SEASON PASS NEWS

2012/2013 Season Pass Rates

Colorado Resorts Offer Enticing Passes Impacting 2011/12/13 Seasons

Timing Is Essential When Preparing For Remainder of 2011/12 Season and 2012/13 Season

Denver, Colo. – March 30, 2012 – Ski season is still in action this spring throughout Colorado Ski Country USA, and for the savvy skier looking ahead to cash in on what’s left of 2011/12 while getting a jump on next season, this is the perfect time to re-up and purchase a 2012/13 season pass. Now is the best and most economically-friendly period to buy next season’s passes, especially for those looking for the added benefit of some resorts’ commitment to presenting consumers with the rest of the 2011/12 season for free.

Below is a round-up of resort’s offers, deadlines, and multi-mountain passes in Colorado Ski Country. Deadlines are looming, so it behooves clever consumers to put down a minimal deposit to guarantee access to the best skiing and snow in the world next season.

Multi-mountain

The Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus offers unlimited skiing and riding at Winter Park / Mary Jane® and Copper Mountain, plus six unrestricted days at Steamboat. This pass is available for $419 through April 9, 2012, with no blackout dates. Consumers have the option of paying $49 now, with the remaining balance automatically charged to the same credit card in September. Insurance is also available for the pass, at the rates of: $20 for adults, $10 for children and $10 for 4-Packs. Pass holder benefits include 20 Friends & Family discounted tickets available for use anytime during the 2012/13 season (only available for use at Winter Park and Copper, 10 per resort), discounts on resort food and beverage, retail, rental, and ski and ride lessons at Winter Park and Copper, special pass holder offers via the Pass Perks monthly emails and summer benefits at Winter Park and Copper. call 800.977.SNOW for more information.

Arapahoe Basin

The 2012-13 Adult Season Pass (ages 19-69) is $299, Youth Pass (ages 15-18) is $209 and Child Pass (ages 6-14) is $139. These unrestricted passes are valid for the remainder of the 2011-12 season as well as the entire 2012/13 season. This offer is valid through June 3, 2012. Families also have to option to purchase the Family Pass when buying three or more 2012-13 Arapahoe Basin passes at one time. This includes receiving an Arapahoe Basin $10 gift card with each pass purchased. Arapahoe Basin pass holder discounts include friends and family Arapahoe Basin lift ticket discounts, one discounted half-day morning class lesson Friday – Sunday for the 2012-13 season, 10 percent off food (excluding the 6th Alley bar), 10 percent off purchases at Arapahoe Sports, five days of skiing at Bear Valley in California for the 2012-13 season and $10 off performance tunes in the Base’n Edge Tune Shop. Arapahoe Basin is offering skiers and riders the opportunity to secure these pass prices with a $49 deposit. The remaining balance will be due September 1, 2012. Call 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246) for more information.

Copper

Copper Mountain offers unrestricted riding on naturally divided terrain and free parking with an Adult Pass (ages 18-69) for $369. This year the resort is making it easy to commit with only $49 down, with the remaining balance due September 18, 2012. The Copper Mountain Four Pack is currently $139. These prices are good through April 9, 2012.

Crested Butte

The resort is now selling Platinum and Gold Passes until closing day, April 8, 2012. In addition to unlimited winter skiing and riding privileges, Platinum Pass holders will continue to have summer lift access as well as entry to the Adventure Park in both the 2012/13 winter and 2013 summer months. They will also receive four Buddy Tickets at $52 each, with blackout dates of December 21, 2012 – January 4, 2013 and March 8 – 14, 2013. New for next year, all Adult and Senior Platinum Pass holders will receive a free zipline tour for the winter season that is non-transferable. Gold Pass holders will have unlimited winter access and receive two Buddy Tickets, with the same blackout dates. The Platinum Pass is $999 for adults, $699 for seniors aged 65-69, $275 for seniors aged 70 and older, $275 for young adults (ages 13-17) and $225 for children (ages 7-12). The Gold Pass is $899 for adults, $649 for seniors aged 65-69, $225 for seniors aged 70 and older, $175 for young adults (ages 13-17) and $125 for children (ages 7-12). Call 970-349-2211 for more information.

Echo

Echo’s Unlimited Season Pass is $159 for the 2012/13 season. This price is good for renewals as well as first-time buyers from April 1 – May 1 only. It includes three free days (no blackout dates) at Ski Cooper and Sunlight and two discounted ($25) buddy passes for 2012-2013 season (not valid December 21-29, 2012).

Loveland

Loveland Ski Area’s 2012/2013 season passes will go on sale on Monday, April 9, 2012. These season passes are valid for the remainder of the 2011/2012 season, and include free days at Monarch Mountain and Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort for the 2012/2013 season. Pass prices are $369 for adults (ages 23-69) or $349 if renewing from last year, $269 for young adults (ages 15-22) or $249 if renewing from last year, $159 for children (ages 6-14) or $149 if renewing from last year, $259 for a Midweek Pass (every Monday – Friday with no holiday blackouts) or $149 if renewing from last year, and $79 for seniors (aged 70 and older). Loveland Ski Area is scheduled to close on May 6, 2012.

Monarch

Monarch’s 2012/13 One Planet One Pass is $319 for existing pass holders and $329 for first time buyers. For children (ages 7-12), passes are $109 through July 4, 2012. Passes go on sale on April 1, 2012 and now offer free or discounted skiing and riding at more than 30 ski areas around the world. The One Planet One Pass is good on two continents, four countries and nine states, including nine resorts in Colorado. New areas are being added to the pass constantly, including Red Mountain, British Columbia for the 2012/13 season. Call 888.996.7669 for more information.

