Skibum - The Bum's Ski Blog http://www.skibum.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:58:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Where is the snow? http://www.skibum.com/blog/where-is-the-snow/ http://www.skibum.com/blog/where-is-the-snow/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:58:02 +0000 admin http://www.skibum.com/blog/?p=35 Seems like from East to West everyone is clamoring for Mother Nature to unleash her winter furry.  There have been storms here and there but nothing with any consistency which has hurt the resorts and those looking for some early season lines.  Jackson Hole for example only has a paultry 35″ inch base.  Althoug about 32″ of new snow has fallen since last Thursday.   The upper part of the mountain has yet to open although they are hoping to open the Bridger Gondola this week.   Tahoe early had very little snow.  Although  from December 6-13 Squaw Valley accumulated 78 inches of snow.  Should be some great skiing for those in the Tahoe area.    The east is still hurting but they are blowing as much snow as possible.  Looks like everyone will get a white Christmas after all!

]]> http://www.skibum.com/blog/where-is-the-snow/feed/ 0 Ski Resort Opening Dates http://www.skibum.com/blog/ski-resort-opening-dates/ http://www.skibum.com/blog/ski-resort-opening-dates/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:06:45 +0000 admin http://www.skibum.com/blog/?p=29 Winter Weather Advisory – Yes!

Snow is flying all around out West right now.  Reports are coming in of snow covered mountain tops.  We spoke with some folks at Sun Valley, Idaho today that said snow covered the tops of the hills last night.  We have had snow in Vail and a new winter warning was issued for Colorado today.  Also reports of Utah getting some of the fluffy white stuff.

That got us in the mood and figured we would compile a list of Resort openings.  So get out your calendars and start counting down the days until we can start skiing and snow boarding.  And of course, double check these before you head out!  They can certainly change based on what Mother Nature will provide us over the next 6 weeks.

Whistler, B.C. 11/26/2009
Vail, Colo.  – 11/20/2009
Beaver Creek, Colo.  11/25/2009
Snowmass, Colo. 11/26/2009
Steamboat, Colo.  11/25/2009
Telluride, Colo. 11/26/2009
Crested Butte, Colo. 11,25,2009
Aspen, Colo.  11/26/2009
Breckenridge, Colo.   11/12/2009
Aspen Highlands, Colo.  12/12/2009
Copper, Colo. 11/25/2009
Squaw, Calif.   11/21/2009
Mammoth, Calif. 11/12/2009
Northstar, Calif.  11/21/2009
Heavenly, CA   11/20/2009
Park City, Utah  11/21/2009
Deer Valley   12/5/2009
The Canyons, Utah  11/27/2009
Jackson Hole, Wyo.  11/28/2009
Whitefish Mtn Resort, Mont. 12/5/2009
Sun Valley, Idaho – TBD
Killington  12/13/2009
Stowe  11/21/2009

]]> http://www.skibum.com/blog/ski-resort-opening-dates/feed/ 0 Bode Miller to ski at the 2010 Winter Olympics http://www.skibum.com/blog/bode-miller-to-ski-at-the-2010-winter-olympics/ http://www.skibum.com/blog/bode-miller-to-ski-at-the-2010-winter-olympics/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:06:11 +0000 admin http://www.skibum.com/blog/?p=23 Two-time world champion, Bode Miller, announced he is rejoining the US Ski team in an effort to qualify for the 2010 Winter Olyimpics in Vancouver (all skiing events will be held at Whistler)  Miller, undoubtely one of the best and most recognizable skiers, left the US Ski Team in 2007. 

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.

]]> http://www.skibum.com/blog/bode-miller-to-ski-at-the-2010-winter-olympics/feed/ 0 Shakeup in annual Ski Resort Rankings http://www.skibum.com/blog/shakeup-in-annual-ski-resort-rankings/ http://www.skibum.com/blog/shakeup-in-annual-ski-resort-rankings/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:51 +0000 admin http://www.skibum.com/blog/?p=15 Shakeup in annual Ski Resort Rankings

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

]]> http://www.skibum.com/blog/shakeup-in-annual-ski-resort-rankings/feed/ 0