Blizzard of ’09 is white gold for ski biz

There are two industries that can’t get enough snow: the ski mountains in Virginia and West Virginia and the retailers that sell everything you need to bundle up for winter recreation.

Last month’s major storm was the best marketing campaign either industry could hope for.

“The blizzard of ’09 brought in the winter season with a bang. The added 31 inches of snow enabled us to open several runs earlier in the season and increase the slope coverage significantly,” said Hank Thiess, the general manager at Wintergreen.

Where to hit the slopes

Generally, the best ski deals are lodging packages that include lift tickets, which reduces lift-ticket fees by about 25 percent.

There’s a new kid in the ski market: Liberty University’s Liberty Mountain in Lynchburg uses a multilayer material, Snowflex, for year-round “snow” activities.  Slope fees are $5 per hour Monday through Wednesday and $7 per hour Thursday through Sunday. Equipment rental, including helmet, is $12.  A group of five or more with advance reservations can book two hours for $10 per person at peak time. You can read more about Snowflex in a Times-Dispatch story here.

Party like it’s 2009

With New Year’s Eve on Thursday this year, many of us have made an advance resolution for an extra-long weekend.  Here’s food for thought in many directions – the D.C. area, Charlottesville, Staunton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach/Norfolk  – or a special dinner right here in Richmond. D.C./Northern Virginia New Year’s Eve diners at Westend Bistro in the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Washington can take the elevator home with a special $199 room-rate including overnight valet parking (normally $39 per night). Celebratory cocktails, champagne flights and a hot toddy bar are offered in the lobby café and bar. 202-263-6338; request special room rate with dinner reservation. Kick off the New Year in the lobby café and bar with a seasonal buffet and Bloody Mary bar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ($50 per person). Embassy Suites, Alexandria, Va.: First Night/New Year’s Eve package includes a two-room suite, two tickets ...

The top day trips for leaf-peeping

Even in a gas-sipping hybrid, the road trip is as fun as it ever was.

And now that the leaves are changing, it’s time to look at some of the best day trips in Central Virginia.

1) For the ultimate in relaxation, take your day trip mid-week, rather than on a weekend, when so many other leaf-peepers are on the road.  Brainstorm destination ideas, going to www.virginia.org to get started.  If you’re planning to go as far as the Shenandoah Valley, call the Leaf Hotline at 800-434-LEAF (5323).

We took the labor out of your vacation planning

For holiday getaways, all deals are relative, even in a recession. Lodging prices in general are down an average of 20 percent from last year, according to hotel managers from Northern Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley.  But if you’re thinking of a cheap weekend in Virginia Beach, you’re too late. Those hotels are booked solid. Still, travelers who are flexible on location and accommodations can still find great deals for Labor Day. For example, visitors to the Williamsburg Lodge can get a $100 voucher good for golf at the Golden Horseshoe or historic sightseeing with a night’s stay.

“Vacancy” signs stay on this year

Even with Memorial Day around the corner, it doesn’t feel like  a time to celebrate for Virginia’s hotel operators. Demand around Virginia is slackening as business travelers and tourists spend less time on the road. Even hotels in markets that have rarely seen a dip -- like Charlottesville -- are cutting rates and coming up with new promotions.

Does Richmond’s last professional sports team have a chance?

If the Richmond Renegades can’t make a comeback, Richmond will be without professional sports. According to the hockey team’s owner and general manager Allan Harvie, it’s the third period and time to pull the goalie. In the interview below, Harvie explains the trouble with running a business downtown, the challenge of selling sponsorships and why baseball doesn't belong in the Bottom.