Vermont Adaptive Partners with United States Association of Blind Athletes to Host Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) in partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports will host its largest gathering of skiers who are blind and visually impaired at its Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington, Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 at Pico Mountain. Up to 30 athletes with visual impairments will be given the opportunity to learn to ski or race in the sports of Alpine and Nordic skiing, while spending a weekend in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Athletes will be attending from New England states, and as far south as Florida and North Carolina and west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The event is open to all ages, all abilities and all ski levels. Trained guides and instructors are provided by Vermont Adaptive, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, which is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities.

This year, a group of five Veterans will join the festivities. The USABA Military Sport Program works to enhance the lives of disabled Veterans and Service Members who are blind or visually impaired and to accelerate their rehabilitation process through sport, physical activity, and recreation; as well as assist in the integration of those individuals back into their local community. Mark Lucas, USABA’s executive director said, “USABA is extremely pleased to partner with Vermont Adaptive to provide an opportunity for skiers who are blind and visually impaired. Now in its sixth year, the event has really expanded with meet-and-greet receptions, Alpine and Nordic skiing sessions, a banquet, and a biathlon demonstration using a sonar laser rifle.”

In addition, six athletes from Vermont were awarded scholarships for their winning essays from a contest held by the Vermont Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Vermont Adaptive. Applicants had to write about how sports and recreation help other aspects of their lives and how they would help spread the word to other people about the importance of sports through the programs of Vermont Adaptive and USABA.

Grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veteran Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forced.

For more information, visit http://www.usaba.org or contact: Mark Lucas at USABA at: (719) 352-9134 or Tom Alcorn at VASS: (802) 353-7584.

Since its founding in 1976, the United States Association of Blind Athletes, a community-based organization of the United States Olympic Committee, has reached more than 100,000 blind individuals. The organization has emerged as more than just a world-class trainer of blind athletes, it has become a champion of the abilities of Americans who are legally blind.For more information, please visit our Web site: www.usaba.org.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to winter and summer sports and recreational opportunities. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

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Save $50-$150 on Stratton Mountain, Vermont Ski Season Pass: Buy by Oct. 8

Save $50-$150 on a seasonal pass to Stratton Mountain, Vermont, by buying before October 8 © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Save $50-$150 on a seasonal pass to Stratton Mountain, Vermont, by buying before October 8.

The full spread Season passes are available now for $50 to $150 less than regular season prices, from the hard-working Value Pass to the SOS pass for college students to the total package of the Ultra Pass. Every pass gets you on the snow more quickly than a lift ticket, and some include early lift access, special offers for friends and family and skiing/riding at Okemo and Mount Sunapee.

The Stratton Value Pass is the ticket (without a ticket) to the whole mountain, corduroy, powder, bluebird days and all. At a budget-friendly price of $649 before Oct. 8, a full season of great skiing and riding is at your feet with direct-to-lift access. The Value Pass is valid at Stratton only during non-holiday periods. Or, choose the Value Plus pass and get the same access to Okemo and Mount Sunapee for $749.

Stratton’s most affordable pass, the Sunday Pass, is a secret weapon for weekenders at just $289 before Oct. 8. Take advantage of each and every weekend minute and ski and ride on non-holiday Sundays for the same great snow and lifts for less.

Another way to save big by planning ahead is Stratton’s Early Booking Offer, for savings of up to 30 percent on lodging throughout the season. Book before October 31 and get 30% off midweek stays, 20% off weekend stays and 10% off those highly coveted holiday stays in select properties. Stratton’s price protection program guarantees early birds the lowest rate and a relaxed cancellation policy lets guests rest easy before they even arrive at the resort.

To choose one of Stratton’s passes, score the best lodging deals or get all the details on both, visit Stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON (787-2886).

