Wisconsin Powder

I love talking about storm updates because that just means better conditions on the hills.  Wisconsin is preparing to see a snow storm blow in this afternoon that is said to be bringing about 5 inches of new snow.  This won’t be the typical heavy stuff either.  We are experiencing below normal temperatures with an expected high of 15 degrees today (-3 degrees at time of writing this).  With that being said, today’s snow should be very light and fluffy.  The stuff we typically can only dream about for the Midwest. 

It doesn’t stop with this storm either.  Another one is following close behind and expected to hit on Thursday with an even larger impact.  Predictions as of today are that the second storm will bring possibly up to 10 inches of new snow. 

These storms will be a relief to see after this past weekends warmer weather and rain, which removed a substantial amount of existing snow.  If you haven’t gotten out yet, this up coming weekend’s priority should be to ski or snowboard.  And for those who snowmobile, you’ll have a great weekend too.

Christmas Gifts For Skiers and Snowboarders

It’s hard to find good gifts for those who ski or snowboard. There are the typical gifts of goggles, gloves, and snow-pants. But often, these gifts are not surprises and are standard. I often like to be surprised and don’t mind more “off piste” type gifts. Given that there is still time for shopping, I’ve gone through to find some more unique ideas.

Vintage Snow offers gifts for what appears to be for the older skier or boarder who maybe even own ski property.  I say that because they offer gifts, ski art, decor and antiques.  Some of the gifts I found that would look good in my office (hint, hint) include a Chair Lift Photo Frame or Vail Trail Map Poster.

You can also fine a variety of gifts on Cafe Press as well.  In doing a quick search I found over 2,000 ski related products. 

If the budget is tight, check out Microsoft’s Live Search cashback.  The cashback program works with all major and smaller retailers and uses your search words to find products that are most appropriate.  The retailer pays the user anywhere from 2% to 30+% cashback for buying from them.  For example, I recently searched for Avalanche Beacon and found a Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon  from Backcountry that would net me back $36.82 for starting first from Live Search cashback.

I’m still enamored with pocket HD video cameras.  As I have previously posted, these are a great way to record your vacation memories on the fly in better than normal video.  There are several affordable versions available right now including the Flip MinoHD, Kodak Zi6, Creative VandoHD and the Sanyo Xacti series.

Don’t forget that you can always check with your local ski shop as well.  A lot of times they carry great niche products too.  Have fun with it this year and good luck!

Finally, A Ski Channel!

Maybe because I’m getting older or maybe it’s just because my kids keep me so busy, or is it because of the on-demand world we’ve formed with options like Hulu? Whatever it is, I hardly watch TV anymore. I can’t tell you a single show time slot. Adding the Ski Channel could make that change however.

The Rocky Mountian News is reporting that a new Ski Channel is being developed by Steve Bellamy, the same person behind the founding of the Tennis Channel. Given that I know nothing about tennis, I can say the same about the channel too. What I can say is that the Ski Channel has a recognizable face that isn’t just the spokesman but also an invester. Apparently Jonny Moseley will being doing both along with being an instructor, analyst and advisory staff member.

The service launches Christmas Day and will have on-demand programming available to over 15 million homes. The carriers include DirectTV (I’m out, I have Dish), Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Verizon’s FiOS TV. Some of the content available will include a library of well known Warren Miller films.  I sure hope they see the shift in demand and also make programming available online.

Ways to Save Money

For the third straight posting, I am going to have to mention the economy again.   However the positive this time around is that it most likely means deals throughout the season.  Ski deals are of course meant to lure new skiers or those who are not dedicated skiers to the resort.  Though I am not a targeted audience, because I will be skiing no matter what, I like the fact that there are some deals for skiers like myself as well. The CourierNews has a recent article that talks about those savings.

Of course the biggest and most available opportunities for savings are for the new skiers and casual skiers. Buying packages that include ski rentals and lessons are most prevelant and often are a good savings. Limited hill access passes are often great deals too, but limit usually to the bunny hills and maybe one lift.

For those who are looking to get away from the local hill, hotel packages with lift tickets included can offer a savings. Of course nothing beats just staying at a friend’s or family member’s house. Ski Brule offers a unique pricing strategy. They stated that they will have 3 $55 dollar car load days scattered throughout the year. As a side note, while checking out Ski Brules website today, I discovered that they opened for the season already on November 10th!

Other saving opportunities mentioned were visiting local ski shops to see if they have any excursions that will be offered. Because they can get enough participants, they often qualify for group rates. Buy tickets early and also look at buying multiple day tickets. Buy half day tickets to keep the price down. For families, make sure that you also look at kids-ski-free options and see what ages are the cutoff. Lastly, which I couldn’t agree more with, continue to scour the internet and sign up for updates.

Michigan Gets Lake-Effect Snow

With General Motors stock continuing to fall and the overall economic environoment for Michigan basically falling right along, there is little to envy of Michigan right now. However GM stock wasn’t the only thing falling on Monday, so was snow and lots of it for early November. The snow actually will be a boost for some. The Detroit Free Press reported that 9″ of snow fell in northern Michigan around Gaylord. This apparently has started phones calls to the area seeking informaton on the conditions of the snowmobile trails. This also means that if cool whether continues, along with some snow fall, that the ski season could get a good start to the year too. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that the large snow falls not only continue in Michigan but also across the entire midwest.

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