Powdertravel Ski & Snowboard News

Colorado's Epic Season Pass

2008-05-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

You will never get a better reason to move to Colorado than the Epic Season Pass offered by Vail Resorts for the 2008/09 winter season. The Epic Pass gives unrestricted and unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly for just $579 per adult and $279 for children. Now that is an awesome deal!

For more information on the Epic Pass click here

Jackson Hole Breaks Snow Record for 2007/2008 Winter Season

2008-04-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

The winter season ended on Sunday 6th April at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, after a record breaking snow season. Jackson Hole received an amazing 605 inches of snow, more than any other year on record.

Work will now continue on building the new tram set to open in December 2008.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Jackson Hole click here

Steamboat has record breaking snow season

2008-03-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Steamboat, Colorado, has had a record breaking 2007/2008 winter season with more than 450 inches of champagne powder snow falling. The previous record was set in the 1996/1997 winter season with 447 inches of snow falling.

Chris Diamond, president & chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation said, "despite early forecasts calling for a warmer and drier winter, big snows, often the norm in Steamboat, were a common occurrence and provided a season full of epic powder days,....powderhounds will have plenty of powder tales to tell for years or at the very least until the cycle begins again with the opening of the 2008/2009 season on November 26th....With each additional flake over the next few weeks, a new snowfall record will be set, with just over two weeks left in the record-breaking snow season, spring skiing/riding in Steamboat should definitely not be missed.”

Steamboat's season is due to end on Sunday 6th April.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review movie of Steamboat click here

Telluride Opens More Backcountry Terrain

2008-03-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

So far this season Telluride, Colorado, has 332 inches of snow and with 5+ inches falling in the last 48 hours management has decided to open further backcountry terrain. The previously out of bounds Gold Hill chutes 6 to 10 will open on Wednesday 19th March.

Dave Riley, CEO of Telluirde said yesterday, "“The Gold Hill 6-10 opening expands on more one of a kind, unique, big mountain terrain here in Telluride....our ski patrol has worked extremely hard to continually extend the Gold Hill ridge line for the enjoyment of our skiers and boarders....Gold Hill 6-10 is both challenging and exceptionally beautiful,” said Riley. “We are truly excited to offer our guests even more backcountry experiences within the ski area boundary."

The 2007/2008 winter season saw Telluride open eight new advanced steep runs in the Black Iron Bowl, located next to Prospect Bowl. The hike to runs open up previously guided only terrain with a drop of over 1,000 vertical feet littered with chutes, trees and open powder fields. In addition to the Black Iron Bowl terrain the 2007/2008 winter season also saw 200 acres of backcountry hike to terrain opened on the north face of Palmyra Peak. Almost 2,000 vertical feet of deep powder will lead experts down into the Black Iron Bowl.

To read a skiing and snowboarding review of Telluride click here

Zermatt's Stockhorn Speedride

2008-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

On the 3rd and 4th of March Zermatt, Switzerland, will host the spectacular Stockhorn Speedride competition. The speedride competition takes place in upper Gornergrat, the highest lift access point in the Stockhorn ski and snowboard area. The race area is between the Triftji and Stockhorn lifts in the ungroomed fast, very steep undulating terrain. In a world first the freeriding skiers and snowboarders will be timed for the speed of their runs, whoever gets the fastest runs in between 10am and 2pm will win.

In addition to the speedride is the 'Bump Vertical' competition which claims to be the world's steepest course. Competitors will be filmed on each run and the public will choose an overall winner. Stay tuned for results as they come in......

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review movie of Zermatt click here

Record Season at Jackson Hole

2008-02-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

So far this winter season Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has received an amazing 427 inches of snow. Conditions are fantastic as it just keeps on snowing!

This weekend Jackson Hole is hosting the 10th annual Dick's Ditch Banked Slalom event. The Dick's Ditch Banked Slalom consists of skiers and snowboarders racing down a boardercross course with both natural and man made halfpipes, gullies and ravines. The course starts at the top of the Bridger Gondola on Lupine Way and runs all the way down to the bottom of the South Pass Traverse. $5000 dollars is up for grabs so be prepared to see some action!

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review of Jackson Hole click here

Subaru Squaw Valley USA Freeskiing Open

2008-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

The 2nd annual Subaru Freeskiing Open is being held at Squaw Valley from February 14th to 17th. Squaw Valley will host the top 90 freeskiing competitors from around the globe all set to battle it out in excellent snow conditions. The total prize money for the Freeskiing Open season is $100,000 with $7,500 up for grabs at Squaw Valley.

The first Freeskiing Open event was held at Telluride last week with remaining events to take place at Crested Butte, Jackson Hole and Snowbird before the final event is held at Alyeska in April.

