Chickasaw NRA will begin a series of prescribed fires starting on Friday, Feb. 18, and lasting until April 1 (depending on weather conditions). The fires will be conducted by a management team consisting of firefighters from Chickasaw NRA, Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Meredith NRA and other National Park Service units.  During the burn periods, property owners will be notified about work in their area, and will be advised of any special procedures that would minimize the effects of smoke such as turning off central heat and/or air conditioning units. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority.

The prescribed fires will burn slash from thinned eastern red cedar cut during the summer and fall of 2010. Native to Oklahoma, eastern red cedar is extremely invasive. The tree species creates a wildfire hazard, displaces other species from the natural ecosystem, impairs local air quality by producing allergens, and contributes to the general decline of the local water table. Under natural conditions eastern red cedar is limited by periodic natural fires. The burns, which will attempt to simulate natural fire conditions, will occur at The Point, and in the Five Lakes and Upper Guy Sandy areas of the park. These burns will be the final phase of a multi-month, $1.4-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project.

The burns are a part of the National Park Service’s prescribed fire program to help protect local communities from the catastrophic effects of uncontrolled wildland fires while promoting the natural ecosystem’s ability to thrive. Prescribed fires improve forest health by promoting nutrient recycling, increasing habitat diversity, and reducing fuels that lead to unwanted, out-of-control wildfires.  Habitat improvement from the fires will contribute to increases in species such as deer and turkey and thereby improve hunting opportunities.

 Residents near these burn areas also will benefit because the fuel from dead plant material that has accumulated over the years is reduced under controlled conditions. This significantly reduces the threat a wildfire would pose to people and property in and near the park.

Smoke from these prescribed fires may be visible in downtown Sulphur, Davis, Dougherty, Rock Creek, Veterans Lake, Buckhorn areas, Goddard Road and along Chickasaw Trail but every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts.  Wind direction and upper level mixing of smoke will be utilized in an attempt to eliminate or reduce these inconveniences. 

If you have health problems that will be aggravated by smoke, we strongly encourage you to call the park for further assistance at 580 622-7220.

Thinning of the eastern red cedar will increase public safety by reducing the hazardous fuel load in the wildland-urban interface and move the ecosystem closer to a natural state.

 “I am very pleased with the work that will be accomplished through this project,” said park superintendent Bruce Noble.

For more information, go to  www.nps.gov/chic/parknews.

The latest ski reports, as posted by The Associated Press. Links with the most recent conditions are from skireport.com.

Overall, it looks like most of the central Rockies are in a groove, with plenty of snow and most lifts open. The southern Rockies, particularly New Mexico, got a decent amount of snow over the past week or so to relieve that area of what had been a dry fall and early winter.  “XC” stands for cross country. Here’s the rundown:

COLORADO

http://www.skireport.com/colorado/

Arapahoe Basin — Wed 5:30 am packed powder 50-50 base 95 of 105 trails 100% open, 900 acres, 6 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Aspen Highlands — Wed 6:02 am packed powder 48-65 base 119 of 124 trails 100% open, 1028 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Aspen Mountain — Wed 5:59 am packed powder 41-42 base 76 of 76 trails 100% open, 673 acres, 7 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Beaver Creek — Wed 7:02 am powder machine groomed 42-46 base 147 of 149 trails 99% open, 1815 acres, 25 of 26 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-3:30p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-3:30p;

Breckenridge — Wed 7:04 am powder machine groomed 58-61 base 155 of 155 trails 100% open, 2368 acres, 29 of 30 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Buttermilk — Wed 6:03 am packed powder 34-41 base 37 of 43 trails 90% open, 425 acres, 6 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Copper Mountain — Wed 5:27 am packed powder machine groomed 55-66 base 134 of 134 trails 100% open, 2465 acres, 21 of 22 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Crested Butte — Wed 5:08 am powder machine groomed 52-60 base 105 of 121 trails 100% open, 1167 acres, 14 of 16 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Echo Mountain — Wed 7:03 am packed powder machine groomed 30-30 base 11 of 15 trails 73% open, 3 of 3 lifts, sm Mon: 9a-9p; Wed-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat: 9a-9p; Sun: 9a-4p Open: Wed-Mon;

