OPENING IT UP
DAY TWO OF THE 1ST ANNUAL WORLD TELEMARK FREESKIING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nick deVore and Megan Michelson take the first titles

For Immediate Release

March 31, 2008

Media Contact:  Molly Murfee - mmurfee.aei@usa.net.

Chief of Press: Abbie Baugh - (907) 754-2554 - abaugh@alyeskaresort.com

GIRDWOOD, AK - March 31, 2008 -  Alyeska Resort continued to open up the goods to telemark freeskiers vying for the title of best in their world.  Once again, the resort opened terrain previously untouched since 1999 competitions for the 1st Annual World Telemark Freeskiing Championships.  The thigh pumping, heart stopping North Face Prow became the showcase for the remaining 46 competitors who stood up to the judge's cut from Day One.  After surviving and excelling through the challenges of yesterday's venue in the Shadows, it was Nick deVore of Aspen, Colorado and Megan Michelson of Boulder, Colorado who skied away with the titles of Champions.

The North Face Prow served up an unrelenting high cliff band to end in a wide-open Alaskan field of fresh snow interspersed with plenty of rocky features to maximize on the Knuckles fingers.  The one two punch of the two days of competition tested the endurance of athletes able to hold on to their bended knee turn all the way to the bottom.  After a Finals run, the Men's and Women's divisions were cut to an exclusive top 10 and 3 respectively of the best.  Standing on the ridgeline of the North Face Prow were the heavy hitters in the competitive telemark world.  These men and women, seasoned by years of podium finishes in multiple venues, have created the who's who in telemark skiing today.

Nick deVore fired out of his two runs with enough speed to not only melt the snow around him but to boil it.  Flying with tremendous height over every feature, deVore attacked every inch of the hill with a voracious hunger.  His greased lightning performance won him 36.6 and 35.8 points for his two runs today, the title of World Telemark Freeskiing Champion and a bonus prize of future full days of heli skiing with Valdez Heli Camps.

Ousted out of his five year run of Championship telemark titles, zen master Dylan Crossman skied with his usual solid unwavering, over the cliff bands and variable conditions presented to him throughout the venue with equal steadiness and velocity.  His efforts got him 32.8 and 34.2 points for his Finals and Superfinals run.  Young gun Jake Sakson's monumental airing of the Shadows yesterday put him in first place coming into the Finals.  His high speed antics and airings on the North Face Prow allowed him to stay on the podium with a third place finish and 26.4 and 29.6 points for two runs.

Megan Michelson's exorbitant lead of 12 points going into today permitted her to grab the Championship crown for the Women, even though a tumble through the rocky ridges of the North Face Prow in her Superfinals run threatened to eject her from her high position.  Michelson scored 24.8 and 21.4 for her Finals and Superfinals runs.  Veteran competitor Martha Burley played mastermind with finding the most creative line through the venue, men or women, and her inventive choices popped her into second place, shortening the spread between she and Michelson by a mere .6 points for a total of 25 and 23.4 points for two runs.  Kate Cardamone's even and sturdy performances landed her in third with 21.8 and 24.2 points in two runs.  Junior Woman Francesca Pavillard-Cain earned another Championship title for her belt.  Nothing seems to be able to topple Pavillard-Cain.  With only another year in the Junior's division, the women's world better watch out for this unshakeable hot shot.  Pavillard-Cain led the Junior Women today for a total of 78 points for the entire competition  Amelia Hamilton and Rebecca Mamrol followed in behind Pavillard-Cain with 75.6 and 54 points respectively.  Spencer Jonas took it for the Junior Men, with Peter Mamrol edging in for a second.

And while serious competition kept energetic spectators alert and alive up top, down below at day's end 50 Telepalooza festival goers once again donned their piratey best to compete in the "fun run" uphill / downhill race of the weekend.  Additional raffle prizes of $20,000, brought the total up to $30,000 in giveaways to benefit the Friends of the Chugach NR Avalance Center.  The exorbitant amount of prizes had not only the international tele community in an uproar, but the surrounding Girdwood community as well.