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Mount Snow Celebrates Spring With The New Vernal Eternal Spring Pass And Six Weeks Of Events, Parties, Festivals and Deals

Mount Snow in southern Vermont is presenting a six week Vernal Eternal celebration which includes a brand new spring pass and a jam packed calendar of events that includes festivals, parties, freestyle events, live music and lift ticket deals starting February 26 all the way through the end of the season.

Many snow sports enthusiasts wait until the month of March to head to the mountains because that is when the sun is higher in the sky, the snowfall is traditionally ample and the après ski scene gets kicked up a notch which is a big reason why the resort has come out with the new Vernal Eternal Spring Pass.

The Vernal Eternal Spring Pass provides unlimited access to skiing and riding at Mount Snow every day starting February 26 through the end of the ski season for $299. The pass is available for purchase online starting Saturday, February 25 and will be available for purchase at the resort starting Sunday, February 26. With huge annual events planned along with some new events that have been added to the schedule, the last six weeks of the ski season are simply loaded with reasons to visit the mountain.

“We pride ourselves in throwing the best parties, events and festivals around”, says events manager, Tim Dolan. “Starting with our Mardi Gras celebration the last weekend of February, all the way through to the Winter Brewer’s Festival on Easter Weekend, our guests know that springtime is event time here at Mount Snow.”

Vernal Eternal Schedule:

February 29: Leap Day $29 Lift Ticket Deal
March 3&4: USASA Southern Vermont Series
March 3: Mount Snow Open On-Snow Golf Tournament
March 4: Jack Jump World Championships
March 10: Girls’ Day Out
March 12-16: Revolution Tour
March 16: Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day $17 Lift Ticket Deal
March 17: Carinthia Open
March 23-25: Bud Light Reggae Fest
March 24: 10th Annual Sink or Skim Pond Skimming Contest
March 25: 5th Annual Duct Tape Derby
March 31: Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Finals
April 7: 4th Annual Mount Snow Winter Brewer’s Festival
April 7: Glade-iator Extreme Bump Competition

For details on the Vernal Eternal event schedule as well as conditions and deals visit www.mountsnow.com.

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Fundraisers for Vermont Adaptive’s Ski Challenge 2012 at Pico Mountain Can Earn Lift Tickets, Season Passes, Ski/Ride Package

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro '80s is this year's theme © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro ’80s is this year’s theme. People do not have to participate in the race to attend the family-friendly gala after the day’s event. Gala-only tickets are available.

In addition, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain are providing lift ticket and season pass fundraising incentives in order for the non-profit to reach its event goal of raising $100,000.

Vermont Adaptive has established a special page on FirstGiving.com, enabling both participants and non-participants in the Ski Challenge to reap the benefits of raising money for Vermont Adaptive. The incentives and fundraising levels include:

$200 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Ticket

$300 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Tickets

$500 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Killington Lift Tickets

$750 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Season Pass

$1,000 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Midweek Season Pass

$1,500 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Unlimited Season Pass

$2,000 in pledges = Complete Rossignol Ski or snowboard Package

Those interested in participating in the fundraising can create an individual fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/sportsforeverybody/ski-challenge-2012

Every $100 in pledges enables Vermont Adaptive to provide a full-day skiing scholarship. The cost of an outing with Vermont Adaptive for the consumer can range from a $15 for a two hour canoeing session to $90 for a full day ski lesson, including instructors, ticket and adaptive equipment. All of the school and advocacy groups that the organization works with are also subsidized by Vermont Adaptive; school groups are charged a reduced rate starting at 50% off, and participants receive the same one on one experience as any individual who participates.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director. “This is our largest winter fundraiser and monies raised will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate. We are so thankful to our resort partners like Killington and Pico, who continually step up and come through with us with amazing support. We couldn’t be who we are without partners like them.”

