NY ski areas expect more close-to-home traffic
The green gondola cars streamed back up the Adirondack mountain while occasional skiers made loose parallel turns down the intermediate slope called Wild Air, stopped, removed their skis, then immediately stepped aboard the lift again. “It’s good,” snowboarder Andrew Baker said. He headed into the glass-fronted lodge at Gore Mountain, midmorning in early December, the bare trees beyond... [Read more]
Alpine resorts nervous as recession reaching peaks
The past few Alpine ski seasons have melted away under the specter of global warming, as balmy conditions raised fears about the future of Europe’s fabled winter resorts. This year, the Alps have been blessed with abundant snow, bright skies, and perfect powder, but there’s little cheer as resorts feel the pinch from a new threat: the global financial crisis. Economic gloom and fluctuating... [Read more]
Smaller ski resorts look to weather recession
Hard knocks at Marquette Mountain apply to more than just tumbling skiers. The ski area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has seen its share of weather-related and other challenges in recent years. And like the clients, officials are dusting themselves off for the next ride — getting through a winter in a recession. More than three-fourths of the nation’s 481 ski resorts are small or medium... [Read more]
Airlines baggage policies
Baggage policies differ by airlines. Read the rules on the carrier’s Web site or ask an agent before you fly. Here are fees that some leading U.S. carriers charge for a first, second and third checked bag, plus special rules for ski equipment on domestic flights. Note that most airlines waive baggage fees for elite members of frequent-flier programs, first- and business-class travelers and full-fare... [Read more]
Skiing at Mount Bachelor, a West Coast favorite
Deep powder is standard issue at Mount Bachelor, a West coast favorite that averages 400 inches of snow per season, just 20 miles from the outdoors haven of Bend, Oregon. Framed by towering ponderosas and crackling pines, Bend is home to world-class cyclists, triathletes, kayakers and rock climbers. The local population has quadrupled in the past 20 years, but the town’s core of 70,000 are friendly... [Read more]
Real Montana: Big Sky or Big Mountain?
There are two big destination ski resorts in Montana. Big Sky, near Bozeman, is expensive and polished. Big Mountain, near Whitefish, is not. You can go as big as you want in Big Sky Country. But which is the real Montana? I grew up there and can tell you with authority, they both are. Here are some observations from recent visits to both resorts: BIG MOUNTAIN: They just renamed this “Whitefish... [Read more]
Ski resorts hope plenty of snow beats weak economy
Michelle Michaels, a Colorado Springs software support employee, is a longtime ski season passholder to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. But she won’t be getting a pass this year while she tries to pay off debts. “It’s one of the most devastating things,” said Michaels, who still plans to buy individual lift tickets to snowboard. “I won’t be going 20 times... [Read more]
Early ski deals from Ski.com
Skiing is not exactly a budget form of recreation. But there are deals to be had, especially if you book now, before the snow falls, for later in the season. The following packages for winter, available at Ski.com, are all about adding value to your trip by getting extra nights and other freebies: _Cliff Lodge & Spa, Snowbird, Utah, offering seven nights with two nights free, and a six-day lift... [Read more]
Outside magazine ranks top ski resorts
If you’re a powderhound gearing up for ski season, compare your favorite slopes with this list from Outside magazine’s November issue. The magazine ranked the 15 best ski-and-snowboard destinations in North America based on snow quality and terrain. Utah topped the list with Alta and Snowbird in first place, followed by Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada, and Vail, Colo. Jackson... [Read more]
Leisure Living: Prices holding up in ski areas
Ski season’s coming, and with it the traditional flurry of sales in second-home markets in mountain resort towns in the West. Locals are hoping this season reverses the downhill slide in sales caused by the national housing recession and tight credit markets, which mean even higher interest rates for buyers who don’t use a home year-round. Sales in several Rocky Mountain resort towns are... [Read more]