Utah ski resort offers 30-year pass, with a catch

by Kraig Becker on

Utah ski resort The Canyons is offering skiers and snowboarders the chance to buy a season pass that is good for 30 years and can be loaned to friends and family. But, as in all things that seem too good to be true, there are a few caveats to the deal.

The passes are available for $5000 each, and eligible buyers are limited to buying just two. Unlike ski passes from other resorts, these can also be shared with friends and family on days and weekends that you’re not using them for yourself, which is unique in and of itself. So what’s the catch you ask? Well, in order to be eligible to take part in the deal, you have to own or purchase a condo at the Canyons, which will set you back a minimum of $675,000.

But for those that are in a position to take advantage of this deal, it really is a bargain. The $5000 pass breaks down to just $166 per year. That same pass would cost others $1099 a year, and because the pass can be loaned out to others, it is possible to make a little money on the side by renting it out for the weekend.

The Park City resort covers more than 3500 acres and spans eight mountain peaks, offering skiers and snowboarders plenty of winter fun. Averaging more than 355 inches of snow each year, the Canyons has earned itself a reputation as one of the top destinations in Utah for hitting the slopes.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, if you sell the condo, the pass goes with it.

Winter fun in the Black Hills of South Dakota

by Kraig Becker on

The blizzard that blew through the Midwest last week may have disrupted travel for the holidays, but it was just what outdoor enthusiasts were looking for in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Snow had been quite sparse up until the blizzard hit, but some areas received as much as four feet of the white stuff, making the area the perfect winter playground for skiers and snowmobilers.

Awhile back we mentioned all of the great outdoor adventure activities that South Dakota has to offer in the summer months, with plenty of great hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and climbing throughout the Badlands and Black Hills. During the winter, those activities switch to skiing, both down hill and cross country, snowboarding, dog sledding, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling.

Travelers looking to make a winter escape will want to head to the Rapid City area, which serves as a gateway to this outdoor wonderland. Nearby Mystic Miner and Terry Peak ski resorts both received over 45 inches of fresh snow in last week’s blizzard, and are an easy drive from the city. These resorts offer excellent skiing opportunities without the crowds found in some of the larger resorts in nearby Colorado.

Likewise, historic Deadwood is a popular destination that offers access to groomed trails that are perfect to explore on foot or by snow mobile. And when travelers are done playing outside, they can head back to town to enjoy wild west fun and themed casinos.

From Mt. Rushmore to the Crazy Horse Monument, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventure throughout the Badlands and Black Hills no matter what time of year you visit, but those who enjoy winter activities, will find plenty to enjoy eary in the new year.

Gadlinks for Friday 12.11.2009

by Brenda Yun on

We’re closing in on mid-December and Christmas is lurking around the corner (it’s in two short weeks!). This weekend is the last minute Christmas shopping push for those of you hoping to send your gifts in time to have them under the tree. As for those of you who got your shopping done, you may have a few more minutes to spare to read up on some of the latest travel stories from about the web. Enjoy!

  • Who said you can’t find love on the road? This article makes it seem like your true love may just be waiting for you on the other side of the world. [via CNN Travel]
  • If you didn’t know this already, there is such a thing as apparel etiquette when traveling abroad. Try these tips on for size so you don’t make a fool of yourself. [via MSNBC Travel]
  • Less than 1% of the world’s population will ever see the likes of the top of Mount Everest, but we can always dream, can’t we? [via Travel Fusion]
  • If there’s one place floorsurfing comes in handy, it’s London. This article from the Faster Times shows us how it’s done in the East End.
  • Winter in Hawaii means unbeatable surf on the north shores of the islands, but it also means you can hit the slopes and go skiing/snowboarding! [via Honolulu Magazine]

‘Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks here.

Eat, drink and ski happy in Salt Lake this winter

by Tom Johansmeyer on

What’s the happiest place on Earth? Well, Disney claims that title, but here’s the problem: Utah does, too. If they were in different countries, no conflict would exist, but since they do, we have to sort this out.

A Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index recently released ranks Utah highest among all states in happiness. And, if that’s not enough, Men’s Fitness magazine ranked Salt Lake City fittest in America. So, the endorphins are firing, and Utah is thrilled. Want to get a little taste of this happiness?

The Gold Medial Podium Package celebrates Salt Lake’s Olympic legacy. Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes while taking advantage of some great deals. Book a four-night vacation by December 15, 2009 — including a Ski Salt Lake Super Pass — at any of the 22 participating hotels, and your fourth day on the slopes and your fourth night in the hotel are free.

World Cup snowboarding comes to Telluride

by Tom Johansmeyer on

World Cup snowboarding is coming to Telluride! Check out the Visa U.S. Snowboardcross Cup from December 17 to 20, 2009 at the Telluride Ski Resort: this is the only stop in the United States fro the International Ski Federation’s (FIS’s) Snowboard World Cup. Both snowboard cross (SBX) and parallel giant slalom (PGS) competitions will be held in what is the second in a series of five Olympic qualification events for the two disciplines.

Ryan Mackey, snowmaking and grooming manager at Telluride, says, “Snowmaking is off to one of our best starts in years with the cold weather, and the new snow we have received in the last couple of weeks is a great bonus.” He continues, “Currently we are making snow on Upper Village Bypass, Lower Boomerang into the Mountain Village, Meadows and Lower Misty Maiden (especially for the World Cup).”

U.S. Snowboarding Head Coach Peter Foley calls Telluride the perfect western home for an World Cup stop early in the season. “With the early start on snow happening at Telluride we are getting really excited to get there,” he says. “We can’t wait to show the athletes from around the world how great Telluride is and let them experience a real world class course,” Foley adds.

John Jett, the Competition and Event Services Manger, has been working through the course procedures and qualifications with the USSA and FIS. “The last of our summer projects for the event, including laying the timing wire for the PGS, has been completed,” he explains. “Both FIS and USSA course inspections have been approved for the World Cup Competition.”

This is the Telluride area’s first World Cup competition and will give a taste of what’s to come in February’s Vancouver Olympics. Frank Bell, Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee, hopes that “the world will join us either in person or through the media coverage in introducing the best snowboarders in the world to the great terrain, spectacular mountain setting, and two great ski towns that embrace the 2009 Snowboard World Cup.”