Waterville Valley Resort Announces New MND 6-Person Detachable Bubble Lift


Waterville Valley Resort is pleased to announce the signing of a contract for a new 6-person detachable bubble lift in partnership with MND Ropeways. The new lift will replace the 1988 White Peaks Express Quad, the first detachable high-speed quad in New Hampshire. This will be one of the largest upcoming lift projects in the Northeast and the first of its kind in the United States. This project will be installed over two construction seasons and will open for the 2022/23 ski season. "We have developed a strong partnership with MND over the last 4 years, including the installation of conveyors, a surface lift, and significant snowmaking upgrades and are excited to continue to work with them as a strategic partner for this project," said Tim Smith, President/General Manager of Waterville Valley Resort. "Replacing our White Peaks lift is the most important project in our investment plan for the existing resort footprint and will continue our work to enhance the guest experience at Waterv...

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Sunday River to Install Eight-Person Bubble Chairlift on Its Snowiest Peak

As the next major step in the Sunday River 2030 plan for enhancing the guest experience, Sunday River is scheduled to install the fastest 8-person chair in North America for the 2022-23 winter season. The Jordan 8, a new Doppelmayr D-Line chairlift that is among the most advanced in the world, features weather-blocking bubble covers and will access terrain on Jordan Bowl and beyond. The first of its kind in Maine, the Jordan 8 is the new standard in lift technology, featuring ergonomically shaped, extra-wide heated seats and the world's first bubble in signature Sunday River Red on each chair. The Jordan 8 also addresses decades-long challenges with reliability in the wind, thanks to the new lift's design and a planned reconfiguration of the top terminal. Additional safety features include an adjustable loading carpet to allow children to load the lift easily, and automatic unlock safety bars that lock into place at the start of the ride and unlock in the top terminal. "We are proud as...

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What's New at Sunday River for Winter 2021/22

After announcing the Sunday River 2030 plan for sustainable growth and development in February 2020, Sunday River Resort has many exciting capital improvements for winter 2021/22, just in time for ski season. These improvements range from on-mountain infrastructure and sustainability initiatives to new experiences and ways to save on lift tickets. Snowmaking Improvements Continuing the resort's commitment to providing the most dependable snow in New England, Sunday River installed 9.5 miles of new snowmaking pipe on White Cap, Locke Mountain, and Merrill Hill, and added two new fan guns in Barker Basin and South Ridge, and 131 new tower guns on the Road Runner, Jibe, Heats On, Cascades, Lights Out, Sensation, Cyclone, and State Fair trails. Working with Efficiency Maine, Sunday River also received grants for energy-efficient snowmaking equipment for Merrill Hill. Upgrades to increase automation in the snowmaking process are also underway, which will assist the resort's dedicated team i...

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Most Modern Chairlift In The World Opens At Loon Mountain Resort


Eight-Place Design is the Fastest in North America Today, Kancamagus 8, the most technologically advanced chairlift in the eastern United States debuted at Loon Mountain Resort. "This lift offers our guests an experience unlike any other in the region—it is a huge step forward for Loon." says Jay Scambio, president and general manager of Loon Mountain Resort. Speed and Innovation Kancamagus 8 provides access to Loon's West Basin trails and can transport skiers and riders at speeds of up to 18ft per second, making it the fastest eight-place chairlift in North America. The Direct Drive, D-Line design manufactured by Doppelmayr features 205 new developments, including 31 innovations and 14 patents, making it the most modern chairlift in the world. Kancamagus 8 elevates the guest experience with its whisper-quiet operation, ergonomically shaped and heated seats, and weather-blocking bubbles. "The introduction of Kancamagus 8 is an incredible achievement and marvel of innovation and design....

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Killington Resort opens for the season Friday, November 5, 2021

Vermont's Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, and part of POWDR, will kick off the 2021-22 winter season at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021, becoming the first Eastern resort to open for skiing and snowboarding. The first turns of the season, on Friday, November 5, will be reserved exclusively for Season Pass, Express Card, Beast 365 and Ikon pass holders. The resort will open to the general public on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. "We are excited to welcome skiers and riders back to the Green Mountains, and to kick off the longest season in the East," says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. "Last year was a season of change, and while we are not out of the woods yet, we are happy to be starting the season without many of the adaptations the Covid-19 pandemic demanded this time last year." On Friday, November 5, 2021, the K-1 Express Gondola will provide uploading for el...