The competitors of the Worlds showed they can not only ski technically, but can ski technically in any conditions in the Finals and Superfinasl.  Typical for big mountain skiing, terrain and snow conditions changed within a matter of vertical feet, keeping every competitor on their toes and adapting in a high velocity chase for the Championship title.  Watching the time-tested contend for the podium, a spirit of competitive and yet sincere camaraderie arose.  Those able to adapt to the weather and demanding terrain of the Chugach of Alyeska Resort showed they were the ones to truly have the prowess to open it up and let 'em rip for the 1st Annual World Telemark Freeskiing Championships.

JUNIOR WOMEN

1. Francesca Pavillard-Cain Crested Butte, CO
2. Amelia Hamilton  Olds, Alberta, Canada
3. Rebecca Mamrol  Anchorage, AK

JUNIOR MEN

1. Spencer Jonas  Girdwood, AK 
2. Peter Mamrol  Anchorage, AK

WOMEN

1. Megan Michelson  Boulder, CO
2. Martha Burley  Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
3. Kate Cardamone  Basalt, CO
4. Kelsey Vrem  Girdwook, AK
5. Gwen Stosovloski  Girdwood, AK

MEN

1. Nick DeVore  Aspen, CO
2. Dylan Crossman  Bethel, VT
3. Jake Sakson  Cabondale, CO
4. Bayden Hamilton  Olds, Alberta, Canada
5. JT Robinson  Fruit Heights, UT

Alyeska Resort is host to the North Face Master Series starting April 2-6 followed by the Subaru Freeskiing World Championships April 9-13.  For more information about the upcoming schedule of events visit www.alyeskaresort.com or call (907) SKI-SNOW for current mountain conditions.

EVENT SPONSORS

Valdez Heli Camps, Valkyr Adventure Lodge, GCI, Black Diamond, K2 Telemark, Karhu, G3, Rossignol, Moment Skis, Hammerhead, telemarkski.com, Atomic, greenmultimedia, Garmont, Alyeska Resort, Captain Morgan, Native Eyewear, Smartwool, Alpine Air Alaska, Friends of the Chugach, Tough Guy Productions, Marmot, Alaska Coast, World Cup, Girdwood Suite Retreat, The Ascending Path, Alaska Driftaway Fishing, Art Seriously, Backcountry Magazine, Backcountry Access, Cliff Bar, Cloudveil, Off-Piste Magazine, Patagonia, Powder Magazine, REI, Scarpa, Smartwool, Voile Equipment and countless other local sponsors.

Press release written by Molly Murfee, freelance writer, for Alyeska Resort.  Molly's e-mail is mmurfee.aei@usa.net.

BIG MOUNTAIN SKIING DEFINED
DAY ONE OF THE 1ST ANNUAL WORLD TELEMARK FREESKIING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Coloradoans Jake Sakson of Carbondale and Megan Michelson of Boulder, Colorado Set the Pace

Daily Real Estate News  |  March 28, 2008

Last-Minute Home Owner Tax Primer

As April 15 approaches, here’s what home owners need to know about the deductibility of mortgage interest and property taxes.

Taxpayers may deduct on Schedule A of Form 1040 mortgage interest on the purchase or home equity debt on two residences, their primary home and another dwelling, including a boat or a mobile home. These dwellings must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities to qualify for a loan interest deduction. Interest paid on vacant land isn’t deductible.

Real estate taxes are deductible on all properties owned by the taxpayer — not just the first two. The deduction must be taken in the year the taxes are paid. Taxes placed in escrow are deductible when they are paid to the taxing authority, not when the money is put in escrow. Penalties and interest on late tax payments aren’t deductible.

Also, in order to deduct taxes and interest, the taxpayer must itemize instead of taking the standard deduction.

