OLYMPIC AUTHORITY HIRES NEW FREESTYLE SKIING AERIAL COACH
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (May 31, 2000) – The man who trained the 1994 Olympic aerial skiing champion has been named the head freestyle aerial skiing coach for the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) in an announcement made Wednesday.
ORDA named Dmitriy Kavunov, a native of Uzbekistan and former coach of Lillehammer gold medal winner Lina Cheryasova, to take charge of its aerial skiing program. Cheryasova, also of Uzbekistan, captured the 1993 World Championship in aerial skiing while under Kavunov’s guidance.
“Getting someone of Dmitriy’s caliber was a real find,” said Tom Colby, Olympic Jumping Complex venue manager. “I’ve known him since 1996. His experience in aerials is something we really needed. Dmitriy gives us the ability to provide world class coaching for any athlete who needs it and will be good for local kids and the sport of freestyle. The comments from athletes indicate that they are happy to train here and have Dmitriy available to coach them. They find it amazing that he’s here. This is a great move for ORDA.”
Kavunov, who will work at the Kodak Sports Park, has been a ski coach for 17 years. In that time, he was national freestyle ski team coach in Uzbekistan preparing teams for the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup tour.
In addition to his ski coaching background, the 46 year old is also a certified gymnastics coach.
Among his awards, Kavunov was granted a certificate of Coaching Achievement, the highest honor in his country, for the development of freestyle aerial skiing and its athletes.
Kavunov is married with one son.
KILLINGTON SKIERS IN DENIAL AS SEASON CONCLUDES
 Superstar's dwindling snowpack during Killington's last weekend of operation for the 1999-2000 season (photo Marc Guido) |
Killington, VT (May 30, 2000) - The Superstar Quad Chairlift finally came to a halt at 4:00 PM on May 29, 2000, and Killington reluctantly closed for the 1999-2000 winter season.
“We didn’t want to do it, but at this point we have no choice,” said Killington President Allen Wilson as the last patch of snow on Superstar quietly expired. “We had a great Memorial Day Weekend, and the season ended on an up note.”
Despite a slow start to the season, Killington skiers and riders made turns for a grand total of 205 days, the longest ski and snowboard season in the east. The resort is usually the first in the east to open and the last to close.
Killington has recently embarked on a project to expand its snowmaking capacity by 30%. “Next year, with the snowmaking expansion we have planned, the season may even be longer,” added Wilson.
Some Killington skiers and snowboarders were less than willing to let go of the last patches of snow on the Superstar Trail.
“No!” shouted Killington local Mark English, clutching his skis. “I must have another run!” English was taken to the golf course and promptly enrolled in the Mountain Golf School to keep his mind off the melted snow.
“That was another wonderful season,” said Rick Torrey, Killington business owner. “Boy did we have some fun!”
Killington local Brad Leabourne offered, “It was great while it lasted, but I guess it’s time to turn to other diversions such as mountain biking and hiking until the snow flies again next fall.”
And, it won’t be too long before that happens, winters are never too far away.
(Ed. Note: We have also published a fully illustrated feature story sharing the experience of Killington's final weekend of the season - click here to read No Hesitation, No Remorse.)
BURKE MOUNTAIN FOR SALE
BURKE MOUNTAIN, VT (May 28, 2000) - The St. Johnsbury (VT) Caledonian-Record is reporting today that Burke Mountain is on the sale block. Thrust into financial dire straits by the second straight disappointing winter season, the newspaper confirms that Northern Star Ski Corp. has shut down the mountain and laid off all employees except for condominium maintenance personnel. This comes after B&I Lending, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia pulled out of a $1 million loan, citing "negative financial developments" at the resort in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The newspaper also states that the resort has been unable to pay state taxes since February, and is delinquent in paying condominium owners their share of rental income.
"I think in the next week or two things will come to a head one way or another," the newspaper quoted Northern Star President Andy Holmes as saying Thursday. "This is not the kind of thing that can drag on forever; there has to be a conclusion. We're for sale if someone would like to buy the place."
