We are proud to announce a new partnership with Action Sports Interactive that increases our reach in the online marketplace of mountain sports enthusiasts.
The strategic alliance between Action Sports Interactive collection of winter sports sites and Mountain Sports Club of North America will now provide those targeting the online mountain sports enthusiast a network audience opportunity.
The collection of sites currently in the network are:
SkiSite.com - Shops - Resort - Clubs – Reports
Find and Compare Everything Snow Sports. SkiSite is one of the largest and most popular snow
sports destination sites, with comprehensive guides and content on skiing and snowboarding,
including resorts, trail maps, web cams, ski clubs, and events, as well as the largest gear and
retail guide online covering thousands of local shops.
RealConditions.com - Real Reports From Skiers and Riders
The Real Scoop on the Snow. RealConditions provides detailed snow reports for
alpine and nordic skiers and snowboarders, including the first site that allows the
public to post their own snow reports.
ShredSite.com - Snow. Water. Asphalt.
ShredSite provides detailed information on people, places, and gear for everything
board related, including snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, and skateboarding.
MountainSportsClub.com - Mountains and everything to do in the mountains.
An online service providing ski and snowboard resort directories, online travel
booking, personalized coupons and user generated reviews. Users create My Mountain
Sports Club folder, post reviews and invite friends.
Why Mountain Action Network ? This is a question we have been asked.
Reach active affluent mountain sports enthusiasts. In calendar year 2006 this network of sites
delivered over 7 million page views. Visitors to sites are increasing at a rate of over 70% year over
year.
• Social Networking Features – My MountainSportsClub, friends network, reviews and favorites.
• User Generated Content – across various touch points of the network.
• Print Support –Promotional magazine tie to enhance registrations and build membership base.
FreeSkier & Snowboard Magazines.
• Built-in Affinity Program – Hundreds of dollars of savings for registered users/members on lift
tickets, shopping, travel and more.
• Huge Retail Base – Retail network of partners driving traffic online through in store and online
promotions.
• Most Complete Retailer Guide For In-Store and Online Shopping –SkiSite.com dominates
organic listings in this space. These are people buying equipment to use on their next vacation and day trip to the mountains.
• Perfect Timing: Reach an Audience at Purchase Time – comprehensive content enables
consumers to find and compare everything, and then purchase immediately.
• Large, Active Opt-in Email Audience – Communicate via email to this targeted market with
sponsorship of 250,000 – 500,000 monthly emails in peak winter season. Monthly, category and seasonal sponsorships available. Call for details, availability and pricing.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Rebel Board Sports Launches and Offers Special MSC Deal
On May Day, May 1 2007, Rebel Board Sports launched their new online store. This new online only retailer includes great deals and selection from all the top brands.
Purchase gear, snowboards, wakeboards, and clothing from the likes of Burton, Roxy, Billabong, Smith and more. Mountain Sports members Save 10% on thier initial purchase made by June 30, 2007. Click on this store links and proceed to store. Use promotion code MSC2007 during checkout to redeem your shopping discount.
Purchase gear, snowboards, wakeboards, and clothing from the likes of Burton, Roxy, Billabong, Smith and more. Mountain Sports members Save 10% on thier initial purchase made by June 30, 2007. Click on this store links and proceed to store. Use promotion code MSC2007 during checkout to redeem your shopping discount.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Win Free Gear and Schwag at RebelBoardSports.com
Everyone likes free gear and schwag. Our friends at Retail Concepts are kicking off a new site for snowboarders, skateboarders and action board sports fans at www.RebelBoardSports.com.
Check them out and you can register to win FREE gear this month as they prepare to launch this new site. Currently they are giving away an Adio Shaun White Skate Shoe this week. They have a site on My Space where you can post comments and register to win. This site promises to have all the top brands from Burton, Billabong, Roxy, Spy and more.
