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Headlines...
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 - 9 a.m.

SQUAW VALLEY SIGNS 57-YEAR LEASE FOR KT-22

    SQUAW VALLEY USA, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2008) - Squaw Valley USA has announced that the resort signed a 57-year lease with Troy Caldwell yesterday, ensuring that Squaw Valley skiers and riders continue to have access to the land located atop the renowned KT-22 lift.
    Squaw Valley’s KT-22 was voted the best lift in North America by SKIING magazine and this lease guarantees the resort's ability to offer the most discerning winter sports enthusiasts continued enjoyment of the world’s most sought-after in-bound terrain through the 2064 winter season.
    In related resort news, Squaw Valley USA is introducing the Axess Smart Gates electronic ticketing system at all seven base area lifts, including KT-22 for the 2008-09 season. The installation of the double antenna gates will allow for fast, convenient and reliable ticket control and also the capability to track the frequency of individuals' ridership of the KT-22 lift.
    “We are looking forward to crowning two ambitious Squaw loyals as King and Queen of KT-22 this season and for many seasons to come. Details on this royal program will be coming soon,” announced Squaw Valley Ski Corp Chairman Nancy W. Cushing.
    Opening day for the 2008-09 winter season is scheduled for November 22, 2008. Squaw Valley USA is currently open for scenic Cable Car rides, mountain top swimming, roller skating, tennis and dining. Up-to-date resort operations, event and season pass information, and live mountain cams are available on www.squaw.com.

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR ANCHORAGE

    PARK CITY, Utah (Aug. 14, 2008) - Anchorage, one of the leading cross country ski markets in America, will host the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships at Kincaid Park for the next two years, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced July 7. The annual national championship races held the first week of January will challenge America's best cross country skiers as they compete for the title of best in the U.S.
    "We couldn't be happier to be able to call Anchorage the home of the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships for the 2009 and 2010 seasons," said Nordic Director John Farra. "Not only is Anchorage a center of cross country excellence, having the competition venue at sea level will help replicate expected conditions in the Callahan Valley for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. It will be an added benefit to our athletes headed to that competition."
    The Championships will be held in Kincaid Park, within the city limits of Anchorage, which is known for being one of the best cross country venues in the nation. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA) will host the event which is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 3-8, 2009 and will help determine the 2010 U.S. Olympic cross country team.
    "NSAA has a strong tradition of hosting high quality cross country competitions and Kincaid is an excellent competition venue," USSA Vice President of Events Calum Clark said. "Members of the Anchorage community are passionate supporters of cross country ski racing and strong advocates of their home town athletes like Kikkan Randall [Anchorage]."
    "At ConocoPhillips, we believe in creating a positive impact in communities where our employees live and work. Supporting the United States Cross Country Ski Championships in Anchorage gives our Alaskan athletes a chance to compete on a national level right here at home," said Jim Bowles, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska. "And having over 450 athletes and coaches, plus their families, come to Alaska to compete is a real win for our local economy. We're proud to be involved and will be cheering the athletes on."
    According to Clark, having the championships in such close proximity to a highly populated city will put an added focus on the excitement of cross country skiing.
    "When we said we were in negotiations to host the event in Alaska, there was a huge sense of excitement from the cross country community," Clark said. "It's a great way to bring the sport to the public, by having it in a metropolis. It's going to be right on people's doorsteps in Anchorage."
The 2009 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships schedule:
Jan 3 - Sprint (Classic)
Jan 5 - 10/15km (Freestyle)
Jan 7 - 5/10km (Classic)
Jan 8 - Team Sprint (Freestyle)

ICER AIR RETURNS TO SAN FRANCISCO OCTOBER 18

    SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2008) - Glen Griffin, ICER AIR creator today announced that on October 18, 2008, McCovey Cove will be the site of the fourth annual Esurance ICER AIR, an action sports, music and lifestyle event featuring the world’s best Olympic and X Games skiers and snowboarders. The event will also feature freestyle motocross, skate, BMX, headliner music acts, interactive exhibits and a beer garden.
    “ICER AIR has incredible momentum right now,” noted Griffin. “Growing from humble beginnings on the streets of San Francisco to a lifestyle brand in a few short years is remarkable. Each year, we strive to build on the success of previous ICER AIR events, and we’re very excited about future plans for a multi-city Esurance ICER AIR Tour starting in 2009.”
    Esurance ICER AIR 2008 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCovey Cove’s Lot A, adjacent to AT&T Park, on the San Francisco Embarcadero waterfront. As Esurance ICER AIR continues to evolve, McCovey Cove’s Lot A venue provides the ideal setting along San Francisco’s famed waterfront to create a comprehensive lifestyle community, complete with Esurance ICER AIR’s signature big air ski and snowboard competition.
    “Esurance is again thrilled to be the title sponsor of such a great event. Our partnership with ICER AIR has produced some great results, and we’re proud to help make such a signature event possible,” said Melissa Chapman, brand marketing manager, Esurance. “We’re very excited about the evolution of the event and the upcoming tour. Because Esurance is committed to helping our large sponsorships get even greener, we’re also very enthusiastic about the green aspects of Esurance ICER AIR 2008.”
    Esurance ICER AIR 2008 includes a star-studded line-up of Olympic and X-Game athletes in the arenas of ski, snowboard, skate, BMX and FMX Motocross. General admission tickets are $28 and can be purchased at www.icerair.com. In addition, family four packs offer a $24 savings and will also be available for purchase for $88.
 

