Mountain Sports Club Blog

The holiday break for those of us in Boulder Colorado started late and extended deeper into January than I ever recall. This scheduling quirk led our family to plan and end of holiday 3 days ski and snowboard vacation that would start at Arapahoe Basin and have us spend the last 2 days at Vail.

After a very slow start in November, that had the Colorado Ski areas concerned - as there was record low natural snowfall, the skiing and snowboarding has gotten very good. December turned around quickly as many resorts reported record snowfall for the month of December. The snow has regularly been falling feet at a time and the start of 2008 has seen this same pattern of deep snow continue in Colorado. With a great base the resorts are serving up spectacular conditions with powder days being a regular occurrence. With the storms has come some very cold skiing as well. While resulting in more frequent breaks to warm up the cold temps has ensured the snow is staying dry, soft and light.

This trip was going to be interesting as we are spending a couple of nights at The Antlers in Vail. This condominium/hotel complex is one of the properties in the Lionshead area of Vail that has undergone a facelift and is walking distance from the Gondola and chairs. Having never stayed here I was curious as to the facility. The stay was a pleasant and enjoyable stay. Big rooms, great service – free movies for the kids and popcorn, heated pool, sauna, huge hot tubs with killer jets to massage out the kinks and aches from hard days on the mountain. The business center receives high marks for me as I had to stay in touch with emails and ran a conference call and demo one day. This business center had 4 computers wired and with printers. I would strongly recommend a visit to The Antlers if you are planning a visit to Vail. I know we will be back. The staff was friendly and helpful and the amenities and comforts met and surpassed our expectations.

The start of this mini vacation was a day at Arapahoe Basin. We arrived at the basin late morning on Sunday the 6th. There had been several inches of new snow each of the last several days ensuring soft broken powder throughout the mountain. WE skied pretty much all around the mountain including the alleys on the far side of Palivaccini. Snow cover is excellent and the entire mountain skilled very well. After a nice casual day of skiing we headed over to Vail for the next part of our mini ski getaway. Of special note was how the area emptied after 2 PM . Most of the crowd was trying to beat the I-70 traffic and the area was quiet. We are usually part of the crowd trying to avoid the traffic, so it was a treat to heading the other direction – westbound.

The next couple of days we spent skiing at Vail Mountain. Monday and Tuesday saw fresh snow each day. The first day reminded me of one set of reasons why Vail continues to be such a world class resort for all. My two sons who are taking up snowboarding and have not exactly been pushing it were who I would ski with. They had yet to snowboard down a blue run, either of them, but the decision this day was we would ride the Gondola and try Simba which is a manicured and relatively easy blue intermediate run. This would prove to be a breakthrough day. The snow was soft and silky as well as freshly groomed. The corduroy was the kind of ego snow all skiers and snowboarders need when there is some trepidation and one needs to get over the proverbial confidence hump. This day was one to remember for each of them. They loved the corduroy and reveled in their truns and the fact they were both now cruising blues. As a Dad really looking for the breakthrough in our skiing/snowboarding family this was the right set of runs and the day we had been looking for.

Tuesday was the better of the days in my book as I got to go and enjoy a full on powder day. We were able to hit the Gondola area by 8:40 am and were able to stay ahead of the crowds. This is a key strategic move, if you wish to avoid huge lines and cut up snow in the back bowls. Our approach was to take the lifts next to the gondola and head into Game Creek Bowl. After a quick run here we jumped into the back and had an epic run down Ricky’s Run. There were huge swaths of deep untracked snow. We eventually made it back to Blue Ski Basin and were surprised to see the one lift was not running. When speaking to one of the patrollers we were informed this chair is not running all the time due to staffing. We approached this by coming back again anyway. It was along traverse out but the pow in Champagne Glades was well worth it, and the fact the chair was not running preserved a few extra runs in the powder.

One note was the small restaurant at the top of Blue Sky Basin, does not even have hot water and the grill is on allowing you to bring your own meat to barb-que. From here we went back to the front side. One surprise was how untracked and deep the runs were off the Rim Runs. A few runs, here and then more fresh lines in Riva glade. By this time of the day my legs were becoming jelly and it was time to head back down until the next trip back to the mountains.

Spotlight deals of the week on skis is the Rossignol Zenith Z3 Skis with Axium 120 bindings at Sun and Ski Sports for only $399. You save over $400 on this ski and binding package.

Skiers looking for a great ski at a terrific discount need look no further. Seldom do you find this type of value packed ski and binding package for under $400. Check out these key details on this great ski and binding offer:

The Rossignol Zenith Z3 Skis With Axium 120 Bindings is for aspiring expert skiers who desire versatility and seek a stable all-mountain ski. Designed with Vibration Absorbing System (VAS) in which visco elastomer material is inserted into the ski's construction to damped vibrations to add greater control, stability and contact with the snow. Rossignol Zenith Z3 Skis With Axium 120 Bindings also come with a new, easy, tool-free integrated ski/binding interface system where they simply slide onto the control beam for tool-free adjustment.

