Thursday September 2, 2010
Skiers at Vail Resorts - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly - will be able to take advantage of EpicMix this season. EpicMix is an online and mobile application which provides skiers and riders with a seamless and easy way to connect with their friends and family and share their experiences on the mountain.
The free EpicMix mobile app will alert guests when their Facebook friends are on the mountain, and can be used to send private messages to meet up. Skiers can also share their experiences with family and friends on Facebook and Twitter and track vertical feet skied and days on the mountain.
EpicMix leverages radio frequency (RF) technology installed at each of Vail Resorts 89 lifts across its five mountain resorts and RF chips embedded in season passes and lift tickets.
The EpicMix app can be accessed online or via a free mobile app that can be downloaded for the iPhone, Android or other smart phone.
Related: Skiing Vail | Top Ski Resorts
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Image Copyright Ken Redding / Vail Resorts
Wednesday September 1, 2010
Whitefish Mountain Resort, located outside of Whitefish, Montana, used to officially be named Big Mountain. Now, in a short period of time, the ski resort has successfully bonded with the Whitefish community and has a stand alone moniker not suggestive of any other ski area. However, I can tell you Whitefish Mountain Resort is indeed one 'big mountain.'
Think of the statistics - 94 marked runs and I mean runs, not little 10 foot cutoffs that get a name to boost the trail count. Hellfire, the longest run is close to 3.5 miles and you won't be straight running it so that's a lot of skiing right there. In total, you are looking at over 3000 acres of runs, trees, bowls, and glades and almost everything feeds off from the summit. The Big Mountain Express runs you from the resort village area - elevation 4500' - to the top elevation over 6800', in less than 8 minutes.
Whitefish
Related: Top Ski Resorts | What's Your Favorite Ski Resort?
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Whitefish Mountain Resort Photo Copyright Brian Schott
Monday August 30, 2010
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) and Paralympic double gold medalist Alana Nichols (Farmington, NM) are both nominated for the prestigious 2010 Sportswoman of the Year honor, presented by the Women's Sports Foundation.
The winner is determined entirely by online popular vote and you cast yours at Women's Sports Foundation. Voting ends at midnight on Tuesday, August 31.
Vonn, whose record shattering 2010 season included the Olympic gold medal for downhill and a bronze in super G. In addition, she rolled to an American record 11 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup victories en route to her third consecutive overall and downhill titles, in addition to the super G and super combined crystal globes.
Earlier this summer, Vonn roped ESPY awards as Female Athlete of the Year and Female Olympic Athlete of the Year, becoming the first skier in American history to capture each honor.
Nichols was also in attendance at the ESPYs as a nominee for Best Female Athlete with a Disability. Her nomination for both the ESPY and Women's Sports Foundation honors were boosted by a 2010 season that included a four-medal haul in Vancouver with gold in both downhill and giant slalom, plus silver in super G and bronze in super combined.
Also a Paralympic gold medalist for wheelchair basketball, Nichols is the first American woman to earn gold in both summer and winter Paralympics.
The awards will be presented, at the Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner on October 12, 2010, at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
Remember, voting ends Tuesday, August 31 so cast your ballot now - Lindsey Vonn - Alana Nichols.
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Lindsey Vonn with World Cup globes and Alana Nichols on the snow © Getty Images
Sunday August 29, 2010
Gay Ski Week 2011 events and activities are scheduled for many ski resorts including Aspen, Vail, Lake Tahoe, Utah, Mammoth, Stowe, Telluride, and Whistler, where the Whistler WinterPRIDE Gay Ski Week has been named the #1 Gay Ski Event in the world.
In addition to skiing at some of the best ski resorts, there is a full schedule of Gay Ski Week 2011 events and activities including apres-ski parties, evening events, music, social hours, and many more special events.
If you're planning a gay ski week vacation, be sure to book early. Lodging fills up fast and there is already limited availability at some ski resorts.
Related: Gay Ski Week 2011 | How to Plan a Ski Vacation
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Blackcomb Mountain Copyright Mike Doyle
