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**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:09 PM

Vermont's Ski Resorts off to Earliest and Strongest Start in Years

MONTPELIER, Vermont -- Vermont's ski and ride season has not only started early, but is off to a stronger start than the last four years combined. 369 trails are primed and resorts like Bolton Valley that planned to open next week have groomed over night and joined the other 10 Vermont resorts that are already open.

"We're off to the strongest start in many years with the trail count rising daily," said Ski Vermont President, Parker Riehle. "The snow is showing no sign of stopping and we're well on the way to having all our areas nearly fully opened by mid-December."

TRAIL STATS

DATE, OPEN TRAILS, TOTAL TRAILS, % OPEN
12/4/07: 369, 1242, 29.7%
12/4/06: 26, 1186, 2.2%
12/4/05: 165, 1167, 14.1%
12/4/04: 99, 1163, 8.5%

Two days of powder-rich precipitation has passed, leaving as much as 24 inches new snow and a five-foot base in the mountains of the state. Bolton Valley opened at 9:00 a.m. this morning and Mad River Glen's Single Chair is welcoming passengers Thursday.

"This is the best Christmas present we could ever imagine," Eric Friedman, Marketing Director at Mad River Glen said.

In the Northeast Kingdom region, David Gwatkin, Director of Sales and Marketing explained that the storm is great news, but much like the resorts that opened more than two weeks ago, technology and near-perfect snowmaking conditions have already paved the way for groomed trails.

"The stars aligned for Burke in November. Obviously, the weather has been excellent for making snow," he said. "So, even without the blizzard, we anticipate one of the best opening days in memory. Now, bring this blizzard in to sweeten the dessert, and we've basically got a continuation of last spring's epic conditions. In the words of the Blues Brothers, 'Let the good times roll.'"

Nordic destinations are opening as well, with several slated to be open by this weekend. Both Trapp Family Lodge and the Mountain Top Inn and Resort reported that the fresh snow on top of their base will make for ideal conditions. "We will be able to open on our target date of December 8," Diane Dickerman, Director of Marketing and PR said.

Stowe, with 55 inches of base, intends to have nearly every trail open by week's end. "While we are off to one of the best starts in several years, Stowe has consistently opened in late November for as long as I can remember," Jeff Wise, Communications Director said. "So this season is no exception."

Bolton Valley, Jay, Killington and Smuggler's Notch each received more than 20 inches of fresh powder in the last 48 hours.

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:10 PM

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine -- More than a foot and a half of new snow at Sugarloaf has created some of the best early December conditions in recent memory. As a direct result of the storm, the Maine resort's open terrain has more than doubled overnight.

"Excellent snowmaking weather combined with improvements to our snowmaking system had already enabled us to get significantly more terrain open compared to the same period last year," said Marketing Director Frank Guerriero. "Add in this monster snow storm and we're well on our way to some of the best Christmas week conditions we've ever had."

Even though Mother Nature brought copious amounts of snow to Sugarloaf, aggressive snowmaking is ongoing and will continue as temperatures permit. "We are committed to getting as much terrain open as fast as we can, which means we're going to charge ahead with snowmaking every chance we get," Guerriero said.

This weekend skiers and riders can test out the latest skis and snowboards at Sugarloaf's annual demo days. All the leading manufacturers will be on site to offer guests the chance to try the latest products on snow.

Also this weekend, the legendary Jefferson Starship with special guest the Outerspace Band will take the main stage in the King Pine Room. Limited tickets are still available by calling 1.800 THE LOAF.

Skiers and riders can save $25 off mid week lift tickets and $15 off weekend and holiday tickets with the Frequent Skier Card. Ski and stay packages are available from $69 per person, per night. Learn more online at sugarloaf.com or call 1.800 THE LOAF.

About the Sugarloaf Resort - Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is recognized as one of the top winter and golf resorts in the world and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East and one of Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne USA Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:10 PM

FRANCONIA NOTCH, New Hampshire -- Cannon Mountain was named one of "Seven Great Places to Ski with Your Kids" in the November 2007 issue of Ski magazine. In following with this note of recognition, Cannon plans to open its Tuckerbrook Family Area this weekend. The entire Tuckerbrook Family Area, which consists of twelve trails with intermediate and beginner terrain and three lifts, is accessible through the purchase of a $30 ticket daily.

