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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First snowfall in Vail, October 4, 2011. Ski and snowboard season just around the corner! Call B-LineXpress at 800-423-0929 to schedule your luxury limousine transportation for your ski trip to Vail, Beaver Creek, or Aspen Colorado.
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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Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act Aims To Boost Summer Ski Area Activities, Year-Round Employment
First Posted: 10/4/11 04:24 PM ET
A: In the summer, apparently. Recently passed legislation, however, aims to change that.
The U.S. House passed the ‘Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act’ (alternatively known as H.R. 765) Monday night. According to the Colorado Independent, the bi-partisan legislation provides legal backing for increased summer activities at ski resorts.
In theory, a boost in summer activities at resorts will likewise lead to a boost in year-round employment and help grow Colorado’s mountain resort communities. Every Colorado U.S. Representative sponsored the bill except Doug Lamborn (R-CD5) from Colorado Springs. A companion bill is also in the Senate (S. 382), sponsored by Sen. Mark Udall (Michael Bennet is a co-sponsor).
Udall originally proposed the legislation in 2009, aiming “to revise the 1986 law governing the permitting of ski areas on National Forests, clarifying that the Forest Service is authorized to permit year-round recreational activities where appropriate.”
The latest bill goes a bit further, actually specifying certain activities for coverage. Specifically, the bill allows for:
- Zip lines
- Mountain bike terrain parks and trails
- Frisbee golf courses
- Ropes courses
But the bill excludes coverage for:
- Tennis courts
- Water slides and water parks
- Swimming pools
- Golf courses
- Amusement parks
According to the Summit County Voice, conservation groups have fought the bill fearing increased disturbances to national forests. Economic development groups (particularly the ski lobby) argue the need for employment boosts and the end of what they claim are restrictive, antiquated, laws.
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Vail Resorts Adds Photo Features To Popular EpicMix Ski App
CATHERINE TSAI, Huffington Post 08/31/11 11:09 PM ET
DENVER — Tens of thousands of skiers used Vail Resorts Inc.’s free EpicMix application last season to track how much they were skiing and to compete with friends and strangers over how many digital pins they could collect for their feats.
This season Vail is adding photos to the mix.
“As successful as the first version was, a lot of people just don’t care about vertical feet or collecting pins,” Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said. “Photos is a game-changer because everyone cares about photos. Everyone particularly cares about photos if you have kids.”
EpicMix uses scanners mounted on lifts at Vail Resorts’ six ski areas to automatically read radio-frequency identification tags embedded on people’s lift passes as they ride by.
It compiles on-mountain statistics for each visitor. Nothing is posted publicly until a user activates an EpicMix account and chooses to share information, whether it’s on the EpicMix website or through automatic status updates on Facebook and Twitter.
This year, visitors who want action shots of themselves on the mountain can ask resort photographers to scan their lift passes. When the photographer shoots their pictures, low-resolution copies of the images will automatically be sent to their EpicMix accounts for sharing on social media sites like Facebook or photo sites like Shutterfly at no cost, the company said Wednesday. Children’s photos are sent to parents’ accounts.
Customers can buy high-resolution versions for $19.99 apiece. They also can use EpicMix to share photos they’ve shot themselves.
Vail Resorts is hiring a “couple hundred” photographers to shoot the photos, Katz said.
Katz didn’t disclose costs.
Vail Resorts expects the new features to drive popularity for EpicMix, which last year had almost 100,000 people of all ages and incomes activate accounts. That represents an adoption rate of 15 percent among visitors, even though the digital pins collected through EpicMix are just for bragging rights.
The new features are set to launch in December.
To encourage EpicMix use, Vail Resorts is scrapping nearly all paper lift tickets for plastic cards embedded with radio-frequency ID tags. It costs the company about 60 to 80 cents extra per ticket to have the tag embedded, Katz said.
There are other changes too. This season, people will be able to personalize the updates EpicMix generates for Facebook and Twitter. There are also 200 new pins people can earn, and what it takes to win pins won’t be secret anymore.
Broomfield, Colo.-based Vail Resorts owns Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone resorts in Colorado and Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe in California.
Katz declined to say what officials are considering for future versions of EpicMix.
Not everyone loves EpicMix. “I don’t use it actually,” said snowboarder Melissa Kurle, 32, of Denver. “I just think it’s a Big Brother way on the mountain to track your every move.”
Katz said EpicMix is aimed at enhancing visitors’ experience and that details on which lifts individual customers are riding aren’t worth much to the company.
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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Vail Summer Activities: 7 Ways To Have Fun Sans Snow
Sheri L. Thompson, Huffington Post, Posted: 8/14/11 01:42 PM ET
A Greg Norman course, hot summer concerts and a trampoline at 10,000-plus feet… Summer in Vail will keep you as busy as riding on a snow day. Here are seven activities to keep on your radar.
