Jill Adler, Author at Ski Play Live

Author Archives: Jill Adler

The Essential Packing Guide: What To Pack For Your Incredible Ski Adventure

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Are you planning a Ski trip with your family? Looking for the essential lists to take with you? Are you confused about what to pack for Ski? Planning a ski trip is an exciting endeavor that promises exhilarating adventures on the slopes and breathtaking views of snowy landscapes. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience, it’s essential to pack the right gear and essentials.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive packing guide, helping you prepare for an unforgettable ski vacation.

Let’s start the guide with clothes and you can follow the write-up to have all kinds of ideas.

Ski Clothing:

Carefully pack thermal tops and bottoms made of moisture-wicking material to keep you warm and dry.
Include fleece jackets, sweaters, or down jackets for added warmth.
Opt for waterproof and breathable pants designed specifically for skiing.
Choose a durable, waterproof, and insulated jacket to protect you from the elements.
Pack multiple pairs of moisture-wicking ski socks and warm, waterproof gloves or mittens.
These versatile accessories provide extra warmth and protection for your neck and face.

Necessary Ski Equipment:

If you have your own equipment, make sure to pack them securely. Otherwise, consider renting from a reliable ski shop.
Essential for balance and maneuverability, pack adjustable ski poles suitable for your height.
Prioritize safety by packing a well-fitting helmet designed for skiing or snowboarding.
Protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and snow glare with ski goggles and sunglasses.

Other important essentials:

The sun’s reflection on the snow can be intense, so pack a high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection.
A small backpack is handy for carrying snacks, water, extra layers, and personal items on the slopes.
These disposable warmers can provide extra comfort on particularly cold days.
Protect your phone from snow and moisture with a waterproof case or pouch.
Don’t forget essentials like toiletries, medications, and a travel adapter if needed.

The attires and necessities include the following:

Pack cozy sweaters, warm pants, and comfortable footwear for après-ski relaxation.
If your ski destination includes hot tubs or spas, bring swimwear for ultimate relaxation.
Bring books, magazines, or electronic devices for entertainment during downtime.
Pack energy bars, trail mix, or other snacks to keep you fueled on the slopes.
Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle that can be easily refilled.
Carry some cash for emergencies and ensure you have proper identification and travel documents.

A successful ski trip starts with careful packing and ensuring you have the best ski gear and essentials. Remember to prioritize comfort, safety, and protection from the elements. By following this comprehensive packing guide, you’ll be well-prepared to hit the slopes, explore the winter wonderland, and create unforgettable memories during your ski adventure.

Happy skiing!

Ski News

Celebrate Disney100 at Disneyland Resort

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Just in case you didn’t know, I’m a total Disney geek. Not much can stop me from my annual visit. When I was in grade school, my parents would take me out of school for a “doctors appointment”; after all, a day at Disneyland is just what the doctor ordered.

When I had my daughter, it gave me an excuse to finally head to Disney World, take a Disney cruise, and spend a week with my parents at Disneyland Paris. When I skied in Japan, I checked out Tokyo DisneySea.

While I nursed a cracked metatarsal, I scooted my knee scooter to Disneyland. When I broke my leg, I got the electric kind and cruised between Disneyland and California Adventure like it was a ride in itself.

I went to Disney World during the pandemic, right after it reopened, just to see what that was like.

Time To Celebrate Disney100

Disney has been there for me. So I’m excited to be there for them as they celebrate 100 years of storytelling. This year, Disneyland kicks off “Disney100.”

Disney100 Special Look

The official Disney100 celebration kicked off this past January 27, 2023, at Disneyland but the party will eventually spread to Walt Disney World Resort April 3 and other international Disney Parks. With the fanfare comes new nighttime entertainment, “The Magic Happens” parade and a new fireworks show, along with special character costumes, décor, food, drink and merch. The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown is now open and there’s also the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride that just opened. (I did that one at Disney World. It’s fun but would be better if there were hidden stories within the story so that each time you ride, it’s different.)

Disney100 Difference

Because there is no standard color for a 100-year anniversary, Disneyland Resort will be decked in platinum from the banners and bunting on Sleeping Beauty Castle to platinum statues and medallions throughout the resort. Even Mickey and Minnie mouse will host shimmering new looks for Disney100.

The coolest thing of all -at least for me- will be the Disney 100 Years of Wonder at the Disney Gallery on Main Street. The new installation will be filled with Disney images, original artwork, and animated exhibits that helped bring Walt Disney’s vision to life. These features will show us how Disney animated films transitioned from screen to Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences, and beyond. There’s a museum like this at Disney World and there’s never enough time to explore these treasures of Disney magic.