"We're very excited to open up the whole Tuckerbrook Family Area this early in the season," stated John DeVivo, General Manager at Cannon Mountain. "With this mention in Ski Magazine, which follows our #9 eastern ranking for 'variety of terrain' in the 2007 Ski Magazine Readers' Poll, it makes perfect sense. Tuckerbrook is a 21-acre playground for beginners, kids, and families, serviced by its own quad lift, and is 'un-invaded' by upper level skiers and riders. As you may expect, our Snowsports School participants and coaches are thrilled."

The Cannon Snowsports School has a variety of programs for all ages and ability levels. Seasonal Junior Development programs will begin on Saturday, December 15th and run on weekends and holidays from December 15th – March 17th. The School also offers day camps and daycare for children on a daily basis. Adult group and private programs run every day, with some seasonal programs beginning on January 6th.

Cannon Mountain offers a number of value deals, including Two-fers (on non-holiday Tuesdays and Thursdays, two can ski or ride for $60), NH Resident Day (on non-holiday Wednesdays, N.H. residents can ski or ride for $25), and multi-day lift ticket options.

Cannon Mountain has 60 trails, 9 lifts, and terrain for all ability levels. Cannon has the longest vertical drop and the highest lift-served terrain in New Hampshire. With New Hampshire's only aerial tramway, Cannon is located directly off I-93 in Franconia Notch State Park. For more information on Cannon Mountain and all of its lift ticket options, visit Cannon Mountain or call 603-823-8800.

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:11 PM

NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire -- Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH opens for its 70th consecutive year of operations on Saturday, December 8. The resort plans on opening with top to bottom skiing on over 11 trails from the summit with terrain for all abilities.

"This will be our strongest opening in terms of terrain variety in several years," stated the resort General Manager, Ben Wilcox. "Not only have our snowmakers done an excellent job with ideal snowmaking temperatures over the last several weeks, we also had the cooperation of Mother Nature on Monday with almost 9 inches of snow falling."

Monday's storm was the first of the season and hopefully a portent of things to come for the winter.

Cranmore has been open with snow tubing and will continue weekend operations at its Arctic Blast Tubing Park on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23 from 9am - 4pm.

Starting Dec. 8th, the mountain will be open for skiing and riding from 8:30am - 4pm, weekends and holidays and 9am - 4pm weekdays.

Trails projected to be open are:
South Slope
Beginner's Luck
Snow Train
Artist Falls
Schneider
Lower Gibson
Middle
Upper Hurricane
Competition Slope
Zip Trail
Beginner Basin
The Skimobile Express high-speed express quad will be operating, as will the Magic Carpet and South Double Chair. The tubing park is also lift serviced. All operations are weather dependent and customers are encouraged to call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI for the latest snow conditions.

Cranmore is marking its 70th year with a season-long celebration of savings and events. The first of many special dates takes place Fri. December 21st with a ticket roll back day, with lift tickets for only $3.30 for all ages. This price reflects what skiers would have paid for a lift ticket back when FDR was in the White House. No advance purchase is necessary and the ticket is available to the general public.

Skiers can also enjoy 70th anniversary savings all winter long with e-store lift ticket purchases, including a $70 weekender ticket (valid for a 2 day Sat. & Sun. ages 18+ ticket non-holiday periods) or 2-fer specials of $49 for 2 tickets Monday-Thursday; or $70 for 2 tickets on Sundays (all non-holiday periods). Tickets may be purchased at cranmore.com.

The first event of the season takes place at the resort on Sat. Dec. 15th with Welcome to Winter as well as Tubing for Teddy Bears. Welcome to Winter gives the first 50 visitors a goodie bag full of freebies to mark the start of another great winter. Tubing for Teddy Bears gives tubers a $5 discount off a tubing ticket when an unwrapped kid's holiday gift is donated.

For a complete event listing and more information, visit cranmore.com or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:18 PM

LUDLOW, VT. – Skiers and snowboarders visiting Okemo Mountain Resort during the weekend of Dec. 8-9 will have an opportunity to unleash the true competitors within themselves.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge kicks off its winter schedule with the first event of the season scheduled at Okemo Mountain Resort. This fun-filled day for every member of the family starts with free race registration from 8 to 11 a.m. in Okemo's Clock Tower Base Lodge. The racing begins at 11 a.m. on the Lower Chief trail and an awards ceremony completes the festivities at 3 p.m. in the base lodge. Just outside the Sitting Bull Lounge, visitors will enjoy an on-snow sponsor village with activities, prizes, giveaways and complimentary samples of Mountain Dew.

