Check out the new promo video showing off Sandbox’s 2012 helmet line, and we’ll have our full review out soon.

Sandbox Helmet Promo Video from Sandbox Films on Vimeo.

With the new opening day, it’s all about the number 14. The 2009-2010 Winter season begins 14 minutes early on the Sunburst Chairlift as the lift starts turning at 8:46am on Saturday, November 14. And if you’re lucky…a free or discounted lift ticket may be in the cards! Skiers and snowboarders are eligible for a FREE lift ticket on opening day…

· If you were born any year on November 14 (Season’s Pass holders get a free ticket for a friend)

Skiers and snowboarders are eligible for a $14 lift ticket on opening day…

· If you are 14 years old

· If your house number or apartment number is 14

· If November 14 is your wedding anniversary

Group lessons on opening day are also only $14 for everyone! Please note, valid, government issued identification is required to prove age, address and marriage.

And don’t forget about the Sun Peaks Film Premiere, also on November 14 at the Kamloops Convention Centre. Get stoked for the winter season with feature films Elektro and In Deep. 2 for 1 lift tickets are also up for grabs for everyone in attendance!

Check out www.sunpeaksresort.com for a full events calendar.

About Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Resort is a four season destination resort located in the interior of British Columbia near Kamloops. Recently declared the 2nd Best Ski Resort in Canada and 10th Best in North America by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine readers, Sun Peaks has three mountains which surround an intimate ski-in, ski-out village. In other seasons, Sun Peaks offers a diverse range of leisure activities including 18 holes of golf as well as numerous events and festivals. Sun Peaks Resort was the first ski resort in North America and is the only resort in Canada to receive the ISO 14001 designation recognizing the resorts environmental policies and practices. Sun Peaks can be accessed by two airport gateways – Kamloops (45 minutes) and Kelowna (2 1/2 hours) and by car, only a 4 ¼ hour drive separates Sun Peaks and Vancouver, B.C.

Sun Peaks, BC (October 28, 2009) – Close to 60 centimetres of snow has fallen in the last 7 days and with another 15cm expected in the next 48 hours, Sun Peaks Resort is moving up their planned opening day to Saturday, November 14th, a week ahead of schedule!

“This is the earliest we have seen conditions like this and so to take advantage of this gift, we are going to move the planned opening day up to November 14,” says Jamie Tattersfield, Mountain Operations Manager at Sun Peaks. “We aim to open as many lifts and runs as possible.”

The Sun Peaks Slopes Department has been working diligently to pack all of the fresh snow down, and snow making efforts are continuing to build up the base on OSV, where the Austrian National Ski Team will be training next month. Mountain Operations says the snow making will likely move to the Terrain and Tube Parks in the next couple of weeks.

The final decision on what lifts and runs will be open will made on Monday, November 9.

Useful Links:
Sun Peaks Resort official website
Sun Peaks Media Library
Official Snow Bum website
Sun Peaks on Twitter
Sun Peaks on Facebook

About Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Resort is a four season destination resort located in the interior of British Columbia near Kamloops. Recently declared the 2nd Best Ski Resort in Canada and 10th Best in North America by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine readers, Sun Peaks has three mountains which surround an intimate ski-in, ski-out village. In other seasons, Sun Peaks offers a diverse range of leisure activities including 18 holes of golf as well as numerous events and festivals. Sun Peaks Resort was the first ski resort in North America and is the only resort in Canada to receive the ISO 14001 designation recognizing the resorts environmental policies and practices. Sun Peaks can be accessed by two airport gateways – Kamloops (45 minutes) and Kelowna (2 1/2 hours) and by car, only a 4 ¼ hour drive separates Sun Peaks and Vancouver, B.C.

Carlsbad, CA, October 22nd, 2009 – Spy Optic, Inc., a leading action sports eyewear brand, announces the inaugural “Waist Deep Snow Session Contest.” Retailer and consumer winners will have the opportunity to ride with Spy’s elite snow team riders for three days at Power Cowboy Catskiing resort in Fernie, British Columbia March 11-14th, 2010.

“This is the experience of a lifetime for avid snowboarders and skiers; we’re excited to share it with the world,” said Fran Richards, Spy Optic Vice President of Marketing.

