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By: UnofficialNet | September 12, 2018
Cover Image of the High Peaks by Doug Livingston | Above Image: Whiteface Mountain
When you think of states with great skiing a few jumps to most people’s mind right away. Colorado, Utah, and Vermont have all established themselves as states with robust ski options. But one state that is hardly ever mentioned deserves its due. New York.
The Empire State has more ski areas than any other state (43). Compare that to Maine which has ten or Wyoming which has just eight.
New York also hosted not one but two Winter Olympic Games. Lake Placid hosted the Games in 1932 and then again in 1980. St Moritz and Innsbruck are the only other locations to have twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games.
During the Olympic games, the alpine ski events were held on Whiteface Mountain which has a greater vertical drop (3,430 feet) than Snowbird, Beaver Creek or Vail.
Is backcountry skiing more your thing? Well, New York is home to Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the United States (6 million acres). The park is larger than the entire state of Vermont and has 23 peaks that are higher than Vermont’s tallest mountain Mt. Mansfield.
Another unique aspect of skiing in New York is that there are three destination ski areas that are owned by the State. Whiteface Mountain, Gore Mountain, and Belleayre Ski Resort all serve up great skiing with a vibe and culture that’s more about the turns than the lattes.
Image: Mt. Marcy New York’s highest peak.
So if you are looking for uncrowded slopes with solid skiing and an abundance of nature, put NY on your list.
Posted from Unofficial Networks
The post The #1 Most Underrated State For Skiing and Riding appeared first on Ski Federation.
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SnowBrains
January 24, 2020
Skiing is the quintessential winter pastime. But recently, the multi-billion dollar industry is in decline. The number of skiers is falling fast and the industry is scrambling to make up the difference. Is this going to be the end of the ski resort?
According to the video, skier visits down were down 11% last year, to the same participation 30-years ago, and it’s the Baby Boomers that are leaving the sport. As they get older, retire, and die, the Millennials behind them are not replacing them in the same numbers. Right now, Boomers represent 21% of all riders, down from 36% a decade ago.
The Millennials share is growing, but they don’t ski as often, take shorter trips, and don’t have the spending power of the generation that had everything. For every Boomer that gives up skiing, 2 Millenials are required to generate the same income.
Post from Snowbrains vis Facebook
The post VIDEO: Why Boomers Are to Blame for the Declining Ski Industry appeared first on Ski Federation.
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January 22, 2020
Alex Silgalis
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Before arriving to your favorite ski resort, the first major obstacle is the road to get there. For some, a flight or train ride will do the job, but most of the time, you’re destined for a road trip. So, how do the major mountain passes stack up? Which is the most dangerous? How about the most switchbacks? After a bit of research, we found out which ones are the most dangerous roads per mile in the US to your favorite ski area.
What’s The Ranking Criteria?
Snow Covered Mountains Along Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway,” US Route 550. Image taken by: Alan Stark
Switchbacks
This criteria was specifically weighted heavier than the rest of the characteristics. The curvier the road, the higher likelihood of sliding off it. Some mountain roads can reach upwards of 30 twists and turns, making it feel like you never drive straight. Both Mt. Rose Highway, NV and Red Mountain Pass, CO are windier than most, clocking in at 29 and 27 switchbacks respectively.
Season Snowfall Totals
Snowing heavily on the famous Mt. Baker Highway to the snowiest resort on the planet. Image taken by: Andreas Mohaupt
No matter how dangerous overall the road is, high amounts of snowfall lead to slippery conditions and make your journey more treacherous.
Average Grade
The more continuous the incline or decline, the greater likelihood of traction issues. Over the entire mountain pass, the average grade is an important consideration for safety. Though a number like 5% may not sound like much to you, it can be a monster number to your tires. Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT, which accesses ski resorts like Brighton and Solitude, has the largest average grade at just over 5.8%.
Maximum Grade
In addition to the average gradient, how steep does the path get at any single point? Both Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT and Teton Pass, WY have sections over 10% in incline. Yikes! Not a lot of room for error on a pitch like that.
Elevation Gain
Depth of winter on US Route 550. Image taken by: Jim Good
Who knew Isaac Newton was smart on treacherous mountain passes. The old saying “What goes up must come down” definitely applies to winter driving. The elevation gain is determined by subtracting the lowest driving elevation from the summit elevation. Again, Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT has one of the biggest elevation gains out of all the roads standing at 4,900 vertical feet.
