Check out what’s new in this month’s SnowOnline.
Please note that SnowOnline has now moved to it’s monthly schedule for the spring and summer months.
Blackcomb Open for Skiing Until May 27
Warmer temperatures, longer days, sun-soaked patios, soft corn snow, and pristine terrain parks are just part of what makes spring such an amazing time at Whistler Blackcomb. Good times continue with Blackcomb Mountain extending skiing and riding until May 27.
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“Whistler Blackcomb is lucky to boast one of the longest ski seasons in North America,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “Whether it is skiing freshly groomed corn snow, or enjoying an après beverage while listening to live music on the patio of Merlin’s, we want to make sure guests have the best possible spring experience. These tips will help everyone have an incredible time at Whistler Blackcomb.”
To help guests to make the most of their spring vacation or getaway, Whistler Blackcomb has put together these helpful tips:
- For the best snow conditions follow the sun and check grooming boards before deciding where to ski or ride.
- Conditions change throughout the day, and slopes with direct sun warm up quickly allowing for some of the best spring snow conditions.
- With sun comes UV rays. Since snow can magnify the rays guests should always wear sunscreen.
- Starting April 22, Blackcomb Mountain will open at 10am each day, guests can après a little harder the afternoon before, and have some extra time to sleep in the morning.
- Guests can check the Whistler Blackcomb Live App, website, or call the snow phone for up-to-date snow and grooming conditions.
To make the most of dining and après:
- Plan where and when to meet for après. Guests can enjoy après at the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler, Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb and Dusty’s at the base of Whistler Mountain in Creekside, both open right through summer.
- Spring is barbeque season, and there is no better place to enjoy a burger and a beverage than on the patio of the Horstman Hut at an elevation of 7494 feet, while overlooking the Horstman Glacier.
For more info, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Photo by Dano Pendygrasse courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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New & Revamped Ski Show for Toronto
Toronto is getting a new ski show.
Now known as the Toronto Snow Show, Canada’s largest ski exhibit will have a new image, a lower admission rate, and a new location.
Scheduled for October 17-20, 2013, the “restyled” show is moving to Toronto’s International Centre from the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), a move show organizers hope will improve access for the Greater Toronto Area.
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“The new venue for the show (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga) is located near major transportation routes and will provide easy access for patrons in the Greater Toronto region,” says a press release. “The International Centre offers complimentary parking to show guests. This, coupled with revised admission rates, will dramatically lower the cost of attending the show. As well, organizers plan to take advantage of indoor and outdoor spaces by creating a number of new feature exhibits that will add value and richness to the experience.”
The Canadian Ski Council has partnered with leading Canadian retailers, resorts, equipment distributors, media outlets and the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows to create a new vision for the renamed Toronto Snow Show, formerly known as the Toronto Ski, Snowboard and Travel Show. In a move that some describe as an “historic first” within the ski industry, key leaders have come together to enhance not only the Toronto show, but to work to develop new and exciting programs to grow the snow sports industry in Canada.
Patrick Arkeveld, President and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council, recognizes the efforts of many people from within the Canadian industry. “The Toronto show has been recognized as one of the better remaining ski and snowboard shows in Canada. Given the importance of the Ontario market to the ski and snowboard industry in Canada, it is key that the fall show be a significant launch event for each winter season. This group of leaders has come together to work diligently on preparing the Toronto show for the challenge of representing one of the most dynamic sports on earth and attracting both existing and new enthusiasts to this great sport.”
“I would like to recognize the support and generosity shown by the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show management,” adds Arkeveld. “ Without their ongoing support, this new show partnership would not have been possible.”
Peter Lockhart, President, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS), believes the new show will thrive. “As a not-for-profit entity, CNSS is extremely pleased to collaborate with the Canadian Ski Council and its many stakeholders to produce an exciting and restyled Toronto Snow Show. The ski industry leaders and our 66 years of consumer show management are a win-win combination that is sure to deliver a dynamic, expanded ski show experience.”
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Train Tours To Ski Destinations Banff, Jasper & Whistler
Rocky Mountaineer is offering guests a Free Upgrade in train travel from now until June 28th.
Rocky Mountaineer is one of Canada’s most popular train tours, featuring train travel through the Rocky Mountains—including ski destinations such as Whistler, BC and Banff, AB. This discount is on qualifying holiday package tours of four nights or more for select departure dates in 2013.
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Upon booking, guests receive a complimentary rail seat upgrade, further enhancing their Western Canadian vacation. RedLeaf Service bookings are promoted to SilverLeaf Service, while bookings made in SilverLeaf Service are upgraded to the award-winning GoldLeaf Service. Guests who book in GoldLeaf Service receive a $400 credit towards the package price.
“We are excited to offer guests an exclusive opportunity to get the most of their holidays in Western Canada,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “This offer enables guests to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the luxury of custom made dome coaches.”
One of the many applicable holiday packages is the Western Explorer, which travels between Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The eight day/seven night journey includes two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and stays in popular destinations, such as Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, AB. Guests can choose to begin or end their holidays with an exhilarating Summit Helicopter Tour.
