Utah Ski Areas See Record Visitation for Fourth Consecutive Year

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's ski and snowboard industry notched its fourth consecutive record-breaking season totaling 4,082,094 skier days during the 2006-07 winter season, becoming the third most skied state in the nation (The National Ski Areas Association defines 'skier days' as one person visiting a ski area for all or any part of a day or night for the purpose of skiing).

Nationwide skier days were down approximately seven percent in 2006-07.

"We've seen some strong growth over the past five years. Momentum is definitely on our side," said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. "With the most consistent snowfall anywhere in the world and unrivaled access via an international airport that continues to add non-stop destinations, we're on the right path."

Despite snowfall totals pushing beyond the 400-inch mark, many considered this a lackluster snow year, at least by Utah standards. Last year's skier-day count was 4,062,188, a difference of 19,906. The ski season began Nov. 15 and continued through May 20.

"There's no question we're spoiled here in Utah. With over 600 inches of snowfall the previous two seasons, we knew that a sub-500 inch year was going to have an impact. With Utah locals accounting for almost half our skier visits, they're a critical component to our success," said Rafferty.

Utah's statewide tourism product has seen a significant increase in visibility over the last several years thanks to a surge in state funding dedicated to promoting the state's many tourism offerings, from skiing and snowboarding to southern Utah's five national parks.

"We owe a huge amount of our success to the ongoing support of the Utah Office of Tourism and the keen foresight of Governor Huntsman to view tourism as an important economic engine for Utah's economy," added Rafferty.

Ski-related tourism contributed over $700 million to the State's economy during the 2006-07 winter season.

Total statewide skier days for the past 10 years are as follows:

Season Skier Days Rank
2006-07 4,082,094 1
2005-06 4,062,188 2
2004-05 3,895,578 3
2003-04 3,429,141 4
2002-03 3,141,212 6
2001-02 2,984,574 10
2000-01 3,278,291 5
1999-00 2,959,778 11
1998-99 3,095,347 8
1997-98 3,101,735 7

SHAUN WHITE AND TORAH BRIGHT WIN THE FIFTH ANNUAL WORLD SUPERPIPE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PARK CITY, UTAH (March 10, 2007) – Park City Mountain Resort is proud to announce that Park City All-Star, Shaun White, and defending champion, Torah Bright, have won the men’s and women’s snowboarding competition at the fifth annual World Superpipe Championships, which took place March 10, 2007 in Park City, Utah. White with a top score of 96.67 and Bright with a best run of 89.33, each won a $15,000 prize purse as well as the title of 2007 World Superpipe Champion.

“The competition was fierce and the crowd was in surplus, creating the absolute best World Superpipe Championships ever!” said Krista Parry, spokeswoman for Park City Mountain Resort. “The clouds parted to create a perfect day for the competitors with blue skies and warm weather.”

The World Superpipe Championships hosted by Park City Mountain Resort invites the world’s top skiers and snowboarders to compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in the Eagle Superpipe, the world’s largest superpipe and the site for the 2002 Winter Games. On Saturday, March 10th, the best male and female snowboarders in the world battled it out in a best of three-run format. White was followed by Danny Davis with a best run of 89.7 to take second place, Mason Aguirre (88.67), Luke Mitrani (88.33) and Keir Dillon (86.67) took third, fourth and fifth respectively. Soko Yamaoka won second place with a top score of 86.30 in the women’s competition followed by Kelly Clark (85.33) for third and Juliane Bray (73.33) and Shiho Nakashima (71.0) for fourth and fifth respectively.

Shaun White, 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist, made his first appearance in the World Superpipe Championships and took the top spot in the men’s snowboarding competition. White jumped multiple places on the Ticket To Ride (TTR) World Snowboard Tour Ranking List from twelfth to fourth. Torah Bright, won for the second year in a row in the women’s competition moving her up three spots on the TTR World Snowboard Tour Ranking List to third place from sixth place. Ticket To Ride (TTR) World Snowboard Tour represents the largest group of independent freestyle snowboard events in the world. Events are rated via a 1-through-6 Star system, with points allocated accordingly and a 6 STAR event holding the highest amount of points. Any rider participating in these events will earn TTR Ranking Points and a position on the TTR Ranking List.

