A marriage going down hill can be a good thing ?

A marriage heading downhill doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Now couples who say “I do” at Keystone Resort between November 30, 2009 and November 30, 2010 receive two complementary season Summit Passes good for skiing and riding at Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin for the 2010-2011 season through the new Wedding Pass Promotion.

“The couples who say their vows at Keystone often have strong ties to the area and to skiing,” says Paul Jeppson, Vice President of Hospitality at Keystone Resort. “The Keystone Wedding Pass Promotion is a special gift from us and what better way for newlyweds to spend time together than on the slopes at Keystone.”

The passes are valid during the ski season following couple’s event. Also, Keystone now offers tiered pricing for mountain top weddings with packages starting at $75 a person.

In addition to the passes, couples who marry at Keystone also receive a night of free lodging with champagne and strawberries, a dedicated catering manager to help plan their big day, discounted lodging rates for their guests, a complimentary six inch one year anniversary cake, and more.

Keystone Resort offers ten iconic Rocky Mountain wedding and reception venues including historic locations like the Keystone Ranch and Ski Tip Lodge as well as mountain-top venues including The Summit House, Timber Ridge and the Alpenglow Stube as well as other locations around the resort. Green weddings are also an option at the resort allowing couples to limit waste, compost, recycle, and provide sustainable and organic food if desired.

The bride and groom are privy to Keystone’s award-wining chefs including Executive Pastry Chef, Ned Archibald. Chef Archibald creates uniquely designed wedding cakes or desserts personalized to the bridge and groom. Ned listens to interests and hobbies, observes dress patterns and invitations, makes notes on life stories and adventures as he plans designs for special wedding cake.

Keystone also offers a plethora of seasonal activities for couples and their guests including ice skating, mountain-top snowcat rides, mountain-top tubing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides in the winter and golf, biking, horseback riding and hiking in the summer. The Spa at Keystone Lodge provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for the bridal party with a full array of services.

Call Saunders Travel Today to book your Keystone wedding package

SNOWMAKING BEGINS AT COPPER Witness the Beginning of Copper’s New 22 ft Superpipe

Mother Nature is cooperating and the conditions were superb for Copper to start making snow last night…we wouldn’t have to make snow if you didn’t keep melting it with your good looks. FYI - Copper Creek Golf Course is closed for the day.

Hey people of America, only 36 days left until Copper opens for the winter on Nov. 6. Come join us for Lift Off presented by Sprint, Copper’s 5th annual opening weekend festival, with the latest ski and snowboard films, free live music and giveaways.

Make Copper the place to take a snow day, or two, or seven, with unlimited skiing and riding all season at Copper and Winter Park via the Rocky Mountain Super Pass. Visit www.skicolorado.com for more season pass information.

Copper is hooking you up with a dynamite deal if you ride the slopes and slumber in the lodge this winter. Stay for at least 3 nights and your last night is free. This dealio includes the pretty-much-VIP Beeline Advantage Lift Ticket, in addition to the youngsters under 12 skiing/riding FREE with the purchase of every adult ticket. As an extra incentive to lock in your snow day earlier: Book this package by 10/31/09 and get up to $25 per day ($100 max) to spend at Copper on your snow day. Log onto www.coppercolorado.com or just pick up the phone and call a Copper Vacation Specialist at 866-534-7444 to make it happen. Restrictions apply.

Check out Copper’s new 22 ft Superpipe this season during the USSA Grand Prix, the first US Olympic qualifying event, Dec. 10-13, with all the top snowboarders gracing Copper, vying for one of the prestigious Olympic spots.

Images attached: Please credit Copper Mountain, CO. Higher resolution images are available upon request.

VAIL MOUNTAIN IS OPEN FOR 46TH SEASON

Colorado-based rock band The Fray to headline Snow Daze early season mountain bash

Vail, Colo. – Nov. 19, 2007 – Vail Mountain is scheduled to open for its 46^th season on Friday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. The resort will offer skiing and snowboarding on the Born Free trail, accessible by the Born Free Express Lift (Chair 8) in Vail Square/ Lionshead. The Eagle Bahn Gondola will offer access to beginner terrain in the Little Eagle Lift (Chair 15) area as well as Eagle’s Nest for on-mountain dining at The Marketplace restaurant. Lift tickets on opening day are $65 for adults, $55 for seniors and $45 for children 12 and under. Parking in the Town of Vail’s Lionshead and Vail Village parking structures will remain free this weekend.

