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Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat

DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family visited Colorado’s Steamboat in early January, 2012. While they spent plenty of times on the slopes, they also sampled other activities at Steamboat such as snowshoeing and a star-lit sleigh ride. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.


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    Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat

    January 29: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family visited Colorado’s Steamboat in early January, 2012. While they spent plenty of times on the slopes, they also sampled other activities at Steamboat such as snowshoeing and a star-lit sleigh ride. Jim provides this Firsthand Report. (3 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: New Ski Technology for Whitetail Rentals

    January 28: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort this past week, where they tried out new ski technology available across Whitetail’s rental fleet. (2 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: Wintergreen Wounded Warrior Weekend

    January 22: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman filed this Firsthand Report from Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort, which is hosting its Eighth Annual Wounded Warrior Weekend. (1 reader comment)

    Postcard from Taos, New Mexico

    January 21: A DCSki Reader just wrapped up a week skiing at Taos, New Mexico. He provides this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)

    Whitetail’s Buddy Hauk Passes Away

    January 17: On Sunday, January 15, 2012, long-time Whitetail Ski Resort mountain host Buddy Hauk passed away. Buddy was 63. (1 reader comment)

    AT&T Expands Cell Service at Whitetail Resort

    January 14: A recent tower upgrade at Whitetail should deliver solid 3G cell coverage to AT&T cell phone subscribers visiting the Pennsylvania resort.

    Sense of Déjà Vu as Winter Returns

    January 14: Mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders can be forgiven if they can’t quite figure out what season it is. Thankfully, colder temperatures have returned, paving the way for great conditions over the holiday weekend.

    Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain: Skiing is Therapeutic!

    January 8: Connie Lawn provides a Firsthand Report from the slopes of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain. (3 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort

    December 22, 2011: Mike Ross swung by Virginia’s Bryce Resort for some early season skiing on Monday, December 19, 2011. He discovered that Bryce had made a valiant effort to provide skiing, despite warm temperatures and limited opportunities for snowmaking. Mike provides this Firsthand Report. (4 reader comments)

    Snow and Cold Push Opening Dates within Reach

    December 7, 2011: Mother Nature has been keeping the cold to herself so far this winter, but the arrival of snow on Wednesday has many local resorts pushing to open for the season in the next week or two. (1 reader comment)

    What’s New for 2011: Seven Springs Resort

    November 20, 2011: Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find reason to celebrate this winter at Seven Springs, as the Pennsylvania resort unveils the first-ever urban terrain park and expands its halfpipe to Olympic proportions. Retrofitted chairlifts will reduce travel time to the top of the mountain, and a new beginner area will welcome new skiers and boarders looking to transition to greens.

    Skiing Opportunities for Thanksgiving (Updated)

    November 20, 2011: Want some skiing to go with your turkey on Thanksgiving day? At least two mid-Atlantic resorts are willing to oblige. (1 reader comment)

    Firsthand Report: Ski Club of Washington DC 75th Anniversary

    November 13, 2011: The Ski Club of Washington DC celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday night by hosting its annual Fall Fashion Show. Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman were on hand, and filed this Firsthand Report.

    In Praise of the Anti-Resorts

    November 13, 2011: There’s a special place in Jim Kenney’s heart for the “anti-resorts”: those standalone ski areas with no slopeside lodging and few, if any, resort trappings. In place of glitz, they unapologetically offer one common attribute: top-notch skiing. Jim Kenney takes a tour through some of his favorite anti-resorts. (8 reader comments)

    What’s New for 2011: Hidden Valley Resort

    November 12, 2011: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort has added approximately 3.5 acres of glade skiing in the North Summit area of the resort, as well as a new terrain park.

    What’s New for 2011: Elk Mountain

    November 12, 2011: Elk Mountain has continued its tradition of planting Norway and White Spruce trees, adding an additional 1,200 trees over the summer. (1 reader comment)

    What’s New for 2011: Shawnee Mountain

    November 12, 2011: Two new Piston Bully Snow Cats are joining Shawnee Mountain’s snow grooming fleet this winter.

    Sugar Mountain Opens

    November 11, 2011: Ready to ski? If you head to North Carolina, you can make some early-season turns. Sugar Mountain is offering skiing and snowboarding for the November 12-13, 2011 weekend.

    What’s New for 2011: Winterplace Resort

    November 11, 2011: West Virginia’s Winterplace Resort has expanded snowmaking, widened two trails, and upgraded its terrain park with a new feature.

    Epilepsy Awareness Weekend Planned at Big Boulder

    November 11, 2011: For DCSki reader Mike Ross, epilepsy hit close to home in 2009, claiming the life of his 5-year old son. Mike found some solace through his love of skiing, and channeled that passion into organizing an Epilepsy Awareness Weekend with the help of Pennsylvania’s Big Boulder Resort. The event will be held February 24-26, 2012, drawing participants from across the East Coast. Mike describes the event in this story. (2 reader comments)

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    Near Champion, PA:
    (As of 1:51 am)

    Mostly Cloudy | 30 F

    Winds Calm

    Humidity 85%

    Overnight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind. Low 29

    Sunrise: 7:24 am
    Sunset: 5:39 pm

    Detailed Skier's Forecast

    Browse through 18 condos or vacation homes available for rent at local ski areas in the DCSki Lodging Finder.

