Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows to get long-awaited linkage

By Bob Goligoski, Correspondent

The long-awaited linkage of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, two legendary Lake Tahoe area ski resorts, will finally take place, according to a report from Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC, which owns both resorts.,

Andy Wirth, president and CEO of the firm, said that it has reached an agreement with Troy Caldwell, owner of a rugged sliver of land separating the two resorts, which will allow the consolidation of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Under the plan, the two resorts will have a base to base connection via a new, high-speed, detachable gondola.

“This base-to-base gondola,” said Wirth, “will offer our guests the ability to easily explore and experience the unique attributes of these two mountains via a brand new aerial connection, while simultaneously reducing vehicle traffic between them.”

The drive between the two resorts is probably a good 6 to 8 miles. Right now, skiers and riders at Squaw Valley can gaze down a steep mountainside into the base facilities at Alpine Meadows. The new gondola will travel over KT-22 peak at Squaw Valley.

Caldwell’s private land between the two resorts has long been known as “White Wolf.” There are no plans currently being contemplated to allow skiing or riding down the steep terrain along the gondola route on Caldwell’s land.

The planned connection between the resorts will result in a sprawling winter mecca of more than 6,000 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski areas in North America. The ski complex will boast 42 lifts and 270 runs and trails.

The plan must be approved by Placer County and the U.S. Forest Service.

Completion date of the project will depend on when the applications are submitted and when government approvals are made.

Michael Gross, director of environmental initiatives for the two resorts, said, “The plan will be executed with incredible care and concern for our environment, and with the intention of taking cars off the road, effectively reducing vehicle travel between the two mountains. Skiers and riders will be able to explore both mountains with a single lift ticket or season pass.”

Design elements in the plan call for minimizing the number of lift towers and eliminating the need to construct access roads.

Surprise snowstorm hits Squaw Valley – season extended

By Bob Goligoski, Correspondent

A surprise spring storm has dumped 20 inches of snow on Squaw Valley and prompted the resort to extend its season to April 19, a week later than the previously announced April 12. Resort spokesman Michael Radlick noted that “there is the potential to offer skiing and riding beyond that April 19 date should conditions permit.”

With the new snow, which fell on the upper mountain, the snow depth base is now 45 inches. Squaw has several chairlifts running on the upper mountain with 37 runs open ranging from novice to expert.

Alpine Meadows, which is just over the ridge from Squaw Valley, closed for the season several days ago. It is owned by the same corporation that bought Squaw Valley several years ago.

With the skiing and riding somewhat limited, Squaw has greatly reduced lift ticket prices. Walk-up adult tickets are $59, children pay just $34 and really old skiers and riders (super seniors) get in for $34.

Radlick added that people who have season passes at other Lake Tahoe area resorts “can present their season passes at Squaw Valley and receive a day pass for a discounted rate of $39.”

Some rain is predicted for the April 12 – 17 period in the Bay Area and this easily could result in more snow in the Sierra as the storm sweeps to the east. As an inducement to lure skiers and riders to the slopes, several live music shows will be staged in the village at the base of Squaw Valley during April.

Southern California ski resorts closing early

By Kristina Hernandez and Neil Nisperos, Staff Writers

They’re packing it in. But unfortunately for local ski resorts, what they’re packing in isn’t snow. It’s the ski season.

Warm weather and extreme drought have combined to force ski resorts across California to close early, and Southern California ski hubs are no exception, even as some try to squeeze some extra days out of the season for visitors from throughout L.A. and the Inland Empire.

Because of the lack of rainfall and higher temperatures, Mountain High in Wrightwood closed up shop earlier this month. Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs also closed earlier this year. Both draw enthusiasts from throughout Southern California, who mountain businesses depend on to hit their bottom lines during the season.

•Video: Skiers enjoy Big Bear’s last bit of snow

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, not far up Highway 18 from Big Bear Lake — both recently acquired by Mammoth Resorts — will remain open until Sunday, which will be the final day of the season.

Mountain High closed on March 3, part of a pattern of closures throughout the season, said John McColly, chief marketing officer.

He held out some hope that the resort would open if wintery weather returned before April 4. But with temperatures expected to top 90 in lower elevations in Southern California through the week, hope for snow was melting fast.

This was, as he put it, “atypical.”