We have worked with Retail Concepts, the parent company, since the launch of Mountain Sports Club and their other 3 stores - Ski Chalet, Sun and Ski Sports and Ski Stop already offer Mountain Sports Club members great deals on gear and service. Look for new listings and deals from RebelBoardSports.com as they launch this new site.
Check them out and you can register to win FREE gear this month as they prepare to launch this new site. Currently they are giving away an Adio Shaun White Skate Shoe this week. They have a site on My Space where you can post comments and register to win. This site promises to have all the top brands from Burton, Billabong, Roxy, Spy and more.
We have worked with Retail Concepts, the parent company, since the launch of Mountain Sports Club and their other 3 stores - Ski Chalet, Sun and Ski Sports and Ski Stop already offer Mountain Sports Club members great deals on gear and service. Look for new listings and deals from RebelBoardSports.com as they launch this new site.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Mountain Musings - Extended Ski and Snowboard season, new Mountain Bike Mecca, Kayak Deals and a Lodging Partner in Crested Butte
Aww spring time. The skiing and riding are great, the mountian bikes are out, fly fisherman are getting into the water and kayakers and rafters are checking run off and waterflow. It is difficult to know where to start. But here are todays random thought and postings. It is this wide range of thoughts that have is the source of naming this round of blog postings as Mountain Musings.
Extended ski and snowboard season. The season started late in the east and midwest and I am getting daily reports of areas extending their ski and snowboard season(Camelback, Hidden Valley, Pico & Aspen areas to name but a couple) as they now have truly the best skiing of the year. I spoke with an industry associate who skied Hunter yesterday and said it was fantastic. Send us posts and comments on who is extending their season and we will post the comments and update the blog. The sking will be great into April and May in certain parts of North America, so keep the skis and boards handy and get the skins ready for climbing deep into the summer.
On the new member benefits side we are pleased to announce Peak Property and Real Estate are a new merchant in Crested Butte offering members savings on direct bookings. Be sure to call them and use the discounted lift tickets available for members on your spring trip to Crested Butte.
In the Tahoe area Kayak Tahoe is extending member savings with 2 for 1 rentals and 10% off Emerald Bay kayak tours. With 3 convenient locations and summer coming up quick this is a welcome new offer for our members. Look for more rafting and kayak offers and listings in the coming weeks and months.
One of the more interesting article I have seen of late appeared today in the Boulder Daily Camera. This was a spotlight on how Pueblo in southern Colorado is quietly becoming a mountain bike hotbed. Read for more details on this growing trail network and how it looks more like Utah and the desert than the plains. Let us know about any other places we need to cover as well.
Ready to sign up for a premium membership and start saving? Time to register and use promotioin code blog07 for a special half price one year memberhsip, now only $9.95.
Extended ski and snowboard season. The season started late in the east and midwest and I am getting daily reports of areas extending their ski and snowboard season(Camelback, Hidden Valley, Pico & Aspen areas to name but a couple) as they now have truly the best skiing of the year. I spoke with an industry associate who skied Hunter yesterday and said it was fantastic. Send us posts and comments on who is extending their season and we will post the comments and update the blog. The sking will be great into April and May in certain parts of North America, so keep the skis and boards handy and get the skins ready for climbing deep into the summer.
On the new member benefits side we are pleased to announce Peak Property and Real Estate are a new merchant in Crested Butte offering members savings on direct bookings. Be sure to call them and use the discounted lift tickets available for members on your spring trip to Crested Butte.
In the Tahoe area Kayak Tahoe is extending member savings with 2 for 1 rentals and 10% off Emerald Bay kayak tours. With 3 convenient locations and summer coming up quick this is a welcome new offer for our members. Look for more rafting and kayak offers and listings in the coming weeks and months.
One of the more interesting article I have seen of late appeared today in the Boulder Daily Camera. This was a spotlight on how Pueblo in southern Colorado is quietly becoming a mountain bike hotbed. Read for more details on this growing trail network and how it looks more like Utah and the desert than the plains. Let us know about any other places we need to cover as well.