Source: Houston Chronicle, Shannon Buggs (03/27/08)

Click U. S. Officials Warn of Scams Targeting Homeowners for an article from the Wall Street Journal.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with the Municipality of Anchorage on a revision of the Chugach State Park Master Plan and Trail Plan that will address issues resulting from Anchorage’s growth and increased visitor use. 

DNR and MOA are seeking public input on current or future issues, goals and Park use including:

• Park access.
• Trails and trail connectivity.
• Facility needs and development.
• Resource protection. 

Public workshops will be held from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm on the dates and locations listed below:

• Anchorage April 2 - Campbell Creek Science Center Multi-purpose Room.
• Indian April 8 - Indian Valley Bible Chalet's Fellowship Hall.
• Eagle River April 9 - Valley River Center's Municipal Conference Center, Suite 203. 

Written comments may be submitted until June 2, 2008 by mail, e-mail or fax to:

Chugach State Park Planning

550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1050

Anchorage, AK  99501

E-mail: monica.alvarez@alaska.gov

Fax: (907)269-8915

For more information contact: Monica Alvarez at (907)269-8145. 

To view the existing park plans and learn more about this process, you can link to the State Parks website at:  www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/planning.

ALYESKA IMPLEMENTS RFID FOR SEASON PASSES

For Immediate Release
March 19, 2008
Media Contact:  Jason Lott – (907) 754-2211 – jlott@alyeskaresort.com

GIRDWOOD, AK – March 19, 2008 Alyeska Resort announced today that it is now utilizing an integrated electronic ski pass based on RFID technology allowing skiers and riders to keep their season pass in their pockets.

Remote-operated turnstiles located at the Tram detect a valid ski pass and open automatically.  The core feature in this system is a 13.56 MHr RFID transponder (tiny microchip with antenna).  Each transponder has a unique identification electronic code, which is embedded into the season pass. 

“The technology will help to shorten lift lines, reduce the number of lost season passes and create a better skiing and riding experience at Alyeska”, stated Mountain Service Manager Di Hiibner.  “The new RFID pass will allow guests to keep their pass for future seasons and not have to wait in line next season for a new pass.”  “This will allow the lift attendants to verify the photo to the person who has been issued the pass.”

This is not all; guests at Alyeska can easily load money onto their Alyeska Resort RFID Season pass using cash or credit at POS (Point of Sale) terminals located at the Tram Ticket Office and Guest Services Desk at the Hotel Alyeska. “The RFID season passes provide our guests a convenient and hassle-free method of making purchases, its secure and easy to use”, states Hiibner.  “The process of loading money onto the season pass is simple and fast.  Guests can go to two locations, the Tram Ticket Office or Guest Services Desk to load money”.  Any data, particularly personal data, stored on the RFID chip can be encrypted, preventing unauthorized users from reading the data which can only be read by RFID readers programmed specifically for a venue’s application.
 
Guests’ credit card account information or personal data is not stored on the pass.  That information is kept on our server for added security.  Guests no longer have to carry cash, a wallet, or a purse while at Alyeska.  The season passes look and act similar to your typical form of pass media.  Customers must place their pass so it is readily available for all lifts.  Cell phones, MP3 players, credit cards or radios may interfere with you ski pass working.  Please do not put holes in your pass or bend it as the damage could result in your season pass not working.  The system's ease-of-use, speed, and convenience are key advantages for guests, creating shorter lines and faster transactions at all POS locations. Guests' experience and satisfaction are enhanced using RFID cashless payment technologies allowing them to focus more time on having fun together with friends and family.

Some of you know that I am a member of the National Ski Patrol and a volunteer member of the Alyeska Resort Ski Patrol.  I transferred to Alyeska Resort in 1996/1997 after spending a season on the Mount Hood Ski Patrol.  Before that I spent a year at a small area in Utah by the name of Nordic Valley (two chairlifts, night skiing, snow making, and about 1,000 vertical feet).  Odd name for an alpine ski area when I think about it further.  During college I worked as a Ski Technician at Snowbasin, also in Utah and not far from where I grew up in Ogden, prior to their expansion and addition of several lifts in preparation for the Downhill and Super G events in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Management and the paid Patrol at Alyeska Resort did an incredible job this week of getting terrain open.  I am not sure if I've seen this much terrain open at one time.  I had an opportunity to work with the paid Patrol yesterday morning to get the Monies open and then towards the end of the day I was able to shift over to the Headwall.  I got a couple of nice photos I thought I would share:

Hats off to Resort management and the paid Ski Patrol!