AUDI TO SPONSOR THE 12th ANNUAL 24 HOURS OF ASPEN
Aspen/Snowmass, CO (May 23, 2000) - The world's most grueling endurance ski race, the 12th Annual Audi 24 Hours of Aspen will take place Dec. 17 - 18, 2000 on Aspen Mountain (Ajax). Beginning at noon on Sunday, Dec. 17, and continuing until noon on Dec. 18, teams of two from around the world will race the clock for 24 continuous hours for the title of "World's Toughest Skiers."
Deemed the "24 Hours of Pain," the event forces racers to struggle not only with the technical challenges of the mountain, but also with intense fatigue, sleep deprivation, changing weather conditions and a battle to stay acutely alert. Their only rest is on the 14-minute gondola ride to the summit.
This year's race promises to be more exciting than ever with new sponsors, a new beneficiary and $50,000 of prize money for the racers. Audi of America is the title sponsor of the 2000 race. Another new sponsor, Compaq Computer Corporation will be the presenting sponsor and MCI WorldCom is back for the 4th year as gold sponsor.
As in the past, the event will benefit two local organizations, the Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club Scholarship Program and new this year, Challenge Aspen. Founded in 1995, Challenge Aspen provides recreational and cultural experiences for individuals who have mental or physical "disabilities". Challenge Aspen currently serves approximately 400 participants each year both locally and from around the world. Scholarships are available and people can participate regardless of their financial situation. Challenge Aspen believes that access is the key to participation, and through participation, people with disabilities can break through barriers, unite with family and friends, and gain the self-esteem and confidence necessary to lead fulfilling, productive lives.
The Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club provides more than 1,400 valley youths with the chance to engage and excel in winter sports. AVSC gives kids the opportunity to ski or snowboard in their own backyards regardless of their economic background.
Prize money for racers
For the first time ever, $50,000 will be award in prize money to participating racers. The competitive field is limited to 11 teams of two. Applications are being accepted from a worldwide field of teams.
In the last race, skiers from Argentina, Austria, Canada, Germany, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States battled for the title. In a tight finish, where 19 seconds separated the winner from second place, the United States team of Chris Davenport and Tyler Williams defeated the international field of 11 teams from nine countries by skiing 77 laps and 251,559 vertical feet (207.13 linear miles). The Canadian team of Ian Sullivan and John Mealey came in a close second, and the team from Argentina finished third, just 58 seconds behind the Canadians.
Weekend festivities
The tentative schedule of events for the Audi 24 Hours of Aspen includes the popular Meet the Racers party on Friday, Dec. 15, a Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Dec. 16, the famous mountain-top party on Sunday, Dec. 17 and the post-race party following the awards ceremony on Monday, Dec. 18.
The 12th Annual Audi 24 Hours of Aspen will be aired on ESPN as well as live on the Internet. For more information, contact Aspen Skiing Company at 970-925-1220 (toll free at 800-525-6200) or visit www.aspensnowmass.com.
BRETTON WOODS TO ADD HIGH-SPEED QUAD CHAIR
BRETTON WOODS, NH (May 23, 2000) - After completing the winter season with a 20% increase in skier visits, Bretton Woods continues its momentum into next winter with the installation of a new high-speed detachable quad lift. The Bretton Woods Zephyr will replace the old Mount Oscar Double Chair and reduce the amount of time skiers and riders spend on the chairlift by nearly two thirds.
“We’re moving forward,” says Bretton Woods Director of Ski Area Operations Chris Ellms. "We’re continuing to improve the overall alpine experience at Bretton Woods by increasing access to the entire mountain with a lot more time on the snow and less time riding the lifts.”
The new 5100-foot lift, manufactured by Garaventa CTEC, will whisk skiers to a central point along the ridge between the original Bretton Woods area and the new West Mountain. It will provide access to numerous Bretton Woods favorites like Crawford’s Blaze, Granny’s Grit, and Coos Caper, as well as quicker access to 24 trails and glades at the West Mountain area. The loading terminal will be positioned closer to the Base Lodge than the existing Oscar Chair, and the lift will run along the tree line on one of Bretton Woods’ most scenic trails, Range View, to create another unobstructed cruising trail, for which the area is renowned.