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Embrace Canada’s #WinterCapital!

With the arrival of the winter solstice, the National Capital Commission (NCC) invites everyone to get outdoors and experience another exceptional #WinterCapital offering. Enjoy our expanded network of over 450 km of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, walking or hiking; glide along the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway; take to the hills for tobogganing; warm up by fire pits; and enjoy a hot beverage and snack at an NCC Bistro. The return of the #WinterCapital interactive map makes it easy to discover and plan perfect winter outings in just a few clicks. Choose an activity, and narrow the results using filters for the duration and level of difficulty. Over the course of the season, the NCC will monitor the use of its assets, and conduct a survey of users to gather data and feedback to inform future decision making. Expanded Ottawa Winter Trail Network! In partnership with the Urban Winter Trails Alliance, and thanks to their community volunteers, the NCC is offering over 80 km of ...

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Parc Jean-Drapeau Announces its Winter Program

Although winter doesn't officially begin until December 21, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) is getting an early start to the season by announcing the main components of its winter program, which extends from December 18, 2021 to March 6, 2022. The activities are free and open to all, and they take place in a setting which is a one-of-a-kind playground in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, a venue easily accessible by subway. Embrace your northern spirit in the heart of the river Whether you are a practitioner of such sports as sliding, cross-country skiing, cycling, climbing, hiking or simply a nature-lover, Parc Jean-Drapeau can accommodate all your interests this winter. While the help of Mother Nature will be needed to set up some of the activities, current forecasts are, fortunately, calling for a mild, snowy winter! As one of the new features this year, Espace 67 boasts an impressive Skaters' Trail, a 500-metre long layout presented by Radio Canada. The magical, ice-c...

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Alterra Mountain Company announces $207 million in transformational changes at four marquee destinations

Alterra Mountain Company announces its plans to invest $207 million in capital improvements for the upcoming year, including transformational base area and on-mountain developments at Steamboat, Deer Valley Resort, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mammoth Mountain. This year's $207 million plan includes $111MM in significant resort projects, $31MM in enterprise technology systems, $65MM in resort maintenance and planning to continue to support the company's commitment to enhance the guest experience. "This past season has proven that our guests are loyal, passionate and looking forward to the many seasons ahead, and we plan to provide them with a premier guest experience as we focus on the long-term future of our mountain destinations," said Rusty Gregory, CEO, Alterra Mountain Company. "Alterra Mountain Company has exceeded our initial five-year goal to invest over half a billion dollars into our destinations, in just four years. We continue to be committed to infusing meaningful capit...

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Alterra Mountain Company and Share Winter Foundation join forces to increase mountain access among youth

Alterra Mountain Company commits to creating a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community and has joined forces with Share Winter Foundation to support their mission to improve the lives, health, and fitness of youth through winter sports. The two industry partners will unite in their joint commitment to equitably evolving and expanding the industry. This unique, multi-year collaboration includes a donation to Share Winter of nearly $4 million in the form of cash and in-kind services, including lessons, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and meal vouchers. Through this donation, thousands of youth participating in Share Winter's partner programs will receive up to four Learn to Ski & Ride programs at 14 of Alterra Mountain Company's North American destinations throughout winter 21/22, resulting in more than 13,000 on snow visits. Graduate packages will be offered following completion of the programs to encourage long-term engagement. Share Winter Foundation is a well-establis...

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Ikon Pass Introduces Ikon Pass Travel

New for winter 21/22, Ikon Pass introduces Ikon Pass Travel, a travel planning service that offers pass holders the ability to seamlessly explore options and book all aspects of adventure across Ikon Pass destinations. Ikon Pass Travel is a new benefit offered exclusively to Ikon Pass holders. With Ikon Pass Travel, pass holders log into their Ikon Pass account, and are then able to browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a customized travel package. Create a vacation package yourself and book online or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist. The Ikon Pass Travel specialists have personal knowledge of all 47 Ikon Pass destinations across the Americas, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand and can customize the ideal adventure for any skier or rider based on the pass holder's criteria. "We are excited to offer Ikon Pass Travel exclusively to pass holders and help them easily customize the best adventure possible to their fav...

