll be hiking and biking and enjoying the beach with my family. I'm excited to do those things. I mean I'm really excited.

But I'm going to miss making my turns. And that's why nothing could keep me off the mountain this weekend.

What more reason do you need to not miss closing weekend than this stubborn fact:

This is it.

-- Clark Vandeventer

Blog Post: Breckenridge summer bucket list

Lisa Pogue — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:02:00 GMT

There’s one more weekend to ski and ride at Breckenridge and then it’s time for longer days, river rafting, hiking, biking and all of those sun-shiny activities that draw us to Colorado’s mountains between May and September.

Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite Breck summer activities:

Whitewater rafting
We’re fortunate to have tons of great rafting options near Summit County. Depending on your whitewater action preference, choose from varying sections of Clear Creek, the mighty and, in many places, mellow Colorado River, and the famous technical and adventurous Arkansas River.

Mountain biking
There are some serious mountain biking trails snaking through the slopes around Breckenridge. Check out GoBreck.com for a list of trails by difficulty level. Or search www.singletracks.com to find the right ride for you. For a scenic, family-friendly workout, bike the paved rec path from Breckenridge to Frisco. (Get sidetracked: Stop for tropical drinks and coconut shrimp at the Island Grill. And then get out on the lake with a Kayak Lake Dillon nature tour.

Peak 8 Fun Park
Breckenridge Ski Resort transforms into a summer fun park starting Friday, June 15. Take a guided hiking tour or pony ride, check out the Gold Runner Coaster, SuperSlide, SuperPutt, Mountain Bike Park, Colorado SuperChair, Rockpile Climbing Wall, Mineshaft Maze, SuperBungee Trampoline, Gemstone Panning, and Ripperoo’s Bounce House.

Sunday Farmers Market
The Breckenridge Sunday Market runs June through September at Main Street Station Plaza from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There’s live music, artisan crafts, and more than 40 vendors selling fresh seafood and beef, baked breads, chutneys, kettle corn, and much more. Pick up some juicy Palisades peaches and fresh veggies. (Get sidetracked: Take your fresh goods and head to Carter Park for a picnic and some sand volleyball.)

Hiking
Hiking in the hills around Breck is a great way to get some exercise, relieve stress, spend time with friends and capture (bring your camera) some of the county’s postcard views. Personal favorites include Mohawk Lake and the Peaks Trail from Breck to Frisco. For hikes with easy access from town, visit GoBreck’s hiking page and download their Summer Trails Map.

Patios with views
As the sun begins to dip behind the Ten Mile Range for the day, enjoy happy hour on Kenosha’s deck, bike-in drinks on the Warming Hut’s back patio, night cap cocktails around the fire pit at Burke and Riley’s, martinis on Ember's deck, a memorable Colorado four-course meal on Hearthstone’s Victorian deck, and wickedly strong margaritas on the rooftop patio at Angels Hollow…you get the idea. We love our mountain views.

For more ideas on how to spend a summer day in the mountains, read Chris Yonushewski’s Summer Escape on Lake Dillon.

Lisa Pogue

Blog Post: Helly Hansen outerwear review

Kevin Arnold — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:20:00 GMT

One of the many perks of being on Snow Squad is being hooked up by all the awesome sponsors such as, Helly Hansen, the official outerwear of Vail Resorts. The good people over at HH hooked us up thoroughly with the Breacan jacket and Mission mid layer. See if they made the grade after this season’s rigorous field testing.

Mission mid layer
Fit – Overall the mid layer has a great fit. I’m 6’1” and have an XL the length is perfect. However the fit is a little bit too long on the arms. This jacket also has a nice deep hood and this was one of my favorite parts about the fit. Overall fit: B+

Style – The green faded plaid pattern is pretty sweet very original. The green accents such as the zippers and trim give it sweet look. Overall style: B

Features – Deep front zipper pockets lined with fleece make it easy and secure to hold items such as cell phones and also keep the hands cozy. Also as mentioned early, the deep hood is great for snowy commutes. All zippers are great quality and have rubber tabs on them to allow you to access your zipper easily. Only con is that there isn’t an elastic or string hood synch which means, if it’s windy, the hood isn’t much use. Overall features B

Performance – The outer polyester shell really is a nice touch it acts as a windbreaker, but still gives you the hoody feel. The top section of the jacket is lined with fleece keeping that core warm without weighing down the jacket. Overall performance: B+

Final grade: B+

Breacan jacket
Fit – If you like a bigger and baggier jacket, you’ll want a size larger than you normally would wear. Most HH jackets have more of a skiier fit. On that note compared to my last year HH jacket, this fit is substantially better. I usually get XL and had ordered an XXL after the mistake last season. I’m very satisfied with the fit one size up however. This jacket also has a nice extension on the butt almost like a tail—it’s a nice touch. Overall fit: C-

