Take Your New Year’s Resolutions to the Slopes
Top Eight Opportunities to Kick-Off a Fabulous 2013 at Vail Resorts
1. Pick Up a Hobby Or Develop Your Skills on the Slopes or in the Park
January is Learn to Ski Month and here are some great programs to help skiers and snowboarders of all levels improve their skills on the slopes.
First time on the snow? Share your #FirstTimeOnSnow stories on Instagram and Twitter with @snowdotcom. At the end of January we will pick stories to win prizes from some of our partners including Bud Light, Maui Jim and SmartWool.
Turn your little ripper into the next superstar at Keystone
Keystone Kroozers is a three-week program designed for kids ages 5-15 years old. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels are welcome. Children are grouped by age and ability level. Kroozers strives to help children develop a solid skill-set in a safe environment while promoting camaraderie amongst peers. Kroozers lessons feature weekly themes, including a race day finale on the last day of each session. Click here to learn more.
January is Learn to Ski Month and here are some great programs to help skiers and snowboarders of all levels improve their skills on the slopes.
First time on the snow? Share your #FirstTimeOnSnow stories on Instagram and Twitter with @snowdotcom. At the end of January we will pick stories to win prizes from some of our partners including Bud Light, Maui Jim and SmartWool.
Turn your little ripper into the next superstar at Keystone
Keystone Kroozers is a three-week program designed for kids ages 5-15 years old. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels are welcome. Children are grouped by age and ability level. Kroozers strives to help children develop a solid skill-set in a safe environment while promoting camaraderie amongst peers. Kroozers lessons feature weekly themes, including a race day finale on the last day of each session. Click here to learn more.
Camp Keystone is more than ski school. This is Camp Keystone, where your kids will not only learn to ski and ride, they’ll get to participate in an array of on-snow activities. In addition to all these exciting activities, your kids can have the same camp counselor every day. Call 888-605-7581/FREE for details.
Learn to Ski at Beaver Creek the Ivy League of Ski Schools: Three lessons for the price of two
Bring in the New Year with a special offer from Beaver Creek’s Ivy League of Ski Schools. Packages in January include discounted lodging, rentals, lift tickets and three for the price of two First Time series Ski School lessons. Rates start as low as $231 per person per day [or $924 per person per trip] for 4 nights Jan 9- Jan 13. www.beavercreekresort.com
Bring in the New Year with a special offer from Beaver Creek’s Ivy League of Ski Schools. Packages in January include discounted lodging, rentals, lift tickets and three for the price of two First Time series Ski School lessons. Rates start as low as $231 per person per day [or $924 per person per trip] for 4 nights Jan 9- Jan 13. www.beavercreekresort.com
Peak Performance Academy, Heavenly
If your New Year’s resolution is to elevate your skiing or riding ability and take it to a new level, then the Peak Performance Academy is for you. Members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) National Demo Teams will work with skiers and snowboarders in an all-mountain clinic that will improve their powder technique and unlock the hidden stashes across the mountain. The Peak Performance Academy is being offered as two three-day clinics (Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 8-10) and one five-day clinic (March 4-8). www.skiheavenly.com
If your New Year’s resolution is to elevate your skiing or riding ability and take it to a new level, then the Peak Performance Academy is for you. Members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) National Demo Teams will work with skiers and snowboarders in an all-mountain clinic that will improve their powder technique and unlock the hidden stashes across the mountain. The Peak Performance Academy is being offered as two three-day clinics (Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 8-10) and one five-day clinic (March 4-8). www.skiheavenly.com
Expedition, Kirkwood
For the adventurous, thrill-seeker types whose New Year’s resolution is to explore new terrain and challenge themselves, Expedition: Kirkwood provides a level of education and training that goes beyond the classroom. Step five feet outside the classroom at Kirkwood and enter Class A avalanche terrain. Expedition: Kirkwood provides avalanche certification courses, women’s specific programs, beacon training, powder cat tours, private guides, specialty ski and board clinics, and progressions sessions in some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in North America. No other resort offers this level of training within the resort boundaries. The program also offers the Junior Expeditions Team (JETS), which nurtures young adventure seekers and teaches them the proper mountain safety techniques. www.kirkwood.com
For the adventurous, thrill-seeker types whose New Year’s resolution is to explore new terrain and challenge themselves, Expedition: Kirkwood provides a level of education and training that goes beyond the classroom. Step five feet outside the classroom at Kirkwood and enter Class A avalanche terrain. Expedition: Kirkwood provides avalanche certification courses, women’s specific programs, beacon training, powder cat tours, private guides, specialty ski and board clinics, and progressions sessions in some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in North America. No other resort offers this level of training within the resort boundaries. The program also offers the Junior Expeditions Team (JETS), which nurtures young adventure seekers and teaches them the proper mountain safety techniques. www.kirkwood.com
Learn.Turn.Ride, Vail
Vail’s New Three-Day Beginner Snowboard Program Guarantees You’ll be Riding Past the Beginner Areas or the Fourth Day is Free!
