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Tuesday, 29 April 2008
ALYESKA RESORT HIRES MICHAEL FLYNN
AS NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2008
Media Contact: Jason Lott – (907) 754-2211 – jlott@alyeskaresort.com
Girdwood, Alaska –April 29, 2008 – Alyeska Resort announced today that Michael Flynn has been selected as Food and Beverage Director of Alyeska Resort. Mr. Flynn has been working as a consultant to improve the overall hospitality service levels and will begin his new position as Food and Beverage Director immediately.
Flynn will oversee the Food and Beverage operations of multiple locations including the Four Diamond mountain-top Seven Glaciers Restaurant, Pond Café, Tramway Café, Glacier Express, Sitzmark Bar & Grill, Banquet services, Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and Room Service.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity offered to me. I see the challenges and relish in the idea of working with a very energetic, creative culinary and service team,” said Michael Flynn.
Mr. Flynn brings over 21 years of hospitality experience to Alyeska including the past 11 years owning The Bake Shop. He worked as an Executive Chef for many world class resorts including The Resort at Squaw Creek, The Hotel Captain Cook, Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, and The Hotel Bel Air. Mr. Flynn is professionally trained at California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, CA and has appeared as a guest Chef for Winter Wine Escape in Kona, Hawaii, Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand and as the Celebrity Chef at the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Culinary School.
“Alyeska is excited to have Michael join our team. He will elevate the food and beverage experience at our various outlets,” stated Mark Weakland, General Manager of the Hotel Alyeska. “His wealth of experience makes him the perfect fit for the position.”
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
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Municipality of Anchorage
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P.O Box 390
Girdwood, Alaska 99587
http://www.muni.org/gbos
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GIRDWOOD VALLEY SERVICE AREA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Tim Cabana, Chairman
Bryan Epley, John Gallup, Jim Henderson, Jake Thompson
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Mark Begich, Mayor
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Posted 4/23/08
Available position
Road, Fire and Facility Administrator/Manager.
Per the directives of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors, letters of interest and resumes are being accepted for a community paid Road, Fire and Facility Administrator/Manager.
Letters of interest with resumes and any restrictions to completing any of the responsibilities, duties, and qualification in the job description will be accepted through May 7, 2008. The letters of interest with resumes shall be delivered to Chief William Chadwick at the Girdwood Fire Hall. No consideration will be give to letters of interest with resumes received after the closing date of May 7, 2008 at 5pm Alaska Daylight Savings time. Interviews will be schedule with interested parties upon receipt of the written expression of interest.
The intent is to announce the person selected to fill the position by the evening of May 10th. The selected party shall accept the position no later than May 14, 2008 and begin work no later than June 11, 2008.
The position is a full time position that will pay up to $38,000 per year DOE.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
ALYESKA RESORT SUMMER PROGRAMS & IMPROVEMENTS
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2008
Media Contact: Jason Lott – (907) 754-2211 – jlott@alyeskaresort.com
GIRDWOOD, AK – April 23, 2008 Summer activities at Alyeska Resort begin May 11th with more outdoor adventures available to the guests on the mountain than ever before. The entire mountain will be open to hiking and biking except for the Chair 3 & 7 areas.
Alyeska will continue to expand its summer experience, with new opportunities for hiking on the North Face. A new switchback trail travels from the top of the tram down through the Autobahn connecting to the Winner Creek Trail. Completion of the North Face trail is scheduled for July 1st.
Mountain biking trails, hiking, guided tours, tram rides, and fine dining at Seven Glaciers make Alyeska Resort a favorite place to spend a summer day while visiting Alaska. Start your summer day from the bottom of the Hotel Alyeska with the superlative Winner Creek Trail, or venture off from the Tram there are a wide range of hiking trails available throughout Alyeska Resort. Mountain bike rentals are available at the Tram ticket office during business hours.
Scenic Alyeska Tram Ride: Capture panoramic views of the Chugach Mountain Range, surrounding seven glaciers and Turnagain Arm as the Alyeska Tram speeds you to your alpine summer adventure at 2,300 feet. New this season at the mountain station is the Roundhouse Museum open daily starting May 10th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For more information about the Roundhouse Museum please visit http://roundhouseatalyeska.org/. The Tram will be closed from April 28th- May 9th for maintenance. Summer operating schedule is seven days a week starting at 9:30am to 9:30pm beginning May 10th and tickets can be purchased at the Tram ticket office located on the second floor of the Hotel Alyeska.