Features
Vibration Absorbing System (VAS)
Tool-Free Integrated Ski Bindings
TPI2 Dualtec Integral Construction
Dimensions: 121/72/100mm
Turn Radius: 16.4m (@ 170cm)
Recommended Use: Advance skiers
Warranty: One Year
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Type of Ski: Mid-Fat
Gender: Mens
Integrated Binding System: Yes
What Binding is Included?: Axium 120
Construction Features: Dualtec Integral
Tail: Straight
Model Year: 2007
Skill Range: 3-5

Use your Mountain Sports Club $10 off savings coupon and save even more now when shopping online or in the store at Sun and Ski Sports.

Rossignol skis continue to be one of the most popular and leading performance skis in the marketplace. Buy the Rossignol Zenith Z3 ski with Axium 120 binding now and save.

Happy New Year to all. This will be a New Year to remember for skiers and snowboarders nationwide. There are reports of powder and abundant snowfall coast to coast. Seldom have we seen such a balance of snow nationwide. Make sure to drive responsibly and get up and enjoy the great skiing and snowboarding. In Colorado we juts had another major storm drop new snow across the state. Unfortunately it also closed the main traffic route I -70 last night and into today. This is now clearing and should make for spectacular skiing and snowboarding if you can get there.

The weather is moderating with warmer temps, last week I skied a day at Arapahoe Basin where the high in the AM at the top of the mountain was -11. It was cold. The snow was fantastic. The toe warmers helped us to stay out and enjoy the day. Enjoy the holiday and take advantage of the great lift ticket discounts at the Mountain Sports Club. Look for new deals to be listed next week.

The snow continues to fall here in Boulder Colorado and throughout much of the Rockies and western mountains. Another 6 - 12 inches of snow is expected to fall today for the central Colorado Mountains. This ensures more powder skiing and snowboarding for many of the holiday vacationers and all the locals. Reports are of up to 40 inches of snow since last Friday at some of the Colorado resorts. Book your vacation and purchase discounted lift tickets and lodging at the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk.

As we review the various news wires one of the more interesting stories is the recent opening of Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia Canada. Open in time for the holiday ski and snowboard vacations, the area is forecasting 50,000 skier visits in year one. With over 4,700 vertical feet there is a massive amount of skiing and snowboarding. This area and region hosts a variety of heli and snowcat ski operations and abundant vertical feet with lots of powder skiing.

Check out this excerpt from their web site for a preview of what awaits you. I know this will be added to the travel schedule to make sure we sample the goods.

"Every year, more than 8,000 helicopter and snowcat skiers from around the world flock to Revelstoke, British Columbia, attracted by its perfect powder and varied alpine terrain. Now there is another way to ski Revelstoke's Mount Mackenzie - Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Upon completion, the resort will offer more than 20 lifts and over 100 ski and snowboard runs, transforming the area into a world-class destination. The $1-billion, four-season resort will be completed over 15 years and will include over 5,000 new housing units (1,500 resort condominiums, 2,000 hotel suites, 850 townhomes and 550 single-family lots), as well as more than 500,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, plus a signature golf course. With Revelstoke lift skiing, Revelstoke Cat Skiing, and Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a one-stop destination for lift, snowcat, and helicopter skiing."

Be sure to visit Mountain Sports Club when searching for discounts and savings on lift tickets, lodging, travel, shops and gear.

Christmas Day has arrived and the holiday ski and snowboard vacation is in full swing. We had another 6 inches plus of snow here in Boulder for Christmas day, which has crosscountry skis, snowshoes, sleds and other devices out an in use locally as well as at the mountain resorts. The snowfall winner in Colorado was Steamboat Springs reporting 19 inches out of the last storm. If the weather man is right we will have snow off and on through the holidays. This last storm brought snow to all the Colorado resorts, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and is tracking across the country.


While some lift ticket discounts may be restricted there are still discounts available for our members. Here is a spotlight on several discounts and savings for lift tickets, lodging and rentals valid now for the holidays:

• Crested Butte Colorado enjoying bountiful snow this season. The snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding are in mid-winter form. Members save $9 daily and up to $27 on already discounted multi day purchases.



• Monarch Mountain in Colorado offers great snow and small crowds. Abundant snow from recent storms ensures great ski and snowboard conditions. Members save up to $8 daily on lift tickets.



• Shawnee Mountain in the Pennsylvania Pocono mountains, has some of the best skiing and riding for the holidays in years. Mountain Sports Club members enjoy savings of up to $5 on lift tickets this holiday season.



• Pats Peak in New Hampshire has been a favorite ski and snowboard destination for families for decades. The big early snows has enabled Pats Peak to offer excellent conditions for this holiday ski and snowboard days. Members receive a $5 savings on lift tickets.



• Magic Mountain in Southern Vermont is serving up skiing and snowboarding over 16 trails as of today. Mountain Sports Club members save $10 on lift tickets this holiday season.

There are many more offers this holiday season and throughout the year. Be sure to check state pages and search the site. We look forward to anouncing new lift ticket offers, participating resorts and merchants at the start of the New Year.

We wish to welcome the recent new merchants who have just joined our growing network of merchants extending discounts and valuable offers to our members.

1. Boulder Bike and Ski - Save 20% on bike tunes and 10% on purchases. Conveniently located in South Boulder on the way out of town.



2. Moab Sports - A premier online retailer for the outdoor enthusiast. Free shipping on orders over $50.



3. Tahoe Mountain Sports - brings you the best in backcountry gear and outdoor equipment. We offer the highest quality outdoor gear equipment anywhere online or in person at Lake Tahoe. Take 5% off your entire online order with the promo code: TMS.