Ready to sign up for a premium membership and start saving? Time to register and use promotioin code blog07 for a special half price one year memberhsip, now only $9.95.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
More lodges, shops and next up is River Raft Guides and listings
The spring ski and snowboard season continues to be great across the country. It may have been an uneven start to the season in certain parts of North America but it certainly is in full swing still. We had the chance to ski at Copper Mountain and Loveland this past weekend. The snow started to soften around 10:30 - 11:00 but you had to pay attention to what direction the slope was facing (referred to as aspect of the slope in certain circles) as the angle of the sun significantly affected how soft different runs were.
Saturday was St Patrick's day and the base of Copper Mountain was jamming. Not only had the mountain rocked all day, the village celebration was now about to kicking in by the time w made it to the bottom of the hill. Live music was being served up by the Samples a favorite son band from Boulder, Colorado. The sun was shining, the beer was flowing and smiles were everywhere. On days like this we savor spring and look forward to sqeezing out all the great spring days we possibly can go and ski or ride.
One reminder for this weekend and those heading out to the high country the next several months. The high bowls and peaks that were North facing at both areas still had soft silky winter snow from an earlier storm during the week. At Loveland we rode the Ridge chair and traversed high and far left to find the soft goods. It was about a 20 minute trek, but well worth the effort.
A couple of hot little spots we found this weekend were:
Saturday was St Patrick's day and the base of Copper Mountain was jamming. Not only had the mountain rocked all day, the village celebration was now about to kicking in by the time w made it to the bottom of the hill. Live music was being served up by the Samples a favorite son band from Boulder, Colorado. The sun was shining, the beer was flowing and smiles were everywhere. On days like this we savor spring and look forward to sqeezing out all the great spring days we possibly can go and ski or ride.
One reminder for this weekend and those heading out to the high country the next several months. The high bowls and peaks that were North facing at both areas still had soft silky winter snow from an earlier storm during the week. At Loveland we rode the Ridge chair and traversed high and far left to find the soft goods. It was about a 20 minute trek, but well worth the effort.
A couple of hot little spots we found this weekend were:
- Backcountry Brewery in downtown Frisco - We have beed here several times and the beer is always great. A selection of seasonal beers, a wide range from Pale ales, browns, great stout and prters microbrews and a full menu await anyone who enters. The surprise was on Friday night. A Friday night Happy Hour - $1 pints, and 2 for 1 appetizers. 4 of us had 3 appetizers and 4 rounds, we got out of the brewery with a $40 tab. That was one of the best evening happy hours I have seen in ski country on a Friday night in years.
- Farley's Chop House - Main Street Frisco Colorado. It had been years since I had eaten here, but I will be back sooner. We rolled in on Saturday night of St Patty's expecting a long wait. Surprise a seat and full menu at the bar as we walked in. Impressive menu with seafood, plenty of steaks and an affordable yet complete wine list. Both of us ordered the Lamb Tendorloin and it was excellent, this was served with a Cilantro/Sour Cream mashed potatoes which gave it a little of the green color for the day and offered a unique and flavorful potato serving. Not to be forgotten was a fantastic turkey and andouille sausage soup that was to die for. The food was very good and the atmosphere was enjoyable. We had expected a crowd and found Main Street Frisco and the two establishments we visited to be laid back and not over the top as I suspect was the case in some of the other the resort towns.
New merchants adding member benefits:
- Crystal Lodge - Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia Canada
- Red Rooster Inn - Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Colonel Spencers Inn - Campton New Hampshire
- Nordic Inn Condominiums - Loon Mountain New Hampshire
- Snow Visual - Satellite prints and posters of top mountain resorts
With spring time comes mountain run off and the rivers are filling up for rafting and kayak enthusiasts. We are pleased to announce we will be adding over 70 new rivers listings with members being able to book online raft, kayak, canoe trips, clinics, instruction and single to multi day vacations and outings. Book with our partner RiverRaftTrips.com and get to the river of your choice. Over 26 years of river experience, based in Boulder Colorado and booking with experienced outfitters all through the western United States.