Always wanted to try snowboarding but worried that all the rumors about the first day falls, aches and pains are true? Well put those worries aside in 2013 because now is the perfect time to strap on a board and learn how to ride with top snowboard instructors from the world-class Vail Ski and Snowboard School. The professional instructors use hands-on techniques to create a “slam free” learning environment and guarantee that you’ll be cruising on your way past the beginner areas after just three days of lessons on the snow. If your skills have not progressed to the level necessary to begin exploring the mountain outside of the beginner chair areas by the end of the third day, we will offer you a complimentary fourth day to get you there. Visit www.vail.com
Vail’s New Three-Day Beginner Snowboard Program Guarantees You’ll be Riding Past the Beginner Areas or the Fourth Day is Free!
Always wanted to try snowboarding but worried that all the rumors about the first day falls, aches and pains are true? Well put those worries aside in 2013 because now is the perfect time to strap on a board and learn how to ride with top snowboard instructors from the world-class Vail Ski and Snowboard School. The professional instructors use hands-on techniques to create a “slam free” learning environment and guarantee that you’ll be cruising on your way past the beginner areas after just three days of lessons on the snow. If your skills have not progressed to the level necessary to begin exploring the mountain outside of the beginner chair areas by the end of the third day, we will offer you a complimentary fourth day to get you there. Visit www.vail.com
2. Be More Social
Party with Ullr in Breck!
Join over 15,000 other snow enthusiasts for this annual week-long celebration of Ullr, the mythical Norse god of snow, in Breckenridge from Jan. 6-12, 2013.! The yearly celebration is a Breck tradition, having been conceived on the slopes at Breck by our Norwegian founding fathers back in 1962. This year, the zany event is celebrating its 50th birthday. This year's event features the legendary Main Street parade, along with live entertainment, the Ullr Dating Game, a huge bonfire, The Ullympics, and even an Ullr fashion show. www.breckenridge.com
Join over 15,000 other snow enthusiasts for this annual week-long celebration of Ullr, the mythical Norse god of snow, in Breckenridge from Jan. 6-12, 2013.! The yearly celebration is a Breck tradition, having been conceived on the slopes at Breck by our Norwegian founding fathers back in 1962. This year, the zany event is celebrating its 50th birthday. This year's event features the legendary Main Street parade, along with live entertainment, the Ullr Dating Game, a huge bonfire, The Ullympics, and even an Ullr fashion show. www.breckenridge.com
Unbuckle at Tamarack, Heavenly Resort
An easy way and fun way to burn off those holiday calories. Hit the dance floor with the Heavenly Angels at Unbuckle at Tamarack. Rated as the No. 1 après ski party in North America by Forbes, Unbuckle is Lake Tahoe's highest elevation après ski party featuring music, drinking, dancing and the lovely Heavenly Angels - ripping skiers by day and go-go dancers when the sun dips below the Sierras. The party takes place daily from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with a live DJ, half-off drinks, giveaways, food specials, and, exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays, the Heavenly Angels. So, unbuckle those ski boots and snowboard bindings, and take your après game to the next level!
#CelebrateWinter on Social Media
Having an amazing time on the hill, at your favorite aprés spot or just playing in the snow? Let others know about it on Instagram and Twitter using #celebratewinter.
3. Get Up to Speed With the Latest Technology
New State-of-the-Art Gondola, Vail
Catch a ride on One, Vail’s new state-of-the-art gondola. Its 10-passenger cabins provide skiers and snowboarders a cozy 7.5 minute ride from the base of Vail Village to Mid-Vail with heated, cushioned seats and Wi-Fi access.