Then, on Sunday, Dec. 9, ROME Snowboards presents the ROME Rail Jam in the Okemo Clock Tower Base Area. Registration is complimentary with the purchase of a lift ticket and will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. in the base lodge mezzanine. The snowboard-only competition begins at noon on Bull Run. Prizes will go to the judges' top picks and there will be giveaways for participants.

For those who would rather be spectators than competitors, Okemo is hosting the Vermont Cup Giant Slalom on Chief, Sunday, Dec. 9. The region's top J1 and J2 athletes will be running the course during this early-season competition.

Okemo is well known by race and rail jam enthusiasts. The mountain also hosts NASTAR racing that is open to the public and is home to the young athletes attending Okemo Mountain School. The Okemo Mountain School was founded in 1982 and offers a curriculum for the serious young competitor. Students in grades 7 to 12 attend classes from November through March so they may concentrate on their competitive goals while maintaining their studies. Many OMS students have attained elite levels of competition.

For more information about events at Okemo Mountain Resort, please call (802) 228-1600 or visit www.okemo.com.

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:18 PM

KILLINGTON, VERMONT -- Killington Resort is set to host the third annual Mountain Dew Rails to Riches Rail Jam , featuring a $15,000 cash prize purse, in conjunction with the K07 Summit December 8-9.

"Last year's event drew some of the best skiers and riders in the East, proving to be exciting for both the competitors and spectators," said Josh Arneson, events manager for Killington Resort. "Look for an integration of new rail features from our parks crew to create an even better event this year."

The excitement will undoubtedly peak when the finals kick off at 5 p.m. in front of the K-1 Lodge under the lights and consist of an hour-long open jam session while a bonfire burns nearby. Winners will be crowned at the conclusion of the rail jam as the top prize for both male categories is $4,000, with $1,000 going to each of the first place women skiers and riders. Qualifying for the night finals will take place throughout the day on Saturday.

The Mountain Dew Rails to Riches Rail Jam will be one of many events in Killington Resort's K07 Summit, to be held the weekend of December 8-9. Other events include alpine and snowboard demos on Saturday and telemark ski demos on Sunday. After party on Saturday evening in the K-1 Lodge featuring Meathead Films new movie Wanderland. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for various prizes provided by Meathead Films.

In addition, the Fourth Annual Vermont Holiday Festival , recognized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as a Top 10 Winter Event, will be held at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel Thursday through Saturday. More than 100 decorated Christmas trees will be on display in the hotel and everyone will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win their favorite real Vermont Christmas tree to take home. Santa Claus will be visiting all weekend with his satellite workshop set up where children are welcome to help him make toys for Christmas Eve.

About Killington Resort - The largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America, Killington features diverse terrain, an expansive lift network, the most extensive snowmaking system in the world and numerous off-mountain activities, including après, dining, shopping and lodging options. www.Killington.com

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:20 PM

Copper Mountain: Kids Make Their Own Pizza; First Superpipe Opens and Santa Leads Torchlight Parades

Winter Park: “Super Parallel” Teaching Module Debuts Where Guests Learn to Use Their Own Weight/Physique in Harmony With Today’s Advanced Skis

At Copper Mountain Resort

New Program: Kids in the Kitchen at Pizza Carlo, Tuesday Nights: Pizza Carlo lets the kids do the cooking at the pizza bar to create the pizza of their dreams. Copper’s chefs provide the dough and the “junior chefs” add the toppings. Reservations strongly suggested. The Kids in the Kitchen program will be included as part of a special Pizza Carlo dinner package, price tbd. Pizza Carlo - 970 968 3112. Copper Mountain Ski Resort - Official Website - Copper Mountain, Colorado.

At Winter Park Resort

Super Parallel Program: Bob Barnes, Winter Park Resort’s Ski & Ride School Director, teaches guests how to use their weight and own physiques in harmony with today’s advanced equipment. According to Barnes, “Super Parallel will dramatically increase students’ overall performance and enjoyment of the sport.” Super Parallel is an all-day class held on Fridays and is $119. It includes special Salomon 120cm rental skis designed for carving.

Christmas Eve Fireworks: Monday, December 24: This tradition features: caroling around the bonfire; Santa Claus skiing behind torch-bearing skiers and riders down the Lower Hughes trail; a spectacular fireworks display; and Christmas Eve interdenominational church services held after the fireworks. For more information, call the Guest Services at (970) 726-1564.

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