A new line of snowboards called 'Love' from Burton have nearly-nude models on them and Vail Resorts, Winter Park, and Echo Mountain (so far) have prohibited employees from riding on them. Sure it's common sense. Even though they aren't preventing guests (and off-the-clock employees) from using them, I wonder how long until someone makes a big deal about it. Read the rest of the Playboy snowboard article at the Colorado Daily.

We've seen a lot of new stuff heading towards the mountains this season. Here's a quick peak at some of the highlights on the slopes: Arapahoe Basin 300 new parking spots added Tunnel under Hwy 6 to connect parking and the slopes, safely Buses to bring people down from the upper lots Black Mountain lodge with room for 100 diners New, efficient snowmaking at Sundance Aspen / Snowmass New acres added in Canopy Cruiser New Sheer Bliss quad chairlift, access to 700 challenging acres Gondola Plaza added at Aspen Mountain Olympic-sized superpipe at Buttermilk Two new restaurants added to Snowmass New lodges and housing in the base village at Snowmass Search for hotel deals in Aspen before the ...

The opening day battle for 2008-2009 continues on and the winner is: a tie. Both Loveland and Arapahoe Basin will open at 8:30AM on October 15th (tomorrow). If you noticed yesterday, Arapahoe Basin announced the 15th at 9:00AM. Loveland then responded by announcing 8:30AM on the 15th. The two are now tied... who thinks Loveland will try 8:00AM?

The race to open is on! Arapahoe Basin is announcing their opening day to be October 15th, 2008. The exhibition chair opens at 9:00 AM. Visit the webcams to see the (lack of) snow. Loveland is still to be determined.

From the SteepSavers newsletter: "...winter is right around the corner and there is more snow in the forecast for this weekend. Don't miss out! Buy your [Summit, Colorado, Epic] pass before prices increase on Monday, October 13, 2008"