As the Bullwheel Turns

Free Skate Ski Clinic at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Date: Sunday December 18th
Location: Wolf Creek Ski Area,Meet in Alberta Park by the Alberta Lift
Park: in the Alberta Lot parking or anywhere

Murray Banks, 2 time World Masters champion, has graciously offered to teach a clinic (or two) on Sunday Dec. 18th at Alberta Park. Murray is very involved in coaching junior skiers in Vt. and teaches at the annual Crested Butte camp. Awesome instructor and all around super-fun guy. If you are serious about your nordic skiing you will not want to miss this fantastic opportunity!

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get into the right clinic:

10:00 AM Clinic: BEGINNER/NOVICE - I've skated a little, don't really know what I'm doing, I'd like to learn the basic skills so I can progress and ski with faster friends We will do several drills, they can practice on their own, give each person 2-3 skills to work on
1:00 PM Clinic: INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED - I'm comfortable skating, know V1, V2, need to refine my skills and want to learn how to be efficient, smooth and powerful. We will work on how to transition from one technique to another, how to apply power effectively, transitions in varying terrain and skiing uphill efficiently.

Wolf Creek Ski Area's 2011-2012 Ski Season

Wolf Creek Ski Area is looking forward to the 2011 - 2012 ski season, which is the 72nd continuous year of operation. There will be a number of great deals for skiers and boarders starting with the pre-season pass sale, the first week of October followed by a strong schedule of events including, Local Appreciation days, College Days, and Special Programs - basically something for everyone. In today's economy, Wolf Creek continues to provide quality services and a great product at affordable prices.

Wolf Creek's grooming fleet of snow-cats has a new addition since March of 2011 with one of the first Finnish snow-cats in this country called the "Formatic". This heavy equipment is used to smooth terrain and in Wolf Creek's case pack down the powder during storm cycles. It lays down a great track, which has been enjoyed by end of the season skiers and boarders.

Treasure Lift's water free, composting restrooms will be completed this summer. Inside this structure is "The Continental," a rest area with a coffee bar offering hot beverages, as well as, fresh-baked pastries throughout the day. All the food and beverage services at Wolf Creek are prepared to take care of hungry appetites by using all the best ingredients and offering delicious in-house menu items.

The rental department at Wolf Creek takes the time to find the right equipment and give all guests the proper fit they need for a comfortable day on the slopes. With 3,400 pair of skis and over 350 snowboards, the rental technicians at Wolf Creek will help make your day the best it can be. Along with the newly purchased Alpine skis, snowboards, boots and poles; Wolf Creek is bringing in a line of Nordic skate skis and also classic touring skis. Below the base area at Wolf Creek, in the Alberta Meadow, there is a six- mile loop or network of trails that is complimentary to any interested guests. This cross-country track is groomed for Nordic skaters, classic and snow shoes. Not only is the location beautiful, it provides terrain for a great workout for local skiers and guests.

Five acres of the Wolf Creek Ski Area parking lots have been paved with asphalt providing skiers a great amenity to start and finish their day on the mountain. As always, parking and parking lot shuttles are free to all guests. A new race hut will replace the old under the Raven Lift. The popular Fun Race Series that Wolf Creek hosts every year will enjoy having an upgraded facility to house the race equipment, announce times, and be the official finish line for the races.

Wolf Creek Ski Area Gift Cards can now be purchased in the Ticket Office to be used for lift and ski school tickets, season passes, ski and board rentals and in the sport shops. This can be a great gift idea for family and friends who want a special present for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion.

Summer trail work and building maintenance continues each season to upkeep the existing facilities. Erosion Control and Re-vegetation help to fortify thin/bare spots and provide a better product for early season skiing on areas of heavy traffic.

Wolf Creek's ski school offers an extensive array of lessons, both group and private for skiers and boarders of all levels. The popular Wolf Pup ski program is available for children ages 5 to 8. This program includes the Magic Carpet and a special meeting place for the young skiers.

Treasure Sports offers stylish and functional ski and board wear for all ages. Many other items are available such as goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, gloves and more. Snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings can be purchased at great prices in Noel Sports. Other amenities include a picnic building for guests bringing their own lunches and free parking with free parking shuttles.

Continuing a commitment to a clean and sustainable environment, Wolf Creek continues to purchase 100 percent of its energy needs from a wind power supplier for both winter and summer operations for the sixth consecutive year. "Share the Ride, Share the Fun" program will be discontinued this season because the program was not well attended.

Wolf Creek's calendar of events offers United Way Day, 15 free Fun Races, 15 Local Appreciation Days, programs for ladies, men, seniors, college students and tele-mark skiers., See the Wolf Creek Calendar of Events in this guide for more details.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is an equal opportunity service provider.

Wolf Creek Ski Area's featured video for CookManFood.com: Yum!