Strong dollar rewards SkiJapan Travel clients
international: 23-10-2009 As the dollar soars (against the Japanese Yen) skiers and boarders will be rewarded by SkiJapan Travel.
"I think the fact we are selling our packages at the exchange rate of the day customers pay in full is really worth publicising, said Marcus Williams General Manager SkiJapan Travel
"As far as I know this pricing method is exclusive to Ski Japan Travel and since the exchange rate is climbing each day it has so much relevance at the moment."
It has launched several free night offers for travellers who intend to ski Niskeo's powder terrain next year for an extended period of time.
Two of the offers include" Pay 5-stay 7" as well as "Pay 10-stay 14" and are valid for skiers and snowboarders heading over to Japan between the periods of 6 March and 30 April 2010. Fully inclusive packages are also available.
SkiJapan Travel - the Japan snow specialist Phone: 1300 137 411 www.skijapansnowave.com
Minggu, 25 Oktober 2009
Major snow holiday operators such as Skimax are passing on the benefit of the 'Aussie battler' which is tipped to reach parity (with the American greenback) soon.
Wether it reaches that milestone is anyone's guess. But for now skiers and boarders intending to go to the Northern Hemisphere should seriously consider taking advantage of the dollar's gains.
The leg-up our currency is currently gaining has influenced Skimax to announce it has reduced the cost of its American snow holidays between $160 to $290.
The North Lake Tahoe prices have been reduced the most followed by some other popular destinations such as Aspen, Vail, Mammoth and Beaver Creek.
For example a week at Ski South Lake Tahoe now costs from $699* per person. Included is seven nights twin share at Inn by The Lake and a 6 Day Ski Lift Pass at the aptly named Heavenly Valley, one of North America's largest ski areas.
South Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada Californian border and is alongside one of the most crystal-clear lakes in North America. It is also close to Kirkwood not that well known down under but it boasts an annual snowfall of over 15 metres. Valid for travel 03 Jan 12 Feb 2010
A weeks' skiing or boarding at Mammoth Mountain for under a thousand bucks! Included is seven nights at Mammoth Mountain Inn and a 6 Day Ski Lift Pass, from $929* per person Valid for travel 03 Jan 11 Feb 2010. Surcharge will apply 15-18 Jan. For an additional $10 (above the price of the Mammoth package) you could be skiing or boarding for a week at the Mega Colorado resort of Vail.
With the more favourable exchange rate reducing the cost Skimax has a week-long package, including seven nights quad share in a two bedroom at Vail Racquet Club and a six day Vail Ski Lift from $939* per person. Valid for travel 03 Jan 09 Feb 2010
Conditions apply. Book & pay by 31 October 09. Prices are per person based on twin or quad share for travel dates specified and are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations. Surcharge may apply during holiday and peak periods.
For further information contact SkiMax 02 9267 1655 or 1300 136 997
Wether it reaches that milestone is anyone's guess. But for now skiers and boarders intending to go to the Northern Hemisphere should seriously consider taking advantage of the dollar's gains.
The leg-up our currency is currently gaining has influenced Skimax to announce it has reduced the cost of its American snow holidays between $160 to $290.
The North Lake Tahoe prices have been reduced the most followed by some other popular destinations such as Aspen, Vail, Mammoth and Beaver Creek.
For example a week at Ski South Lake Tahoe now costs from $699* per person. Included is seven nights twin share at Inn by The Lake and a 6 Day Ski Lift Pass at the aptly named Heavenly Valley, one of North America's largest ski areas.
South Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada Californian border and is alongside one of the most crystal-clear lakes in North America. It is also close to Kirkwood not that well known down under but it boasts an annual snowfall of over 15 metres. Valid for travel 03 Jan 12 Feb 2010
A weeks' skiing or boarding at Mammoth Mountain for under a thousand bucks! Included is seven nights at Mammoth Mountain Inn and a 6 Day Ski Lift Pass, from $929* per person Valid for travel 03 Jan 11 Feb 2010. Surcharge will apply 15-18 Jan. For an additional $10 (above the price of the Mammoth package) you could be skiing or boarding for a week at the Mega Colorado resort of Vail.
