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Updated: Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 2:30 p.m.

STARGAZING SET FOR SQUAW VALLEY

    SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (June 25, 2009) - Squaw Valley USA’s summer stargazing sessions at High Camp, el 8200’, quickly became one of Squaw’s most popular summer activities. For that reason, Stargazing Sessions will take place every Friday and Saturday Evening in July and August, excluding Full Moon Hike dates. Short seminars on astronomy are offered to those who are interested and astronomers will be available to provide information on telescope use and sky watching. Stargazing is FREE with the purchase of a Cable Car ticket. This summer’s Stargazing dates are July 11, July 18, August 1, August 8, August 15, and August 22, 2009.
    Professional astronomers Paul and Gigi Giles bring a variety of high-powered telescopes to High Camp, offering guests the chance to explore the majesty and wonders of the night sky. Summer’s clear, crisp evenings, and Squaw Valley USA’s high elevation and light pollution-free skies create an excellent opportunity to view a variety of astronomical marvels not regularly seen by the naked eye such as constellations, planets, satellites, galaxies, nebula, star clusters, double stars, the Milky Way and even meteor showers.
    Astronomy buffs of all ages can join Paul and Gigi Giles for the Perseid Meteor Shower Overnight Campout taking place this summer on August 12, 2009.
    The telescopes are available beginning at dusk and guests may come and go at their leisure. Guests simply take turns looking through the telescopes. Sometimes, on busy evenings there may be a short wait. All ages are welcome. No reservations are needed.
    Stargazing is FREE with a Cable Car ticket. After 5 pm Cable Car tickets are $12 for adults, youth & seniors and $5 for children.
    More information on Stargazing at High Camp is available by calling 530-583-6985 or on www.squaw.com.
 

2010 ALPINE SKI TEAMS NAMED

    PARK CITY, Utah, Calif. (June 25, 2009) - Two-time World Cup overall champion and double World Championships gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) along with Olympic gold medalists Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) and Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) lead a high caliber group of athletes named to the 2010 U.S. Alpine Ski Team.
    The Team includes four training groups competing across the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup, Europa Cup and NorAm Cup levels. Separate teams will also be named for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and FIS Alpine Junior World Championships.
    Vonn moves into the Olympic season on the heels of the most successful season in U.S. women's alpine skiing history. In five months, Vonn defended her World Cup overall and downhill titles, added the super G title, captured two gold medals at the World Championships and nine World Cup victories across four disciplines, including an international record four consecutive super G wins. She also finished in the top 10 World Cup standings for slalom and giant slalom, making the 24-year-old a solid medal contender in five events.
    "It goes without saying that we have the reigning World Champion and two-time World Cup overall champion in Lindsey Vonn on this Team," said Women's Alpine Head Coach Jim Tracy. "She's already doing whatever it takes to continue that run in both the World Cup and at the Olympics."
    Mancuso was an underdog going into the Torino Games, yet exited the event as a 21-year-old Olympic giant slalom champion. Now a proven winner on the World Cup, she enters the 2010 season following a winter that didn't live up to her ability or expectations, which is more than enough motivation for Mancuso.
    "Julia is the defending Olympic giant slalom champion and that's something she's serious about defending," added Tracy. "She's taking charge of her program and so are all the athletes on this Team. We now have a number of racers with the experience and talent to make their mark. That's the tone we're setting this season."
    Already a proven medal threat after stunning the 2006 Olympic field with a combined gold medal, Ligety earned a bronze medal in giant slalom at the recent World Championships and is the discipline title winner from the 2008 World Cup season.
    Joining Ligety are World Cup winners Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) and Steven Nyman (Provo, UT), along with a solid group of young guys eager to make a personal impact on international skiing. Last season, the men's program produced the greatest finish in U.S. Ski Team history as five Americans finished in the top 10 during a downhill in Val Gardena, Italy.
    "This is a larger Team than we've had in the past, but it's still a very young Team" said Men's Alpine Head Coach Sasha Rearick. "The average age of the A Team is 26 and that says a lot about the future of this program. We also have a group of C Team athletes with tremendous talent and they're going to push the other guys. It's a good balance."
    Also named are a group of 15 Development Team athletes all with birthdates in the early 1990's. The Development Team is the first step on the U.S. Ski Team ladder and includes the best young athletes from some of the top ski racing clubs in the country.
 