Length
Besides how steep, it’s also important to know how long the road is. Are you going to be stuck on this road for 10 minutes or 3 hours? Rogers Pass, BC is the longest with multiple ascents & descents across the entire 49 mile stretch.
Summit Elevation
Not as significant but still a factor is the altitude of the summit. Just like humans, cars and trucks don’t run as well at high altitudes. Both the Colorado passes on this list stand head and shoulders above the rest at nearly 11,000 feet.
Additional Facts
Lastly, we took into consideration other factors such as guard rails/shoulders, car accidents per capita, and fatal accidents or car crashes.
Top Most Dangerous Roads In The US
#5 – Mt. Baker Highway, WA
Ski Resort: Mt. Baker Ski Resort
Deep snowpack on Hwy 542 known as Mt. Baker Highway. Image taken by: Martin Bravenboer
The Facts:
Switchbacks – 21
Annual Snowfall – 647″
Elevation Gain – 3,394′
Length – 21 mi
Starting out at nearly sea level, this road quickly rises up to its summit at Mt. Baker Ski Resort which is the snowiest resort in America. Even though the pitch isn’t very steep, it does have a ton of switchbacks and all kinds of different types of snow which can lead to risky driving conditions. Mt. Baker Highway definitely earned its spot in the top five.
#4 – Teton Pass, WY (tie)
Ski Resort: Grand Targhee
The Facts:
Switchbacks – 12
Maximum Grade – 10%
Average Grade – 5%
Wyoming HWY 22 is one of the few on the list that actually closes at night for snow removal. From the road, you can access some of the best backcountry in the world. Even though it has ½ the amount of switchbacks as others, the continuous climb and a section that is over 10% in slope helps push it to #4 on our list.
#4 – Carson Spur, CA (tie)
Ski Resort: Kirkwood
Overlooking Roundtop Peak in Carson Pass Backcountry over New Years Eve – Image taken by: Local Freshies®
The Facts:
Switchbacks – 20
Annual Snowfall – 472″
Elevation Gain – 5,381′
For anyone that has driven from the Bay Area up California Highway 88, this road is a beast to summit during the winter. Located at the “crest” of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, when storms roll off the Pacific, this section normally gets double the amount of snowfall compared to the Lake Tahoe Basin. To top it off, the final segment right before Kirkwood Mountain known as the “spur” is in an avalanche area that can be shut down for hours as they do avalanche control work.
#3 – Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
Ski Resort: Brighton
S-curve up Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah. Image taken by: Spencer Bawden
The Facts:
Annual Snowfall – 500″
Max Grade – 10%
Average Grade – 5.8%
Elevation Gain – 4,900′
This was a total surprise but based on the statistics, it makes sense, and we had to rank it at #3. With one of the biggest elevation gains and receiving nearly 500″ of snow annually, Big Cottonwood Canyon is definitely not a route to be considered “soft.”
#2 – Mt. Rose Highway, NV
Ski Resort: Mt. Rose Ski Resort
Mt. Rose Highway the highest summit in the Sierra Nevadas open all year long. Image taken by: Howard SD
The Facts:
Switchbacks – 29
Max Grade – 9%
Average Grade – 5%
Elevation Gain – 4,387′
Anyone that has driven Route 431 from Reno up to Mt. Rose Ski resort will tell you it’s one of the toughest in the area! The elevation gain in a short distance plus the highest summit open all year round in the Lake Tahoe region, Mt. Rose lends itself to be a contender as one of the toughest roads in the country and coming in at #2.
#1 – Red Mountain Pass, CO
Ski Resort: Silverton
Mountain Cabin’s on Colorado’s “Million Dollar Highway,” US Route 550. Image taken by: Alan Stark
The Facts:
Switchbacks – 27
Max Grade – 8%
Elevation Gain – 4,100′
Colorado Route 550 is known as the Million Dollar Highway. If the elevation gain of 4,100′ to a summit of 11,018′ wasn’t enough, the road’s construction brings this bad boy to another level. First, a certain segment is cut directly into the mountain threatening to throw you into a ravine at the hint of an over-steer. Second, a 12-mile stretch of this road has NO guardrails, and if your heading south towards Silverton, the outside lane puts you perilously close to the edge. There was no question that this won the #1 slot.
Any others measure up?
Did your local mountain pass just miss out on the top 5? Were you expecting to see others on our list? Here’s a graphical breakdown of where the top 12 ranked against one another:
STILL DON’T SEE ONE YOU FEEL DESERVES A PLACE IN THE RANKINGS? LET US KNOW IF THERE’S A MOUNTAIN PASS OR DANGEROUS HIGHWAY WE SHOULD TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT.
