Adventure Sessions with Heavenly Ski and Ride School

Heavenly is an incredible mountain with lots of hidden treasures – if you know how to find them. I often find myself skiing with friends around the mountain, showing them where to find the sweet lines…keep in mind these are solid skiers who rarely would even consider taking a lesson. But sure enough while we’re out and about I’ll see something in their skiing and mention a tip or two. Remember that the best skiers in the world are coached every day, so nobody is too good to learn a thing or two.

As usual, the reply a little while later is “hey, that really works!” Surprise! And in the meantime a little local knowledge of the best conditions, slope choice, sun angle, and areas that might have filled nicely with the wind can be the difference between and good day and a fantastic day.

The pros that teach The Adventure Sessions are just these types of locals. These are the gals & guys on the staff that are highly certified, know this mountain like their bedroom and can get you to the coolest stuff we’ve got. And along the way they’ll throw in a few tips at just the right moment to keep over your skis and ripping. They know the value of this experience is about movement and keeping the action going.

With this last storm, I recommend Powderbowl Express as a sweet spot – fast lift, underutilized terrain (everyone passes over it to hit the upper mountain), a great place to get in a few hot laps to warm up the legs. The old Waterfall chair line is a great example of some great terrain that can hold some stashes well after a storm.

Editor’s Note: Michael Allen is Heavenly’s Director of Skier Services, responsible for the Ski and Ride Schools of Heavenly, Guest Services, Ticketing, Greeters and Day Care. He entered the ski industry in 1977 working as a professional ski instructor at Kirkwood Ski Resort. Michael has also held positions in Marketing, Advertising, Promotions, Race and Events. He was part of the Professional Ski Instructors of America’s Examining Squad and its Divisional Demonstration Team

Michael is a former ski racer who captured two Nastar Western Division Pacesetting titles and is a United States Professional Tennis Association certified pro. He’s been featured in several Warren Miller film productions.

Michael is an active member of the PSIA Western Division and is a member of the PSIA Advisory Board. He is married (Heather) and has two daughters Natalie (13) and Lyndsey (nine).