ART, WINE, MUSIC FESTIVAL AT SQUAW

    SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (June 25, 2009) - In its eighth year, the popular Art, Wine and Music Festival returns to the Village at Squaw Valley USA on July 18-19, 2009. With the backdrop of Squaw Valley’s marvelous mountain peaks, the festival features two days of original art showcased by the artists in open-air booths throughout the European-style pedestrian village, and afternoons filled with benefit wine tastings and live musical performances on two outdoor stages. The Art, Wine, & Music Festival is free to the public.
    The Art, Wine and Music Festival draws esteemed artists in a variety of mediums from around the region and across the country. This year more than thirty artists have been selected to showcase their respective art forms including sculpture, fiber, photography, graphics, jewelry, glass, wood sculpture and mixed media, as well as 12 wineries. The festival provides an upscale venue for artists to display and sell original work to the public. Festival hours are 10 am to 6 pm on July 18 & 19.
    There are also many activities for children to partake in at the Art, Wine & Music Festival. Mini golf on the 18-hole miniature golf course, the Sky Jump Bungee Trampoline, candle making at Waxen Moon and giant games are also available to amuse youngsters while parents enjoy art, sip wine, and take-in live music close-by.
    The festival features free live music throughout the weekend on two outdoor stages. From 2 pm to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday (July 18 & 19) the Ivan Najera Trio performs Latin Jazz and James Patrick Reagan plays slide double neck guitar. The two bands perform on separate stages, alternating from Saturday to Sunday. Both concerts are free to the public.
    The weekend also includes a benefit wine tasting featuring select California wineries each afternoon from 2 to 6 pm. With a donation of $25, festival goers gain entry into the wine tasting and receive a commemorative wine glass. The proceeds from the tasting benefit the Tahoe Forest Hospital, Tahoe Arts for the Schools, and Tahoe Adaptive Ski School.
    For more information on the Art, Wine & Music Festival or any of Squaw Valley’s summer events, please call 530-583-6985 or visit www.thevillageatsquaw.com.
 

FULL-MOON HIKING TOURS JULY 6-7 & AUG. 4-5

    SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (June 19, 2009) - For an experience that garners peace, tranquility and the stunning beauty of the upper mountain in the evening twilight, Squaw Valley USA offers Full Moon Hikes during the full moon in July and August. This summer, Full Moon Hikes are scheduled for July 6 & 7, and August 4 & 5, 2009.
    Full Moon Hikes offer hikers the opportunity to climb to Squaw Valley’s majestic peaks through fields of wildflowers under the glow of the full moon. Hikers are treated to inspiring views as the moon rises over Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra wilderness basks in the moonlight. These moderate level hikes last roughly three hours. Guests are free to explore and walk at their own pace.
    High Camp, at the top of the Cable Car, is an ideal trailhead for mountain exploration. By riding the Cable Car to elevation 8200’, guests can easily access the beautiful views from Squaw’s mountain peaks without a long ascent. Knowledgeable hiking guides provide a wealth of information about the geology, flowers, trees and animals native to the region as well as Squaw Valley history and environmental sustainability projects currently underway at the resort.
    The Full Moon Hikes begin from High Camp, el. 8200’ at approximately 6:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to load the Cable Car by 6 pm in order to arrive at High Camp before hikes depart. Full Moon Hikes are $5 for adults, youth & seniors and free for children. An evening Cable Car & Hike Package is $15 for adults, youth & seniors and $5 for children. Sturdy shoes and warm clothes are recommended, and hikers are encouraged to bring water and a flashlight.
    Can’t make it for the full moon? Squaw Valley also offers guided Sunset Hikes on July 10 & 11, July 17 & 18, July 24, July 31 & August 1, August 7 & 8, August 14 & 15, and August 21 & 22, 2009.
2009 Guided Full Moon & Sunset Hike Pricing
    Hike Only (from High Camp): ADULT=$5 / CHILD (12 & under) = FREE
Evening Cable Car/Hike Package (on sale at 4:45 pm): ADULT=$15 / CHILD (12 & under) = $5
    More information about Full Moon Hikes, Sunset Hikes, and Squaw Valley’s Hiking Center is available at www.squaw.com or by calling 530-583-6985.