Seven Waist Deep Snow Session Grand Prize winners will be rewarded with a three-day, all-expense paid trip to Fernie, British Columbia for the catskiing trip of a lifetime. It is a truly unique experience of riding 6,000 acres of amazing terrain with a maximum of 24 people on the mountain at one time. With 10,000 to 14,000 vertical feet of bowls, open slopes and endless tree riding; this is a contest you don’t want to miss. Lodging will be provided by The Powder Cowboy Ranch with gourmet daily meals, massage time and the chance to spend three days riding powder with Spy’s premiere snow team riders.

Retail contestant entries will be received until January 15th, 2010. Consumer entries will be accepted until January 31st, 2010 online at spyoptic.com/contest with photo submissions via an internet link to their favorite ski or snowboard action photo to be entered to win the “Spy Waist Deep Snow Session Contest.” Two Grand Prize consumer online winners will be chosen (19 years and older) based on the most original creative submission (one US resident and one Canada resident). In addition, five consumer runner-up winners will receive prize packs from Spy.

Winners will be posted online by February 8th, 2009.

For more information, including complete rules and regulations, about the inaugural “Spy Waist Deep Snow Session” contest please visit spyoptic.com/contest.

Live through our lens…

Please visit spyoptic.com.

“Kicking Horse is recognized for world-class snow quality and consistent, light and dry champagne powder,” says Steve Paccagnan, president and General Manager of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. “There is definitely electricity in the air about and all the signs are pointing to us having a big snow year. This early season snowfall simply adds to the excitement” continues Paccagnan.

The long term forecast for Kicking Horse is for cooler than normal temperatures and precipitation. Kicking Horse Mountain resort is currently gearing up for the winter season with a planned opening date of December 11th, 2009. An earlier opening day is planned if weather permits.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a world-class four season destination resort located 2.5 hours west from Calgary, nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains in the heart of British Columbia. Winter offers a fully integrated mountain resort experience and the most progressive in-bounds skiing in North America. For more information please visit kickinghorsemountainresort.com.

Sun Peaks, BC – Sun Peaks Resort is excited to announce a once-in-a-lifetime competition, I want to be the Snow Bum, giving snow-lovers the chance to win an all-inclusive stay in the mountains for the entire 2009/2010 Winter Season.

One lucky skier or snowboarder will spend the ski season (three months) at BC’s second largest ski area, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling or even dog sledding! The competition winner will be provided with a season’s pass for the mountains, food vouchers, accommodation in a number of Sun Peak’s finest hotels, plus equipment and outerwear. The winner will also enjoy a wide range of additional perks including VIP and backstage passes to resort events and functions.

“What could be better than riding every day and living on a mountain in a world class village,” says Christopher Nicolson, President of Tourism Sun Peaks. “People travel from all over the world for a week at Sun Peaks. This winner will live and ski or board the whole winter…for free!”

Potential snow bums can win this opportunity to shred all winter by simply submitting a 60-second video showcasing their wit, charisma, love of mountains, and the ability to make the most of this spectacular adventure. The competition is open to any intermediate skier or snowboarder over 19 years, anywhere in the world.

In return for all the snow, accommodation, gear, food and airfare, the winner will be expected to keep the rest of the envious world updated on their activities through social media avenues such as Facebook, Twitter and the official blog on www.snowbumcanada.com.

Videos should be submitted to www.snowbumcanada.com by Sunday, November 15. Sun Peaks’ judges will announce finalists on November 19, who will undergo an interview and written-essay assessment. The winner will be announced December 1 and begin their three month stay on January 4, 2010. Contestants must be at least 19 years or older and have an applicable visa for the duration of their stay if they are from outside Canada. For full contest rules visit www.snowbumcanada.com.

About Sun Peaks
SPRC LogoSun Peaks Resort is a four season destination resort located in the interior of British Columbia near Kamloops. Recently declared 2nd Best Ski Resort in Canada and 10th Best in North America by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine readers, Sun Peaks has three mountains that surround an intimate ski-in, ski-out village. In other seasons, Sun Peaks offers a diverse range of leisure activities including 18 holes of golf as well as numerous events and festivals. Sun Peaks Resort was the first ski resort in North America and is the only resort in Canada to receive the ISO 14001 designation recognizing the resort’s environmental policies and practices. Sun Peaks can be accessed by two airport getaways – Kamloops (45 minutes) and Kelowna (2 ½ hours) and by car, only a 4 ½ hour drive separates Sun Peaks and Vancouver, BC.