This summer Alyeska Resort will replace Chair 3 with a new fixed grip quad chairlift equipped with a restraining device. The new chair 3 will realign at the top terminal moving slightly to the north. This will help to reduce the steepness of the terrain and improve the traffic allowing guests to flow more smoothly at the unloading station. Chair 7 will see a carpet loader installed at the base of the lift and a mid way off-loading station. The carpet loader will allow the lift to run at higher speeds and help beginners and children load the chair easier. A mid way station will create a transitional process for skiers and riders to access the beginner terrain that is more conducive for learning without having to travel all the way to the top of Chair 7.
Seven Glaciers Restaurant: Alaska’s only AAA four-diamond mountain top restaurant is now serving lunch Thursday – Sunday from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Join us for a unique culinary experience as executive chef; Tanner Exposito prepares Alaska specialties including Alaskan king crab, fresh salmon and halibut. Seven Glaciers will have a special Mother’s Day seating on May 11th. The Seven Glaciers Restaurant will re-open on May 14 for summer dinner operations seven days a week. For a complete listing of all the summer menu items, hours of operation or dinner reservations visit Seven Glaciers Restaurant or call (907) 754-2237.
Season Passes for 2008-2009: Passes will go on sale beginning May 10. Purchase your 2008-2009 season pass online or by visiting the Tram Ticket Office. 08/09 Season Passholders who purchase their season pass in May can enjoy the mountain for two extra days of spring skiing & riding for FREE on Chair 6 during the upcoming weekend of May 31 & June 1, 2008 from 11am to 5pm. Lift tickets can be purchased for $35 for adults, $25 for high school, military, seniors over 60 years, $20 for children ages 8 to 13 years, and $10 for 7 & under / over 70 years.
Alyeska Resort will host the Blueberry Festival, Alyeska Mtn Run, and Oktober Fest all taking place during the month of September. In October the entire mountain will be closed to hiking and biking in preparation for the 2008-2009 season and the start of snowmaking.
For more information about summer programs and hotel packages visit www.alyeskaresort.com or call (907) 754-1111.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Posted 4/14/08
** Amended (1) (2) and (12) and reposted 4/15/08
GBOS Monthly Meeting
AGENDA
7:00 p.m. Glacier City Hall
Call to Order 7:00 p.m. by Tim Cabana, GBOS Chairman
Minutes Changes, additions, revisions and final approval
1. GBOS Regular Meeting March 17, 2008.
2. GBOS Special Session March 17, 2008.
Announcements
1. ** 20.37% of registered voters participated in the April 1, 2008 voting process. Girdwood Board of Supervisors Seats and the South Anchorage Assembly seat were all retained by existing members. Elections were confirmed by Assembly Vote on 4/15/08.
a. GBOS Seat C: Bryan Epley
b. GBOS Seat D: Jake Thompson
c. GBOS Seat E: John Gallup
d. Anchorage Assembly Seat K (So. Anchorage including Girdwood): Chris Birch
2. South Townsite Master Plan PUBLIC MEETING May 7th, 7:00 p.m. Meadow’s Community Center
3. City Wide Clean Up – May 10th, 2008. Alison Rein is the local coordinator. Additional details to be added when available.
4. Chugach State Park Master Plan and Trails Plan – the AK DNR has initiated a process to renew the Master Plan, including a Chugach Access Plan. The intent is to address the issues that arise as Anchorage grows and use increases. Public comments are being taken until June 2, 2008 via email, phone or US Mail. 907-269-8145 or www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/planning or mail to: Chugach State Park Planning, 550 W. 7th Suite 1050, Anchorage AK 99501-3579. Also see postings at the Post Office in Girdwood.
