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Skiing News - February 2010
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Thursday, 25 February 2010Fernie, British Columbia, Canada – GMC World of Skiing Host and Famed Whistler bad boy Joe Lammers is at it again. Prior to his recent visit to Island Lake Lodge, which aired on Rogers SportsNet just last month, Joe and the crew of GMC visited the one and only Powder Cowboy Catskiing, located just outside of Fernie B.C., in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies, catskiing capital of the worl d.
Powder Cowboy is one of the well known and respected catskiing operations in all of North America. Located on some 6000 acres of prime catskiing tenure in the south east corner of British Columbia, Powder Cowboy is home to the Bull River Guest Ranch, which is comprised of ten separate log cabins. The largest of these is the Long Horn Salute, whose facilities include a dining room, bar, kitchen and massage rooms. Powder Cowboy’s world class catskiing resort also doubles as a dude ranch in the summer.
Because it is located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Powder Cowboy’s terrain gets a particularly impressive amount of deep dry powder each winter. In fact, the resort’s tenure enjoys 40-60 feet of powder each year, making it a Mecca for ski junkies from all over the planet.
Nevertheless, despite the enormous size of its tenure, Powder Cowboy is by no means a mega resort. In fact, its terrain is serviced by only two snow cats, with a capacity of 12 passengers each. This means that Powder Cowboy’s lucky guests get to enjoy uncrowded slopes and lay fresh tracks on virtually every run. Small group size in addition to personalized service and outstanding lodging facilities are just three of the factors that set Powder Cowboy apart from the competition.
Powder Cowboy is also the only BC catskiing resort with a western theme, and its rustic but comfortable accommodations added to the down home hospitality of its friendly staff are simply unparalleled. The main lodge is both spacious and inviting. It is the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet meal, expertly prepared by the resort’s talented kitchen staff, which is made up of qualified red seal chefs.
But what truly draws world class athletes and amateurs alike to Powder Cowboy is the prospect of skiing fresh dry Champagne powder, while surrounded by some of the most awe inspiring natural scenery on the planet. As the resort’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Darryn Shewchuk, is quick to point out, Powder Cowboy is primarily known for tree skiing. Its tenure is filled with an abundance of glades and steep tree lines that go right up to the ridge tops themselves. These make for a variety of tree runs that start at the very tops of the ridges and lead directly down into the valley bottoms and meadows below.
Tree spacing is also ideal, providing just enough room for skiers maneuver as they make their way through the glades and while there are some open bowls to ski here is as well, tree skiing is what Powder Cowboy is most famous for. The terrain is divided into several different areas. The Cabin Zone features open slopes and spacious tree glades that are perfect for warm-up runs. The Backside of the cruisers on the other hand is home to some really steep chutes and bowls. The Lizard Zone is the place to be for tree skiing and is home to some impressive old-growth forest made up mostly of spruce and fir.
Powder Cowboy http://www.powdercowboy.com has an abundance of long ridges and peaks with lines dropping in virtually every direction. This makes it easy for the snowcats to access the drop zones. Nevertheless, for the more adventurous, there are also some other spots, which require a little boot hiking and provide access to some incredible and otherwise inaccessible lines, such as those found on Yeti Backside, Snakes and Ladders and 3G.
Source: http://www.prlog.org
Wednesday, 24 February 2010IDAHO – Taking the image of skiing in Idaho to new heights, three-time Olympic Aerialist Skier and Idaho native Jeret “Speedy” Peterson is showcasing Idaho as the Soul of Skiing through a new interactive multi- media Web site (www.soulofskiing.com).
The soulofskiing.com site puts the viewer on the mountain in the midst of untouched powder and carvable corduroy to give a true slope- side personalized experience. In addition, viewers get the opportunity to win an Idaho Heli Ski trip or a Stay and Play vacation at one of four Idaho resorts.
“This interactive video is a fantastic collaboration that takes snow sports enthusiasts from all over the world inside the soul of skiing – in a uniquely personal way,” said Ski Idaho President Rick Certano, “We look forward to it bringing new awareness nationwide to the world- class winter amenities we have in Idaho – and the world-class athletes that grow up skiing our slopes.”
Peterson grew up in Boise and learned to ski at nearby Idaho mountain resorts where he says he enjoyed great snow, blue skies and casual skiing communities.
"I decided to work with Ski Idaho and the Idaho Department of Tourism to promote the Soul of Skiing in Idaho because I believe that everyone who leads a healthy active lifestyle will fully benefit from what life has to offer,” said Peterson. “Growing up skiing in Idaho, I was fortunate enough to experience what Idaho truly has to offer and I want for everyone to have the opportunity to do the same."
Peterson is notorious for being the only skier in the world to perform the “Hurricane,” a quintiple-twist, triple back-flip in midair, landing safely on his skis. He’ll take his skills to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics this February.