With the more favourable exchange rate reducing the cost Skimax has a week-long package, including seven nights quad share in a two bedroom at Vail Racquet Club and a six day Vail Ski Lift from $939* per person. Valid for travel 03 Jan 09 Feb 2010
Conditions apply. Book & pay by 31 October 09. Prices are per person based on twin or quad share for travel dates specified and are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations. Surcharge may apply during holiday and peak periods.
For further information contact SkiMax 02 9267 1655 or 1300 136 997
Kamis, 15 Oktober 2009
Make ski helmets mandatory
As an 18-year-old ex-ski racer, and now full time ski instructor at Mont Tremblant, I can assure you that helmets are neither uncomfortable nor inconvenient. After a major ski accident in March 2008, doctors told me that if I hadn't been wearing my now-destroyed helmet, my head would have suffered severe injuries, probably resulting in traumatic brain injuries or even death.
Now, I can simply agree that helmets should be mandatory for everyone practising the sport. When properly fitted, helmets are extremely comfortable, keep your head much warmer than a hat, and protect your head from deadly injuries.
As a ski instructor, I have to to ensure the safety of my students. When everyone in my group is wearing a helmet, I am much more at ease.
We have only one brain; taking every single precaution to protect it seems like a natural, simple, and obvious thing to me.
Now, I can simply agree that helmets should be mandatory for everyone practising the sport. When properly fitted, helmets are extremely comfortable, keep your head much warmer than a hat, and protect your head from deadly injuries.
As a ski instructor, I have to to ensure the safety of my students. When everyone in my group is wearing a helmet, I am much more at ease.
We have only one brain; taking every single precaution to protect it seems like a natural, simple, and obvious thing to me.
Selasa, 13 Oktober 2009
Jet Ski Adventure feeds Little Elm's hungry
Staff writer
The lagging economy posed no obstacle for those participating in the fifth annual Jet Ski Adventure when it came to raising funds for the Little Elm Area Food Bank.
This year the event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the food bank. Last year the event raised about $15,000.
Jet skis, boats, cars, bicycles and a few motorcycles made their way to various stops around Lewisville Lake to have their game cards punched. The punched cards were good for door prizes at Bill and Lynn Hidell's house where participants gathered for a barbecue dinner.
The menu this year included roast corn, turkey, beef, wild pig, and goat. This year's event was a culinary adventure as well.
The event is the major fund raiser for the food bank, the only organization providing a social service in Little Elm.
Five years ago the Hidells thought of the event the help the food bank. The event has grown and raises more money each year.
“I think it's amazing that the community supports us like this,” Little Elm Area Food Bank board president Abbe Patton said. “We're a growing community and people think we're an affluent community, but every place has pockets of need. There are 25 percent more people asking for food now than this time last year.”
Little Elm resident Al Leistikow became the food bank director in April this year. He replaced Virginia Berney who had been the director for a number of years.
He was pleased with the amount raised this year. “The extra demand puts a strain on the organization,” he said.
He said people also ask for other services such as help with utility bills. The food bank provides only food, but if the need is dire the food bank staff will try to find a way to meet it or refer the person to another agency that provides the service they need.
“We're overwhelmed with the support we get from the community. We appreciate their commitment and involvement. People need to know that if they're hungry we're there for them. They can come in and get what they need, “Leistikow said.
For information about donating, volunteering or obtaining help from the Little Elm Area Food Bank call 972-294-4061.
The lagging economy posed no obstacle for those participating in the fifth annual Jet Ski Adventure when it came to raising funds for the Little Elm Area Food Bank.
This year the event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the food bank. Last year the event raised about $15,000.
Jet skis, boats, cars, bicycles and a few motorcycles made their way to various stops around Lewisville Lake to have their game cards punched. The punched cards were good for door prizes at Bill and Lynn Hidell's house where participants gathered for a barbecue dinner.
The menu this year included roast corn, turkey, beef, wild pig, and goat. This year's event was a culinary adventure as well.
The event is the major fund raiser for the food bank, the only organization providing a social service in Little Elm.
Five years ago the Hidells thought of the event the help the food bank. The event has grown and raises more money each year.
“I think it's amazing that the community supports us like this,” Little Elm Area Food Bank board president Abbe Patton said. “We're a growing community and people think we're an affluent community, but every place has pockets of need. There are 25 percent more people asking for food now than this time last year.”