4. Hampton Inn - Littleton New Hampshire near Cannon and Bretton Woods - The Ski New Hampshire ski package saves skiers and snowboarders up to $40 when staying here.



5. Comfort Inn and Suites in St Johnsbury Vermont introduces the Ski Vermont Ski Package for skiers and snownboarders looking for the best in value. Close to Burke Mountain and Jay Peak.



6. Fairbanks Inn in St Johnsbury Vermont is another new lodge participant in the Ski Vermont Ski and Snowboard package for members.



7. The Bethel Inn located in Maine near Sunday River has just become a participating lodge. New offer should be posted any day.

Last days for December special. One year membership and choice of Freeskier or Snowboard magazince for one year, now only $10.95. Use promo code dec07 and register your premium membership now.

With the countdown to Christmas fully underway we keep getting last minute announcement from shops in the Mountain Sports Club to ensure you get the best gifts in time for the holidays.

Just in this morning was an announcement from Jenson USA - Upgrade to 2 Day Air at their expense. Huge selection of cycling gear, clothing at big savings. Last day...

New merchant located in the heart of the Colorado Ski Country. AB Ski and Sports is centrally located in Summit County. AB Ski and Sports, in Frisco is close to Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. Make sure to use the coupon for a discount of 10% on ski and/or snowboard rentals and in store purchases.

New lodging partners extending discounts for members on lodging and packages include:

• Comfort Inn - St Johnsbury, VT - Special Ski Vermont package, Save up to $40. Package includes choice of lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain and Jay Peak in Vermont, or Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire.
• Fairbanks Inn - St Johnsbury, VT - Special Ski Vermont package, Save up to $40. Package includes choice of lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain and Jay Peak in Vermont, or Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire.
• Hampton Inn in Littleton New Hampshire -Ski New Hampshire package. Save up to $40. Package includes choice of lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain and Jay Peak in Vermont, or Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire.

New Resort offer:

• Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe California - Special offer - Ski any four days and receive a 5th Day Free.

Quick view all the resort discounts across the nation or by state and save on lift tickets, lodging, shops and more. Discounts and savings at over 50 resorts nationwide. Join now and start saving. Premium memberships now only $10.95 for one year and includes your option of a one year magazine subscription to either Freeskier, or Snowboard. Use promotion code dec07 through December 31, 2007.

Enjoy the skiing and snowboarding. It is snowing so get out and have fun....

Looking for a place warm to rest up for your next day of skiing or snowboarding? Check out these great deals we have with lodges all over the US.

Colorado
Denver
Holiday Inn Lakewood - Arapahoe Basin Ski Package for only $119! Colorado Ski Package for 2 only $149!

Crested Butte
Peak Property Management - From Nov. 19th - Dec. 15th stay 5 nights, get the 6th FREE!

Monarch Mountain
Circle R Motel - Salida near Monarch. Save up to 15% on weekends!

Steamboat Springs
Mountain Resorts Inc - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
Bristol Hotel - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
Storm Meadows - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
The Ranch at Steamboat - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!

Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin(Summit County)
Summit Mountain Rentals - Frisco, Breckenridge, Dillon & Copper Mountain: Save 10% on direct bookings, 25% on mid week bookings!
Big Horn Rentals - Frisco: Save 10% on direct bookings!
Beaver Run Resort - Great value at any rate!
Summit Cove - Keystone: Save 20% on a 5 night stay. Save 10% on a 3 night stay!
Hotel Frisco - Frisco: Save 25% on last minute bookings. Save 10% on direct bookings!
Mtn Managers - Frisco: Save 10% on a 3 night stay!
Frisco Lodge - A great value at any rate!
Frisco Mountain Rentals - Frisco: Save 25% on last minute bookings. Save 10% on direct bookings.
Peak Property Management - Save 20% on all bookings made before Dec. 1st! Save 20% on last minute bookings! Save 10% on all lodging!

Vail
Apex Holiday Inn - Save 10% on all direct bookings.
Apex Condominiums Save 10% on direct bookings!

Maine
Sunday River
Bethel Inn - A great deal at any rate!

New Hampshire
Bretton Woods, Cannon, Burke or Jay Peak
Hampton Inn - Ski New Hampshire Package, only $109!
Franconia Notch Vacations - Stay 2 Mid-week nights, get the 3rd night FREE! Stay 3 Mid-week nights, get the 4th night FREE! Save 10$ on Adult Lift Tickets when you purchase a ski package with your accomidations!

Cannon Mountain/Loon Mountain & Waterville Valley Resort
Colonel Spencer Inn - Save 10% on 2 night stays! Save 10%-20% on lodging when you bring a friend!
Nordic Inn Condominium Resort - Save 10% on direct bookings!

Wildcat
Royalty Inn - Save 10% on a 2 night weekend/holiday stay! Save 20% on any Mid-week stay! Save 20$ on Lift Tickets to Wildcat!

New York
Hunter/Windham
Scribner Hollow Lodge - Save 10% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays! Save 10% on Weekend stays!

Utah
Park City
Prospector Square Lodge & Conference Center - Stay 2 nights, get the 3rd FREE!