The development of this multi-media interactive site is the result of a partnership between Ski Idaho and the Idaho Division of Tourism.
Source:http://www.prlog.org
Tuesday, 23 February 2010You have ridden in the shadow of Mont Blanc then après-ed in Chamonix, choked on powder face shots in Japan and then unwound in an onsen. You have smashed the steeps in the Canadian Rockies and you’ve learnt why Sun Valley is called Sun Valley (because of all the sun?). It’s time for something new. Something different. Something out of the ordinary and off the beaten track. Your next ski dest ination could very well be China.
China, the country, is booming. The unbelievable pace of building is turning cities into metropolises and metropolises into megalopolises and riding this wave in the last few years has been a growing number of mountain resorts. As the Chinese middle class grows so too does demand for snow sports and resorts are responding by improving their facilities – adding trails, terrain parks and mogul fields – and starting to look at taking a bite out of the international ski market.
As with any industry growing out of its infancy, the quality of Chinese resorts is variable but the recent influx of foreign know-how in combination with Chinese cash has seen several areas break away from the pack and into the international spotlight. Nowhere is this more evident than in Yabuli, the home of the Chinese national ski team has emerged as the best of what China has to offer the snow seeker.
Located in Heilongjiang Province, the mountain tops out at 1,384 metres and offers almost 900 metres of vertical. The resort benefited from some serious infrastructure upgrades made in the lead up to it staging the 2009 Winter Universiade and it is now without doubt China’s leading ski holiday destination.
The Manchurian air is definitely cold enough to keep the snow dry but so as to provide the best riding conditions possible, the developers have also imported state-of-the-art snow making capacity. At 1 km long, Yabuli also boasts – possibly dubiously – that they have the longest toboggan run in the world but lets face it, it’s the riding that has brought you here, and the 17 lifts servicing 40 hectares of in-bounds ski terrain will keep your busy.
The terrain is a fairly even blend of levels, with designated beginner zones, sweeping mid-angle intermediate slopes and newly constructed advanced runs that ensure enough variety to cater for the more adventurous.
Some Chinese idiosyncrasies may take a little getting used to though luckily they’re of the interesting rather than upsetting kind. The lifts may be fully imported but they are run Chinese-style complete with a two-tier lift ticket system where VIP ticket holders get the more luxurious four- rather than six-person gondolas. So much for the Communist Manifesto!!
While heated gondolas will take you up to the top in comfort, there’s enough choice of hotels at the bottom for you to find just the right place to lay your weary head at the end of a long day. 10 different hotels and hostels offer accommodation that ranges from all the bells and whistles of the 5 star Sun Mountain Lodge to just the basics at the refurbished Windmill Inn.
There’s also a smattering of bars and restaurants in the village so you can feast on sumptuous local delicacies such as Flying Dragon soup as you unwind over a drink and plan your next day’s assault.
The riding may be the main focus but it would be a crying shame if you didn’t set aside enough time to check out the snow and ice festival in Harbin. Held in January and February, the festival attracts tourists from all over China to witness the frozen palace creations and ice skating displays.
If it’s proximity to the larger cities that is your main driver there are a bunch of smaller resort options to consider. Perfect for day trips or short stays, there are several mountains that are within striking distance of those staying in Beijing.
Wanlong Ski resort, China’s largest, is four hours drive from Beijing, probably a touch too far for anything but the most desperate day trip dash. Fortunately, there’s new hotel accommodation that make an overnighter a great choice. The maturing Chinese industry has ensured that most of the recent development at resorts has been focused on opening up more advanced terrain and Wanlong fits this evolution perfectly.
Nanshan Ski Resort is only 60 km from Beijing and would have to be the most border friendly of China’s resorts. In order to set itself apart from the crowd it has added a whole lot of man-made terrain to its natural slopes. A partnership with Austrian company Mellow Constructions means Nashan can brag about the quality of its terrain park that not only has enough kickers to get you up in the air but also rails for all the jibbers and an 80 metre half-pipe.
Of course though, a fair whack of the adventure comes from just being in China. Soaking up the centuries of culture at every turn, sampling the local fare and drinking in all that one of the world’s most fascinating countries has to offer. One thing is for sure, skiing in China is not something that you are going to forget in a hurry.
Source: http://www.prlog.org
Monday, 22 February 2010Lake Chapin Shores—one of southwest Michigan’s newest vacation-home developments—has attracted second-home buyers despite the general economy and slowdown in real estate activity locally and across the country. The 21-home community on Lake Chapin is now one third sold, in sharp contrast to many home development properties the past two years.