Posted from LocalFreshies.com vis Facebook
The post Drive It If You Can – Most Dangerous Roads In The US To A Ski Area appeared first on Ski Federation.
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By: Francis Xavier | January 24, 2020
Pretty sure Keystone wanted to keep this one on the low, but Summit County Fire posted a picture of one of the snowcats ablaze and now the local news picked up on it. There’s something fishy about the post, as they don’t specify what day this happened (one morning last week) or provide any details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here’s what the firefighters had to say:
“Here’s something you don’t see every day: A Sno-Cat on fire! Our Engine 11/C-shift crew was called to Keystone ski area early one morning last week on what was reported to be a fully-involved vehicle fire. They had to be shuttled up to the scene at the top of Dercum Mountain by a fleet of (not-on-fire) Sno-Cats driven by wonderfully helpful resort staff. We put out the fire, but the damage had been done, and the rig was a complete loss. Fortunately, no one was injured. But if you find more bump runs at the ski area this week, this might be the reason.”
Posted from Unofficial Networks via Facebook
The post Snowcat Bursts Into Flames @ Keystone Ski Resort appeared first on Ski Federation.
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Of course, Minnesota isn’t necessarily considered a downhill skiing mecca; but for what it’s worth, there’s a ski option within driving distance virtually anywhere you live in the state.
Written By: Bria Barton / Forum News Service |
Jan 24th 2020
Skiers take their time coming down the hill at Buena Vista Ski Area. (Pioneer file photo)
BEMIDJI, Minn. — Minnesota is a little vertically challenged. Actually, it’s a lot.
The state happens to be more horizontal than Kansas – whose land is often compared to a pancake – and, by overall elevation, it’s also the fifth-flattest state in the nation.
So how can it be that such a place is a quintessential wintertime destination for Mid-America, luring in those who aren’t looking to venture to the slopes of Aspen to get their fill of skiing and snowboarding – both of which require a bit of altitude to get the job done?
Of course, Minnesota isn’t necessarily considered a downhill skiing mecca; but for what it’s worth, there’s a ski option within driving distance virtually anywhere you live in the state.
From the colossus that is Lutsen Mountains in the North Shore’s Sawtooth Mountains to the quaint village that is Buena Vista nestled along the Continental Divide, there are some pretty notable ski resorts that take what’s provided by the region and use it to their advantage.
When skiing emerged in the U.S. around the 20th Century, it only seemed logical that Minnesota would carve out a slice of the pie. Not only did the state have some of the longest winters around, it also had an enthusiastic Norwegian immigrant population that had brought the sport with it from the motherland.
Although Minnesota’s landscape wasn’t ideal for alpine skiing, its scattering of hills could do the job. And if there were no hills, they could be man-made with a little innovation.
And what arose from those hills are some of the nation’s skiing legends: Lindsey Vonn, one of the most accomplished alpine skiers of all time, and Cindy Nelson, Minnesota’s first World Cup skier.
On top of that, throw in a few notable cross country skiers from Minnesota on USA teams – Jessie Diggins from the 2018 Olympics –and there’s proof that what the state lacks in altitude, it makes up for in attitude to be the best in the sport.
So if you’re hoping to channel your inner Olympian this season on the slopes – or would just prefer the leisure of tubing – here’s a guide to some spots around Minnesota that’ll have you soaking in the enjoyment of wintertime.
Northwest and Central
Buena Vista Ski Area, Bemidji
Located along the Continental Divide, aka the Top of the World, Buena Vista is one of the older ski areas in Minnesota – its first run cleared in 1936 and its original chalet made out of a grain bin.
Back then, “grooming was unheard of” and “straight down was the style,” Buena Vista’s website said. But in 1975, the ski area upgraded and chair lifts were added as its popularity grew.
Today, it’s a skiing mainstay for many in the northwest region of the state, attracting visitors with its rustic charm, scenic views and family friendly events.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 16
Longest Run: 2,000 feet
Vertical Drop: 230 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 20%
Intermediate: 55%
Difficult: 25%
Andes Tower Hills, Kensington
When two brothers set out to create a ski area in the middle of Minnesota farmland in 1980, nobody knew that it would become a top wintertime destination for families seeking wholesome kid-friendly fun.
