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.

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:

• 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.

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