Style – Once again, the random faded plaid design is very original. Although plaid isn’t my number one go to, I’m totally feeling the Lumber Jack plaid. The layout in the front is a bit funky and all the Helly-Tech logos are a bit much. Overall style C+

Features – All pockets are lined with fleece to keep hands and cameras warm. The zippers are all waterproof so everything inside stays dry. It has a large goggle pocket and one of my favorite features was the ski-pass pocket on the arm works great with the Epic Pass’s RF technology. There are multiple interior and exterior pockets as well as an attached goggle wipe. Overall features A-

Performance – This jacket has out-performed any snowboard jacket I have owned. Helly-Tech‘s XP performance fabric is no joke after enduring some harsh wind conditions in the Sierra. I am overly satisfied with the performance of this jacket. The 15,500 mm waterproof rating is legit. I have pants that are another brand and they are shot and my HH is ready for another season. Their Thinsulate technology keeps your core warm but also breathes well on warmer days. Overall performance A+

Final Grade: B

Blog Post: Happy Earth Day from Vail Resorts!

Beth Hartman — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Last month, Vail announced that the company has achieved the 10 percent energy reduction goal announced in 2008, through a continuous focus on energy efficiency. Let's all remember to do our part on Earth Day and every day!

To help put Vail's 10 percent energy savings into perspective, the amount saved over the last three years is equal to:

Annual energy usage of 1,400 average U.S. homes
Almost 23,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions
2,335 acres of pine forest planted

Examples of the energy savings activities include performing energy audits at all Vail Resorts properties, replacing inefficient lighting and using motion sensors to shut off lights when people leave the room, using less compressed air to allow snow-making systems to be more efficient, and more.

"We're thrilled to achieve our energy goal," said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. "However, we are not stopping here. Vail Resorts remains committed to reducing our energy use further, both because it's the right thing to do for the environment and also because it's the right thing to do for our Company."

"I am announcing a new energy reduction goal, 'The Next 10.' Vail Resorts can reduce its energy consumption by another 10 percent by 2020 while continuing to provide the experience of a lifetime for all of our guests and employees."

Thank you Vail for all you do to help save energy and allow us all to enjoy the mountains we love so much! Here's to "The Next 10" and Happy Earth Day!

-- Beth

Blog Post: A summer escape on Lake Dillon

Chris Yonushewski — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:21:00 GMT

With temperatures rising, it's time to put that dry ski season in your review mirror and set some summer goals for the high country. For all those who think the mountains are only fun in the winter, guess again as there's plenty to do during the warm summer months.

Taking the road bike out along gorgeous mountain highways and trails, racing the mountain bike down your favorite ski hill, hiking through Colorado's backcountry, or simply strolling through quaint mountain towns while window shopping are all great ideas. But my personal favorite is to visit Lake Dillon and take to the water.

While it may be too cold to swim in, this reservoir is a treasure trove of nautical activities. Everything from restored Chris Craft motor boats to floating picnics on pontoon boats cruise around the Lake. However, the real draw is to sail. With fierce mountain winds channeling through canyons, sweeping across the dam and never staying consistent, Lake Dillon is always evolving for sailors. The Dillon Yacht Club has a storied history since its inception and hosts races and regattas throughout the sailing season (May - October). To learn more about the club and the history of Dillon check out Buzz Contributor Devon O'Neil's take on Colorado's high seas.

On the water there are plenty of options to rent different craft for all sorts of occasions. You can hop in a kayak and tool around the islands and marshes of Giberson Bay or use a canoe to spice up a weekend camping trip; Lake Dillon has some great fishing spots along the river inlets. During the summer you could learn to sail or motor around with speed and graces as all of these water crafts are available at either Frisco Marina or Dillon Marina.

Back on shore there are plenty of fun events including concerts, parades, BBQ's, and many other community get-togethers. Some of the highlights for summer 2012 include concerts from the USAF Falconaires and Chris Daniels & the Kings, the Junior Olympic Sailing festival, the BBQ at the Summit, and various Fourth of July events.

If you are looking for a bite to eat, you won't have to go far from the water's edge to find it. Beyond what's in town both of Lake Dillon's marinas offer delicious food. In Frisco, the Island Grill Restaurant serves up great grill food for their outdoor dining area. For a special treat, make sure to visit Pug Ryan's Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina for tasty tiki fare and tropical drinks, all served at the highest "Tiki Bar" in the world with an elevation of 9,017 feet.