This year’s Ski Challenge includes a day filled with skiing and fun, timed racing and a night complete with family-friendly grazing stations with a retro-’80s theme and music, awards, and dancing. Saturday begins with check-in for participants from 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the Sunshine Room in the Pico Mountain base lodge. The fun race begins at 10 a.m. The race is open to all ages and abilities of skiers, riders and tele-skiers. Each racer will complete two times runs. Participants are encouraged to create teams of three and compete in costumes as well. Awards will be made in various categories for all participants, from best individual times to fasted teams, best costume, youngest and oldest participants, as well as acknowledging top fundraisers.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the event moves to the Killington Grand Hotel. A cash bar and Silent Auction begin at 4 p.m. Then the night continues with awards, dinner and dancing. The Silent Auction will wrap up around 7:30 p.m. A DJ will be spinning retro ’80s tunes.

Registration includes a special wool IBEX Outdoor Clothing beanie as well as full-day lift ticket for March 10, 2012 to Pico, Ski Challenge festivities, awards, and the après-ski party. Apres-ski party tickets can be purchased in advance as well. Registration is online at www.vermontadaptive.org.

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Stratton Mountain offering Super Duper Super Bowl Deals

Stratton Mountain Resort is offering special deals over Super Bowl weekend © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Super Duper Super Bowl Deals – Giants and Patriots fans alike – heck, Ravens and 49ers fans, too – are in for a linebacker’s weight in savings this Super Bowl weekend. Just because it’s the biggest game of the year doesn’t mean you ought to sacrifice a day of skiing and riding. Grizzly’s and Bentley’s will be hosting Super Bowl parties on their oversized screens and offering all the game day trimmings.

Packages to get you skiing more, saving more and not missing a minute of the game include:

The Super Bowl 2-Day Ticket: Buy one day and get the second day at half price! Lift ticket for all ages and is valid Saturday and Sunday (2/4-2/5) for just $130.50. Book online here.

The Super Bowl Sunday Four Pack: Get four all day, any age tickets plus one cheese pizza from Double Diamond on Sunday, 2/5, for $199. Book online here.

Stratton Links – A few links to bookmark for the very latest in Stratton information.

Snow Report: http://www.stratton.com/mountain/snowreport/index.htm

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/strattonmountain

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/strattonresort

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StrattonMountain

Blog: http://blog.stratton.com

For more information on these or any other Stratton stories visit www.Stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON.

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Youth Pay Their Age Day at Family-Friendly Mount Snow, Jan. 8

The Carinithia pipe at Mount Snow.

On Sunday, January 8 kids ages 6-18 pay their age for a lift ticket to ski at Mount Snow Resort in Southern Vermont during Youth Pay Their Age Day. It is the eighth straight year the resort has provided this straightforward offer making it very affordable for families with children to enjoy a day out on the mountain, and it truly is as straightforward as it comes; if a youth is 14 years old, they pay $14 for their lift ticket.

“We are so happy to provide this great day for families every winter because it has gotten such a positive response since we started doing it eight years ago,” Mount Snow general manager, Kelly Pawlak says. “We are committed to providing a great family experience and Youth Pay Their Age Day is a great example of one of the many family-friendly offerings we have during the winter.”

In addition to Youth Pay Their Age Day, Mount Snow also offers three Kids Ski & Learn Free Weeks (January 15 – 20, February 26 – March 2 and March 4 – 9, 2012) during which kids ages 4-12 years old get free 3, 4 or 5 day lift tickets and free half-day lessons when accompanied by an adult that purchases a 3-5 day lift and lodging package.

There are plenty of events for the younger ones as well featuring Mount Snow’s Grommet Jam Series which is for boys and girls age 12 or younger to hone their terrain park skills with instruction from ski and snowboard pros followed by a friendly competition with winners walking away with prizes from series sponsors Smith Optics, Oakley, Neff, Contour and Rome. Grommet Jams are scheduled December 31, 2011, January 16, 2012 and February 20, 2012.

For more information on Mount Snow’s family friendly deals, events and activities visit mountsnow.com/family-activities-guide.