    Remember: Events can change at the last moment. Contact event holder to verify details before planning a trip.

    Mid Winter Rhythm and Blues Warm-up Weekend
    February 3-5, 2012
    Timberline Four Seasons Resort, West Virginia
    Subaru Master the Mountain
    February 4, 2012
    Wisp Resort, Maryland
    Wintergreen Women’s Weekend
    February 4-5, 2012
    Wintergreen Resort, Virginia
    WV Open
    February 4, 2012
    Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
    USSA Race on Widowmaker
    February 4-5, 2012
    Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
    Rail Jam Finals
    February 4, 2012
    Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Pennsylvania
    Race Against Cancer
    February 4, 2012
    Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania
    Find more events in the DCSki Event Schedule.

    Some of these bargains may have limitations. Check with the company offering the bargain to verify all details.

    Active military and their immediate family will receive free lift tickets and ski/snowboard rentals on either March 16, 17, or 18, 2012 at Shawnee Mountain. Discounted lessons will also be available. Retired military and reservists and their immediately family will receive a discount of 50% off lift tickets. Photo ID is required. For more information and restrictions, call Shawnee at 570-421-7231 extension 229.
    (Added November 12, 2011)
    Military Discounts at Canaan Valley Resort

    Canaan Valley Resort, West Virginia
    Active and retired members of the military can receive a 20% midweek discount and 10% weekend discount on all recreational activities available at Canaan Valley Resort. A 15% discount will also be offered toward non-holiday lodging accommodations. Military ID is required at time of purchase. For additional details and restrictions, contact Canaan Valley Resort at 800-622-4121.
    (Added November 11, 2011)
    On Wednesdays beginning January 4, 2012 and running through the end of the season, college students (with valid I.D.) can purchase $20 day or night tickets at Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain Resort.
    (Added November 12, 2011)
    Find more bargains in the DCSki Bargain Tracker.

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    Recent Tweets from Sponsors of DCSki

    Liberty Mountain Resort - February 3, 2012 at 2:55 pm
    Comedian Earl David Reed in the Ballroom tonight at 9pm. Tickets only $10. http://t.co/rkOHypIN #comedy #standup   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Canaan Valley Resort - February 3, 2012 at 1:00 pm
    Some great news - Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center located about 35 miles from Canaan is offering Canopy Tours. So... http://t.co/wzZAOmDz   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Seven Springs Resort - February 3, 2012 at 12:37 pm
    Amazing day here on the mountain. Check out the web cams, you might just need to leave work early! http://t.co/E2G8yFbK   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Whitetail Resort - February 3, 2012 at 8:58 am
    Those great guys in our snowmaking department were up to their old tricks again overnight...making snow on select... http://t.co/tvizKG9k   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Canaan Valley Resort - February 2, 2012 at 4:16 pm
    News from Canaan Resort #constantcontact http://t.co/BfwYqdQg   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Wintergreen Resort - February 2, 2012 at 11:30 am
    Thanks to @CNN for their great coverage of our Wonded Warriors Weekend! http://t.co/KJekwo4q   Show Tweet in Twitter
    Whitetail Resort - February 2, 2012 at 6:01 am
    Happy Groundhog Day! At 7:20 this morning Punxsutawney Phil will emerge from his burrow...the excitement is... http://t.co/ILTj2LrW   Show Tweet in Twitter
    View tweets from all Mid-Atlantic ski areas...
    Feb 3
    9:40 pm
    Re: Seven Springs - Not Giving Up on Winter 2012 - Laurel Hill Crazie
    Feb 3
    9:04 pm
    Seven Springs - Not Giving Up on Winter 2012 - JimK
    Feb 3
    5:11 pm
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - fishnski
    Feb 3
    1:11 pm
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - SCWVA
    Feb 3
    12:59 pm
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - Abe
    Feb 3
    10:07 am
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - FreshPow
    Feb 3
    9:53 am
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - Abe
    Feb 3
    9:17 am
    Re: 7 springs building their superpipe? magic? - JamieGrose79
    Feb 3
    9:05 am
    Re: Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - JamieGrose79
    Feb 3
    7:32 am
    Snowmaking resumes as weather permits! - fishnski
    Feb 3
    5:48 am
    Re: 7 springs building their superpipe? magic? - Voila
    Feb 3
    5:45 am
    Re: Snowboarder survives avalanche using airbag - Voila
    Feb 2
    11:17 pm
    Re: Snowboarder survives avalanche using airbag - Sincraft
    Feb 2
    11:12 pm
    Re: A day trip to Snowshoe for $79 (w lift ticket) - Sincraft
    Feb 2
    11:10 pm
    Re: 7 springs building their superpipe? magic? - Sincraft
    Feb 2
    8:22 pm
    Re: Photo Ops - Voila
    Feb 2
    7:52 pm
    Re: Photo Ops - JohnL
    Feb 2
    7:45 pm
    Re: Photo Ops - Voila


    >> Visit the Message Forums, or view active topics from past seven days.

