Andrew Rivkin Finds the Right Spot in Aspen

Posted on April 30, 2012 by AndrewRivkin

In order to make a ski trip out west a complete success, make sure to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you want to be in the heart of the resort amid the action and excitement, or tucked away in a cozy and quaint part of town, Aspen Snowmass has great accommodations for visitors seeking all sorts of retreats. Continue reading →

Andrew Rivkin Hits the Alps at Ischgl

Posted on March 30, 2012 by AndrewRivkin

Those who have had a chance to ski in the Alps know there is nothing like that anywhere else in the world. One of Andrew Rivkin’s favourite places to ski is Ischgl, in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria. It’s easy to be generous with superlatives when talking about Ischgl. The ski area is rightly one of the best ski areas in Europe, if not in the world. Continue reading →

Traveling to Whistler B.C. with Andrew Rivkin

Posted on December 22, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

A trip to Whistler, British Columbia offers some of the best skiing in the world at one of the most majestic mountains around. A visit out to Western Canada, however, is about more than just skiing. The runs are exciting during the day, but when the sun sets and the lifts close the mountain doesn’t shut down. Instead it reinvents itself as a hub of activity, where people can drink, dine, and socialize after a long day of physical activity.

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia

The nightlife is one reason in particular that Andrew Rivkin always enjoys a trip to Whistler Blackcomb. The mountain has always been a destination for the world’s skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, but the resort gained fame earlier this year when it hosted the alpine events for the Winter Olympics. It not only showed off the great slopes, the resort affirmed itself as a hot spot of activity at night, a place where people can go out and have fun. And while nothing in Canada will ever compare to the extended party atmosphere that swept through Whistler for two weeks in February, the area is still full of energy and enthusiasm deep into the evening.

Whistler is where Andrew first learned the true meaning of après-ski. It’s a French phrase, literally meaning after skiing and it refers to going out, having drinks, dancing and generally socializing, of course, after skiing. Once you visit, however, the phrase as Rivkin is quick to point out, becomes synonymous with Whistler.

Located at the base of each mountain is restaurant offering great food, drinks, and live music. Andrew is particularly fond of Merlins at Blackcomb, as it has one of the best patios around, with a great view unlike any other. Equally enjoyable is Garibaldi Lift Co. at the base of Whistler and is open until 1am. It was recently ranked as the top mountain bar by Skiing magazine and one of the top apès-ski in the world by Forbes Traveler. Even if you’re not staying right in the heart of all the action, there are still plenty of restaurants around the other areas, including Dusty’s bar and grill at Whistler Creekside. Whistler’s original watering hole rocks with après, lunch, dinner and late, late nights. Dusty’s features award-winning authentic BBQ, rockin’ tunes and friendly locals.

The Whistler Blackcomb website is a great tool to use to discover all the great places the area has to offer. There is food, drinks, and atmosphere to suit the needs of everyone, whether one wants to sit at the base of the mountain after a day of skiing like Andrew and enjoy nachos with a bunch of friends, or if you want to have a romantic dinner for two in a quaint restaurant.

As Andrew Rivkin learned, a trip to Whistler is more than just a skiing trek, but a chance to enjoy the mountain in different ways. Be sure to take advantage of the nighttime opportunities which offer a great chance to meet fellow skiers and snowboarders, while enjoying live music and great food under a backdrop of a mountain that can’t be experienced any where else. And you don’t even need to take off your ski boots.

Andrew Rivkin Offers a Preview of the Upcoming Winter Season

Posted on December 2, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

As we approach the 2011/2012-winter season, Andrew Rivkin offers an insight into what to expect weather-wise. Being an avid skier, Rivkin is looking forward to a season that is forecasted to produce a significant amount of snow. The upcoming winter season looks to be cold and wet across the northern tier of states, and the drought will worsen in the South. Similar to last winter, the Pacific Ocean cooling known as La Nina is affecting the weather pattern. For the Great Lakes region, it is looking like an average winter with a tilt toward colder and wetter weather.

: 2011/2012 Winter Temperature Outlook for Canada

For Andrew Rivkin this is the type of forecast he wants to hear. This weather pattern should provide for excellent skiing conditions at Ontario ski hills including Blue Mountain Resort,Horseshoe Resort and Craigleith Ski Club.

With a preview this past weekend, the major cities of the Northeast United States are forecast to get above average amounts of snow. If Rivkin recalls correctly, this past winter was characterized with similar conditions for cities on the Eastern Seaboard, which received more snow than places further North and inland. Hopefully this pattern changes a bit to give residents of Ontario a more authentic winter season. If his busy work-schedule permits, Rivkin is aiming to head up to several of the ski hills in Ontario on weekends and get in as much as skiing as he can.