See also:

GUNS N’ HOSES: MOUNT SNOW’S TOPNOTCH
SNOWMAKING MAKES EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE

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Killington celebrates fall, gears up for winter with deals on passes, tickets, packages

Killington's K-1 Express gondola

Peak foliage has arrived at Killington Resort along with lodging deals and the biggest Brewfest weekend ever with the Brewmaster Dinner, Kickoff Party and over 70 beers on tap at Brewfest. The K-1 Express Gondola will spin daily, October 1-10 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. offering scenic rides to Killington Peak that feature spectacular views of five states and Canada. Plus hiking and the Killington Golf Course are open daily through October 10. Route 4 East and West are open, so get in your car and head up to Killington to check out nature’s fireworks.

Save Big on Fall Foliage Lodging Packages
Soak up autumn’s broad palette of red, gold, orange and amber and save with a lodging package that includes a round-trip ride on the K-1 Express Gondola to a magnificent view atop Killington Peak. Additionally, starting October 2 -10, book a two night stay and get your third night FREE, plus everyone on the reservation gets a FREE round-trip ride on the K-1 Express Gondola.

Purchase Season Pass before Oct. 14

With a number of on-mountain improvements wrapping up and the 2011-12 ski and snowboard season quickly approaching, now is the time to grab your Killington Season Pass before the price increases on October 14, 2011.

At Killington Resort this winter, you’ll experience the all-new Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars and deck that replaced the Superstar Pub, newly re-graded trails, improved snowmaking and tons of great events including the Winter Dew Tour, January 19-22, 2012.

Unlimited Season Pass
$1199 for Adults (ages 19-64), $799 for Youths (6-18) and $799 for Seniors (65+). If you’re chomping at the bit for first tracks, then you know you’re going to need unlimited access to both Killington and Pico Mountain. Plus, the Unlimited Season Pass is loaded with numerous benefits including discounts on food, spa services, Snow Sports School programs and more. Learn More

Blackout Season Pass
$829 all ages. With only 18 blackout days, this pass is perfect for those who hit the slopes ten or more days during the season and want to avoid peak periods. Plus, Blackout pass holders will receive two floating days that may be used on any blackout day of their choice. Learn More

Midweek Season Pass
$499 all ages. The Midweek Pass offers outstanding value for those with the flexibility to ski before work, after school, or just to play hooky on a powder day. Learn More

October 13, 2011 is the last day to grab your Killington Season Pass before prices increase. Additionally, all Killington Season Passes are also valid at Pico Mountain.

Save big this season with K57 tickets and Express Card.

K57 Tickets
For only $57, experience The Beast of The East this winter. Score the best deal of the season on a one-day adult lift ticket with 18 blackout* dates. K57 tickets are available online only for a limited time. Buy now

Killington Express Card
For skiers and riders using the mountain four or more days this season, the Killington Express Card offers direct-to-lift access. Available for $86 for a limited time, the Express Card gives you 50% off weekday and 25% off weekend and pea* day window ticket rates (Blackout/Peak days: December 26, 2011 – January 1, 2012; January 14 – 15; February 18 – 26, 2012) Buy Now

RSVIP PROGRAM FOR RETURNING GUESTS

You’re no stranger to Killington Resort and your loyalty shouldn’t go unrewarded. So, Killington is offering you this season’s absolute best deal on the largest variety of lodging. It’s all part of our RSVIP program exclusively for returning skiers and riders. But, like most things in life, you need to act fast because this offer expires November 18, 2011.

Save 30% on lodging & lift tickets for 3-nights/3-days or longer during non-peak periods this winter, and 25% during peak periods!* The RSVIP Ski & Stay package is available December 23, 2011 through April 7, 2012. LEARN MORE

Save 10% off our already discounted Ski Week package. The Ski Week Package is our best value featuring huge savings on lodging, lift tickets and KIDS SKI FREE! LEARN MORE

To book, call 800-320-7797, or visit http://www.killington.com.