Introductions, Presentations and Reports:
5. Legislative Report – Sen. Bunde is unable to attend this month’s meeting.
6. Assembly Report - Chris Birch Tentative
7. HLB Report – Alison Smith or Will Mehner
8. New Recycling Program – SaraEllen Hutchinson, Alaska Center for the Environment
9. Financial Report – Tim Cabana
Public Comment:
Persons offering public comment must state their full name and address. Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes per person and must be on subjects not listed on the agenda.
Old Business:
10. From the Land Use Committee Meeting of April 8, 2008:
Agenda Item LUC 0804-02: Committee reports; Trails CommitteeReport: Girdwood Area Plan Advisory Committee: Girdwood Townsite Subcommittee: Status Update
Agenda Item LUC 0804-03: Subdivision of one tract of land into seven lots Arlberg Avenue Alyeska Subdivision- Prince Addition Tract D. Dowl Engineers – Tim Potter. Alyeska Resort – Larry Daniels. Platting Board Date: May 7, 2008.
· LUC voted 7 – 0 to non-object to the subdivision of these Fragment Lots.
Agenda Item LUC 0804-04: Review of Site Plan submitted by Forest Fair Committee.
· Motion to table at LUC to May failed 2-8
· Motion to non-object to Site Plan failed 0-9
· LUC recommended follow up with Forest Fair Committee to encourage their attendance at the 4/21/08 GBOS meeting to answer outstanding questions regarding this site plan.
· HLB, State Troopers and Fire Representatives are expected to attend and comment on 4/21/08.
Agenda Item LUC 0804-05: Girdwood Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development is seeking a letter of support to apply for a grant form the Strategic Opportunities Fund to conduct a feasibility study in Girdwood in regards to creating a renewable energy test center, which would be run as an extension of UAA. Doug Wu, presenting.
· Motion to approve Letter of Non Objection from LUC approved 8-0.
o Secretary’s Note: The grant application is due prior to the 4/21/08 GBOS meeting; therefore the LUC will give its support directly.
**Added LUC item not heard on 4/8/08 – Subdivision of 2 lots into 22 Fragment lots, Alyeska Subdivision – Prince Addition. Dowl Engineers – Tim Potter. Alyeska Resort – Larry Daniels. Platting Board Date: May 7, 2008.
· LUC did not hear this case due to late arrival of MOA alert.
· GBOS will take public comment and hear the Resort plans at this 4/21/08 meeting.
11. Roads Manager Position – Tim Cabana, Jim Henderson, Chief Chadwick
· Define Position Requirements
· Define Position placement (Streets or Fire Department)
12. **Crow Creek Road Bridge Options – Tim Cabana
· 2 bridge options, EMC Engineering
· Letter of Support from GBOS for Box Culvert Bridge – possible action
13. Lower Matrix Crow Creek Road Project Update – Tim Cabana
a. AWWU and HLB will attend in May 2008
b. Information/update only for April 2008
14. Skate Park Renovations – John Gallup, Jonnie Lazarus
· Continued fundraising alternatives
· Establish Capital Account in GBOS Parks and Rec. budget for funds
o Resolution of Support for Capital Account if approved
New Business:
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Supervisor Reports and Action Item Updates as assigned:
16. Land Use – Jake Thompson
17. Public Safety and Fire – Bryan Epley
Action Items 3/08
o Roads – Jim Henderson
Town Square Park Project Update
18. Utilities – Tim Cabana
· Action Items from 3/08
· Develop Training Plan priorities for GBOS after April Election with Kris, Rosey, Jerry P., Michael F. Johnson, and Rhonda Westover
19. Parks and Recreation – John Gallup
Action Items from 3/08
Request for Executive Session:
Call for Executive session, set agenda, time and place if necessary.
Adjourn
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Here is a link to an interesting article written by an economist by the name of Jeff Thredgold: Handwriting on the Wall.
Friday, 11 April 2008
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For more information, contact:
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Walt Molony, 202-383-1177, wmolony@realtors.org
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Existing Home Sales to Stablize Before Upturn in Second Half of 2008
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WASHINGTON, April 08, 2008 -
Little change is expected in existing-home sales over the next few months, before improving notably during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the market will come into clearer focus this summer. “Existing home sales could start to show a sustained increase within a few months, unless there are some additional economic problems or excessive inflationary pressure,” he said. “We’re looking for essentially stable sales in the near term, before higher mortgage loan limits translate into more sales in high-cost markets. The wider access to affordable credit should increase sales activity notably this summer as pent-up demand begins to be met.”