Vermont
Burke, Jay Peak, Bretton Woods or Cannon
Comfort Inn & Suites - Ski Vermont Package!
Fairbanks Inn - A great deal at any rate!

Killington/Pico
Cortina Inn & Resort - Save 50% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays! Save 20% on Weekend, Non-Holiday stays!
Zola's Grille at Cortina - Save 10% on meals!
Ramada Inn Suites- Save 20% on Weekend, Non-Holiday stays! Save 50% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays!


Wyoming
Jackson Hole
Alpenhof Lodge - Save 20% on bookings of 4 days or more! Save 10% on direct bookings!
Ski Butlers - NOW serving Jackson Hole!


Additional lodges with package options are available using the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk - Book lodging, cars, airfare and complete packages at a discount. Choose from over 2000 properties and most major destinations. Members receive monthly promotion code for additional savings when booking through the Mountain Sports Club Travel desk.
Complete list of ticket list values here. Not a member? Register and join now and start saving on lift tickets, lodging, shopping and more in the mountains.

Countdown to the holidays. With office parties, visiting friends and family it is easy to run out of time for the final days of Christmas shopping. Our merchants are trying to make it easy for you.

Online retail merchants at the Mountain Sports Club Shop/Marketplace, continue to run specials enabling last minute gift shopping for those looking for gear for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, cyclists, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One example is $24 overnight shipping valid on purchases through Dec 20, noon central time, at Sun and Ski Sports, Rebel Board Sports and Ski Chalet. Shop any of these 3 sites online, use your $10 off coupon and take advantage overnight delivery. This one -two punch of savings and value is perfect for last minute gift shopping. Great deals on skis, snowboards, cycling gear, camping and outdoor gear.

Done shopping? Get out and ski or snowboard. There is great snow across the country. Check out all the lift ticket discounts available for Mountain Sport Club members. Now over 50 resorts to save on lift tickets.

Colorado local snow report: Not really a snow report just a skiing conditions update.

We had the chance to get out for a few hours yesterday at Arapahoe Basin. The skiing and snow was great. It was blue bird day with fast corduroy groomed runs and still a mix of soft broken snow with easy bumps on the steeps. It was warm in the front range but crisp and cold at Arapahoe Basin. The best snow on the mountain we found was on the west wall. Lots of soft easy carving on the steeps.

Lower on the mountain in the steeper terrain one could see rocks creeping through, that were not apparent on Saturday when we were last up. Snow is again forecast for the next couple of days will prove great at offering up some more fresh snow and improved conditions. This should allow the resorts to open even more advanced and expert terrain. They were preparing the terrain park at the top half of the mountain.

Editors note: The skiing will be very good for this holiday season in the central rockies, New England, midwest and southwest Colorado. We have also recently gotten a locals report that Jackson Hole in Wyoming is serving up great early season conditions. Place to stay - The Alpenhof Lodge. This classic European Ski Lodge is steps away from the base of the area in Teton Village. Great restaurant, apres ski, lounge, hot tub, suana, spa, pool and ambiance. Mountain Sports Club members Save up to 25%. We stayed there this summer and the place is a treat.

Memberships to the Mountain Sports Club now available for only $10.95. Use promo code combo07 and save now on your lift tickets, lodging, travel, shopping and more.

We, my son and I, were finally was able to get back up in the Colorado mountains and ski this past weekend. We left Boulder Saturday AM for Arapahoe Basin. I had not been to the mountains for several weeks. It was before the last several rounds of significant snowfall. It has been a major transformation of ski and snowboard conditions. The day offered mid winter conditions and cold, with lots of terrain open. It was cold crisp day with soft snow and broken powder available for those in search of soft snow and variable powder conditions. We started the day going directly to the top of the mountain. First the Exhibition lift and then over to the Lenawee lift. We jumped into nice soft corduroy to start once we slid off the lift. Compared to several weeks ago when it was hard and you needed to search for soft snow, now one could let the skis run and turns just flowed like a hot knife through butter.

After a top to bottom run mixing up groomers wiht broken snow, we decided to head for the Pali chair that was serving runs off of the west wall. It sure looked inviting and off we went. One of the great beauties of this day and many of my weekend days is I get to enjoy it with my skiing/riding buddy, my son Nicky. He is 10 and made the conversion from skier to boarder when he turned 7. He now rides the entire mountain as he loves to freeride, search soft steep snow and get off the beaten track. Once in a while he will jump into the park, but he enjoys the snow, different runs and exposures the mountain has to offer. We are still at a comparable pace and in a few years I am confidant it will be me struggling to keep pace.

The snow off the west wall is broken soft day old powder. Great cover and not very crowded. After dropping down and hitting the cruiser back to the bottom we decide one more shot at Pali for a different line before taking a warming break. Temps were high of 10 at the top and with the wind much colder.

In the afternoon as we had lunch we saw they had opened the main Palivacini run. We immediatley headed for the Pali chair after lunch. Patrol was at the gate letting us know there were exposed rocks, a thin snow pack for this time of year and to use caution. We gladly nodded our heads and off we went. The snow was very good. there were spots with some rock exposures, but to be expected. For December 15 it was excellent. One run here was adequate as the family we skied this with did not love it quite like we did.