Eldora — Wed 5:04 am packed powder machine groomed 41-43 base 48 of 53 trails, 91% open 9 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Kendall Mountain — Wed Reopen 01/14 packed powder 48-48 base 4 of 4 trails, 100% open, 1 of 1 lift Fri: 11a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 11a-4:30p Open Fri-Sun;

Keystone — Wed 7:03 am powder machine groomed 41-42 base 134 of 135 trails 100% open, 3148 acres, 19 of 20 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Loveland — Wed 5:17 am packed powder 54-54 base 87 of 93 trails, 89% open 1490 acres, 8 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Monarch — Wed 12:57 pm powder machine groomed 61-61 base 53 of 64 trails 100% open, 800 acres, 4 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Powderhorn — Wed 5:49 am packed powder 43-43 base 44 of 44 trails 100% open, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Purgatory at Durango — Wed 5:08 am packed powder machine groomed 56-60 base 88 of 88 trails, 100% open, 1360 acres, 7 of 10 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Silverton Mountain — Wed 6:22 am powder 90-135 base 69 of 69 trails, 100% open, 1819 acres, 1 of 1 lift Thu/Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Thu-Sun;

Ski Cooper — Wed 5:20 am powder machine groomed 42-44 base 26 of 26 trails 100% open, 26 miles, 400 acres, 4 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8a-4p Sat/Sun: 8a-4p;

Snowmass — Wed 6:01 am packed powder machine groomed 37-58 base 91 of 91 trails, 98% open 3078 acres, 16 of 24 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

SolVista Basin — Wed 9:35 am powder machine groomed 23-30 base 34 of 34 trails 75% open, 5 of 6 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Steamboat — Wed 5:00 am powder machine groomed 63-81 base 163 of 165 trails 100% open, 2958 acres, 16 of 20 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Sunlight — Wed 5:57 am packed powder 39-45 base 67 of 67 trails 100% open, 3 of 3 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Telluride — Wed 5:14 am powder machine groomed 49-49 base 122 of 125 trails 91% open, 18 of 18 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Vail — Wed 7:01 am powder machine groomed 46-47 base 191 of 193 trails, 100% open 5268 acres, 31 of 34 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Winter Park — Wed 5:38 am powder machine groomed 51-55 base 134 of 145 trails 95% open, 2680 acres, 20 of 26 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Wolf Creek — Wed 7:18 am powder machine groomed 88-93 base 77 of 77 trails 100% open, 42 miles, 1600 acres, 6 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4a;

Ashcroft XC — Wed 8:37 am powder machine groomed 42-54 base 8 of 20 trails 21 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Aspen/Snowmass XC — Wed 6:31 am packed powder machine groomed 5-8 base 7 of 15 trails 52 miles Mon-Fri: 7a-5p; Sat/Sun: 7a-5p;

Crested Butte XC — Wed 8:05 am powder machine groomed 30-35 base 23 of 23 trails 55 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Gold Run XC — Operating, no details Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Snow Mountain XC — Wed 5:59 pm packed powder machine groomed 26-120 base 80 miles Mon-Fri: 8:30a-5p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-5p;

Steamboat XC — Operating, no details Mon-Fri: 9a-5p Sat/Sun: 9a-5p;

Tennessee Pass XC — Operating no details Mon-Fri: 9a-5p; Sat/Sun: 9a-5p;

Vail Golden Peak Nordic — Operating no details Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Vista Verde Ranch XC — Operating, no details

NEW MEXICO

http://www.skireport.com/newmexico/

Angel Fire — Wed 7:23 am packed powder machine groomed 20-28 base 42 of 75 trails 21% open, 6 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Pajarito — Wed Reopen 01/14 packed powder machine groomed 26-26 base 35 of 44 trails 80% open, 5 of 7 lifts, Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Open Fri-Sun;

Red River — Wed 7:02 am packed powder machine groomed 25-30 base 35 of 57 trails 65% open, 6 of 7 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Sandia Peak — Wed 8:44 am packed powder machine groomed 28-36 base 28 of 30 trails 94% open, 4 of 5 lifts, Wed-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Open: Wed-Sun;