SQUAW VALLEY OPENS FOR SUMMER JUNE 20

    SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (June 19, 2009) -After a wet shoulder season, Squaw Valley’s summer season is welcomed by colorful wildflowers, lush greenery, and brilliant sunshine. Squaw Valley USA kicks off summer operations with the opening of the Cable Car and High Camp Bath & Tennis on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
    Summer 2009 is colored with a spectacular lineup of events including the Wanderlust Festival’s three days of music, yoga, and nature on the upper mountain, the Art, Wine & Music Festival, the Soaring Kites and Music Festival, Wild Wild West Weekend, the Perseid Meteor Shower Campout, and on-going Full Moon Hikes, Sunset Hikes and Stargazing sessions.
    Saturday, June 20 marks the opening of Squaw Valley’s aerial Cable Car and High Camp, el. 8200’. Atop the Cable Car, High Camp is the hub of summertime activity in Squaw Valley, complete with an oversized Swimming Lagoon and Spa, expansive sundecks, an Olympic-sized Ice Skating Pavilion, tennis courts, restaurants, bars, the outdoor summer concert stage and spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. The Cable Car also provides access to excellent hiking in Squaw Valley’s upper mountain bowls and canyons, and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
    The Cable Car operates daily from 10:40 am to 9 pm with trips to High Camp every 20 minutes during the high season (July 3 through August 22). When there are no night operations, the Cable Car operates daily from 9:40 am to 4 pm, with the last Cable Car down leaving at 5 pm (June 20 - July 2 & August 23 - September 13).
    Cable Car prices are $24 for adults, $18 for youth and seniors and $6 for children 12 and under. After 5 pm, adults, youth, and seniors ride for $12 and children for $5. Evening activities include ice skating, Sunset Dinners overlooking Lake Tahoe, Sunset Hikes and special events such as Full Moon Hikes and Stargazing.
    In conjunction with the start of summer mountain operations, the Village at Squaw Valley USA hosts the Squaw Valley Pacific Fine Arts Festival from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21. www.thevillageatsquaw.com
    Early Saturday morning, June 27, endurance athletes convene in Squaw Valley for the running of the 36th annual Western States 100. One of the oldest ultra trail events in the world, this race begins at Squaw Valley USA and travels one hundred miles along the Western States Trail to the finish in Auburn. www.ws100.com/
    More information on summer at Squaw Valley is available by calling 530-583-6985, or on www.squaw.com.
 