Here at Blue Mountain we have an ongoing love affair with winter and we know you feel the same! We’ve added some new and exciting features to make your 2009/2010 experience even better. To find out what’s new this year click here.

There is no better way to stay in love with winter than with a Blue Mountain Season Pass and no better time to save than now. We can’t wait for the snow to fly so you can join us on the slopes!

A great option at a fantastic price. Ski & board up to 95 nights & 75+ midweek days! The 5×7 Pass is valid for lift access:

• 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (excluding Monday, December 21, 2009 through Friday, January 1, 2010) & 7 nights a week from 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm (starting December 17, 2009)
• Early Bird $169 until November 1
• Regular $279
• Tiny Tykes $10 for kids ages 5 and under as of September 1, 2009 with Adult 5×7 Pass purchase

A premium all access pass, valid for lift access from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm during all operating days of the 2009/2010 winter season. Plus receive 2 free lift tickets for friends and family with the purchase of an Adult Super Pass!

• Early Bird $699 until November 1 for Adults ages 18+ as of September 1, 2009
• Early Bird $449 until November 1 for Seniors/Youth ages 6 to 17 or ages 65+ as of September 1, 2009
• Regular $869 for Adults, $569 for Seniors/Youth
• Tiny Tykes FREE for kids ages 5 and under as of September 1, 2009 with Adult Super Pass purchase

An amazing value priced option. Ski and board up to 56 nights!
The Night Value Pass is valid for lift access:

• 5 nights a week, Sunday through Thursday, from 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm (starting Sunday, January 3, 2010)
• Early Bird $99 until November 1
• Regular $149
• Tiny Tykes $10 for kids ages 5 and under as of September 1, 2009 with Adult Night Value Pass purchase

New and Improved! Want more access? Double Down entitles you to 2 day/night lift tickets, valid any time during the 2009/2010 season. It’s a great gift idea to help you share Blue Mountain with someone special. The tickets are fully transferable but hurry – they are only available until November 1, 2009. Limit of 2 per customer.

• Early Bird rate $79

Blue Mountain Season Passholders get to enjoy great discounts. Simply show your pass and take advantage of these offerings!

• Up to $25 off the regular lift ticket price at every other Intrawest Winter Resort
• 15% food and retail discounts
• Unbeatable lodging prices
• $35 Après Ski Passes to Le Scandinave Spa™
• Exclusive offers at Panorama and Steamboat Resorts

Over the summer months we have been hard at work preparing for our favourite time of year. Recently, Blue Mountain’s South Base Lodge underwent an expansion and interior renovation designed to accommodate more seating and space featuring an enhanced 980 seat upper and lower dining area and picnic style mezzanine – more room for you to enjoy a relaxing break slopeside! Summer grooming and enhancements to our renowned ski and snowboard terrain have eased the transition from the north area of the hill to our central area runs helping you to make the most of your experience on the hill.

Early Bird deadline is November 1. Purchase your Pass today & SAVE!

REVELSTOKE, British Columbia – Revelstoke Alpine Adventures (RAA), the first alpine guide service in Revelstoke, British Columbia, opens the door to Canada’s world-renowned backcountry for seasoned enthusiasts, first-time adventurers and families who want an extraordinarily unique, personalized outdoor vacation experience.

Making its world debut Dec. 8, RAA offers an entirely new and premiere option to explore and enjoy the best of Canada’s backcountry. RAA is offering guided services for skiing, hiking, waterfall ice climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering adventures, as well as avalanche skills training courses.

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Revelstoke is a world-class destination for year-round backcountry experiences. Having guided in the Revelstoke area for a combined 40 years, RAA owners Norm Winter and David Scott are seasoned veterans and experts in planning guest-appropriate routes and experiences. Both Winter and Scott are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and members of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association. Additionally, all RAA guides will be professional and certified by the ACMG, which takes a minimum of 5 years of training and testing.