On Sunday, March 11th, the best male skiers, including Tanner Hall, will compete in the same three-run format. Other invited skiers include: Simon Dumont, Mike Riddle and Niklas Karlstrom. The World Superpipe Championships is free to the public and includes live music, food, and giveaways. For more information, visit: www.worldsuperpipe.com.

About Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, North America’s largest superpipe. The Resort has received numerous accolades, most recently being named a top-five Resort by the readers of SKI Magazine and “Terrain Park of the Year” for the third year in a row by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding. The Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 800 in-bound flights daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort visit us online at www.parkcitymountain.com.

Powder Mountain Events Scheduled for March

Powder Mountain, Utah – (March 2, 2007) Powder Mountain has a full schedule of fun events scheduled throughout March.

Saturday, March 3rd will be the final Powder Blast Clinic of the year. The Powder Blast Clinic starts at 10am at the Snow Sports School. The clinic is only held on the two days following a snowfall of 6 or more inches. The cost of $70 includes an all area lift pass.

Wednesday, March 7 is the last in the popular 3 on 3 Team Challenge. The February event attracted 84 competitors and even more are expected for the final competition. The terrain park competition is held under the lights at the Sundown Terrain Park. Registration starts at 4:00 p.m. and is free for anyone having a lift pass. Nightly prizes are awarded and the team with the most points from the series will be awarded 2007/08 season passes. Night time lift passes are $19 for adults and $14 for children. Spectators are welcome.

Powder Mountain has reactivated its alpine race team and to celebrate locals are invited to compete in Snow Bash 2007 on Saturday, March 10. The alpine race on Mainline and Dilly Dally Alley is a fundraiser for the 2007/08 activities of the Powder Mountain Race Team. Registration opens at 8:00am in Hidden Lake Lodge. The cost of $25 includes an all day lift pass. Season pass holders can compete for $15. More information is available by emailing snowbash2007@yahoo.com.

The Snow Sports School is sponsoring year-end parties for anyone that was enrolled in SheSkis or PowderKids during the year. The SheSki party on March 20 features an après ski party in the PowderKeg. The PowderKid celebration on March 24th includes races, food and fun.

Annual Spring Session, Powder Mountain’s final competition of the season, is scheduled for Saturday, March 31st. The jam will take place at the Hidden Lake half pipe and terrain park from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Anyone with a Powder Mountain lift pass is invited to participate in the Spring Session, even novices on the half pipe. The whole focus of the event is to show that the Hidden Lake terrain park offers fun for the whole family.

A barbecue, music by Sallad Productions and demos will enhance the party atmosphere. Prize sponsors include Rockstar, OGIO, APX and Decade.

The terrain park on Hidden Lake trail has been expanded to 10 features this season. The most popular features include a Giant Wall Ride provided by APX, and the new 42 foot “S” box and the 40 foot flat box.

Those that would like to watch the action without skiing or boarding to the site, can catch a snowcat at the main lodge at 8:30 am. Spectators will be returned to the lodge at 3:00pm. A lift ticket is required for the snowcat transportation.

Ski and Snowboard Tips

SKI & SNOWBOARD TIPS

WORLD SUPERPIPE CHAMPIONSHIPS

World's Best Compete in World's Biggest Superpipe!

Park City Mountain Resort once again welcomes the world's top skiers and snowboarders to compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in the fifth annual 2007 World Superpipe Championships, one of the country's premier halfpipe competitions. On Saturday, March 10, the best male and female snowboarders in the world will compete for a piece of the prize in a best of three-run format. Shaun White, 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist and X-Games Champion, will compete for the first time in the World Superpipe Championships. On Sunday, March 11, the best male skiers, including Tanner Hall, will compete in the same three-run format. This event is free to the public!