Little Elm resident Al Leistikow became the food bank director in April this year. He replaced Virginia Berney who had been the director for a number of years.
He was pleased with the amount raised this year. “The extra demand puts a strain on the organization,” he said.
He said people also ask for other services such as help with utility bills. The food bank provides only food, but if the need is dire the food bank staff will try to find a way to meet it or refer the person to another agency that provides the service they need.
“We're overwhelmed with the support we get from the community. We appreciate their commitment and involvement. People need to know that if they're hungry we're there for them. They can come in and get what they need, “Leistikow said.
For information about donating, volunteering or obtaining help from the Little Elm Area Food Bank call 972-294-4061.
Robber In Ski Mask Caught On Camera
SALEM, Ore. -- Two similar crimes have Marion County deputies searching for a pair of armed robbers in the Salem area.
A man armed with a gun robbed the State Street Market at 9:21 p.m. on Saturday. Security cameras at the market captured the robber as he entered the store. The man, who wore a ski mask over his face, is seen heading to the counter, showing the clerk a gun and taking off with cash seconds later.
He then escaped in a white 1992 Honda Accord reported as stolen, deputies said. The two-door car with black bumpers has chrome wheels, an Oregon Ducks "O" decal in the back window and an Everest College rear bumper sticker.
Shortly before the man walked off camera, he lifted the ski mask off his face. Sheriff's deputies hope someone will recognize him from the video. They describe him as 6 feet tall and 175 pounds with a medium build and no facial hair. He wore overalls with several grease stains and also wore black shoes and black gloves.
People who live in the area of the market said it's necessary to keep an eye out for crime in the neighborhood.
"(It's) a little unsafe, but you just have to watch your surroundings and make sure that there's no one around. You just watch out for people," said Vicki Lorusso, who was shopping Monday.
One hour before the State Street robbery, another man committed a similar armed robbery at a 76 station. For his getaway, he used a white Honda stolen from the parking lot of a nearby Toys R Us store.
Deputies found the stolen vehicle abandoned on Eldin Avenue, but the robber remains at large. He is described as a white man in his 20s and wore a black ski mask and blue jeans in the robbery.
Marion County Lt. Sheila Lorance said in a news release that the robberies are not connected.
A man armed with a gun robbed the State Street Market at 9:21 p.m. on Saturday. Security cameras at the market captured the robber as he entered the store. The man, who wore a ski mask over his face, is seen heading to the counter, showing the clerk a gun and taking off with cash seconds later.
He then escaped in a white 1992 Honda Accord reported as stolen, deputies said. The two-door car with black bumpers has chrome wheels, an Oregon Ducks "O" decal in the back window and an Everest College rear bumper sticker.
Shortly before the man walked off camera, he lifted the ski mask off his face. Sheriff's deputies hope someone will recognize him from the video. They describe him as 6 feet tall and 175 pounds with a medium build and no facial hair. He wore overalls with several grease stains and also wore black shoes and black gloves.
People who live in the area of the market said it's necessary to keep an eye out for crime in the neighborhood.
"(It's) a little unsafe, but you just have to watch your surroundings and make sure that there's no one around. You just watch out for people," said Vicki Lorusso, who was shopping Monday.
One hour before the State Street robbery, another man committed a similar armed robbery at a 76 station. For his getaway, he used a white Honda stolen from the parking lot of a nearby Toys R Us store.
Deputies found the stolen vehicle abandoned on Eldin Avenue, but the robber remains at large. He is described as a white man in his 20s and wore a black ski mask and blue jeans in the robbery.
Marion County Lt. Sheila Lorance said in a news release that the robberies are not connected.
Snowmaking Underway at Killington for 2009-10 Ski, Snowboard Season
KILLINGTON, Vermont -- Snowmaking is underway for the 2009-10 season at Vermont's Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in the Northeast.
Crews began making snow at 1 a.m. with a number of guns going on Killington's Reason trail in the Northridge area. By later Tuesday afternoon, resort officials expect to have a number of Low Energy snow guns going on Rime and Upper Great Northern trails.
Mother Nature also helped us out with 4 inches of new snow at Killington Peak and 1.5 inches at K-1 Lodge.
