http://www.skiutah.com/images/logo.gif http://dev.roger.skiutah.com/media/press_room/recent 96 96 http://dev.roger.skiutah.com/media/press_room/recent Ski Utah, Inc. en-us @2008 Ski Utah, Inc. Mon, Oct 13 2008 2:02:54 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1190 Author: Jared Ishkanian FREE TRAM RIDES WITH FOOD DONATION BENEFITS UTAH FOOD BANK SNOWBIRD, UTAH – October brings two weekends of free Aerial Tram rides at Snowbird with a donation to the Utah Food Bank. Snowbird Customer Appreciation Days will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12, and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, weather permitting. One can of food equals one free Tram ride during Customer Appreciation Days. In lieu of food, a $2 donation may be made for a Tram ride. All food donations benefit the Utah Food Bank and monetary donations benefit the Wasatch Adaptive Sports program. The Tram will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both weekends. Bring food to the front entrance of the Snowbird Center, accessed by Snowbird Entry 2. Cash donations will be accepted at the Snowbird Center ticket office. Live music will be provided on Saturdays on the Snowbird Center Plaza Deck from 1-4 p.m. Snowbird’s Alpine Slide, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline, four-station Climbing Wall and Inflatable Kids Rides will also be open during Customer Appreciation Days, with the same operating hours as the Tram, weather permitting. Tickets for the Alpine Slide, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline, four-station Climbing Wall and Inflatable Kids Rides are separate from the Utah Food Bank food-raiser. Offering the longest season in Utah, Snowbird is scheduled to open for the 2008-09 season Saturday, Nov. 22. Last winter Snowbird had a 183-day season with skiing and riding from Nov. 30 to June 22. For more information on Snowbird Customer Appreciation Days call the Snowbird Events Hotline at (801) 933-2110 or go to www.snowbird.com. Guests can enjoy a fall getaway and a $50 Snowbird gift card when booking a lodging room during Oct. Rates for the Oct. $50 Gift Card Giveaway, valid Oct. 1-31, 2008, start at $109. Restrictions may apply. Call (800) 880-5738 for more information or to book a reservation. For media information contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com. Ski Utah, Inc. Mon, Oct 06 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1187 Author: Jared Ishkanian br/_> SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort Owner Richard D. Bass and President Bob Bonar will be honored by the National Forest Foundation (NFF) for their conservation leadership. A reception and honorary dinner, to be held at the Silver Lake Lodge on Oct. 4 in Park City, will celebrate Snowbird’s commitment to its local environment and distinction as the first ski resort in the nation to partner with the NFF in establishing a Ski Conservation Fund. Snowbird made history in March of 2006 by being the first ski resort to partner with the NFF in an effort to provide funds for the surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. More than $120,000 has been raised by Snowbird through $1 donations per each guest stay at Snowbird properties. “Due to the leadership of Dick Bass and Bob Bonar, participation in the Ski Conservation Fund has grown to 23 ski areas that all provide the opportunity for guests to support local conservation initiatives,” said Bill Possiel, NFF President. The fund has resulted in more than $1.5 million raised for local forest stewardship projects across the country. “We’re extremely proud of our successful relationship with the NFF and the Forest Service,” said Snowbird President Bonar. “Snowbird’s guests and employees cherish the beautiful surroundings here in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and we’ll continue to do all we can to protect this precious resource.” The NFF leverages donations with both cash and in-kind support by supporting local nonprofit groups to implement conservation, restoration and recreation projects in the National Forests in partnership with the Forest Service. Funded organizations in Utah include the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, which oversees watershed restoration initiatives in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and Save Our Canyons, which administers a trail maintenance program in the area. Snowbird has a longstanding history of environmental stewardship, including a resort-wide dedication to energy-efficiency, revegetation and public transportation. Snowbird was awarded the National Ski Areas Association Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence for undertaking a mine restoration project in American Fork Canyon, as well as the 2007 Earth Day Award from the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Achievement Award. If media members would like to attend the honorary celebration and dinner on the evening of Oct. 4, or for more information on Snowbird’s partnership with the NFF, please contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com. About the National Forest Foundation Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) works to conserve, restore and enhance America’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. Through