HEAVENLY OPENS SUMMER ACTIVITIES

    SO. LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (June 14, 2009) - Heavenly Mountain Resort (www.skiheavenly.com) is taking the classic family summer vacation to new heights – 9,156 feet to be exact. The Heavenly Gondola is now open for sightseeing and adventure activities – including the Heavenly Flyer zip line cable ride – for the summer months. The Heavenly Gondola is a must-do summer family attraction in Lake Tahoe, providing picture perfect views every family will want to share with friends and family.
    “Summer in South Lake Tahoe is very special. The weather is typically sunny and warm and the views are absolutely amazing,” said John Wagnon, Heavenly’s vice president of marketing. “Lake Tahoe is one of California’s iconic vacation spots and there’s no better panoramic view of Lake Tahoe than the view from the Gondola observation deck and the activities at the top of the gondola provide fun for the entire family.”
    The Heavenly Gondola will operate through September 7 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for sightseeing. Throughout the summer the Adventure Peak activities area will operate the Heavenly Flyer zip line ride, the Spider Climber and the multi-level climbing wall from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Three hiking trails will be open daily, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. A hiking map with trail length and difficulty can be picked-up on site. Dining choices will include Café Blue, serving hot beverages, drinks and light snacks on the observation deck, the full-service Adventure Peak BBQ and the Umbrella Bar at the top of the Gondola; all open daily from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
    The Heavenly Flyer ZipRider cable ride at Adventure Peak is the world’s most scenic adventure ride. At 3,300 feet long, it is the longest zip line in the continental U.S. Guests can soak in sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains while they zoom at speeds up to 50-miles-per-hour. The elevated zip line carries flyers a hundred feet above the ground on an 80-second heart-pounding ride from the Launch Pad at the top of Tamarack Express to the Landing Zone just beyond the Gondola station, a vertical drop of 525 feet (roughly the same height as the Space Needle).
   The Heavenly Flyer will operate throughout the summer from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with rides beginning on the half-hour and hour. Flyers must check in at Mission Control, located at the top of the Heavenly Gondola, at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled flight time. Tickets can be purchased in advance at 1-800-HEAVENLY, at the ticket windows at the base of the Gondola or the Adventure Peak Sales Booth located next to the Umbrella Bar at the top of the Gondola. Rides are $40 plus the cost of a Heavenly Gondola sightseeing ticket (adults $30).
 

SBX HITS THE HOOD

    MT. HOOD, Oregon (June 5, 2009) -With the first of five Olympic qualification events only three months away, U.S. Snowboarding's snowboardcross athletes head to Timberline at Mt. Hood this week to lay the foundation for success in 2010.
    "The first Olympic qualifying event will be in September and when we get there, everyone needs to be on their game," U.S. Snowboarding Head Coach Peter Foley said. "With this camp we're hoping to be able to up the level of everyone's skills. We want them to get really familiar with all the movements, the jumps and timing so that when they go to the qualifying event they feel like they have some stuff under their belt and confidence in what they are doing."
    With up to four spots open on the men's Olympic team and the most talented men's lineup in U.S. SBX history, the likes of Olympic champion Seth Wescott (Sugarloaf, ME), five-time X Games gold medalist Nate Holland (Squaw Valley, CA), World Championship bronze medalist Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, MI),World Cup winner Graham Watanabe (Sun Valley, ID), World Cup podium performer Jonathan Cheever (Saugus, MA) Olympic halfpipe gold medalist Ross Powers (Londonderry, VT) and snowboarding legend Shaun Palmer (South Lake Tahoe, CA) will all be preparing themselves for the battle of their lives to reach their Olympic dreams.
    Adding to the pack is Olympic silver medalist Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT), who will be gearing up for the long haul to Vancouver.
    According to Watanabe, who has been training at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's newly opened Center of Excellence, he's looking to put in some time getting accustomed to being back on a board following his summer break.
    "It's a foundation. I'm not looking to reach goals, I'm just looking to get my board legs under me and reach some of those muscles that you can't really train unless your ride. I want to get those firing and get some time on the board," Watanabe said.
    For the camp, the crew at Timberline has played an integral role in providing the athletes with a set up tailored for their preparation as the resort has carved out prime real estate for the SBX course to be constructed.
    "Timberline has been super helpful. The place where we are putting the course is right down the main run and it is ideal terrain. It's sweet that they are letting us build a course there," Foley said.
    For Foley, the key to preparing the athletes for the season ahead is building a setup that provides them with the ability to fine tune the skills before working in the speed.
    "We're trying to build some start sequences that are similar to what Jeff Ihaksi, the Olympic course builder, has been building," Foley said. "There's also a bunch of terrain, but we're keeping the speeds down so the athletes can really concentrate on working the terrain and the different skills involved in that. It's good to focus on how to execute the features really well without having to lay everything on the line."
    It won't be all on-snow work, though, as the athletes will spend time dryland training, working out the details of their summer training program, and having a little fun on wheels and in the water.
    "We're going to be doing a lot of mountain biking and a lot of dryland stuff. We want to get people situated with their programs. We want to get everyone lined up down to the details. We'll also try to get some fun stuff in like kite surfing," Foley said.
    One athlete in particular is looking to his time on a mountain bike for the benefits it will provide his riding.
    "For me that type of training is really big. One of my goals for the past few years has been to scare myself on a regular basis and pushing my limits on a bike is great for that," Watanabe said. "I've been doing more dirt jumping. I feel like it helps my SBX because it's a similar element of matching transitions and understanding what speeds you have."
    The crew heads to Mt. Hood on the 7th for two weeks of on-snow preparation before launching into summer-long fitness programs in the lead up to the 2010 season.
 