Also, during the celebration EVERY TICKETED guest will get to download their ride photos for free!

What to Eat at Disney100

Disney.com graciously provided a (nearly) complete list of all of the Disney100 specialty treats:

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet

Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Mouse Apple and Minnie Cake Pop at Candy Palace, Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner in Disneyland

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Apple (New)
Minnie Cake Pop (New)

Galactic Grill (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)
Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New)

Hungry Bear Restaurant

Potato & Cheddar Cheeseburger: 1/3 lb angus chuck patty, green chile, and bacon cheddar sauce with spicy crispy potato planks on a brioche bun (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Platinum Trifle at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)
Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart: Caramel and chocolate ganache in a shortbread tart, purple-colored white chocolate mousse, sea salt, edible silver stars, and silver crunch pearls (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)

New Violet Pretzel and Sparkling Grape at Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park

Refreshment Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Violet Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel drizzled with salted vanilla cream and lavender sugar (New)
Sparkling Grape: Sprite with grape syrup topped with a candy strip (New)

Disney 100 Churro at Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro at Disneyland Park

Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Disney100 Churro rolled in cherry sugar drizzled with white icing and topped with purple and silver pearls (New)

Disney California Adventure Park

Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta

French Onion Dip Pizza: Mozzarella, Gruyère, caramelized onion, and sliced roast beef served with a side of beef au jus (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Trolley Treats (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Apple (New)
Minnie Cake Pop (New)

SNICKERS Sundae at Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available beginning Jan. 27)

SNICKERS Sundae: Butter-pecan ice cream topped with chocolate shell, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and SNICKERS bar pieces served in a waffle cup (New)

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Flo’s V-8 Café

Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Hollywood Lounge

Platinum Blue: Rum, blue curaçao, DOLE pineapple and sour mix (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New)

Disney 100 Cocktail at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining and Lamplight Lounge (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Disney100 Cocktail: Empress Gin, pea flower, honey, lavender, and lemon juice garnished with an edible flower (New)

Magic Key Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New)

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart

Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)

Platinum Trifle at Pacific Wharf Cafe at Disney California Adventure

Pacific Wharf Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Steamboat Willie Shake at Schmoozies in Disney California Adventure

Schmoozies (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Steamboat Willie Shake: Cookies & cream shake with whipped topping and chocolate creme-filled cookie ears (New)

Prickly Paloma cocktail at Sonoma Terrace at Disney California Adventure

Sonoma Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Prickly Paloma: Tequila, prickly pear and grapefruit ginger beer (New)

Disney 100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket featuring Walt and a variety of Disney characters at Disneyland

Disney100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket (New) Available at the following:
- Popcorn Carts on Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier

When To Go To Disney100

Disneyland hasn’t announced an end date yet but those in the know are predicting that it could last through the first half of 2024, giving you enough time to plan your vacation. If you can avoid summer break and school holidays, you might avoid the crushing crowds of late but sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you want more info on best times to travel, best deals to be had, and where to stay, head over to Get Away Today. The girls there have all the answers that are out there right now. Plus, they can hook you up with that “buy 4 days, get an extra day free ticket deal” or a free hotel night.

Best Spring Ski Festivals in the West

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It’s nearly March. The snowiest month of the ski season is only days away and places like Snowbird and Mammoth have already reached record-breaking base depths with no end to the powder days for the near future. While those who hate winter lament; those of us who live for sliding are doing the mother of all dances. And this spring will be the ultimate culmination of the best ski season since 1995. You can bet the coming festivals that celebrate spring skiing and shenanigans will rage from the energy this winter has stoked.

Spring skiing means less base layers, more sunlight, longer afternoons for apres. It’s the time for locals and guests to celebrate an epic ski season with festivals, events, tailgating parties, and pond skimming. How can you get in on the action? Check out our list of top spots to ring in the spring.

Tahoe Snowfest, Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST is one of the largest winter mountain festivals on the west coast. The annual 10-day event celebrates the best of North Lake Tahoe from ski town nightlife to outdoor family-friendly events. Get ready to party March 2-12 with parades, laser show and fireworks, pancake breakfasts, live music and concerts, bar parties, ski races, dog and pet events, ice carving, a polar bear swim and much more.

