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BY BOB WILLIAMS
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
As we ski into a new decade, herewith is a selection of assorted and sundry items of interest to young and old snowsports enthusiasts.
HOP ON A BUS FROM NEW JERSEY: Beginning this weekend, you can take a bus from Ridgewood, to Gore Mt. – and have the price of your lift ticket thrown in, too. Gore Mountain has partnered with Adirondack Trailways to offer packages that combine lift tickets with round-trip transportation from Ridgewood and New York City to North Creek, N.Y., home of Gore Mt.
"For the first time, skiers and riders in New Jersey can purchase Gore Mountain lift tickets along with convenient bus transportation to North Creek," says Emily Stanton of Gore. "A two-day lift ticket, packaged with transportation, for instance, is priced under $200."
To buy a package, call Trailways toll-free at 800-858-8555. Bus service can be purchased with a one-day adult lift ticket for $154; with a two-day lift ticket for $196; or with a three-day lift ticket for $232.Lodging can be reserved separately with area facilities that provide complimentary shuttle service to the Gore ski center: the Copperfield Inn (877-235-1466); the Alpine Lodge (518-251-2451); or the Summit at Gore in North Creek (866-672-1433).
Trailways guests, as well as all visitors and residents of the region, can rely on regular shuttle service between Main St. in North Creek, the Ski Bowl and the Gore Mt. base area. The North Creek Business Alliance coordinated the new shuttle service, which is available every Saturday, Sunday and holiday period, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through March 15. The Ridgewood pickup location is at the Route 17N bus shelter. The Manhattan pickup location is the Port Authority bus terminal.
SMILE, YOU'RE ON STRATTON FACEBOOK: To promote its new terrain park, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont has launched a hands-on contest. If you aren't already a friend of Stratton Mountain on Facebook, simply sign up and provide a viral video from the new trail. Best viral video receives a pair of Smith Gauge Regulator goggles.
Here's the deal. All you have to do is shoot a one-to-two-minute video of you, your friends, your dog, your significant other or anyone skiing and riding on Lower Middlebrook. Then upload your creation to Stratton's Facebook page, facebook.com/strattonmountain. Fans will vote for the best video and the eventual winner. Voting will be done on a "like" basis, by clicking the "like" button alongside the video.
The most "likes" by 3 p.m. Jan. 13 determines the winner. One caution – your entry must include helmeted riders. No helmet, no prize Stratton officials say.
ITS ‘POP' AT PATS PEAK: Pats Peak, which bills itself as New Hampshire's premier family snowsports destination, announces the return of its Pay-One-Price (POP) program. For just $39 per person, a guest has access to skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, lesson tips, rentals, bonfires and entertainment. The POP program runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each Saturday this season.
"Pats Peak is THE place to be on Saturday nights," says Kris Blomback, the general manager. "POP opens up everything the mountain has to offer, giving guests a chance to try new activities and have a great time. The low price makes it an affordable night out for couples and families."
Pats Peak sports 22 trails, seven gladed areas, three terrain parks, a snowtubing park, 10 high-capacity lifts and 100 percent snowmaking. Visit patspeak.com or call toll-free 888-PATS PEAK.
FREE EATS AT OKEMO: Who says there's no such thing as free lunch? At Okemo Mt. Resort in Ludlow, Vt., when skiers and riders buy online, in advance, they can purchase a lift ticket that includes – you guessed it – free lunch!
Each Monday through Friday, from Jan. 4-15, the lift and lunch pass deal includes a $20 voucher redeemable at any mountain eatery. Adults, $72; Young adults, $61; Juniors, $47. The offer must be purchased online 48 hours in advance, Okemo says.
RING IN 2010 WITH $210: What better way to celebrate the new year 2010 than with the $210 weekend package at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. Here's the story. For the three weekends in January, it'll cost you from $210 per person, double occupancy for two nights lodging, two adult lift tickets, two free tickets for children 12 and under, and complimentary valet parking on Sunday.
The special "Ring In 2010"package also includes a 50 percent discount on equipment rental, group lessons, all day Kids Venture Kamps and childcare. Waterville Valley covers 500 acres in the Green Mountains. Book online at watervillevalley.com or call central reservations at 800-468-2553.
SHORT SCHUSSES: Some of the best ski jumpers in North America will descend on Lake Placid's 90-meter hill this weekend, Jan.2-3, to compete in the North American junior ski jumping and Nordic combined championships. ... Hunter Mountain in the Catskills added 14 new snowguns to its nine-chute two-tow snowtubing park. ... Killington Ski Resort in Vermont reports it received almost 15 inches of snow in last week's storm. ... Bad news for riders of the popular European overnight Snow Train from London and Paris to the ski resorts of Tignes, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Rail Europe, its operator for 20 years, said the poor exchange rate posed too high a financial risk to continue. ... Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, N.Y., sponsors an Alzheimer's Race to Remember Sunday, Jan. 10. It's a NASTAR giant slalom.
Good column!