Film illustrates how climate change affects ski resorts

by Mike Barish on

We all hear plenty of talk about climate change on a daily basis. But we often don’t see it in terms that relate to us. Teton Gravity Research sought to remedy that by producing the short film Generations. The film focuses on how climate change has affected the ski industry. Rather than discussing the topic in overly generalized terms, it looks at the issue from a perspective that anyone who has ever thrown a snowball can understand.

In the Northeast, shortened ski seasons have devastated ski resorts. Many have shut down or are clinging to life. Glaciers throughout the world are receding at alarming rates. The beautiful landscapes and breathtaking vistas that are enjoyed by winter sports enthusiasts every year are rapidly changing and disappearing. Generations tells the story of climate change through the eyes of skiers, action sports athletes and lovers of winter.

Do yourself a favor and set aside 15 minutes to watch Generations. Hell, watch it now. If you’re reading this, you’re obviously not doing any work. It’s well done and will really help you understand how climate change is affecting the way we enjoy our surroundings.

Utah tourism off 10% in 2009, $700 million lost

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Utah isn’t quite the tourist destination it used to be. Last year, the number of visitors to the state fell by a million, and spending declined 10 percent. The recession kept people from rushing to the slopes, according to the state’s 2010 Economic Report to the Governor. Hotel occupancy rates plunged to their lowest level in six years. The number of skiers checking into the state’s 13 resorts fell by 300,000, and more visitors took cars instead of planes.

Tourist spending fell by $700 million in Utah, amounting to $6.2 billion last year, after several consecutive years of growth for the tourism and travel industry, which is one of the state’s major money-makers. Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, an industry group, told The Associated Press, “People who came out here spent their money differently. The same family of five might have come out – they’ve gotta have that ski vacation and do whatever it takes to get it. Instead of renting three hotel rooms, they squeeze into one or stay at their aunt’s house.”

Even though the green wasn’t flowing as easily, 2009 was still the third best year on record for Utah, but it’s likely to be bumped to #4 by 2010, since a modest increase is expected this year. Rafferty believes the number of skiers coming to Utah will increase by 3 percent, to 4.1 million.

[Photo by Mat_the_W via Flickr]

Mongolia’s first ski resort opens for business

by Kraig Becker on

Aspen, Colorado, Chamonix, France, Zermatt, Switzerland, three destinations that have earned a reputation for great skiing, pulling in thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. Now you can add Ulan Bator, Mongolia to that list, as Sky Resort opened late last month, becoming the first ski resort in that country.

Located on Bogd Khan Uul Mountain, a World Heritage Site found not far from Mongolia’s capital city, Sky Resort is a far cry from those global skiing meccas mentioned above. The mountain stands just 3000 feet in height and offers only a modest amount of vert. Snow is at a premium as well in the arid Mongolian climate, so the resort uses two Italian engineered snow guns to fill the slopes with powder. Still, it is a welcome respite from the long, very cold, Mongolian winters, and the locals are happy to have it.

The resort features five different runs, varying in length from 800 to 1070 meters. Most are designed for beginners and intermediate skiiers, but one is rated as a “Black Diamond”, or expert route. There are also two rope tows and two chairlifts to deliver visitors to their various destinations on the mountain, and the on property restaurant seats 300 guests, while serving a variety of Mongolian, Korean, and European dishes. Full day lift tickets cost roughly $12 on the weekends, making Sky a relative bargain for foreign visitors, while remaining quite expensive for most Mongolians.

The Sky Resort owners aren’t resting on their laurels when it comes to finding uses for the property in the off season either. Next summer, a golf course will open at Sky, with plans to host a PGA Tour event in the near future as well. It seems that while the country remains a good choice for adventure travelers, it is looking to expand its appeal to more mainstream travelers as well.

Keystone offers a better alternative to holiday shopping

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The best travel deals don’t happen on Black Friday. Instead of rushing out to the nearest big box store to do battle with the other crazy shoppers, pull the trigger by November 20, and get a trip to Keystone, Colorado. Book your stay for between December 19 and 26, and you could score rates as low as $101 a night — 50 percent off the usual rate! The deal works at Keystone Lodge & Spa and the Inn at Keystone, not to mention the condos at Lakeside, Evergreen, Soda Ridge and Aspen Ridge (from studios to two-bedroom suites).

This is a sweetheart deal. For skiers, booking a room for Christmas week by November 20 is a no-brainer, and non-skiers can have a blast, too. Ice skating, dining and shopping are available, and the complimentary Adventure Passport provides free and discounted access to plenty of activities on and off the slopes.

Score deals to site of 2010 Olympics now

by Katie Hammel on

As excitement for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver builds, most people who haven’t planned ahead are looking for last minute accommodations for the event and finding rates to be quite pricey. During the Games, costs will be as high as the demand, but it seems that in the weeks leading up the event, there are plenty of deals to be had.

Right now though December 17, Whistler-Blackcomb, the official Alpine Skiing venue for the Games, is offering the third night free at many of its best resorts and hotels. The average nightly rate with the promotion works out to just $66 (CAD) for many properties in Whistler Village. Package deals that include two nights of lodging and two days of lift tickets start at $103 per person per night through December 21.

Travelzoo has put together a comprehensive list of the other discounts available in the area and the deals don’t stop at accommodations and skiing. Flights, shuttles, and activities like snowmobiling are also on sale.

The games run February 12-28, and chances are they’ll be even more discounts announced between now and then. So if you’ve got your heart set on a winter wonderland vacation in Vancouver but don’t have a fortune to spend, plan your visit just before the Olympics to take advantage of these great deals.