Win 2 Mountain Bike Lift Tickets to Plattekill Bike park

We have 2 Plattekill Mountain Bike Park lift tickets (Value $35 each) we are giving away this month, July. Tell us where you have gone lift served mountain biking and why you want to go to Plattekill. Email to john@mountainsportsclub.com, or comment and reply to this blog post.

Plattekill is home to over 60 miles of mountain bike trails and is one of the first lift served bike parks to operate on the East Coast. Plattekill Bike Park is open every weekend from April through November and also features hiking, chairlift rides, camping and operates midweek for group adventure camp tours.Looking for discounts? Be sure to take advantage of the Mountain Sports Club half price ($17.50 value daily) summer mountain bike lift tickets at Plattekill Mountain Bike Park.

Mountain News and Updates

Several interesting tidbits of mountain news the last couple of days ranges from lightning strikes at the mountains, a winding down of this past season skiing and snowboarding, as well as ski and snowboard sales a foot.

The July Fourth weekend saw skiing and riding end at the following resorts:

• Arapahoe Basin,CO - the word was is was packed and a great time.
• Snowbird, UT - Closed for the season as well on Monday the 4th.
• Squaw Valley, CA - T shirts were part of the schwag for the historic day as well

Many others are now getting all the snow off and mountain biking, lift rides, alpine slides and more are in full swing.


Mt Abrams in Maine had their base lodge struck by lightening and a fire resulted in significant damage. Resort operators assured they would be ready and operating by the scheduled start of the next ski and snowboard season.

On the retail side we see that the retail arm of Vail Resorts - Specialty Sports Ventures(SSV) - acquired the assets of Outdoor Outlet, LLC, a Wisconsin-based company that owns and operates O2GearShop.com, an online retailer of outdoor and snowsports goods and equipment with more than 2 million total visits last year. This signals a re entry for SSV into e-commerce. And their local store in Boulder, Boulder Ski Deals kicks off the next retail season with their $69 Tent sale. This is always a signal that ski and snowboard sales will be upon us and the next wave of season pass sales are right around the corner.

Durango Mountain Resort and Summer Fun

We just recently returned from a family vacation down to Durango and stayed at the Purgatory Ski Area at Durango Mountain Resort. The village was quaint and very relaxed with plenty to do to keep us busy.We stayed in a nice 2 bedroom Village Center condo that was very comfortable and conveniently located. It proved to be a great visit and there was lots to do that we did not get to.

A view of the Village at Purgatory from our balcony

My 3 sons and I had traveled down as they had never been to the Southwest part of Colorado. The start of this vacation was to visit Durango, Mesa Verde, Silverton and the area. The first day after we arrived, we planned a hike above Silverton and visiting that nearby historic town which is located about 30 minutes from the resort.

Camp ground and trail head for our hike to Ice Lakes

Our hike for the first day was to try and make it to the Ice Lakes out of the South Mineral Campground. Yes we encountered snow, and did not quite make it to the top. I had never been to Mesa Verde and day 2 was already planned for visiting Mesa Verde National Park and the Pueblo ruins and cliff dwellings.

The third day we decided to enjoy the resort activities at the village. This included alpine slide, putt putt golf, zip lines, climbing walls, lift serviced mountain biking, chair lift rides to the top, pool and more. It was a great time and we had never done this before. My boys are 15, 13 and 10 and we had no problem staying busy and enjoying the mountain. Durango Mountain Resort had just opened the zip line and continues to add more summer activities for their guests. Be sure to check out the coupons for Total Adventure Ticket and lodging packages. The Total Adventure Ticket is an exceptional value and the one coupon is a Buy One, Get One Half Price Total Adventure Ticket (TAT), Save $20.

The Durango Total Adventure Ticket™  - Best value for your day in the mountains, the Total Adventure Ticket gives you unlimited access to our most popular activities:
- Unlimited Alpine Slide rides
- Unlimited Scenic Chairlift rides
- Unlimited Mountain Bike Uplift
- Miniature Golf
- Two of the following: Bungee Tramp, Climbing Wall or Mechanical Bull

Total Adventure Ticket (4 Hours): $40
Additional Hour: $10

Closed-toe footwear is recommended when riding the chairlift and the Alpine Slide. Children must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride the chairlift. Children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride solo on the Alpine Slide.The above detail is from the resort.

That evening we went downtown to Durango and joined friends from in town at the Ska Brewery. There was live music and specials for the Taqueria and on beers in an outside setting. What a perfect evening and way to end a fun filled day. A wide selection of the award winning micro brews provided options for everyone. My boys were pleased as the inside pub had big screen TV's and sports for their viewing pleasure.

The mountains have a very different feel in this part of the state compared to the mountains in the central Rockies. My boys noticed and commented on this during our drive down.With all the snow this year we knew we would find snow on the trails and peaks and that proved true all week.