Powderhorn Mountain

Next season’s pass sale began on March 17 and runs through the closing day of Powderhorn on April 1. Adult season passes are $399. Pre-season pass purchase is only available at the Powderhorn ticket office at the resort. New for the 2012/13 season, Powderhorn is also introducing a new partnership with Steamboat Ski Resort. Powderhorn pass holders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the Steamboat 5 Pack pass product for $149. The Steamboat 5 Pack is unrestricted and includes five days of skiing or riding at Steamboat. This opportunity is available to all non-transferable Powderhorn season pass holders. Call 970-268-5700, ext. 2100 for more information.

Purgatory

With pricing good through Monday, April 30, 2012, Purgatory’s season passes for the 2012/2013 are as follows: Adult Season Passes are $599, College Student Passes (must be enrolled with12 credit hours) are $399 and Child Season Passes are $269. Season pass holders receive unlimited skiing and riding with no blackout dates at Purgatory and can ski free at other participating resorts. In addition, season pass holders can take advantage of summer activities at Durango Mountain Resort before the ski season begins. New for 2012/13, Purgatory has added three partner resorts, including three free days at Powder Mountain and Brian Head, UT and Sunlight, CO. Other benefits include three free days at Loveland, Powderhorn, Monarch and Taos, NM, three half-price days at Crested Butte, Alta, UT, and Snowbowl, AZ. In addition, guests receive discounts at Durango Mountain Resort restaurants, retail outlets and at the resort’s Ski and Ride School. Some blackout dates apply for other resorts. Season pass holders can also bring a friend to Purgatory and receive discounted lift tickets for $65 (limit one per day, five tickets per season). Lift ticket prices for adults are $75; children $45; young adults $60; and seniors $65. Pass insurance is also available for six percent of the cost of the pass. Call 970-385-2168 for more information.

Ski Granby Ranch (formerly SolVista Basin)

Ski Granby Ranch is offering early season pass pricing until April 30. Winter Lift Passes are $299 for adults (ages 13-60), $119 for juniors (ages 6-12), $249 for seniors (ages 61 and up), and $69 for Grand County students. The resort is also offering All Season Fun Passes, which include skiing, biking, golfing and fishing. These passes are $899 for an Adult Unlimited (ages 13 and up), $699 for a Junior Unlimited (ages 6-12) and $799 for a Senior Unlimited (ages 61 and up). In addition, Ski Granby Ranch is offering $25 lift tickets April 2 – 8, 2012.

Steamboat

The Steamboat Season Pass offers unrestricted access to nearly 3,000 acres, 3,668 vertical feet spread across six peaks, topped by Steamboat’s signature Champagne® Powder snow, for $959. When a parent or legal guardian purchases an adult Steamboat Season Pass, one child (12 and under) will receive a free child season pass. Season Pass benefits allow pass holders to enjoy additional savings on dining, rentals, the Ski and Snowboard School, guided gourmet snowshoe tours and dining at Steamboat Grand all season long. Guests can upgrade any Steamboat Season Pass to include unrestricted skiing and riding at Winter Park Resort for $75.

The PURE Pass provides six days of skiing and riding for $439 and fifteen days for $719. Through April 9, the PURE-6 is being offered at a special, limited time $419 rate. As an added bonus, the PURE pass enables pass holders to reload their individual pass with special $39 tickets for PURE-15 and $49 tickets for PURE-6 with no restrictions throughout the season. These prices can be locked now with $99 down and final payment due in September. Call 877-276-2628 for more information.

Winter Park/ Mary Jane

The Winter Park / Mary Jane® Season Pass offers unrestricted access to Winter Park’s cruisers and Mary Jane’s famous mogul runs all season long for $369. The Winter Park Four Pass is also available for $149. Prices are good through April 9, 2012.

Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Ski Area will be offering up to 20 percent off regular season pass prices during the pre-season pass sale, which will take place during the first week of October, 2012.


MT. ROSE

Adult (23-64) $377

Senior (65+) $277

College $277

U-22 (13-22) $247

Child (6-12) $147

RAW Pass $247

LATE SEASON SPECIALS
valid through the end of the 2011-12 season

$49 First Timer Packages

for ages 11+ Save $20!

First Timer Packages include a 90-minute lesson, beginner lift ticket & rental equipment.

Valid for skiing or snowboarding. Save $20 off the window rate by purchasing online!

UNLIMITED SPRING PASS

Down* Balance
Adult (23-64) $99 $300
Senior (65+) $69 $200
U-22 (13-22) $69 $200
Child (6-12) $39 $100

ECHO MOUNTAIN WILL AUCTION SEASON PASS TO BENEFIT FIRE VICTIMS

ECHO MOUNTAIN, CO – Echo Mountain announced today that the privately-owned ski and snowboard area will host an online auction for the mountain’s first season pass for 2012-2013. All of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to the Lower North Fork Fire victims.

Beginning at 5pm today, bids can be submitted any time prior to the 5pm Saturday (MDT) deadline with eBay serving as the primary platform for the auction. Updates on the bidding will be available at the Echo Mountain Facebook page.

“We’ve had employees, season pass holders and daily customers affected by this tragedy and want to help those people out,” said Cindy Dady, Echo Mountain general manager. “When disasters like this hit so close to home, it really takes a toll. We’ve got a special, unique opportunity to contribute to the relief efforts.”

Season passes for the 2012-2013 ski/snowboard season are not yet available to the public. They go on sale this Sunday morning at 10am, so this winning bidder will have a unique, exclusive prize that’s meaningful at the same time.

While the season pass retails for $159, the perceived value is much greater.

“The 2012-2013 Echo Mountain season pass also includes three days at each of our partner resorts – Ski Cooper, Sunlight and Powderhorn,” Dady continued. “For a limited time, buyers also get two $25 buddy passes added to their season pass, so the total value is well over $700. It’s a great deal – and a great way to help out some folks who really need it.”

Echo Mountain will also be collecting cash donations at the mountain throughout the remainder of the 2011-2012 season.


