Leap Year babies stay for free at Mammoth Mountain Lodge

by Kraig Becker on

Leap Year only comes once every four years, and if you happen to be one of those special few whose were born on February 29th, you know how seldom you truly get to celebrate your birthday. This year, Mammoth Mountain Lodge, located in California‘s Sierra Nevada range, is helping to make the 29th especially memorable by offering free lodging to Leap Year babies who visit the resort on their special day.

Leapers have the option of staying at one of four Mammoth lodges – Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, The Village Lodge, and Tamarack Lodge and Resort. The free room offer is good for the night of Wednesday, February 29th only, and a valid ID showing proof of the Leap Year birthday is required at check-in. To take advantage of this deal, simply call 800-MAMMOTH or visit MammothMountain.com.

Of course, the free Leap Year lodging isn’t the only reason to visit Mammoth in February. The mountain continues to get plenty of fresh snow and has a current base of between three and five feet. That means that all 3500 skiable acres, and every chairlift, is open for business. The resort is even offering family discounts on lift tickets throughout the entire month as well, making it more affordable than ever to hit the slopes.

Winter was a bit late in coming this year, but it is definitely in full swing now. Take advantage of it while you can, and hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding fun.

Intoxicated skiers force Aspen restaurant to impose drink limit

by Kraig Becker on

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, a popular on-mountain restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, has made the decision to limit the number of alcoholic beverages it serves to patrons. Starting last week, the restaurant instituted a three-drink maximum to help limit the number of intoxicated skiers who need to be escorted down the mountain on a snowmobile, or worse yet, try to ski down while under the influence.

Since it opened in 1998, Cloud Nine has been a popular watering hole for skiers on the hill. The establishment is well known for its raucous atmosphere and downing shots of Obstler Schnapps was practically a required rite of passage. That has all changed now however, as the restaurant has done away with hard alcohol altogether, serving only beer and wine during its lunch service. Management is quick to point out that the full bar is open during dinner however, as skiers can elect to use a snowcat to go up and down the mountain safely.

Considering the fact that Cloud Nine is located at an altitude of 10,740 feet, it is a wonder it has taken this long to institute a limit on the number of drinks that skiers can imbibe while lounging at the bar. It is also surprising that no one has gotten seriously injured after taking to the slopes following a prolonged drinking session. I have a hard enough time skiing or snowboarding while sober, and a few drinks wouldn’t help the situation at all.

[Photo credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia]

Video: “Stuff” skiers say

by Laurel Miller on

I’m in Lake Tahoe–California and Nevada’s premier ski destination–visiting my brother and his family. My teenage nephew, a member of the Olympic Valley Freeride & Freestyle Team, turned me on to this farcical video about things skiers say. If you’re a skier–or snowboarder–you’re fully aware that there are certain phrases ubiquitous to those who spend their days on the slopes–even if the language between the two sports differs slightly.

Even if you don’t dig snow, you’ll likely appreciate this. And if you’re a flatlander heading to the mountains for a weekend of shreddin’….please…don’t act like a gaper. “Now go get your sesh on.”

Warning: this clip contains language that may be offensive to some.


Celebrate 50 years of skiing Breckenridge with great deals on lodging

by Kraig Becker on

Breckenridge is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter, by offering a number of great deals on lift tickets and lodging alike. Now that winter has finally arrived in Colorado, bringing plenty of powder along with it, it is a perfect time to hit the slopes at last.

As we mentioned last week, ski resorts across the western United States have finally been receiving healthy doses of snow, and Breckenridge is no exception. So far this season, the area has had more than 150 inches of powder dumped on it, and currently Breckenridge has a base of about 51 inches. That means that all of the lifts, and nearly all of the runs, are currently open for business.

To entice visitors to come ski or ride some of the best snow in North America, several of the lodges there are currently running some great specials. For instance, the Village at Breckenridge, which is a ski-in/ski-out resort, is offering up to a 30% discount on double occupancy rooms through April 15. Similarly, the near by Mountain Thunder Lodge has a great weekday rate that allows travelers to book two nights and get a third one free, which also runs through the 15th of April. Even the Doubletree by Hilton is getting in on the action by offering bonus points for their HHonors members who stay there through the end of April. For a complete rundown of these deals, and others, click here.

The snow may have been late in coming this year, but there is still plenty of time left to enjoy the ski season. Breckenridge is truly one of the best destinations around for doing just that, and in its 50th year of operation, there are some good discounts to help skiers and snowboarders enjoy the mountain.

Ski resort offers Valentine’s Day speed dating on the lift

by Kraig Becker on

Are you a lonely skier looking for love this Valentine’s Day? If so, the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, located in Utah, just might be able to help you find that special someone you’ve been looking for. Next Tuesday, February 14, the resort will play host to a unique speed dating event, during which skiers and snowboarders will get a chance to get to know one another while riding the chairlift up the mountain.

To entice single skiers and riders to visit Snowbird for Valentine’s Day, the resort is offering all-day adult lift tickets for just $40. But that is just the start of the fun, as they’ve also designated one of their lifts, the aptly named Peruvian Express, as “single’s only” for the day. Speed-daters will then have the opportunity to hop on the lift together, chat on their way to the summit, and then ski back down the slope. If a love connection is made, they can elect to spend the rest of the day getting to know one another better, or simply get back on the lift and give it another go. At the end of the day, they can also gather at the singles social in the El Chanate restaurant, where the new Snowbird love-birds can enjoy two-for-one appetizers and entrees.

If you’ve already found your significant other, Snowbird has you covered as well. The resort is offering specials for couples looking for a romantic escape, with packages including options for a romantic dinner, a visit to the spa, and a night’s stay at one of the onsite lodges.

And in case you’re wondering about the conditions on the hill, never fear. Snowbird has had more than 170 inches of powder already this winter, and is maintaining a base of 63 inches as well. In other words, it is business as usual, with plenty of great skiing on tap.

So, whether you’re looking to treat your sweetie to a romantic getaway, or meet a new one on the slopes, Snowbird has you covered for Valentine’s Day this year.