National Ski Council Federation Newsbeat
March 2016
While Timberline Repairs Lift, Nationwide Inspections Ensue. Following a chairlift failure at Timberline Resort (W.Va.), Feb. 20, caused by an entire cross arm sheave train assembly detaching from the top of a lift tower and falling to the ground, resorts nationwide have been inspecting other lifts of similar vintage and design and built by the same manufacturer. More. SAM
Rent an Entire Ski Area Near NYC for $2,500 Per Day. Located about three hours from New York City in the Catskills, Plattekill Mountain may not be quite as big as other northeastern ski areas (there’s only 4 chairlifts), but what the ski area lacks in size it makes up for in authenticity. Independent and family-owned, Plattekill aims to “keep it real” by allowing skiers and snowboarders to rent the entire mountain. Up to 250 people can rent the entire ski area for $2,500 per day. According to Plattekill’s website, that price also includes use of the ski area’s facilities including the rental shop, food options in the cafeteria, drinks served up at the bar and a lineup of instructors to teach you. More. Curbed Ski
Ski Bungee Jumping is Really a Thing. In case bungee jumping isn’t quite wild enough by itself, skiers can now strap on skis and take a jump at Tignes ski resort in France. The Bun J Ride allows adrenaline junkies to launch off of a ski jump, be caught by a zip line, and then bounce for a bit on a bungee cords. All this stomach-clenching fun for only $70, and in the summer you can jump off the ramp with your bike. More. Curbed Ski
Steamboat to Go High-Speed Mid-Mountain; Adds Summer Fun. A frequent logjam for skiers and riders at Steamboat Mountain will get some relief, as the northern Rockies resort announced an upgrade for the Elkhead chairlift. Work is set for summer. In addition, officials of owner Intrawest said the main base area will get a mountain coaster and mini-golf course to upgrade summer offerings. More. SnoCountry
Expansion Plans at Arapahoe Basin Move Forward. A lift up the rugged Beavers area, a new chair for the classic moguls of Pallavinci and a quad for beginners at the base – these are among the projects at Arapahoe Basin that have moved closer to fruition after an affirmative U.S. Forest Service action. More. SnoCountry
Whistler Blackcomb Announces New $8M Investment Plans. Whistler Blackcomb announced during its quarterly report last month that the ski area would invest $8 million in the upcoming year, and now we have more details on the plans. On the heals of Whistler’s highest year-to-date skier visits ever, North America’s biggest ski area will upgrade ski and snowboard areas, restaurants, and much more. The $8 million list of enhancements includes both winter and summer projects. More. Curbed Ski
Stowe, Vermont Will Get a New 30-Room Hostel. A new hostel in Stowe, Vermont has received approval from the Stowe Development Review Board. The 30-room hostel will replace an aging farmhouse once owned by the ski pioneering Buchanan family. The Stowe Today reports that this is the first hostel approved by city zoning officials. More. Curbed Ski
Peak Resorts Shakes Up Its Season Pass Products. With seven properties from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, including newly acquired Hunter Mountain in New York, Peak Resorts has consolidated its season pass products for what it refers to as its northeast region. The new Peak Pass family of products takes an approach akin to American Skiing Company’s All 4 One passes and Vail’s Epic Pass, providing access to multiple resorts for a low price relative to the rest of the market. More. SAM
Wilmot Mountain (WI) Getting $13 Million Facelift from Vail Resorts. After more than 75 years in operation, Wilmot Mountain, Wis., is about to get a $13 million overhaul courtesy of new owner Vail Resorts. The plan covers upgrades to on-mountain infrastructure, base area facilities, and a learning terrain expansion. More. SAM
