Hot Sheet: New skis, more Irene, cocktail contests & new chairs
New skis are hitting the shops, but even newer boards--and brands--are also being introduced. SNEWS takes a look at what could be the tip of a new product intro iceberg, as well more Irene updates, new chairs, and a contest for a new cocktail.
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With rumors starting to creep in regarding potential mid-season ski intros, some new boards are already being unveiled. In particular, K2’s partnership with The Rolling Stones, both of whom are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, is resulting in four newly decorated skis. On Sept. 28, 2011, K2 announced it will offer a limited edition collection of Stones skis, the first being built on the chassis of K2’s SideShow ski, with a topsheet featuring the Stones’ famous tongue logo. Other upcoming graphics will feature original concert set lists, lyrics and photographs of the band.
“The Rolling Stones’ 50th anniversary is a true milestone. They exemplify the ultimate spirit of Rock N Roll and have earned their place in history as the ‘World’s Greatest Band’ Tom Bennett, CEO of the Universal Music Group’s Bravado merchandising division said in a statement announcing the new skis. “Bravado is thrilled to partner with K2, who have allowed for a very creative collaboration and designed a really fantastic set of skis.”
In other new ski news, big mountain skier and guide Dean Cummings put out the word that he is introducing a new line of skis under his H20 Gear label, featuring three big mountain boards. The Tazlina, Kodiak and Karen ‘cito, all featuring waist widths of 108 to 133 millimeters, will be available this season. Cummings also said he will be exhibiting the brand at the SIA Snow Show in Denver, and also at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City.
AAA backs Vermont, Loon bridgework begins
The American Automobile Association is working with Vermont’s tourism industry leaders to disseminate information nationwide through its travel offices, hoping to encourage tourism as the state continues to rebound from the effects of Hurricane Irene. In a communication sent to all AAA offices in the United States, AAA states, “In late August, the State of Vermont made headlines across the nation as flood waters from Hurricane Irene caused major damage to the states highways and bridges. Within weeks after Irene, Vermont rebuilt at an unprecedented rate. Now 95% of Vermont roads are open, with final touches being made every day.”
The bulletin refers travel counselors to road repair resources provided by VTrans, as well as planning information supplied by VDTM, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Ski Vermont. It concludes that AAA Northern New England branch offices in Montpelier, Rutland and Williston are well prepared to help motorists navigate the state of Vermont.
In other post-Irene news, the damaged Loon Mountain Resort bridge, which provides access to the Resort from Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway, is being replaced by a temporary, two-lane vehicular bridge with a sidewalk, until the main bridge can be repaired. The bridge is expected to be in place and open by mid-November. Repair work on the main bridge is slated to begin next spring, after the ski season ends. Irene dumped up to 10 inches of rain over the area on August 28, causing the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River to flood, undermining the bridge abutments and rendering Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway impassable east of the resort.
Ski lift could link Canyon and Solitude
Mike Gorrell of the Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Talisker Mountain Inc., owner to the Canyons Resort, is proposing to build a lift or tram between Canyons and Solitude. Ted Wilson, Talisker’s director of government affairs, told Gorrell, “We won’t put anybody on the mountain. It’s strictly transportation over the top of the [Wasatch Mountains] ridgeline to Solitude.” The executive director of the Save Our Canyons environmental group told Gorrell he isn’t buying it, though, and that he thinks it will provide lift access to what is now a popular backcountry skiing spot. The proposal is reported to be in the preliminary stage.
In other news
Mt. Hood Meadows has placed the towers for its new high-speed quad, the Stadium Express. A helicopter placed 12 towers in under two hours…Monarch Mountain has gone global. The Colorado mountain can now add four ski areas in Germany and one in Austria to its list of 26 season pass partners. The five European ski areas are part of the 5 Berge & Co. resorts: Hochfelln, Kampenwand, Wendelstein and Oberaudorf, Germany and Hochkossen, Austria. Monarch season pass holders will be able to enjoy unlimited skiing at each of these areas throughout the 2011-12 season…The Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA) is currently seeking bartenders to compete in the Park City Cocktail Contest on Tuesday, October 25 at Red Rock Junction in Redstone. Local bartenders are encouraged to develop a winter cocktail recipe that reflects Park City’s spirit…Ski Utah has recently launched a new skin for its website, skiutah.com, and a new advertising campaign. The campaign slogan is, ‘You’ll Never Look at Snow the Same Way Again.’…Ortovox avalanche beacons announced a partnership with Smith Sport Optics to be the Official Avalanche Safety Equipment Supplier for the Prospecting Idaho backcountry playground…And the famous red mittens from the 2010 Winter Olympics are back. The Canadian Olympic Foundation is selling them at $10-dollar a pair of mittens sold, with three dollars from every sale going towards supporting Canadian Olympic Team athletes as they prepare for the Olympic Games in London in 2012.
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