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Ski Trail Videos


 On this page, you will find point of view videos skiing down the many slopes and trails at the ski mountains. Gatineau Ski Vorlage : Look-Out, Birch Valley, Golden Trail and Cream Puff, Easy Rider and North Slope, Snow Dance and North Slope, Upper Sun Dance, Sun Dance, La Pente DouceSommet Edelweiss : Chemin des Bois, Easy Street, Rockstar Snoprk, Trou du Diable & Yodeler, Zoomer, Easter Bowl & Descente Telesiege, Streif, ShotgunLaurentiansSommet Saint-Sauveur : Red Bird,  Jay,  Côte 70 Est,  Côte 70 Ouest,  Nordique,  Saint-Sauveur,  Côte 71,  La Plagne,  Tom Barbeau,  Côte 68,  Dévaleuse,  Pingouin

Ski Lift Videos


 On this page, you will find point of view videos riding the many lifts at the ski mountains. Eastern Townships Bromont, montagne d'expériences : Mont Soleil #2 Quad, Versant du Village #3 Quad, Versant du Village #4 D.Quad (Retired), Versant du Lac #5 D.Quad, Versant des Epinettes #6 Quad, Versant du Midi #7 Quad, Versant de la Côte Ouest #8 DoubleMont Orford : L'Hybride Chondola, Mont Giroux Quad, Mont Giroux Est Quad Gatineau Camp Fortune : Allan's Alley Triple, Pineault Quad, Clifford Quad, Meech Quad, Skyline QuadMont Cascades : World Cup Triple, East Quad, Promenade QuadMont Ste Marie : Vanier D.Quad, Cheval Blanc D.Quad, Promenade PomaSki Vorlage : Snow Dance Double, Birch Valley Double, La Pente Douce Double, North Slope T-BarSommet Edelweiss : Edelbahn Express D.Quad, Meister 4000 Quad Laurentians  Sommet Saint-Sauveur : Sommet Express D.Six, Atomic Express D.Quad (Retired), L'Etoile Quad, Côte 71 D.Quad, Flèche d'Argent D.Quad Sommet Saint-Sauveur Versant Avila...

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Hiking - Ski Vorlage


This past Saturday, we visited Wakefield and decided to hike up and down Ski Vorlage. The mountain is part of the Wakefield Trails network (a collection of official hiking and walking trails in and around Wakefield). For the trek up Vorlage, we followed the gravel path that works its way up the mountain via North Slope and Snow Dance ski trails. The bottom section of the trail is a bit steep, same for the very final pitch near the top but the rest is fairly easy to handle without too much effort.  With our little toddler in tow, or I should say, nestled safely and comfortably (although he would vocally disagree) in the Osprey backpack carrier, we started our ascent. As mentioned just above, the first pitch at the bottom while not overly steep, did present a challenge due to the added weight while climbing. Once we passed this short pitch on the slope, it went much better. Weaving back and forth along the way up, we got to see increasing views of the mountain range in the distance....

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Hiking - Wakefield Fairbairn House Trail


A beautiful late summer day, it was time to get out and do some exploring and hiking in nature. The valley of Wakefield is actually home to some rather fun and enjoyable hiking trails, mapped out by Wakefield Trails. For this outing, we explored the Blue and Red trails, located adjacent to the Fairbairn House, on the opposite side of the river via the famous Red Covered Bridge. Before hitting the trails, we took the time to cross the bridge and took the stairs to reach the river and rocky shorelines. Shortly after, we continued on and passed the Fairbairn House, just across the street and to the left after crossing the bridge. Following the path into the mountain, we arrived at the trailhead. A Story Walk was set up on these trails, with a short novel perfect for kids to enjoy and read as they complete the trail. Heading up, up, up into the mountain, the forest really takes hold and surrounds you. As the trail weaves its way in and out of the tree canopy, the story continues with a new...

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New building at Sommet Saint-Sauveur


We will begin in the next few weeks the construction of a new building for the members' lockers, the repair shop as well as the demo center of the Sommet Saint-Sauveur's Boutique. Demolition work on the existing building, which is located next to the Sommet Express lift, will begin on April 12, 2021. The new building will replace the old Customer Service building, where it is now located the 'Repair workshop. The new building will house the following services: Member's lockersRepair workshopDemo center Regarding the new members' lockers, these will be on sale from September 2021 only and for the next season. To reassure our customers, all locker holders for the 2019-20 season will have priority reservations. Please do not contact us about this matter before September 2021. No name or waiting list will be taken. We are therefore happy to offer our staff and clients a forward-looking environment by promoting innovation and attractiveness. We are proud to embark on this final phase, which...