The rest of the day was spent looking for different exposures of soft broken snow across the top of the mountain. We headed out around 3 to beat the I 70 traffic and had a quick easy ride home. The legs had some burn and it sure felt good to get a day of all mounains kiing and riding in.

Looking for discount lift tickets? Make sure to visit the Mountain Sports Club and view details on how to save on lift tickets, lodging, shops and more at Arapahoe Basin and 50 other North American Resorts.

Huge holiday promotions now underway:

12 days of Christmas Promotions. Check out these deals and start your shopping now.

Top brands like Yakima, Go Lite, MSR, Sierra Designs, Gregory, Big Agnes and more. Shop now.

Yakima Skybox Promotion.
Pro Series boxes $50 Manufacturer Rebate
Skybox boxes $25 Manufacturer Rebate
Dates valid= Dec 1 – Dec 30th 2007
Rebate information will be given to customer at time of purchase


GEARmass promos every day
GearMas Day Date Product Normal Price Deal Price
Day 1 12-Dec MSR Waterworks EX $139.95 $119.95
Day 2 13-Dec Big Agnes Stage Coach Duffle $179.00 $129.95
Day 3 14-Dec GoLite Lift-Less Pack $90.00 $50.00
Day 4 15-Dec Sierra Designs Wicked Fast 30 Deg Bag $239.95 $189.95
Day 5 16-Dec Sierra Designs Electron Tent $199.00 $159.95
Day 6 17-Dec Inov 8 RocLite 315 - Silver/Blue $90.00 $75.95
Day 7 18-Dec Gregory Areba Pack $149.00 $99.99
Day 8 19-Dec Sierra Designs Reverse Combi Tent $259.00 $219.95
Day 9 20-Dec Osprey Talon 44 Pack $159.00 $119.95
Day 10 21-Dec Big Agnes Cross Mountain Sleeping Bag $129.00 $109.95
Day 11 22-Dec Chrome Metropolis Messenger Bag $135.00 $99.95
Day 12 23-Dec ATC Waterproof Camera $129.99 $115.95

Integrated ski and binding packages continue to be popular for the vast majority of skiers looking for skis and bindings. With packages reaching and surpassing $1,000, many skiers in the market to buy skis need to look for deals on closeout skis to stay within their budgets. One of the best values we have seen is the deal of the week from Sun and Ski Sports. Purchase the K2 Stryker Ski with Marker binding package for only $549, includes free shipping. This deal of the week represents over a 40% discount on the regular price. Buy now and save.

A little details on this great ski package:

New in 07 was the K2 Apache Stryker Skis With Marker M1 12.0 Bindings. This ski and binding package from K2 skis was designed to be the perfect balance of ease, forgiveness and all mountain performance. Excelling in all snow conditions and terrain, the K2 Stryker Skis with Marker M1 12.0 bindings is designed to carve groomers as effortlessly as it rolls through softer snow and crud. Making this an excellent all mountain ski for many skiers. A moderate 74mm waist combined with a healthy degree of sidecut and forgiving flex provides the K2 Stryker Skis with Marker M1 12.0 Bindings with the perfect amount of performance and versatility. The new K2 Stryker Skis With Marker M1 12.0 Bindings integrated binding system and redesigned Mod Technology provides the Stryker with great performance for a variety of skier types.

Features
Dimensions: 118/74/103
Target Performance: 60% Groomed/ 40% Ungroomed
Radius: 17m@174cm
Construction: Torsion Box W/Fir Aspen Core
Features: MOD Technology, MOD Monic, Triaxial Braided,
K2/Marker M1 12.0 Bindings

Join Mountain Sports Club and save an additional $10 on this purchase and on lift tickets, lodging travel and more. One year memberships now on special sale, only $10.95. Use promotion code dec07 and register now, regular priced at $29.95!! Offer valid through December 31, 2007 and includes a one year magazine subscription to your choice of Freeskier or Snowboard magazine.

With the stretch run of the holiday shopping season upon us now is the time to make sure to shop the Mountain Sports Club shop to get the very best deals and discounts on this year's top gear.

Below are just some of the hot deals we are seeing from our shop partners:

Rebel Board Sports - one of the best selections on Burton Snowboards, clothing and Accessories. Burton is often hard to find online and these guys have a huge selection of the best Burton gear for this year.



Each year Transworld Snowboard Magazine announces the best boards as desginated by their staff of pros and writers. They receive the designation of Good Wood. Below is a link to shop these sweet boards for this season.



Ski Chalet has been awarded Retailer of the year on several occasions and now keeps us updated with their deal of the week.



Sun and Ski with stores in 6 states has prepared a series of Gift Guides to make it easy for you to shop and get the right gear within your budget.



Skiers Peak specializes in race gear and now offers members several coupons for savings on your shopping.

Mountain Chalet has hard to find vintage posters and sweet items for your mountain house or chalet. Now save $15 on any purchase of $75 or more.

Helmets anyone? Protect the brain bucket. Broken brains do not heal like bones. The folks at LDM helmets started the helmet rage over decade ago. They know helmets better than anyone. To make it even easier on your budget , now save 20% on this years sweet lids and helmets for skiing, riding adults and kids.