Sipapu — Wed 8:28 am packed powder machine groomed 20-28 base 33 of 41 trails, 81% open 5 of 5 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Ski Apache — Wed 5:35 am packed powder machine groomed 24-26 base 13 of 55 trails 30% open, 6 of 10 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Ski Santa Fe — Wed 10:11 am packed powder machine groomed 41-43 base 59 of 72 trails 83% open, 6 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4:30p;

Taos — Wed 6:19 am powder machine groomed 38-46 base 80 of 110 trails, 88% open 13 of 13 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Enchanted Forest XC — Wed 6:05 am packed powder machine groomed 15-24 base 40 of 40 trails, 35 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4:30p;

UTAH

http://www.skireport.com/utah/

Alta — Wed 5:20 am packed powder machine groomed 104-104 base 114 of 114 trails 100% open, 2200 acres, 11 of 11 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:15a-4:30p Sat/Sun: 9:15a-4:30p;

Beaver Mountain — Wed 8:09 am packed powder 62-62 base 48 of 48 trails 100% open, 5 of 6 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Brian Head — Wed 8:11 am powder machine groomed 62-62 base 60 of 65 trails 93% open, 8 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4:30p;

Brighton — Wed 5:14 am packed powder 93-93 base 66 of 66 trails 100% open, 26 miles, 1050 acres, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon: 9a-4p; Tue-Fri: 9a-9p Sat: 9a-9p; Sun: 9a-4p;

Canyons — Wed 7:19 am packed powder machine groomed 63-84 base 170 of 182 trails 94% open, 3760 acres, 19 of 19 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Deer Valley — Wed 5:29 am packed powder 89-89 base 96 of 100 trails 96% open, 21 of 21 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4:15p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4:15p;

Eagle Point Resort — Wed 6:17 am packed powder machine groomed 80-80 base 40 of 40 trails 100% open, 450 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-4:30p Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4:30p;

Park City — Wed 5:28 am packed powder machine groomed 77-77 base 112 of 114 trails 99% open, 16 of 16 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Powder Mountain — Wed 8:14 am packed powder 82-82 base 124 of 124 trails 100% open, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Snowbasin — Wed 5:47 am packed powder machine groomed 77-77 base 107 of 107 trails 100% open, 28 miles, 3000 acres, 7 of 9 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Snowbird — Wed 7:38 am packed powder machine groomed 98-98 base 85 of 85 trails 100% open, 12 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-5p; Sat/Sun: 9a-5p;

Solitude — Wed 6:48 am packed powder machine groomed 84-84 base 64 of 65 trails, 99% open 1200 acres, 8 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Sundance — Wed 12:35 am packed powder machine groomed 73-73 base 41 of 42 trails 98% open, 450 acres, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon, Wed-Fri: 9a-9p; Tue: 9a-4:30p Sat: 9a-9p; Sun 9a-4:30p;

Wolf Creek Utah — Wed 7:30 am packed powder 21-46 base 20 of 20 trails 100% open, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Soldier Hollow XC — Operating, no details

WYOMING

http://www.skireport.com/wyoming/

Grand Targhee — Wed 6:25 am packed powder machine groomed 82-82 base 74 of 74 trails 100% open, 45 miles, 2402 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Hogadon — Wed 4:18 pm packed powder 17-20 base 24 of 24 trails, 100% open 2 of 3 lifts, Wed-Fri: 9:30a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-3:30p; Open Wed-Sun;

Jackson Hole — Wed 6:36 am packed powder machine groomed 67-75 base 116 of 116 trails 100% open, 2500 acres, 11 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Meadowlark Ski Lodge — Wed Reopen 01/14 powder machine groomed 50-52 base 14 of 14 trails, 100% open, 2 of 2 lifts, Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Fri-Sun;

Sleeping Giant — Wed Reopen 01/13 packed powder machine groomed 25-48 base 47 of 47 trails, 100% open, 3 of 3 lifts, Thu: 10a-4p; Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Thu-Sun;

Snow King — Wed 9:21 am packed powder machine groomed 28-32 base 16 of 16 trails 100% open, 400 acres, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon: 10a-4p; Tue-Fri: 10a-7p Sat: 10a-7p; Sun: 10a-4p;

Snowy Range — Wed 7:45 am packed powder machine groomed 46-58 base 28 of 29 trails 97% open, 4 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

White Pine — Operating, no details Mon-Fri 9:30a-4p Sat/Sun 9:30a-4p;

Grand Targhee XC — Wed 6:45 am packed powder machine groomed 82-82 base 5 of 5 trails 15 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

…

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

…

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The number of commercial mule rides allowed at the Grand Canyon is going up, but the number of mules heading down the trails is decreasing.