Despite the “average” weather forecast for the upcoming winter season, Andrew Rivkin is taking no chances. He recently purchased the Troy-Bilt Powermore OHV Snowthrower and is excited to put it to good use. It was the following review that sold Rivkin on the Powermore: “this snow blower can thrower anything the Alberta winter can give it from 3 inches of snow to 5 foot snow drifts.” If it is good enough for an Alberta winter, it is more than suitable for an Ontario winter.

Check out the Troy-Bilt Powermore OHV Snowthrower below:

Troy-Bilt 420 cc / 45-in Powermore® OHV Snowthrower

Andrew Rivkin Takes to the Slopes

Posted on November 2, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

Anyone who has met Andrew Rivkin knows that he is an avid skier. As one of his favourite pastimes, Rivkin has skied around the world, always seeking out the freshest snow, greatest views, and most challenging slopes. More of an alpine skier, Andrew has frequented some of the top ski destinations in the world. In North America, he has traveled to the Rockies and skied at Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, as well as in Colorado at Aspen and Vail. He has also had the chance to visit Europe and ski at resorts in the Alps, which offer some of the best runs in the world.

Summer view of Whistler Blackcomb

In particular, Andrew is a fan of après ski, and has been fortunate to experience it in some of the most exciting resorts around the world. Après-ski is a French term that literally means ‘after ski.’ It refers to going out, having drinks, dancing, and generally socializing after skiing. It is popular in the Alps, where skiers often stop at bars on their last run of the day while still wearing all their ski gear. However, this has caught on around the world and can really happen in any place where there is snow. Indeed, an intense day of skiing may leave your body a bit cold and your legs a bit sore. Food tastes better and drinks are more satiating after a long day of working out. In the United States, the term is used more broadly to describe the atmosphere of ski resorts and ski culture, ski themed architecture and decor, and the ski oriented lifestyle in general.

: Andrew Rivkin loves Apres-Ski wherever it may be taking place

That lifestyle is one Andrew closely identifies with. Skiing requires great physical strength, endurance, and coordination. Skiing is a great sport that is not only a great exercise for the body, but for the spirit as well.

There is a unique feeling that comes with skiing down the highest of mountains, an emotion and experience that cannot be replicated in any other sport. Nature surrounds you in skiing, and despite the advances in technology, there is definitely a feeling of closeness with the wilderness and weather. Getting off a lift at the top of a peak, peering over the edge of a slope and taking in the gorgeous sights is something that everyone should experience in their life; and it’s an event that skiers get to witness with frequency.

Andrew Rivkin often writes about his experiences, and encourages other people to get out on the slopes and have fun. Skiing is just fine when you’re looking to getaway for a day from work or to relieve stress. It’s also the perfect activity around which to plan a trip with friends. So many mountains showcase world class resorts where you can ski on great and breathtaking slopes while enjoying food, drink, and entertainment throughout the night. More and more it is becoming a social activity, and those who have skied before know just how much fun it can be.

Andrew Rivkin Vacations in Vail, Colorado

Posted on October 16, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

Andrew Rivkin had the opportunity to travel to multiple ski resorts last season. Among the favourites was a ski vacation to Vail, Colorado. Situated to the West of Denver, Vail boasts some of the best skiing in the Rockies region. A town of only 5,000 people, Vail is a true tourist destination. The average elevation of Vail is 8,150 feet, which makes it ideal for skiing year-round. Vail is modeled like most European ski towns, many of which are car-free. Much to Andrew Rivkin’s surprise, Vail operates the largest free bus system in the United States.

A night view of Vail Village

Flying into Vail was a cool experience. Nestled between massive mountains on all four sides, Eagle County Regional Airport serves as the town’s only airport. The main attraction in Vail is the Vail Ski Resort. The ski resort is the second largest ski mountain in North America after Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.

Andrew Rivkin stayed at the Four Seasons Resort at Vail and recommends it to all of his family and friends. Located close to the base of the Vail Ski Resort, the Four Seasons Resort offers luxurious accommodations including a spa, sauna and steam room. Andrew Rivkin enjoyed a relaxing dinner at Kelly Liken while in Vail. Serving mainly locally cultivated produce, Kelly Liken offers a wine menu with over 250 selections.

Being 8,000 feet in the air was an incredibly exhilarating experience. The best activity Andrew Rivkin participated in was “Ski-Biking”. With Ski-Biking, you sit on the bike and use a combination of short foot skis and the handlebars to steer. For people who are not as comfortable skiing or want to try something new, Ski-Biking is a fun alternative.