Armed with all the info you need to plan a great day on the water in the Colorado Rockies, there is nothing to stop you from enjoying it. Who knows? You may catch summer fever and plan a trip to some of Colorado's other great lakes and rivers. Either way, I look forward to the sailing season and I hope to see you out there too. Cheers!

-- Chris Yonushewski

Blog Post: Top memories from the 2011/12 season at Northstar

Clark Vandeventer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:48:00 GMT

As I put in my few runs on opening day at Northstar on Nov. 18, closing day seemed like a distant thought. Yet this past Sunday was the last day of the 2012/12 season at Northstar. While there’s still weekend skiing at Heavenly and Kirkwood, Sunday signaled the end of another ski season.

The day started out fun enough. I arrived just in time to catch the pond skimming competition and share plenty of laughs with the other onlookers. Because of recent storms in Tahoe, when the pond skimming ended there was still plenty of good skiing.

As the day -- and the season -- began to slip away, I’ll admit I started feeling just downright depressed. After a beer at the lodge I felt like a new man and as 4:00 pm approached it became a race against time -- how many more chairs could I get in before closing time?

And then it was done.

Back in the village I tweeted a request that others share some of their favorite memories from the 2011/12 season at Northstar. Here are a few that were shared with me:

Pete Machalek -- @PowPete
In mid-January, our team visited Tahoe for the NSAA conference. Sadly, there was no snow and limited snowmaking or runs open [at Squaw]. First tracks with NSAA at Northstar was different - with state of the art snowmaking, they had numerous runs open with excellent groomers. At 8 am our team was shredding soft corduroy with the sun coming up -- feeling a lot like Spring. We felt salvation and hope in Tahoe that day at Northstar.

Monica Vandeventer -- @monicavand
One of the best days of winter was our family outing to Northstar. We bundled up the kids, who loved riding in the cart through the snow covered village and then up the gondola to the lodge. We had hot chocolate and played in the snow while my husband and I traded some time getting in runs. Back in the village that evening we had pizza at Rubicon’s, went ice skating, and the kids met Santa Claus. My kids are too young to remember this day, but I know for their dad and me it will always be a special memory.

Kevin Arnold -- @KArnzofZC
Kevin is a fellow Snow Squad blogger and replied by saying, “Hitting my first pow day of the season and getting some of the first turns on martis and in the stash” and including this video.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

I have a lot of great memories from this season at Northstar. Though we all know it was a disappointing season in terms of overall snowfall, we still had our powder days. My wife and I spent a few days at Northstar without the kids. Every parent knows the laid back feeling of being with your spouse while the kids are at a friends house all day.

The moment I’ll select as my favorite from Northstar this season came on Polaris. My wife and I were skiing together and on this particular day it was all moguled out and the conditions were a bit challenging. We were going really slow and were down about 50 yards when I saw a guy start coming down at a good pace. I commented that he’d pass us in about 10 seconds.

When the guy got down to where we were he stopped to catch his breath. Then we just looked at each other. We looked and we knew. Though no words were spoken, the race was on.

We were pretty evenly matched. Truth be told, he was probably a more skilled skier than me. He’d pull ahead and then I’d pull ahead. Finally, as we neared the bottom I went all out and triumphantly made my way to the chairlift. When I arrived at the chairlift, I kicked off my skis and laid out on the snow. As the guy queued up to get his next chair he said to me, “that was fun.” Then I waited a good 5 minutes for my wife to get down.

I’ve got 7 months to wait to duplicate moments like these. Until then it’s hiking and paddleboarding and biking and beach days.

See you next winter, Northstar.

-- Clark Vandeventer

Blog Post: Ski for two more weekends at Breck

Lisa Pogue — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:30:00 GMT

It’s April in Summit County and it’s too muddy to mountain bike, not quite warm enough to whitewater raft and – bonus – late-season storms just dropped more than 17 inches of snow at Breckenridge Ski Resort. It’s the perfect time to get some spring turns in (keep those legs in biking shape) and take advantage of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s extended ski season.

The resort originally planned on closing for the season April 15, but decided to stay open two additional weekends as part of Breck’s 50 Wishes campaign. The resort has been granting wishes all season to celebrate the ski area’s 50th anniversary, fulfilling experiences of a lifetime submitted by guests from around the world.

Peak 8 lifts and terrain, including the Imperial Express SuperChair, will remain open these next two weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20–22 and April 27–29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

The resort will have a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 for those without passes and free parking in the gondola lots.

Breck guests will also enjoy special lesson prices, with half-day adult lessons starting at $59 and full-day children’s lessons for $99. Breck Sports is also offering half off rentals at their Peak 8 location. Check out the full list of extended weekend services here.