MONARCH MOUNTAIN 1212/1213 Season Pass

Renewal
Price
Early Season
Price
4/1/12 -7/4/12 4/1/12- 7/4/12
Adult (ages 16-61) $319.00 $329.00
Teen (ages 13-15) $189.00 $199.00
Junior (ages 7-12) $109.00 $119.00
Senior (ages 62-68) $189.00 $199.00

SUPER SENIOR (ages 69 and over) passes are FREE but may NOT be used with partner resorts.
CHILD (AGES 6 and under) are FREE with the purchase of an Adult Season Pass.


With the 2012/13 Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus, you’ll get unlimited skiing and riding at two of Colorado’s favorite resorts, Winter Park/Mary Jane and Copper Mountain, along with six unrestricted days at Steamboat, for only $419. Plus if you buy your pass today, you’ll only have to put $49 down.

* 5 and under: $30, Child (6-12): $219, Teen: $329,
College: $329**, 70+: $219 · Friends and Family discount tickets to be used anytime during the 2012/13 season***

· Discounts on rental/retail, food and beverage and Ski & Ride School

· Summer 2012 benefits at Winter Park and Copper

· One-year subscription to SKI magazine

· Discounts off full-window rate lift tickets and lodging at most Intrawest resorts including Whistler Blackcomb (excluding Colorado resorts)

· Receive special passholder offers via the Pass Perks email


Save up to $300 on Stratton Season Pass

Best Bargains End April 30

STRATTON MOUNTAIN, VERMONT, March 28, 2012 – With a winter of terrific turns under our belts, now is the time to ensure that you’ll get even more out of the next one with a great deal on next year’s season pass. Buy your 2012-2013 Stratton season pass before April 30 to save up to $300 so you can be here from the first gondola to the last, and every day in between.

Weekend warriors, mid-week mavens and those who want it all will find a Stratton season pass to suit their schedule and budget at the same rate as 2011-12. Stratton-only pass prices are staying the same as we head into our 51st season. Whether you choose a Stratton-only pass or one with skiing privileges at Okemo and Mt. Sunapee, you’ll enjoy Stratton’s signature corduroy, high-speed lifts and stunning views all season long.

From our $499 Value pass to our all-access Ultra pass, this is one piece of gear to get early for skiing and riding all season at the best price around. Don’t wait a whole summer to get back on the mountain; take your shiny new pass for a free summer gondola ride and experience Stratton in a whole new season. Concerts, golf, hikes, festivals and more are in store this summer so the on-hill action continues all year round.
Call 1-800-STRATTON


2012-2013 SEASON PASSES NOW ON SALE AT CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT

New this year, the resort offers pass financing during the spring pass sale

MT. CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – March 26 – Already looking to next ski season, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has just launched their spring sale for 2012-2013 Season Passes. The resort is now selling their Platinum and Gold Passes until closing day, April 8, 2012. Buying now allows the passholder to receive the biggest discount on next year’s skiing privileges, as well as the option to finance adult and senior passes. For this spring pass sale, rates are being held the same as they were last year during this early season sale period. The 2012-2013 season begins November 21, 2012 and ends April 7, 2013, giving passholders 138 days of skiing and riding at the resort.

Platinum Season Pass

In addition to unlimited winter skiing and riding privileges, Platinum passholders will continue to have summer lift access as well as entry to the Adventure Park in both the winter and 2013 summer months. They will also receive 4 Buddy Tickets at $52 each, with blackout dates of Dec. 21, 2012 – Jan. 4, 2013 and March 8 – 14, 2013. New for next year, all Adult and Senior Platinum passholders will receive a free zipline tour for the winter season that is non-transferrable. The price for an Adult Platinum Pass is $999, Senior (ages 65-69) is $699, Senior (ages 70+) is $275, Child (ages 7-12) is $225 and Young Adult is $275 (ages 13-17).

Gold Season Pass

Gold passholders will have unlimited winter access and receive 2 Buddy Tickets, with the same blackout dates as above. The price for an Adult Gold Pass is $899, Senior (ages 65-69) is $649, Senior (ages 70+) is $225, Child (ages 7-12) is $125 and Young Adult (ages 13-17) is $175.

Family Package

A great opportunity for skiing families is the Family Package. The Family Package gives one children’s pass, ages 12 and under, for every adult pass purchased. The price of the family package is the same as the adult platinum or gold pass.

Pass Financing

New this year, the resort is implementing a pass financing option for those looking to get the best rate on their 2012-2013 passes, but allowing the ability to defer some of the payment. The program requires the passholder to pay for 50% of the pass plus a $25 processing fee by April 8, 2012. The other 50% will be due in one payment on or before August 8, 2012. Pass financing is only available for Adult and Senior Platinum and Gold passes. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit required for all financing, if the passholder wishes to refund or change their pass prior to when the second payment is due. Therefore, in the event you wish to refund your pass before paying the entire amount you will forego the $100 deposit along with the $25 processing fee.

For all questions and to purchase a pass go to the Pass Office in the Adventure Center. Guests can also call 970-349-2211


HEAVENLY, KIRKWOOD EXTEND THEIR SEASONS

Up to Nine Feet of Recent Snowfall Gives Resorts Snowpack for Ski and Snowboard Operations Well into Spring New 2012-13 Passholders Receive Full Extended Season Ski and Snowboard Privileges

South Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. – March 26, 2012 – On the heels of the most powerful storm to hit the Lake Tahoe region this winter, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have announced plans to extend their respective ski and snowboard seasons.

“It’s no secret that this has been one of the most challenging seasons on record,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “So we wanted to reward all the pass holders who stood by us this season, and create more opportunities for them to realize even more value from what was already the best pass product on the market.”

Heavenly’s closing day was slated for April 15, 2012. After that date, the resort will shut down during the week, and re-open Friday through Sunday the weekends of April 20 – 22, 2012, and April 27 – 29, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. Kirkwood will keep the same weekend-only schedule as long as snow conditions will support skiing and snowboarding.

