Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Although the Wildwood-based ski area opened under sunny skies on Dec. 23 for this winter season, the resort was graced with blankets of snow on Monday. Have you visited yet to see all the new features? Today starts College Appreciation Days.
Hidden Valley ski area in Wildwood welcomed its 30th anniversary of operations this winter season. As part of the celebration, Hidden Valley owners executed a $2 million expansion over the summer that increased the resort's terrain by 30 percent. The new area, named West Mountain, includes an 1,800-foot blue trail called Route 66 and a black diamond trail called Cold Rush. The new Route 66 run is the resort’s longest. (Blue trails are rated as such because they are considered “intermediate” trails that are steeper than beginner trails, and are popular at most resorts because they provide skiing that’s fun but not scary. Black diamond trails are difficult and are for advanced skiers. They can be steep, narrow or ungroomed.) Hidden Valley …
Friday, December 28, 2012
Freezin’ for a Reason: Inspired by the success of the last two years, organizers Alison Dreith and Trisha Cruz planned this event to be even bigger, and have set a goal to raise $5,000 for Hope Rescues Animal Shelter.
Local pet lovers can join a New Year’s tradition and help the Hope Rescues Animal Shelter raise money for homeless dogs by plunging into icy waters on Tuesday, Jan. 1, at noon. The third annual Polar Plunge will be held at the beach at Gordon Moore Park off Route 140 (College Avenue) in Grafton, IL. Those who plan to participate should arrive at 11:30 a.m. to sign releases. The plunge location was shifted from the Mississippi River, due to unforeseen approvals this year. Earlier this year, 35 participants raised $4,192 for Hope Rescues, which Alton natives Alison Dreith and Trisha Cruz emailed that they hope to surpass through the Polar Plunge. Anyone interested in taking the plunge with them can encourage others to donate to Hope …
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Managers of the St. Louis area ski resort in Wildwood hope this recent string of cold temperatures hangs on for this week. They're aiming to open for the season Wednesday afternoon.
All Hidden Valley Ski Resort staffers wanted for Christmas was snow, but the white powder didn't come this year. The past two nights of colder temperatures enabled them, however, to start making their own snow with more confidence that it can be sustained for a while. Stemming from weather predictions for this week, Hidden Valley's Wildwood-based team members said the plan is to open Wednesday at 1 p.m. Hidden Valley General Manager Bill Brandes said they are "still shooting to open tomorrow afternoon," although it is "not a final decision." "As of this morning, we're still trying to get there," he said, taking a quick break from making snow. The resort has 12 ski trails as well as a snow tubing area. New for this year, group rates for 15 …
Stephanie Stemmler
8:07 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The new improvements at Hidden Valley are FANTASTIC--My family was there over the entire New Year's weekend and holiday and had a great time skiing all of the runs. I especially liked the new lift, which is PADDED :) and the longer back runs. I think Hidden Valley is a true gem in our region and it has a great team of instructors for skiing and snowboarding. More people should visit, including … more ›