Today, Andes Tower Hills’ mission is faith-driven and offers affordable prices along with a no alcohol policy on the property. Perfect for a family getaway, the ski area also features hillside condominiums for rent to its visitors.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 16
Longest Run: 1,056 feet
Vertical Drop: 290 feet
On-site Lodging: Yes
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 25%
Intermediate: 25%
Difficult: 50%
Powder Ridge, Kimball
Only an hour west of Minneapolis, Powder Ridge is providing skiers and snowboarders with both night and day opportunities for winter activity.
All runs are lit for night use, and laser tubing is a popular activity among guests after the sun goes down. Lasers, strobes and flashing lights illuminate the tubing hill while a fire pit burns nearby and music plays, adding to the coolness factor.
There is also a large chalet, which includes an adult lounge and two food service areas for those looking to relax and refill after a day – or night – of recreation.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 15
Longest Run: 2,650 feet
Vertical Drop: 290 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 33%
Intermediate: 40%
Difficult: 27%
Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa
Located on the shores of Gull Lake, Mount Ski Gull offers fantastic views while guests explore the area’s various skiing and snowboarding options.
A non-profit facility, Mount Ski Gull has spent years giving back to its local community through its Learn to Ski Program – teaching over 25,000 sixth-graders from area schools how to ski.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 12
Longest Run: 2,200 feet
Vertical Drop: 298 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
40% Easy
30% Intermediate
30% Difficult
Also in the Northwest: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes.
Northeast
Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen
The grand behemoth of Minnesotan ski resorts, Lutsen Mountains boasts that it “offers the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience” with a location set along the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior’s scenic North Shore.
With 1,000 acres of skiable terrain spanning across four interconnected peaks, the area is a journey in itself and provides a variety of slopeside lodging and dining options along with live musical performances each day.
While national and Olympic ski champion Cindy Nelson put Lutsen on the map in the 1970s, the resort is continually making efforts to stay up-to-date – with some of its newest additions including a six-passenger high-speed chairlift and an 8 passenger gondola.
The Chicago Tribune described skiing Lutsen as the “Midwest answer to Aspen,” and with a vertical drop of over 1,000 feet, it’s hard to deny that its slopes are offering up serious altitude in a notoriously flat region of America.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 95
Longest Run: 10,560 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,088 feet (lift service – 825 feet)
On-site Lodging: Yes
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: No
Types of Trails:
Easy: 18%
Intermediate: 72%
Difficult: 10%
Giants Ridge, Biwabik
Located in the fairytale-esque Bavarian town of Biwabik, Giants Ridge grants guests access to a “first class four-season recreation area in a true Minnesota Northwoods setting.”
Once serving as an Olympic training site, the resort has more than 60 kilometers of world-class cross country skiing trails along with two terrain parks (beginner and intermediate), a snow tubing park and a children’s sledding area and sliding hill.
When not partaking in the resort’s many outdoor offerings, guests can also spend their time indulging in onsite dining, shopping and lodging accommodations.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 35
Longest Run: 3,960 feet
Vertical Drop: 500 feet
On-site Lodging: Yes
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 31%
Intermediate: 44%
Difficult: 25%
Spirit Mountain, Duluth
Renowned for its incredible views of downtown Duluth and its harbor, Spirit Mountain draws in thrill-seekers for its vertical drop of 700 feet – only Lutsen Mountains has it beat – as well as those looking to take advantage of the four separate terrain parks located throughout the area.
Established by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1974 to encourage winter tourism in Duluth, Spirit Mountain boasts of having the “biggest and best” terrain park in the Midwest, which caters to both novices and experts in improving their skills.
Along with offering lift-access to fat bikers, Spirit Mountain also operates a year-round alpine coaster and often holds nighttime glow tubing.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 22
Longest Run: 5,400 feet
Vertical Drop: 700 feet
On-site Lodging: Yes
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 32%
Intermediate: 41%
Difficult: 27%
Also in the Northeast: Chester Bowl in Duluth and Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center in Coleraine.
Minneapolis-St. Paul
Afton Alps, Hastings
For many who live in the Twin Cities, Afton Alps is their go-to ski destination – it being the largest in the metro area with nearly 300 skiable acres.
The sprawling area offers scenic views of the St. Croix River Valley along with an abundance of runs and terrain parks to keep guests of all abilities busy with both skiing and snowboarding.
Day and night skiing are also offered as well as a variety of learning programs for all ages.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 48
Longest Run: 2,640 feet
Vertical Drop: 350 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: No
Types of Trails:
Easy: 20%
Intermediate: 60%
Difficult: 20%
Buck Hill, Burnsville
Best known for churning out world cup ski racers Lindsey Vonn and Kristina Koznick, Buck Hill also boasts a nearly 800-foot magic carpet, one of the longest in the country.
