There’s so much happening at ski/snowboard/X-C resorts this season. So, in addition to regular posts, we also offer this monthly calendar of this and that tidbits ICYMI (in case you missed it).
Here’s what’s happening in January.
22nd X Games at Aspen
Competitors from across the globe – as well as local Olympians Hanna Faulhaber and Alex Ferreira – gear up to take the world’s stage the weekend of January 27-29 at X Games Aspen. Watch the action in Women’s and Men’s Snowboard and Ski Slopestyle, Big Air, SuperPipe and Knuckle Huck at Buttermilk Mountain – for FREE.
New this year, X Games is offering special packages including athlete meet-and-greets, front-row viewing, hospitality experiences and other events.
For the latest X Games Aspen 2023 event information, visit xgames.com
Fire & Ice Shows at Whistler/Blackcomb
Skier’s Plaza lights up every Sunday night through March 12 with a spectacular display of skills at the legendary Fire & Ice Show, where Whistler’s best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire accompanied by an electric mix of music and dance.
It is an exciting evening of FREE live entertainment to enjoy with family and friends, starting at 9pm. Dress warmly, grab a hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed.
Uphilling in Jackson Hole
Snow King, the town’s “other” ski area – a favorite of locals – and the only one which allows uphilling.
Uphill skiing at ski resorts is a special privilege, as millions of dollars are invested into snowmaking, grooming, and keeping trails safe. In addition, the liability of collisions between uphill and downhill skiers is a major concern (and resort expense). Please follow uphill travel policies posted online and be sure to purchase an uphill travel season or day pass for your visit.
Expect to be greeted and turned around by a staff member if you do not have your uphill pass displayed as you skin up the hill. Dogs are not allowed on the mountain at any time lifts are running, and single file uphill travel is required.
New Boutique Hotels in the Catskills
If you are skiing at Belleayre, Hunter, Plattekill or Windham, there are some interesting new so-called “design forward” boutique hotels in the area with upscale amenities. Check out Eastwind, Hotel Lilien and Bluebird Hunter Lodge.
Also new is AutoCamp Catskills in Saugerties, the first in New York and second on the East Coast, with high-end, boutique-style amenities. There are classic 31-foot Airstream campers, high-end tents, suites, and modern cabins situated among hiking trails and a Clubhouse gathering space.
Ski Up to Six Utah Resorts in One Day
The Ski Utah Interconnect Tour is for skiers with strong legs and lungs and an equally strong desire for bragging rights. It’s also for advanced and expert level skiers with equipment capable of going backcountry in between some resorts in the Wasatch Range. Sorry, no snowboarders, because Alta and Deer Valley do not allow snowboarders.
The interconnect operates daily – conditions permitting – with guides trained in backcountry safety and etiquette (top of both lists is never ski ahead of your guide). There are group tours at $475 per person and private customized tours at $1,499. Bragging rights included. https://www.skiutah.com/explore/the-interconnect-tour
Dine Out Deal
If you are visiting Whistler/Blackcomb January 20th to February 5th, you can enjoy the 21st Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival downtown and taste the world across the city at more than 350 restaurants with multi-course meals and unique culinary experiences. During a normally slow time of the year, the festival has become a popular time for Vancouverites and visitors to Whistler/Blackcomb to support local restaurants. There are set menus at three price ranges: $20-$34, $35-$50, or $50-$64. Details here.
Background – Such dine-out meal deals started in NYC a couple of decades ago, to boost business in the slow post-holiday weeks. The NYC Restaurant Week template has been copied by hundreds of cities, from Albuquerque to Vancouver.
Next Season News – Winter Park
Winter Park is replacing its Pioneer lift with a brand-new six-pack for the 2023-24 season.
The new lift will include a mid-load station that will allow guests to avoid arduous catwalks at the bottom of the current Pioneer zone.
This season – and hopefully next season, also – take the train to the chairlift. See our article on the Winter Park Ski Train.
https://seniorsskiing.com/take-the-train-to-the-chairlift/
See you for another ICYMI next month – or on a chairlift, gondola or magic carpet before then.
