Go snowcat skiing at the Three Forks Ranch this winter

by Kraig Becker on

Summer may still be in full swing across the U.S., with some of us continuing to battle triple-digit heat, but it is never too early to start thinking about winter and the ski season ahead. With that in mind, the Three Forks Ranch, located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, is preparing to offer visitors plenty of opportunities for adventure in the snow this year.

Located along the border of Colorado and Wyoming, the Three Forks is a private luxury resort that attracts travelers throughout the year. The ranch is home to some of the best fly fishing and hunting in the west, and includes a full-service spa that has gained a sterling reputation for pampering guests as well. But this winter, the Three Forks will offer its first full season of snowcat skiing, providing visitors with an experience that will be tough to find anywhere else.

How will the ski experience at Three Forks Ranch be different than other destinations? For starters, since it is a small, private resort, the slopes won’t be crowded at all. With just 15 rooms on property, and 200,000 acres to explore, I think it is safe to say that visitors will find plenty of solitude.

They’ll also find plenty of snow too. The ranch receives an annual snowfall of between 400 and 450 inches, which blankets the resort’s eight runs, spread out over two peaks and 1100 vertical feet, in some of the finest powder on the planet.

But where the Three Forks skiing and snowboarding experience will really stand out is when guests climb inside one of the ranch’s snowcats and heads out to the backcountry. The specially designed vehicles are built to travel through the deepest snows, and can provide access to places that no chair-lift ever could. Skiers will be able to shred untouched powder in a pristine wilderness that will make them feel like they’re the first ones to ever visit the area, providing a magical ski experience that is unlike any other.

The winter adventures don’t end there however, as the Three Forks also offers a cross-country ski course, ice fishing, snowshoeing, miles of snowmobile and dogsled trails, and a fun tubing hill as well. At the end of the day, you’ll be treated to gourmet meals in the lodge and warm, comfortable rooms for recovering from the day’s activities.

The Three Forks Ranch opens for skiing at Christmas and remains open into March. For more information on their snowcat skiing options, click here.

Heavy snow strands 250 skiers in New Zealand lodge

by Kraig Becker on

Heavy snow, and the threat of avalanches, left more than 250 skiers and snowboarders stranded in a ski lodge in New Zealand earlier this week, as that country struggles with one of the harshest winters in recent memory.

Nearly 16 inches of snow fell on the Mt Lyford ski resort last Monday, making travel extremely dangerous. As the fear of avalanches grew, authorities were forced to close access roads, which left many of the resort’s guests to spend the night in the lodge.

It turned out to be an extremely long night for those stranded at the resort, as the lodge is not equipped for overnight guests and there was little food for them to share. Worse yet, high winds and blowing snow caused power outages, which meant there was no heat inside the building either. The stranded skiers made the best of the situation however, getting comfortable for the night in any way they could.

The next morning, a specially equipped snow vehicle delivered extra food, and emergency crews used controlled explosions to clear the road. Eventually the stranded travelers were cleared to leave the resort, although only ten cars were allowed to drive down the mountain at a time.

Late in the week, the resort was still closed and access remained limited.

Early in the Austral winter it looked like it was going to be a poor ski season for the New Zealand resorts, as the only snow on the slopes was the man made variety. That has all changed now however, as a cold front out of Antarctica has reduced temperatures dramatically and brought plenty of snow along with it. There are even reports of snow at sea level, with some Kiwi beaches even getting a dusting of the white stuff. Now, it appears the resorts could be in for a banner year, and skiers are flocking to the mountains.

[Photo courtesy Mt. Lyford]

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers discounted ski passes

by Kraig Becker on

While most of the U.S. continues to recover from a nasty heat wave, certain parts of the country are already looking ahead to winter. For instance, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located in Wyoming, has already announced new pricing on season passes for the upcoming ski season in advance of those passes going on sale on August 1st.

Last year, the resort introduced the Grand Pass, as an all new alternative to the All Mountain Pass that skiers had previously been use to. The Grand Pass was offered at a 25% discount at that time, and this year it will be even more affordable. When the passes go on sale next week, the price will be $1195 for a full season of skiing, which will extend for 135 days this winter – the longest season in the resort’s history.

JHMR also offers discounted pricing for skiers of all ages as well. For instance, the Grand Pass for Seniors (65 years and older) is just $815 for the full season, while the Junior and Student passes make skiing affordable for the younger crowd as well. Junior passes, aimed at kids age 6-14, is priced at just $159, while the student pass, for 15-18 year olds, is just $289. Children under 6 get to ski for free any time.

Each version of the Grand Pass comes with similar benefits. Those include unlimited skiing or snowboarding between November 26, 2011 and April 8, 2012, a complimentary bus pass for the winter season, discounted food and drinks, as well as lower rates on equipment rental and purchases. The pass also comes with a free adult group lesson, as well as complementary tram access during the summer and a discounted pass to the resort’s mountain bike park in the summer as well.

I know that it is difficult to think about hitting the slopes in July, particularly when the mercury climbs into the triple digits, but for frequent skiers, these passes offer significant savings at one of the premiere destinations in the western United States. And for those who don’t have time to ski the mountain as often as they’d like, there are several other discounted package options as well. For more information on the Grand Pass and the other options click here.