New 2012-13 pass holders already received one free day in April 2012 with the purchase of next season’s pass, and now their 2012-13 pass will grant them access to the entire extended portion of the season, as many as six days at Heavenly and more at Kirkwood, weather and conditions permitting.

Heavenly’s operation will include the Heavenly Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express, with a limited expert-only operation at Gunbarrel Express. Kirkwood plans to operate Chair #6, Cornice Express, and Chair #10, Wagon Wheel.

“The snowpack really got a boost from this last storm and we’re confident we’ll have great skiing and snowboarding well into spring at both resorts,” said Casey Blann, Heavenly’s vice president of mountain operations and the incoming general manager of Kirkwood. “Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood have consistently provided the best skiing and snowboarding all season, and this spring will be no exception.”

“The benefits that new pass holders receive in the extended season alone make purchasing the Tahoe Value Pass or the Tahoe Local Pass a total no-brainer,” Sonntag said. “Just do the math. You can purchase Lake Tahoe’s best pass for $419 and essentially pay it off before next season even starts.”

Vail Resorts recently announced the best value in 2012-13 season passes, including the new Tahoe Local Pass that provides access to more than 10,000 total skiable acres between Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, marking the most combined terrain in Tahoe. Priced at $419, Tahoe Local pass holders receive seven-day-per-week access the three best resorts in the Tahoe region for $80 less than last year’s comparable Epic Local Pass. Guests of Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood now have a variety of season pass options to choose from depending on when and how often they want to ski and ride.

New for 2012-13, the Tahoe Local Pass™ offers skiing and riding seven days a week to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood for $419. The Tahoe Local Pass includes access on Saturdays at all three Tahoe resorts with limited holiday restrictions and $50 pass holder tickets available for purchase during blackout dates. Priced $80 less than last year’s comparable Epic Local Pass, the Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself in just over four days.

The Tahoe Value Pass™, available for $379, includes skiing or riding seven days a week at Heavenly and skiing or riding at Northstar and Kirkwood on Sunday-Friday, with all Saturdays blacked out. Holiday restrictions apply, but pass holders can purchase a $50 ticket to any of the three resorts on restricted dates. In less than four days of skiing or riding, the Tahoe Value Pass pays for itself.

The Epic Pass™, the best season pass deal in the ski industry, offers unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin for $659. The Epic Pass pays for itself in less than six days on the mountain.

Epic 7-Day™ pays for itself in less than five days and is ideal for people who don’t plan to ski more than seven days. The Epic 7-Day gives skiers and snowboarders a total of seven unrestricted days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Northstar, plus Arapahoe Basin anytime during the season for a price of $509.

A Kirkwood-only pass will also be announced at a later date.

Early spring benefits are only guaranteed through April 15, 2012, and Vail Resorts is giving guests the option to lock in these prices now with a $49 down payment, with the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2012. Locking in the Tahoe Local or Tahoe Value pass with the $49 down payment also gives pass holders access to six Buddy Tickets to use for themselves, or for skiing or riding with friends.


SUGAR BOWL ANNOUNCES 12/13 SEASON PASSES, INCLUDES FREE SKIING & RIDING FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 11/12 SEASON

(Donner Summit, Calif) – Sugar Bowl Resort has announced their lineup of 2012/13 Season Passes, including Unrestricted, Slightly Restricted, Summit Sunday, College and Midweek options for all age groups. All 12/13 Season Passes will also include skiing & riding privileges for the remainder of the current 11/12 season.

New Season Passholders for 12/13 will receive the current 11/12 season pass prices, while all current 11/12 Sugar Bowl Season Passholders who choose to renew their season pass for 12/13 by June 1st will receive the 11/12 early-season rates. Current CORE members can also use 50,000 of their 11/12 CORE points to receive $50 off the price of their 12/13 Season Pass.

All Sugar Bowl Season Passes include membership in the CORE Rewards Program, which offers points-based perks across the entire resort. In addition, all Sugar Bowl Season Passholders ages 4 and up are eligible to participate in the General Admission Program, offering a free 2 hour group lesson and free standard equipment rental on General Admission days.

For more information and pass prices visit sugarbowl.com/seasonpass or call the Mount Judah Special Ticket Office at (530) 426-6783.


Arapahoe Basin 2012-2013 Season Passes Now on Sale

Arapahoe Basin, CO – March 20, 2012 – Arapahoe Basin’s 2012-2013 season passes are now on sale. Buy now and ski the rest of the 2011-12 season for free.

A-Basin Season Pass

The 2012-13 Arapahoe Basin Adult Season Pass (ages 19-69) is now on sale for $299, the Youth Pass (ages 15-18) can be purchased for $209, and the Child Pass (ages 6-14) can be purchased for $139. These unrestricted passes are valid for the remainder of the 2011-12 season as well as the entire 2012-13 season.

NEW for the 2012-2013 Season – A-Basin Family Pass

Purchase three or more 2012-13 A-Basin passes at one time for your immediate family and receive an A-Basin $10 gift card with each pass purchased. The pass is priced the same as the A-Basin Season Pass, but a $10 gift card is included for each pass. All of the A-Basin regular season pass benefits apply. The gift card cannot be applied to the pass purchase and it is not available for Child 5 and under or Senior 70+ passes.

Pass Holder Benefits

A-Basin pass holder discounts include friends and family A-Basin lift ticket discounts, one discounted half-day morning class lesson Friday – Sunday for the 2012-13 season, 10% off food (excluding the 6th Alley bar), 10% off purchases made at Arapahoe Sports, 5 days of skiing at Bear Valley in California for the 2012-13 season and $10 off performance tunes in the Base’n Edge Tune Shop.