Vail’s snowmaking and cat crews have been combining efforts with Mother Nature’s natural snowfall and cold temperatures over the past few weeks to provide skiers and snowboarders with a plentiful early season snow surface in the Lionshead area. On top of the growing base, temperatures are expected to drop this weekend and a series of snow showers are forecasted through the end of the month. Mountain operations crews anticipate opening the Aviator terrain park on the Bwana trail and additional front-side terrain soon after Friday’s opening.

“The beginning of Vail Mountain’s 46^th season is not just an opening of lifts and runs, as much as it is a commitment to delivering the value and service our guests have come to know and expect,” said Chris Jarnot, chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “As a leader in the industry, we’re working hard to open additional terrain in the coming days and to continue offering a premier skiing and snowboarding resort destination that is both safe and fun.”

Keeping in line with its ongoing commitment to quality and service, Vail will be also be opening the doors of the newly remodeled Lionshead Ticket Office and Adult Snowsports School, located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola and the Born Free Express Lift (Chair 8). The upgraded space will better accommodate guests with ticket and pass sales as well as group and private ski and snowboard lessons. The Children’s Snowsports School will also be open for lessons and the Small World Nursery at Golden Peak will provide child care.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, early season visitors to Vail can enjoy countless dining, spa and shopping options, as well as a calendar full of events and entertainment. Kicking off the season, Vail Snow Daze returns Dec. 8-14 with newly announced headliner, The Fray, appearing in Vail on Saturday night at Dobson Arena. The Grammy Award-nominated, Colorado-based rock band will debut songs from its self-titled second album. Other Colorado favorites, Big Head Todd & The Monsters and Leftover Salmon will also take the stage on Dec. 11 and 12 respectively. For tickets and more information, visit www.vailsnowdaze.com.

Vail is making it even easier to partake in early season perks with Ski Free Stay Free lodging and lift packages starting at $353 per person. With two nights of lodging and skiing, the third night and lift ticket are free. For availability and restrictions, call 800-825-9689 or visit www.vail.com. For those who plan on visiting beyond the early season, sales of the popular five-resort, unrestricted Epic Season Pass have been extended through Dec. 1. Visit www.epicpass.com for details.

For more information about Vail Mountain, call Saunders travel at 501-744-6353 or email: ski@saunderstravel.com.

Breckenridge returns to its roots – with a Peak 8 opening

The most popular ski resort in America celebrates its opening day at Peak 8 this year, for the first time in nearly 30 years. While the opening of Peak 8 first is a departure from recent history, it was the traditional opening before Peak 9 opened in 1981, and the original ski resort in Breckenridge was called the Peak 8 Ski Resort. But, don’t think this return to its roots is just nostalgic – it’s to prepare for the newest and largest event Breckenridge Ski Resort has ever hosted.

“Opening Peak 8 first this year gives our mountain operations team every advantage to prepare the mountain and venue for our largest event ever, the AST Winter Dew Tour. The Winter Dew Tour co-sponsored by the Town of Breckenridge, BRC, runs from December 18 – 21, will feature freeskiing and snowboarding disciplines for both men and women with over three hours of live coverage on NBC, two hours on the USA network and four hours on MTV and MTV2,” said Lucy Kay, chief operations officer for Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Breck’s roots might be at Peak 8, but Peak 7 continues to impress. This season’s opening of the highly anticipated new base area at Peak 7 welcomes a new era and a new level of luxury and service featuring high-end lodging at Crystal Peak Lodge, skier services, a new sit-down dining experience at Sevens Restaurant and a new connection between the town and mountain with a first-class, innovative mass transit system via the BreckConnect gondola.

Visit www.breckenridge.com for terrain updates, snow reports and event details. To Book your '08-'09 ski package call SaundersTravel.com at: 501-744-6353

Breckenridge Set to Open November 7

Ski Season is just around the corner
Breckenridge reminds us of what we've been missing all summer.

