Spring Chickens Senior Appreciation Day:

“Location: Breckenridge
April 07, 2010

Breckenridge Ski Resort would like to take a day to appreciate our 60+ Skiers and Riders. We are offering FREE Parking (until lot is full) at the Gondola North Parking Lot and free lunch vouchers ($12 value) will be handed out at the Vista Haus Restaurant starting at 11:00am. Hope to see you there!

Print Lunch Voucher and Free Parking Coupon“

(Via Breckenridge Resort Event Calendar.)

Swiss Valley is now closed for the season, as they say over at their blog:

Thank You for a Great Season!:

“Swiss Valley thanks everyone…especially mother nature for a great ski season!  We will close for the 2009/2010 Season today March 10th!  We  enjoyed everyday and hope you did too!  See you next winter if not before.”

(Via Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area.)

This is an interesting piece….

Ski Industry Myth of Early Closure:

“I don’t want to steal Coreys thunder here (he mentioned that he soon wanted to address ski industry myths) so I will be brief.  Crystal Mt. isn’t the only area that come closing time the customers simply shrug and say too bad the Forest Service wont let them operate anymore.  That myth is industry-wide.  We usually close down because people stop coming up.  It starts happening in March, when all of our skiers seem to go to Whistler and Sun Valley.  Did you know that Washington state exports more skiers than it keeps?  In other words more people from WA ski out of state than in.  Or they ski more days out of state than in.  By April, there are more employees than skiers, and it doesnt take a genius to know that cant last.  With the gondola, sightseers, diners and skiers can fill those cabins and keep the bullwheel turning.”

(Via Blog Crystal.)

Vail Ski Patrol Testing:

“March 26, 2010

Thinking that you want to work for Vail Ski Patrol next season?  Those interested need to call Vail Ski Patrol at (970) 754-4610 and sign up for a ski test date.  Ski testing will take place on March 21, 24 and 26th from 8:30-11:30am and will meet at our Lower Patrol Room in Vail Village under the ticket office.  Ski testers will be evaluated on two or three runs and those who pass will be invited to attend the Patrol Hiring Academy on March 27-29th.

Please call Vail Ski Patrol with any questions that you may have at (970) 754-4610.”

(Via Vail Resort Event Calendar.)

SV Slusher & Costume Contest – Sunday March 14th:

“Join us Sunday March 14th for one of the most popular events of the season!  The Swiss Valley Slusher and Costume Contest.  The Slusher will begin at 2:00PM…there’s no entry fee, anyone can try i!.  The last person to make it across…..DRY wins a $100.00 SV Gift card!  The Costume Contest will be judged by [...]“

(Via Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area.)

The Glenn Tele Race:

“Location: Showcase off Kehr’s Chair (old Big Chief lift)
Date: 21 March 2010
Time: 10:30am

Strap on your tele skis and join in this 27th Annual Memorial Race!

In the 80’s, Glenn Willcutt first introduced telemark ski racing to Stevens Pass where it continues to thrive today.

Event consists of a downhill race with two timed giant slalom runs. Award and prizes for best costume! Can you one-up two-time winner Wild Thing Monster to claim the Golden Tele?

Note: BYOC (Bring Your Own Cowbell)

Race @ 10:30am, w/ pre-race meeting & group course inspection @ 10am.

Registration 8:00-9:30am at Granite Peaks Lodge”

(Via Stevens Pass Event Calendar.)

Sven’s Telemark Classic Race:

“Location: Tye Bowl off Tye Mill Chair
Date: 20 March 2010
Time: 10:30am

Join in the 3rd Annual Sven’s Telemark Classic Race! Pay tribute to a longtime Stevens Pass local who loved racing and diligently supported telemark skiing in the Pacific Northwest.

Event consists of two runs and combines elements of Nordic and Cross Country Downhill in a wilderness setting; includes: downhill gates, Reipelykkje (360 degree banked turn), skate sections, whoops, and a jump. Two cracks at the course for best combined time.

Great fun for spectators and participants alike. BBQ following the race! Note: BYOC (Bring Your Own Cowbell).

Volunteers are needed! Please contact Stevens Pass Ski School and leave a message for Kati. (206)-812-7387.

Race @ 10:30am, with pre-race meeting & group course inspection @ 10am. Registration: 8:00-9:30am at Granite Peaks Lodge.

Subject to change without notice.”

(Via Stevens Pass Event Calendar.)

Announcing Spring Operation of the Palmer Chairlift:

“While other ski areas are preparing to close, we’re firing up our popular spring and summer seasons high on the slopes above Timberline Lodge. We are thrilled to announce that the Palmer Chairlift, previously closed during mid-winter, has now been readied for operation and will run on a daily basis, weather/conditions permitting.

The Palmer Snowfield, located at the 8,500 foot level of the mountain is also being groomed up to provide excellent conditions. Enjoy the longest runs in the Pacific Northwest when we have Palmer and our Jeff Flood Express chair in operation – offering over 3,690 vertical feet of skiing and riding!

We welcome you to enjoy North America’s longest ski season, here at Timberline!

CLICK HERE for information on our Spring Season Pass – a great value at just $109, valid 7 days a week through May 31st, 2010.”

(Via Timberline Lodge » news.)

Diamond Peak Go Lil’ or Go Home Festival on March 20th:

“Kids ages 10 and under have a chance to catch big air off a little jump at the Diamond Peak Go Li’ or Go Home Festival! Kids jump off of a 3-ft. jump built at the bottom of Lodgepole.

Registration will be from 9:00-10:30 am and the contest will start at 11 am. The entry fee is $10 and everybody will receive a t-shirt and Certificate of Achievement! We will have face painting as well. An on-hand photographer will be there taking photos of the kids. Each kid will receive a picture of his or her jump. Diamond Pete the Penguin will make a special appearance! [...]“

(Via Diamond Peak News.)

I had wondered about how the Chilean ski areas had faired in the earthquake last week. There is a piece at SKIREBEL Magazine on Valle Nevado, but does anyone know how the other Chilean ski areas that are nearby such as El Colorado-Farellones, and Chapa Verde, got on?

Valle Nevado ski area not harmed by Chilean earthquake: “Last Saturday a massive earthquake struck just off the Chilean coast near Concepcion which is south of Santiago.

Santiago, located 310 miles north of the epicenter, suffered damage to some buildings, many of which were older structures located principally in the city’s downtown.

Fortunately, Valle Nevado ski area and the road that connects the resort to [...]“

(Via SKIREBEL Magazine.)