Need Cycling gear? The folks at Jenson USA guarantee the best price on all your cycling gear. Now the have a sereis of red hot gift deals every day till Christmas.

December has greeted skiers and snowboarders with a series of snow storms coast to coast. We are getting daily snow reports of feet of snow falling around the country from our resort partners. The New England and Midwest areas have enjoyed a banner start to the season while the west and Rockies are now getting pounded by a series of storms. This current series of storms and cold is providing areas the opportunity to open more and more terrain for skiers and snowboarders. Get out and enjoy the snow now!

In an effort to make it even easier to check out the best lift ticket and lodging offers for members, visit state specific pages highlighting resort lift ticket offers for members. We will keep updating these as new offers are available. New pages for California, Colorado, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming make it easy to bookmark and check out new additions as you look for resorts, or lodging, in your local area or favorite destination.

BOOK TRAVEL ONLINE & SAVE at the MSC Travel Desk- The MSC Travel Desk, currently is running two promotions for members. Our huge selection includes all major resort destinations with thousands of lodges and the best rates. This is a great time and way to plan your next winter ski and snowboard vacation.

1. Registered receive additional discounts that are emailed once they are registered off any purchase of lift tickets tickets and attractions. Purchase lift tickets in advance for savings at resorts like Stowe, Keystone, Copper, Breckenridge, Winter Park and more.


2. Members receive additional discounts via email off all Save Rate Hotel bookings . Book your next ski and snowboard vacation now at best rates. Literally thousands of hotels, condos & lodges available now for your next ski or snowboard trip.

Vacation packages at top resorts like Aspen, Vail, Killington, Whistler, Snowbird, Jackson Hole and more at the Travel Desk.

Holiday shopping is upon us! Find that special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list and don't forget yourself. Shop for gear, rentals and special service offers in the Mountain Sports Club Marketplace. New offers, merchants and holiday offers now available.

Stay tuned and make sure to get your skis and boards tuned and ready at your local shop. Want to rent or demo skis? New shops have been added and offers updated. Mountain Sports Club continues to add new merchants and offers.

Spotlight on NEW resorts and merchants:

RESORTS:

• Ski Cooper in Colorado, daily lift ticket offers up to $9 off.
• Smugglers Notch in Northern Vermont has great snow and this weekend is a demo weekend for trying out new gear. Members receive $10 off lift tickets.
• Shawnee in Pennsylvania opening this weekend. New member lift ticket offers just posted.
• Monarch in Colorado opening this weekend with new snow...

LODGING:

• Hampton Inn in Littleton, New Hampshire near Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods
• The Comfort Inn & Suites and Fairbanks Inn in St Johnsbury, Vermont - Ideally located to ski and ride at Burke Mountain and Jay Peak in Northern Vermont.

MERCHANTS:

• Need a helmet? 20% off on LDM Helmets from Leedom on this year's 07.08 helmets, buy direct for best price.
• Looking for that unique gift? Save $64 on SkiTrak(TM) + the Garmin Forerunner205 GPS! Obsessed with Skiing? Prove it! Track and map your skiing with SkiTrak(TM)!
• Welcome Teton Village Sports located at the base of Jackson Hole Resort. New online shopping offer.

Join in the fun and and post your own reports, reviews, photos or videos on the skiing and riding at http://www.mymountainsportsclub.com/. Upload your videos, photos and blogs and be eligible to win free schwag each month.
Share the Mountain Sports Club values and features with friends and family. Premium Memberships still available through the end of the month for only $10.95 each, use promotion code dec07 when registering. Promotion includes option of selecting Freeskier or Snowboard magazine subscription for one year included at this special rate.

Mountain Sports Club of North America would like to extend a huge
THANK YOU
to our partners:

Leedom Helmets

ZAPZ

Ski New Hampshire

SnowBoard

Freeskier

Be sure to add members@mountainsportsclub.com to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails.

Many happy turns to you, your family and friends,

John Siewierski

Mountain Sports Club of North America
825 South Broadway, Suite 25
Boulder, CO 800305
303.554.6555
303.479.7082 fax
members@mountainsportsclub.com

The month of November winds down today as snow storms begin to make sure resorts coast to coast have snow. It was an early Thanksgiving this year and mixed start of the ski and snowboard around the country. The good news is more areas keep opening as the season really gets going.

New members discounts keep rolling in for shops, lift tickets, lodging and more.

Alaska

• Alyeska - Save on lift ticket packages at our Travel Desk.

California

• Kirkwood - Stay and Ski FREE!



• Heavenly, Northstar At Tahoe, Sierra At Tahoe, Squaw Valley - Save on lift ticket packages at our Travel Desk.



• Bear Valley, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mammoth, Mt. Baldy - Search for lift tickets at our partner Liftopia.

Colorado

• Arapahoe Basin - Search for lift tickets at our partner Liftopia.



• Copper Mountain - Pure Mountain Outlet: When you purchase a $59 lift ticket to Copper get a FREE equipment rental!



• Crested Butte - Save $9 on an Adult Full Day. Save $18 on 2 out of 3 day Adult Lift Ticket. ONLY $186 3 out of 5 day Adult Lift Ticket!



• Loveland Ski Area - Save $7 on an Adult Full Day!