$49 Deposit

Arapahoe Basin is offering skiers and riders the opportunity to secure these pass prices with a $49 deposit. The remaining balance will be due September 1, 2012. A deposit can be made online at www.arapahoebasin.com or by calling 888-ARAPAHOE. Deposits are accepted on pass purchases made through June 3, 2012. Full payment is required on passes used during the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

These 2012-13 pass prices are valid now through June 3, 2012. Prices may increase after that time. Passes can be purchased in person at the ski area until closing day (scheduled for June 3, 2012) or online or call 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246) for additional information.


Talkington Takes Top Spot A Mount Snow’s Carinthia Open Freestyle Competition

West Dover, VT (March 18, 2012) – Mount Snow Resort hosted the 5th Annual Carinthia Open with more than 110 professional and amateur skiers and riders taking on a slopestyle course in The Gulch; one of the eight terrain parks at Mount Snow’s Carinthia which is the only all freestyle terrain mountain face in the East. Top amateurs went home with armloads of prizes from event sponsors and top professionals will be cashing checks they earned from part of the $10,000 purse.

In front of a good size crowd on a sunny St. Patrick’s Day, every competitor seemed to step it up a notch throwing technical tricks on the rail section at the top of the course and launching huge airs off the three 45-55 foot kickers at the bottom of the course.

Vermonter Dale Talkington took first in the pro men’s ski division, Jamie Crane-Mauzy won the women’s pro ski division and Cody Ellison stood atop the podium for the men’s pro snowboarders.

The Carinthia Open is an Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) Bronze Certified Event and is open to male and female skiers and riders at the professional amateur levels.

Event sponsors include Skull Candy, Bern, Smith Optics, Rome SDS, Contour, Freeskier Magazine, Neff and Rossignol.


2012-13 MY PICO SEASON PASS PRICES ANNOUNCED TODAY

KILLINGTON, Vt. (March 9, 2012) – Pico Mountain, home to big mountain terrain with small mountain charm, announces 2012-13 Season Pass pricing today for the spring sale. Guests can take advantage of the best prices in New England for Pico season passes when they purchase by April 26, 2012. Plus, Pico Mountain is offering guests who purchase and pay in full the opportunity to use their 2012-13 season pass starting March 15, 2012, or opt for the Summer Payment Plan and start using their pass next season.

For the 2012-13 season, Pico will offer My Pico Unlimited Adult pass (ages 19-64) season passes for just $349; Youth/Senior pass (7-18/65+) for $249; Unlimited Child pass (6 and under) for $39. My Pico Unlimited Pass is valid every day of the 2012-13 season from mid-December through the end of March, weather and snow conditions permitting. My Pico Pass holders receive numerous benefits, including discounts on Snowsports School lessons, food & beverage, retail, lift tickets and demos.

Additionally, My Pico Pass holders can add on a Killington Resort upgrade to their passes for only $99 for all ages and ski or ride at Killington one day a week when Pico is closed on either Tuesday or Wednesday, non-peak*.

Returning for the 2012-13 season are renewable My Pico Passes. If you are currently a 2011-12 season pass holder, keep your pass because after you sign the 2012-13 Express Acceptance of Risks, Indemnification & Forum Selection Agreement form, you will be able to skip the line and head directly to the lifts on opening day. Pico will also be offering an all-ages Refund Protection Option. For only 5% of your pass price you will receive a full refund if you are unable to ski/ride for the remainder of the season due to injury, illness, job transfer, etc. (some restrictions apply).

Pico will also offer a Summer Payment plan for all 2012-13 season passes purchased before the April 26 deadline for 1.5% non-refundable fee per pass. Simply purchase a pass with a credit card at the Ticket Sales Center or by calling 866-667-7426) by April 26, and pay 33 percent of the total season pass purchase at the time of your order, 33 percent will be automatically charged to your credit card on June 30, 2012 and the final 34 percent will automatically be charged to your card on August 30, 2012.

Lift hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends and peak days.

*Peak days for the 2012-13 season include: December 24-31, 2012; January 19-20, 2013; February 13-22, 2013


The Best Season Passes in the Ski Industry Just Got Better for the 2012-2013 Ski and Snowboard Season with the Addition of Kirkwood to Heavenly and Northstar in Tahoe

The New Tahoe Local Pass Gives Skiers and Snowboarders Access to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood Seven Days a Week for Only $419, $80 Less than Last Season’s Epic Local Pass.

$49 Down NowLocks in the Best Deal for the Winter Ski and Snowboard Season with the New Tahoe Local Pass, Epic Pass and Tahoe Value Pass.

Buy the Tahoe Value Pass or New Tahoe Local Pass Before April 15 and Receive Six Buddy Tickets for Skiing and Riding with Friends All Season Long at Lake Tahoe.

HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT, Calif./Nev. – Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) ski and snowboard season passes for the 2012-2013 winter season go on sale today and feature the best prices in the industry. With the recent addition of Kirkwood Mountain Resort in the Lake Tahoe region, Vail Resorts created the new Tahoe Local Pass that gives pass holders access to more than 10,000 total skiable acres between Kirkwood, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California, marking the most combined terrain in Tahoe. Priced at $419, pass holders receive seven-day-per-week access to an extra resort in the Tahoe region for $80 less than last year’s comparable Epic Local Pass.

“Each of our Tahoe resorts offers a different type of skiing and riding experience and now skiers and snowboarders can have it all on one pass from Heavenly’s breathtaking scenery and Northstar’s award-winning terrain parks to Kirkwood’s high alpine steep terrain,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “And new for the 12/13 ski season we are offering The Tahoe Local Pass, providing skiing seven days a week at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.”

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, located about 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, offers 2,300 acres of pure high alpine skiing and riding at its best with the most annual average snowfall in Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort combines a one-of-a-kind scenic view and unparalleled tree skiing across 4,800 acres with the non-stop nightlife atmosphere of South Lake Tahoe. On the North Shore, Northstar California features award-winning terrain parks, Lake Tahoe’s only 22-foot superpipe and an elegant base area village with unique family-friendly activities, shops and restaurants.