Check out these new merchants and the savings they are extending to Mountain Sports Club members. Not a member, register now.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Gunstock New Hampshire offers members Spring Lift ticket deals & Announces best season pass offer
Gunstock Resort in New Hampshire announced early bird season pass rates for next year at deeply discounted rates. Season passes for only $299. Details available on Mountain Sports Club and Gunstock sites.
Mountain Sports Club members also now save on daily lift tickets mid week the balance of this ski and snowboard season at Gunstock. Offers are either a buy one day and receive the next day Free, or 2 for 1 depending on the midweek. Details and discounted coupons available at Mountain Sports Club for members. Not a member yet. Register now for the balance of this year and all of next season for only $9.95 when you register and use the promotion code blog07.
Each week more and more mountain resorts, lodges, shops and related merchants extend new and exclusive offers in the form of valuable discounts to Mountain Sports Club members. For more details on listing and promoting your store or business contact us at:
Mountain Sports Club
3360 Dover Drive
Boulder, CO 80305
303.829.1699
info@mountainsportsclub.com
www.mountainsportsclub.com
Mountain Sports Club members also now save on daily lift tickets mid week the balance of this ski and snowboard season at Gunstock. Offers are either a buy one day and receive the next day Free, or 2 for 1 depending on the midweek. Details and discounted coupons available at Mountain Sports Club for members. Not a member yet. Register now for the balance of this year and all of next season for only $9.95 when you register and use the promotion code blog07.
Each week more and more mountain resorts, lodges, shops and related merchants extend new and exclusive offers in the form of valuable discounts to Mountain Sports Club members. For more details on listing and promoting your store or business contact us at:
Mountain Sports Club
3360 Dover Drive
Boulder, CO 80305
303.829.1699
info@mountainsportsclub.com
www.mountainsportsclub.com
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Testing and Demo of New Skis for 07/08
On Snow demos - Keystone Colorado Feb --- 2007
The winter ski and snowboard season is just really getting started when the process begins to reveal the next years product line. It all begins at the SIA - Snowsports Industries of America - annual trade show in Las Vegas in January. This year's kick off event was January 22 at The Mandalay Bay. The annual show has it all - parties, scantily clad models drawing attention to the new gear, clothing and must have accessories. Once you have spent 3 - 4 days looking at the new gear, drinking and gambling, it is off to mountains for round two which is the On Snow demos and testing.
This is where the work assignment gets good. This year's Western Regional show was held in Keystone Resort in Colorado. Conditions were perfect for testing skis and snowboards. The past week had seen some new snow to freshen up the surface and we now had blue skies and sunshine for solid conditions. The beauty of this task is that there is so much good and great product being made by all the ski and snowboard companies.
It is difficult to go wrong if you match features and performance with what kind of terrain you are skiing and riding with your ability level. Make sure you pick the right model for what you will be skiing. My plan was to ski as many skis in 2 days as possible and get a feel for what brands and models were moving up and who was falling short. We all have our biases and this needs to taken into account as we pick winners and losers.
In addition to my testing, the listed conclusions here were based upon the sentiments of the team of product testers from Retails Concepts and others who I spent the several days with skiing and testing skis.
The two big winners by all accounts were Volkl and K2. All of us skied many skis in each of the lines. My personal favorite was the K2 line and specifically the Radical in a 174. This is a new version of the Apache model for next year and was responsive, stable and easy to turn in all conditions. The new Volkl Tiger Shark also made a huge impression and comes with the caveat, you better stay on this ski and be ready to ski it aggressively, or it will take you for a ride. This ski is not for the feint of heart.
The loser and biggest disappointment was from the Salomon collection. I tried 4 different models and they all were dead and simply did not ski well. No fluidity, not very stable and quite the disappointment.