community-based strategies and public-private partnerships, the NFF enhances wildlife habitat, revitalizes wildfire-damaged landscapes, restores watersheds and improves recreational resources for the benefit of all Americans. The NFF’s Friends of the Forest® program helps build awareness of the issues and values surrounding our National Forests through outreach and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit us at www.nationalforests.org Ski Utah, Inc. Wed, Sep 24 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1186 Author: Jessica Kunzer (jessica@skiutah.com) SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH– "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure." Perhaps the best example of this old adage is the “ski swap.” For many snowriders, fall ski swaps are a staple tradition in winter preparation, enabling them to sell used gear and stock-up on new equipment for the coming winter season. Most participants save huge sums of money compared to full retail prices and many leave swaps with a bit of extra cash. Ski swaps also serve as a celebration bringing winter enthusiasts across the state together to anticipate the coming season. “Changing leaves and dropping temperatures are sure signs that winter is around the corner,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. “A little foresight can save locals a lot of money and make it easier to enjoy The Greatest on Earth.” Participate in your local ski swap and look to your favorite resorts and retailers for early season and locals deals. Applications for the Ski Utah School Passport Program, offering FREE skiing for any Utah fifth or sixth grader, are also currently available. For more information on early season, sales, swaps and pricing visit SkiUtah.com. PARK CITY 36th Annual Park City Ski Team Swap Basin Recreation Field House at New Park 1388 New Main St., Kimball Junction (435) 649-8749 Nov. 7-9, 2008 Nov. 7, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring your equipment to the Basin Recreation Field House on Nov. 7 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. The ski team keeps 30 percent of the profit. Admission is $8 on Friday, $5 on Saturday and $2 on Sunday. Children under 12 are free parkcityskiteam.org Park City Snowboard Team Snowboard Swap Park City Mountain Resort First Time lower parking lot (435) 615-8839 October, exact dates TBA 15% donation on all sold items to the Park City Snowboard Team pcsbt.org St. Lawrence Thrift Stores Annual Ski Sale Park and Recreation Building 90 North 100 West, Heber City (435) 657-0209 Nov. 7, noon-6 p.m.; Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop your donations off at the old St. Mary’s Church 121 Park Avenue, Park City No fees, free admission Best prices in town! SALT LAKE CITY Black Diamond Store 2092 East 3900 South, Holladay (801) 278-0233 Oct. 18, 7 a.m.-noon Bring gear, sell your gear and keep the money. Rowmark Ski Swap New Location at the Salt Palace (801)924-5935 Oct. 24-25, Times TBA Rowmark charges 25 percent commission. Admission: Friday $5 per person and Saturday admission TBA (Children under 12 free) Check website for more information rowmark.org Soldier Hollow Pre Winter Ski Sale Soldier Hollow Legacy Foundation Lodge at Soldier Hollow, Midway (435) 654-2002 Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cross Country ski equipment and snowshoes Junior Packages from $75, adults from $189 Discounted preseason passes available. The Snowbird Mountain Sports Expo: New and Used Equipment Sale Snowbird Center, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon (801)933-2110 Sept. 26–28 Friday, Sept. 26, noon-8 p.m. (public check-in at 11a.m.) Sat., Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (4 p.m.–6 p.m. pick up) Check in for goods will begin @ 11a.m. on Friday $3 skis/snowboards and $2 soft goods Fri.– $2 Entrance Fee, $5 for families Sat. & Sun.– FREE admission! Benefiting the Snowbird Sports Education Foundation sbsef.com OGDEN Howlfest Ski Swap at Wolf Mountain 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden (801) 745-3511 Sat., Oct. 25 10 a.m.–10 p.m. The event includes ski swap, DNA rail jam, family activities and food. wolfmountaineden.com Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 13 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah wintersports product since its inception in 1978. For more information on the upcoming winter season visit SkiUtah.com. For media information, contact Ski Utah Director of Communications Jessica Kunzer at (801) 433-2016 or by email at jessica@SkiUtah.com. Ski Utah, Inc. Tue, Sep 16 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1185 Author: Jessica Kunzer (jessica@skiutah.com) SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH- Ski Utah is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Comrie as the company’s new marketing manager. Comrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Utah. Before joining the Ski Utah team, Comrie interned with Pop magazine, an Australian snow, skate and surf publication and worked as a producer for Team Thunder, a local snowboard film production company. “Mike’s passion for snowboarding and industry experience will greatly assist Ski Utah in continuing to develop effective and creative marketing campaigns for the statewide ski and snowboard industry,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. “We are very excited to have Mike as a part of our team.” Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 13 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah wintersports product since its inception in 1978. Ski Utah, Inc. Tue, Sep 16 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1181 Author: Erin Grady DEER VALLEY, PARK CITY, UTAH– Deer Valley Resort has been honored with being named the #1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI magazine for the second year in a row. In the past eight years, Deer Valley®’s rating hasn’t dipped lower than third, with a #2 ranking in 2001/2002; a #1 ranking in 2002/2003; a #3 rating in 2003/2004; a #2 rating in 2004/2005; another #1 ranking in 2005/2006, a #2 rating in 2006/2007, a #1 ranking in 2007/2008, and now a fourth #1 ranking in 2008/2009. “We’re ecstatic, actually,” says Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort president and general manager. “To receive this prestigious honor two years in a row is simply amazing. Everyone around here is all smiles. The fact that SKI magazine readers, who are avid skiers, travelers, and lifestyle enthusiasts, continue to give us the ‘thumbs up’ makes us very grateful and humbled to have received this award. Deer Valley Resort has been built around a commitment to excellence in service and to have achieved #1 among with other top world class resort destinations is truly an honor. As always, this award reflects the efforts of our many Deer Valley employees who give it their all every day to be the best, and to make Deer Valley the best.” Aside from being named the #1 Resort overall out of the 60 North American resorts that receive rankings, Deer Valley ranked winningly in many individual categories. Highlights included the Resort being given #1 rankings for grooming, service and on-mountain food, Deer Valley has placed #1 in these categories since SKI magazine has been tracking ratings. The Resort also received #2 rankings for access, lodging and dining. More than 20,000 SKI readers are surveyed for its “Top 60 Resort Guide” by an independent research firm. SKI readers ski an average of 23 days a year. The ski resort survey is the most comprehensive and longest-running in the winter sports industry. Some of the personal comments about Deer Valley in this year’s surveys include: “These people know how to care for their clients and their snow”; “It’s hard to go to any other resort after you have been pampered at Deer Valley”; “Deer Valley is great for families – we love just about everything about it”; “Nice terrain variety – love the lack of snowboarders”; “Deer Valley continues to improve a platinum product year after year”; and “Deer Valley has it all – a skier’s paradise.” For more information on Deer Valley Resort or its #1 SKI magazine ranking, please contact Resort Communications Manager Erin Grady at 800-424-DEER (3337) or 435-645-6522, or visit deervalley.com. Ski Utah, Inc. Fri, Sep 12 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1184 Author: Krista Parry Park City, UTAH– Park City Mountain Resort has once again been ranked a top five ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI magazine. Park City Mountain Resort first broke into the prestigious top-five in the 2004-05 season and since then, has received this top ranking three times. “It is an honor to once again be ranked as one of the top five ski resorts in North America,” said Peter Curtis, president and general manager of Park City Mountain Resort. “Over the years we have directed a lot of our resources to enhancing the on-mountain experience for our guests. Specifically, identifying ways to allow more of our guests to explore the 3,300 acres of terrain our mountain has to offer. It’s certainly not coincidental that the categories where we saw the most improvement in the surveys were terrain variety/challenge, service and family programs.” Park City Mountain Resort started implementing changes as it related to the on-mountain experience two years ago. The first enhancement was the development of the Resort’s groomed Signature Run program which allows intermediates the opportunity to experience advanced terrain. While black diamond runs are typically not groomed because of their difficult nature, the Signature Runs tame some of the challenge while still providing a sense of accomplishment. The Resort also developed a new mountainzone concept by sectioning out the trail map and color-coding it. Each mountainzone features a variety of terrain so nearly every ability level can enjoy the area. In addition, the Resort integrated a new interactive tool where guests can create tailor-made tours based upon their ability levels and terrain preferences. Over 100,000 tours have been printed off by guests and used to explore the 3,300 acres Park City Mountain Resort has to offer. The Resort was also the first in North America to guarantee a maximum class size of five children or less in its Kids Signature 5 Program, for skiers and snowboarders ages six to 14, every day of the season. Plus, students can choose lunch of their choice in one of our on-mountain restaurants. In addition, the Resort’s new Online Vacation Planner, introduced last