    Feb 3
    12:36 pm
    boots - Connie Lawn
       article:
    Firsthand Report: New Ski Technology for Whitetail Rentals
    Feb 2
    2:24 pm
    Boots - Matthew
       article:
    Firsthand Report: New Ski Technology for Whitetail Rentals
    Feb 1
    4:45 pm
    (No subject) - Denis
       article:
    Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat
    Jan 31
    6:37 pm
    Comments on Buckaloons Ski Area / Youngsville Skiways - William King
       lost ski area:
    Buckaloons Ski Area / Youngsville Skiways
    Jan 31
    3:51 pm
    Comments on Blair Mountain - Gary Myers
       lost ski area:
    Blair Mountain
    Jan 30
    9:03 pm
    Anti Resorts - Tim
       article:
    In Praise of the Anti-Resorts
    Jan 30
    6:19 pm
    Comments on Mount Tone / Sno-Hill Ski Area - James
       lost ski area:
    Mount Tone / Sno-Hill Ski Area
    Jan 30
    5:24 pm
    Great article - Mephit Blue
       article:
    Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat
    Jan 30
    2:05 pm
    Comments on Seven Springs - Bump-it-out
       resort:
    Seven Springs Mountain Resort
    Jan 30
    12:45 am
    Wonderful article - The Colonel
       article:
    Firsthand Report: Bombproof Family Ski Vacation at Steamboat
    Jan 29
    6:16 pm
    Bring your own drinking water to Timberline - DCSki Reader
       resort:
    Timberline Four Seasons Resort
    Jan 28
    5:01 pm
    Comments on Apple Hill - Wendy Werner Crown
       lost ski area:
    Apple Hill
    Jan 28
    8:45 am
    Comments on Chadds Peak - Tony L
       lost ski area:
    Chadds Peak
    Jan 27
    5:00 pm
    Taos review - Patrick McCorkle
       article:
    Postcard from Taos, New Mexico


    >> Visit the Recent Comments page for more options.


    Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced West Virginia skiing. With a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet, the experience is as challenging as you want it to be. Night skiing is also offered during holiday and prime ski weekends. The resort features a 150 room lodge and 23 cabins/cottages for your convenience. Additional winter sports include XC skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, airboarding and ice skating. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and saunas are also available after a day on the slopes.


    Liberty Mountain Resort: Located about an hour from both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, Liberty Mountain Resort is the perfect place for a mountain getaway! Whether you are searching for adventure or relaxation, our mountainside amenities are sure to treat you. Our mountain boasts over 100 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 trails, 3 terrain parks, and a large tubing hill. Our Ski and Snowboard Schools offer a wide variety of lessons for both beginners and advanced. Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing features 15 tubing lanes, party rooms, and food and beverage, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. Take a "snowcation" by lodging in the slopeside Liberty Hotel and dining in one of many eateries, including the popular McKee's Tavern.


    Ridge Run: Ridge Run at Wisp is an intimate enclave of luxurious, four-bedroom mountain Villas and Chalets within a exclusive Private Residence Club. Nestled between two ski runs at Wisp Resort above beautiful Deep Creek Lake, ownership at Ridge Run offers the ultimate mountain escape at a fraction of the price. Ownership at Ridge Run combines the advantages of vacation home ownership with all the outdoor amenities of Wisp including private golf membership and the services you would enjoy at a boutique hotel.


    Seven Springs Resort: Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the perfect place to escape with your family this winter and reconnect! At Seven Springs, you'll find a mountain of fun - skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, a luxurious spa, sporting clays, delicious dining, nightlife and more. Enjoy a mountain of fun on 285 acres of slopes and trails including beginner trails, black diamond slopes, mogul runs and five terrain parks. Come up to Seven Springs this winter and make a new memory. What are you waiting for? You really should be here!


    Whitetail Resort: Head to Whitetail for some of the best skiing and riding in the mid Atlantic Region! Enjoy nearly 1,000 feet of vertical and the Region's only High Speed Quad Chairlift. Spend less time on the road and more time carving down some expert terrain like Bold Decision or intermediate favorites Limelight and Snow Dancer! Don't worry, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ability levels, and for freestylers be sure to check out Jib Junction Terrain Park (not for the faint of heart)! We even have Park Place 101 for the beginner freestyler! Don't forget about Whitetail Adventure Tubing, fun for all ages!


    Wintergreen Resort: Wintergreen Resort is an 11,000-acre, four-season resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains three hours from Washington, D.C. With accommodations ranging in size from studio condominiums to 9-bedroom homes, your winter escape has all the comforts of home. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 26 slopes and snowtubing in Virginia's largest park; Ridgely's Fun Park for young children; ice skating, a zipline; indoor tennis; a spa with indoor pool and hot tubs; and a variety of enticing dining options. Overnight packages offer great value and savings, call 800-266-2444 or book online - www.wintergreenresort.com. For more information, call (434) 325-2200.

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