Alpine Slides, Zip Lines, Mountain Biking and Skiing in the Mountains July 4 th weekend

This July 4th Holiday weekend will see lots of activity in the mountains as the mid summer break. Activities include alpine slides, more and more zip lines, lift serviced mountain biking, hiking and a some skiing and riding at several areas as well as fireworks and festivals.

Below are several announcements on summer activities at ski resorts.

• Brian Head Resort, Utah - Scenic Chair lift rides available starting July 1 and the Mountain Bike Park opens July 8.
• Durango Mountain Resort, CO - New zip lines now operating and Total Adventure Ticket for Alpine slide, lift served mountain biking and hiking, putt putt golf and more. Discount coupons now available.
• Arapahoe Basin, CO - Still skiing and riding. Gotta love it for the 4th.
• Mammoth Mountain, CA - Skiing, riding, mountain biking and lots of activities.
• Squaw Valley, CA - Skiing and riding this weekend with the first 5,000 getting a t shirt.
• Alpine Meadows, CA - Skiing and riding for the first time at this resort over the 4th. 
• Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, UT - Many activities available and skiing and riding on the upper part of the mountain.
• Plattekill Mountain Bike Park, NY - Half off lift serviced Mountain Biking

Be sure to visit your local resort as there is an abundance of activities planned at most ski area/resorts over the 4th and this summer.  Looking to save on lift tickets next winter? Be sure to purchase your premium Mountain Sports Club membership now for the best price. Now only $7.95 for one year of savings. Use promotion code July11 and register now to save on lift tickets, lodging, dining and more.

No Lease For Cannon Mountain, For Now

The plan in front of the New Hampshire legislature to lease the Cannon Mountain ski area operations, has been put on hold for at least one year reports the Union Leader. Part of the debate appears to be centered over the fact with recent improvements the area is actually turning a profit for the state. Recent budget shortfalls has the legislature looking for ways to close the gap. The state has and does lease the ski operations at Mount Sunapee.

June Skiing and Snowboarding and more Resorts Open!!!

Well the calendar may say June but the press releases I keep seeing reminds one more of early November as more announcements of areas opening for skiing and riding this June. This week we see Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California is opening for ongoing cat skiing operations this month. In Utah, Snowbasin announces they will reopen on weekends to join Snowbird for two Utah areas operating. 

Make sure to buy your discounted lift tickets for the following Snowbird, Mammoth Mountain, and now for those adventuring down south for skiing and riding in South America you can purchase La Parva
single day lift tickets in advance and save over 30%. La Parva is located only 50 kilometers from the capital of Chile, Santiago.

Squaw Valley, Skiing and Riding into July

Squaw Valley Resort in Lake Tahoe, California announces they will open for skiing and riding this coming July 4 holiday weekend. Lift tickets will be $49 daily for adults and $12 daily for kids 12 and under for 4th of July weekend. Skiing and riding will be free for 2011-12 Squaw Valley season pass holders, and all lift tickets for the weekend will include a free commemorative T-shirt. Make plans to ski, golf, hike, bike and swim this mid summer holiday in Lake Tahoe. The heavy snows are extending the skiing and snowboarding season deep into summer.

Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day and the corresponding long holiday weekend signals the start of summer for many. However this year there may be more areas open for skiing and riding than any Memorial Day I can recall. Record snowfalls and cool temps is ensuring winter like conditions at many resorts. Here are a few that we know will be open this weekend.

Colorado will see Arapahoe Basin open with a 100 inch base and a huge Brew Fest Celebration at the base on Sunday.  The Basin will stay open Friday - Sundays through Father's Day and maybe later depending on snow. In Aspen the area will open Aspen Mountain as well this holiday weekend with a 71 inch base on the mountain.

California has several areas open as well. In the Lake Tahoe area Kirkwood, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will all three be open, while Mammoth Mountain continues operations as well and a huge base of snow still at all four areas.

In Utah Snowbird continues operations and will operate skiing and riding into the summer and appears ready to ski until July 4th.

With skiing and riding being extended this year the snow slowly is giving way to hiking and biking as well. Be sure to regularly check our deals section at the Mountain Sports Club for deals all summer as well. Join now for one year only $7.95 when using the summer promotion code of summer11.

Deals and Discounts at Durango Mountain Resort

Memorial Day is the kick off to summer in the Southwest Mountains of Colorado for those visiting Durango and the area. Durango Mountain Resort offers a full range of summer activities to keep everyone busy and engaged.

Make sure to check out the Durango Total Adventure Ticket (TAT). This 4 hour adventure ticket provide you access to unlimited Alpine Slide Rides, unlimited Scenic Chairlift rides, unlimited Mountain Bike Uplift, miniature golf and two of the following - Bungee Tramp, Climbing Wall or Mechanical Bull. This package is the best value for the day at $40, additional hours can be added at $10 per hour. Now for Mountain Sports Club members take advantage of the half price ticket when purchasing one ticket, this represents a $20 value.

This summer the Durango Mountain Resort has put together several value packages to help you stretch the family vacation budget. Packages up to 25% off the already low summer rates include activities. Be sure to make your plans early and get the best value this summer in the Rocky Mountains.