Skiers and riders who purchase the Tahoe Value Pass or the new Tahoe Local Pass before April 15, 2012 will receive an added benefit of six buddy tickets for family and friends next ski season, and anyone who purchases their pass this spring will also receive special benefits for summer 2012, including access for sightseeing and gondola rides.

All season pass holders receive exclusive offers and promotions on lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events for the 2012-2013 ski and snowboard season.

Prices listed below are only guaranteed through April 15, 2012, and Vail Resorts is giving guests the option to lock in these prices now with a $49 down-payment, with the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2012.

• New for 2012-2013, the Tahoe Local Pass™ offers skiing and riding seven days a week to Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood resorts for $419. The Tahoe Local Pass includes access on Saturdays at all three Tahoe resorts with limited holiday restrictions and $50 pass holder tickets available for purchase during blackout dates. Priced $80 less than last year’s comparable Epic Local Pass, the Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself in just over four days.

• The Tahoe Value Pass™, available for $379, includes skiing or riding seven days a week at Heavenly and skiing or riding at Northstar and Kirkwood on Sunday-Friday, with all Saturdays blacked out. Holiday restrictions apply, but pass holders can purchase a $50 ticket to any of the three resorts on restricted dates. In less than four days of skiing or riding, the Tahoe Value Pass pays for itself.

• A Kirkwood-only pass will also be announced at a later date.

• The Epic Pass™, the best season pass deal in the ski industry, offers unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin for $659. The Epic Pass pays for itself in less than six days on the mountain.

•Epic 7-Day™ pays for itself in less than five days and is ideal for people who don’t plan to ski more than seven days. The Epic 7-Day gives skiers and snowboarders a total of seven unrestricted days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, and Northstar, plus Arapahoe Basin anytime during the season for a price of $509.

Season Pass Insurance Option: Protect Your Pass Investment in the Event of an Unexpected Circumstance
Vail Resorts encourages its guests to purchase pass insurance. All of its pass products are non-refundable. However, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected circumstances including sickness, injuries and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes and the Epic 7-Day valid for the 2012-2013 ski and snowboard season.

New This Year: Season Pass Auto Renewal Program

The Vail Resorts Season Pass Auto Renewal Program is the most convenient way to automatically renew your season pass every year, while guaranteeing next season’s lowest price. Valid on all Vail Resorts season passes, excluding college and certain senior passes. The program automatically charges $49 down to a credit card each spring, with the remainder charged in the fall for the same product pass holders purchased when initially enrolling in the Auto Renewal Program. Customers must opt-in to the Auto Renewal program and may cancel their enrollment any time, prior to the following spring when the $49 down payment is charged.


Get Your 2012-’13 Whiteface Season Pass and

Enjoy Springfest Fun at the Olympic Mountain

WILMINGTON, N.Y. — It’s never too early to get a jump on the 2012-’13 skiing and riding season at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y. Beginning Monday, March 12, next season’s passes go on sale with the popular Whiteface Only Non-Holiday pass for only $439 (ages 23-64), $299 for juniors (7-12) and just $30 for skiers or riders six and under. When you purchase your season pass, you’ll ski or ride the rest of this season for free.

While at the Olympic mountain this weekend be sure to take in all of the Springfest fun. On Friday, March 9, join Centerplate executive chef Jen Moody for hands on cooking demonstration in the J. Lohr Café, complete with a wine pairing.

Saturday, March 10, join the Whiteface staff for first tracks and mountain tours. First tracks skiers and riders, intermediate and above, must have a valid lift ticket and be at the guest services desk at 7:45 a.m., suited, booted and ready to go. Space is limited to the first 14 guests. Hosted by one of the Whiteface’s supervisors, the mountain tour is slated to begin at 9 a.m. and is limited to 10 skiers and riders.

Saturday’s lineup also features a park session, for all levels of skiers and riders, at 1 p.m., and the kids crafts and fun zone, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a costume parade at 2 p.m. Live music also begins at 2 p.m. in the Cloudspin Lounge with Stone Ground Express.

On Sunday, March 11, ski or ride Whiteface Mountain for just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors during Shamrock Super Sunday, presented by Bud Light.

Sunday begins with first tracks, at 7:45 a.m. and continues with the skier/boarder cross competition. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the guest services desk and the event gets underway at 11 a.m. as skiers and riders compete for prizes from Cunningham’s Ski barn, EMS Lake Placid, Maui North and Viking Ski Shops and the grand prize, a new pair of K2 A.M.P. Rictor skis with Marker MX 14.0 bindings.

At the end of the day, enjoy drink specials including Bushmill Irish coffees and Killians Irish Red bottle specials while enjoying live music from Inisheer in the Cloudspin Lounge.


Kingsbury wins Europa Cup on Olympic course

Freestyle Team wraps up Sochi orientation

SOCHI, RUSSIA (March 5, 2012) – The Canadian National Mogul and Aerial Teams wrapped up their week-long visit here with a Europa Cup mogul event today.

Deux-Montagnes, Que. native Mikael Kingsbury, one of only three Canadians to compete on the 2014 Olympic course, continued his remarkable season by winning the event with a score of 25.68 over Russian brothers Sergey and Andrey Volkov who were second and third at 24.91 and 24.22, respectively.

Canadian Marc-Antoine Gagnon, from Terrebonne, Que. was a close fourth at 23.31 on the very snowy course; Philippe Marquis of Quebec City was 15th after he hit a chunk of ice and fell following his second jump in the finals.

Rosemere, Quebec’s Alex Bilodeau was not feeling well and did not compete. Nor did any of the Canadian women, opting instead to save their competitive energy for the three remaining FIS World Cup stops on this year’s tour. However, they all had a lot of opportunity to train on the Olympic mogul course — which is 28 degrees and approximately 240 meters, a little flatter and shorter than the majority of World Cup courses.