Further expansion plans for Bretton Woods include more advanced-level terrain between the Two Miles Home trail and Deception Bowl area, plus another two dozen trails as Bretton Woods expands east to Mount Stickney in 2001. The completion of the Mount Stickney expansion will serve to underscore Bretton Woods’ status as New Hampshire’s largest ski area and provide skiers and riders with a quality ski experience, for all abilities, from three separate summits.
The snowy season momentum continues at The Mount Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that opened for its first winter season in 1999 with a magical experience for Bretton Woods skiers and non-skiers alike. Next winter, visitors will again delight in such winter activities as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Culinary demonstrations, lectures, and musical and theatrical performances will continue to entertain guests who prefer to stay close to the warmth of the hearth.
BIG MOUNTAIN RECEIVES 2000 FUELS MANAGEMENT AWARD
WHITEFISH, MONT. (May 17, 2000) - Michael Collins, president of Winter Sports Incorporated (WSI), owners and operators of Big Mountain Ski Resort, was presented with the 2000 Fuels Management Award by the Keep Montana Green Association on Tuesday, May 16.
Collins accepted the award on behalf of a group of individuals and agencies who have worked together to improve the wildfire situation in the area extending from East Lakeshore Drive in Whitefish to the very top of Big Mountain.
"There is a group of individuals that took this community issue on and decided to identify and implement actions that would reduce the wildfire danger, educate residents and guests about wildfires and how to respond to them," Collins stated. "These were proactive steps to make the whole area a better place to live, visit and recreate. I was just one of the people working on this project and I wish to share this award with all of the other participants."
For the past four years, representatives from Big Mountain Rural Fire District, Whitefish Fire Department, Flathead County Emergency Services, US Forest Service and the local Department of Natural Resources Office have worked with Collins, Big Mountain's Commercial Association, and Big Mountain Development Corporation to promote fire safety in Big Mountain's development area.
Joint training sessions involving personnel from all agencies were implemented and the group developed a plan with equipment to utilize Big Mountain's snowmaking ponds (the ponds hold 20 million gallons of water) and also enhanced alternate routes to escape Big Mountain in the case of a wild fire. In addition, the group provided a fire information packet to all residents who live along the entire Big Mountain Road. On a periodic basis, the maps of the entire area will be updated to include all new roads and structures.
"Mike has made a big effort to implement changes on the ground, with the ultimate goal of improving the fire preparedness in Big Mountain's village area," said DC Haas, executive director of Keep Montana Green. "In the discussions of improving defensible space, Mike also took it upon himself to start a large scale commercial thinning of WSI's forested ownership below the village area."
Professional foresters from Stoltze Lumber Company were hired to set up the 160-acre sale area, with a stand prescription that provided for crown spacing and reduction of ladder fuels. The project took two years and was finished last fall. This activity has helped reduce the fire hazard in one of the highest risk areas in the Flathead Valley.
"I'm very pleased that our committee efforts over the last two and a half years have been recognized," said Collins. "I hope we can be used as an example for other mountain communities that must deal with the potential for wildfires."
JILL SICKELS-MATLOCK JOINS NATIONAL DEMO TEAM
MT. CRESTED BUTTE, CO (May 12, 2000) - Jill Sickels - Matlock, an extreme skiing champion and seven - year veteran of the Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard School, was selected as one of 15 instructors and one of only three women to represent the Professional Ski Instructors of America Alpine Demonstration Team at the national trials in Snowbird, UT, last week.
Earning a spot on the national demo team is one more milestone in a long list of professional accomplishments for Sickels-Matlock. A four - time U.S. extreme skiing champion, a top - three finisher in the World, South American and New Zealand extreme skiing competitions, and an experienced ski mountaineer, Sickels - Matlock is no newcomer to firsts. With this new honor, she becomes the first instructor in the history of the Crested Butte Ski & Snowboard School to make the PSIA demo team.