USSA NAMES 2010 NORDIC COMBINED TEAM

    PARK CITY, Utah (June 4, 2009) - Reigning World Championship gold medalists Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, CO) and Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY), along with 2003 World Champion Johnny Spillane (Steamboat Springs, CO) set the bar high as the newly named U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team enters the 2010 Olympic season.
    "The U.S. has established itself as one of the premier nordic combined nations and this team nomination displays our commitment to maintaining our tradition of winning," U.S. Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "With three World Champions, four talented returning athletes, and three rookies making a debut, this is a Team focused on Olympic success for not only this year, but many years to come."
    Three athletes were named to the A Team and seven to the B Team. The 2010 Olympic Team, which will be named primarily from current season results, will be announced January 21, 2010.
    "The team as a whole has strength in that everyone is working together on a daily basis and making each other better every day. Everyone shares in each other's successes and get better because of them," U.S. Nordic Combined Head Coach Dave Jarrett said. "To have three of the best nordic combined skiers in the world to train with on a daily basis pushes everyone. The success of Todd, Billy and Johnny is what everyone is striving to be on the team. That's the kind of competition we're trying to instill in the group."
    With a remarkable return to the sport at the age of 32 after two years of retirement Lodwick had a remarkably historic season which included two World Championship gold medals. Now officially named to the Team, Lodwick provides an integral key to the pursuit of U.S. nordic success in 2010.
    "Todd is a veteran and he brings an enthusiasm to the group. He's been good for the guys to be around. He's a definite threat and he proved that in Liberec at World Championships last season," Jarrett said.
    Packing both a gold and bronze World Championship medal in his arsenal as well as five World Cup wins from the 2009 season, Demong heads into the 2010 season ahead of the curve with a stronger foundation than he's had in years past.
    "He's motivated and he knows the task at hand. He's going into this next season more prepared than he was last season both physically and mentally," Jarrett said. "He knows that anything is possible in Whistler and it's possible to keep on making history like he has been for the past three years."
    With a handful of solid top-10 results in the World Cup, Spillane is on track to remain a consistent threat for the podium.
    Adding to the Team's potential for success is the nordic combined B Team which hosts seven athletes on the cusp of success on the world's stage. The roster includes Eric Camerota (Park City, UT) who proved his abilities by earning for the fourth spot on the men's relay team at World Championships. Joining Camerota will be his twin Brett, and Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) who were both a part of the 2009 U.S. World Championships team.
    "It's great to see their enthusiasm and hunger to get better. They are enthusiastic and bring a new dynamic to the group," Jarrett said.
    The U.S. Nordic Combined Team's training season has already been off to a great start as athletes flock to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's new home, the Center of Excellence in Park City.
    "Because this team is primarily based out of Park City, the athletes will gain huge training advantage from the use of the Center of Excellence for daily training, testing and recovery in the lead up to the 2010 season," Farra said.
 