Red Sky Golf Club: This is a private club, but they do offer a guest passes for play at their stunning Tom Fazio and Greg Norman courses. Guests and members alternate between the two daily, so call ahead to check which top-rated course is available on the day you’re going. Tee times can be made up to one month in advance.
$195 – $250
1099 Red Sky Road; 970-754-8425
Bud Light Hot Summer Nights Concert Series: Music isn’t just for the weekend crowd – Tuesday evenings offer a multi-genre concert series at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, including performances by Carolyn Wonderland and Cracker.
Tuesdays through Aug. 30, 6:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm; free
530 S. Frontage Road E, Vail; 970-476-5612
Adventure Ridge: Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola up the mountain — and drink in the spectacular views — to Adventure Ridge for a slew of activities at over 10,000 feet. Horseback riding, motor tours, mini and disc golf, and a rebound trampoline are a few of the options you’ll find. Three-activity action passes are available for non-guided endeavors.
Daily; prices vary
Gondola located at Lionshead Place; 970-476-9090
Loaded Joe’s: Stop by this local gourmet coffee house during the day to surf the net from a plush sofa or lounge outside on the deck. Stop back by for a martini in the evening when the party gets started with live music, open mic nights and taco-and-corona Thursdays.
82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Suite 104, Avon; 970-479-2883
Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum Hall of Fame: If you’re wistfully looking at those bare slopes imagining them blanketed in white, duck into the Hall of Fame for a winter fix. Learn about Vail’s history, Winter Olympics, vintage ski and boarding gear, and the local Camp Hale’s “soldiers on skis.”
Open daily, 10am – 5:30pm; free
231 S. Frontage Road East, Vail; 970-476-1876
Vail Farmers Market & Art Show: Locals knows that food and art aren’t mutually exclusive, so they’ve blended the two in this weekly event showcasing local farmers and artisan vendors. Stop in around noon to catch tunes from the Jazz at the Market series through Aug. 28.
Sundays through Sep. 18, 10am – 3:30pm; free admission
Along Meadow Drive, Vail; free admission
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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Snowball Music Festival 2012 Shuttle Service
B-LineXpress will be providing safe transportation for Snowball Music Festival 2012 attendees. AspenVailLimo.com offering the “B-LineXpress”, an affordable and luxurious private shuttle service between Vail and the SnowBall Music Festival site in Avon, CO. Attendees will get Private Round Trip service for up to 13 passengers anywhere from Vail to Edwards, CO in a luxurious mini-coach.
Snowball Music Festival Shuttle Reservations
We recommend making reservations as soon as possible by calling B-LineXpress 800-423-0929 or submitting online at Snowball Music Festival Shuttle Reservations.
These Private Shuttles will run from 12:00pm to 2:30am. B-LineXpress will provide Late-night pick ups at Agave, Loaded Joe’s and Traer Creek Parking Lot after the late-night music events.
Private round trip service up to 13 passengers to and from anywhere in Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards and the Snowball Musical Festival sites.
Lodging and Hotels Near SnowBall Music Festival
B-LineXpress will provide transportation to and from all hotels and lodges in Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards to the Snowball Music Festival.
AVON, Colorado — It’s called the snowball effect for a reason. Upcoming music event Snow Ball Festival is gathering speed like a fast-expanding snowball rolling down Pepi’s Face. The three-day festival, which fans have dubbed “Snowchella” (a play on Coachella, the popular three-day California music festival) is still six weeks out and already nearly a third of the tickets have sold; more than 3,000 of the 10,000 tickets per day being offered, according to organizers. And that’s without spending money on traditional marketing means, like radio, newspaper and television ads (though organizers did recently partner with AEG to help promote the event).
The inaugural event is set for March 4-6 in Avon and there’s 45 bands on the final lineup, which was solidified Wednesday night. Headliners include Colorado’s own Pretty Lights and San Fran-based DJ Bassnectar. It’s the first time the two electronic music producers have played a festival together in Colorado, which is a big market for both musicians.
Read more about Snowball Vail
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Vail Resort was voted one of the Top 10 Greenest Ski Resorts. The Ski Area Citizens Coalition, a Colorado-based research group aligned with the Sierra Nevada Alliance and Colorado Wild, voted Vail Resort #10.
Vail Top 10 Greenest Ski Resort
The report analyzed 82 ski resorts across the west and found an average improvement of 2% from last year’s results. The resorts are graded based on four criteria: habitat protection, protecting watersheds, addressing global climate change, and environmental policies and practices.
Read entire article at Colorado’s Top 10 Greenest Ski Resorts
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