Tahoe Snowcial, Heavenly Resort
Register now; the worlds of digital storytelling, snowsports and technology will converge at Heavenly Mountain Resort from Feb. 27 - March 2, 2013 for Tahoe Snowcial, a winter festival of technology and snowsports. The fifth installment of Tahoe Snowcial will bring together thought leaders and experts in technology, social media and snowsports to spark new ideas for the future, link networks, passions and turns. This year’s speaker line-up includes Tariq M. Shaukat, Executive VP and CMO for Caesars Entertainment; David Armano, Managing Director for Edelman Digital Chicago; Patrick Harrington, Technical Team Lead of Walmart Labs; Michael Jaquet, VP and DMO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team; and musical headliner G. Love & Special Sauce. Visit www.tahoesnowcial.com.
Register now; the worlds of digital storytelling, snowsports and technology will converge at Heavenly Mountain Resort from Feb. 27 - March 2, 2013 for Tahoe Snowcial, a winter festival of technology and snowsports. The fifth installment of Tahoe Snowcial will bring together thought leaders and experts in technology, social media and snowsports to spark new ideas for the future, link networks, passions and turns. This year’s speaker line-up includes Tariq M. Shaukat, Executive VP and CMO for Caesars Entertainment; David Armano, Managing Director for Edelman Digital Chicago; Patrick Harrington, Technical Team Lead of Walmart Labs; Michael Jaquet, VP and DMO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team; and musical headliner G. Love & Special Sauce. Visit www.tahoesnowcial.com.
EpicMix Racing: See How You Stack up Against World Champion Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn and Share Your Results on Social Media
With the introduction of Vail Resort’s EpicMix Racing this season, skiers can see how they stack up against the greatest American ski racer – Lindsey Vonn – and share it with their family and friends. EpicMix Racing provides skiers a new way to experience ski racing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly and Northstar in California and Nevada. When EpicMix first debuted two years ago it started by tracking skiers and snowboarders vertical feet on the mountain and awarding digital pins for special accomplishments. In its second season EpicMix Photo was introduced and enabled guests to visually capture and share their experience on the snow. Now, with EpicMix Racing, skiers will automatically have their race times compared to ski racing great, Lindsey Vonn, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded based on achievement. Race times, digital medals, overall leaderboards and leaderboards with just family and friends will all be available on both the EpicMix website and mobile application. For more information visit EpicMix.com.
4. Get Inspired by the World’s Best Skiers and Riders
Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI, Vail
The Burton US Open, which first took place in 1982, is now the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world, attracting the world’s top competitors. After taking place on the east coast for 30 years, the event will now take center stage at Vail Mountain beginning in 2013. And like the sport itself, the event has morphed and changed over the past three decades – changes that not only included moving mountain locations from Suicide Six to Snow Valley to Stratton, but also changes that addressed the level of snowboarding and needs of the riders each year. Feb. 25-March 2, http://opensnowboarding.com
Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships presented by MINI, Vail
The Burton US Open, which first took place in 1982, is now the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world, attracting the world’s top competitors. After taking place on the east coast for 30 years, the event will now take center stage at Vail Mountain beginning in 2013. And like the sport itself, the event has morphed and changed over the past three decades – changes that not only included moving mountain locations from Suicide Six to Snow Valley to Stratton, but also changes that addressed the level of snowboarding and needs of the riders each year. Feb. 25-March 2, http://opensnowboarding.com
Breck’s Ski and Ride School Pros
Breckenridge’s Ski and Ride school is also home to some of the best pros… the Ski and Ride school instructors. Breck’s Ski School is home to two of the nations’ best instructors, PSIA Demo Team Members Kelly Coffey and David Oliver, who also serve as the resorts lead trainers. Learn from the best in a variety of lessons, clinics and camps throughout 2013. www.breckenridge.com
Breckenridge’s Ski and Ride school is also home to some of the best pros… the Ski and Ride school instructors. Breck’s Ski School is home to two of the nations’ best instructors, PSIA Demo Team Members Kelly Coffey and David Oliver, who also serve as the resorts lead trainers. Learn from the best in a variety of lessons, clinics and camps throughout 2013. www.breckenridge.com
Freeride World Tour, Kirkwood
Kirkwood will play host to the lone USA stop for the new Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, which combines the Freeride World Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding to create one unified global championship series. The new six-stop world tour will hit Kirkwood on Feb. 27-March 3, 2013. www.kirkwood.com
Kirkwood will play host to the lone USA stop for the new Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, which combines the Freeride World Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding to create one unified global championship series. The new six-stop world tour will hit Kirkwood on Feb. 27-March 3, 2013. www.kirkwood.com
5. Spend More Time With Family
Take Advantage of Keystone’s Kids Ski Free Offer