NEW CHEF FOR ALPINE MEADOWS & HOMEWOOD

    TAHOE CITY/HOMEWOOD, Calif. (July 10, 2008) - Officials from Lake Tahoe, California’s Alpine Meadows and Homewood Mountain Resorts have announced Chris Patrick as the new Director of Food and Beverage. Combined, the two ski and snowboard mountains have ten mountain restaurants during winter months; and host weddings, outdoor concerts, and events complete with dinner menus during summer. “I am privileged and honored to have this opportunity to work with a company that wants to responsibly improve my two favorite resorts,” Patrick said of his new position.

    Prior to joining Alpine Meadows and Homewood, he was the executive chef at Park City, Utah’s Bistro 412; however, he’s no stranger to North Lake Tahoe. Patrick spent eight years in the area before relocating to Park City. As the former Head Coach of Alpine Meadows’ Junior Development Ski Team, accomplished ski instructor, and owner of Truckee’s Thyme Savour Personal Chef Service, Patrick views his recent appointment as Director of Food and Beverage as both a great challenge and a homecoming. “My family and I are very excited and are anxious to be reunited with all of our great friends in Tahoe. It feels like we are moving home,” Patrick said. Chris Patrick, his wife, Laura, son, Kyle, and daughter, Kassie, all enjoy Tahoe’s skiing and snowboarding as much as they enjoy delicious cuisine.
    “We couldn’t have asked for a better match for this important position,” said Jim Kercher General Manager of Alpine Meadows. “To have a talented chef who is so passionate about the resorts is a winning combination,” he added.
    As sister resorts owned by San Francisco-based by JMA Ventures, Alpine Meadows and Homewood continue to make strides to enhance guest relations; and mountain dining is a priority. “Chris’s extensive experience and success is a true asset to the mountains,” said Kent Hoopingarner, General Manager of Homewood Mountain Resort. “Just as great is the fact that he enjoys the Tahoe community,” he added.
    Patrick’s culinary plans for Alpine Meadows and Homewood are straightforward. “I would like to provide quick, tasty, fresh food with lots of variety for everyone,” he said. His plans for enjoying the skiing at the two north shore resorts are also straightforward. “I've had my share of powder days at Homewood. The views of the Lake combined with the West Shore’s local feel make it special; and I’m excited to get back to Alpine’s majestic beauty, the awesome skiing, and the people,” he said.

SUNSET DINNERS AT ALEXANDER'S/SQUAW VALLEY

    SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (June 12, 2008) - It’s no secret that there are many fantastic restaurants on and around Lake Tahoe, but Alexander’s atop Squaw Valley USA is the only restaurant above Lake Tahoe, where guests are afforded unmatched views of the Lake from a mountaintop location. The late sunset in summer makes the mountaintop dining especially exquisite, as dinnertime coincides with the vibrant display of reds and purples – the prelude to the sun disappearing in the Sierra sky. Squaw Valley’s Sunset Dinner Packages pair this unique beauty with a fine dining experience that is both convenient and accessible. Sunset Dinners are offered nightly beginning Friday, June 27, and run through August 31, 2008.
    The Sunset Dinner package includes Cable Car access and a three-course meal with a variety of choices from the Café’s California cuisine-inspired menu. Sunset Dinner Package tickets are purchased at the base of the Cable Car at the ticket portal. The cost is $41 per person after 5 pm and $51 if purchased before 5 pm.
    The Sunset Dinner special is offered at Alexander's, set along floor to ceiling windows affording patrons panoramic views of the changing evening hues over Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe. The sun sets at about 8:30 pm in late June and early July, between 8 - 8:15 pm in late July and early August and around 7:30 pm in late August.
    Lake Tahoe’s only mountaintop dinner adventure begins with a scenic ride in North America’s largest aerial cable car as it ascends 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp, el. 8200'. High Camp, the resort’s mountain-top complex with a poolside restaurant and bar, an Olympic-size ice skating pavilion, a swimming Lagoon & Spa, and an Olympic Museum. Before or after dinner guests can soak in the hot tub, go for a romantic spin on the ice, or wander through the Olympic Museum and learn about the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. The swimming Lagoon & Spa are open nightly until 7 pm and the ice rink and museum are open until 9 pm during the high season (June 27 - Aug 31, 2008).
    The Cable Car uploads every 20 minutes until 8:40 pm, with dinner seating at Alexander’s until 9 pm and the last Cable Car down is at 9:40 pm. Seating for dinner begins after 4 pm. Operations are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. The High Camp Sunset Dinner Package is available when night operations are in effect. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 530-452-7278.
    For more information on Sunset Dinners at Alexander’s or any of Squaw Valley’s summer offerings, please call 530-583-6985 or visit www.squaw.com.

