Seeing as it’s 12.12.12,  we’ve got “The 12 Days of Christmas” song stuck in our heads, and all of this glorious snow has arrived solidifying winter is in fact here, well…we thought we’d bring you our own version of the “12 Things Ski.com Can Give to You.” Here it goes:

12 feet of snow at Jackson Hole so far this season…
11 minutes on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to get from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain…
10 seats in the new Vail Gondola, unveiled in celebration of its 50th anniversary…
9 years as the ideal age to rip around Park City Mountain Resort‘s Gonzaga snow tubing park…
8 mountains you can ski or ride at all under the Epic Pass…
7 different yet equally unique, amazing and snowy stops to make on the Powder Highway including Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Panorama, Red Mountain, Revelstoke and Whiteater…
6 peaks encompassing 3,600 skiable acres at Squaw Valley just waiting to be explored…
5 terrain parks at Breckenridge to hone your inner Shaun White skills on…
4 world-class mountains to choose from at Aspen/Snowmass
3 :00p.m. every day when Beaver Creek chefs serve their famous, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies…
2 people who will be on their way to an incredible adventure at Banff when we give away a free trip through our Facebook page…
1 big smile after an incredible day on the slopes.

Happy 12.12.12 everyone!

Here’s a great video short from our friends at Vail showing us what we have to look forward to from the recent snowfall.  I’ll take 9 inches of the soft white fluffy stuff any day of the week.  Also, check out our current ski specials to Vail and get some of your own!

Our friends at Steamboat Resort in Colorado shared some exciting news after they got a face full of champagne powder…We love when the excitement builds from snowfall in the Mountains!  If you are still wondering where your next trip should be Steamboat has some great options for families, Apres Skiers and powder seekers alike.  Check out some of our Steamboat Springs packaged vacation deals - some include lifts and free nights of lodging.  When you book online you can save time and money…

I love the first big snow of the season.  Even as a child, I loved the crunching of snow under my feet just walking around outside in the crisp cold air.  The tides of winter have appeared to have turned in our favor and the community is buzzing with excitement.  Joel Gratz, a conservative Colorado snow forecaster just posted this outlook for the rest of December.  Great turns to look forward to before vacationers enjoy a white christmas at their favorite ski resorts.  Click here to see updated snow reports and conditions

Credit: Opensnow.com

I have had the experience of opening day at Aspen Highlands where opening day is a huge locals celebration of winter.  This is the closest I can compare to what the culture of die hard, powder and cool mountain terrain loving locals call “an epic day”.

From Eric K of RED Mountain:

“RED Mountain Resort has been fortunate to be in the path of many storms this fall as we have received over 217 cm (84 inches) of snow in the last two months.  The upper mountain is in exceptional condition with an alpine base of 140 cms, or 4 ½ feet.”

If this is any inclination of things to come this winter, try something NEW!  RED is legit.

“Snow Ghosts” reminiscent of my youth skiing in northwest Montana…

For deals to RED Mountain click or check out ski.com.

Happy Powder hunting!

E.

December 5: Inside Track

This month we’re giving you the opportunity to share your best mountain-loving, snow-worshiping photo with the Ski.com community for the chance to win a trip to one of the most picturesque places on earth: Banff and Lake Louise. Visit our Facebook page and submit your best mountain photo of a memorable bluebird powder day, scenic snow-covered peaks, rail jams in your favorite terrain park or you and your best friends enjoying après. We’ll open the polls on Dec. 17, so rally your friends, family and pseudo-Facebook “friends” to vote for your submission. In early January our panel of Ski.com judges will get together with some Banff Lake Louise Local Legends to select a winner from the photos with the most votes and award that person with three nights at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, three nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs, five-day lift tickets for two, roundtrip airport transfers from Banff Airporter and a full day photography session and photo shoot with professional photographer Callum Snape. We can’t wait to see your photos!Speaking of grand prizes, congrats to Shawn U. of Pennsylvania, the winner of our November Facebook giveaway to Winter Park, Colorado. Shawn will enjoy five nights at the Zephyr Mountain Lodge, four days of skiing for two, a four-day demo rental package for two, one full-day lesson for two and dinner at the Lodge at Sunspot. Thanks to all who entered, and remember to visit our Facebook page regularly to stay in-the-know on all things Ski Country and for your chance to win other great trips and giveaways.In the meantime, the snow is falling and so are the prices on some great lodging and lift packages to your favorite ski resorts. Check out some of our deals online and below or give one of our experienced Mountain Vacation Specialists a call at 800-299-0656.

See you on the slopes!

B.W.