season, allows families to explore all of the adventures that Park City has to offer before even packing their bags. Personal itineraries that include details on all activities can then be printed and used as a guide once they reach Park City. “We have also placed a strong emphasis on cultivating a work environment where team member take pride in what they do and how they do it. Without the hard work and dedication of our friendly employees, we would never be able to maintain a high level of service to our guests,” added Curtis. More than 20,000 SKI magazine readers are surveyed for its “Top 60 Resort Guide” by an independent research firm. The ski resort survey is the most comprehensive and longest-running in the winter sports industry. About Park City Mountain Resort Park City Mountain Resort, a family adventure destination, is located in the heart of Park City, Utah and is only a 35 minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport. With over 3,300 acres of unspoiled terrain, the Resort offers groomed Signature Runs™, bumps, powder, trees, eight peaks, nine bowls, four terrain parks, and the Eagle Superpipe, North America’s largest superpipe. The Resort is committed to $10.5 million in improvements for the 2008-09 winter season including a new high-speed lift, renovations to on-mountain dining, expanded snowmaking and a new run. For more information, visit parkcitymountain.com or call (800) 222-PARK. Ski Utah, Inc. Thu, Sep 11 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1182 Author: Jared Ishkanian WHAT: Snowbird Mountain Sports Expo: New and Used Equipment Sale WHEN: Sept. 26, noon – 8 p.m.; Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sept. 28, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: Snowbird Center, Entry 2 Tips on Bargain Shopping for Winter Gear The current ski “swaps” and equipment sale expos of today are a far cry from the garage sales of yesteryear, offering ample opportunity for enthusiasts to buy and sell used gear, as well as find great prices on new equipment. Scott Mathers, the Alta Ski School Training Director, former member of the PSIA Alpine Demonstration Team and organizer of this year’s Mountain Sports Expo at Snowbird, offers the following tips to effectively shop equipment sale expos. Shop the sales early in the season for the best selection. The equipment liquidators attend several swaps annually. Therefore to get the best selection on premium equipment, shoppers should look for the sales that are held early in the fall. Select a sale that provides knowledgeable and accessible sales people that are available to help select equipment that is in good condition, sized correctly and safe. Expos and swaps continue to be a favorite with families, allowing them to outfit everyone for less money. However, it is imperative that equipment is in good condition, safe and sized correctly. The Snowbird Mountain Sports Expo staffs the sales floor to assist shoppers in sizing and selecting the correct equipment for ability level and intended use. Look for sales that have family friendly hours and activities. Look for sales that offer family friendly activities and reasonable hours. The Snowbird Sports Education Foundation Mountain Sports Expo starts at noon on Friday, Sept. 26 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m., and offers multiple activities available beyond shopping. Weather permitting, Snowbird offers a full array of summer activities including Tram and Peruvian Chairlift rides, the new four-station climbing wall, ZipRider, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, Kid’s Inflatables, Mechanical Bull, horseback and ATV tours, biking and hiking. Saturday and Sunday also features Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest, offering music, food, beer, dancing and shopping for the entire family. Try on clothing. Ski clothes are often worn over base layers. Try to wear clothing similar to what you might wear skiing to get an accurate fit. Enthusiasts can economically purchase a “quiver” of specialty equipment. Equipment is available for a fraction of what it would cost at a traditional store, allowing even the most casual skier or boarder to purchase specialty equipment for powder, terrain parks and the backcountry. Look for sales that support local youth activities. Many expos and swaps benefit local winter sports teams. A portion of your purchase may be tax-deductible and exempt from sales tax. At the Snowbird Mountain Sports Expo, twenty percent of the purchase price is tax deductible and goes to the Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, supporting athletes who may have the desire and ability to participate but not the financial means. The Snowbird Mountain Sports Expo will be held at the Snowbird Center. Expo hours are Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Goods will be accepted for sale at all hours of the expo starting from 11:00 am on Friday; shopping begins at noon. Participants can pick up their goods from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday; all unclaimed goods will be considered a donation. PLEASE NOTE: On Friday, an admission fee of $2/person or $5/families will be charged for entry to the expo. Saturday and Sunday, admission is free. Also, a tag fee of $3 for hard goods and $2 for soft goods will be accessed for participants who want to list equipment. Ski Utah, Inc. Wed, Sep 10 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1183 Author: Jared Ishkanian SNOWBIRD, UTAH– The race to Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort’s Hidden Peak begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, with the Widow Maker Mountain Bike Race and Hidden Peak Challenge foot race. Mountain bikers test their legs and lungs with the Widow Maker Mountain Bike Race from the bottom of Gad Valley to the top of Hidden Peak. This course is 4.7 miles and climbs 3,000 vertical feet. Registration is $35. For more information, call (801) 583-6281 or visit www.sports-am.com. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities competing in the Hidden Peak Challenge will tackle the four-mile race that climbs 3,000 vertical feet from the Snowbird Center to Hidden Peak. Registration for this race is $30. For more information, call (801) 583-6281 or visit www.sports-am.com. This weekend, celebrate the 36th Annual Snowbird Oktoberfest with Alp Horns on Hidden Peak, live music, authentic food and drink and fun for the kids. Oktoberfest runs Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 5. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. and admission is free. For media information, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 / Jishkanian@snowbird.com or Julia Partain at (801) 933-2040 / jpartain@snowbird.com. ### Ski Utah, Inc. Tue, Sep 09 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1180 Author: Lucy Ridolphi SUNDANCE, UTAH— Sundance Resort celebrates the beauty of the season and the rich cultural heritage of the region with its 12th Annual Harvest Market, held on Ray’s Lawn on Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keeping with Sundance’s commitment to the arts and nature, the Harvest Market will feature musical entertainment, a myriad of artistic creations, hand crafted jewelry, and Sundance Art Shack artisans’ hand-blown glassware and art pieces. The backdrop for the Harvest Market is the brilliant fall foliage amid the splendor of Mt. Timpanogos. In addition, there will be a barbecue and Sundance’s scrumptious baked treats. This year’s extensive list of artists includes Jack Folker Photography, fine art photography; Elizabeth Terry, jewelry; Jim Parrish, fine art photography; Willie Holdman Photography; Marina and Betsy’s Designs with an array of jewelry pieces, as well as purses and belts; Nikki Jackson, stained glass jewelry; Bruce Sheely, rustic wood furniture, among many others. While at Sundance, take the opportunity to experience the beauty of Mt. Timpanogos in the bright hues of autumn with a fall foliage hike. Then relax in the rustic comfort of Sundance’s luxurious cottages. Check out our hot deals at www.sundanceresort.com or call 800-892-1600. For information on this and other Sundance events and activities, visit www.sundanceresort.com and subscribe to the Sundance online newsletter. Ski Utah, Inc. Mon, Sep 01 2008 0:00:00 MDT http://www.skiutah.com/media/press_room/release/1175 Author: Jessica Kunzer (jessica@skiutah.com) SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH- With summer heat sizzling at high temps, it is hard to believe that snow is only 60 days away. Utah receives its first dusting of mountain snow as early as September but most often by October. To celebrate the approach of Utah’s favorite precipitation, Ski Utah has partnered with Ben & Jerry’s at The Gateway to give away free Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla ice cream on Weds., Aug. 27 from 2-5 p.m. The spot will be marked with a 9-foot tall inflatable yeti. The ice cream will be free for the first thousand customers. All customers will also have the option to add “fresh powder,” coconut flakes, to their scoop. The combination of Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla ice cream and coconut is free, refreshing and simply powderlicious. Tips will be accepted to benefit the Utah Avalanche Center. “Now is the perfect time for locals to begin thinking about the coming winter season,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty, “Many resorts offer great early deals on ticket books and season passes. Taking advantage of these offers is great way for local snowriders to keep the sport affordable.” Information on early season discounts at Utah ski resorts and the Ski Utah school passport program, offering FREE skiing for any Utah fifth or sixth grader, will be available at the event. What: 60 Days to Snow free ice cream giveaway Where: North end of The Gateway shopping center, 90 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT When: Weds., Aug. 27, 2008 from 2-5 p.m. Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 13 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah wintersports product since its inception in 1978. For media information, contact Ski Utah Director of Communications Jessica Kunzer at 801.433.2016 or by email at jessica@skiutah.com. ### Ski Utah, Inc. Thu, Aug 21 2008 0:00:00 MDT Ski Utah, Inc. 1-800-SKIUTAH 150 West 500 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 Phone: 801.534.1779 Snow Report: 801.521.8102 Fax: 801.521.3722 http://www.skiutah.com Ski Utah, Inc. Mon, Oct 13 2008 2:02:54 MDT