Pleasant surprises and products/brands that appear to be making a move in the market were from Elan and Head. The Elan line with Magma technology was a fun, liveley and responsive ski. I will look to add this model in the Magma 12 to my quiver for next season.
Another pleasant and unexpected surprise was a new ski introduced by Palmer snowboards. The all mountain freeride ski was fun and will perform well in broken snow and powder. The tip has nice float and the ski as a whole was very fluid in hard and variable snow.
Dynastar - The Legend line and the 8800 were also winners. Rossignol skis also had a good buzz going. This is encouraging as the former power house has lost significant market share over the last 5 - 7 years. The skis were skiing well and it appears that Rossi may be on the way back.
On the boot side I tested one boot company - Dalbello. Boy was this a nice fitting and performing boot. They had purchased the Raichle technology and patents and have introduced this in their new boot line. I will be skiing the Dalbello Rampage next year.
My closing comment is - make sure you get to a demo day next year and test before you buy. Not only does it help you select just the right gear, it is an awful lot of fun.
The winter ski and snowboard season is just really getting started when the process begins to reveal the next years product line. It all begins at the SIA - Snowsports Industries of America - annual trade show in Las Vegas in January. This year's kick off event was January 22 at The Mandalay Bay. The annual show has it all - parties, scantily clad models drawing attention to the new gear, clothing and must have accessories. Once you have spent 3 - 4 days looking at the new gear, drinking and gambling, it is off to mountains for round two which is the On Snow demos and testing.
This is where the work assignment gets good. This year's Western Regional show was held in Keystone Resort in Colorado. Conditions were perfect for testing skis and snowboards. The past week had seen some new snow to freshen up the surface and we now had blue skies and sunshine for solid conditions. The beauty of this task is that there is so much good and great product being made by all the ski and snowboard companies.
It is difficult to go wrong if you match features and performance with what kind of terrain you are skiing and riding with your ability level. Make sure you pick the right model for what you will be skiing. My plan was to ski as many skis in 2 days as possible and get a feel for what brands and models were moving up and who was falling short. We all have our biases and this needs to taken into account as we pick winners and losers.
In addition to my testing, the listed conclusions here were based upon the sentiments of the team of product testers from Retails Concepts and others who I spent the several days with skiing and testing skis.
The two big winners by all accounts were Volkl and K2. All of us skied many skis in each of the lines. My personal favorite was the K2 line and specifically the Radical in a 174. This is a new version of the Apache model for next year and was responsive, stable and easy to turn in all conditions. The new Volkl Tiger Shark also made a huge impression and comes with the caveat, you better stay on this ski and be ready to ski it aggressively, or it will take you for a ride. This ski is not for the feint of heart.
The loser and biggest disappointment was from the Salomon collection. I tried 4 different models and they all were dead and simply did not ski well. No fluidity, not very stable and quite the disappointment.
Pleasant surprises and products/brands that appear to be making a move in the market were from Elan and Head. The Elan line with Magma technology was a fun, liveley and responsive ski. I will look to add this model in the Magma 12 to my quiver for next season.
Another pleasant and unexpected surprise was a new ski introduced by Palmer snowboards. The all mountain freeride ski was fun and will perform well in broken snow and powder. The tip has nice float and the ski as a whole was very fluid in hard and variable snow.
Dynastar - The Legend line and the 8800 were also winners. Rossignol skis also had a good buzz going. This is encouraging as the former power house has lost significant market share over the last 5 - 7 years. The skis were skiing well and it appears that Rossi may be on the way back.
On the boot side I tested one boot company - Dalbello. Boy was this a nice fitting and performing boot. They had purchased the Raichle technology and patents and have introduced this in their new boot line. I will be skiing the Dalbello Rampage next year.
My closing comment is - make sure you get to a demo day next year and test before you buy. Not only does it help you select just the right gear, it is an awful lot of fun.