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in February, slipped 1.9 percent to 84.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 86.2 in January, and was 21.4 percent lower than the February 2007 index of 107.6. “The slip in pending home sales implies we’re not out of the woods yet, though an era of successive deep sales declines appears to be over,” Yun said.
The PHSI in the Northeast rose 3.2 percent in February to 71.8 but remains 25.4 percent below a year ago. In the Midwest, the index declined 3.7 percent to 82.7 and is 17.4 percent lower than February 2007. The index in the South fell 5.5 percent in February to 85.0 and is 30.3 percent below a year ago. In the West, the index rose 2.1 percent in February to 95.8 but is 6.1 percent below February 2007.
Existing-home sales are likely to rise from an annual pace of 4.9 million in the first quarter to 5.9 million in the fourth quarter. With relatively weak activity in the first part of the year, existing-home sales for all of 2008 are forecast at 5.39 million, increasing 6.6 percent to 5.74 million in 2009.
“Exceptionally weak home sales related to jumbo loans problems will depress home prices in the first half of the year, but steady liquidity improvements in the conforming jumbo-loan market will help prices recover in the second half of the year,” Yun said. The aggregate existing-home price will probably ease by 1.4 percent to a median of $215,800 for all of 2008 before rising 3.7 percent to $223,800 next year.
Yun noted that there will continue to be wide variations in regional housing market conditions. “Some parts of the country that can expect improvement include the Northeastern region and the oil-patch states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas,” he said. With lower interest rates and flat home prices in many areas, NAR’s housing affordability index is forecast to rise 14 percentage points to 127.0 in 2008.
New-home sales are projected to fall 25.7 percent to 576,000 in 2008 before rising 4.6 percent to 602,000 next year. Housing starts, including multifamily units, are estimated to drop 26.3 percent to 999,000 this year, and slip another 0.5 percent to 994,000 in 2009. The median new-home price will probably fall 3.6 percent to $238,400 in 2008, and then rise 4.0 percent next year to $247,800.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which has fluctuated recently, should average 5.8 percent in the second and third quarters, but trend up to an average of 6.3 percent in 2009.
“The economy will not grow in first half of the year,” Yun said. “However, the combination of recent fiscal stimulus enactment and the lagged impact of monetary policy will help jump start the economy in the second half.” Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to be 1.4 percent in 2008 and 2.4 percent next year. The unemployment rate is forecast to average 5.4 percent this year and 5.6 percent in 2009.
Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is projected at 3.4 percent in 2008 and 2.2 percent next year. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is likely to grow 1.2 percent this year and 3.0 percent in 2009.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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(1) The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity from 2001 through 2004 parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months. There is a closer relationship between annual index changes (from the same month a year earlier) and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.
Existing-home sales for March will be released April 22; the next Forecast / Pending Home Sales Index will be released May 7.
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Wednesday, 09 April 2008
Grades 9-12 developed by the Anchorage School District Family Partnership Charter School in conjunction with University of Nebraska independent study curriculum is targeted to open in the fall of 2008. This program is performance based and parent driven. Each student has the opportunity to accelerate at his/her own pace based upon individual requirements and established goals.
Girdwood needs a High School Now. This program will provide impetus to the Anchorage School District’s efforts but that process remains long and difficult. The Girdwood Co-Op Family Partnership Charter High School is a clear option for your child right now.
Information and Registration meeting:
7:00 pm April 16, 2008
Glacier City Hall
Director University Nebraska Independent Study Program:
7:00 pm April 23, 2008
Meadows Community Center
Click here for a brochure.
Tuesday, 08 April 2008
For Immediate Release
ROB KINGWILL AND LAURA DEWEY WIN THE NORTH FACE MASTERS FINALS IN ALYESKA, ALASKA
Clif Dimon wins overall title of The North Face Masters and Susan Mol and Laura Dewey tie for the women’s overall tour title
Alyeska, Alaska, April 8, 2008-- The final stop of The North Face Masters competitive big mountain snowboarding tour wrapped up yesterday at Alyeska Resort in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The two-stop tour is the first competitive snowboarding series specifically tailored to fill a competition gap in the sport of big mountain snowboarding. After stormy weather postponed the super finals for two anxious days, patient competitors finally had the opportunity yesterday to showcase their skill on the permanently closed Shadows section of Alyeska’s Headwall.