Squaw valley local and former US freeskiing champion Ingrid Backstrom said "Squaw is the perfect venue for a freeskiing contest; awesome terrain, great access, and perfect spectating spots. Not to mention, the local talent is unbelievable....the month of January has been epic here; it's shaping up to be excellent conditions for a contest. I can't wait to see everyone charging." Stay tuned for results as they come in....

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Squaw Valley USA click here

Fresh powder for Les Arcs

2008-02-06T14:51:00.001-08:00

Les Arcs, France, is reporting excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions with over 10cm of powder snow falling overnight. The weather bureau are expecting heavy snowfalls over the coming week.

Currently the 'Speed Flying Pro' event is underway at Les Arcs. Speed Flying is a new snow sport which is described as being halfway between paragliding and free skiing. Riders are able to move at very fast speeds hovering almost entirely in the air, changes of direction occur very fast with just the slightest movement of the skis. Speed flyers compete in downhill, slalom and freeriding events.

To watch an informative skiing and snowboarding review of Les Arcs click here

26 feet at Squaw Valley

2008-02-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Squaw Valley USA, California, has received 312 inches (26 feet) of snow so far this season! January saw one of the best snowfalls in the history of Squaw Valley with a total of 203 inches (17 feet) of snow falling. It's still falling heavily now and skiing and snowboarding conditions could not be better!

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review movie of Squaw Valley click here

First Class Conditions at Sunshine

2008-01-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

Sunshine Village, Canada, has received 28 cm (11 inches) of snow in the past 2 days making the skiing and snowboarding conditions excellent. So far this season the total snowfall received at Sunshine is 376 cm (148 inches). Be sure to rug up if you are on your way as the mountain temperature is well below freezing, yesterday it was -26 degrees celsius (-15 degrees fahrenheit)

To read an informative skiing and snowboarding review of Sunshine click here

It's dumping snow in the Hakuba Valley Japan

2008-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Happo One in the Hakuba Valley, Japan, has been hit by a fierce snow storm dumping 30 cms overnight. The snow is still falling and the conditions are awesome!

Happo One is one of Japan’s top ski and snowboard resorts. One of eight resorts in the picturesque Hakuba Valley it is most famous for hosting the men’s downhill skiing and slalom events in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review movie of Happo One click here

Excellent conditions in Les 3 Vallees

2008-01-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

Les 3 Vallees, France, are having a fantastic early winter season with 40 cms of fresh snow falling this week. All trails are open in Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens with more snow expected over the next couple of days.

To read a resort review of Les 3 Vallees click here

Over 17 feet of champagne powder at Steamboat

2008-01-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Since the start of the season it has been snowing in Steamboat, Colorado, for 32 out of 42 days leaving over 17 feet of deep champagne powder. Currently Steamboat is in the middle of a storm cycle that does not appear to be going anywhere with 25 inches falling in the past 24 hours!

Yesterday Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation said "Steamboat is enjoying some of the best snow in the Rocky Mountains and one of the largest mid-mountain bases of the major Colorado destination resorts....the word about Steamboat's snow is spreading as fast as it is piling up in the Yampa Valley and there are no signs of letting up any time soon.”

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Steamboat click here

To watch terrain park and halfpipe footage from Steamboat click here

Aspen Snowmass hit with 28 inches in 48 hours!

2008-01-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, has received 28 inches of powder snow in 48 hours. Conditions are being described by the ski patrol as 'epic'! A new snowfall record was set in December 2007 with 118 inches recorded, currently it is 147 inches.

To watch some awesome footage from the terrain park at Aspen Snowmass click here

To watch an informative review of Aspen Snowmass click here

Catalyst Terrain Park opens at Copper Mountain

2007-12-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Copper Mountain, Colorado, has opened it's top ranking Catalyst Terrain Park. The terrain park has been revamped for the 2007/2008 winter season with two jump lines and additional rails. The Main Vein Superpipe is the first superpipe to open in North America.

Currently Copper Mountain has 104 inches (264 cms) of snow with a lot more predicted over the next 5 days as the harsh winter storms cross Colorado.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Copper Mountain click here

To watch a skiing and snowboarding review of Copper Mountain click here

Squaw Valley USA gearing up for another bumper season

2007-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Squaw Valley USA, California is preparing for another top season with the 2007/08 season commencing on November 17th.

Over the summer the resort has replaced the Shirley Lake Express Chairlift with a new high speed 6 pack chairlift increasing the turnaround time dramatically. Also additional snow making has been added covering 15% of the skiing and snowboarding terrain.

To watch an informative skiing and snowboarding review of Squaw Valley USA click here

Twelve Days of Christmas at Mt Buller

2007-07-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mt Buller's Twelve Days of Christmas, running from 23rd July to 3rd August, are being enjoyed by all. Along with excellent snow conditions mountain visitors have been singing Christmas carols, feasting on Christmas roast dinners, going on candy hunts and even getting a visit or two from Santa!