Skiers and boarders should be cautious of late-season conditions on the mountain, keep an eye out for limited natural snow coverage and keep off closed trails. For the latest snow report and more, visit www.Breckenridge.com.

Lodging Deals
Stay right at the base of Peak 8 at One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort™ starting at $210/night. Additional rates and lodging deals are available here.

Save on 2012-13 Season Passes
Vail Resorts’ season passes are now on sale for the 2012-2013 winter season. Ski or snowboard eight world-class resorts across three states and 24,980 acres more than five to six days in one season and the passes pay for themselves.

Lock in early bird prices now through April 22, 2012 with a $49 down payment and the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2012 for the best deal. Visit www.epicpass.com to find the ski pass that fits your needs.

-- Lisa Pogue

Check out Beth Hartman's tips for getting the most value out of your season pass.

Blog Post: Bike and Hike at Northstar this Summer

Kate Thomas — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:16:00 GMT

Now that the season is over, Northstar is preparing all of its summer activities to keep you happy and occupied through the long, summer days. The golf course is due to open in May and the bike and hike park swings into action on Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m. This, of course, is weather permitting, because if last year is anything to go off, it may still be dusting us with powder. But if all goes according to schedule, here is what you can expect:

Bike and hike opening day
Northstar is home to Northern California’s largest lift-served mountain biking and hiking park, which will keep your winter adrenalin pumping throughout summer. The park opens on June 15 on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and then from June 29 it is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. You will have access to downhill and cross-country mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing.

Biking
You will not find a larger mountain bike park in Northern California than at Northstar. LiveWire, Northstar’s signature trail, is the first fully irrigated mountain bike trail and a must for the more advanced rider. Each trail has a difficulty symbol specified on the trail map making it easy for riders to plan a route to their level.

Bike Academy
The Northstar Bike Academy accommodates all levels of bikers, from beginner to seasoned. They provide guidance for those wishing to learn or just wishing to improve technique. The academy offers a variety of packages from group lessons to private classes and clinics. There are also camps held through out the season to help bring bikers to their next level.

Hiking
Hiking in Tahoe during Spring and Summer is a must. You will discover breathtaking scenery and wonderful smells surrounded by the healthy flora and fauna of Northstar. As with biking, hiking trails range from easy to advanced with scenic lift rides on offer for sightseeing and hiking. Leashed dogs are welcome on the mountain and on several chair lifts. Geocache boxes can be found all over Northstar too, so don’t forget to bring something to trade into those treasure troves.

Lake Tahoe in summer time is an entirely different experience to winter and one not to miss out on. The scenery is beautiful, the lake shimmers a multitude of wondrous colors and the daily activities are as endless as the days are long. You can hike, bike, paddleboard, kayak, wakeboard, waterski, fish, camp, raft, golf, horse ride, frolick on the beach, swim in the shallows of the lake, snorkel, build sandcastles, sunbathe, eat barbecued food, sip wine, drink beer, and relax. Wow, I'm excited.

See you on the mountain,

-- Kate Thomas

Blog Post: Spring update

Kevin Arnold — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Skiing and riding is not quite over in Tahoe. Heavenly and Kirkwood will be open for two more weekends (Friday – Sunday) beginning this weekend (April 20). With fresh snow and warming temperatures, spring conditions in Tahoe are as good as they get.

Last week a winter blast rolled through the basin and brought in cold winter-like conditions back to Tahoe. Feet piled up at some resorts, Kirkwood reported a storm total of 36 inches and Heavenly reported 16 inches of snow at the base. Spring has brought in more than its usual amount of snow and has really revived the region of an almost lackluster season.

Starting Friday, Kirkwood and Heavenly will be churning the lifts offering skiing and riding for everyone. While most ski areas in the region closed this past weekend (April 15), you can still get in a few more days at Heavenly and Kirkwood. I haven’t heard any details about the status of the terrain parks, but I’m hoping for some type of jib lines at both mountains. So keep an eye on Heavenly’s Terrain Park Crew’s Facebook page for updates.

Don’t pack that powder board up yet folks. There are rumors of more snow in the forecast and possibly another system like the last one we saw. There’s a possibility of more snow next week starting around Monday and lasting through Wednesday. The strength and snow potential for this storm are not known, but experts are already predicting more snow for Tahoe before we wrap it all up. If you want to stay informed on weather in the Tahoe area, I recommend these sites tahoeweatherdiscussion.com and snowforecast.com they rarely let me down.