Based on the current forecast with overnight temperatures ranging from the middle 20s down to the middle teens, snowmaking will continue for the next four-six days
Photos available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/killington/
Video available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH4pC...er_profilepage
About Killington Resort
Rated as the "Favorite Eastern Resort" by the readers of Snoweast Magazine, and the No. 2 resort in the East by SKI Magazine! Killington Resort offers the most diverse ski and snowboard terrain in the east, an expansive lift network, the most extensive snowmaking system in the world complemented by numerous off-mountain activities, including après, dining, shopping and lodging options. www.killington.com.
Crews began making snow at 1 a.m. with a number of guns going on Killington's Reason trail in the Northridge area. By later Tuesday afternoon, resort officials expect to have a number of Low Energy snow guns going on Rime and Upper Great Northern trails.
Mother Nature also helped us out with 4 inches of new snow at Killington Peak and 1.5 inches at K-1 Lodge.
Based on the current forecast with overnight temperatures ranging from the middle 20s down to the middle teens, snowmaking will continue for the next four-six days
Photos available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/killington/
Video available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH4pC...er_profilepage
About Killington Resort
Rated as the "Favorite Eastern Resort" by the readers of Snoweast Magazine, and the No. 2 resort in the East by SKI Magazine! Killington Resort offers the most diverse ski and snowboard terrain in the east, an expansive lift network, the most extensive snowmaking system in the world complemented by numerous off-mountain activities, including après, dining, shopping and lodging options. www.killington.com.
Win a season ski bumming in Canada
Within hours of the launch of a contest to find the world's top 'ski bum' who'll win s luxury ski season at Sun Peaks resort in Canada, a second British Columbia ski region has launched a near identical contest.
The Kootenay Rockies Tourism contest, dubbed, “ The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest” has a title which pretty much sums up the prize. That is three months of free snow pleasure at the area's seven resorts in the famed mountain ranges of the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees, also home to the planet's highest concentration of snowcat and heli operations anywhere, not to mention endless glaciers, peaks, tree stashes and bowls, all linked together by one wonderously adventurous road. The winner receives cozy accommodation for the duration.
Contestants need to submit a 90 second video, explaining why they should be the Ultimate Ski Bum, and why they deserve to have their mind blown by one of the most incredible winter destinations on planet earth.
Videos will be accepted until November 22, 2009 with the winner to be announced on December 1, 2009, as voted by video viewers and the Powder Highway Ski Resort judges.
“This place has long been a haven for ski bums from around the world. We're sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person—the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together,” explains Chris Andrews of Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
The Kootenay Rockies Tourism contest, dubbed, “ The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest” has a title which pretty much sums up the prize. That is three months of free snow pleasure at the area's seven resorts in the famed mountain ranges of the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees, also home to the planet's highest concentration of snowcat and heli operations anywhere, not to mention endless glaciers, peaks, tree stashes and bowls, all linked together by one wonderously adventurous road. The winner receives cozy accommodation for the duration.
Contestants need to submit a 90 second video, explaining why they should be the Ultimate Ski Bum, and why they deserve to have their mind blown by one of the most incredible winter destinations on planet earth.
Videos will be accepted until November 22, 2009 with the winner to be announced on December 1, 2009, as voted by video viewers and the Powder Highway Ski Resort judges.
“This place has long been a haven for ski bums from around the world. We're sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person—the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together,” explains Chris Andrews of Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
Val Thorens Invests In New Beginners Area
Val Thorens, the highest resort in the world's largest ski area, France's 3 Valleys, has invested more than 1.5 million euros to create a new 40 hectares area for beginners, equipped with no less than four new roof-covered magic carpets.
The new area has been designed not only to provide first-class facilities for first timers, but also improved access to the Cascades chairlift, getting progressing beginner skiers on to more green and blue slopes.
The two twin magic carpets that have been installed and named “Castor & Pollux” represent a triple innovation say Val Thorens.
In both cases a single roof structure covers both magic carpets for more comfort. The carpets are also the fastest so far installed in France, meaning more snow time, and travelling at up to 1.2 metres per second, increasing capacity to 3,000 people per hour.
The carpet lifts also run in two directions, providing a ride down when needed, as well as up over the 240m length. There are two successive magic carpets, Musaraigne (the shrew) and Campagnols (the vole) which are more than 200 m long in the heart of the “grenouillère de Péclet” area.