The Free Upgrade Offer is available on eligible rail packages of four nights or more from now until June 28th, 2013.
For more info: www.rockymountaineer.com
Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer.
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Sun Peaks Named BC Ski Racing’s Resort of the Year
Sun Peaks has won BC Alpine Mountain Resort of the Year award.
“We’re thrilled with the success of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club and its members,” says Anne Haight, director of sales and marketing for Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “These recent BC Alpine accolades validate Sun Peaks’ ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional sport venue and fostering alpine racing in British Columbia.”
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BC Alpine Club Development of the Year went to Sun Peaks Alpine Club. The club also received the BC Alpine Development Coach of the Year to James Clarkson and BC Alpine Volunteer of the Year to Karen Cowburn.
“The Sun Peaks Alpine Club is very excited to receive the awards. To be recognized in a province that is so deep in skiing and ski racing history is humbling to say the least,” says Johnny Crichton, currently the BC Ski Team head coach and last winter’s program director for Sun Peaks Alpine Club. “It’s a direct result of the team work from Sun Peaks Resort Corporation, Sun Peaks Alpine Racers, and all their partners that made this possible. That and the fact Sun Peaks is full of amazing people.”
Photo courtesy of Sun Peaks
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Fit in Fernie: Trail Running and MTB Enduro Races Hit Fernie in June
Two new endurance events in mountain biking and trail running come to Fernie, BC this summer.
The Wild Mountain Fernie Enduro MTB and the Fernie Ultra and Relay trail running events will take place in the mountains of Fernie, BC starting June 29, 2013.
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The Wild Mountain Fernie Enduro will feature a pure format, 39 km mountain biking route with four timed technical descents. Riders will be ranked in the enduro results – with only the descents timed, and in the cross country results – with a time for the entire 38.7km course. With four descents totaling 1,822m, the Fernie Enduro will offer a World Class Enduro experience.
Enduro is the hottest new format in mountain biking, combining the fitness of getting yourself to the top of the mountain in a fun and friendly non-competitive atmosphere, with a timed competitive descent ranking based on the rider’s combined time over the designated downhill portions. The format is appealing because it exemplifies the mountain biking experience, fostering camaraderie on the climbs and adrenaline and friendly competition on the descents. Several top cross-country mountain bike pros are switching to racing enduro for the 2013 season.
The Wild Mountain Fernie Enduro will run on Sunday, June 30th and will follow the Fernie Ultra and Relay trail running event, which runs on June 29th as part of the Wild Mountain Fernie Ultra & Enduro weekend. Racers will be treated to a premier event starting at Fernie Alpine Resort and ending at the Arts Station in historic downtown of Fernie.
Enjoy beautiful and challenging bike trails, epic downhills, professional timing, an athlete pint glass, and a holiday Monday in Fernie for the great Canada Day activities. The Family is welcome too!
For more info: www.transrockies.com & www.skifernie.com
Photo courtesy of transrockies.com
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Whistler Film Debut: The Wonder of an Alpine Summer
“The Wonder Of An Alpine Summer” Video from Whistler Blackcomb is live online. Just in time for summer, this video from Whistler Blackcomb and Switchback Entertainment highlights the spectacular views and breathtaking summer beauty of Whistler and Blackcomb’s ancient peaks.
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From the abundance of alpine hiking trails to the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb takes summer to another level. Take in more than 50kms of hiking, running, and interpretive walking trails that snake through a volcanic landscape, ancient glaciers, alpine lakes, winding creeks, and wildflower-filled meadows.
NOW SCREENING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZulmMsTXNU
More from Whistler,
Key dates to remember this summer:
· May 17 – Whistler Mountain Bike Park opening day
· May 25 – Summer sightseeing opening day, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola reopens
· May 27 – Blackcomb Mountain closes for ski/snowboard season
· June 22 – Glacier opens for skiing/snowboarding
· August 9 to 18 – Crankworx Whistler
Photo courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb.
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Did You Know? Kicking Horse has a Grizzly Bear Refuge
Did you know? Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, BC is home to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat.
This high alpine refuge is where resident orphan grizzly bear Boo lives and plays.
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Summer visitors to Kicking Horse are given the opportunity, as part of a one-of-a-kind interpretive tour, to visit The Refuge and view a grizzly bear interacting much as they do in the wild: foraging, hunting, playing, swimming, snoozing and exploring.
Throughout the summer, starting at 9 am tours are held every hour on the hour. These tours are educational and interactive, allowing guests a unique opportunity to view this incredible mammal and learn about the plight of this blue-listed species.
The Refuge is accessible by a 15 minute scenic chairlift ride at Kicking Horse, followed by a short stroll to the Interpretive Centre. The Refuge is open daily and guests are welcome to stay as long as they wish.