Subaru Winterfest, Snowbird and Woodward

The concert and mountain lifestyle tour is a winter playground for music fans, skiers, snowboarders, and dog lovers alike. It gives you an excuse (do you really need one?) to get outside and gather with fellow winter lovers as you celebrate the move towards spring and warmer days with live music, giveaways and vendor booths. The tour visits Woodward, Park City, first on March 18 with headliner the Spazmatics and then moves to Snowbird March 24-26 and music from SunSquabi and Simba Sax.

Spring Gruv, Park City/Canyons

Park City Mountain’s annual spans a whopping 16 days, starting with Oakley Week on March 23 and culminating with a 100-foot pond skim on April 8. Anyone can enter and there are prizes for the biggest splash, best costume, and best overall skim, plus tons of raffles and giveaways. There’s live music every afternoon and most evenings along with jugglers, magicians, s’mores and backyard games.

Rendezvous Spring Festival, Jackson Hole

The Jackson Hole Rendezvous Spring Ski Festival is a two-day music festival on March 31 – April 1, 2023, that starts in downtown on Friday night but finishes in Teton Village on Saturday afternoon. Chart-toppers The Revivalists will headline with ZZ Ward and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Then Yellowstone crooner Ryan Bingham headlines alongside Elle King plus Futurebirds and Dumpstaphunk. Tickets are free but you have to reserve on Eventbrite and it’s first come-first serve.

Bonus, skiers and snowboarders who own a valid 2022-23 winter resort season pass ANYWHERE in the world who travel to Jackson Hole during Rendezvous Fest can receive a 50% discount on lift tickets!

Altitunes, Big White

Canada’s biggest mountain music festival is back for two days of music, skiing, and an array of outdoor activities with your crew, March 31-April 1. The tunes are curated for a fun blend of folk, pop & alt- rock, and a full day of upbeat dance music on Saturday.

WinterWonderGrass, Steamboat & Palisades

Bluegrass, jamgrass and roots music and beer. What more could you want? Oh, yeah, great skiing. This pair of three-day festivals will be held in Colorado and California, March 3-5 and March 31- April 2, respectively. Headliners in Steamboat – Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon and Paul Gauten and more will perform on four stages, over three days.

WWG part 2 will take place at Palisades Tahoe on March 31-April 2, with Trampled By Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass and Marcus King topping the bill.

Day passes start at $109 and include three hours of complimentary beer and spiked seltzer tastings.

World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Whistler

Hands down the most off-the-hook spring ski festival in North America. Known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival combines spring energy with a week of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes. Ski and snowboard competitions like Big Air and Slush Cup, music, art, photography, action filmmaking and exciting nightlife will happen April 10-16.

SELCO POLE PEDAL PADDLE, Mt Bachelor

The country’s top multi-multisport event to benefit of Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation will have racers gearing up May 13 in Bend, Ore. Anyone can enter as individuals, pairs, or teams at PPPBend.com.

Since 1976 the event which features ski (alpine and nordic), bike, run, canoe/kayak, sprint legs annually attracts thousands of competitors from throughout the Northwest and beyond, and stretches from the slopes of Mt. Bachelor to the finish line in Bend’s Old Mill District.

Whether you are a less-competitive racer who wants to join a team for fun, have an active day with friends or family, or an elite multi-sport athlete, the SELCO PPP has a place for you.

Nordica Unleashed Outreach Ski Help Kids Get Outside

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Nordica, one of our favorite ski brands at SPL, just partnered with SOS Outreach and Christy Sports to bring $$$ to underrepresented kids and get them outside. A limited-edition “Nordica Unleashed Outreach Ski” is now available for a crazy $1000 price tag in the hopes of raising $50k for SOS. Only 50 pairs have been produced and they are pretty cool looking.

The collaboration involving SOS Outreach, Christy Sports, and Nordica started in 2022 with four young women from around the country — Heidy Hernández and Veronica Saint Jane, SOS Outreach alumnae, and Frida Quintero and Delaney Muro, currently SOS program participants — to design a custom ski and bring it to market. The program gave the women the opportunity to learn about and contribute to the end-to-end commercial process. By telling their story and promoting the custom ski, the program hopes to generate funds for SOS Outreach.

What is SOS Outreach?

SOS Outreach is a national youth empowerment non-profit organization that cultivates a deep sense of belonging in kids and teenagers, unlimiting their future potential and impact on our world. Their programs extend from the Cascades and the Sierras to the Rockies and the Midwestern hills, serving more than 3,000 youth each year across 15 locations in 9 states. They offer year-round programming at several sites that combines the support of caring adults, the thrill of outdoor adventure, and the grounding of value-based leadership skills kids and teenagers need to become their best, unlimited selves. To learn more, visit sosoutreach.org.