“It’s a month and a half early for us (to close),” McColly said. “It’s really tough to be in the ski industry these last couple of years. It’s the worst possible thing for us and we would much rather be open until April.”

Read more in SNOW.

Breckenridge celebrates 30 years of snowboarding

Snowboarding legends and current pros converge in Breck’s infamous Freeway Terrain Park to celebrate Breck’s 30th Anniversary of snowboarding with the fourth annual Spring Fever Throwback Throwdown, March 28, 2015.

Presented by Mountain Dew, this throwback halfpipe competition is a chance to watch pro snowboarders from every era of the last 30 years compete for a $17,000 prize purse and take on a two-fold challenge: competing in our 22-foot halfpipe and then a specially constructed 6-foot mini-pipe that is an exact replica of the first one built at Breck in 1985.

Tricks no more than 540 degrees of rotation will be allowed, so each rider will have to get creative with straight airs, alley oops, huge slow spins, and hand plants. The competition takes place on the Superpipe at the top of Freeway in the morning and at the Minipipe in lower Twister after lunch.

Confirmed legends include: Chad Otterstrom, Chris Pappas, Mike Troppman, Todd Franzen, Meg Pugh and a special appearance by Steve Fisher. Current pro riders to watch: Zack Black, Arielle and Taylor Gold, Dylan Bidez, Benji Farrow, Broc Waring and Silvia Mittermueller.

In addition to the contest, the T-Bar Restaurant at the base of Peak 8 will be hosting a throwback party sponsored by Bud Light. Guests can wear their best throwback onesie or retro ski gear for a chance to win a VIP prize package for Spring Concerts, Burton hard goods, and some Helly Hansen apparel.

This Season Marks 30 Years of Snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort!  Breckenridge was one of the first major resorts to allow snowboarding in the 1984-85 season and to host one of the initial major snowboard competitions in the industry, The World Snowboarding Championships, or “The World’s,” in 1986.

Breck solidified its place as the very pinnacle of freestyle snowboarding when it became the first first-ever resort to have a permanent halfpipe then supersized it to a permanent Olympic-sized 22-foot superpipe in 2010, which anchors the resort’s award-winning Freeway Terrain Park on Peak 8.

With four terrain parks, including the top-ranked Freeway Terrain Park and SuperPipe and the Park Lane Terrain Park, a park progression system for beginners and intermediates, Breckenridge remains on the forefront of the industry in both facilities and talent.

See some classic snowboard moments from Breck’s snowboard history on Breck’s You Tube Channel under “Breck Classic Moments” and learn more about some of Breck’s most famous snowboarders and the its rich history of athletes on the Breck Blog.

Breck’s Spring Fever Festival, the largest spring skiing party in the Rocky Mountain region, begins the weekend of March 20 with the GoPro Big Mountain Challenge.

The fun continues through closing day with a series of signature events including competitions and kids’ events in addition to the Bud Light FREE concert series.

Breck Spring Fever 2015 Signature Events include:
•               The Bud Light Concert Series, with national acts performing live on April 11, 12, 18 and 19 on a specially-constructed stage on the mountain, at the Peak 8 base
•               GoPro Big Mountain Challenge on March 21
•               The 19th Annual Imperial Challenge – bike, uphill and downhill triathlon on April 11
•               The fourth Annual Spring Fever Chili Cook-off on April 4
•               On-mountain Easter egg hunt on April 5
•               First Annual Winter Edition of the Kids Adventure Games on April 5

For the latest news and details on all the events taking place or how to participate, visit www.BreckSpringFever.com.

Join the Biggest Party in the Rocky Mountains for as low as $129!
Lodging options start at $129 weekday; $149 weekend from 3/23 – 4/19 with a two-night minimum length of stay. Rules and restrictions apply. Offer exclusive to the official lodging sponsors of Spring Fever.

Fairmont Hotels offer spring skiing specials

With winter winding down, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts invites guests to enjoy the final winter weekends in style. :

FAMILY SKI EXPERIENCE IN MONT TREMBLANT

Skiing with the family in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, is as easy as renting equipment on-site and skiing down to the high-speed chair lift at the doorstep of Fairmont Tremblant, the only ski-in, ski-out resort on the mountain. The Family Ski Experience includes luxurious accommodations with an in-unit kitchen; one ski lift ticket per person; and complimentary valet parking. Available until April 11, 2015, rates start from $394 CAD ($316 USD) per night with a two-night minimum.