“Our experiences range from several hours to several days,” says co-owner Norm Winter. “We provide experienced professionally certified guides who personally coach guests throughout the journey. Guests can count on our team to help them push personal limits while balancing adventure and safety. We’ve had many guests tell us at the end of a trip that they cannot
believe what they were able to accomplish. Our guests have told us that many of these experiences change their lives and expand their personal boundaries.”

Moreover, RAA offers stellar personalized and detailed service for each guest. Guests’ interests, experience and goals are discussed in detail with RAA staff in advance of booking the trip so RAA can recommend the best – and perhaps a variety of – options. And the personal touches don’t stop there as the RAA team can help guests plan things like transportation, lodging, childcare, dining reservations, etc. Guests particularly like the photos that are taken throughout the journey to commemorate memorable situations, accomplishments and companions.

For more information on Revelstoke Alpine Adventures, call 877-837-7141, or visit www.revelstokealpineadventures.com.

Over 32,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers voted in this 13th Annual Ski Poll. Conde Nast Traveler was named one of the top 10 magazines in the United States in 2008 and its 3.1 million readers are considered well-versed and well-educated on travel destinations.

Resorts were judged on terrain and conditions, lifts and lines, après-ski/activities, dining, and town ambience. Five Canadian resorts made the Top 20: Whistler Blackcomb (#1), Sun Peaks (#10), Mont Tremblant (#12), Big White and Lake Louise (#16 tie).

“We are excited that Sun Peaks has been recognized as the top Canadian resort behind Whistler/Blackcomb,” comments Christopher Nicolson, President of Tourism Sun Peaks. “This positions Sun Peaks on the international stage as a resort that can stand up with the best ski destinations in the world.”

This isn’t the first international accolade for Sun Peaks Resort. Cadogan Guides of the United Kingdom declared Sun Peaks the Best Family Resort in North America for 2008.

Nicolson says there’s no question the three unique mountains of Sun Peaks surrounding a charming, alpine village impressed the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. “The results indicated that our lack of lift lines, variety of terrain and extensive non-ski winter activities all influenced the readers.”

Sun Peaks is considered one of the best planned resorts in North America, designed for ease of the guest during their stay. The resort was designed by Ecosign Mountain Planners, who have recently been hired to design the village and slopes at Sochi in Russia, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics. “With our resort design, we have been able to provide our guests with ski-in/ski-out accommodation ranging from residential properties to a 4 diamond hotel in the heart of the village,” says Darcy Alexander, General Manager of Sun Peaks Resort Corporation.

Sun Peaks Resort is also the official North American training site for the world’s leading alpine racers, the powerful Austrian National Ski Team. The team has been training in Sun Peaks for the past four years prior to the commencement of the North American World Cup races held in late November, and will be training in Sun Peaks in preparation for the 2010 Olympics in Whistler.

The Top 10 includes:
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
2. Telluride, Colorado
3. Deer Valley, Utah
4. Aspen, Colorado
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
6. Sun Valley, Idaho
7. Vail, Colorado
8. Beaver Creek, Colorado
9. Park City, Utah
10. Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia

About Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Resort is a four season destination resort located in the interior of British Columbia near Kamloops. In winter, Sun Peaks is British Columbia’s second largest ski area with three mountains surrounding an intimate ski-in, ski-out village. In other seasons, Sun Peaks offers a diverse range of leisure activities including 18 holes of golf as well as numerous events and festivals. Sun Peaks Resort was the first ski resort in North America and is the only resort in Canada to receive the ISO 14001 designation recognizing the resorts environmental policies and practices. Sun Peaks can be accessed by two airport gateways – Kamloops (45 minutes) and Kelowna (2 1/2 hours) and by car, only a 4 ¼ hour drive separates Sun Peaks and Vancouver, B.C.

whitegold snowboards

Check out www.whitegoldsnowboards.com for the first look at the new boards. They are on their way to Whistler now, all the way from Austria. The boards will be here in mid December, just in time for the real winter pow to get here. I got a bunch of boards shipped Fedex to take these shots for the website and get them out on the hill. I have been jibbing around on the 153 with rocker and it’s been super fun. The website is brand new and may have some bugs still to work out. Check it out and drop me a line anytime.

Enjoy!
Kevin Sansalone