Big mountain snowboarding competitions are determined through a cumulative method, which rewards consistency throughout three days of competition. In short, it takes more than one impressive run to crown a champion; it takes three solid runs over three days. Factoring in line selection, fluidity, control and style, the panel of judges did not have an easy task.
The fight for the women’s crown was close, as less than five points separated the top five women who advanced to the super final round. Rachel Sheidow of Mt. Buller, Australia, improved her standings moving from fourth to third overall with a total of 59.30 points. The North Face Masters Snowbird event winner, Susan Mol of Crested Butte, Colorado, was the first woman to drop into a new zone on the venue that became the choice for top male riders later in the competition. She executed a fast and decisive final run to earn her second spot overall with 65.33 points. Sitting in first after the two qualifying days, Laura Dewey of Snowbird, Utah, rode with controlled aggression, utilizing rock gardens and exposure and was ultimately able to hang onto her lead, winning the title with 66.05 points. Mol and Dewey proudly share The North Face Masters 2008 overall women’s tour title.
“We were all pretty anxious at the top,” said Dewey after learning of her narrow victory yesterday. “The conditions were super variable, with everything from these bugged-out sharky chunks to some really clean, open stashes. This was a huge opportunity to either shine or leave knowing I’d only gone halfway, so I pretty much knew I had to go for it full-on.”
The top 15 men who advanced were separated by less than 10 points going into yesterday’s super finals. Notable runs include sixth place finisher, and Alaska native, Ryland Bell who perfectly executed a backside 360, tail-grab at high speed in the middle of an already aggressive run through the rocks. The North Face Masters Snowbird winner Clif Dimon of Crested Butte, Colorado, pioneered a daring billy goat line, earning him fourth place and enough points to win The North Face Masters 2008 overall men's title. Martin Gallant of Whistler, British Columbia, sealed his spot on the Alyeska podium with sweeping powder turns and rock-skimming cliff drops. Gallant accumulated a total of 75.83 points, to finish third overall. In his first ever big mountain competition, Rob Kingwill, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, who was sitting in second position going into the super finals, pulled every last card out of his sleeve with an aggressive line choice and plenty of rock exposure to earn him a total of 80.67 points overall. Kingwill's performance was enough to edge out Korey Kaszmarek, whose final run, which included a high-speed double-drop, was ultimately not quite enough to keep his lead. Kaszmarek finished in second with 79.83 points.
"The light went really dark right before my run, which made this wide open space kind of eerie to deal with,” said men’s winner Rob Kingwill. “To be honest, I didn’t hit the exact line I meant to, because I had a hard time seeing it. But I did end up hitting a lot of other big stuff out there.”
The North Face Young Gun Award honors outstanding new talent in competitive big mountain snowboarding. Points accumulated throughout the season earns one deserving under-21-year-old a full sponsorship from The North Face. This stop’s winner was 20 year-old Jonathan Penfield, from Snowbird, Utah. Penfield, who also won The North Face Young Gun Award at The North Face Masters Snowbird, took home The North Face Young Gun overall title for 2008.
Congratulations to The North Face Masters 2008 tour champions Clif Dimon, Susan Mol and Laura Dewey (tie for first) who walked away with a portion of the $45,000 total tour prize purse.
The North Face Masters was broadcast live to the world on www.thenorthface.com/masters utilizing Mountain Sports International's cutting-edge remote broadcast services. Highlights of the finals broadcast, photos, stories, profiles, and more video content can be seen at www.thenorthface.com/masters
Special Thanks To:
The North Face
Alyeska Resort
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Primaloft
Future Snowboard Magazine
Chugach Heli Guides
Mountain Sports International
Tuesday, 08 April 2008
The Grand Opening of the Roundhouse is scheduled for Saturday April 26 from 5 PM to 7 PM. Click here to go the Roundhouse website, complete with photos of days of old as well as re-construction photos.
