He was constantly getting heat from the US Ski Team for his late night partying (Nice!) and outspoken comments about the team. It back fired on him at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, when he failed to medal in any event (downhill, Slalom and GS) although the heavy favorite.  He was all over the media during the olympic coverage and decided to stay outside of the Olympic village in an RV, where there were reports Bode was out partying until the wee hours.  Basically this was what caused the rift and eventual reason for him leaving the team.

He still has to qualify to ski in the Olympics, which shouldnt be to difficult for him to do.

This is great for all party’s involved.  Bode is way high profile and lends this Olympics some star power.   I for one am pumped and cant wait to see these guys barreling down Dave Murray Downhill up in Whistler.

SKI magazine released its annual ski resort rankings and although the top 3 seem to always be the same – it looks like some of the CO resorts have fallen out of favor with skiers (at least the ones that were surveyed).  Here is the list and the ones who have fallen.

Ski Magazine’s  top resorts in North America
1. Deer Valley
2. Whistler, B.C.
3. Vail, Colo.
4. Park City, Utah
5. Beaver Creek, Colo.
6. Snowmass, Colo.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho
8. Squaw, Calif.
9. Mammoth, Calif.
10. Steamboat, Colo.
11. Telluride, Colo.
12. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
13. Heavenly, Colo.
14. Aspen, Colo.
15. Breckenridge, Colo.
16. Northstar, Calif.
17. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
18. Copper, Colo.
19. Whitefish Mtn Resort, Mont.
20. The Canyons, Utah

The biggest mover (or loser) was Aspen.   Aspen fell from seventh in last season poll to 14th.  Maybe this has something to do with the recession.  The results are based upon a survey done by the magazine of its readers looking at everything a resort has to offer – the mountain, snow quality, lodging, dining, etc.  So it would make sense, that Aspen would fall so out of favor with the ski community.  If you have ever been, its extremely expensive to stay there and there isn’t a lot of options for lodging – so you are paying out the nose for staying in something less than desirable.

Anyhow lets talk about the good stuff already.  The big winners.  Deer Valley wins the top spot again this year – with the best snow on earth and an epic season last year its no wonder they are #1.  Whistler has held its own in these rankings and this year will get even more exposure as they are set to host the winter Olympics in February.  With the 2 mountains and endless acreage to ski, Whistler is an experience everyone should get to.   Look, the point is, drop my ass off in any one of these mountains and I am one happy dude.  They all have something to offer and plenty to ski.  Here is our top 10:

1.Whistler
2. Jackson Hole
3. Vail
4. Deer Valley
5. Park City
6. Heavenly
7. Steamboat
8. Squaw
9. Breck
10. Telluride