The Grand Canyon. (Photo by Giovanna Dell'Orto)

Grand Canyon National Park officials say they’ve made permanent a trail ride that only goes along the canyon’s South Rim. That allows more visitors to have a mule ride experience.

The National Park Service had been analyzing options to keep mule rides while protecting historic trails into the canyon and cutting maintenance costs.

A stock use plan approved this month allows for up to 10,000 commercial mule rides at the South Rim and up to 8,000 such rides annually at the North Rim. That’s up from 8,315 and 7,072, respectively.

The plan cuts rides down the popular Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails.

…

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

But it is enjoyable. Sit back and wonder what it would be like to be an elite backcountry skier doing turns on the wildest snow on earth.

White Rose: A Ski Odyssey to Antarctica – Chapters 1-7 from Skiing Magazine on Vimeo.

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

Looks like the Backwoods hiking group is gearing up again for another outing. They’re headed to Roman Nose State Park. Have a look at the information below for more information about this hike.

…

Where: Roman Nose State Park near Watonga.

When: This Saturday. Meet at Backwoods in Norman at 7:45 a.m. to sign waivers and organize carpools. The group will leave promptly at 8. There is also the option of meeting the group at the State Park General Store at 9:30. If you choose to meet the group at the park, please RSVP so organizers know to look for you there.

Details: The group will hike the Watonga Lake North Loop (4.9 miles). This hike begins and ends at the General Store. The hike is rated as moderate. Most reasonably fit adults and children over the age of 12 should have no problems completing the hike. This is a great hike to enjoy with your active dog! The trail consists of dirt and large rocks. It is mostly flat with some short climbs and descents.

What to Bring: A daypack with 3 liters of water, snacks, and a lunch (the group will stop and eat on the trail). Dress in layers so that you can remove or add layers as needed during the hike. Depending on the weather, a rain jacket or sun protection may be necessary. If it has been raining or snowing, the trails at Roman Nose can be really muddy, so boots would be best. An extra pair of shoes to change into for the car ride home is not a bad idea. Dogs are welcome. If you are bringing your dog, make sure you carry extra water and a container to put it in, as well as food and a leash.

More information: Call 573-5199 or e-mail Pam Cherek at slsmgrnor@backwoods.com if you have any further questions.

…

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

…

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is seeking a dynamic teacher to work as a uniformed park ranger as part of the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program this summer. The teacher will assist with outreach, develop lesson plans, and take on projects. They will bring park resources into their classroom by developing and presenting curriculum-based lesson plans that draw on their summer’s experience.

The Teacher Ranger to Teacher program is a nationwide effort designed to offer teachers a professional development opportunity working as a national park ranger. During this eight-week position (June through August; dates flexible), the selected teacher will also perform traditional ranger duties, such as nature walks, informal interpretation on park trails and staffing visitor facilities.

The selected teacher will receive training, a $300 per week stipend and uniform. Housing in the park may be available.  For more information or to apply for the position, contact Lauren Gurniewicz at (580) 622-7282 or by e-mail at Lauren_Gurniewicz@nps.gov. Applications can be found online at www.nps.gov/chic. The deadline to apply is March 1.

…

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

http://blog.newsok.com/weather/2011/01/06/winter-weather-outdoor-safety-from-the-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention/

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

‘

The Avalung system is designed to give people a chance to breathe if he or she is caught in an avalanche and buried by snow. Extra time and space to breathe is essential in terms of self rescue or awaiting rescue from others. However, the recall suggests this particular product may have some issues. If you own an Avalung system, please read this and take action. Black Diamond has set up a website specifically on this recall, which you can link to below.

