Like a climber heading toward a mountain summit, West Yellowstone’s winter season is about to reach its peak. With a ski race and snowmobile expo slated in March, West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, offers families and outdoor enthusiasts a rich value for their vacation dollar. The park is open through March 15 to over-the snow travelers who want to experience this winter wonderland by ski, snowcoach, snowmobile or snowshoe, all from one location.
“With an average annual snowfall of 143 inches, snow conditions just get better and better toward the end of the winter season,” says Marysue Costello, director of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. “And, West Yellowstone’s free or low-cost events, tours and outdoor pursuits help stretch vacation dollars, offering maximum bang for a visitor’s buck. Check out our ‘Sweetheart Specials’ for discounts on lodging, restaurants, and tours during the month of February.” …Â More info
Some people dream of winter wonderlands. Others take matters in their own hands and create them.
Backyard snowmaking setups can lend a hand, even if the process must be approached with a great deal of care. Matthew Pittman, owner of SnowatHome.com based in Terryville, Conn., has seen sales of snowmaking equipment double each year for the past six seasons, though he wouldn’t provide figures. In December, his busiest month, he says his site averaged 3,000 visitors each day.
Likewise, snowguns.com, an online forum for snowmaking enthusiasts, says it has 5,665 members.
“These backyard snowboarders are really big for us. … They make little jumps in their yard…Â More infoÂ
Val d’Isere, France – Three Americans were among six of the top 10 to go off a sun-soaked Piste Bellevarde course in a highly technical men’s super G during the second day of racing at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Val d’Isere. Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) led the USA, finishing 12th, while Didier Cuche of Switzerland won, becoming the oldest Alpine World Champion at age 34…Â More info
The nation’s top cycling authority made an unprecedented move Wednesday when it awarded Bend a second major bike-racing championship.
USA Cycling has named Bend the host city for the 2009 and 2010 Junior, U23 & Elite Road National Championships. Dates for this year’s event are July 28-Aug. 2.
Six weeks ago Bend was selected by USA Cycling to host the Cyclocross National Championships, also a two-year deal. The 2009 cyclocross championships are scheduled for Dec. 10-13.
USA Cycling officials stated in a news release that…Â More infoÂ