Every four years, PSIA selects only 15 instructors from thousands who compete to be on the national team. Crested Butte advanced three ski school members at the Rocky Mountain regional competition in March where the field of about 1,150 instructors was reduced to just 70. Joining this elite group were Bobby Murphy, Adult Division manager of the Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard School, and 18 - year veteran instructor Dave McGuire.
Instructors at the national tryouts were tested for five days on skiing ability, teaching techniques and presentation skills. After two series of cuts, the field was reduced to the final 15. This winning team represents not just some of the best skiers in the country, but skiers who are masters at relating to the customer.
"McGuire, Murphy and Matlock are all phenomenal skiers - and Matlock was probably one of the best of the entire 70," said Charlie Farnan, Director of the Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard School, "but where they really shine is in their communication and social skills."
"It's not just your skiing that matters," concurred Sickels - Matlock, who has spent most of her 37 years skiing, racing, coaching and competing in skiing contests. "I worked really hard all season on improving my presentation skills and putting myself in clinic settings with other instructors. This was more stressful than the extreme contests, but I went into it more relaxed this time and more prepared, and it really paid off."
Instructors who earned a spot on the national team travel to various resorts around the country, for the most part as individuals, to share the latest teaching techniques with other instructors. They must commit to conduct 45 days of training each of the next four ski seasons.
"I'm looking forward to the next four years. It will be a juggling act with my new demo team commitments, but it's going to be a really great trip," Sickels - Matlock said.
She is one of three women who made the team, along with twin sisters Katie Fry and Megan Harvey from Aspen, CO.
Sickels - Matlock was also named the Crested Butte Instructor of the Year and is a candidate for Colorado Ski Country USA's Instructor of the Year award to be presented on May 24 at a luncheon in Denver.
KILLINGTON TO INCREASE SNOWMAKING POWER BY 30%
Killington, VT (May 12, 2000) - This summer’s big project at Killington is the construction of a new pipeline that will provide access to water for snowmaking. This project will enable the resort to increase its snowmaking power by 30%.
The new pipeline will stretch from the Woodward Reservoir in Plymouth, VT, to the Bear Mountain snowmaking pond at Killington Resort. From the Bear Mountain pond, the water will be pumped through existing pipes to the Snowshed snowmaking pond.
“This pipeline project will give us access to 30% more water than we had in previous seasons,” said Rich McGarry Killington’s General Manager. “We now have the resources to consistently make more snow throughout the season.”
Throughout the summer Killington will be constructing the new pipeline between the reservoir and the resort. The project is expected to be completed by October, just in time for the winter season.
The increase in available water will combine with last season’s addition of 300 new tower-mount snowguns. Tower-mount snowguns use less air than land snowguns in the snowmaking process, and are therefore more efficient. The combination of the new tower-mount snowguns and an increase in available water will help Killington to produce a 30% greater volume of snow overall than in previous seasons.
MAMMOTH SELLS OVER 10,000 SEASON PASSES IN FIRST WEEK
Mammoth Mountain, CA (May 10, 2000) - Last week, Mammoth Mountain launched the sale of a deeply discounted season pass valid for unlimited skiing and boarding next season. More than five times as many season passes were sold in one week compared to the amount the resort sold all of last season.
Pass sales were limited to Internet and telephone orders and to accommodate the expected influx of online sales, Mammoth brought e-business specialist, kinzan.com in on the days prior to the sale. Mammoth was able to sell the discounted passes around the clock without interruption. Visitors logged on to www.mammothmountain.com as the clock struck midnight May 1, and the race was on. By 9 a.m. over 6,000 passes were sold.
"The response to our new Value Pass has been, and continues to be astounding. In the first week alone, more than 10,000 people illustrated their passion for skiing and riding California's favorite mountain resort," said Rob Perlman, Executive Director of Marketing. "This pass has rejuvenated the ski and snowboard market by building on a basic philosophy of Dave McCoy, it's all about fun."