Keystone Resort has long been a place where kids rule; from specialty family-friendly après ski offerings to mountaintop snow forts, the resort is a winter wonderland that allows kids and parents alike to truly enjoy their well-earned vacation time together. Resolve to spend more time with your family in 2013 with Keystone’s Kids Ski Free offer that is taking kid-friendly programming to new heights; throughout the entire 2012-2013 winter season, children 12 and under will ski/snowboard for free at Keystone. As simple as childhood itself, Keystone’s Kids Ski Free program removes the red tape and fine print, allowing all children 12 years of age and under to ski and snowboard free every day, all season. The program has no blackout dates and is available on all weekends and holidays, a rarity in the ski industry. To qualify children must stay two or more nights in one of Keystone’s numerous accommodation options that are perfect for a New Year family getaway. www.keystoneresort.com
6. Treat Yourself
Visit the Alpenglow Stube Restaurant, Keystone
After the New Year rings in, resolve to treat yourself and escape to the Alpenglow Stube where a four-diamond meal comes complete with fuzzy slippers and mountaintop views. Accessed by two gondola rides complete with stunning high-country landscapes the Alpenglow Stube is located at 11,444 feet making the fine dining locale the highest AAA Four-Diamond rated restaurant in North America. The winter inspired menu was created by Executive Chef David Scott and features fabulous dishes such as Foie Gras and Wood Fired Filet of Beef with Truffle Whipped Potatoes, Organic Petit Vegetables and a Red Wine Reduction and for dessert White Chocolate Mint Crème Brulee with Rasberry Coulis. The decadent meal leaves guests feeling pampered and content in the cozy dining room making the Alpenglow Stube a must for treating yourself in 2013. www.keystoneresort.com
Enjoy Cookies in Beaver Creek and S’mores at Northstar
Every day at 3pm, Beaver Creek's cookie time chefs serve free, hot, chocolate chip cookies at the base of the Centennial Chairlift (Chair #6). The perfect ending to a perfect day. www.beavercreek.com. Meanwhile, at Northstar each day at 3pm, enjoy free s ‘mores by the fire pits in the Village, or for the ultimate winter dessert, families can purchase a gourmet s’mores kit and roast marshmallows over the fire pits at any time. The kits come with everything – chocolate, graham crackers, homemade marshmallows and roasting sticks. www.northstarcalifornia.com
Celebrate the Snow, Book Your Mountain Vacation and Relax in our Spa
Celebrate the snow and enjoy Vail this winter. Book your mountain getaway now and save up to 50 percent on accommodations at The Arrabelle, The Lodge at Vail, The Austria Haus and Legendary Lodging at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Vail. This special package can also be customized at an additional cost to include spa services, discounted lift tickets, ski school and more just ask our vacation specialists for more details. Visit www.rockresorts.com for more information.
Keystone Resort has long been a place where kids rule; from specialty family-friendly après ski offerings to mountaintop snow forts, the resort is a winter wonderland that allows kids and parents alike to truly enjoy their well-earned vacation time together. Resolve to spend more time with your family in 2013 with Keystone’s Kids Ski Free offer that is taking kid-friendly programming to new heights; throughout the entire 2012-2013 winter season, children 12 and under will ski/snowboard for free at Keystone. As simple as childhood itself, Keystone’s Kids Ski Free program removes the red tape and fine print, allowing all children 12 years of age and under to ski and snowboard free every day, all season. The program has no blackout dates and is available on all weekends and holidays, a rarity in the ski industry. To qualify children must stay two or more nights in one of Keystone’s numerous accommodation options that are perfect for a New Year family getaway. www.keystoneresort.com
6. Treat Yourself
Visit the Alpenglow Stube Restaurant, Keystone
After the New Year rings in, resolve to treat yourself and escape to the Alpenglow Stube where a four-diamond meal comes complete with fuzzy slippers and mountaintop views. Accessed by two gondola rides complete with stunning high-country landscapes the Alpenglow Stube is located at 11,444 feet making the fine dining locale the highest AAA Four-Diamond rated restaurant in North America. The winter inspired menu was created by Executive Chef David Scott and features fabulous dishes such as Foie Gras and Wood Fired Filet of Beef with Truffle Whipped Potatoes, Organic Petit Vegetables and a Red Wine Reduction and for dessert White Chocolate Mint Crème Brulee with Rasberry Coulis. The decadent meal leaves guests feeling pampered and content in the cozy dining room making the Alpenglow Stube a must for treating yourself in 2013. www.keystoneresort.com
Enjoy Cookies in Beaver Creek and S’mores at Northstar
Every day at 3pm, Beaver Creek's cookie time chefs serve free, hot, chocolate chip cookies at the base of the Centennial Chairlift (Chair #6). The perfect ending to a perfect day. www.beavercreek.com. Meanwhile, at Northstar each day at 3pm, enjoy free s ‘mores by the fire pits in the Village, or for the ultimate winter dessert, families can purchase a gourmet s’mores kit and roast marshmallows over the fire pits at any time. The kits come with everything – chocolate, graham crackers, homemade marshmallows and roasting sticks. www.northstarcalifornia.com
Celebrate the Snow, Book Your Mountain Vacation and Relax in our Spa
Celebrate the snow and enjoy Vail this winter. Book your mountain getaway now and save up to 50 percent on accommodations at The Arrabelle, The Lodge at Vail, The Austria Haus and Legendary Lodging at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Vail. This special package can also be customized at an additional cost to include spa services, discounted lift tickets, ski school and more just ask our vacation specialists for more details. Visit www.rockresorts.com for more information.