[Photo courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain Resort]

Ski and bike Mammoth Mountain this weekend

by Kraig Becker on

The massive snowfalls that have blanketed the western U.S. this past winter and spring are making for some very unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts this summer. For instance, Mammoth Mountain in California has has remained open for skiing all year so far and yet they’ll also be opening their mountain bike park for the season today as well. That means, you’ll have the option to both ski and bike Mammoth this weekend!

To celebrate the opening of the newly revamped mountain bike park, the fine folks at Mammoth have put together some great packages to entice visitors to come enjoy this rare opportunity to hit the slopes and the park in the same day. Starting today, and running through the 4th of July, adrenaline junkies can get a Ski+Bike pass for just $79. For that price you get an unrestricted lift ticket for skiing and snowboarding and an unrestricted mountain biking lift ticket for the same day. They’ll even throw in free shuttle service to the trail for those who don’t want to pedal up hill. If you’re looking to take it a bit easier, there is also a Ski+Golf package that is also $79 and includes nine holes of golf instead of mountain biking. Learn more about both packages here.

The video below will give you an idea of what to expect in the mountain bike park, which features more than 70 miles of single-track, and drops over 3000 feet from the Mammoth Mountain summit. There are routes for all ages and skill levels, with scenic views to enjoy along the way.

You can also add Mammoth to our list of ski resorts open for the 4th of July weekend as well. Visitors will be treated to contests, music, parties, food, and fireworks. Check out all Independence Day activities here.

[Photo credit: Mammoth Mountain]


Summer adventures in Aspen, Colorado

by Kraig Becker on

Everyone knows that Aspen, Colorado is one of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in all of North America, if not the world. With an average of about 300 inches of powder falling on an annual basis, the place is a veritable winter wonderland for anyone looking to spend some time on the slopes. Add in an interesting mix of culture, cuisine, and shopping, and you truly have a world-class ski town that will keep you entertained whether you’re on the slopes or off.

The opportunities for adventure don’t disappear with the snow however, and Aspen has plenty to offer visitors in the warmer months as well. The town is an epicenter for outdoor activities serving up fantastic options for climbing, rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, and more. I recently got a taste of this first hand when I visited the Colorado town to attend Outside in Aspen, an annual event sponsored by Outside magazine that celebrates the outdoor and adventure lifestyle.

Residents of Colorado are proud of their famously rugged mountains, and with 53 peaks rising above 14,000 feet in height, they have good reason to be. Six of those “14ers”, as they are known locally, lie within a short distance of Aspen, offering a variety of climbing challenges depending on skill levels and the time of the year. The tallest of these is Castle Peak, a 14,265-foot mountain that is a challenging, although non-technical, climb, which features an exposed knife-edge ridge on the final approach to the summit. It is an excellent introduction to mountaineering, and a great place for would-be climbers to notch their first 14er.This past winter brought record snowfalls to the Rocky Mountains, and the spring melt-off has resulted in some epic kayaking and rafting opportunities. The Upper Roaring Fork River is just minutes away from Aspen, and offers fantastic paddling in any year, although 2011 is proving to be even more exceptional that usual. Traditionally, this leg of the river provides Class III rapids, but this spring they’ve been running a little higher and wilder than usual.

Further downstream, that same river has been designated a Gold Medal fishery as well, making it the perfect location for beginner and experienced fly fishermen alike. After a bit of instruction and practice, nearly anyone can wade out into the Roaring Fork and start reeling in large trout. But unfortunately, the same spring thaws that have made the rafting in Aspen so good this year, have also made it difficult for those looking to fish the river. Prospective anglers will want to call ahead to check the conditions, as the Roaring Fork was closed for fishing while I was in town.

Of course, a visit to Aspen isn’t just about the outdoor adventure activities, although they are a large part of what gives the city its identity. Because of its status as a world-class ski destination, Aspen is home to a number of fantastic hotels and restaurants as well, which ensures that no matter which season you visit, you’ll find excellent dining and entertainment. For a night out on the town, I recommend dropping by Casa Tua or Pacifica to dinner, then stopping by the Belly-Up for drinks and live music. With the likes of B.B. King, Lyle Lovett, and Slash all having played their in the past, you just never know who might show up.

As for where to stay, you’ll find that Aspen has no shortage of luxury hotels and condos available to serve as your personal base camp. I was lucky enough to spend my weekend in town at The Little Nell, a five star resort that has been a fixture in the Aspen community for more than two decades. The hotel is the only ski-in/ski-out lodge in town, which makes it a perfect place for skiers to maximize their time on the mountains in the winter. During the summer, the hotel features an on-staff adventure concierge who is always standing by to help you plan everything form Jeep tours and hot air ballooning to stand-up paddling and mountain biking. And when you’re done playing outside all day, you can return to a comfortable, spacious room that doesn’t skimp on the amenities. My suite featured a flat screen HDTV, a gas-log fireplace, and a massive bathroom that couples are sure to appreciate. This travel writer appreciated the included WiFi Internet access even more.

My recent trip to Aspen also happened to be my first visit to the iconic mountain town, but after spending a few days there, it isn’t likely to be my last. Even during my brief stay there, it was clear that it was a great destination for adventure travelers year-round. Obviously, it is much busier and more crowded in the winter, when the ski season is in full swing, but the summer has its own charms and opens up the possibilities for many more activities. No matter which time you decide to go, you won’t be disappointed however, as Aspen just happens to be one of those magical places where there always seems to be more to see and do than you can possibly fit in.