Mammoth's Value Season Pass is valid for unlimited skiing and boarding throughout the 2000-2001 season and for spring riding beginning May 12 for the remainder of this season. The new pass replaces the Silver Club Card program and offers not only huge savings with unlimited skiing and boarding, but the convenience of going directly to lifts, bypassing the ticket window.
The Value Season Pass holder will enjoy benefits at Sierra Star Golf Club, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, June Mountain, Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center, Sports School, Mammoth Mountain Inn and Juniper Springs Lodge. Skiers and boarder can purchase Mammoth's Value Season Pass by visiting www.mammothmountain.com or calling 800-MAMMOTH before July 4, 2000 while supplies last.
LOVELAND TO CLOSE SUNDAY, WITH $10 LIFT TICKETS FOR FINAL WEEKEND
Georgetown, CO (May 7, 2000) - Sunday, May 14th, 2000 will mark the last day of operation for the 1999-2000 season at Loveland Ski Area. Closing day festivities will include live music on the Basin deck (weather permitting) with “The Arnie J. Green Band” and an après-ski party including drink specials starting at 3:00 p.m.
Beginning Friday, May 12, Loveland will reduce daily lift ticket prices to $10 through closing day. “We have great spring conditions. Chair 9 is open, bringing skiers and riders up to 'The Ridge,' and lift tickets are only ten bucks. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our loyal skiers and riders,” explains Loveland’s Marketing Director, Scott Fortner.
Sunday will also be the last day for skiers and riders to purchase a 2000-2001 discounted season pass. Through May 14th, 2000, Loveland will offer 2000-2001 Adult (ages 23-69) season passes for $249, Young Adult (ages 15-22) passes at a price of $200 with Children’s (ages 6-14) passes costing $100. For those who cannot make it up to Loveland before closing day, season passes may be purchased on-line at www.skiloveland.com or by calling 800-736-3SKI ext. 136 before May 15, 2000.
THRILL SLEDS COMING TO BIG MOUNTAIN RESORT
WHITEFISH, MONT. (May 3, 2000) - Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort has announced that they will introduce a new year-round product this summer that makes getting down the mountain a real thrill -- the Thrill Sled. Beginning mid-summer, Big Mountain will be the only location in the Northern Rockies region to offer this new sledding device that features fully independent suspension and hydraulic braking systems. In winter time, the wheels can be interchanged with four small skis, all equipped with hydraulic brakes for a sledding adventure on the snow.
"Imagine a $3,000 full-suspension mountain bike combined with an all-terrain luge and you get some idea of what the Thrill Sled is all about," said Frederic Way, president of Thrill Sleds, Inc. of Vermont. "We're happy that Big Mountain will offer this exciting product to their guests this summer."
"Big Mountain will be working with Thrill Sleds to develop this innovative new product that gives people of all ages a unique summer adventure alternative," said Michele Reese, Vice President of Marketing for Big Mountain. "This should be a one-of-a-kind experience and unlike anything else we offer right now. We're also very excited to introduce the first-ever kids program on Thrill Sleds."
The Thrill Sled uses a platform with full suspension wheels to cruise down the mountain. People lie face-first on the sled and control their speed and direction by using the steering device and the hand brakes. Helmets will be supplied and required for the rides.
Big Mountain will have 26 sleds that will be used for summer and winter adventure tours of Big Mountain. Guided and "experienced rider" unguided tours will be offered on the front side of Big Mountain this summer, but the actual terrain that will be used for the sleds is still being determined.
ATTITASH BEAR PEAK AND MT. WASHINGTON TO BE FEATURED IN FOX TELEVISION'S "NO BOUNDARIES" SERIES
MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH (May 1, 2000) – Attitash Bear Peak was the site Sunday, April 30th, for the filming of a Fox television series featuring a high-skilled outfitters competition. The series will air Sundays beginning in June and feature teams of athletes competing in four events: kayaking, rock-climbing, backcountry skiing/snowboarding and mountain biking. The athletes and production crews were in the White Mountain region throughout the weekend filming the teams kayaking on the Swift River, skinning and skiing the Gulf of Slides on Mt. Washington, rock climbing at Cathedral ledge and mountain biking at Bear Peak.
