There’s so much news this new ski season, which is why we are launching this monthly ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) collection of this and that at our favorite resorts.
Reservations Required
Your IKON Pass gives you five free days at a participating resort. But don’t just show up anywhere, since some IKON resorts now require advance reservations. Not all, just some.
To prevent being turned away, remember to make a reservation in advance to ski or board at these eight IKON resorts which require reservations this season – especially if you want to get on a chairlift or gondola on a busy weekend.
Reservations are required if you want to get on the mountain before 2pm. In alphabetical order:
- Aspen/Snowmass
- Big Sky
- Brighton
- Jackson Hole
- Loon
- Snoqualimie
- Taos
- Windham
Some resorts, both IKON Pass and not, are now also requiring reservations for parking. See our recent article on new parking policies and prices for full details.
https://seniorsskiing.com/new-parking-policies-and-prices-at-utah-resorts/
Work out at a gym inspired by Mikeala Shiffrin
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, in the Vail Valley, has opened a new TechnoGym strength and cardio center at the recently created Studio M: Mikaela Shiffrin Performance Studio, a workout space inspired by the Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup winner who trains at the facility when she is in Colorado.
We wish there was a chance to work out with the great Mikaela Shiffrin – as there is to ski with Olympians, such as with Billy Kidd at Steamboat. Maybe next year.
Powder Mountain Snowmobile Tours
Sign up for new 1-to-2-hour guided snowmobile tours around the White Pine/Gertsen area every Saturday and Sunday, starting in January 2023, conditions permitting. Discover the southernmost aspect of Utah’s largest ski resort via a trail-specific snowmobile.
The vistas, located around 9,000 ft of elevation, offer views of the Wasatch, Ogden Valley, The Great Salt Lake, and more. The tour includes information about the surrounding topography, ecology, and history. Snacks will be provided as you overlook Utah’s gorgeous scenery.
Two tours depart with a max of 6 guests per tour (3 operators and 3 riders). The morning tour is 10am to around Noon. The afternoon tour is 1pm to around 3pm. Snowmobile operators need a valid driver’s license and must be 18 years or older to drive. Children old enough to hold on can ride as a passenger. Helmets are provided and participants should winter outerwear, goggles, beanies, neck gaiters, warm gloves, and insulated boots.
Rates are $160 per Snowmobile (Operator) + $40 for an additional guest (Passenger), and 72-hour advance reservations are required. Conditions permitting. https://www.powdermountain.com/resort/adventures
Get a Free Ride at Lake Tahoe
Going car free is entirely do-able at Lake Tahoe. The new app-based Lake Link www.tahoelakelink.com launched this past summer allows visitors and locals to request free rides in 9-12 passenger vans on the main thoroughfares from the Nevada casinos (and in 2023, to and from the Events Center) to the Al Tahoe neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe, approximately three miles from the state line.
If you are driving yourself, Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623. For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at http://nvroads.com or 877-687-6237. For a comprehensive guide to getting around Lake Tahoe, visit www.linkingtahoe.com.
The Territory
Okay, it’s not about downhill or XC, but all of us winter sports enthusiasts have a vested interest in sustainability and climate change, and this is an award-winning documentary featured at the Sundance Film Festival, which was started by a famous skier who also founded the ski resort named Sundance. If you can’t figure out who that is, do an online search for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The Territory is a riveting documentary about indigenous activists struggling to save the Brazilian Amazon rainforest from illegal loggers and farmers, and their fight for transparency over the government and corporate forces working to hide – and stop – their efforts. It’s both inspiring and heartbreaking. Read more in this NYTimes review, which includes a video clip. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/movies/the-territory-review.html
View The Territory it for free in December on the National Geographic and Sundance channels, or if you are a subscriber to Disney+.
Learn to XC Ski Week for Older Skiers submitted by www.XCSkiResorts.com
Older skiers can enjoy cross country (XC) skiing at their own pace for getting outdoors in winter nature and the wellness associated with physical, psychological and spiritual fitness.
For those who have never tried XC skiing, or need a refresher course, Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI has special programs specifically to encourage older XC skiers.
During Silver Streak Week, January 9-13, 2023, XC skiers aged 60 or older can get a complimentary XC SKI HQ Facilities Pass, and try out new skis for free at the demo center. Plus, there’s complimentary coffee and hot cocoa.
The Golden Years Ski School is an introduction (or reintroduction) to the cross country skiing for those aged 55+. This learn-to-ski workshop for both beginners and those who have not skied in many years, tailored to each participant’s goals and ability levels, and aims to teach participants the skills required to truly enjoy cross country skiing.
The all-day workshop is Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023, beginning with indoor instruction, then head outside for an on-snow lesson. After lunch in the center’s Stone Turtle Cafe and Day Lodge, instructor Jim Bradley takes skiers on a guided ski tour on the XC Ski Headquarters trails. Cost is $55 and includes a full-day ski rental and facilities pass, learn- to-ski workshop, and guided ski tour. This event is limited to 20 people. http://www.crosscountryski.com
See you on the slopes!