Now is the time to book your vacation for the '08/'09 Season.
Call Saunders Travel today to make plans to be a part of this epic season: 501-744-6353 or send an email to Ski@Saunderstravel.com

First Snow in Breckenridge!

Breckenridge and Keystone Season is Just 82 Days Away!

Yes, you're reading this correctly — We've got snow!
We had a tough time believing our eyes this weekend, but sure enough, a fresh dusting of snow glistened from the top of Breckenridge. The countdown begins! Opening days at Keystone and Breckenridge (Friday, November 7) are just 82 days away.*

If you're as excited as we are to see snow in August, check out this Big Snow video. It's the best of 2007/08 to get you in the mood for 2008/09.

Exclusive Winter Lodging Sale — Only 6 days left.
Plan your Ski Vacation now to get the guaranteed lowest rates of the season. Winter Lodging Sale rates are available only to email subscribers, only online, and only until August 24 at participating hotels and condos.

Call Saunders Travel today at 501-744-6353, or send an email to: ski@saunderstravel.com

Your next epic season is about to begin — Are you ready?
Saunders Travel has the Epic Season Pass for sale right now. Get your now for just $579 — unlimited/unrestricted skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge and Heavenly for the 2008/09 season!

information courtesy of Vail Resorts

Copper hosts USASA National Championships

Nearly 2,000 Competitors Vie for Top Honors

Copper Mountain, CO…March 25, 2008…Copper is the host venue for the largest snowboarding and freeski event on earth - the 2008 USASA Nationals, from March 30 – April 4. Each year, nearly 2,000 of the top regional finishers are invited to attend the USASA Nationals to compete against some of the best male and female athletes from around the country in slopestyle, superpipe, boardercross, slalom and giant slalom in their quest to become National Champions.

Throughout USASA Nationals, competitors and guests will be treated to several evening events, including skateboarding competitions (Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4) in Woodward at Copper – The Cage. Woodward at Copper – a first of its kind winter action sports training facility – will debut winter 08/09 to provide skiers and riders the same progressive learning opportunities previously available only to summer action sports like skateboarding and BMX. Woodward at Copper will offer year-round programming, with summer camps starting in 2009. To learn more, visit www.woodwardatcopper.com. Copper Mountain will also host the 20^th annual USASA Nationals next year, April 3-12, 2009.

Schedule of Events (subject to change):

Saturday, March 29 (Practice Day)

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration in the Copper Conference Center

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for practice

5 p.m. Opening Ceremonies and Athlete Parade in Burning Stones Plaza

8 p.m. Brilliant fireworks display over the mountain

Sunday, March 30 (Day 1 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

Monday, March 31 (Day 2 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Skateboard competition in Woodward at Copper – The Cage

Tuesday, April 1 (Day 3 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Skateboard competition in Woodward at Copper – The Cage

Wednesday, April 2 (Day 4 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. High Cascade & Oakley Boombox Rail Jam above Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Skateboard competition in Woodward at Copper – The Cage

Thursday, April 3 (Day 5 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Smith Limo Rail Jam above Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Skateboard competition in Woodward at Copper – The Cage

Friday, April 4 (Day 6 of Competition)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venues open for competition

4 - 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Burning Stones Plaza

7 - 9 p.m. Skateboard competition in Woodward at Copper – The Cage

Due to the USASA National Championships March 30 – April 4, Catalyst Terrain Park, Main Vein Superpipe, Vein Glory, Copperopolis and the NASTAR course will be closed to the public at varying times Friday, March 28 – Friday, April 4 (terrain openings and closures are subject to change). Copper apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause but invite guests to enjoy the event during this time. Other Freeride locations include Eagle Jib Park, High Point Park, Jibberish Park and the Kidz Terrain Park – The Playground. Guests can inquire at the Ticket Windows or Guest Services locations for information regarding spectator access, foot passenger lift access or other details regarding the USASA National Championships.

When close to 1800 snowboarders from all over the country descend on Copper Mountain for the 2008 USASA National Championships they can expect to see the most elite group of riders in the US face off for National Title honors. In order to step up the level of competition, the 2008 USASA Open Class Halfpipe and Slopestyle Events will be 3 Star TTR (Ticket to Ride) events. TTR is the premiere international competition series in the world featuring hundreds of events across the globe culminating in a final TTR World Champion.

