Wintry and Wet Storm Taking Shape Late Week
by Chris Dolce, weather.com Meteorologist
Updated: January 31, 2011 3:00 pm ET
Widespread warmth has been dominating the weather headlines as we transition from late January to February across the central and eastern states. Simply put, there hasn’t been a whole lot of active weather (rain/snow) across the country since late last week and let’s face it, tracking warm temperatures isn’t the most exciting weather story to follow this time of year.
As we head to the latter portion of this week and into the weekend, it appears the atmosphere will rev its engine back up across the central states. Energy aloft will dig in across the Rockies and help to spawn a low-pressure system in the Plains. The system will ingest moisture flowing northward out of the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in both a wintry and wet side to this new storm.
The snowy and windy side of this storm system will exist along the Front Range of the Rockies into the central High Plains of eastern Colorado, northwest Kansas and Nebraska beginning late Thursday and continuing through Friday. Although details are uncertain at this point, there could be some rather hefty snow amounts in portions of this region.
Potential snow cities: Denver | Goodland, Kan. | North Platte, Neb.
Wet and Stormy Side to the System
In the mild sector ahead of the cold front, rain and thunderstorms will flourish from late Thursday through Friday. More drought-helping rains will target portions of Texas and Oklahoma. In addition, we will watch for the potential of any severe thunderstorms during this time period in the south-central states. Click on the forecast map links below to see the threat areas each day.
Friday’s forecast map: Snow, rain and thunderstorms for the central states.
Storm Slides East Saturday
As we head into the weekend, the storm system will slowly slide eastward. Rain and some thunderstorms are likely push east across the South and Ohio Valley. Snow will continue over portions of the Midwest (white shadings on map below).
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Snowstorm slams Colorado mountains
POSTED: 01/22/2012 01:00:00 AM MST
By Kirk Mitchell
The Denver Post
A major storm hit the mountains Saturday, bringing some needed snow to the state’s ski resorts.
The Colorado State Patrol issued an accident alert because of numerous accidents and poor conditions on Vail Pass, and westbound Interstate 70 was closed all evening west of Eagle after a semi hauling soda rolled over.
The adult male driver was transported to Valley View Hospital with serious injuries.
National Weather Service forecasters estimate that the wind/snow combination could leave snow drifts of up to 4 feet in some areas by this morning.
“All the high country is going to get a pretty good dose of winter,” said Kyle Fredin, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Boulder.
The Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning for today for parts of Weld, Morgan, Logan, Washington, Sedgwick and Phillips counties.
Saturday’s still-springlike 60-degree temps in the metro area will be replaced today with 25-35 mph wind gusts and highs in the mid-40s.
Read more: Snowstorm slams Colorado mountains – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19792420#ixzz1kFtWo2b2
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BEST SKI CONDITIONS OF THE SEASON AT ASPEN SNOWMASS!
Drop everything you have planned for Wednesday and get up to Aspen/Snowmass! Mother Nature just dumped 14″ of beautiful powder on us and conditions are the best they’ve been all season.
Photo by Jeremy Swanson
If you need Aspen Transportation, Snowmass Transportation, or Aspen Limo services call B-LineXpress at 1-800-423-0929 or visit us on the web at www.aspenvaillimo.com
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A 2022 Winter Olympics In Denver Would Cost $1.5 Billion, Mostly Privately Funded
01/ 7/12 05:29 PM ET
DENVER — Holding the Winter Olympics in Denver in 2022 would cost about $1.5 billion – most of which would be privately raised, a Colorado-based sports marketing company told city and state officials on Saturday.
The Denver estimate came at the first meeting of an exploratory committee that will decide within 90 days on whether to pursue or abandon a bid. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock convened the panel, which includes business leaders and other public officials.
Denver was awarded the 1976 Winter Olympics, but voters later rejected the idea over concerns of pollution and sprawl. The games were eventually held in Innsbruck, Austria.
The panel, which is tasked with assessing infrastructure concerns and the potential impact to the economy and the environment, plans to meet again in two weeks. Denver may eventually have to compete with several other U.S. cities, including Reno-Lake Tahoe, Nev., Salt Lake City and Lake Placid, N.Y.