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Holiday Valley to Build Yodeler High Speed Quad in 2021


Holiday Valley Resort announced last November plans to construct a new chairlift in 2021. The new lift is a state of the art high speed detachable quad chairlift that will replace the fixed grip Yodeler Quad that was built in 2001. The new lift has been purchased from Doppelmayr USA, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Including installation, the cost of the new Yodeler High Speed Quad is $4 million. Many beginner skiers and snowboarders ride the Yodeler lift to return to the base area from the beginner slopes at Tannenbaum and Spruce. The chairs of the new lift will travel uphill at a much faster rate, but they detach from the cable and go slower for loading and unloading, making it much easier for skiers to get on and off the lift. Holiday Valley currently has 3 other detachable chairlifts; Mardi Gras, Tannenbaum and Morning Star. The existing lift will be in service for the rest of the 2020-2021 winter season, but preliminary site work has already begun. The Holiday Valley Mountain Crew ...

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Whistler Blackcomb announces closure of the 2020/21 winter season


After careful consideration of the new Provincial Health Order by the government of British Columbia, Blackcomb Mountain will not reopen winter operations when the order is scheduled to lift on April 19th. Whistler Mountain was already scheduled to close on April 19th. "While the Provincial Health Order caught us all by surprise, we fully support the government's direction and we're doing our part to comply. At this time, we believe the best thing we can do to support the order is to begin winding down winter operations," said Geoff Buchheister, VP and Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb. "We did not make this decision lightly as we know our employees and our community put so much effort into following our COVID operating guidelines so we could safely operate this season. Our full attention will now turn to getting our resort ready to safely open for summer." All lift reservations, ski school and dining bookings made during this period will be cancelled and the resort will be...

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In Historic Move, Vail Resorts Reduces All Pass Prices By 20 Percent Toward Goal of ‘Epic for Everyone’


Vail Resorts, the world's leading ski resort company, today announced a bold price reset of its Epic Pass products to continue to deliver on its commitment of Epic for Everyone and to honor the loyalty of its pass holders. Already regarded as the best value in skiing and riding, the Company's pass prices have been reduced by 20 percent across the board – making it easier for everyone to purchase a pass and, once again, changing everything about how guests access skiing and riding. The price reduction applies to the entire portfolio of the Company's North American pass lineup, including Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Day Pass; Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited, Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass and EDGE Cards; Summit Value Pass, Tahoe Local and Value Pass, and Northeast Value and Midweek Pass; Military Epic Pass and Adaptive Pass; and many more. Epic Pass products are now available to purchase at EpicPass.com for the 2021/22 winter season. "The ski industry, our Company and skiers and riders ...

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A new phase of investments at Mont SUTTON


Mont SUTTON announces a second important phase of investments in order to diversify and develop a four season offer while consolidating and improving the skiing product as well. By the end of this phase, more than $10M will have been invested in improvement and development efforts at the mountain, an undertaking by the new ownership since the purchase of Mont SUTTON in 2016. The launch of these new investments has been accelerated thanks to the allocation of nearly $1.8M in financial assistance by the Gouvernement du Québec. This assistance will enable new investments of $5M by 2023 in line with the strategic development plan, in addition to the $5M already invested. All these projects will allow Mont SUTTON to enrich and increase its offer of new distinctive outdoor activities as well as to develop, improve and upgrade some outdoor infrastructures and existing equipment. Increase the tourism offer and stimulate the economy The announcement of the governmental assistance was made today...

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Sommet Saint-Sauveur


Sommet Saint-Sauveur is located 45 minutes north of Montreal and is easily accessed from Autoroute 15. Sommet Saint-Sauveur is often seen as an innovator in the ski industry, with new concepts, new developments and early adoption of new technologies. The mountain has a storied history from the early 1930s when it first opened and is regularly the first mountain to open and the last to close in the Province of Quebec, and on occasion in the east of North America. With 40 trails, fast lifts, several base chalets and additional on-mountain activities, not counting on the legendary night skiing, Sommet Saint-Sauveur hits the mark in many areas. The Mountain and the Ski Trails  The mountain features over 40 trails for all skill levels, served by 8 lifts, which include a detachable six-pack heated chairlift, 3 detachable quad chairlifts, 2 fixed-grip quads (one with loading carpet), a beginner double chair and a magic carpet. The mountain is connected to the Versant Avila, providing add...