THE FRANZ KLAMMER FAMILY SKI EXPERIENCE

Spend this Spring Break on the slopes of the Telluride Ski resort, where lift lines are non-existent and the terrain is varied and unparalleled. The Family Ski Experience at Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge includes accommodations in a two or three bedroom residence (with a four night minimum); two adult lift tickets per day; a children’s amenity; complimentary airport transfers from Telluride or Montrose Airports; complimentary ski valet; and complimentary valet parking. Available untilApril 5, 2015, package rates start at $475 USD ($598 CAD) per night.

CHARLEVOIX FAMILY SKI EXPERIENCE

Quebec’s famed Charlevoix region is one of the best places to enjoy spring skiing, and the majestic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu offers unrivaled activities for the whole family. The Charlevoix Family Ski Package includes accommodations in a Fairmont Room; ski lift tickets at Mont Grand-Fonds for two adults and two children per day; cookies and milk delivered to each guestroom per night; and one complimentary in-room movie rental per night. Available until March 22, 2015, rates start from $289 CAD ($232 USD) per room, per night for two adults and two children.

SAVE 25% WITH WHISTLER SPRING SKI EXPERIENCE

Nestled at the base of Whistler Blackcomb, Fairmont Chateau Whistler is North America’s best ski resort, and the best destination for Spring Break skiing. Save 25% with the Spring Ski Experience package, which includes a minimum of four nights of luxury accommodations; one Whistler Blackcomb dual-mountain lift pass per adult, per day (excluding arrival day); and use of resort amenities including the Health Club, pools and fitness center, and the Village Shuttle. Rates for the Spring Ski Experience start at $502 CAD ($403 USD) per night for stays through April 19, 2015.

 FAMILY SKI EXPERIENCE IN JASPER

Jasper National Park is the perfect place for a family ski vacation, with Marmot Basin offering short lift lines, vast terrain, high-speed quad chairs and beautiful vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Family, friends and fellow snow bunnies who hit the slopes with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s Family Ski Experience will enjoy luxury accommodations for a minimum of two nights; transportation to and from the ski hill; and family ski lift tickets for two adults and one child (under 17) at Marmot Basin (one day of skiing for a two night package; two days of skiing for a three night package; three days of skiing for a four night package). Available until May 3, 2015, rates start from $359 CAD ($288 USD) per night based on triple occupancy in a Deluxe Room.

LAKE LOUISE FAMILY SKI EXPERIENCE PACKAGE

Ski and stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the top resorts in Canada, and indulge in après-ski activities for the whole family, including a memorable skate through the ice castle on the lake or relaxing next to a blazing bonfire on the lake shore. The Family Ski Experience Package includes luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Room or higher; two lift tickets; one in-room movie; a $25 Chateau Deli credit for treats; and complimentary ski shuttle to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Available until April 20, 2015, package rates start at $369 CAD ($296 USD) per night based on double occupancy.

LUXURY SKI THE CANADIAN ROCKIES PACKAGE

Skiers in the Canadian Rockies will marvel at the natural beauty and the unspoiled wilderness of Banff National Park. The ski package at Fairmont Banff Springs includes luxury accommodations in a Fairmont Room; self-parking for one vehicle; two tri-area ski passes per room, per night, valid at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Ski Banff at Norquay; shuttle service between the ski hill and the hotel; daily à la carte or buffet breakfast; daily access pass to the Willow Stream Spa; and complimentary ski and snowboard storage. Available until April 30, 2015, package rates start at $539 CAD ($427 USD) per night.

SKI & SPA PACKAGE

Discover ideal snow conditions and the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, only 20 minutes from the ski hills. The Ski & Spa Package includes accommodations for one night; full buffet breakfast for two adults; one-day ski lift ticket per person at Mont Sainte-Anne or Stoneham; and one 50-minute massage for two at the Spa du Château. Available until April 30, 2015, package rates start at $575 CAD ($456 USD) per night.