DYLAN, NELSON IN CONCERT AT HARVEYS

    STATELINE, Nev.  (May 22, 2009) - Harveys Lake Tahoe and Another Planet Entertainment are pleased to announce Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson will perform on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena for the 2009 Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series.
    Although the two American music icons have performed in the area over the decades, this is the first time they have shared the bill in concert in Northern Nevada.
    Bob Dylan’s new album, Together Through Life, has entered both the U.S. and UK album charts at #1, marking the artist’s second consecutive U.S. #1 debut and his first chart-topping release in the UK since New Morning in 1970. A true international hit, Together Through Life achieved #1 debuts in Austria and Denmark, Top 5 entries in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Holland, Norway Switzerland, Sweden and New Zealand, and Top 10 rankings in Italy, France and Belgium.
    Before the early 1970s, Willie Nelson was known primarily as a top songwriter, penning hits such as, “Night Life,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Touch Me” and “Crazy” for other performers. When his concept album, Red Headed Stranger, took off and established the “outlaw country” music phenomenon, Willie became one country music’s greatest hitmakers in his own right. Still making great music at age 76, Nelson’s latest CDs include: Moment of Forever; Naked Willie; and Willie and the Wheel (with Asleep at the Wheel).
    Tickets go on-sale Monday, June 1, at 10 a.m. PDT through TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or www.apeconcerts.com
    Tickets are $59.50, $69.50, $89.50 and $125. Show time is 7 p.m.
 

ALPINE TEAM OPENS SPRING TRAINING

    MAMMOTH, Calif.  (May 18, 2009) - Batter up! Following individual testing sessions at the newly opened U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's Center of Excellence in Park City, the men's U.S. Alpine Ski Team officially opens spring training this week as 11 athletes nominated for the 2010 squad arrived at Mammoth Mountain.
    "This is a key camp for a couple of reasons," said Men's Alpine Head Coach Sasha Rearick. "It's the first opportunity for our entire staff to get together and lay out our goals, not just with the athletes, but for the coaches too. We all set goals.
    "It's also going to be an opportunity for the athletes to refine the technical fundamentals they learned last season. Last year was all about innovation with this program, now we're going to refine that innovation so we can execute in all situations."
    The 10-day session will feature super G and giant slalom training for the speed group and a combination of slalom, giant slalom and super G for the technical group.
    "Each of these guys has a weakness in one of these disciplines," said Rearick. "We’re going to work on repetition and get those little things cleaned up. Mammoth does a really good job providing us with everything we need to focus on what we need to do. They go out of their way to build terrain so we can keep things running smoothly with the guys. They are an incredible partner and always step up to the plate with the best possible conditions."
    "We're very proud to have the U.S. Ski Team begin its Olympic preparation here in Mammoth," said Mammoth Mountain CEO Rusty Gregory. "We still have great ski conditions and it's an exciting opportunity for our staff, community and our resort guests to have the men with us in Mammoth."
    Campers include Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA), Erik Fisher (Middleton, ID), Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV) and Jimmy Cochran (Keene, NH).
    "This is mostly about going back to the most basic things and working on the same sort of fundamental drills that we all did as a kid," said Fisher, who qualified for A Team status after a season that produced a downhill top-10 finish in Val Gardena, Italy. "Mammoth is a perfect place for this camp. We had a good Spring Series there last month and it's a good scene for training. They go all out for ski racing. It's much appreciated."
    Notably absent from snow while recovering from injury are World Championship giant slalom bronze medalist Ted Ligety (Park City, UT), Steven Nyman (Provo, UT), TJ Lanning (also Park City), Scott Macartney (Crystal Mountain, WA) and Will Brandenburg (Dakota Dunes, SD).
    "All those guys are doing great," said Rearick. "None of them have had any complications and they're focused on staying with their recovery programs. Ted, TJ, Will and Steven have been working in Park City and Scotty has been in and out of town a lot. They're looking and feeling good."
    Prior to the annual Audi FIS Alpine World Cup opening preliminarily set for October 24-25 in Soelden, Austria, the men's Team will also train on snow in New Zealand and Chile during the summer months.
    Between camps, the athletes stick to a custom built conditioning program built from their recent testing results from the Center of Excellence.
    "As soon as we leave Mammoth, Per [Lundstam, USSA Strength and Conditioning Manager] will have a complete program ready to go for these guys and they'll keep plugging on that, but most guys are in and out of the Center of Excellence all summer."
    The Center of Excellence officially opened its doors to athletes on May 1, but a public opening is set for July.