Don’t forget until April 22 you can lock in the best deal on a Tahoe Value Pass before prices go up. You will get access to Kirkwood, Heavenly, and Northstar all on one pass. If you buy soon, you can use it this season for the last few weekends in April. This is by far the best deal in Tahoe you get the best views at Heavenly, the best parks at Northstar and the best terrain at Kirkwood. If you want options next season, you will want a Tahoe Value Pass.

Blog Post: What's your EpicMix personality type?

Beth Hartman — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:48:00 GMT

Whether you've been obsessively tracking every pin and picture you've earned all season, or surprised to learn that there is a system that is actually recording how many vertical feet you cover on the slopes, you've got an EpicMix personality type. Find out what yours is now!

1) The Overachiever: you know what every badge means, and you've worked out a system for acquiring them all, even if it involves potentially losing your job. Maybe you already quit your job, actually, the better to pursue the more elusive pins that are only available on certain days of the year. For you, it's not about who got the most fresh snow, but where the most prestigious pins are to be found at any moment.

2) The Weekend Warrior: If there's a badge that can't be earned during the weekend, it's definitely not included in your collection. You work hard but you play hard too, heading up to the hills like clockwork every weekend to cram in as many vertical feet as your legs can handle. While you may be interested in earning certain pins for unusual achievements such as skiing at more than one resort in the same day, for you it's probably more about snow and ease of access.

3) The Vacationer: In a sudden flurry, your EpicMix score goes from zero to Level Ten with all the photos, badges, and vertical feet you rack up during your week of vacation, making all your friends back home initially just curious and then soon incredibly jealous. Hunting down the EpicMix photographers on every mountain, you develop increasingly outrageous poses as visual displays of your mirthful vacationing glee.

4) The Local: There was that one time that you earned a badge from another mountain, but other than that your EpicMix activity is completely dominated by your local hill, where you've skied every run multiple times and racked up any new badge they release. Why drive somewhere else when you can walk right over to the lift and head for your favorite stashes?

5) The Novice: So you've finally decided to try this skiing thing, and then later discovered that you didn't even have to figure out how to explain your thrilling new experience to your friends - you can just show them online, complete with photos, stats, and badges. This makes every tumble worth it and even inspires you to try harder next time.

So, what kind of EpicMix personality are you? What other types are there? Make sure to get your pass for next year, and get ready to earn more badges and rise to the next level!

-- Beth

Blog Post: Top 5 sunset vistas in Summit County

Chris Yonushewski — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:46:00 GMT

With spring fever in full swing, folks from far and wide are getting excited for the long days of summer, and I couldn't help but write about one of my favorite summer occurrences: the sunset. Casting off the dog days of winter and embracing long days in the Colorado sun, there is no better time to behold Colorado's nature beauty than at dusk.

While sunsets on the beach or sunrises across the desert are beautiful, they have got nothing on the alpenglow inducing grandeur that is a sunset in the Rockies. Thankfully the sun sets every day, and there plenty of great stages for its departure in Summit County.

Top of Dercum Mountain at Keystone Resort
As the photo above shows, the top of Keystone's Dercum Mountain is one of the best places to see the sun dip below the Tenmile Range, not to mention all of the opportunities to reach the peak year round. During the long winter months there's nothing quite like watching the sunset then putting in some turns night skiing. During the rest of the year you can relax and take in the sunset from the grand porch at Der Fondue Chessel, followed by an extraordinary meal.

Base of Peak 8 at Breckenridge Resort
While it's one thing to look out on a sunset, it is an entirely different feel to look up at one. Taking in the halo ring across the peaks from the Base of Peak 8 (or from any good vantage point in town for that matter) fills you with a sense of awe for the mountains. With plenty of concerts, specials, and events going on there is no shortage of reasons to be at Breck all year long.

Loveland Pass at the Continental Divide
There is nothing like watching the sunset from the top of the world. Sure, you may not be at the highest point in the state, must less the country, you are still riding atop the dividing line between East and West and have got a gorgeous view either way. Plus, with warm and dry roads for much of the summer zipping up and enjoying the scenery is a breeze.

Dillon Amphitheater
Boasting one of the best views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range, this nightly display even comes with a show. Almost every weekend all summer long Dillon will be jamming to great music just in time to watch the sun go down.

Sapphire Point
Saving the best for last, this little gem is tucked away along Swan Mountain Road, also known as the hilly, curvy, two-lane drive connecting Breckenridge to Keystone. At the peak there is a turn-off and parking area for a short, looped hiking trail that has gorgeous views of Lake Dillon and the mountains just west. Despite some loss of trees due to beetle-kill, this trail still offers some of the best views in all of Summit County.