Andrew Rivkin is looking forward to traveling back to Vail this coming ski season and challenging himself on some of the tougher mountains!

Check out the video below that shows a demonstration of Ski-Biking!

Andrew Rivkin Truly Enjoyed Skiing in Park City, Utah

Posted on July 22, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

Park City, Utah

Long before Park City became a world class mountain resort and venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, it was famous as a silver mining town, and boasts a lively and colorful past. Founded by prospectors in the late 1860′s, Park City continued to mine silver until the early 1970′s. The mining company, Park City Consolidated Mines, started the ski business in 1963, when they built the first lifts on what was then called Treasure Mountain. The Park City area now has three world class resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and the Canyons Resort.
For more about Park City, please visit http://www.parkcity.org

Andrew Rivkin Ski Report 2011

Posted on July 22, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

Locations Andrew Rivkin Vistied During the 2010/2011 Ski Season:

Whistler, BC

Whistler, one of North America’s most well known Ski/Snowboard Venues in addition to being the host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Andrew Rivkin visited Whistler in December 2010, where he and friends were able to get into some great skiing. Andrew Rivkin’s Ski Report for Whistler: Always a good time, tons of snow for the holiday seasons, great backcountry riding and a great nightlife/entertainment scene.

Park City, Utah

Andrew Rivkin visited Park city in the spring of 2011. Park City,Utah receives over 360 inches of snow each year. That explains why Park City is one of the top North American ski destinations. The resort has seen a $10 million upgrade with new features like a new high-speed lift with access to more than 2,000 acres of terrain, a new gladed run, and the complete renovation of the Mid-Mountain Lodge. There truly is something for every member of the family. Andrew Rivkin’s Ski Report for Whistler: Amazing pow pow in Park City, rented ski-doos and tore up the back country. Unlike whistler or other destinations, the nightlife here isnt the best, its definitely more of a family resort, but the skiing is really great and unbelievable and nothing beats plenty of knee high pow to shred through.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is one of the most luxurious ski destinations in the world.
Andrew Rivkin’s Ski Report for Aspen Highland: Very awesome bowl in the back. Access is by cat and then a hike. Definitely worth the effort. Power last a long time up there due to the work. Remember powder skis, powder strings, backpack for skis. GPS, cellphone and avalanche stuff wouldn’t hurt either. Worth going back to.
Andrew Rivkin’s Ski Report for Aspen Snowmass: Snowmass was a nice surprise. Found some awesome pow pow off the high alpine chair via a hike up to the wall. Hike was a lot of work but felt good to reach the top. Next day skied the campground chair. Great gladed pow pow. After 2 days it was clear that this mountain has a lot to offer. No lines. Lots of fun stuff with freshies avail after 3 days without snow. Skied mainly of the low speed chairs but was not bothered. Guess I’m getting old.

About Andrew Rivkin

Posted on July 22, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

Andrew Rivkin
Born	(1969-05-31) May 31, 1969 (age 42) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Residence	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Education	University College, University of Toronto, (B.Comm. 1992)
Occupation	Principal, Rivkin Asset Management Consultant, Mood Media Co-founder and past president, FUN Technologies Co-founder and past CEO, CryptoLogic
Religion	Jewish

Andrew Rivkin (born May 31, 1969) is a Canadian investor and businessman. Rivkin is best known as a co-founder of CryptoLogic, a pioneering online casino software company, and FUN Technologies, the world's largest provider of online casual games and fantasy sports.

Rivkin was born and raised in Toronto. He graduated from University College, University of Toronto in 1992 with a bachelor of commerce degree in finance and economics.

CryptoLogic

After founding a network business systems company while still in his teens,^[1] Rivkin moved on to co-found CryptoLogic in Toronto in February 1995 with his brother, Mark. Although originally founded as a general Internet security software company, CryptoLogic soon focused on online gambling, which had become a growth industry since Antigua and Barbuda became the first country to legalize the practice in 1994.^[2]^[3]

In 1996 InterCasino, the world's first real wager Internet casino, went online using CryptoLogic software.^[4]^[5] By 1998 CryptoLogic was considered a major player in the emerging online casino industry, with its software used by online casinos in Curaçao and Dominica as well as Antigua and Barbuda.^[6] By mid-2000 CryptoLogic software was used by over 500,000 online casino end users worldwide and processed over $4 billion in online transactions.^[7]

CryptoLogic was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in September 1998 and on the NASDAQ stock exchange in March 2000, both during Rivkin's tenure as CEO.^[8] Citing a desire to allow new leadership to take the company to the next level, Rivkin stepped down as CEO of CryptoLogic in January 2001 but remained on the company's board of directors.^[9]^[10]