BEAVER CREEK/VAIL BIDS ON CHAMPIONSHIPS

    VAIL, Colo.  (May 6, 2009) - The Vail Valley has officially begun the process of pursuing its dream of hosting a third World Alpine Ski Championships, as the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has selected Beaver Creek/Vail as the American candidate applicant for the 2015 Championships.
    The Vail Valley played host to the 1989 and 1999 World Championships and has been a part of the FIS Alpine World Cup since the circuit's inception in 1967. The annual Birds of Prey men's World Cup is one of the most popular on the six-month global circuit each season.
    "Beaver Creek/Vail has long been one of the world's foremost leaders and innovators in alpine ski racing," said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. "The USSA is proud to put Beaver Creek/Vail forward as our candidate for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. It's the right time for this prestigious event to come back to America."
    "We are excited to get underway with the candidate process," offered Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation" and we look forward to working closely with USSA and all of our partners to bring home the Championships."
    The USSA and Beaver Creek/Vail submitted the candidacy application to the FIS by the May 1 preliminary deadline. The FIS has established an Oct. 31 date for each bid candidate to confirm its application, given the outcome of television and sponsorship contract negotiations.
    In addition to Beaver Creek/Vail, other candidate applicants for the 2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships are expected to include St. Moritz, Switzerland and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Both St. Moritz and Cortina were also candidates for the 2013 Championships.
    The 2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships will be awarded in May of 2010 at the FIS Congress in Antalya, Turkey.

SNOZONE OPEN FOR LESSONS THIS SUMMER

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.  (May 4, 2009) - SnoZone Endless Slope will be teaching, training and conditioning skiers and snowboarders throughout the summer. So practice now - and make this coming winter the best riding on snow yet.

    The Summer program in Sacramento is from May to September. SnoZone Endless Slope will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays except for a few black out days to be determined.
    The summer program will be discounted 20% off the regular price for students who start in May. 15% off for those who start in June, 10% off for those who start in July, and 5% off for those who start in August. Lessons that start in September and on will be regular price as marked on the www.endlesslope.com website.
    All lessons will be by appointment and consist of 30 minute session except for the first session which will be 60 minutes.
    Further details of the session can be found at www.endlesslope.com.

STYX & REO AT HARVEY'S CONCERT SERIES

    STATELINE, Nev.  (Apr. 27, 2009) - Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe with Another Planet Entertainment present legendary rock bands Styx and REO at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys, Friday, July 17, 2009. Tickets go on sale, through www.ticketmaster.com and www.apeconcerts.com, beginning at 10 a.m. PDT, Monday, May 11. Styx / REO at Harveys is the official outdoor concert event for Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week and the 20th Anniversary of the American Century Golf Championship.
    Arena rock superstars, Styx have enjoyed a steady stream of hit songs for over 35 years. Platinum classics by the band include: “Come Sail Away,” “Lady,” “Fooling Yourself,” “The Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Too Much Time on my Hands” and many more. The band pioneered the rock “concept” album with two amazing rock operas, “Paradise Theatre” in 1981 and 1983’s memorable “Kilroy Was Here.”
    REO, aka REO Speedwagon, first formed in 1967 as a college band at the University of Illinois. Their debut LP, 1971’s REO Speedwagon, produced the still-popular concert nugget, “157 Riverside Avenue.” Over the years, REO became masters of the “rock anthem,” producing such mega-hits as: “Roll with the Changes,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It On The Run,” “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Keep the Fire Burnin’.”