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Loon Mountain Resort to Install First Eight-Place Chairlift in East

Loon Mountain Resort today announced the installation of an eight-place, high-speed bubble chairlift-the first anywhere in the eastern United States and only the second in North America, for the 2020/21 ski season. The Doppelmayr lift will showcase the manufacturer's new D-Line technology, making it the most technologically advanced lift ever installed in the East and one that will provide unrivaled speed and comfort for skiers. "The Kancamagus 8 chairlift will be a leap into the future of skiing for our guests," said Jay Scambio, president and general manager of Loon Mountain Resort. "We are committed to bringing the latest advancements to our guests-this lift is the next example of that, following our first-in-the-world dual-frequency RFID installation." The chairlift project was unveiled to local and regional stakeholders and members of the media as part of the resort's 10-year plan, presented by Scambio earlier today at a community meeting. The state-of-the-art, eight-place chairli...

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End of 2019-2020 Ski Season confirmed for Quebec Ski Areas


Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, safety concerns for all personnel, the hazards of remaining equipment left on the slopes, and the desire to inform visitors as quickly as possible, the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) confirms that, barring exceptional circumstances, winter activities at Quebec ski areas will not resume this season."Recent developments preclude any resumption of our winter activities. All ski area owners and operators have been significantly affected by the current situation. Not only is the industry suffering financial losses and layoffs resulting from crisis, but now, all communities are impacted" declared Jean-Michel Ryan, president and CEO of Mont Sutton and ASSQ's chairman of the board."Since the crisis began, we have been in constant communication with representatives of the Direction de la santé publique du Québec, Tourism Quebec, the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance (AITQ), and the crisis managemen...

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The Quebec Ski Areas suspend their operations indefinitely


Quebec Premier Francois Legault has requested that all ski areas suspend their operations, for an indefinite period, as of 4pm today. ---- Having heard the call of Quebec Premier François Legault, Quebec ski areas announce that they are suspending their winter activities—skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fatbiking, skitouring, and others—indefinitely starting at 4 pm today."We fully understand the situation. Our industry wants to help to manage this crisis, and we believe that the priority must be public health. We are aware that this decision will weaken the industry's financial performance and will have a major impact on the33,000 people who work in our sector. We are confident that the government will provide the necessary support to the many families and business owners affected by this decision,"declared Yves Juneau, president and CEO of the Quebec Ski Area Association (ASSQ).The ASSQ remains in constant communication with representatives of the Direction de la Santé publique du ...

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Camp Fortune - December 31, 2018

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It's the final day of 2018 and wanting to end it in true skiing style, a ski double-header was on the menu. Mont Ste Marie in the morning and Camp Fortune in the afternoon. (Be sure to check out the other report here). I arrived at Camp Fortune around 1pm on the Valley Side. Saddling up my ski boots once for the second time today, I was off to the trails. Betting big, I decided I would just focus on the Meech sector of the mountain this visit. It did not disappoint the slightest. Wow, Paradis and North American are in excellent shape. Other than my final run out through Allen's Alley, the rest of the time was spent on these two trails. Paradis is the longest trail at Camp Fortune at approximately a mile in length. All along the way, you can catch glimpses of Meech Lake in the distance...

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Mont Ste Marie - December 31, 2018

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It's the final day of 2018 and wanting to end it in true skiing style, a ski double-header was on the menu. Mont Ste Marie in the morning and Camp Fortune in the afternoon. (Be sure to check out the other report here). Arriving at Mont Ste Marie just before opening at 9am, I was quick to get ready and start the day. Heading up Vanier Mountain, the first trail was Serenade. This intermediate trail definitely has a big mountain feel to it. It really weaves its way down the mountain and you feel yourself being transported to another place. Serenade is surely a Mont Ste Marie classic. Next up was Bellevue, another big mountain type trail. I'm going to stop and clarify for a moment what I mean by big mountain. Mont Ste Marie is the largest ski mountain in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, with generally double the vertical drop of...

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