The visit to Sochi was not really about the Europa Cup event, rather it was a chance for Canadian 2014 freestyle prospects and their support teams to familiarize themselves with the sites and the climate at Rosa Khutor, the host venue for the freestyle, alpine and sliding events at the Sochi Games.

In this respect, the trip was a huge success.

“This was a very difficult week weather-wise, which was excellent for us,” said Canadian Freestyle Ski Association CEO Peter Judge.

“It was the worst of Nagano (Japan) and Cypress (Vancouver) all rolled into one. There was sun, fog and pounding wet snow.

“In this sense it was a crucial learning experience for our team, just to have it in their heads what this place is all about makes the experience far less onerous for anyone who might be tripped up easily by changing conditions.”

The Canadian contingent was also impressed with the venues and security setup in Sochi. “They’re in very good shape,” concluded Judge about the Russian organizing committee.

Kingsbury echoed Judge’s sentiments. He said, “It’s good to compete here. It’s hard here with the changing snow conditions every day, every single training day had completely different conditions.

“I’m happy we competed even if it was a push because of our busy schedule. And, winning today is for sure good for my confidence. Now I know the course and I know that I can win on it and I know it will be hard with the weather. So all of that is good for the Olympics.”

The Canadian mogul team next competes at an FIS World Cup competition in Are, Sweden on March 9 and 10.

The Canadian Aerial Team now moves to downtown Moscow for a World Cup on a man-made scaffolding in the centre of the city on March 10.


Four medal day in the park
Canada earns a gold and three silvers in the newest Olympic disciplines
MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA (March 4, 2012) – Extreme weather conditions that closed the mountain and significantly curtailed training earlier in the week didn’t hamper Canada’s performance at the FIS ski halfpipe and ski slopestyle events here today as the world’s top freestyle nation skied away with four medals.

In ski slopestyle the day belonged to Montreal’s Kaya Turski, who has walked away with a gold medal at every event she’s entered this season. The former pro-rollerblader scored 93.2 on the seven-feature course to best second-place Devin Logan of the US by almost five points. Logan scored 87.6. Emma Wint, also of the US was third at 83.4.

Turski, who has spent the last three winters living here, said she definitely had a mental advantage today, “It was great to stay in my own place and sleep in my own bed. But still, it was a tough week with everything getting postponed. I’m really happy and really excited with my runs.”

And of the fact that she’s won everything she’s entered this year, including X Games, and both Dew Tour events? “I’m feeling great, I’m rolling with some great momentum at the moment.”

Rookie Yuki Tsubota from Pemberton, B.C. was the next Canadian in fifth at 70.4. Dara Howell from Huntsville, Ont. rounded out the Canadian women finalists in eighth at 44.0.

In men’s slopestyle 18-year-old Alex Bellemare had his biggest finish ever in a major event, earning the silver at 89.2. He was sandwiched by Americans Tom Wallisch and Joss Christiansen who scored 96.4 and 87.2, respectively.

“It feels awesome, I haven’t felt this good in while,” said Bellemare, who calls St. Boniface, Que. home. “It all happened on the rails for me today. I was pretty creative, with a high difficulty and a super clean solid run.

“I’m from Quebec,” he explained with a laugh, “so I love rails because we have no jumps to practice on there.”

Victoriaville, Que.’s Charles Gagnier was the only other Canadian in the final. He stomped a solid run to land in sixth at 84.2.

Meanwhile, in the halfpipe, Canada’s X Games champ Rosalind Groenewoud along with her teammate and fellow Calgarian, Noah Bowman, rounded out Canada’s four-medal day with a pair of silvers.

Groenewoud at 87.0 was flanked by Americans Brita Sigourney who scored 90.8 and Maddie Bowman at 84.6.

“We didn’t have a lot of training because of the blizzard this week, so I wasn’t that confident coming into the competition today. In my first run I had a few mistakes that I wanted to clean up on the second run. Unfortunately that didn’t work out because I hit the deck and blew a binding off my ski (on my second run). But I’m okay and I’m happy,” said Groenewoud who added that today’s 15 degree weather was not her friend.

“It is extraordinarily hot out which is not my forte — I’m a child of the winter so it was a big challenge. I’m melting wearing a tank top and a jacket.”

Groenewoud also won the high air prize today, adding an extra $2,500 to her coffers. It was a kind of vindication for the girl who loves to fly, often boosting more than 14-feet out of the pipe, “My first hit straight air is my favorite part of my run, I don’t want to change it for anything, so it’s cool that it was appreciated in a way that it isn’t usually.”

Calgary’s Megan Gunning also made finals, but finished 12th at 19.0.

On the men’s side Bowman, proved his X Games silver medal last month was no fluke when he scored 92.0 to take second spot to the US’s David Wise who scored 94.4. Valentin Benoit from France rounded out the men’s podium at 90.0.

Bowman said he feels that he’s starting to figure out his mental game. He performed his signature ‘alley-oop dub nine’ but neglected to use another something special he had up his sleeve.

He said, “I had something else I wanted to try but I didn’t end up doing it because I didn’t feel confident going into the hit. I guess I thought it was better to keep it safe than to try something dangerous.”

Penticton, B.C.’s Matt Margetts earned the highest air prize for the men. Unfortunately despite some amazing skiing he was unable to put an entire run together and finished the day 11th at 33.8.

Mike Riddle, from Sherwood Park, Alta, also qualified for finals, but was under the weather. He finished 12th at 18.2.

The Canadian Halfpipe and Slopestyle squads next head to the Euro X Games in France, March 13-16. Ski halfpipe and slopestyle make their Olympic debut in Sochi in 2014.


Victory for Marquis on Canada’s three medal day
Kingsbury and Chloé Dufour-Lapointe take silver in Sweden World Cup

ARE, SWEDEN (March 9, 2012) – Philippe Marquis took his first FIS World Cup victory in a mogul event here today. His teammates Mikael Kingsbury and Chloé Dufour-Lapointe both earned silvers in Canada’s three-medal day.