In 2002, after Rivkin stepped down as CEO, the Canadian business magazine Profit estimated CryptoLogic experienced a 26,181 percent growth rate over the previous five years, which made it the fastest-growing business in Canada during that period.^[11]^[12] Also in 2002 CryptoLogic was named the top company in the Profit 200.^[13]

FUN Technologies

In 2002, Rivkin co-founded Columbia Exchange Systems Software PLC with Lorne Abony, another collaborator from CryptoLogic with whom Rivkin has worked with on several business ventures.^[14]^[15] After the two raised C$1.8 million from initial investors. Renamed FUN Technologies the company issued two initial public offerings in short order, on the London Alternative Investment Market in 2003^[16] and the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2004. In particular, Rivkin's past association with CryptoLogic was considered key to the success of the London IPO.^[17]

The Meridian, Colorado-based Liberty Media acquired a majority interest in FUN Technologies stock in 2005.^[18] Liberty Media purchased the rest of FUN Technologies in late 2007.^[19] The company was valued at nearly C$500 million at the time of its final sale to Liberty Media.^[20]

Recent activity

Since leaving FUN Technologies, Rivkin has served as a consultant for Mood Media, a Toronto-based in-store media distribution company headed by Abony.^[21] In 2009 Rivkin founded Rivkin Asset Management, an asset management firm dealing in hedge funds.^[22]

In March 2011 Rivkin was involved with Mood Media's acquisition of Muzak Holdings for US$345 million.^[23]

Rivkin is an avid polo player and participates in several charity polo tournaments in Canada.^[24]

Notes

^ Silcoff, Sean. The odds look good. Canadian Business. April 10, 1998, pp. 25-26
^ CEO Interview, CryptoLogic , Inc. (CRYP), The Wall Street Transcript. July 3, 2000, p. 94.
^ The History of Online Gambling (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ Cryptologic Casinos - A Guide to Cryptologic Powered Online Casinos (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ GAMBLING ... GOLD RUSH? San Francisco Chronicle, July 2, 2007 (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ Silcoff, p. 25
^ The Wall Street Transcript p. 95
^ Quanto Independent Equity Research - CryptoLogic Limited (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ CRYPTOLOGIC WELCOMES NEW CEO TO LEAD COMPANY IN ITS NEXT GROWTH PHASE (accessed 8 December 2010)
^ Thompson, Robert. Cryptologic founders step aside for new CEO: 'Natural evolution', National Post. December 13, 2000, p. C3
^ Cryptologic Earns #1 Ranking In Profit 100 (accessed 16 December 2010)
^ IT for Industry, 2002. Vol. 3, Iss. 3 p. 12
^ Pachner, Joanna. Born to run — really fast, Profit. June 1, 2011 (accessed 1 June 2011)
^ Securing a second success, eGaming Review magazine, December 7, 2005
^ Pachner. (accessed 1 June 2011)
^ Wendlandt, Astrid. Lossmaking software group to float. New Issues, Financial Times. November 3, 2003, p. 25
^ Fun and Games: at 35, Lorne Abony is a young, ambitious—and very accomplished—CEO, Canadian Business Online, March 14, 2005 (accessed 8 December 2010)
^ FUN TECHNOLOGIES PLC - Acquisition (accessed 8 December 2010)
^ Liberty Media Corporation to Acquire FUN Technologies Inc. for GBP 1.75 per Share (accessed 8 December 2010)
^ The New Masters Of The Universe (accessed 9 December 2010)
^ Management Team - Mood Media (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ Rivkin Asset Management (accessed 10 December 2010)
^ Pachner. (accessed 1 June 2011)
^ Andrew Rivkin - Philanthropist (accessed 10 December 2010)

Persondata
Name	Rivkin, Andrew
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1969-05-31
Place of birth	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date of death
Place of death

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Rivkin

Andrew Rivkin Ski Review’s 2008 & 2009

Posted on July 22, 2011 by AndrewRivkin

The Andrew Rivkin Ski Review: Andrew Rivkin Ski Review’s

Andrew Rivkin’s 2009/2010: Coming Soon!!

Ski Review’s – 2008/2009 – Andrew Rivkin Visited: Whistler,Vail,Aspen,Park City and Iscghl

Sunday, January 27, 2008
Skiing aspen highlandsVery awesome bowl in the back. Access is by cat and then a hike. Definitely worth the effort. Power last a long time up there due to the work. Remember powder skis, powder strings, backpack for skis. GPS, cellphone and avalanche stuff wouldn’t hurt either. Worth going back to.