PSIA-AASI

2.24.2012

Snow Pro Update: Vail Buys Kirkwood, Avy Danger Alert, and More

Vail Resorts, Inc. has extended its resort base in California, announcing this week that the company has entered into an agreement to purchase Kirkwood Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe for $18 million. Vail is purchasing the snowsports area, as well as undeveloped sites at the center of the base area that are zoned for both residential and commercial development. Vail now owns three California resorts, including Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar. Passholders at all three areas have been given immediate access to the other hills.

2.17.2012

The Burgeoning Backcountry: Experience and Innovation

I remember it was more than a decade ago when a young snowboarder was killed by an avalanche while riding the backcountry at Berthoud Pass in Colorado. He wasn’t the first snowboarder to die in a slide on those windblown slopes, and tragically will almost certainly not be the last. But it was something his surviving friend told the newspaper that struck me. He said that a third friend, the one with the avalanche transceiver, “Couldn’t make it today.”

2.9.2012

SnowPro Update: More Top Technology from the Snow Show

It wasn’t all skis, snowboards, and alpine touring (AT) bindings at SnowSports Industries of America’s Snow Show in Denver this past January. There were plenty of cool new products from the industry’s top apparel, ski boot, goggle, helmet, and glove manufacturers as well—almost all with a focus on reducing weight while increasing versatility. Here are some more highlights from the big show.

2.2.2012

SnowPro Update: SIA Snow Show Product Standouts

Judging from the number of PSIA Alpine Team and AASI Snowboard Team members who were present at the SIA Snow Show in Denver and the On Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest at Winter Park this past week, several instructors have already had their own first look at lots of next year’s top new products. For all of you who weren’t there, here are just three quick trends that you can expect to see expanding on the slopes.