West Dover, Vermont (Ski Press)-Carinthia at Mount Snow will see some of the region’s top freestyle skiers flying high in its terrain parks and superpipe March 20 – 22, when it hosts the Mount Snow Freeski Open.

Due to a lack of a major sponsor, the official, multi-stop Freeski Opens tour was cancelled this season. Officials at Mount Snow witnessed a continued interest in their stop of the competition, however, and agreed to host an independent contest. “We already have 75 freeskiers signed up for this event, and it’s obvious they are passionate,” said Mount Snow’s marketing and events director, Greg Fisher. “We have a great venue here at Carinthia. It’d be a shame not to host the Freeski Open.”

Men will compete in either pro or amateur categories. The top three pros will split a cash purse made up of 20% of all registration fees, plus prizes from sponsors. The top three amateurs will each receive a grab bag of prizes from sponsors. Women will compete in an open format, with the top three finishers each receiving sponsor prizes.

Saddleback Ticket Sales Soar

Rangeley, Maine (Ski Press)-As the Maine February vacation week drew to a close, Saddleback's total skier visits were up, with all revenue departments showing strong gains year over year. Day ticket sales for the holiday week were up over 12 percent; for the three-day Presidents weekend ticket sales were up 55 percent. Increased day ticket sales combined with a season pass increase of 23 percent has made for record breaking skier visits.

“Our snow conditions have been fantastic,” reported Warren Cook, CEO and General Manager of Saddleback Ski Resort. “The $40 lift ticket brings people the first time, but our terrain, glades, snowfields, our new Quad lift to the summit and Saddleback Service by our outstanding staff, is bringing them back. There is a spirit here that has infected our staff and our guests, even in our tough economy.”

Killington Announces Lower Season Pass Prices

Killington, Vermont (Ski Press)-Vermont’s Killington Resort announced lower 2009-10 Unlimited season pass prices and an extended season operating schedule.

Killington Resort will offer Unlimited Adult (ages 19-64) 2009-10 season passes for just $999, a $50 price reduction from the 2008-09 early season price. Unlimited Young Adult (13-18) passes are $699 and Unlimited Junior (6-12) is $599, both at $130 off the 2008-09 prices. Unlimited Senior (65-69) is $799, a $30 price reduction off the 2008-09 prices, and Unlimited Super Senior (70+) is $599, a $130 price reduction off the 2008-09 prices. These prices are valid until April 30, 2009. Unlimited passes are valid every day of the 2009-10 season from early November through early May, weather and snow conditions permitting.

“Killington season pass holders are our most valued and loyal guests,” said Killington President and General Manager Chris Nyberg. “Thanks to our outstanding snowmaking capacity and the largest and most modern snow grooming fleet in the East, we’re excited to offer them an extended season and a tremendous value opportunity by purchasing next year’s season pass before the end of this current season.”

Photo credit: Mount Snow