• Monarch - Save $8 on an Adult Full Day. Save $4 on a Junior Full Day. Save $2 on a Teen Full Day



• Powderhorn - Save $7 on an Adult Full Day!



• Ski Sunlight - Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd FREE!



• Ski Cooper - Save up to $9 daily on lift tickets!



• Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Winter Park - Save on lift ticket packages at our Travel Desk.

Idaho

• Silver Mountain - Stay and Ski for FREE!



• Brundage Mountain Resort - Search for lift ticket savings at our partner Liftopia.

Maine

• Saddleback - Ski for ONLY $25! Save $15 on Mid-week lift, Non-holiday lift tickets!



• Shawnee Peak - Buy 1 Mid-week Lift Ticket get the 2nd FREE. Save $6 on an Adult Full Day. Save $3 on a Junior Full Day!

Montana

• Big Sky - Purchase Lift Ticket packages at our Travel Desk.



• Moonlight Basin - Search for lift ticket savings with our partner Liftopia.

New Hampshire

• Cranmore - Dec. 21 Platinum Anniversary $3.30 Lift Tickets. Save $10 on an Adult Full Day. Save $5 on Senior/Teen/Youth Full Day. Save $5 on a Cranapalooza Night!



• King Pine - Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd FREE!



• Pats Peak - Save $5 on any Mid-week Night lift ticket, Save $10 on any Mid-week Full Day, Save $5 on Weekend Full Day



• Tenney - Purchase a lift ticket Sunday, Monday, Thursday or Friday and get the 2nd ticket FREE!



• Whaleback - Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd FREE!



• Wildcat - Save $10 on an Adult Full Day, FREE Group Lesson, Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd FREE!



• Gunstock Mountain Resort - Great deals for members including 2 for 1 lift tickets.

New Mexico

• Angel Fire, Red River Ski Area, Taos -Search for Lift Ticket savings at our partner Liftopia.

New York

• Holiday Mountain - Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd FREE!



• Plattekill - Buy 1 Lift Ticket, get the 2nd Free!



• Windham - Buy 1 Mid-week Lift Ticket, get the 2nd Free!



• Hunter, Whiteface - Search for lift ticket savings at our partner Liftopia.

Nevada

• Diamond Peak - Save $9 on an Adult Full Day lift ticket!

Pennsylvania

• Liberty - Save $5 on a Full Day lift ticket!



• Ski Roundtop - Save $5 on a Full Day lift ticket!



• Whitetail - Save $5 on a Full Day lift ticket!



• Seven Springs - Search for additional lift ticket savings with our partner Liftopia.

Utah

• Snowbird, Park City, Brighton, Brian Head, Solitude, The Canyons - Search for additonal lift ticket saving swith our partner Liftopia.



• Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Park City, The Canyons - Purchase lift ticket packages at our Travel Desk.

Vermont

• Mad River Glen - Save $6 on a Full Day lift ticket!



• Magic Mountain - Save $10 on a Weekend lift ticket! Save $14 on a Mid-week lift ticket!



• Smugglers' Notch - Save $10 on an Adult Full Day lift ticket!



• Stowe - Purchase lift ticket packages at our Travel Desk or search for additional lift ticket savinging at our partner Liftopia.



• Okemo - Search for lift ticket savings with our partner Liftopia.

Wyoming

• Snow King, Jackson Hole - Search for additional lift ticket savings with our partner Liftopia.

Canada

• Apex Mountain Resort, Mt Seymour, Sun Peaks Resort - Search for additional lift ticket savings with our partner Liftopia.



• Sun Peaks, Whistler Blackcomb - Purchase lift ticket packages with our Travel Desk.

Not a Mountain Sports Club Member yet? Join and register now for only $9.95!

Use Promo Code combo07 and get a Premium membership including your choice of a year long magazine subscription from either: Freeskier of Snowboard - Offer valid until 12/31/07.

Update from Colorado....

The Thanksgiving holiday and a kick off to the ski and snowboard season is upon us. We are all looking for a week of snow and storms to get the more ski areas and terrain open. Fortunately a storm is bringing snow to the mountains for the holidays and weekend. Recently, we skied at Arapahoe Basin on Monday as the kids had off from school for Veteran’s day. Arapahoe Basin has just recently opened top to bottom skiing so we would take the two chairs and have a pretty good length top to bottom cruiser. It snowed lightly all day and the new snow provided some soft snow to carve turns on. We also took time to walk over to the top and take a peek at the terrain that will be serviced by the new Montezuma Chair into Montezuma Bowl. This new chair will usher in a new era, providing the area with 80% more skiable terrain. With a full variety of runs and access for everyone from cruisers to extreme access, A Basin will ski much differently from this point on.

The new chair is the most talked about addition, but the area just opened a new mid mountain base lodge – Black Mountain Lodge to accompany a more modest lodge at the top that opened last year. This came on the heels of a new building for rentals next to the ticket window. Given no one will mistake the experience for Beaver Creek, but Arapahoe Basin has taken a giant step forward improving the guest experience and open significant new terrain. This opening of the Montezuma Bowl has been eagerly awaited by locals skiing and riding at the Basin for years. Now Mountain Sports Club members can enjoy lift ticket savings by using the pre-purchase program in conjunction with Liftopia. Discounts vary but are currently available.