Additional ski experience packages across Canada can be found here. All packages unless noted otherwise are subject to availability, priced per room, per night, exclude taxes and are based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. For more information and reservations, travelers can visitfairmont.com/promo/skipackages/ or call 1-800-441-1414, or contact their local travel consultant.

Sun Valley Resort joins The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective™ has added another premier ski destination in North America to its roster of mountain resorts for the 2015-16 winter season. Sun Valley Resort joins AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine Village, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows and Whistler Blackcomb in this alliance of classic destinations.

Open since 1936, Sun Valley is America’s first destination ski resort and was named the #3 Overall Resort by SKI Magazine in 2014. As the newest member of the Mountain Collective, Sun Valley offers pass holders over 2,000 acres of skiing across Bald and Dollar Mountains and an iconic experience that is as unpretentious and pristine as the mountains and rivers that surround the resort.

A limited number of Mountain Collective passes are on sale for only $369 US. The Mountain Collective™ Pass includes two days of skiing or riding at each of the eight destinations (AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine, Sun Valley, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows and Whistler Blackcomb), plus a 50 percent discount on all additional days with no blackout dates. Pricing for the kids pass (ages 12 and under) is just $99 for the 2015-16 season, offering an incredible deal for families.

In addition, spring pass purchasers will receive one bonus day at the destination of their choice* and two free days at Valle Nevado, Chile this summer. Valle Nevado is one of the premiere resorts in the Southern Hemisphere, offering unequaled skiing and riding, a thriving village and exciting activities and events.

The Mountain Collective™ Pass grants access to 15 mountains with more than 40,500 acres of terrain and 225 lifts and an unmatched reputation for snow quality, quantity and steeps. Passes are available online through an exclusive technology, distribution and marketing partnership with Liftopia at www.MountainCollective.com. A limited quantity of passes are now available at this lowest guaranteed price.

“We are thrilled that Sun Valley is joining the seven world-class ski resorts that have made the Mountain Collective so successful,” said Tim Silva, Vice President and General Manager, Sun Valley Resort.

“Sun Valley, with its unique combination of history, ski lore and innovation, will be a great addition to the roster. Recognized for its commitment to outstanding guest service, Sun Valley offers uncrowded slopes, exceptional off-mountain adventures for the whole family, and, this summer, a newly renovated Lodge with a 20,000 square foot spa and fitness facility.  We look forward to welcoming Mountain Collective pass holders to Sun Valley, for an authentic small town-big mountain experience.”

“It doesn’t get more iconic than Sun Valley and they’re the perfect complement to the most incredible lineup of destinations on one pass ever assembled. With more mountains, the same low price and a bonus third day this spring, there’s never been a better time to join the Mountain Collective,” said Christian Knapp, vice president of marketing, Aspen Skiing Company.

In addition to being able to ski or ride at eight leading destinations, extra benefits available to Mountain Collective pass holders include exclusive lodging deals and a complimentary, one-year Protect Our Winters (protectourwinters.org) membership.

The Mountain Collective is committed to being in business forever and proudly partners with Protect Our Winters with the mission of uniting the winter sports community on the important issue of climate change. The partnership also offers a 50 percent discount on lift tickets to premier season pass holders at the participating resorts throughout the season.

Visit www.MountainCollective.com or call (800) 705-6286 for more information.

Save on spring season at Big Bear ski resorts

Despite what the thermometer might be telling you, snow season in Southern California is far from over. Thanks to some late snow, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have top to bottom coverage, a base depth between 16 and 24″ and more terrain features than any other resort in California. And the best part – it’s getting downright cheap.
Big Bear/ Snow Summit are currently offering a spring pass, good through the remainder of the 2015 ski season for $99. That $99 is also good as a credit towards a 2015-16 season pass (including the Cali4nia pass). So either you’re getting a great deal on spring skiing, or you’re doing it for free and buying a pass for next season.
Bear Mountain and Summit also have some great events coming up, including the Neff Beach Bash this Saturday, March, 21. Primarily a snowboarding competition, it features DJs spinning all afternoon and a man-made pond for contestants to skim, hop, flip and slide across.

Grand Targhee beckons with 22 feet of snow

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Grand Targhee Ski Resort is pushing 22 feet of snow to date and conditions continue to be incredible as we roll into March! If you’re looking for some of the best spring powder in the nation, then you need to book your vacation today. With our slopeside accommodations, you’ll be steps from the lifts enjoying the world famous Teton powder, Wyoming-style.