Teams from K2 sports, Outside Magazine, Children of the Wasatch and Eastern Mountain Sports designated one athlete per event. Points for each stage were awarded and the team with the highest composite score qualified to compete against the world-class Ford Outfitter team. K2 Sports won the White Mountain portion of the competition and will travel onto the Cascade Mountains in June for the series final. Teams are competing for over $200,000 in cash and prizes.
Local Mountain biker Pete Swenson competed for K2 Sports on Sunday taking home first place and lapping the other racers. After tangling at the boardercorss style start, Swenson and Katie Arnold from Outside Magazine recovered themselves quickly finishing first and fourth respectively. Employees of Attitash Bear Peak, Bruno Vallieres, Special Events Coordinator; Todd Marcus, Event and Competition Manager and Jeff Jacobson, Mountain Bike Program Director, constructed a three-mile technically challenging course at Bear Peak. A 1500-foot vertical slalom with banked turns, tabletop jumps and gap jumps totaling fifteen miles (five laps of the three-mile course), was very well received by all the athletes.
Live web site coverage is available by logging onto www.sportracchallenge.com.
ASPEN ANNOUNCES $39 LIFT TICKETS FOR 2000/2001 SEASON
ASPEN/SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. - Aspen Skiing Company has announced several pricing programs for the 2000/2001 season. Back by popular demand, adult lift ticket prices are available as low as $39 per day for next season. This price is based on a six-day ticket and represents a 40 percent savings off of the 1999/2000 single-day window price. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 1. Guests purchasing online also receive 60 percent off a ski or snowboard lesson with the Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen. A new Silver Pass has been introduced for seniors age 70 and over.
Adults purchasing a six-day ticket will pay $234 ($39/day); $225 for a five-day ($45/day) and $196 for a four-day ($49/day). Children and teen pricing is also available through this program. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 1, 2000. Purchaser must provide a user's name and address for each ticket purchased, and an arrival date. Tickets are non-transferable. Four-, five-, six- and seven-day tickets will be valid for 10 days after the first use. Tickets for eight or more days will be valid for 15 days after the first use. There are no blackout dates.
Aspen Skiing Company 2000/2001 Early-Booking Lift-Ticket Prices (purchase by December 1, 2000) Adult (ages 18 - 69) Child (ages 7 - 12) Teen (ages 13 - 17) 7- day ticket* $273 ($39/day save $112)$210 ($30/day save $21) $259($37/day save $14) 6- day ticket* $234 ($39/day save $96) $180 ($30/day save $18) $222($37/day save $12) 5-day ticket $225 ($45/day save $60) $165 ($33/day save $5) $200 ($40/day save $5) 4-day ticket $196 ($49/day save $40) $148 ($37/day) $180 ($45/day) *Six or more days are available at $39/day. Children 6 and under ski/ride free.
Adults 70 and over are eligible for the Silver Pass, which allows unlimited skiing/riding on the four mountains, all season, for $99. Silver Passes are picture passes, must be purchased in person and are available throughout the season at the main ticket office at each mountain.
Purchase online and save 60% on lessons
Tickets can be purchased online at www.aspensnowmass.com
. Guests purchasing a six-day (or longer) lift ticket online will also have
the opportunity to save 60 percent on a full-day ski or snowboard lesson with
the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen. Each adult purchasing
at least a six-day lift ticket can take advantage of a Small Group Lesson
(semi-private) for $39 (regular price, $99). Lessons are available for Levels
2 through 9 and are offered on the four area mountains. Both lift tickets
and lessons must be purchased in advance, by Dec. 1.
"We help people have more fun on the mountain and we guarantee every lesson," said Rich Burkley, managing director Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen. "We have more than 1,100 professionals and that allows us to offer the Small Group Lesson which provides the individual attention that skiers and riders need to make the most out of each day."
Tickets are also available through lodges, tour operators and travel agents. The 2000/2001 season is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2000 to April 22, 2001.