Monday, 07 April 2008
We recently returned from the annual RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sharnee and I arrived early for a mountain bike ride in the desert and to attend an optional course beforehand. Being part of the RE/MAX network is the best of both worlds. Not only do we have the latitude to operate as we see fit for our market because each office is independently owned and operated, but we have access to all the educational opportunities and programs provided by RE/MAX. Sharnee and I attended several courses at the Convention in order to strengthen our business. Here is a list of course titles:
Marketing With Microsoft Office
Be The King of Contact Management
Unleash The Power of Digital Marketing
1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges: What You Need To Know
E & O From The Plaintiff Attorney's Perspective
Referrals: Be The Agent Everyone Calls
Find Big Success In Your Small Market
Finding Qualified, Motivated Buyers
Saturday, 05 April 2008
KOREY KACZMAREK, LAURA DEWEY LEAD THE NORTH FACE MASTERS GOING INTO THE FINALS AT ALYESKA, ALASKA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2008
Media Contact Nicole Pelletier - Mountain Sports International (801) 349-4608 - nicolep@mtsports.com
Chief of Press Abbie Baugh - (907) 754-2554 - abaugh@alyeskaresort.com
Inclement weather delays The North Face Masters finals until Sunday
Watch live final round coverage tomorrow at 2pm AKST (6pm EST) on www.thenorthface.com/masters
Alyeska, Alaska, April 4, 2008 --- The final stop of The North Face Masters competitive big mountain snowboarding tour is in full swing at Alyeska Resort in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The North Face Masters is the first competitive snowboarding series specifically tailored to fill a competition gap in the sport of big mountain snowboarding.
Heavy snowfall and limited visibility has delayed the competition today, but the finals will resume tomorrow as the top five women and top 15 men in overall standings will have the rare opportunity to access the finals venue via a Chugach Heli Guides helicopter.
During yesterday’s semi-finals round (video highlights available now at www.thenorthface.com/masters), Laura Dewey of Snowbird, Utah, executed a nearly flawless run with an aggressive line choice, which moved her from fourth place to take over the top spot with 41.22 points. Dewey’s impressive performance knocked fellow Snowbird rider Shannon Yates from first to second with 40.33 points overall. Current tour leader Susan Mol of Crested Butte, Colorado, was bumped from second to third with 38.75 points, navigating the steep no-fall zone directly below the start, but falling later in her run.
Sitting in second place after Thursday’s qualifier, Korey Kaczmarek of Moonlight Basin, Montana, carved the mountainside into ribbons with a performance filled with speed, airtime, risky line selection and technical perfection to overtake the lead with a total of 49.42 points. Thursday’s leader Rob Kingwill of Victor, Wyoming, nearly maintained his lead with another impressive performance yesterday, but inevitably slid to second place after with a combined score of 48.25 points. The North Face Masters Young Gun winner at the Snowbird stop, Jonathan Penfield of Snowbird, Utah, sits in third with 46.33 points.
“I wanted to take full advantage of the steep terrain—it’s a lot like what I am used to riding at Moonlight Basin,” said Kaczmarek after his run down Alyeska’s North Face yesterday. “Today’s variable conditions were definitely tricky, and this course was pretty daunting for a lot of riders. I felt strong and totally in my element, so I just went for it.”
With tomorrow’s competition holding the promise of huge Chugach Mountain powder stashes and the vertical playground that Alaska is famous for, the top five women and 15 men look forward to the opportunity to compete on one of the most sought-ever venues on the planet. Chugach Heli Guides is providing athletes heli-dropped access to the Shadows area of Alyeska’s Headwall. The elusive Shadows area is only accessible in ideal conditions, and is reserved for skilled, experienced riders willing to put it all on the line to showcase their skills.
Don’t miss a second of the action, watch the LIVE full coverage webcast of tomorrow’s finals on www.thenorthface.com/masters or www.futuresnowboarding.com beginning at 2 pm AKST (6 pm EST) with a VOD highlights later in the evening.
For more information please contact Abbie Baugh at Alyeska Resort (907) 754-2554 or abaugh@alyeskaresort.com.