For more info: Kicking Horse Resort
Photo of Boo the Grizzly courtesy of Kicking Horse Resort
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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May Victoria Day Weekend Fun at Blue Mountain
On tap for the May long weekend at Ontario’s Blue Mountain Village: live music, face painting, scavenger hunts, hiking, gondola rides, Grove Dancing and the 5th annual Rusty’s Rib Eating contest… plus fireworks. Here’s a list:
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SATURDAY
- 10:30am– Columbia Guided Hike
- 12pm-3pm – Live Music Featuring: Mossy Rocks
- 1pm-4pm– Face Painting
- 3pm – GROOVE Dancing
- 4pm-7pm– Live Music Featuring: Disco Superfly
- 9:30pm– Fireworks
SUNDAY
- 10:30am– Columbia Guided Hike
- 12pm-3pm– Live Music Featuring Jamie Williams
- 1pm-4pm– Face Painting
- 2pm– Rusty’s 5thAnnual Rib Eating Contest
- 3pm – GROOVE Dancing
- 4pm-7pm– Live Music Featuring: Justin McArthur
- 9:30pm– Fire Dance Show
MONDAY
- 10:30am– Columbia Guided Hike
- 1pm-4pm– Face Painting
- 1pm-4pm– Live Music Featuring Will Matthews
ALL WEEEKEND LONG – Plunge! Ridge Runner Coaster, Dockside Boat Rentals, Rock Climbing, Woodlot & Timber Challenge Ropes Course, Cascade Putting Course, Gondola…..
For more info: www.bluemountain.ca
Photo courtesy of Blue Mountain
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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End of Season Business: Mont-Sainte-Anne & Stoneham Report Growth
Quebec’s Mont-Sainte-Anne and its sister resort Stoneham Mountain Resort ended their 2012/2013 season on a positive note.
The ski areas’ owners are reporting Mont-Sainte-Anne was in operation for 146 days and 49 nights; 121 days and 101 nights at Stoneham. “Management was satisfied with the traffic on the slopes,” a press release says.
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THE HIGHLIGHTS
Weather was generally favourable throughout the winter, the ski resort management says. Heavy snow in December favoured a successful Christmas, during which Mont-Sainte-Anne even posted a record day. While temperatures in January were less favourable [rain and cold weather], March offset losses with abundant fresh snow and pleasant weather. Stoneham also marked its best month of March in the past five years.
EXCEPTIONAL SPRING
With 44 cm of fresh snow on the eve of Easter and 10 more cm mid-April [for a total of 400 cm in 2012/2013], Mont-Sainte-Anne boasted legendary spring skiing. The resort closed April 28 with 25 skiable trails, a record. Mont-Sainte-Anne is always the last resort in the area to end its season.
SKI SCHOOLS: NEW SKIERS APLENTY!
At the TELUS Winter Sports School of Stoneham, several efforts have been made to promote initiation programs to develop new skiers and snowboarders, which resulted in doubling the number of new skiers and snowboarders this season. Stoneham also noticed a 25% increase in its season programs for 3-6 year olds. At Mont-Sainte-Anne, the new season program discounted during the afternoon generated an increase of 16%. In addition, the new offer that included lift tickets in all children group classes also scored 15% increase.
For more information from Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham, visit www.mont-sainte-anne.com
Photo courtesy of Mont Sainte Anne
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Sun Peaks’ Golf Season Starts Now
The front nine holes of The Golf Course at Sun Peaks Resort will be open for play on Saturday, May 18, just in time for the long weekend.
Due to recent above average temperatures, B.C.’s highest elevation course is able to open its front nine holes two weeks earlier than anticipated. The back nine holes and the driving range will open as scheduled on Saturday, June 1, weather permitting.
"]“We deal with much larger amounts of snow than other courses in the region,” says Anne Haight, director of sales and marketing with Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “The recent warmer weather has allowed us to speed up our opening quite a bit.
“Golf superintendent Keith Lyall and his crew have done a fantastic job caring for the course through the winter months.”
The course will be open to pass holders and the public with nine holes offered for an introductory price of $30. Conditions will be spring-like with no carts permitted. There will be limited on-course supervision, provided by maintenance staff.
Golf activities will be run through Guest Services in the Village Day Lodge until the Sun Peaks Resort Pro Shop opens for the summer season in June. Call 250-578-5474 to book a tee time.
Designed by Graham Cooke, the par 72 course runs through the valley and provides spectacular views of the surrounding Tod, Sundance and Morrisey mountains. Located at 1200 metres above sea level, it’s British Columbia’s highest elevation course, meaning golf balls fly farther and higher mountain air provides cooler summer days.
Best Buy Combo Season Passes are availale until May 31. Buy a Full Play Golf Pass and save $200 on your 2013-14 (adult) Alpine Season Pass.
www.SunPeaksResort.com/Summer/Golf
Photo courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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Pic of the Day: Sunshine’s New Snow Bar
Sunshine Village has unveiled Canada’s first Veuve Clicquot snow bar. The on-mountain venue, located on the spring patio of historic Trappers Saloon, offers guests an exclusive location to take in Sunshine’s Spring Concert Series. Sunshine’s new après ski offering, which is well known at resorts around the globe, will enable guests to sample one of the most recognizable French champagne brands while enjoying freshly shucked West Coast oysters. The Veuve Clicquot champagne and oyster bar will be open from 11:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. each weekend until May 20th, coinciding with the resort’s popular outdoor concert series.
Photo by Adam Locke, courtesy of Sunshine Village.
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
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