The Endless Winter Has Begun

We know it's been a long time since our last newsletter, but we can assure you - we've been very busy. We also know that your going to be thrilled with what we've managed to achieve over the past twelve months.

It's a world first and it's great news for skiers and snowboarders all over the world!

It's "The Endless Winter Global Ski Experience". Its the world's first truly global inter-mountain discount programme and it entitles season pass holders at any of the four official Leading Mountain Resorts of the World to half price skiing at all the other participating Leading Mountain Resorts of the World.

That's right - half price skiing on four different continents! And you know what that means. You can now ski and board for half price at the four best alpine resorts in the world with seasons that combine to let you hit the slopes for up to 10 out of 12 months of the year!

All you have to do is purchase your next season pass at any Leading Mountain Resort of the World, register online at leadingmountainresorts.com then, when your home season is over, decide which of the other three Leading Mountain Resorts of the World you want to enjoy.
Or, if the decision is too difficult, why not get maximum snow time and visit all three?
For example, if you purchase your qualifying season pass at Vail, USA this year, you can then get 50% off your lift tickets at Val Gardena in Italy, Bariloche in Argentina and Queenstown in New Zealand. Which means anytime from November to April you can enjoy the Northern Hemisphere season at Vail and Val Gardena then, after a month off, you can head South and hit Queenstown and Bariloche from June to September!

Vail and Val Gardena season passes for the 2006/2007 season are now on sale so get your pass now and start thinking about where you want to spend your "Endless Winter".

If you purchased a qualifying 2006 Season Pass in Queenstown or Bariloche, then you can claim your discounts this season at Vail and Val Gardena.
The best way to do that is to go to leadingmountainresorts.com and check out all the details. Just click on our nice new Endless Winter Logo. Once there, you can read up on each of the four

"Translated into any language, Endless Winter means great savings on premier mountain experiences at the world's leading mountain resorts.
Each of the partner resorts looks forward to welcoming guests from the other three continents."
Ambros Hofer-Endless Winter Spokesman

Japan is Calling

Now that the Endless Winter programme is underway, our next major project is to find our fifth and final Leading Mountain Resort of the World to represent the Asian continent.

We've made a number of visits to Japan already and we really like what we see. We are currently evaluating the options and over the next six months representatives from LMR will visit a number of Japanese resorts to assess which ones best fit our criteria. From there we will commence negotiations to bring a Japanese resort on board.

The good news for you is that as part of the Endless Winter programme, you will receive half price skiing in Japan as well as our other 4 resorts!
And trust us, if you haven't skied or boarded in Japan-you're going to love it! Uncrowded slopes, beautiful dry powder and a great range of terrain combined with superb resort facilities and great après ski options make the Japanese experience pretty hard to beat.

We'll keep you updated on our progress-So watch this space!

Season Update

One of the best things about the Leading Mountain Resorts of the world is that not only is there snow at our resorts for up to 10 months of the year, but there is also all the other seasons.

You see all four LMR resorts are recognized as the world's leading "four season" alpine destinations-where Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn are all fantastic times to visit.

So we thought we'd take a quick trip around the world and let you know what's happening at each of the four Leading Mountain Resorts today (October 2nd) and what you can expect over the coming months.
   

9° degrees centigrade
A little cloudy

There is a reason Bariloche is renowned as the tourism capital of Patagonia. Yes - the skiing is superb, but so is the variety of scenery and activities the resort offers. So, as winter winds down at our second southern hemisphere resort the focus shifts towards spring and all the fabulous activities and excursions this unique environment offers.

Summer in Bariloche is a time when everyone takes to the water. Sailing and scenic cruises are the order of the day, but you can also enjoy some of the world's most spectacular alpine scenery with a range of excursions operating throughout summer by road and rail.

19° centigrade
The sun is shining

Well, in Queenstown the winter season is starting to wrap up. Coronet Peak closed on October 1st and the Remarkables, Cadrona and Treble Cone likely to follow over the next few weeks. As sad as that may be for many, its been a great season and while the snow may be melting, daylight saving has already started, the sun is shining and its definitely time to start thinking about summer.

From mountain biking, jet boating, white water rafting and sky diving to golfing, wine touring, scenic driving and horse trekking, Queenstown has got it all when it comes to summer.

So if you're thinking about getting some sunshine during your Northern Hemisphere winter - come on down to the adventure capital of the world!

18° centigrade
A little cloudy

Its definitely time to start your mountain fitness training because Vail season passes are on sale and this winter is shaping up to be a beauty. With a December kick off and the fantastic Snow Daze festival set to kick the season off in style, now is the time to start planning your early season trip to North America's premiere alpine resort.

But if you cant wait until December, why not head on up and enjoy a long weekend in the valley.
There's plenty of trekking, fishing and golfing to be done as well as rafting, kayaking and 4WD tours.
The clear, calm autumn days are also perfect for just sitting back, relaxing and thinking about the winter to come.

10° centigrade
The sun is shining

The excitement is definitely building in Val Gardena as the days get shorter, the temperatures start to drop and Autumn starts to look more and more like winter.

But right now you can still enjoy all the fantastic scenery of the Dolomites with plenty of hiking options still open. This is a time of year when you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the area - when nature can really show all its glory.

Did we mention it's only 2 months until opening day on December 2nd? We can hardly wait and we can't wait to see you here.