Special Thanks To:
The North Face
Alyeska Resort
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Primaloft
Future Snowboard Magazine
Chugach Heli Guides
Mountain Sports International
Friday, 04 April 2008
For those of you considering a remodel project and are curious as to your return, I learned of a website that may help while reading a publication produced by the Council of Residential Specialists. Unfortunately the site does not appear to state figures for Alaska, but the figures for the Pacific region should work as general guidelines. At RemodelingOnline see the Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2007.
Wednesday, 02 April 2008
News Release
BRYAN EPLEY HAS BEEN AWARDED MEMBERSHIP IN THE RE/MAX PLATINUM CLUB FOR REAL ESTATE SALES PRODUCTION IN 2007
Bryan Epley with RE/MAX of Alyeska, a Girdwood REALTOR, has been awarded membership in the prestigious RE/MAX Platinum Club for real estate sales production in 2007. Only four percent of all RE/MAX Associates in 2007 were presented with the Platinum Club Award.
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 in Denver, Colorado by Dave and Gail Liniger and has grown to a global network of over 110,000 Associates in more than 65 countries. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX as they continue to lead the industry with cutting edge technologies and training. RE/MAX of Alyeska was founded in 1993. For Girdwood listings see www.GirdwoodHomes.com.
Bryan Epley is the Broker of, and a Partner with Sharnee Epley in, RE/MAX of Alyeska. He is a member of the Anchorage Board of REALTORS. For current information on the Girdwood real estate market, contact Bryan Epley of RE/MAX of Alyeska at 907/783-2010, or by e-mail at Bryan@BryanEpley.com.
Wednesday, 02 April 2008
Thank you to all those who supported me in my candidacy for G. B. O. S. Seat 'C'. This particular seat is up for re-election next year and I encourage anyone interested to consider a turn in public service. I also appreciate Hank Hosford's and Jan Hood's kind words.
Tuesday, 01 April 2008
FUELING THE TELE FIRE
THE 5TH ANNUAL TELEPALOOZA TELEMARK FESTIVAL HARBORS HIDDEN TREASURE
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2008
Media Contact: Molly Murfee - mmurfee.aei@usa.net.
Chief of Press: Abbie Baugh – (907) 754-2554 – abaugh@alyeskaresort.com
GIRDWOOD, AK – April 1, 2008— One outrageous freeheeling freak fest hit Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska this weekend with the 5th Annual Telepalooza, a telemark festival held in memoriam of Jeff Nissman. The three day festival, heavy set with a pirate theme throughout the entire weekend, offered up a thrashing menagerie of costume-crazed parties, dance all night bands, an uphill/downhill fun race, a smorgasbord of telemark lessons for all levels, and telemark skiing demos. Additionally this year, Telepalooza hosted the inaugural 1st Annual World Telemark Freeskiing Championships in Alyeska’s most coveted and closed terrain – that of the Shadows and the North Face Prow.
At Telepalooza the telemark skier could find anything their floppy-heeled heart desired. The day could begin trying out the latest and greatest in free demos for the festival attendee from Atomic, K2, Rossignol, Karhu, Black Diamond, G3, Hammerhead and Garmont. Calling on the backcountry skills of the sport, a Beacon Park hosted contests for children and adults in fastest times for single and multiple burials. Those envious of all the fun could get on board with beginner and intermediate Telemark Clinics.
Meanwhile, in some of the most challenging terrain within bounds of Alyeska Resort, the 1st Annual World Telemark Freeskiing Championships began. For two days, the best telemark skiers in the world today tested their prowess against the famed slopes of Alyeska Resort. A whopping 780 inches of snowfall for the season allowed patrol to open the 1,400 vertical feet of the Shadows, unopened for competition since 1999 and never to the public. The fifty-plus degree chutes, rife with hair-raising cliff bands and big mountain exposure put the thighs, lungs and endurance capabilities of these super human athletes to the ultimate test.
Day two of the Championships dawned on another venue unopen to the public and unused since 1999. With the field cut nearly in half, the cliffs of the North Face Prow demanded tele freeskiers to master a barrage of varying weather and terrain conditions. When the Men’s and Women’s divisions were whittled to ten and three competitors respectively for a Superfinals run, sparks flew as these consummate tele skiers negotiated cliff bands as if skiing through water. When the snow settled, powerhouse Nick deVore of Aspen, Colorado and the composed Megan Michelson of Boulder, Colorado took the first ever World Telemark Extreme Championship titles.