Green Team Tip: Being "green" starts from within a company and moves into all aspects of the facilities. That is why Park City Mountain Resort is happy to report that our Mountain Reservations team has its own recycling initiative. They collect newspapers, office paper, aluminum cans, glass/plastic bottles and cardboard as well as reuse paper that has been printed on one side and they continue to look at ways to go as "paperless" as possible. Employees even bring in their own silverware, rather than using disposable spoons and forks.

SAVEOURSNOW.ORG

New Web site Provides Information on Park City Mountain Resort's Fight against Global Warming!
Park City Mountain Resort recently launched www.saveoursnow.org as a way to help educate guests of what they can do to help in the fight against Global Warming. In addition, the site has information on Park City Mountain Resort's environmental initiatives. The Resort's Director of Mountain Operations and self-appointed environmental guru, Brent Giles, will be featured later in the year on the Sundance Channel's "Big Ideas for a Small Planet."

Prime-time skiing/riding: Park City Mountain Resort is the only Resort in Park City to offer night skiing and riding. Guests can enjoy the ambiance of skiing/riding under the lights on PayDay and First Time runs. With lifts open until 7:30 p.m., guests get the added value of skiing/riding an additional 3 ½ hours.

KID'S SIGNATURE PROGRAM RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS

Trend-Setting Program Guarantees 5 Children or Less per Instructor
Park City Mountain Resort's unique Kid's Signature 5 program has won high praises from instructors, parents and children alike. One parent said:

"I'm thrilled with the new smaller class size. My child's progression has been a lot quicker because the instructor can devote more focused attention and meaningful time with her."

March is the busiest time of the season for ski and snowboard schools, so Park City Mountain Resort has added the capability to reserve lessons online. Guests can reserve a spot by visiting: http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/school/kids_mountain_school/index.html.

Snowmaking: We have made 25% more snow this year than previous years. Despite the lack of recent natural snow, the conditions at Park City Mountain Resort remain first-rate with not only an increase in out of town visitors, but also professional skiers and riders flocking to the slopes.

ABOUT PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, North America's largest superpipe. The Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 500 non-stop flights daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort, visit our press room at www.parkcitymountain.com/pr or our blog at http://parkcity.typepad.com.

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT TO HOST THE 5th ANNUAL WORLD SUPERPIPE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Park City, Utah (February 8, 2007) – Park City Mountain Resort once again welcomes the world’s top skiers and snowboarders to the fifth annual World Superpipe Championships on March 10 and 11, 2007. The invited riders will compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in the Eagle Superpipe, the world’s largest superpipe and the site for the 2002 Winter Games.

“This is our fifth year hosting the World Superpipe Championships and we couldn’t be happier,” said Jim Mangan, director of action sports marketing at Park City Mountain Resort. “Shaun White, Torah Bright and Tanner Hall will compete against the world’s top riders in their respective fields, making this the best World Superpipe Championships we’ve ever had.”

On Saturday, March 10, the best male and female snowboarders in the world will compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in a best of three-run format. Shaun White, 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist, will compete for the first time in the World Superpipe Championships. Other invitees include: Mason Aguirre, Danny Davis, Kelly Clark and Antti Autti. On Sunday, March 11, the best male skiers, including Tanner Hall, will compete in the same three-run format. Other invited skiers include: Simon Dumont, Jon Olsson and Candide Thovex.


The event is free to the public and will include live music, food, and giveaways. For a complete schedule of events, information and to apply for media credentials visit: http://www.worldsuperpipe.com/press.html.

About Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, North America’s largest superpipe. The Resort has received numerous accolades, most recently being named a top-five Resort by the readers of SKI Magazine and “Terrain Park of the Year” for the third year in a row by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding. The Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 800 in-bound flights daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort visit us online at www.parkcitymountain.com.

UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT FEBRUARY 6, 2007

HARDWARE RANCH
There is no new snow at Hardware Ranch and warmer temperatures are eroding existing snow. Bear Lake State Park is grooming once a week from SR 89 in Logan Canyon to the Strawberry Valley, and if possible, into Elk Valley warming hut.

MONTE CRISTO
As of February 5, 2007 there is 32" of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 40" at Monte Cristo.

Grooming completed:
Saturday, February 3 * SR 39
Friday, February 2 * Wasatch Ridge, Arb's Basin Thursday, February 1 * Woodruff, Wasatch Ridge, Sheep Creek Wednesday, January 31 * Red Spur and Baxter's Sunday, January 28 * Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge, Ant Flat to Scare Canyon

Grooming schedule:
Sunday * Cleanup and drift cutting on Hwy 39 and Ant Flat Monday * Curtis Creek Loop Tuesday * Snow Cat Maintenance * no grooming Wednesday * Arb's Basin, Millie's Spring and Ant Flat Thursday * Curtis Creek Loop Friday * Arb's Basin and Ant Flat Saturday * Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge and Ant Flat


BEAR LAKE/LOGAN CANYON
Higher elevations have good riding.

Grooming completed:

February 2 - Amazon
February 2 - Beaver Creek
January 31 - Franklin Basin
February 2 - Garden City (Halfway down)
January 31 - Tony Grove
February 2 - Sinks Trail
February 1 - Swan Flat

Grooming Schedule:
February 3 * 5
February 3 * 5 Beaver Creek
February 5 Franklin Basin
Garden City * No grooming, lack of snow
Tony Grove * No grooming, lack of snow
February 4 - Sinks Trail
February 4 - Swan Flat

WASATCH MOUNTAIN
No new report

MIRROR LAKE/MILL HOLLOW
Four to eight inches of new snow, trails are in great shape.

Grooming schedule:
Sunday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 from Nobletts Trailhead to Hanna Trailhead Wednesday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 From Wolf Creek Summit to Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Summit Thursday - North Fork Trail, Hwy 150 to Mirror Lake warming hut Friday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 To Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Trailhead Saturday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 to Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Trailhead

BEAR RIVER SERVICE TO WHITNEY
Six inches of new snow over the last 48 hours at the North Slope Trailhead and more at higher elevations.

UINTAH BASIN
February 1 - Red Cloud Loop, Hwy 191 all the way to Dry Fork, Taylor Mt.
February 2 - Don Hatch Trail including trails to Flaming Gorge and Red Canyon lodges.

SCOFIELD / JOE'S VALLEY/ SKYLINE
NO NEW REPORT

MT. NEBO
Snow conditions are not very good with much pavement showing on Nephi side. No grooming until snow conditions improve. Trail is still in good riding shape besides the bare pavement as of February 3.

EPHRAIM / MANTI / 12-MILE
NO NEW REPORT


FISHLAKE
NO NEW REPORT

CEDAR MOUNTAIN / EAST FORK
No new snow has fallen and temperatures have been unusually warm, causing much of our snow base to melt.

STRAWBERRY
NO NEW REPORT

NEARLY A FOOT OF SNOW BLANKETS PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Park City, Utah (February 2, 2007) – Park City Mountain Resort has received nearly a foot of snow in the last 48 hours with additional accumulations expected into the weekend. The snowfall adds to the Resort’s 56-inch base and helps maintain great conditions in the Resort’s four terrain parks, named “Terrain Park(s) of the Year” for the third year in a row by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding, as well as the Eagle Superpipe, the largest in North America.

“On average, February and March tend to be our snowiest months of the season – we started February off on the right track!” said Krista Parry, director of marketing at Park City Mountain Resort. “Thanks to our snowmaking capacity and incredible grooming, we’ve maintained unbelievable terrain conditions.”

This year, Park City Mountain Resort has also made improvements to the terrain parks by switching the locations on the mountain and adding new features. The four terrain parks include a total of 30 jump features and 60 jib features.