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

Avalung backpacks recalled by Black Diamond Equipment due to suffocation hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Avalung backpacks

Units: About 3,500 units

Importer/manufacturer: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah

Hazard: The air intake tubing can crack under cold temperatures, causing the unit not to function as intended, posing a suffocation hazard.

Incidents/injuries: The company has received one report of an air intake tubing cracking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the following Black Diamond 2010 Avalung backpacks (see chart below). These backpacks have an air intake system that the company states extracts air from the snow, allowing the victim of an avalanche to breathe while buried under the snow. The model name and color are printed on the side of the backpack. The PO number is printed on a white label inside the backpack.

Backpack Model | Color | Size | PO Number

Anarchist | Black | M/L | 101153, 101254 Anarchist | Black | S/M | 101104 Bandit | Black | One Size | 101052, 100981 Bandit | Green Olive | One Size | 100957 Bandit | Seth Plaid Red | One Size | 101030 Bandit | Seth Plaid Orange | One Size | 101254 Outlaw | Black | M/L | 101104, 101271, 101254 Outlaw | Green Olive | S/M | 100981, 101052 Agent | Black | M/L | 101104, 101153 Agent | Ocean Print | S/M | 101104 Covert | Black | M/L | 101104, 101254, 101330, 101287 Covert | Black | S/M | 101030 Revelation | Black | M/L | 101254, 101104, 101287 Revelation | Chili | M/L | 101213, 101254, 101030, 101052 Revelation | Chili | S/M | 101104 Bandit Avalung Package | Black | One Size |101322, 101330, 101052

Sold at: Specialty outdoor and ski shops nationwide from January 2010 through December 2010 for between $180 and $280.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled backpacks and contact Black Diamond Equipment to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Black Diamond collect at (801) 278-5533 anytime or visit the company’s website at www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com/AvaLungRecall

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1228

To see this recall on CPSC’s website, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11084.html

Lots of snow fell in the Rocky Mountains over the past week or so, giving some areas an extra boost on what has already been a pretty big winter in terms of snowfall while drier areas got the snow cover needed to really get going. Below are ski reports posted by The Associated Press, and I’ve included links to skireport.com for the most up to date conditions. When you see “XC,” that stands for cross-country trails.

COLORADO

http://www.skireport.com/colorado/

Arapahoe Basin — Tue 5:24 am 1 new packed powder machine groomed 50-50 base 94 of 105 trails, 100% open, 900 acres, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Aspen Highlands — Tue 4:45 am 1 new packed powder 45-63 base 118 of 124 trails, 99% open, 1020 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Aspen Mountain — Tue 4:42 am 1 new packed powder 34-37 base 76 of 76 trails, 100% open, 673 acres, 7 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Beaver Creek — Tue 7:02 am powder machine groomed 36-36 base 141 of 149 trails 96% open, 1735 acres, 25 of 26 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-3:30p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-3:30p;

Breckenridge — Tue 7:05 am 2 new powder machine groomed 55-57 base 155 of 155 trails, 100% open, 2368 acres, 30 of 30 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Buttermilk — Tue 4:43 am 1 new packed powder 28-35 base 42 of 43 trails 99% open, 468 acres, 6 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

Copper Mountain — Tue 5:09 am 1 new packed powder machine groomed 52-61 base 134 of 134 trails, 100% open, 2465 acres, 21 of 22 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Crested Butte — Tue 6:12 am powder machine groomed 55-62 base 100 of 121 trails 100% open, 1036 acres, 15 of 16 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Echo Mountain — Tue 7:30 am packed powder machine groomed 26-26 base 11 of 16 trails 73% open, 3 of 3 lifts, sm Mon: 9a-9p; Wed-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat: 9a-9p; Sun: 9a-4p Jan 04: 9a-4p; Open Wed-Mon;

Eldora — Tue 7:33 am packed powder 41-41 base 48 of 53 trails, 91% open 10 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Kendall Mountain — Reopen 01/07 Fri: 11a-4:30p Sat/Sun: 11a-4:30p; Open Fri-Sun;

