We’re still transitioning into the Information Age and, like a well-skied trail, the bumps are plentiful.
Personal data is compromised. Weird account charges are difficult to get removed. Criminals and other rogue players are changing how we would normally communicate with each other. But there are some bright spots. Older skiers are pleased with purchasing lift tickets online. In fact, 93% of SeniorsSkiing.com survey respondents indicate they are somewhat or highly satisfied with buying tickets online. More than 50% of you purchased them directly from the resort; 10% from Liftopia and other online aggregators. Sites like Liftopia are worth visiting before going to a specific area’s site because they may be offering special deals. Please click through to Liftopia from the ad you see in the right column. And for many of us, there may be no charge at all. The list of 115 US Resorts Where Seniors Ski Free has grown to include 115 areas. Be sure to check out the most updated version in the SUBSCRIBER ONLY button under the COMMUNITY tab.
Colorado
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs will celebrate its Centennial year in 2018. The resort hotel has played a major role in figure skating. On Saturday, January 20, a gala at the resort will salute Peggy Fleming Jenkins and the 50th anniversary of her Olympic Gold Medal in Grenoble. Click here for details and tickets.
It appears the new KSL Holdings/Aspen resort coalition will be announcing its new name and 2018-19 pass details later this season.
Aspen Mountain is open top-to-bottom. The Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Express, and Bell Mountain Chair are open. Snowmass has limited skiing. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are scheduled to open December 9.
Montana
Big Sky Resort opened the Lone Peak Tram in the area’s first week of operation. Lone Peak (11,166′) has a 49″ base. More snow expected this weekend.
Utah
Deer Valley Resort will open for the 2017-2018 ski season on Saturday, December 2, 2017, with eight chairs and nine runs.
The Utah Olympic Oval will host the 2017 ISU Long Track Speed Skating World Cup beginning Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10. Skaters will be racing in the following distances: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m and Team Pursuit. General admission: $7. More info: UtahOlympicLegacy.org
Good news: The International Biathlon Union (IBU) selected Soldier Hollow Nordic Center as the host venue for the eighth stop on the 2018/2019 World Cup season tour. It will be the first major international biathlon competition to be held at Soldier Hollow since the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Less Good News: It will be held in February, 2019. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with shooting. Competitors ski through a cross-country trail system whose total distance is divided into either two or four shooting rounds, half in prone position, the other half standing. With a total cumulative TV viewership approaching one billion, biathlon is the most popular winter sport in Europe.
Vermont
Like all of us, Vermont is praying for more snow. In the meanwhile, resorts there have come up with a variety of non-ski entertainments.
- Trapp Family Lodge at Stowe has a series of wine tastings scheduled for the first half of December.
- This Sunday Okemo is giving a $39 lift ticket in exchange for donations of five food items
- On December 8, Stratton will host an alternative rock festival.
- December 9
- Jay Peak to hold its season pass holder annual party
- Killington has a $25,000 purse rail skiing event
- Smuggler’s Notch hosts its annual BrewFest. $20 ticket buys 8 samples and other goodies
- December 12 is Founder’s Day at Mount Snow. Lift tickets will be $12
- December 16, is Spirits of the Season at Stratton.10 tasting-ticket pack is available for $25 in advance; $30 at the door
Visit individual resorts sites for more details on these and other events.
Other
Watched “War For The Planet of The Apes” on a flight a few days ago. One scene takes place at an abandoned ski area. The culminating scene is in another mountain location and involves a massive avalanche. I still think the first in the franchise is the best.