In recent weeks, professional snowboarders and skiers including Mark Frank Montoya, Danny Davis, Shaun White, Kevin Pierce, Kier Dillon, Tanner Hall, Erin Comstock and Shawn Fields, among others, have been visiting Park City Mountain Resort to train for the Winter X-Games, which recently took place in Aspen, Colorado. Some of the above mentioned athletes can be seen in Park City Mountain Resort’s movie, “City. Park City.,” which was produced and directed by Park City Mountain Resort’s Director of Action Sports, Jim Mangan.

“City. Park City.” is the first ever 16 mm snowboard movie to feature one resort (Park City Mountain Resort) and was recently chosen as the opening film at the annual X-DANCE Action Sports Film Festival, which showcases the year’s best action sports films. The movie picked up nominations in two categories, including Best Emerging Filmmaker and Best Soundtrack.

About Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, one of North America’s largest superpipes. The Resort has received numerous accolades, most recently being named a top-five Resort by the readers of SKI Magazine and “Terrain Park of the Year” for the third year in a row by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding. The Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 800 in-bound flights daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort visit us online at www.parkcitymountain.com.

Jeep Slopestyle Challenge

UTAH WINTER GAMES PROUD TO ANNOUNCE BIG AIR ON THE MOUNTAIN AT THE JEEP TERRAIN PARK SLOPESTYLE CHALLENGE

Park City, UT (January 25, 2007) The Utah Winter Games are bringing the Jeep Terrain Park Slopestyle Challenge to Brighton this Saturday, and it's a chance for local snowboarders and skiers to throw down their best big air moves and shoot for national glory.

The event is one of 75 local qualifying events for slopestyle riders all over the country. The top athletes will advance to one of six regional qualifiers, and the best 24 stylists will compete for the Jeep National Championship in March. Part of the entry fee will be donated to the Heuga Center for multiple sclerosis.

Only the first 80 snowboarders and skiers to register will be allowed into the competition. Registration begins at 8:00, and the competition starts at 10:00. Be sure to bring a helmet, since they are required.

To put the quality of event and the competitors in perspective, the recent qualifier at Colorado's Steamboat Ski Area only allowed 25 competitors. In the women's snowboarding division, the second place finisher was Lindsay Jacobellis, the 2006 Torino Olympic silver medalist in snowboardcross. She was beaten by a local Steamboat rider. Because of the Utah Winter Games involvement, Brighton can host 80 competitors. This is one of the glamour events of the season because of its national implications. Spectators can watch for free.

The Utah Winter Games are the oldest and biggest amateur winter sports event in the country. They continue the legacy of 2002 in Utah by making it possible for large numbers of people of all skill levels to have a wonderful time with winter sports.

In the 2005-2006 20th anniversary season, more than three thousand people took part in 20 competitions in 15 sports and 32 instructional clinics.

The Utah Winter Games: All Ages, All Abilities, Always Fun.

For more information on the Utah Winter Games, please contact Christa Graff at 435-640-7921 or christa@graffpr.com or visit the Utah Winter Games web site at www.utahwintergames.org.

3 on 3 Team Challenge Scheduled for January 10 at Powder Mountain

Powder Mountain, Utah – (January 5, 2007) The initial event in Powder Mountain’s 3 on 3 Team Challenge Series is scheduled for January 10, 2007. The terrain park competition is held under the lights at the Sundown Terrain Park. Registration starts at 4:00 p.m. and is free for anyone having a lift pass. The competition is from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Teams of three compete on three terrain park features that are randomly chosen the day of the event. Teams can compete for nightly prizes and earn points based on the team’s performance. The team with the most points at the end of the three part series will win 2007/08 season passes. Future competitions will be held on Wednesday, February 7 and Wednesday, March 7.

Powder Mountain has terrain parks at Sundown and on the Hidden Lake Trail.

For more information, please call 801-745-3772 or visit the resort’s website at www.powdermountain.com.