Keystone — Tue 7:03 am powder machine groomed 39-39 base 131 of 135 trails 99% open, 3113 acres, 18 of 20 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Loveland — Tue 5:35 am 1 new powder 53-53 base 87 of 93 trails 86% open, 1430 acres, 8 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Monarch — Tue 12:22 pm 1 new powder machine groomed 60-60 base 53 of 64 trails 100% open, 800 acres, 4 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Powderhorn — Tue 5:52 am 1 new packed powder 42-42 base 43 of 44 trails 98% open, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Purgatory at Durango — Tue 4:51 am 1 new powder machine groomed 58-62 base 88 of 88 trails, 100% open, 1360 acres, 7 of 10 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Silverton Mountain — Tue Reopen 01/06 powder 90-135 base 69 of 69 trails, 100% open, 1819 acres, 1 of 1 lift Thu/Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Open Thu-Sun;

Ski Cooper — Tue 5:27 am powder machine groomed 41-42 base 26 of 26 trails 100% open, 26 miles, 400 acres, 4 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8a-4p Sat/Sun: 8a-4p;

Snowmass — Tue 4:40 am 1 new packed powder 31-34 base 91 of 91 trails 98% open, 3078 acres, 16 of 24 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p;

SolVista Basin — Tue 10:40 am packed powder machine groomed 16-25 base 97% open 5 of 6 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Steamboat — Tue 5:07 am 1 new powder machine groomed 58-76 base 163 of 165 trails 99% open, 2954 acres, 16 of 20 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Sunlight — Tue 4:13 am packed powder 35-41 base 50 of 67 trails 100% open, 3 of 3 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Telluride — Tue 4:57 am 2 new powder machine groomed 48-48 base 92 of 125 trails 74% open, 17 of 18 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Vail — Tue 7:00 am 1 new powder machine groomed 44-45 base 191 of 193 trails 100% open, 5268 acres, 31 of 34 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Winter Park — Tue 6:10 am packed powder machine groomed 45-50 base 133 of 145 trails 95% open, 2560 acres, 20 of 26 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4p;

Wolf Creek — Tue 2:19 pm 5 new powder 97-102 base 77 of 77 trails 100% open, 42 miles, 1600 acres, 6 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-4a;

Ashcroft XC — Tue 5:35 am powder machine groomed 30-42 base 9 of 20 trails 26 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Aspen/Snowmass XC — Tue 7:11 am packed powder machine groomed 3-5 base 7 of 15 trails 52 miles Mon-Fri: 7a-5p; Sat/Sun: 7a-5p;

Crested Butte XC — Tue No Recent Information powder machine groomed 20-25 base 23 of 23 trails, 50 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Snow Mountain XC — Tue 8:43 am packed powder machine groomed 26-120 base 80 miles Mon-Fri: 8:30a-5p; Sat/Sun: 8:30a-5p;

NEW MEXICO

http://www.skireport.com/newmexico/

Angel Fire — Tue 8:01 am packed powder machine groomed 20-23 base 31 of 75 trails 21% open, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Red River — Tue 7:11 am packed powder machine groomed 25-30 base 31 of 57 trails 57% open, 6 of 7 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Sandia Peak — Tue 9:52 am packed powder machine groomed 20-38 base 28 of 30 trails 94% open, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Sipapu — Tue 8:58 am powder machine groomed 22-30 base 33 of 41 trails, 81% open 4 of 4 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Ski Apache — Tue 5:34 am packed powder machine groomed 24-26 base 9 of 55 trails 25% open, 5 of 10 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Ski Santa Fe — Tue 5:51 pm packed powder machine groomed 20-43 base 62 of 72 trails 72% open, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4:30p;

Taos — Tue 6:16 am packed powder machine groomed 42-47 base 51 of 110 trails, 50% open 12 of 13 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Enchanted Forest XC — Tue 10:46 am packed powder machine groomed 12-24 base 40 of 40 trails, 35 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4:30p;

UTAH

http://www.skireport.com/utah/

Alta — Tue 5:23 am packed powder machine groomed 109-109 base 114 of 114 trails 100% open, 2200 acres, 11 of 11 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:15a-4:30p Sat/Sun: 9:15a-4:30p;

Beaver Mountain — Tue 7:48 am packed powder 64-66 base 48 of 48 trails 100% open, 6 of 6 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Brian Head — Tue 7:49 am 1 new packed powder machine groomed 72-72 base 65 of 65 trails 100% open, 8 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4:30p;