Leading Mountain Resort Special Offers

Below are just some of the other great offers currently available at Leading Mountain Resorts of the World. For more details visit the individual resort web sites or go to www.leadingmountainresorts.com .

Bariloche offer a variety of discount packages from 3 days to 8 days that include return flights from Beunos Aires, airport transfers and accommodation at a range of fantastic hotels. For more information and prices email lmrbariloche@yahoo.com.ar

Renowned as "The Adventure Capital of the World", whether you are looking for time on the slopes or an action packed summer break, anytime is a great time to visit Queenstown. Just in case you need any additional motivation, a selection of great package offers and special discounts are available fat www.queenstown-nz.co.nz .

When it comes to international ski packages Vail are world leaders. With travel specialists located all over the world, all you need to do is visit your local travel agent or go online at www.snow.com for all the details and latest specials

DOLOMITI SUPER PREMIÈRE - SPECIAL PRE-CHRISTMAS OFFERS
For the month of December enjoy our very own pre-Christmas atmosphere at incredible prices!
4 overnight stays, 4 day ski pass and ski equipment hire-and you pay only for 3 days!
At ski schools, you are given private tuition (3 consecutive hours) for the price of 2!
All of this combined with the best slopes, a warm Christmas atmosphere and a huge number of complementary events in December.
To take advantage of these reductions, it is necessary to submit a voucher from your hotel/guesthouse.

FIS WORLD CUP
The FIS World Cup, which is held annually on the legendary Saslong slope (S. Cristina) in the shadow of the mountain peak with the same name, has been the most important event in Val Gardena since the 70s. Here, thousands of the world's best skiers have competed over the past 3 decades, racing downhill at tremendous speed (105 mph) and flying over the infamous "Camel Bumps" halfway between start and finish. Now, Val Gardena is preparing once again for the holding of two World Cup races: the Super-G
and the Men's Downhill. Our World Cup package offers the guests a special winter delight - 3 nights plus ski passes for the days of the races and admittance to World Cup races for men in Val Gardena.

VAL GARDENA SUPERKIDS
During March children-friendly hotels/guesthouses (especially indicated by an appropriate symbol in the hotel guide) offer great discounts for a stay of at least 7 days.

VAL GARDENA SUPERSUN
Who says that skiing is just a winter activity? Try the excellent slopes in spring, when the climate gets warmer and the days longer. In Val Gardena (snow permitting), the Sellaronda is open until April. We call a holiday in spring "Val Gardena SuperSun" and it's a great time to try skiing in the sun and get lots of discounts on accommodation, ski pass, ski hire and ski school.

Leading Mountains Events Calendar

Each year our Leading Mountain Resorts host and produce a variety of major events. Below is a sample of just some of the events coming up in the next few months. For more details on these and other great events visit the individual web sites of each resort.

Llao Llao Musical Week - 15th Anniversary
October 2006

More international than ever before, this new edition of Llao Llao Musical Week promises not only talent, but also surprises, with Lyda Chen, Leo Sujatovich, José Luis Juri, the Neuquén Symphony Orchestra, Horacio Ferrer, the Yale Virtuosi Quartet, Soomija Park, Rafael Gintoli and musicians from Brazil and Europe, all in one week.

One Thousand Mile Sports Car Rally
October 29 - November 3, 2006

This iconic event is organized by the Argentine Sports Car Club (Club de Automóviles Sport de la Argentina) and considered the most important National Historic Regularity Rally of the ACA and takes part in the world F.I.V.A. (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) calendar. Every year enthusiasts of classic and sports cars built between 1920 and 1981 get together at this event and, as has been happening for many years, Bariloche will be the perfect setting for this internationally renowned event.

ASB Jazz Festival
October 14-23, 2006

Over 10 days more than 100 musicians from all parts of the world descend on the magic resort town of Queenstown, New Zealand.
The Festival offers something for everyone. Free workshops from leading jazz exponents, master classes from top international tutors, themed events, ticketed concerts, and loads of free gigs across more than 20 different venues in the town.
For more information visit www.queenstownjazz.co.nz

Summerdaze
December 2006 - February 2007

Join us as we celebrate summer with a series of great events including outdoor concerts, international sport, live theatre, family fun days and lots lots more. Commencing on New Year's eve with a massive street party, top bands and fireworks, the celebrations continue throughout the summer season with events both during the week and on weekends.

Vail Snow Daze
December 4 - 17, 2006

Remember being a kid?
The feeling you got when the radio announcer said those two glorious words... SNOW DAY?
Well, now is your chance to enjoy two full weeks worth of SNOW DAZE! Get yourself to VAIL December 4-17, 2006. Enjoy the early season snow, ski and ride unmatched terrain including the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, catch the on-snow events, street parties and notto- be-missed headliner concerts.. It's going to be a great white party Vail style. Visit www.vailsnowdaze.com for more information!

FIS World Cup
December 14-17, 2006

When it comes to events, there isn't many bigger than the FIS World Cup and this year Val Gardena is proud to host both the Super G and the Men's Downhill. Be sure to check out Val Gardena's World Cup Package offer on our "Special Offers" page.

www.bariloche
patagonia.info

www.winterfestival.co.nz
www.queenstown-nz.co.nz

www.vail.com

www.valgardena.it

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