7. Get Back in Touch With History
Take a look back at the first 50 years of Vail Through, “Vail, the Rise of America’s Iconic Ski Resort,” a documentary by Vail’s original filmmaker, Roger Cotton Brown. The film premiered in December, but if you missed it, resolve to catch it at the Lionshead Welcome Center throughout the winter season. Showings include Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31; Feb. 7 and 21 and March 7 and 21, 2013. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the film begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are available for purchase and tickets will be available the day of the showing at the Lionshead Welcome Center beginning at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Show the Boys that Women Can Rip Too
Keystone's Bettys - Betty Fest Weekends for Women
Sharpen your skiing skills, and experience why women return year after year to Betty Fest! Whether you are just getting comfortable on green trails, want help in the moguls, or aspire to conquer any Black Diamond with ease, Betty Fest is for you. www.keystoneresort.com
Breck Ladies' Snowboard Fest
Take your riding to a new level. Breckenridge’s best snowboard instructors will help you attain your goals in a ladies-only environment. Hit the slopes or session the park and then hit Breckenridge’s après ski scene. Participate in all mountain, freestyle (a.k.a. park & pipe) or both. Program includes lunches and cocktail parties. www.breckenridge.com
Media Contacts
Vail: Liz Biebl, (970) 754-3001, ebiebl@vailresorts.com, Sarah Lococo, (970) 754-4528, slococo@vailresorts.com.
Beaver Creek: Jen Brown, (970) 754-5292, jbrown@vailresorts.com, Julie Littman, (970) 754-5169, jlittman@vailresorts.com.
Keystone: Laura Parquette, (970) 496-4107, lparquette@vailresorts.com, Tucker Vest Burton (970) 496-4065, tburton@vailresorts.com
Breckenridge: Kristen Petitt (970) 453-3210, kpetitt@vailresorts.com, Alyza Hetze (970) 496-7402.
Heavenly and Kirkwood: Russ Pecoraro (775) 586-4451, rpecoraro@vailresorts.com, Sally Gunter (775) 586-4461, sgunter@vailresorts.com.
Northstar: Jessica VanPernis, (530) 562-3866, jvanpernis@vailresorts.com, Brooke Rose, (530) 562-8036, brose1@vailresorts.com
Vail Resorts Corporate Communications: Kate Lessman, (303) 404-1871, klessman@vailresorts.com , Laura Kirby, (303) 404-6472, lkirby@vailresorts.com
Beaver Creek: Jen Brown, (970) 754-5292, jbrown@vailresorts.com, Julie Littman, (970) 754-5169, jlittman@vailresorts.com.
Keystone: Laura Parquette, (970) 496-4107, lparquette@vailresorts.com, Tucker Vest Burton (970) 496-4065, tburton@vailresorts.com
Breckenridge: Kristen Petitt (970) 453-3210, kpetitt@vailresorts.com, Alyza Hetze (970) 496-7402.
Heavenly and Kirkwood: Russ Pecoraro (775) 586-4451, rpecoraro@vailresorts.com, Sally Gunter (775) 586-4461, sgunter@vailresorts.com.
Northstar: Jessica VanPernis, (530) 562-3866, jvanpernis@vailresorts.com, Brooke Rose, (530) 562-8036, brose1@vailresorts.com
Vail Resorts Corporate Communications: Kate Lessman, (303) 404-1871, klessman@vailresorts.com , Laura Kirby, (303) 404-6472, lkirby@vailresorts.com
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.