Spring Breakaway

March is here and it’s time to start planning your spring break vacations. Follow the powder and head to the Tetons! Our annual Spring Breakaway event kicks off March 27 with an incredible lineup of après music at the Trap and the annual GTK9 Fundraiser. The fun keeps going through April with fun in the sun every weekend. Don’t miss the Golden Egg Hunt, the Pattie Layser Mary’s Nipple Challenge, Teton Slopestyle, The Cardboard Box Derby, Pond Skim, and Crazy Horse Hill Climb. Stay and Ski FREE starting at just $82 per person when you book four or more nights! We’ll have plenty of fun events to keep the whole family enjoying their time at Grand Targhee Resort.

Easier Than Ever

Getting to Grand Targhee has just gotten easier!  We are launching a new airport shuttle to and from the Jackson Hole Airport. There are daily direct flights into JHA from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, Chicago, Houston, JFK – New York, Newark, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Salt Lake, and Minneapolis. Keep an eye on Airfare Watchdog for the best deals on flights. Book a room, and we’ll pick you up. Let our reservation team put the finishing touches on your next ski vacation.

Pack Light

There is no need to bring that large ski or snowboard bag because we have a large selection of the latest skis and snowboards for you to demo. We’ll match you up with the best tools for the mountain conditions, simply bring your boots.

What’s Happening

Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship at Vail

The month of March is off to a strong start at Vail Mountain with seven inches of new snow reported Wednesday, 14” in the past 48 hours, and more than three feet in the past week!

In addition to fresh powder, guests visiting Vail this week can also catch some of the world’s best snowboarders live in action at Golden Peak during the 33rd Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships.

The Burton US Open, which first took place in 1982, is the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world and draws the best riders to compete for a coveted US Open title.

On the heels of the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships, snowsports enthusiasts can get their fill of world-class, Olympic-level slopestyle and halfpipe snowboarding competitions in Golden Peak by day, and enjoy free concerts from names including Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Moon Hooch, Girl Talk and more by night.

For more information visit www.Vail.com/Burton or www.Burton.com/USO.

Mammoth completes buy of Big Bear ski resorts

Rusty Gregory signing agreement.

Rusty Gregory signing agreement.

Mammoth Resorts has completed the acquisition of Big Bear Mountain Resorts as first outlined in September, becoming the leading four-season mountain operator in California.

Mammoth Resorts now includes Mammoth Mountain, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and ​June Mountain, which collectively host two million annual skier and snowboarder visits.

Uniting these four resorts under one umbrella paved the way for the Cali4nia Pass, providing skiers and riders with access to 200+ named runs on approximately 4,000 acres of terrain, serviced by 54 lifts.

Beyond the winter season, with the addition Mammoth Resorts will now operate two of the top mountain bike parks in North America ​along with numerous lodging properties, multiple golf courses and other guest attractions.

“This is more than a merger of ski resorts, we’re creating greater access to year-round mountain experiences with a distinctly southern California feel,” said Mammoth CEO Rusty Gregory. “At Big Bear Mountain Resorts our goal is to provide the best first-time ski, snowboard and mountain bike experience in the country.”

Seasoned resort executive Dave Likins has been named Chief Operating Officer of Big Bear Mountain Resorts with long-term CEO Dick Kun stepping back from day-to-day operations.

“The sale of Big Bear Mountain Resorts to Mammoth Resorts is a win-win for shareholders, suppliers, local businesses, the Big Bear economy, and most importantly, Southern California’s skiers and snowboarders,” said Dick Kun. “I am both humbled and proud to have been able to help lead the way in making the sale happen as the culmination to my life’s work.”

About Mammoth Resorts Mammoth Resorts is the leading four-season mountain resort operator in California. The company owns and operates a variety of recreation, hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage and retail enterprises.

This includes Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain, which collectively host two million annual skier/snowboarder visits.

Mammoth Resorts is also the owner-operator of Tamarack Lodge and Resort, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, the Village Lodge, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, Snow Summit Bike Park, Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures, Sierra Star Golf Course, and Bear Mountain Golf Course.

For more information visit MammothMountain.com or www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.