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Killington Holds Online Auction to Help Vermont Farmers

Many Vermonters including local farmers lost everything in tropical storm Irene. Many people are already helping the storm recovery in a variety of ways, however, here’s another chance to offer your support.

Killington Resort created an online auction, “From the Ground Up,” to assist Vermont farms that sustained damage from tropical storm Irene. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund to help local farmers begin to rebuild.

Starting September 12, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST, From the Ground Up will open online for bidding on items such as an Unlimited 2011-12 Killington season pass, first gondola ride of the 2011-12 season, two VIP passes to any one of the 2011-12 Dew Tour stops, including 2 one-day lift tickets to the host resort, one week of Woodward Camp at Cooper Mountain, Red Sox tickets for four at the Budweiser Roof Deck Table, a Burton Nug snowboard signed by Jake Burton and much more.

Fortunately, Killington Resort received minimal damage from tropical storm Irene, however, many of our local farmers lost everything. From the Ground Up online auction will help Vermont farmers replace infrastructure as well as help cover losses sustained from the storm.

Killington Resort expressed gratitude for the generous auction items provided by local businesses as well as Resort partners and sponsors.

From the Ground Up auction bidding will conclude on September 25, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST.

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Mount Snow is First Ski Resort on Foursquare Social Networking Site

Mount Snow, Vermont, has become the first ski resort to form a partnership with foursquare social network.

Mount Snow has entered into a partnership with foursquare, becoming the first ski resort to launch a brand page and badge campaign on the popular social network.  Foursquare is a location based mobile platform makes areas easier to explore and provides deals and prizes for users “checking in” to their venues.  Foursquare guides real-world experiences by allowing users to bookmark information about venues that they want to visit. Foursquare is rolling its service out to only about 15 ski resorts, with only a few on board at the moment.

Out of all the ski resorts in North America, why start with Mount Snow?  “Because we’re awesome! (ok, and the foursquare founders are pass holders here),” said Dan Gullotti, Mount Snow Interactive Marketing Manager.  In one day 250 people followed Mount Snow, within 48 hours that number jumped to nearly 5000.

“My brother [foursquare Co-founder and CEO Dennis Crowley] and I have been visiting Mount Snow for years, so we’re especially excited to see our home mountain putting so much effort behind their foursquare tips, Specials and badge promotion,” said Jonathan Crowley, Director of Business Development for foursquare. “We’re confident this partnership will give foursquare users some extra incentives to visit one of the best mountains in the east.”

On Thursday January 20^th guests checking in at the main base lodge could visit the Marketing Office and receive a free Carinthia beanie.  Specials will be active in Mount Snows various venues, including food & beverage outlets, tubing, retail shops and the naturespa.

Bragging rights go to those who are able to unlock the Mount Snow badge but perhaps the biggest battle is for the right to be Mayor, which will include a major perk; a reserved parking spot!

Be sure to continually check into Mount Snow venues to unlock specials at Cuzzin’s, Station Tap Room, the Snow Barn, Backside Snowboards and more.  To friend Mount Snow on foursquare go to www.foursquare.com/mountsnow.

MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT HOSTS ULTIMATE GROOVE TELEMARK CAMPS FOR WOMEN JAN 22, MAR 12

On Saturday January 22 and March 12,  Mount Sunapee is hosting Ultimate Groove Telemark Camps for women. Created by Heather Paul, two-time national telemark champion, the camps emphasize adventure, camaraderie, and fun. “We aim to provide women with a way to access and develop personal skills, whether they are physical, mental or spiritual, in a winter environment that puts them in touch with their greater groove in life,” said founder Heather Paul. Each Camp includes a full-day of instruction, under the supervision of local telemark expert Tori Burke, in small groups with video analysis to help visualize improvement. The Camp caters to all ability levels including beginners. Rental equipment is available at Mount Sunapee. The cost including a lift ticket is $217 and $170 for season pass holders. For more information or to register go to http://www.ultimategrooves.com