Currently all of Mt Buller's skiing and snowboarding runs are open with an average snow depth of 87cm. More snow showers are expected later on in the week.
source: www.mtbuller.com.au

To read an informative skiing and snowboarding review of Mt Buller click here

Coca Cola Wild Winter Weekend at Perisher Blue this weekend

2007-07-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August, the annual Coca Cola Wild Winter Weekend wild be held at Australia's largest ski and snowboard resort Perisher Blue. The total prize money up for grabs is $16,500 events are as follows;

Saturday 4th August
Dash for Cash - a wacky and funny Chinese downhill where both skiers and snowboarders race to claim a bag of cash

Leap for Loot - a big air competition held at the aerial site where some spectacular jumps and even bigger stacks are judged

Sunday 5th August
In the Pipe - invitational event for top freestyle skiers and snowboarders to strutt their stuff in the superpipe

Jump for Cash - the spectators favorite event of the weekend! A fancy dress event where only the brave (and slightly crazy) enter to try to retrieve a bag of cash dangling over a pond of icy cold water

entry forms are avaibale at www.perisherblue.com.au
source www.perisherblue.com.au

To read an informative skiing and snowboarding review of Perisher Blue click here

POWDERTRAVEL.COM LAUNCHES 32ND SKI AND SNOWBOARD TRAVEL PODCAST

2007-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

The powdertravel.com ski and snowboard travel show have just launched episode 32 featuring great footage from the interlinked resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu Toomi in the Hakuba Valley, Japan.

To download the ski and snowboard travel podcast from powdertravel.com click here

Peak to Peak Gondola to connect Whistler and Blackcomb at the Top

2007-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada, has just announced it will be constructing a Peak to Peak Gondola between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. The Gondola will cover 4.4 kilometers in 11 minutes with 28 cabins carrying up to 28 people. The terminal on Whistler Mountain will be located next to the Roundhouse Lodge and on Blackcomb Mountain it will be located next to the Rendezvous Lodge.

Dave Brownlie Whistler Blackcomb's Chief Operating Officer said "The Peak to Peak Gondola will create a dramatically enhanced experience that no other mountain resort in North America, possibly the world, can offer .....this link will effectively double, or more, the options for accessing the highest quality and greatest variety of terrain on any one day, from anywhere on the mountains. We are going to completely revolutionize our guests' experience."

The Gondola will be the world's longest unsupported free spanning gondola in the world, the distance between the two furthest towers will be 3.024 kilometres (1.88 miles), construction will commence in May 2007.
source:www.whistlerblackcomb.com

To read a skiing and snowboarding review of Whistler Blackcomb click here

St Moritz Wins Best Holiday Destination

2007-04-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) the world's largest association of travel writers have chosen St Moritz, Switzerland as the winner of the 'Best Holiday Destination for Adventure and Leisure.' The PATWA is made up of professional travel journalists, editors and authors from over 70 countries.

St Moritz has challenging skiing and snowboarding terrain spread over 350km and an excellent record of deep dry powder every season. Currently the upper snow depth at St Moritz is 80cm and 90 trails are open for good skiing and snowboarding on packed powder.
source:www.stmoritz.ch

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of St Moritz click here

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival at Whistler

2007-04-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Whistler will host the annual Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival from April 13th to April 22nd. Prepare yourself for 10 days and 10 nights of live music concerts, major international skiing and snowboarding events and big parties!

Events include; The Old Spice World Snowboarding Classic, The World Skiing Invitational and the World Backcountry Freeride Jam. Add to this skate boarding events, mountain biking events, dog shows, a mini film festival, 50 live concerts and fashion parades.

To read a skiing and snowboarding review of Whistler Blackcomb click here

9 inches of fresh snow at Vail

2007-04-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

In it's last few weeks of the season Vail, Colorado has received 9 inches of fresh snow in the past 24 hours. 94% of the ski and snowboard terrain is open with fantastic spring conditions. Vail is scheduled to close on 22nd April.

To watch skiing and snowboarding footage from the terrain park and halfpipe at Vail click here

Colorado's Largest Easter Egg Hunt at Copper Mountain

2007-04-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

More than 50,000 easter eggs will fill the village and lower mountain areas at Copper Mountain, Colorado on Easter Sunday. Every easter egg will have a prize; candy, toys, season passes, lift tickets, gift certificates and more...

Currently the skiing and snowboarding conditions are excellent at Copper Mountain; in the last week they have received more than a foot and a half of fresh snow with 21 lifts operating and all trails open.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Copper Mountain click here

10 inches at Jackson Hole

2007-04-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

In the final week of the season Jackson Hole, Wyoming has received 10 inches of fresh snow over night. The weather is remaining overcast for the next couple of days with more snow expected. Jackson Hole received 310 inches of snow this season, currently there are 8 lifts operating and 79 out of 116 trails open.

To watch a skiing and snowboarding movie of Jackson Hole click here