The USASA is a grassroots snowboard organization with over 5000 members who compete in more than 500 events in 36 regional series across the US. Competitors range in age from 7 - 70 and represent a group of riders passionate about the sport of snowboarding. The USASA National Championships have been the final event of the season for these riders for close to 20 years. This year will mark the 19^th annual USASA Nationals and promises to be the biggest and best yet. For more information including detailed schedules, competition groups and more, visit www.usasa.org.

USASA Nationals is sponsored by: Red Bull, Pacsun, Chaos Headwear, Dakine, Skull Candy, Woodward at Copper, High Cascade, Windells, Transworld Snowboarding, Fuel TV, Go211.com and Oakley.

UNLIMITED, UNRESTRICTED, UNREAL

Epic Season Pass Now Available through Saunders Travel 501-744-6353

Most skiers and snowboarders dream of an 'epic' season. Now, Vail Resorts is making that dream a reality with the Epic Season Pass, a new unlimited, unrestricted season pass that's valid for the entire 2008-2009 ski and snowboard season at five of the top-rated resorts in the world: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly Lake Tahoe, all for an initial price of only $579.

The new Epic Season Pass offers an epic amount of skiing and riding across five world-class mountain resorts with 17,400 acres of terrain, 128 chairlifts and 722 trails, for each moment of our season from the day we open until we close, normally November until April. No one will be able to out-ski this pass.

The Epic Season Pass is priced initially at $579 for adults and $279 for children ages 5-12. The Epic Season Pass will be valid for the 2008-2009 ski season and will only be available for purchase through Nov. 15, 2008. The Epic Season Pass is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Call Saunders Travel to purchase your Epic Season Pass today.

Harrah's Tahoe

Harrah's is by far the premier casino hotel at Lake Tahoe. The picture above is the standard King room. In addition to a large casino floor, Harrah's offers multiple restaraunts and bars as well as a full service spa.

Friday's Station

When it comes to fine dining in Lake Tahoe Friday's Station, located on the 18th floor of Harrah's casino is among the best. Entrees start at $29.00.

Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe

For guests who are looking for a business class experience The Embassy suites offers a full breakfast included and a free cocktail hour for guests.

End of a Heavenly Ski Day

Today I skied from California to Nevada - 3 times!

The conditions have been good, but variable. Heavenly has slopes facing multiple directions so you may have slightly icy terrain on on trail, and powder on another.

Heavenly has much to offer for the intermediate and advanced skiier, but there is enough beginner terrain to entertain first time skiiers for a short trip.

The single largest atraction of skiing heavenly? The views. Pictures (at least mine) just don't capture the beauty.

Elevation 10,040 feet

In a word: Perfect. No time to write anymore. The powder is calling.

Have A Cigar while in Tahoe

Inside Montbleu hotel and casino cigar lovers will find the Lake Tahoe Cigar Company.

Complete with leather chairs and friendly service, this store has a good selection of premium cigars from many great cigar makers including: Fuente, CAO, Padron, Rocky Patel, and Padilla.

Say hello to Brandon Smith while you are in and tell him Hogski sent you.

The Montbleu Hotel

Originally Ceazar's Palace, the Montbleu is a work in progress. The lobby, restaraunts, and public areas have been renovated to reflect a modern cool theme. Room renovations could begin this year.

From Reno to South Lake Tahoe

As with most ski destinations you have two options for transportation between the airport and mountain: Rent a car, or take the shuttle.

My hosts have provided me with shuttle transportation via the South Lake Tahoe Express. It takes about an hour and a half to make the trip on the shuttle.

Navigating through Reno / Tahoe airport

For travelers who use large airports such as O'Hare or LAX as their regular departure, Reno/Tahoe will feel tiny. If you are used to flying out of smaller airports like Love field or Little Rock, you will find Reno slightly larger.

With two commecial terminals and a total of about 20 gates, and rental car counters conveniently located accross from the baggage claim area, Travelers flying into Reno Tahoe will appreciate its convenience.