The U.S. Olympic Committee hasn’t yet determined whether it will recommend a U.S. city to host the 2022 games. The International Olympic Committee will choose a host city in 2015.
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Beaver Creek has 1325 acres and all 25 lifts open!
Food & Wine Weekend – January 26-28
Satisfy your desire for great food, wine and skiing in Beaver Creek. We have teamed up with the leading epicurean brand, FOOD & WINE to provide a three-day winter culinary celebration on the slopes. Book by January 15th!
Terrain Update – More Acres Now Open!
We are pleased to announce that Beaver Creek currently has 1325 acres open and all 25 lifts are running. Areas open include Rose Bowl, Bachelor Gulch, Larkspur Bowl, Arrowhead and our terrain parks!
Ski Free Stay Free
It’s our best lodging and lift ticket deal of the year – get a free day of skiing and night of lodging. Get your winter vacation booked today!
Can’t wait.
EpicMix Scavenger Hunt – Just 3 Days Away!
Beaver Creek’s EpicMix Scavenger Hunt is a one-of-a-kind mountain event that combines elements of a traditional scavenger hunt with the power of EpicMix and EpicMix Photo for a fun, interactive experience!
Sounds like fun.
If you need Vail Transportation, Beaver Creek Transportation, or Aspen Transportation services call B-LineXpress at 1-800-423-0929 or visit us on the web at www.aspenvaillimo.com
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Mikaela Shiffrin Facing Pressure After Stunning Ski Result
By ERIC WILLEMSEN 01/ 2/12 03:59 PM ET
ZAGREB, Croatia — Mikaela Shiffrin suddenly faces an aspect of skiing altogether new to her – handling pressure.
The 16-year-old American had a remarkable third-place finish in a World Cup slalom last week. In only her eighth race on the circuit, Shiffrin was even faster than idol and world champion Marlies Schild in winning the second run in Lienz, Austria.
Now comes Tuesday’s night slalom on the Sljeme hill, and all the expectations.
“Mikeala has to learn to deal with that,” U.S. women’s head coach Alex Hoedlmoser said Monday. “I think she is very focused and down to earth and she knows what she’s capable of. She should just stay cool and do her thing.”
Hoedlmoser has spoken several times with Shiffrin the last few days.
“She should stay focused … and just ski like a 16-year-old,” Hoedlmoser said. “She must now look from one run to the other and not think ahead too much. Just ski up to her ability. If she does that, she can be there again.”
The race in Lienz marked only the second time Shiffrin earned World Cup points. The other came when she was eighth in Aspen, Colo., in November.
“We knew that in tough conditions, she can ski very fast as she’s very solid in her position on the skis,” Hoedlmoser said. “We know she’s definitely able to be a top-10 skier already this season. With her confidence now, she just can go out there, ski up to her best and have fun.”
Also enjoying the slalom is Shiffrin’s teammate Lindsey Vonn, who after years of struggling seems to have gained strength in the technical races as well.
“Normally I am looking forward to the speed races again this time of the year,” Vonn said. “But now, I am just really happy to race in slalom. I just feel comfortable in any race right now.”
Vonn’s last victory in slalom came three years ago in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. She has not had a top-three result in the slalom since Levi, Finland, in November 2009.
“Lindsey knows her slalom is there,” Hoedlmoser said. “She’s been training well and her mind is fresh.”
Teammate Julia Mancuso, who skied out after just a few seconds into her opening run last week, is skipping Tuesday’s slalom to prepare for this weekend’s speed events in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Austria.
“Slalom is not her priority,” Hoedlmoser said. “If it’s too much traveling, she’s not going to do them. Zagreb is a little bit out of the way.”
Defending overall champion Maria Hoefl-Riesch, who trails Vonn by 286 points, has een slowed by a cold. On Monday, the German Olympic champion left training early and later skipped the public bib draw in Zagreb’s central square.
Schild won on this run last year and has been unbeatable in all four slaloms this season. Another win by the Austrian would put her within two of Swiss great Vreni Schneider’s record of 34 slalom victories. Schild also would be closing in on her fiance Benjamin Raich’s tally of 35 World Cup victories.