Loveland Ski Area was the second Colorado ski and snowboard resort to open this year and beat many of the resorts. Currently there are several chairs and runs open. With the high elevation, Northern exposure on many of the runs and significant snowmaking, they may be offering the best variety of terrain to ski and snowboard at this time of year. With easy access to the front range and limited terrain open at most resorts, Loveland is our suggested skiing and snowboarding stop this weekend for Colorado skiers and riders heading to the slopes. Make sure to download your lift ticket discount at the Mountain Sports Club. This discount is off the early season rate and provides members with the best price on lift tickets for early season skiing and snowboarding.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort opened this past weekend and it is the start of the FREE lift tickets promotion. Yes just show up and the tickets are free. With millions of dollars of investment in new lifts and terrain the current ownership wants you to test the product. Can’t make the early season?

Make sure to use the single or multi day lift ticket discounts available to Mountain Sports Club members. Savings start at $9 off per day on lift tickets in peak season.

Not a member yet? Register and join today. Early season offer of one year membership and a one year subscription still available at only 19.95. Use promo code mag07 and start saving today.

Traveling this Holiday Season? We have some great savings on lodging and packages for Mountain Sports Club Members no matter where your holiday plans take you! Book now for best rates and selection.

Colorado
Denver

• Holiday Inn Lakewood - Arapahoe Basin Ski Package for only $119! Colorado Ski Package for 2 only $149!

Crested Butte

• Peak Property Management - From Nov. 19th - Dec. 15th stay 5 nights, get the 6th FREE!

Monarch Mountain

• Circle R Motel - Salida near Monarch. Save up to 15% on weekends!

Steamboat Springs

• Mountain Resorts Inc - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
• Bristol Hotel - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
• Storm Meadows - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!
• The Ranch at Steamboat - Save up to 15% on direct bookings!

Summit County - Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin

• Big Horn Rentals - Frisco: Save 10% on direct bookings!
• Beaver Run Resort - Great value at any rate!
• Summit Cove - Keystone: Save 20% on a 5 night stay. Save 10% on a 3 night stay!
• Hotel Frisco - Frisco: Save 25% on last minute bookings. Save 10% on direct bookings!
• Mtn Managers - Frisco: Save 10% on a 3 night stay!
• Frisco Lodge - A great value at any rate!
• Frisco Mountain Rentals - Frisco: Save 25% on last minute bookings. Save 10% on direct bookings.
• Peak Property Management - Save 20% on all bookings made before Dec. 1st! Save 20% on last minute bookings! Save 10% on all lodging!

Vail

• Apex Holiday Inn - Save 10% on all direct bookings. Save 15% on stays between Nov. 1st and Dec. 15th!
• Apex Condominiums Save 10% on direct bookings!

New Hampshire
Ski 93 - Cannon Mountain/Loon Mountain & Waterville Valley Resort

• Colonel Spencer Inn - Save 10% on 2 night stays! Save 10%-20% on lodging when you bring a friend!
• Nordic Inn Condominium Resort - Save 10% on direct bookings!
• Royalty Inn - Save 10% on a 2 night weekend/holiday stay! Save 20% on any Mid-week stay! Save 20$ on Lift Tickets to Wildcat!
• Franconia Notch Vacations - Stay 2 Mid-week nights, get the 3rd night FREE! Stay 3 Mid-week nights, get the 4th night FREE! Save 10$ on Adult Lift Tickets when you purchase a ski package with your accomidations!

New York
Hunter/Windham

• Scribner Hollow Lodge - Save 10% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays! Save 10% on Weekend stays!

Utah

Park City

• Prospector Square Lodge & Conference Center - Stay 2 nights, get the 3rd FREE!

Vermont
Killington/Pico

• Cortina Inn & Resort - Save 50% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays! Save 20% on Weekend, Non-Holiday stays!
• Zola's Grille at Cortina - Save 10% on meals!
• Ramada Inn Suites- Save 20% on Weekend, Non-Holiday stays! Save 50% on Mid-week, Non-Holiday stays!

Wyoming
Jackson Hole

• Alpenhof Lodge - Save 20% on bookings of 4 days or more! Save 10% on direct bookings!
• Ski Butlers - NOW serving Jackson Hole!

Additional lodges with package options are available using the Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk - Book lodging, cars, airfare and complete packages at a discount. Choose from over 2000 properties and most major destinations. Members receive monthly promotion code for additional savings when booking through the Mountain Sports Club Travel desk.

Complete list of ticket list values here.

Not a member? Register and join now and start saving on lift tickets, lodging, shopping and more in the mountains.

The Mountain Sports Club Travel Desk just posted and made available discounted lift tickets available for popular ski and snowboard destinations Breckenridge and Keystone Resort in Colorado.

Those purchasing tickets for will use the online booking engine at the Mounatin Sports Club. Lift ticket discounts are available throughout the year and include multi-day tickets. Keystone just opened last Friday November 2 for the season and Breckenridge is scheduled to opne for the ski and snowboard seaosn this Friday November 9, 2007.

Take advantage of great savings for skiers and snowboarders at the Mountain Sports Club. Register today and start saving. Special blog price only $9.95 includes your choice of a years subscription to either Snowboard or Freeskier. Use promo code combo07 when purchasing your membership and save on your next ski and snowboard vacation or ski day.