Managing partner Steve Sprengel said, "It's been a little nerve-testing at times, but I think our decision to 'build it and they will come' was the right one." He’s referring to the two model homes they built and sold last year. “2009 was our first full season and we’ve already sold seven sites.” Buyers have 12 designs to choose from if they select their own lakefront, lake view or forested site in the development, but the models speed up the process, so buyers can start using their new home right away.
"Once we saw the community, the lake and the homes, we were sold," said Grant Armstrong, who purchased one of the model homes this past spring. "We talked about choosing a lot and a home design and picking out our own finishes, but in the end we were so anxious to get an extra summer on the lake, we decided to buy the model. We realized their designer had selected most of the same things we would have chosen ourselves, and it saved us a five or six month wait." Another one was sold a couple of months later, and the developer’s decision appeared to have been a good one. Two more models are under construction now, to be available this spring.
Originally from the Chicago area, three of the four partners have strong networks of contacts and recognize that most second home buyers in Southwest Michigan want an easy, convenient drive to their property. Lake Chapin Shores offers a 90-minute drive from the Chicago Loop to a weekend getaway surrounded by great, old growth Oaks, Maples, Black Walnuts and more. It is set on rolling terrain leading down to the waterfront of one of the largest all-sports lakes in Southwest Michigan.
"Families enjoy taking their boats on long rides to just sightsee," Sprengel points out, "or if the kids can hold on, they can take one of the longest waterskiing rides on some of the calmest waters anywhere." A stretch of approximately 11 miles between the end of the lake at Berrien Springs and the next dam on the connected St. Joe River offers not only great boating, but some of the area’s best fishing, stocked with 250,000 steelhead every year.
Lake Chapin Shores is minutes from the regionally popular Harbor Country and world famous Lake Michigan beaches. Homes are built on half-to-one acre lots, with wooded sites from the low $400's, and lake view and waterfront homes from the mid $500's. Ten homes will have lake frontage, offering private lake access and spectacular views. Others will have lake views or secluded wooded settings, all with access to a heated pool, waterfront, and private piers.
Beginning April 17th through October 30th, Lake Chapin Shores is hosting open houses and tours of its model homes Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4:00 pm, and by appointment. Call 888-TO-MICHIGAN (888-866-4244) or visit their website at LakeChapinShores.com.
Source: http://www.pr-usa.net
Thursday, 18 February 2010Each tour takes in multiple ski hills off the tourist trail and includes a variety of unique off-snow cultural activities. Travelling in small intimate groups, guests have learnt to expect an unparalleled level of personal service on a tour that takes them into the heart of a country and culture. It's more than just a ski holiday. DreamSki Adventures delivers what clients continually describe as their Best holiday ever!
Now in its seventh year, DreamSki Adventures draws a wide range of clients from the UK, Canada and the United States, many of whom return year after year, seeking the same intimate and personalized experience. Built on the principle that ski holidays should be adventurous, fun, rejuvenating and hassle-free, this successful adventure formula developed by Canadian founder Gerry Winchester remains the only one of its kind in the world.
He explained: The whole idea of a guided tour to an exotic destination is new and we're the only company which offers both guiding and instruction adding huge value to our guests. We're there every day helping our guests to get into the powder and improve their skiing. Our tours are very guest centred, designed to develop and strengthen their skills taking them to the next level whatever their ability.
The success of DreamSki Adventures is built partly on the fact that its founder and guides live, work and play in South America, giving them in-depth local knowledge and expertise both on and off the snow. They take clients to local ski haunts and their Canadian certified instructors guarantee to improve the performance of each and every guest. Between skiing adventures, guests are immersed in local cultures with a diverse range of activities such as wine tasting, relaxing in natural thermal hot pools, visiting local markets, experiencing Latin American dancing and sampling the best of local cuisines.
The DreamSki adventure can best be summed up by client John Goddard (UK) on a recent tour in Chile: This trip has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not just the skiing, but the whole package.
Due to its high altitude and arid climate Chile boasts the best snow conditions in the world. It offers unparalleled powder matched with long, rolling groomed terrain, making it ideal for all ability levels. Mild temperatures, 80 percent sunny days and vast uncrowded slopes on terrain ranging from the high Andes to active volcanoes are combined with the unique and friendly culture of the Chilean people providing the ingredients for a ski holiday beyond compare.
In addition to its own incredible powder conditions, Argentina is renowned for its stunning lake vistas, the spectacular geography of the world famous Patagonia region, and beautiful European influenced mountain towns. Its incredible wines and succulent beef add to the unique cultural experience of a holiday in this country.
The beauty of these destinations is that there's fresh snow for days after a snow fall unlike Europe. These countries are starting to take off in terms of skiing holidays with good reason the snow is fantastic, providing for the best possible skiing. "It's a whole different skiing experience" said Gerry.
Further information: website: www.dreamskiadventures.com
Source: http://www.prlog.org
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