To discover a larger area at your own pace, a special pass for beginners is available to access an area including nine ski lifts serving the easiest slopes at a reduced price of 50% off the full daily pass rate.
The new area has been designed not only to provide first-class facilities for first timers, but also improved access to the Cascades chairlift, getting progressing beginner skiers on to more green and blue slopes.
The two twin magic carpets that have been installed and named “Castor & Pollux” represent a triple innovation say Val Thorens.
In both cases a single roof structure covers both magic carpets for more comfort. The carpets are also the fastest so far installed in France, meaning more snow time, and travelling at up to 1.2 metres per second, increasing capacity to 3,000 people per hour.
The carpet lifts also run in two directions, providing a ride down when needed, as well as up over the 240m length. There are two successive magic carpets, Musaraigne (the shrew) and Campagnols (the vole) which are more than 200 m long in the heart of the “grenouillère de Péclet” area.
To discover a larger area at your own pace, a special pass for beginners is available to access an area including nine ski lifts serving the easiest slopes at a reduced price of 50% off the full daily pass rate.
Ed Drake takes one step closer to Olympic dream
The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead saw Olympic hopeful Ed Drake hold his first fund raising event to support his bid for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
The Ski Club sponsored two events, the Ed Drake Club National and Ed Drake Invitation Parallel Slalom Event, which were open to all age ranges from Mini’s to Seniors and the standard of skiing was extremely high.
The Ski Club's Bridget Cassey paid her first visit to the Snow Centre and it was also her first UK based slalom event. "It was the weirdest thing packing my skis and boots into the back of my car on a sunny warm August afternoon and heading off around the M25" she said. "However when I got to Hemel, it all slotted into place. The venue was great, much bigger than I had imagined and the snow was just well, like real snow!"
An impressive line up of competitors were pitted against each other on the slalom course. Ed was brilliant with the younger skiers, who took the opportunity to hob nob with their skiing hero and size themselves up for future events.
Ed also did the pre-runs for each slalom race in an impressive 11 seconds, along with Sally Bartlett of Ski Bartlett and Phil Brown from Impulse Racing.
The Ski Club has been supporting Ed since he was a young ski racer himself, and this was a great opportunity to have a course-side look at British racers of the future. “The whole day went really well" said Ed. "I would like to thank everyone for coming along and to all the staff who worked tirelessly to make the event such a success. Being able to raise this money is vital in what is the most important season of my career to date. I am so glad it all went smoothly and the money raised will really help me in my preparation for the Winter Olympics.”
Race against the British Ski & Snowboard teams
This year’s Metro Ski & Snowboard Show at London Olympia will give visitors a unique opportunity – your chance to race against British Ski and Snowboard Team athletes from the past and present!
SnowsportGB has teamed up with the Ski Club of Great Britain, the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show organisers and SEGA to bring the slopes to the show.
Show visitors will be given the opportunity to race against Olympic hopefuls Zoë Gillings, Ed Drake and more talent from the British teams, as well as ski heroes including Alain Baxter and Graham Bell.
The aim of the initiative is to raise funds for Britain’s future Olympians. Visitors will be asked to donate £2 for their chance to race against the stars, with the fastest time from each day winning either a Nintendo Wii or Nintendo DS, plus a copy of the game “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games™”.
This is a fantastic opportunity to race against our wintersport heroes and, in doing so, support the British Ski and Snowboard Teams in their quest for success. To take part simply visit stand 417 - opposite the Ski Club of Great Britain stand (318).
SnowsportGB has teamed up with the Ski Club of Great Britain, the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show organisers and SEGA to bring the slopes to the show.
Show visitors will be given the opportunity to race against Olympic hopefuls Zoë Gillings, Ed Drake and more talent from the British teams, as well as ski heroes including Alain Baxter and Graham Bell.
The aim of the initiative is to raise funds for Britain’s future Olympians. Visitors will be asked to donate £2 for their chance to race against the stars, with the fastest time from each day winning either a Nintendo Wii or Nintendo DS, plus a copy of the game “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games™”.
This is a fantastic opportunity to race against our wintersport heroes and, in doing so, support the British Ski and Snowboard Teams in their quest for success. To take part simply visit stand 417 - opposite the Ski Club of Great Britain stand (318).
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