Save up to 70% off on Lift tickets and even free lift tickets at resorts. Join now and save with discounts, coupons, savings, deals and insider news at ski, snowboard and mountain resorts in the mountains of North America and beyond.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Mountain Musings - Extended Ski and Snowboard season, new Mountain Bike Mecca, Kayak Deals and a Lodging Partner in Crested Butte
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
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
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
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
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
- 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.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Daily Lift Tickets Update January 2007
Boulder Colorado
Daily and multi day lift ticket discounts and savings for Mountain Sports Club Members continue to grow : Currently over 40 resorts and counting have finalized lift ticket discounts from 2 for 1 lift tickets to daily savings. Mountain Sports Club Members can anticipate additional resorts adding special member savings as the season unfolds:
The following are available to premium members:
Crested Butte Mountain Resort - Save daily from $9 on single day tickets to multi day savings
Loveland Ski Area Colorado - Save daily on lift tickets.
Monarch Ski Area Colorado - Save daily on lift tickets.
Powderhorn Colorado - Save daily on lift tickets.
Ski Sunlight Glenwood Springs Colorado - Save daily on lift tickets
Echo Mountain Park just outside of Denver - Save daily on lift tickets
Windham Mountain in the Catskills of New York - Members save big - 2 for 1 midweek lift tickets.
Diamond Peak - Nevada Lake Tahoe - Save daily on lift tickets
Tenney Mountain New Hampshire - Save daily on lift tickets
Mad River Glen - Vermont - Save daily on lift tickets
Ascutney Mountain Resort Vermont - Save daily on lift tickets
Shawnee Peak Resort Maine - Save daily on lift tickets
Shawnee Mountain Pennsylvania - Save daily on lift tickets
Hidden Valley Pennsylvania - Save daily on lift tickets
Silver Mountain Idaho - Save daily on lift tickets
Ragged Mountain in New Hampshire save up to $40 daily. Save $10 per person up to 4 per member per day. Savings certificates will be available after January 1, 2007.
Blue Hills in Massachusetts save up to $40 daily. Save $10 per person up to 4 per member per day. Savings certificates will be available after January 1, 2007.
Pats Peak New Hampshire - Save daily on lift tickets
Cranmore Mountain Resort in Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire - Save daily on lift tickets.
The Mountain Sports Club of North America just announced a significantly expanded number of new resorts offering MSC members discounted lift tickets, when purchased online through the new Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk. Members may be required to pruchase lodging or other elements of the vacation at participating resorts.
Review the growing list of top winter ski and snowboard resorts in North America and the associated values.
Colorado Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Breckenridge
Keystone
Vail
Beaver Creek
Durango - Prices from $41.33
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
California Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Lake Tahoe Interchangeable Lift tickets
Heavenley Valley
Northstar - at - Tahoe - Daily tickets from $61.10 per day.
Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift ticket
Sierra at Tahoe - Daily lift tickets from $61.10 per day.
Montana
Big Sky Resort - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
Moonlight Basin - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
Nevada
Mt Rose - Lift tickets from $50 a day.
Utah
Ski Salt Lake Super Pass - Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton Lift Tickets
Park City - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
The Canyons - Save on Daily and Multi-day Lift tickets
Deer Valley - Save on Daily and Multi-day Lift tickets
Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort - Save on lift tickets, 2 days or longer.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole - Save on purchase of 3 day or more lift tickets.
New Mexico
Taos - Save on 2 of 3 day lift tickets. Buy here now.
British Columbia Canada
Whistler Blackcomb - Save on 3 day lift tickets.
Enjoy these great new members savings and discounts.
Enjoy the snow and the mountains.
Enjoy the skiing and riding.
Think snow it is still winter.
Purchase a premium Mountain Sports Club membership now Only $19.95 and valid through April 2006, and start saving....
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Buy Discounted Lift Tickets - Top resorts in North America
Boulder Colorado
The Mountain Sports Club of North America is pleased to announce a significantly expanded number of new resorts offering MSC members discounted lift tickets, when purchased online through the new Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk. Members may be required to pruchase lodging or other elements of the vacation at participating resorts.
Review the growing list of top winter ski and snowboard resorts in North America and the associated values. Over 20 new participating resorts.
Colorado Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Breckenridge
Keystone
Vail
Beaver Creek
Durango - Prices from $41.33
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
California Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Lake Tahoe Interchangeable Lift tickets
Heavenley Valley
Northstar - at - Tahoe - Daily tickets from $61.10 per day.
Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift ticket
Sierra at Tahoe - Daily lift tickets from $61.10 per day.
Montana
Big Sky Resort - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
Moonlight Basin - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
Nevada
Mt Rose - Lift tickets from $50 a day.
Utah
Ski Salt Lake Super Pass - Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton Lift Tickets
Park City - Save on daily and multi day lift tickets
The Canyons - Save on Daily and Multi-day Lift tickets
Deer Valley - Save on Daily and Multi-day Lift tickets
Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort - Save on lfit tickets, 2 days or longer.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole - Save on purchase of 3 day or more lift tickets.
New Mexico
Taos - Save on 2 of 3 day lift tickets. Buy here now.
British Columbia Canada
Whistler Blackcomb - Save on 3 day lift tickets.
Enjoy these great new members savings and discounts.
Book Direct and Save at Mountain Lodges and Condos
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.
Mountain Resorts Inc - Steamboat Springs Colorado
Bristol Hotel - Steamboat Springs Colorado
Storm Meadows - Steamboat Springs Colorado
The Ranch at Steamboat - Steamboat Springs Colorado
Colorado Resort Services - Steamboat Springs Colorado
Apex Condominiums - Vail Colorado
Apex Holiday Inn - Vail Colorado
Big Horn Rentals - Frisco - Colorado
Hotel Frisco - Frisco - Colorado
Summit Mountain Rentals - Frisco - Colorado
Frisco Mountain Rentals - Frisco - ColoradoMtn
Mtn Managers - Frisco - Colorado
Circle R Motel - Salida Colorado
Alpenhof Lodge - Jackson Hole Wyoming
Prospector Square - Park City Utah
Cortina Inn & Resort - Killington Vermont
Ramada Inn Suites - Rutland Vermont
Scribner Hollow Lodge - Hunter NY
Additional lodges and packages options are availabe using the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk - Book lodging, cars, airfare and complete packages at a discount. Choose form over 1400 properties and most major destinations.