Skiing News and Resources
More than 50 million skiers and snowboarders who are expected at resorts nationwide this season may expect an avalanche of family-friendly features. This action in the ski industry is influenced by demographics indicating that the right approach will lure an 11-year-old into a lifelong participation in the sport. Incentives include magic carpet conveyer belts to slope tops; kids ski-free passports (available in Maine, Colorado and California); and the Zorb, a large plastic ball that tumbles down the slope tossing about the delighted kids inside. This is in addition tothe amenities being added for the 77 million baby boomer market already in place, not to mention millions more echo boomers, generation Xers and teenagers.
Ski resorts are an opportunity for family quiet time together, says National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) spokeswoman Stacy Gardner. With the economy favorable, fiftyish-age skiers are buying a second home near a resort with restaurants, discos, nightclubs, fitness centers, sports facilities and all the things that boomers and their kids hold dear. Ski resort developers/operators have joined with time-share companies to build units that are always occupied. This is in response to the "warm" beds that become ice "cold" in non-vacation weeks. These initiatives are seen as a better way to address the housing situation than building condominiums in the $200,000 to $400,000 range and hotels, according to NSAA. Time-share giant Marriott plans luxury villas at nine American Skiing Company Resorts, including Killington in Vermont, Sunday River in Maine, Steamboat in Colorado, The Canyons in Utah and Heavenly at Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Skiing News . . .
VERMONT
In Vermont, where $275 million has been spent on resort enhancements over the past six years, a mid-November storm has already dropped three feet of snow. But just in case, Ascutney Mountain Resort has unveiled a $1.5 million program that increases snowmaking to 95 percent of total terrain. Ascutney's new North Peak will ultimately feature five trails where total snow coverage is guaranteed.
Bolton Valley Holiday Resort's base village adds trendy retail, wine and gourmet cheese shops. A log cabin village has been completed. Bromley Mountain has upgraded its rental center with the newest adult shaped developmental skis that assist beginners' balance and confidence. Jay Peak boasts the new "Green Mountain Flyer," a detachable quad chairlift capable of transporting 2,600 skiers per hour to 7,400 feet in seven minutes.
Okemo Mountain plans a four-season recreational facility with 16 new trails, children's ski and snowboard centers and a conference center. The gentle slopes of Morse Highland are designated for beginner practice at Smuglers' Notch. Consult Ski Vermont for a wrap-up.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire's Bretton Woods has installed a double chair at the Family Center to give beginners and youngsters lift practice.
COLORADO
In Colorado, upscale Vail will open gladed trails in the new Blue Sky Basin for the timid. While your on the web the local resident's economic Survival Guide for Vail/Beaver Creek is worth a look. For the family oriented there's Copper Mountain's 32,000-square-foot lodge that features shops, an apres ski bar and activities. You can find loads of special interest information on hotels, b&bs and packages from Ski Colorado.
CANADA
Ski Canada reports that a high-speed quad chair will eliminate lineups at Lake Louise's Larch area in Alberta. Two high-speed lifts and a 38,000-square-foot entertainment center have debuted at Whistler in British Columbia.
Ski Resources . . .
by Luanne Axt
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