-- Chris Yonushewski

Blog Post: 7 reasons you can't miss closing day at Northstar

Clark Vandeventer — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:11:00 GMT

Life in the mountains is about seizing every moment. In the summer you know your days at the beach are fleeting. Soon that warm summer sun will be replaced by cool fall days perfect for hiking or biking. And as much as you love to hike or to bike, you want to bask in the warm summer sun because in the back of your mind there’s a tinge of sadness knowing it can’t last. In the winter you want to ski every powder day because you know that these days too are fleeting.

It’s what I love about life in the mountains. It's a life of carpe diem.

And now here we are staring at the end of another season. While we have the good news that Heavenly and Kirkwood have extended their seasons, there’s no getting around the fact that this season is coming to a close. Closing day at Northstar is Sunday, April 15. Here are 7 reasons you can’t miss it.

It's a party
A great season is about more than vertical feet or number of powder days. It's about the entire experience. So join the party. My fellow Snow Squader Kate Thomas has all you need to know about Northstar's closing day activities.
Last chance to ski that run
Haven't yet skied down some of Northstar's new runs for the 2011-12 season? Islands is an intermediate run new this season that features tree islands down the run. It's one of my favorites and this Sunday is your last chance to check it out until next year.
Pond Skimming
What could be more fun than watching someone try to cross a pond on powder skis only to end up in freezing cold water?
People are going to look ridiculous
Right next to watching people fall in freezing cold water on my scale of fun things to do is just watching people look ridiculous. Closing day at Northstar is sure to be full of tons of 80's garb, onesies, and bright florescent colors.
You can go mountain biking next month
You've been tuning up your mountain bike and you're ready for a change. You can go mountain biking next month but you can't go skiing next month. Live in the moment.
EpicMix pins
I'll admit that I put way to much stock in collecting EpicMix pins. But having skied opening day at Northstar by being there on closing day I'll collect the Northstar Bookends pin. What pins could you collect? I bet there's one for skiing closing day.
POWDER
That's right. This season is not going out with a whimper. My favorite source for snow forecasting in Tahoe -- Tahoe Weather Discussion -- says that by the weekend we could be looking at as much as 2-3 feet of fresh snow along the crest. Get out those powder skis!

There's no moment like now. Carpe diem! See you at Northstar on Sunday.

-- Clark Vandeventer

Photo by GreenFlame09

Blog Post: UK couple wins Breckenridge Experience of a Lifetime

Lisa Pogue — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Helly Hansen and Blacks, a popular European sporting goods store, teamed up last fall to give away a weeklong Breckenridge Experience of a Lifetime ski vacation.

More than 16,000 people entered the drawing online and in stores between December 1 and January 30. When Karen Crean found out she was the lucky prizewinner, the 34-year-old designer was in disbelief.

“I had to double-check the email to make sure it wasn’t friends hoaxing me,” says Crean, who entered the contest on Blacks’ website.

The prize package included a week-long ski holiday for two in Breckenridge, round-trip flights from the UK, airport transfers, ski passes, gear rentals and Helly Hansen jackets, trousers, fleece and baselayers.

Crean and her boyfriend Neil Barton, 33, arrived in Breckenridge from Rochester (Kent, UK) on March 28 and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge, departing on April 8.

“She enters to win everything,” Barton laughs, noting that he’s not complaining and will be joining Crean on a trip to Egypt in June, which she won on a recent radio contest. The couple’s Breckenridge visit fell during the Mega Million’s lottery frenzy, when the national drawing hit a record $656 million. Crean says they purchased some tickets, but her lucky streak didn’t carry over.

Crean and Barton are pretty active, biking, hiking and typically skiing seven days a year with friends in the French Alps. They met in college and reconnected nine years later on Facebook. They’ve been to Disney World in Florida and skydived in Los Angeles, but this was their first trip to Colorado and first time skiing in the U.S.

The couple explored downtown Breckenridge, enjoying fine dining and live jazz at Blue River Bistro one evening; spent a day in Frisco, walked around Lake Dillon and took in Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Spring Fever festivities.

Crean has been skiing since she was 16, and Barton started later at 25. Both say they enjoyed the soft spring snow conditions, skiing most of Breck’s four peaks and noting how expansive the local mountains are.

“It’s a different atmosphere here,” Barton says. “It’s more spread-out. Spring Fever is a fun scene.”

Barton and Crean skied almost every day of their trip, arriving on the mountain at 11 a.m. and skiing until the chair lifts closed at 4 p.m. Neil tried snowboarding for a few days, but went back to skis to ease his sore muscles.

The two would like to extend a gracious thank you to the resort, Helly Hansen, Blacks and the many organizers for their wonderful visit.

Helly Hansen, a renowned Norwegian outdoor clothing specialist, began supplying uniforms for all Vail employees this season, totaling around 52,000 uniforms for 15,000 mountain professionals, including patrollers, mechanics and operations staff. For more information about Helly Hansen, click here.

-- Lisa Pogue

Blog Post: Spring It On at Northstar

Kate Thomas — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:26:00 GMT

Can you believe it is here already? This Sunday, April 15, 2012, is the closing day at Northstar and to celebrate the season Northstar is holding a ‘Spring It On’ party with activities for all ages, all day. Whether or not you are celebrating the end of the season, come on down, skid a pond, dress head-to-toe in 80s ski gear and have a good ole time. Here is the small print:

Roller skating
The ice has melted in the village so replacing the ice rink is one very awesome roller skating rink, perfect for that 80s look you will be donning this weekend. Ladies, think high pony tails, bright lipsticks and too much blusher. Gents, think Napoleon Dynamite. Boot rentals are available, food and beverages are all around and the California sun is due to beam on down. Embrace that inner child.

Village activities
Nothing is better than shopping, other than, shopping in sales and the shops at Northstar have got their end of season sales happening right now. Come find some bargains at The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, Burton and True North. Alternatively, use the creative side of your brain to paint some pottery in All Fired Up, to create a personalized candle at The Villager Candle Shop or to design a necklace at Farrah Rale. If you just want to sit and relax, catch a movie at the Village Cinema.

Bungy Trampoline
Let go of your limitations and jump high into the sky on the year round bungy at Northstar. Owned by Tahoe Apex Adventures, the Apex Bungy is fun, safe and available to all ages, children or adults.

Pond skim
Registration for the pond skim is at the top of the Big Springs Gondola and at 11.30 a.m. until 2 p.m. pond skimmers will attempt to skim across the Northstar pond. You cannot miss this event whether you are participating or not. It is bound to be a giggle for all involved.

Sunday brunch
This is the thing I love the most: Sunday brunch. We have this every week in England so this will be a must for me. Come feast on rustic sandwiches and mimosas while listening to live music in Petra, Northstar’s Mediterranean restaurant.

Live music
There will be live music playing all throughout the village all day. The main spots for live music will be the Big Springs Day Lodge, the Village Stage and DJ Ramone will be spinning the decks at The Chocolate Bar.

Phew, well, the line-up for Sunday sounds like a blast. Come and make the most of the last weekend of skiing (sob) with all these awesome activities. I can feel the big kid in me getting excited already. Must…avoid…sugar.

See you on the mountain for one last time.

--Kate Thomas

Blog Post: How to get great value out of your season pass

Beth Hartman — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:45:00 GMT

Even if you only use your Epic Pass a handful of times in a season, it's a great value overall - and for those of you who got in a few more days than that, it's the best deal around. Plus, there's the glory of EpicMix!

Now that the season is winding down over the next couple of weeks, it's a perfect time to look back at all the enjoyment you've earned over the last six months, from photos to badges to amazing deals at some of the best mountains in the world.

The undisputed champion of getting great value out of his Epic Pass is probably Charles A, who destroyed the competition on EpixMix last year with a surprise attack.

"No one, especially the former leader, saw Charles A. coming. Throughout the season, Shawn C. held the position with a vice grip. Then Charles A. made his EpicMix stats public... History was made. With over 7 million vertical feet skied over 171 days, no other EpicMix skier could even attempt to keep up."

After I saw Charles A. earlier this season on a lift at Keystone, riding with a GoPro helmet camera to further document his achievements, I have no doubt that he is well on his way towards his record from last year. According to the current leader board, he is getting close with 155 days this season, or 326 overall since EpicMix started tracking.

Another competitor high up on the leader boards both last year and this year is Justin E. who earned the prestigious Epic Conqueror pin. "Arguably, the Epic Conqueror pin is THE hardest pin to achieve through EpicMix. It is only awarded to those who rode every lift at every resort with EpicMix - a total of 92 lifts across Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Beaver Creek."

Even if you're not quite as serious of an EpicMix competitor as Charles or Justin, it only takes a handful of visits to the mountain to get great value out of a season pass with Vail Resorts. You also get all the benefits of the new EpicMix photo system and the enjoyment of competing with your friends. Make sure to renew your pass for next year, and see you on the slopes!

-- Beth

Blog Post: Helly Hansen: Good for all occasions

Chris Yonushewski — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:23:00 GMT

As part of my work with Vail Resorts on the Sprint SnowSquad, I'm lucky enough to test out some gear that comes my way. Already this season I have gotten to share my true feelings for my Maui Jim shades, as well as speak to the ability of Smartwool socks on the mountain.

