Skiing participation up 5.4 percent, snowboarding up10.4 percent last 2 years

Escalating costs and a bad economy don’t seem to be affecting the overall participation in snow sports.

According to SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the organization’s comprehensive 2011 Snow Sports Participation Report detailed that there are more than 31 million Americans participating in snow sports.

The report covers alpine skiers, telemark skiers, park and pipe (freestyle) skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers and snowshoers. SIA works with its Physical Activity Council partners to survey more than 38,500 American households on their sports and leisure activities.

This year, the participation data collected uncovered a number of burgeoning trends among snow sports’ 21 million active participants, as well as information about the 10.5 million Americans,who consider themselves skiers or riders, but did not participate in the past season and why. Read More

Jet-setting to Mammoth Mountain Made Easy Thanks to United Airlines

MAMMOTH LAKES, CA - Jet-setters rejoice! If you are a looking for a way to maximize your slope-time this year then the first thing you need to remedy is the time it takes you to get to your favorite mountain. For residents of California that title rests with Mammoth Mountain. And what's not to love? Last year La Nina absolutely had its way with our beloved Mammy, providing the mountain with literally "the most snow in the world" and the best, longest, most fun-filled season in the resort's history!

Mammoth is without-a-doubt one of the top ski and snowboard destinations in the United States, and while it just so happens to be in California's backyard -- for Southern Californians, it is still at least a 5 hour schlep, and for San Franciscans just getting out of the city can be a major ordeal in its own right. Read More