Story Ideas
The Trees of Heavenly: Secrets Revealed
Heavenly boasts 91 trails across two states and 4800 acres, but what many resort visitors fail to consider is what lies between those expertly-manicured runs. Locals have known for generations how to access the best “stashes” across the mountain, ranging from barely-noticeable, treed patches between runs to the expansive, quad-burning acreage of Powderbowl Woods. Destination visitors, however, are generally more hesitant to stray from Heavenly’s classic, “must-do” trails to romp through the seemingly-uncharted forests. With the addition of on-mountain signage and trail map identification, advanced- and expert-level skiers and snowboarders are now experiencing the sheer pleasure of some of North America’s best tree-skiing. Newly identified areas include Eastbowl Woods, Maggie’s Canyon, Powderbowl Woods, Ski Ways Glades, Aries Woods, Dipper Woods, Scorpion Woods, Galaxy Woods and Nevada Woods.
Attention journalists: Skiing (or riding) is believing. To inquire about the 2007 Trees of Heavenly media FAM trip, contact Russ Pecoraro at rpecoraro@vailresorts.com or 775-586-4451.
24-Hours of Heavenly: Why Sleep Shouldn’t Be On the Vacation “To Do” List
There is nothing more frustrating than taking a trip to a place that can’t keep up with the level of fun you want to have. For people who prefer to go to bed at 9 pm or party straight through to first chair at 9 am, Heavenly and the Siamese-twin cities of South Lake Tahoe, California and Stateline, Nevada blow the concept of “sleepy ski town” out of the water. As the West Coast’s premier winter playground, Heavenly keeps snow-lovers of all ages, abilities and equipment (ever ridden a snow bike?) active across 4800 acres of lake-viewable terrain. When the lifts close and the sun goes down, the après ski options are endless. Plenty of kid-friendly activities abound (think arcades, ice skating, laser tag, movie theaters), but the adult-oriented fun (i.e. casinos, clubs, DJs, live entertainment) puts Heavenly on the A-list. Vegas, schmegas. Cocktail for cocktail (at over 100 bars and nightclubs), the nightlife at Heavenly is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the ski industry.
Attention journalists: We challenge you to spend 24 consecutively-conscious hours at Heavenly to see if you can handle our brand of fun. To inquire about the 2007 24-Hours of Heavenly media FAM trip, contact Russ Pecoraro at rpecoraro@vailresorts.com or 775-586-4451.
It Ain’t Easy Being Green, But Heavenly Gladly Makes the Effort
Heavenly embraces environmentally-conscious practices as an important aspect of Tahoe living, implementing a host of eco-friendly initiatives designed to protect and preserve the area’s unique natural beauty. Heavenly currently funds and maintains programs which address water-quality, air-quality and transportation, erosion control, conservation and recycling, and alternative energy solutions. Heavenly provides the only free transportation in Lake Tahoe, shuttling over 450,000 employees and guests during the 2005-2006 season, saving nearly 1.6 million vehicle miles of travel. Heavenly is also using the best available technology to modernize its fleet with low-sulfur diesel shuttle buses to reduce emissions. All Heavenly’s snow cats run on Category Three “green” engines, and all its snowmobiles are outfitted with four-stroke engines.
As part of Vail Resorts, Inc., Heavenly is now 100% powered using renewable wind energy credits. Vail Resorts made the commitment to use clean, alternative energy sources in August, 2006 by purchasing nearly 152,000 megawatt-hours of wind energy for its five mountain resorts, its lodging properties, all of its 125 retail locations (operated through Specialty Sports Venture) and its new corporate headquarters in Broomfield, Colo. By purchasing renewable energy credits equal to the Company’s entire electricity use, Vail Resorts is now the second largest purchaser of wind power of all corporations in the United States. The Company’s decision to use wind energy will avoid over 211 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year, which is equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road or planting over 27,000 acres of trees.
Heavenly and Vail Resorts is also asking its employees and guests to join in the renewable energy efforts by launching a Ski With the Wind promotion. Under this new promotion, Vail Resorts is offering a free one-day ski lift ticket, valid at any of its five mountain resorts, to anyone who purchases wind power for their family’s residence for one year with Renewable Choice Energy. The Company also announced that each of its executives, including Heavenly COO Blaise Carrig, has personally signed up to purchase wind power for their homes.
For more information on Heavenly’s environmental programs and achievements and Vail Resort’s wind-energy commitment and Ski With the Wind offer, please visit www.skiheavenly.com. Interview Opportunities: Andrew Strain, Vice President, Planning and Governmental Affairs; Blaise Carrig, Chief Operating Officer