Incredible skiing off of New Year's Chute this afternoon.  Plenty of snow left.  Come get some!

News Release

BRYAN EPLEY EARNS INTERNATIONAL DESIGNATION

FOR LUXURY HOME MARKETING EXPERTISE

Bryan Epley with RE/MAX of Alyeska in Girdwood has earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation in recognition of his experience, knowledge, and expertise in the luxury home market.  “Bryan Epley is an example of a real estate professional who has worked to develop market knowledge and the special skills and competencies necessary to provide exceptional service in the fine homes and estates marketplace,” said Institute President Laurie Moore-Moore, upon announcing Epley's designation.  “Affluent buyers and sellers can turn to sales professionals who have this designation and be confident that they have special expertise and experience in the luxury home marketplace.”

“I am committed to providing outstanding service to my clients,” said Epley “the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation is evidence of my ability to meet the needs of affluent buyers and sellers.  My membership in The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing also provides me with marketing tools and networking capabilities that benefit my clients.” 

Epley is an award-winning real estate professional who has gone through special training and met performance standards in the upper tier market.  

Daily Real Estate News  |  March 4, 2008

30-Year Rates to Hit 5.5 Percent?

Freddie Mac expects the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to slip to 5.5 percent this year from 6.3 percent in 2007, marking a 45-year low. But Global Insight Inc. economist Brian Bethune does not expect the drop in mortgage rates to spark a housing rebound.

According to him, "People are going to stay away from the market if they see instability, and lenders are going to have a hard time valuing properties and issuing mortgages."

Freddie Mac also forecasts a decline in economic growth to 2.3 percent from 2.5 percent and a decrease in inflation to 2.5 percent from 4 percent over the same period.

Source: Baltimore Sun (03/04/08)

Daily Real Estate News  |  March 7, 2008

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home

Before a home owner curses the troubled housing market, he or she should take solace in the U.S. tax code, which makes buying a home a good deal for almost everyone.

Here’s why:

Mortgage interest deductions, including in some cases mortgage insurance premiums, reduce home owners’ tax liability by reducing income. The deduction includes interest paid on both a first and a second home.

Interest on home equity loans is also deductible — whether the borrower uses the money to remodel the kitchen or to take a vacation to Disney World.

Profits from selling a house are potentially a huge windfall. When a home owner sells a primary residence, any profit on the sale of the property is tax free up to $250,000 for single home owners and $500,000 for married home owners filing. Any profit above that is nearly always a long-term capital gain taxed at 15 percent — less if the seller’s tax rate is less than 20 percent.

Home owners can itemize. That opens up opportunities to deduct a host of other items that wouldn’t be deductible if the taxpayer took the standard deduction.

Source: The Boston Globe, Leonard Wiener (03/02/08)

Daily Real Estate News  |  March 3, 2008

How to Judge if a Teardown Will Pay Off

When does buying a house and tearing it down make economic sense?

Builders have a guide for estimating whether a teardown will pay off. Generally, the cost of the land must be one-third of the cost of the final sales price of the house.

For instance, if the old home and the land it is on can be acquired for $400,000 and the new house can be sold for $1.2 million, then the builder can spend $600,000 or $200 per square foot on a 3,000 square foot home and still cover miscellaneous expenses and make a profit.

Home owners who are contemplating buying a teardown and commissioning a custom-built home should keep this formula in mind as they consider whether the proposition is realistic, experts say.

Source: ThinkGlink.com, Ilyce Glink (03/01/08)