“I hope he will have some wins in the new year so it will be harder for me to overtake him,” Schild said.
Raich will attack the same hill during a World Cup slalom Thursday night.
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Telemark Skier Triggered Avalanche Near Berthoud Pass; CAIC Issues Avalanche Warning For Backcountry
First Posted: 01/ 3/12 10:24 AM ET
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has issued an avalanche warning for Colorado’s backcountry after a telemark skier triggered a large avalanche near Berthoud Pass on Sunday.
9News reports that the skier, only identified as Matt from Fraser Valley, nearly died when his entire body, except for his head, was buried under snow from a 300 foot wide avalanche that pushed the skier 400 feet downward.
(SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS FROM THE AVALANCHE)
The CAIC made this statement on their website about the avalanche:
Added to the small triggered events from Friday was a much larger hard slab which was triggered by a skier on an east aspect at 11,800 feet near Berthoud Pass on Sunday afternoon. The rider was into about the 7th or 8th turn, maybe 100+ feet down slope from the ridge crest, when they triggered the slab near the riders left flank. They were unable to escape off the slab and took a 400 plus vertical foot ride. We are putting the investigation facts together and hope to have a full report together soon.
The CAIC has rated the avalanche danger in most of the state as “moderate” with some areas rated as “low.” For individual CAIC ratings for various regions, click here.
CAIC spokesman, Scott Toepfer told 7News that the skier was rescued by a friend who was skiing with him on Sunday afternoon. It is still unclear if Matt was injured in the avalanche.
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FAMILY HOLIDAZE VAIL, CO DEC. 17-25, and 31 2011
Vail Family Holidaze runs Dec. 17-25, and 31. The holiday season is celebrated in Vail for everyone in the family in December. Festivities include holiday concerts, ice skating shows starring world champion and Olympic skaters like Patrick Chan, activities for kids of all ages, and New Year’s Eve events. Below is information on Holidaze event schedules.
Reserve your Vail Transportation, Vail Limo, Vail Airport Transportation, and Denver to Vail Transportation today at B-LineXpress – call 800-423-0929.
Saturday, December 17
5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony, Slifer Plaza in Vail Village
Sunday, December 18
8 a.m. Jingle Bellz Snowshoe, Lionshead
Monday, December 19
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol, Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
3-6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop, The Four Seasons Vail
5 p.m. Wonder Voice – Free holiday concert at Solaris Plaza
7-9:30 p.m. Carolers roaming through Vail Village and Lionshead
Tuesday, December 20
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol, Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
3-6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop, Vail Marriott
5 p.m. Colorado Children’s Chorale – Free concert at Solaris Plaza
5 p.m. Menorah Lighting, Slifer Plaza in Vail Village
7-9:30 p.m. Carolers roaming through Vail Village and Lionshead
Wednesday, December 21
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol, Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
3-6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop, The Antlers
3:15-4 p.m. Skate with the Stars, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink and Arrabelle Square Ice Rink
5 p.m. Winter Solstice on Ice, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink
7-9:30 p.m. Carolers roaming through Vail Village and Lionshead
Thursday, December 22
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol, Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
3-6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop, Manor Vail
3:15-4 p.m. Skate with the Stars, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink and Arrabelle Square Ice Rink
5 p.m. Winter Solstice on Ice, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink
7-9:30 p.m. Carolers roaming through Vail Village and Lionshead
Friday, December 23
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol, Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
3-6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop, Arrabelle at Vail Square
3:15-4 p.m. Skate with the Stars, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink and Arrabelle Square Ice Rink
5 p.m. Winter Solstice on Ice, Solaris Plaza Ice Rink
7-9:30 p.m. Carolers roaming through Vail Village and Lionshead
Saturday, December 24
9-10 a.m. Carolers at the Vista Bahn, Lionshead and Golden Peak base areas
2-5 p.m. Candy Cane Patrol at the Golden Peak, Vista Bahn and Lionshead base areas
3-5 p.m. Kids Zone, Vail Village and Lionshead
6-8 p.m. Kids After Dark Party, Lionshead at the base of the gondola
Sunday, December 25
9-10 a.m. Carolers at the Vista Bahn, Lionshead and Golden Peak base areas
Saturday, December 31
6:15 p.m. Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, Golden Peak
7-10 p.m. First Night Family Activities, Adventure Ridge
8 p.m–1:30 a.m. Vail New Year’s Eve 2012, Dobson Arena, www.vailnye.com
If you need Vail Transportation, Beaver Creek Transportation, or Aspen Transportation services call B-LineXpress at 1-800-423-0929 or visit us on the web at www.aspenvaillimo.com
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Lindsey Vonn wins World Cup super-G in front of home crowd
By Pat Graham Associated Press
Posted: 12/07/2011 11:09:13 PM MST
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — Standing in the start gate, Lindsey Vonn experienced something she typically doesn’t — pressure. And lots of it.