When competitors and spectators collected themselves from the awe-inspiring antics of the freeskiers, battalions of pirates began arriving at the Sitzmark nightly to cash in on the insane amount of raffle booty. Over $30,000 worth of skis and gear were given away nightly to benefit the Friends of the Chugach NF Avalanche Information Center. Tough Guy Productions featured their latest films to inspire the freeheeling crowd before rockin’ out to live bands ‘til the wee hours of the morning.
The final day of the festival saw not only new World Telemark Freeskiing Champions crowned, but also the Nissman Memorial Fun Uphill / Downhill Classic Race. Fifty pirates were divided into telemark, Randonee, splitboard and relay divisions to climb up 1,000 feet to then rocket down 1,000 more through gates, a wrapaloosa and finally the finish line.
Jeff Nissman, in whose honor this festival was created, was an expert tele skier, climber, fire fighter, avalanche ranger and adventurer. In his spirit, Telepalooza brings together telemark skiers of all levels – from the beginner to the big mountain freerider. Crews of telemark skiers and enthusiasts from around the nation volunteer their time to make the grassroots event happen. It highlights the skills of the backcountry skier and raises money for the local avalanche center. Through its locale at Alyeska Resort, the perfect in-bounds telemark skiing terrain is featured with steep, wide-open bowls and grand aesthetic chutes. Add costume themes and parties and Telepalooza embodies the fun-loving attitude and athleticism of a culture of skiers who choose to go about their turns just a little bit differently.
WORLD TELEMARK FREESKIING CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
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 Sovitski 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
The final stop of The North Face Masters competitive big mountain snowboarding tour arrives at Alyeska Resort April 2-6, 2008. The two-stop tour is the first competitive snowboarding series specifically tailored to fill a competition gap in the sport of big mountain snowboarding. For more information on current and upcoming events visit www.alyeskaresort.com or call (SKI-SNOW) 754-7669 for the latest 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, Alaska Rock Gym, Alaska Railroad, Alaska Sea Kayakers, Alaska Mountaineering School, Alaska Wildland Adventures, Alaska Rider Tours, Alaska Driftway Fishing, Angle 45, Alyeska Landscape Professions, Alaska Liquor Distributors, Alaska Brewing Company, Allure Day Spa, Alpine Air, Alpineer, Alta House, The Ascending Path, Alyeska Resort, AMH, Babkin Charters, the Bake Shop, Bear Tooth Pub and Grill, Backcountry Magazine, Backcountry Access, Black Diamond, Bishop Bomber Bindings, Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Chair 5, Chugach Express, Chugach Mountain Massage, Chugach Powder Guides, Chugach Outdoor Center, Cliff Bar, Coast Magazine, Coast Pizza, Copper Whale Inn, Dancing Bears Bed and Breakfast, David Edwards, Denali Winery, Double Muskey, Girdwood Ski and Cyclery, Art Seriously, Friends of the Avalanche, Girdwood Suite Retreat, Girdwood Styling Salon, Glacier City Snowmobile Tours, Great Outdoor Clothing Company, Glacier Brewhouse / Orsos, Great Harvest Baking Company, Hidden Creek Bed and Breakfast, H2Oasis, the Ice Cream Shop, Java Haus, Jack Sprat, K2 Aviation, Kennicott Wilderness Guides, Maxine’s Bistro, Metro Music and Books, Middle Way Café, Melanzana, Misty Mountain Massage, Moose’s Tooth Brewing Company, the Nissman Family, NOVA, Oakley, the Patrick Fur Farm, Pilates Studio One, Renowned Tours, Silvertip Grill, Scarpa, Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast, Sunny Cove Kayaker, Skinny Raven Sports, Soul Shine Boutiques, Tap Root Café, Tikie Holewski, Twenty Two Designs, Voile Equipment, World Cup Ski and Sports.
Press release written by Molly Murfee, freelance writer, for Alyeska Resort. Molly’s e-mail is mmurfee.aei@usa.net.
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