Book Direct and save at these Lodges in the Mountains
The following is a spotlight on lodges currently offering Mountain Sports Club members discounts on direct booked lodging reservations. Check out the savings up to 50% off.
Colorado
Mountain Resorts Inc - Steamboat Springs
Bristol Hotel - Steamboat Springs
Storm Meadows - Steamboat Springs
The Ranch at Steamboat - Steamboat Springs
Colorado Resort Services - Steamboat Springs
Summit Cove - Keystone
Apex Condominiums - Vail
Apex Holiday Inn - Vail
Big Horn Rentals - Frisco
Hotel Frisco - Frisco
Summit Mountain Rentals - Frisco
Frisco Mountain Rentals - Frisco
Mtn Managers - Frisco
Circle R Motel - Salida near Monarch
Red Rooster Inn - Glenwood Springs, close Sunlight and Aspen areas.
New Hampshire
Nordic Inn Condominiums - Lincoln near Loon Mountain
Wyoming
Alpenhof Lodge - Jackson Hole
Utah
Prospector Square - Park City
Vermont
Cortina Inn & Resort - Killington
Ramada Inn Suites - Rutland
New York
Scribner Hollow Lodge - Hunter
British Columbia - Canada
Crystal Lodge - Whistler/Blackcomb
Additional lodges and packages options are available using the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk - Book lodging, cars, airfare and complete packages at a discount. Choose from over 1400 properties and most major destinations. Members receive monthly promotion code for additional savings when booking through the Mountain Sports Club Travel desk.
Boulder Colorado 02.22.07 Last updated 03.07.07
Colorado
Mountain Resorts Inc - Steamboat Springs
Bristol Hotel - Steamboat Springs
Storm Meadows - Steamboat Springs
The Ranch at Steamboat - Steamboat Springs
Colorado Resort Services - Steamboat Springs
Summit Cove - Keystone
Apex Condominiums - Vail
Apex Holiday Inn - Vail
Big Horn Rentals - Frisco
Hotel Frisco - Frisco
Summit Mountain Rentals - Frisco
Frisco Mountain Rentals - Frisco
Mtn Managers - Frisco
Circle R Motel - Salida near Monarch
Red Rooster Inn - Glenwood Springs, close Sunlight and Aspen areas.
New Hampshire
Nordic Inn Condominiums - Lincoln near Loon Mountain
Wyoming
Alpenhof Lodge - Jackson Hole
Utah
Prospector Square - Park City
Vermont
Cortina Inn & Resort - Killington
Ramada Inn Suites - Rutland
New York
Scribner Hollow Lodge - Hunter
British Columbia - Canada
Crystal Lodge - Whistler/Blackcomb
Additional lodges and packages options are available using the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk - Book lodging, cars, airfare and complete packages at a discount. Choose from over 1400 properties and most major destinations. Members receive monthly promotion code for additional savings when booking through the Mountain Sports Club Travel desk.
Boulder Colorado 02.22.07 Last updated 03.07.07
Monday, February 19, 2007
Pennsylvania Areas and Top Colorado Resorts extend offers
Ski season has took quite a while to kick in around the country, but is now here for the balance of the season. Mountain Sports Club members continue to recieve more and more offers to encourage them to visit more areas for skiing and snowboarding this winter. In the last week we have added these 5 new resorts:
- Copper Mountain in Colorado with prepurchase discounts through our travel desk.
- Winter Park in Colorado with prepurchase discounts through our travel desk.
- Liberty Mountain, Ski Roundtop and Whitetail all added a new $5 daily discount on 8 hour tickets for the balance of the year.
There are now over 50 resorts offering discounts on lift tickets for our members. Be sure to register for your premium membership and save this season and next. Special promotional offer only $5.95 for the membership when using the promotion code - Blog07.
Look here for a complete and current list of all ski and snowboard resorts offering discounts on lift tickets.
Direct book lodging discounts available at these properties.
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