All season I have been sporting some rockin' Helly Hansen outerwear, including the Breacan Jacket and the Misson Cargo Pants. But for my personal preference, the best piece of Helly Hansen gear must be the Mission Midlayer Jacket.

Great for any occasion
This light and warm layer is perfect for any time of the year. So far I've worn it during crisp autumn nights, sunny winter days, and for spring skiing of course. Comfy and stylish, this light jacket is perfect for nights on the town or on the slopes.

Between the interchanging hues of blue and green and the slim fit at the waist, this jacket is good enough to walk the runway, much less cruise the groomers. On the mountain it's large hood works well to keep heads and helmets out of the wind and snow. Personally, my favorite feature are the two large zipper pockets, perfect for storing all sorts goodies for snacks on the slopes.

Jolly Red Suit
That doesn't mean the outwear jacket and pants aren't worth taking about either. At first, I was taken aback by the bright red color of the suit, but now I love it. Easily identifiable and stylish on the mountain, they make a comprehensive snow suit that delivers exactly what I need. Both pants and jacket sport a great level of comfort, having the perfect amount of layers to keep warm without looking puffy or overheating on the mountain. The jacket provides plenty of pockets as well, including large interior ones for mobile lunches.

As for the pants, they keep my legs high and dry regardless of the depth or moisture of the snow. Their lined pockets keeps my phone, ipod, and spare layers warm and toasty, while the cargo pant pockets provide easy access in a hurry. But, not all can be perfect and my only qualms are this: the vent is on the outside of the leg instead of the inside and the weatherproofing on the zipper for the waist pockets makes them difficult to open and close sometimes. (Really, that's about it.) So in all seriousness, these are truly great pants and I'm glad to have broken them in this season.

All in all...
I couldn't be happier with my new mountain gear, whether it was a blizzard of a day or sunny bluebird skies, my Helly Hansen gear was just right for any occasion. So next time you're looking through the closet and decide it's time for a change, make sure to keep Helly Hansen in mind, you won't be sorry.

-- Chris Yonushewski

Blog Post: How to look fashionable on the mountain

Kate Thomas — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:57:00 GMT

Being from England, I had a slightly different idea about what to wear on the mountain to look ‘cool’ until I came to America. When I learned to ski in France over 6 years ago, you were more likely to see a 70s special ‘onesy’ than baggy snowboarder pants and a hoodie. I have observed many fashion styles this season and feel I can spot what the ‘cool’ look is. I, by no means, follow it, this is just a, how can I put it, a reflection.

Gaper Gap
This was a phrase I was not familiar with until somebody called me out for my Twitter handle picture. Yes, I was sporting a gaper gap. For those of you who are equally as ignorant to the phrase, it basically means when one has a gap between their beanie and their goggles. ‘Gapers’ can also be spotted for wearing 80s ski suits (not as costume), for tucking their pants into their boots, for looking uncomfortable or for being accident prone. Avoid being a ‘gaper.’

Rolled up ski pants
This isn’t like a ‘gaper’ who tucks in their ski pants, no, this is when the pants are just simply rolled up, showing lining of the pant and all. A favorite particularly among the younger park rats, I have been advised that this is actually what not to do. I think it is similar to when I guys pants hang below their bottom too far and they really need to understand the benefits of a belt. They take the 'cool' too far. Don't do it.

Goggle straps under helmet
First off, wearing your beanie under your helmet is a must because it keeps your head warm and helps with the whole gaper issue outlined above. The next question is whether or not to have your goggle straps under or over your helmet? Now, ‘the trend’ is to go under the helmet but I have practical issues with this. If you know me well, you know I have an enormous head so finding a helmet to fit was a problem in itself without calculating in goggle straps. Also, with straps underneath you have to wear your goggles on all the time. That annoys me. But I understand the sacrifices you have to make in the name of fashion, so on this one, under the helmet it is.

Facemask
Believe it or not, there is etiquette to face masks too. To be considered ‘cool’ ones facemask must be underneath your helmet strap but over the low part of your face up to your top lip/below your nose. If you want to look really scary, you can put it entirely over your nose and under your goggles so that even your own mother wouldn’t know it was you. A good idea if you are famous or wish people to think you are.

Always wear a helmet
This season the ski industry has been hard hit with injuries and deaths, so even though my article is laced in sarcasm, I will end by emphasizing, seriously, how important it is to wear a helmet. Even if you think you are the best skier or rider in the world, that does not mean that someone wearing a helmet won’t run into you, in which case their helmet will, undoubtedly, knock you out if not worse. Be safe. Look after yourself.

End of the season is closing in but Northstar is still gorgeous as ever. Fresh powder this weekend – I’ll be out there. I hope you’ll join me.

-- Kate Thomas