Marquis scored 24.79 in the super final to best his teammate Kingsbury, who earned 24.48 points. Japan’s Sho Endo was third with a score of 24.23.

The changing weather conditions on the course, from rain to sun and back to rain for the super finals didn’t hamper Marquis’ performance.

In fact, the Quebec City native said, “This place has been amazing for years, and today was my first final on this course. It’s a really good course to rip. It was okay with the changing weather because we just got back from (a familiarization trip to) Sochi where we skied in all kinds of weather too.”

A very excited Marquis admitted that after a long season on the road his body is beat and he needs to rest up for tomorrow’s dual mogul event. “No celebrating for me;tonight it’s going to be hot tub, massage, physio, a big big meal and back to bed.

“Actually today was a lot of runs and my body is dead, but when you win, everything is fresh and good.”

Kingsbury, who has reached the podium at every event this season, with eight wins and three silvers, pushed his limits a little too far today but was happy that if he had to relinquish the gold it was to his teammate.

“Today was a great day, I skied well in quallies and in finals. I had some mistakes in my super final but I’m happy to have Phil up there on the podium with me and to share his first World Cup win with him,” said the 19-year-old Deux-Montagnes native.

But, this year’s crystal globe winner who has never won on the Are course is not giving up the fight, “Make no mistake, I’m going for the win tomorrow (in the dual mogul event),” he said.

Other Canadian men to advance to finals included Langley, B.C.’s Eddie Hicks who was 8th; Terrebonne, Que.’s Marc-Antoine Gagnon in 11th and Montreal’s P-O Gagné who was 13th in his first World Cup final.

Cedric Rochon from St. Sauveur, Que. lost a ski on his qualification run and did not finish today.

On the women’s side, the day belonged to Montreal’s Chloé Dufour-Lapointe, the middle sister of the three acrobatic Dufour-Lapointe girls.

Dufour-Lapointe scored 23.53 for the silver, her fourth FIS World Cup medal and her second career silver. Hannah Kearney of the US was first in the super final at 25.04 and Japan’s Arisa Murata was third at 23.37.
“I have kind of changed my focus and it is working for me,” explained Dufour-Lapointe.

“In some of the other competitions this year I put some pressure on my shoulders but at the last World Cup I decided to have more fun and let the results be what they’re going to be. It really worked and I now I’m having so much more fun when I’m skiing. It’s always been my key to have fun, but sometimes the stress makes me forget that.”

The eldest Dufour-Lapointe sister, Maxime, was the next Canadian woman, she finished 10th, Audrey Robichaud from Quebec City also made finals and finished the day in 13th.

Canadian women who did not make finals included Lorraine, Que.’s Alexandra Dufresne in 19th; Justine Dufour-Lapointe in 21st and Spruce Grove, Alta’s Chelsea Henitiuk in 22nd.

Freestyle action continues here tomorrow with a dual mogul event. FIS World Cup Aerials also takes place tomorrow with an event in Moscow.

MOGULS WORLD CUP
MARCH 9, 2012 – ARE, SWEDEN

WOMEN

Position Name Nation Score
KEARNEY Hannah USA 25.04
DUFOUR-LAPOINTE, Chloe Montreal, Que. 23.53
MURATA Arisa JPN 23.37
SUDOVA Nikola CZE 15.77
Results from Final Heat 1
OUTTRIM Eliza USA 23.43
OAKLEY K C USA 23.23
ITO Miki JPN 23.04
MCPHIE Heather USA 23.02
RAKHIMOVA Regina RUS 22.98
10 DUFOUR-LAPOINTE, Maxime Montreal, Que. 22.58
11 STOLYAROVA, Ekaterina RUS 22.29
12 GALYSHEVA Yulia KAZ 22.00
13 ROBICHAUD Audrey Quebec City 21.81
14 PERTAKHIYA Marika RUS 21.72
15 LOWEREE Brittany USA 21.66
16 MATTHEWS Mikaela USA 20.66
Results from Qualifications
19 DUFRESNE Alexandra Lorraine, Que. 19.42
21 DUFOUR-LAPOINTE, Justine Montreal, Que. 19.27
22 HENITIUK Chelsea Spruce Grove, Alta 19.26

SEVEN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT ISSUES WINTER STORM WARNING

MAJOR INCENTIVES FOR EARLY PURCHASE OF 2012-2013 SEASON PASSES SUCH AS

FREE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH

SEVEN SPRINGS, Pa. – Snow is still falling and snowmaking is underway at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Pennsylvania’s premier ski and four-season resort is also offering major incentives for the early purchase of a 2012-2013 season pass like free skiing in March!

Season passes for 2012-2013 are now available with individual regular passes starting at $429. Skiers and snowboarders who join the Seven Springs season passholder family for the first time will get to ski the month of March for free! Plus, Seven Springs season passholders receive monthly perks and other year-round benefits.

It gets even better! Purchase a 2012-2013 pass with cash or a check prior to April 15, 2012 and Seven Springs will take an additional 5 percent off the price of the season pass.

As an added bonus for current 2011-2012 passholders, who purchase their pass by April 15, 2012, will receive a Seven Springs gift card.

$50 gift card with the purchase of an adult, junior, senior, child or college student regular pass.*

$25 gift card with the purchase an adult, junior, senior or child midweek pass.*

“There is plenty of winter left and tons of skiing and snowboarding to be done,” said Alex Moser, Director of Marketing. “While other resorts in the region are closing, Seven Springs has snow and we are committed to providing our passholders and guests with the best conditions possible. We don’t want you to be left out in the cold next winter, so be sure to purchase your season pass early and take advantage of these tremendous incentives now!”

For a complete list of season pass categories or to purchase a pass, please or call (800) 452-2223, ext. 7491.

*This offer is not valid for super senior, age 5 and under or age 80 and up passholders

 

 

Ian Fehler
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