Brighton — Tue 5:17 am packed powder 98-98 base 66 of 66 trails 100% open, 26 miles, 1050 acres, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon: 9a-4p; Tue-Fri: 9a-9p Sat: 9a-9p; Sun: 9a-4p;

Canyons — Tue 7:11 am packed powder machine groomed 66-88 base 154 of 182 trails 85% open, 3385 acres, 17 of 19 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Deer Valley — Tue 5:24 am packed powder 90-90 base 94 of 100 trails 94% open, 21 of 21 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4:15p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4:15p;

Eagle Point Resort — Tue 7:35 am 2 new packed powder machine groomed 80-80 base 40 of 40 trails, 100% open, 450 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4:30p Sat/Sun: 9a-4:30p;

Park City — Tue 5:05 am packed powder machine groomed 81-81 base 111 of 114 trails 99% open, 16 of 16 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Powder Mountain — Tue 8:35 am packed powder 86-86 base 124 of 124 trails 100% open, 7 of 7 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

Snowbasin — Tue 5:30 am packed powder machine groomed 83-83 base 102 of 107 trails 100% open, 28 miles, 3000 acres, 7 of 9 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Snowbird — Tue 7:27 am packed powder machine groomed 97-100 base 85 of 85 trails 100% open, 12 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-5p; Sat/Sun: 9a-5p;

Solitude — Tue 7:20 am packed powder machine groomed 89-89 base 65 of 65 trails 100% open, 1200 acres, 8 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Sundance — Tue 4:00 am packed powder machine groomed 77-77 base 41 of 42 trails, 98% open 450 acres, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4:30p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4:30p;

Wolf Creek Utah — Tue 3:44 pm packed powder 21-65 base 20 of 20 trails 100% open, 4 of 4 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-9p; Sat/Sun: 9a-9p;

WYOMING

http://www.skireport.com/wyoming/

Grand Targhee — Tue 6:33 am packed powder machine groomed 80-80 base 74 of 74 trails 100% open, 45 miles, 2402 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Hogadon — Tue Reopen 01/05 packed powder 12-16 base 14 of 24 trails 59% open, 2 of 3 lifts, Wed-Fri: 9:30a-3:30p; Sat/Sun: 9:30a-3:30p Open Wed-Sun;

Jackson Hole — Tue 6:37 am powder machine groomed 66-75 base 116 of 116 trails 100% open, 2500 acres, 10 of 12 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

Meadowlark Ski Lodge — Tue Reopen 01/07 powder machine groomed 48-52 base 14 of 14 trails, 100% open, 2 of 2 lifts, Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Fri-Sun;

Snow King — Tue 9:35 am variable machine groomed 28-34 base 16 of 16 trails 100% open, 400 acres, 4 of 4 lifts, Mon: 10a-4p; Tue-Fri: 10a-7p Sat: 10a-7p; Sun: 10a-4p;

Snowy Range — Tue 9:17 am packed powder machine groomed 44-56 base 28 of 29 trails 97% open, 4 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

White Pine — Operating, no details Mon-Fri 9:30a-4p Sat/Sun 9:30a-4p;

Grand Targhee XC — Tue 6:34 am packed powder machine groomed 80-80 base 5 of 5 trails 15 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p;

…

Shaping up to be a banner season on the slopes. Enjoy it!

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com

Burn massive calries doing this, a trade group says. (AP Photo)

Heading out for a vacation usually means you’re going to pack on a few pounds. You get out of your routine, eat out and live it up a little, right?

That may not be the case if your next getaway is on the slopes.

Organizers of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month say that the average adult can burn between 250 to 630 calories per hour skiing or snowboarding at moderate speeds, depending on the size of the person. That might make you feel a little better as your chow down on those notoriously calorie-rich meals on the slopes.

“Childhood obesity is at an all time high in the U.S. and people tend to be more sedentary in the winter,” said Mary Tarallo, director of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. “Our slogan is ‘Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate’. We hope that children and adults will look at skiing and snowboarding as a way to be active all year long.”

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

More information on this subject can be found at skiandsnowboardmonth.org.

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com