Who are the four girls making these Nordica Unleashed Outreach skis?

The four women are from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Truckee and Vail, and worked closely with Nordica’s product development and design teams to create the Unleashed Outreach ski. Heidy Hernández, 21, from SLC, interned for Armada Skis through SOS’ Career Development Pipeline and is pursing a graphic design degree. Veronica Saint Jane, 21, from Seattle, has been with SOS since the 7th grade. She’s pursuing a degree in industrial design with a minor in writing and literature. Frida Quintero, 17, from Truckee, is in her fourth winter with SOS Outreach. Delaney Muro, 18, from Denver, is a high school senior and has been with SOS for over 6 years. She interned with industry partners like Smartwool and Tecnica Group.

The young women selected the Unleashed 108 for the project and conceptualized graphics and colors. The ski design is based on a topographical map of Silverton, Colorado, where the ski was unveiled over Martin Luther King Weekend, 2023. The design includes a compass with all four of the cohort’s names, the peak of Silverton Mountain as well as the streets in the town of Silverton. Nordica and SOS logos were incorporated in the design along with “Christy Creek,” a nod to Christy Sports.

“Adding the SOS logo to the ski was important,” stated Delaney Muro one of four women on the project. “I hope folks who purchase this ski walk away with a deeper connection to SOS. This was something that was designed with intention and so much love and passion. We really want people to know about all the good this program does.”

The limited-edition Nordica Unleashed Outreach Ski is exclusively available at www.christysports.com. As one of the key partners in the program, Christy is focused on supporting the four women of the project and provided direction to bring the product to market. Christy Sports will donate 100% of the sales to SOS Outreach. The sales will directly benefit 3,200 kids this year alone across those programs.

Lindsey Vonn Skis the Streif

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American speed queen becomes first woman to ski legendary Streif course.

Interviews courtesy Redbull Content Pool

Lindsey Vonn strapped back into her skis and became the first woman to ever ski the Streif – and the first to ever dare to do so at night. The Streif is considered the greatest challenge on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and it is a race Vonn could never compete in due to only men’s downhill races being held in Kitzbühel.

The American won everything there is to win in the sport before retirement in 2019 but one last dream goal eluded her in her illustrious career, the fearsome Streif in Kitzbühel, Austria. The 38-year-old said: “Only when you ski the Streif are you a real downhiller. The Streif is the pinnacle of all downhills, the most difficult course in the world. Nobody believed I could do it. After all my injuries, to now get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to kick out of the starting gate here and fulfil my dream is incredible…I’ve always had respect for the men that raced down the Streif, but I have even more respect now, because it’s one thing to go down it and another thing to ski to win; and now I can fully understand what that means. It has given me greater perspective how truly amazing these men are.”

Vonn had not raced a downhill course in four years but pushed out of the start gate and entered the notorious Mausefalle (Mousetrap), with an 85% gradient. Setting off in the dark from the original start in preparation for the iconic race, Vonn crowned her career in spectacular style.

How Vonn trained for the Streif

She prepared intensely in preparation to push herself to the limits once again despite the severe knee injuries suffered in a career that brought Olympic gold, 82 World Cup victories and saw her crowned a multiple World Champion. Vonn borrowed the skis from US star Ryan Cochran-Siegle and had them prepared by her former service man Heinz Hämmerle. Hitting speeds of more than 100km/h at night added further drama to an already intense occasion.

“I felt like I was jumping over the edge of the world,” said Vonn. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous before a start in my life. I’m a thrill seeker. I’m an adrenaline junkie, and I love pushing myself to the absolute limit; being on the verge of being scared. I live for a challenge like this.”

Vonn was coached by her compatriot Daron Rahlves, himself a course winner in 2003. He said: “To see Lindsey finally have a chance to ski on this track in this kind of situation is incredible. I had no doubt she could ski it, but I was questioning if she was going to really ski it with a lot of determination – I was really impressed that she did. This is true downhill, if you make one mistake, you can have some bad outcomes. But the way she just came out to own it was really impressive.”

Vonn also revealed she took on the challenge for her mother Linda, who passed away in August. She said: “I knew she was watching me and was there as a guardian angel to help me accomplish this dream. I know she is proud of me. As she always ways.”

– Watch Vonn’s run here:
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/videos/lindsey-vonn-takes-on-the-streif

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