New Silver Pass
New this year, skiers/riders aged 70 and over will need to purchase a Silver
Pass, which for $99, allows unlimited skiing/riding on Snowmass, Ajax, Buttermilk
and Highlands. This picture pass offers additional premier benefits such as
early and late season skiing, summer gondola and chairlifts rides, discounts
on dining, rentals, mountain photo and more. This pass can only be purchased
in person at a main Aspen Skiing Company ticket office. Proof of age is required.
R.S.V.P.
With all lift tickets, Aspen Skiing Company's innovative Return Skier Visitor
Program (RSVP) allows unused portions of multi-day tickets to be returned
(within 14 days) for credit toward future lift-ticket purchases and ski and
snowboard school purchases. RSVP accounts are valid in the current season
plus the next two full seasons.
KILLINGTON CONTINUES OPERATIONS INTO MAY
Killington, VT (May 1, 2000) - Skiers and riders can still make runs in Vermont at Killington resort. Killington is traditionally the first resort in New England to open and the last to close for the ski and snowboard season.
“It looks like we are once again the leader in season-length,” said Allen Wilson, President of Killington Resort. “Thanks to our staunch commitment to snowmaking through the winter, we are able to retain enough snow to keep people skiing and snowboarding through May and likely into June.”
As of May 2, 2000, Killington is the only game in town.
“We intend to keep skiing and snowboarding until we just can’t anymore,” said Wilson, heading out to make a few a.m. runs on Superstar. With 15 feet of snow remaining on Killington’s favorite trail, that might very well be until June.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Killington visitors will soon be able to enjoy their favorite spring and summer activities at the resort. The Killington Golf Course will be open in early May and as usual, Killington will be offering special ski/golf deals. Golfing skiers can call (802) 422-6200 for details or log on to killington.com for more information.
Killington’s summer season officially begins Memorial Day. Dubbed Rage Weekend, the 3-day party-packed holiday combines winter and summer activities. The Killington Triathlon takes place on May 28, 2000 and is a three-part race which combines skiing, mountain biking and trail running.
Rage Weekend also includes a free guided mountain bike course preview on Saturday, mountain bike clinics also on Saturday, Bar-B-Ques all weekend long on the Killington Base Lodge patio, and the Killington Klimb race to the summit on Monday. The Killington Adventure Center including rock climbing, a double waterslide, hiking, and mountain biking opens for the season on May 27, 2000.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE ANNOUNCES 2000/2001 SEASON PASS SALE
South Lake Tahoe, CA (May 1, 2000) - Sierra-at-Tahoe is selling 2000-2001 season passes at last year's rates. The midweek season pass is on sale for $199. As an added bonus, the midweek pass is good seven days a week from opening day to December 17, 2000, then again from March 17, 2001 through closing day.
A full 2000-2001 season pass, valid seven days a week, is $399. John Rice, Sierra's general manager commented that, "our guests are thrilled to see season pass prices become affordable again. It's all part of our commitment towards great service, great value, and big fun!" Additional passes for sale include a child (ages 6-12) full season pass for $99 and a new, young adult (ages 13-22) full season pass for $329. There are limited supplies, so interested skiers and riders should make their purchase now.
Frequent snowsporters who may not want to purchase a season pass, but want a break on daily lift ticket prices should think about purchasing a Vertical Plus membership. Vertical Plus is a fun and exciting frequent skier and rider program that makes skiing and riding more affordable. The program costs $59 to join and saves members $7 on a weekend/holiday ticket and $21 on a midweek ticket! In addition to lower ticket prices, Vertical Plus offers the convenience of electronic ticketing and members' only lift lines. Vertical Plus also calculates the amount of vertical feet one skis or rides and rewards them with prizes, and discounts.
Interested skiers and riders can purchase Sierra season passes and Vertical Plus memberships at the resort web-site at www.sierratahoe.com, by calling (530) 659-7453 ext. 208, or visiting the resort Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Sierra will be hosting two season pass parties on May 5th; at Chevy's and the Cantina, both in South Lake Tahoe. Season passes will also be sold at the Lakeside Inn and Casino's Birthday Bash 2000 on May 24th. Season passes will be given away at all three parties.