Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

New Resort Operations Director Scott Bender is ramping up the terrain parks at Hidden Valley, and inviting the parents to drop in and learn what's up.

"By the start of the season, we'll have four terrain parks in place, with a beginner to intermediate approach because of the nature of the terrain. We're developing something people can learn on and feel safe on. You won't find any 30-foot jumps here; it's low to the ground, where kids can learn. We're also setting up to encourage parents to try it; the features we install will be put in just that way," Bender said.

"We want to create a unique ski experience for families, and by that I'm referring to terrain parks where parents can and will feel comfortable dropping in and finding out what these are all about. We're looking at a baby boomer snowboarding school," Bender said.

Bender came to work for Buncher Resort and Hospitality Group LLC this summer as COO of Hidden Valley. Buncher acquired the resort just over a year ago.

Since then, Buncher has engaged in physical renovations to the resort that include four new roofs, new paint inside and out, new carpeting and doors, new signage and lighting, refurbished restrooms, repaved roads and parking lots, new ramps for better handicap access, and free wireless internet access in the lodge.

Buncher has installed 80 new TechnoAlpin fan guns and 5 miles of water lines, a new Dopplemayer CTEC quad in place of the Blizzard and Lightning doubles, and two loading conveyors.

The resort has two new Pisten Bully groomers and a Zaugg half pipe cutter, and also replaced the entire ski and snowboard rental inventory.