She knew that down below her hometown fans were packed tightly into the stands, hoping to celebrate her first World Cup win on a U.S. slope. She realized that some of the local kids had even been excused from school to take it all in.
Vonn didn’t want to disappoint.
So she charged down the demanding super-G course on Wednesday, holding little back despite hardly ever running this hill before. The nerves faded with every turn she made.
Upon crossing the finish line and seeing her time, Vonn pumped her ski poles in jubilation. This was a winning run she’ll cherish forever.
Vonn finished in 1 minute, 10.68 seconds, holding off Fabienne Suter of Switzerland by 0.37 seconds. Anna Fenninger of Austria was third.
“I still don’t believe it, really,” said Vonn, who’s from nearby Vail. “Getting a chance to win at home, with a home crowd here, it’s just more than I could’ve expected.”
Usually reserved for the men, the challenging Birds of Prey course hosted its first women’s race and Vonn successfully conquered it like so many other hills before. She’s now won an American-record four straight Alpine races.
Vonn has been so focused on the slopes even as she’s going through a divorce away from it.
“With the nerves I had, I was surprised I was able to make it down,” Vonn said. “I know now that if I put my mind to it, I can do anything. This is just going to give me more confidence for the future. I know I can handle any situation.”
The 27-year-old Vonn had plenty of support Wednesday as fans rang cow bells, blew on horns and held signs aloft that read, “Shred it, Lindsey” and “Go, Lindsey!” It’s not often the women’s World Cup circuit is this close to Vail. But a lack of snow in Val d’Isere, France, forced the International Ski Federation to move the super-G to this venue.
Instantly, that brought jitters for Vonn. For a week, the nerves have been slowly building. She had so many family and friends in the stands that she didn’t want to let them down.
“In the start, I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been,” Vonn said. “It wasn’t my best run. I almost went off course a couple of times, but I was able to charge on the bottom and make up some time.”
While Vonn’s 46th World Cup win moved her into a tie with Austria’s Renate Goetschl for third on the career list, she will remember this victory more for finally breaking through in Colorado.
“It’s been an amazing day,” she said.
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Economic Impacts Of USA Pro Cycling Challenge Detailed In IFM Report: $83.5 Million Tourist Dollars, 1 Million Spectators
First Posted: 10/18/11
The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge may have rolled out of Colorado in late August, but the race’s economic impacts have stuck around.
According to a study released Tuesday by IFM, the race drew over 1 million spectators to Colorado resulting in $83.5 million of economic impact. National television coverage–25 hours worth–will also increase tourism (and tourist dollars) in the state.
“The crowds were big, they were enthusiastic, they spent money in every host city, and just as importantly, they traveled to Colorado especially to see this race,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO and Co-Chairman of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in a press release. “More than 22% of the 1,000,000+ spectators at our race visited us from outside Colorado. And with 94% reporting they will return next year, that’s a tremendous benefit for the State of Colorado in 2011 and in the future.”
Other interesting facts from the report:
94% of spectators are ‘likely or very likely’ to return to watch the Pro Cycling Challenge next year
71.6% of out-of-state visitors said watching the race was the reason for their trip to Colorado
Nearly 85% of out-of-state visitors said they are more likely or much more likely to visit Colorado again based on their experience
The average household income of attendees was113,918
More than 94% of spectators answered good or very good when asked their satisfaction with the race
Spectators made this event a family affair. Party sizes for traveling spectators were large, averaging five+ people per party.
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