The ski area has over 45 acres of skiable terrain and holds night skiing and tubing for visitors. It also works with a local non-profit organization, Padraig’s Place, to provide an enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders with disabilities.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 15
Longest Run: 1,056 feet
Vertical Drop: 310 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 40%
Intermediate: 40%
Difficult: 20%
Also in and around the Twin Cities: Como Park Ski Center in St. Paul, Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area in Maple Grove, Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington, and Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls.
Southern
Mount Kato, Mankato
Just a mile south of Mankato in the Minnesota River Valley, Mount Kato is serving up exceptional terrain for those looking to fulfill their wintertime cravings for outdoor activity.
The ski area has its own Developmental Race Team for kids, which gives “young skiers and ski racers an opportunity to develop and improve their skills,” Mount Kato’s website said.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 19
Longest Run: 2,800 feet
Vertical Drop: 240 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Types of Trails:
Easy: 21%
Intermediate: 42%
Difficult: 37%
Welch Village, Welch
While the family-owned Welch Village caters to all skill levels, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are lured to the area, where an ensemble of black-diamond, front-face runs are among the steepest in the region.
The ski area is also geared to both families and adults with two separate spaces for each. Its Base Lodge has been designed for families, groups, and young adults; whereas the Madd Jaxx Chalet is geared toward adults with a full bar and a festive atmosphere.
The Lowdown:
Number of Runs: 60
Longest Run: 4,224 feet
Vertical Drop: 360 feet
On-site Lodging: No
Terrain Park: Yes
Tubing: No
Types of Trails:
Easy: 31%
Intermediate: 50%
Difficult: 19%
Also in the South: Coffee Mill Ski and Snowboard Area in Wabasha.
Snow is made at Buena Vista Ski Area in November 2018. (Pioneer file photo)
Posted from Duluth News Tribune via Facebook
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The Yampa Valley Regional Airport recently received a $1.6 million grant to construct a new terminal.
Eleanor C. Hasenbeck
January 21, 2020
Derek Maiolo
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — A $3.2 million project to expand the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden gained final approval during the Routt County Board of Commissioners’ meeting Tuesday.
Much of the money — 95% — is coming from federal and state funding sources, according to online county documents. This includes about $3.1 million in federal grants and $162,000 from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The airport will provide the remaining 5%, or $162,000, to finance the project.
Commissioners approved an additional $100,000 to complete necessary work on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the administration offices at the airport, which will be funded using airport reserves.
The new space is meant to reduce congestion, increase capacity and improve the flow of travelers getting to their planes, according to Airport Manager Kevin Booth. The project also will add a seventh gate to the terminal, allowing an additional airline to operate there, which could increase airplane traffic and bring economic benefits to the area.
Commissioner Beth Melton described an airport as a major way to support the economies of rural communities like Steamboat Springs. She referenced a 2015 report that showed rural areas with daily, commercial airline service tended to see faster growth, less income volatility and a more educated workforce than more isolated communities.
“There is demonstrated, positive impact to a rural area when you are able to move people in and out efficiently,” Melton said.
Last year, more than 87,000 passengers arrived at the airport and spent roughly $117 million in and around Steamboat, according to a report from the Local Marketing District, which oversees the city’s commercial air program.
Construction on the terminal expansion is slated to begin May 1, according to Booth. The goal is to finish construction before next year’s winter season.
Officials had hoped to break ground on the project this summer, but they had problems negotiating a price with the sole contractor that placed a bid. The county eventually was able to negotiate a lower price with the contractor, Grand Junction-based FCI Constructors, according to Booth.
FCI has completed construction projects at two Colorado airports, according to the company’s website. Those include the Denver International Airport and the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Such experience proves useful when working with the Federal Aviation Administration, which enforces strict rules on construction companies, Booth said.
He hopes the expansion reduces congestion, which a 2017 report identified as one of the main problems during peak periods in the winter and summer. Congestion was particularly problematic on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Those are the airport’s busiest days, Booth said, when an average of 2,000 people pass daily through the terminal.
In addition to reducing congestion, he said the expansion will add six more indoor check-in booths, allowing passengers to get to their flights faster and, hopefully, alleviating some of the stress of airplane travel.
To reach Derek Maiolo, call 970-871-4247, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @derek_maiolo.
Posted from Steamboat Pilot & Today via Facebook
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