ALPINE MEADOWS ANNOUNCES SEASON PASS PRICES

    TAHOE CITY, Calif. (June 9, 2008) - Alpine Meadows Ski Resort has announced its winter 2008/2009 season pass prices. Season passes will be available for purchase starting Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Choose from more than ten winter season passes, all of which are available for purchase at an early price until Sunday, August 31, 2008.
    Two mountains. One Price. As a new Alpine Meadows season pass holder benefit, all full, 2008/2009 Alpine Meadows season passes will be valid at Homewood Mountain Resort. Enjoy 3600 acres of terrain, 20 lifts, and the relaxing vibe of Tahoe’s North and West shores for one great price.
    Exclusive Pass Holder Parties. Pass holders receive additional new perks as well. Mid-week pass holders will have access to weekend lift tickets at a special value rate; all pass holders will be guests of honor at a season pass holder winter kick-off party, early-up spring skiing and snowboarding party, and end-of-season celebration.
    For a full list of season passes, visit SkiAlpine.com. Some of Alpine’s traditionally popular season pass options include:

Adult Full Pass (age 19-61): $899
Teen Full Pass (age 13-18): $299
Youth Full Pass (age 5-12): $199
Child Full Pass (age 0-4): Free
Senior Full Pass (age 62-69): $499
Super Senior Full Pass (age 70+): $99
Adult Mid-Week Pass: $399
Senior Mid-Week Pass: $299

Purchase a full or mid-week adult season pass online and save $25:

Adult Full Pass, Online: $874
Adult Mid-Week Pass, Online: $374

    A complete list of 2008/2009 season pass options – including family, merchant and ski team passes – can be found at SkiAlpine.com. For additional information, call Alpine Meadows directly at 530.583.4232, or stop by the Alpine Meadows lodge Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
 

PRINT EDITION OF SIERRA SKI NEWS TO RETURN IN FALL

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 1, 2008) - After a one-year hiatus, the print edition of Sierra Ski News will return in the fall with its first issue set for an Oct. 10 release. For advertising information, click HERE, or follow the advertising info link to the right.

NORTHSTAR'S MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK OPEN MAY 23

    TRUCKEE, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2008) - Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is scheduled to open its Mountain Bike Park a month earlier than usual, on Friday, May 23, weather and conditions permitting. This summer, bikers at Northstar Resort can look forward to increased lift capacity on the Tahoe Zephyr Express, a new 2-mile beginner trail from the top of the Gondola Express to the Village at Northstar, a jump park, instructional riding clinics and more.
 

PLACER COUNTY APPROVES NORTHSTAR'S LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN LIFT

    TRUCKEE, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2008) – The Placer County California Planning Commission unanimously approved the DMB/Highlands Group’s application for a lift and trail connection from Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort’s Lookout Mountain into the private luxury community of Martis Camp.
    "Given this decision, construction is planned to commence this spring with targeted completion for the 2008/09 ski season," said Mark Johnson—a DMB/Highlands principal. "We also have an eye toward completion of temporary base facilities for Martis Camp Club members with paved access from Martis Camp to the extended lift in the same time frame," he added.
    "We are proud of the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort partnership, making us one of only a handful of private communities in the west to have a direct ski connection, not to mention the fact that it’s to an extraordinary resort like Northstar," Johnson concluded.
    Chris Ryman, COO of Booth Creek Resorts and operators of Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, said, "We are very enthusiastic about our strategic partnership with Martis Camp, which has resulted in these lift and trail connections. This will allow our guests to enjoy an enhanced skiing experience next season, building on a number of exciting improvements already accomplished this past year."
    The Lookout lift will increase from 2,822 lineal feet to 5,128 lineal feet with an increase in vertical drop from 1,247 feet to 1,722 feet. Three Lookout Mountain trail extensions as well as the addition of a new intermediate trail to the east of the Lookout Mountain lift will be added. The extended express quad lift will allow Martis Camp Club members to reach the top of Lookout Mountain in a mere six minutes, providing unprecedented direct access to the top-tier skiing that distinguishes Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort.