Friday, January 13, 2012

Ski Whitefish :: Small Town Charm in Whitefish

Whitefish, Montana is a quaint community of just over 6,000 residents in the northwestern part of the state. The town has a friendly, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for those looking to take a ski vacation.

1. Ski Vacations to Whitefish Mountain Resort are fantastic. The mountain resort has 98 trails and 4 terrain parks: 10% expert, 40% advanced, 35% intermediate, and 15% beginner. There are a number of bowl and tree skiing areas. The longest run is just over 3 miles long. Whitefish mountain gets about 300 inches of snow a year, that’s plenty of fresh powder to ski!

2. Whitefish offers visitors the Moonlight Dine & Ski on February 7th and March 10th. You will take a nighttime ride on the chair lift to the summit of Big Mountain. Then you will enjoy a buffet style meal with full bar accessibility. After, you have the option of riding back down in the chair lift; or if you bring your ski/snowboard equipment, you can glide your way down the mountain. Advanced reservations are required, and it costs only $49. 95 per adult.

3. If you like to ski under the stars, then visit The Fishbowl Terrain Park (chairlifts 2, 3, and 6) for night skiing. Tickets are only $17 per person and the park is open from 4 pm- 8:30 pm.

4. Whitefish will host their own Winter Carnival from February 3-5th. There is a grand parade with floats, dancers, marching bands, and more along the picturesque Central Avenue. They will also have a fireworks display, ski joring, and children’s characters.

5. Of course, February wouldn’t be complete without a Mardi Gras celebration! This will take place on Sunday, February 19th starting at 11 am. There will be art and craft vendors, face painting, mask decorating, live music, bead tosses, and costume contests. The Base Lodge will be serving southern style food such as crab cakes and jambalaya.

6. Snowmobile tours allow you to explore a lot of area in either half or full day tours. You’ll be able to view Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, the Swan Range, and the Canadian Rockies. Before your tour, you will be given a safety training session so you can have the best experience possible.

7. Ice skating is a pastime loved by many. Here, you have the option of outdoor skating on one of the many frozen lakes. Or you have the indoor rink option as well, such as Stumptown Ice Den. Stumptown Ice Den offers public skating, adult drop in hockey, figure skating, broomball, and refreshment stands.

8. Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours specializes in small group dog sledding tours. First, you will get to learn briefly about dog sledding, and then off you go on the trails. The tour will last about 50 minutes. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the runners of the sled behind a seasoned musher too. After the tour, some tasty treats will be available, plus the opportunity to pet the dogs.

9. If you love sleigh rides, then visit the Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake. They present group rides in the morning, early afternoon, and evening/dinner hours. The dinner tour gives you the choice of a chili or steak meal. Tours last about 45 minutes, plenty of time to relax and enjoy the countryside.

10. Glacier National Park is just a short distance from Whitefish Resort. Glacier Adventure Guides offer snowshoeing and backcountry skiing tours. Your $180 fee will include your equipment for the day, park and guide fee, and lunch. This is available for all ages too.

So, if you’re looking for a resort area that has all the winter activities you love, plus the comforting feel of a small town, then Whitefish is definitely the place for you to visit.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Beaver Creek Ski Packages : 10 Best Things to Do while Visiting

It’s Better in Beaver Creek, Ski Packages for your family!

Beaver Creek, Colorado is not only a first-rate winter destination; it’s also very family friendly. There’s a lot to do for tourists of all ages. From skiing, to races, to tubing, and more!

1. Beaver Creek has just fewer than 150 trails with 25 lifts. It has 3 terrain parks, 1 half pipe, glades, bump runs, and gentle slopes. Lift tickets can be purchased per day starting at $102 for adults and $59 for children (5-12 yrs. old). Gentle runs include the “Piece O’Cake”, intermediates like “Gold Dust” or expert runs such as the “For Get

2. If you’re a “foodie”, then visit from January 26-28th to enjoy the Beaver Creek Food and Wine Weekend. Participate in the Winter Wonderland Wine Seminar, Snowshoe & Gourmet Lunch, or Dinner at Mirabelle with Guest Chef Stephanie Izard, among other events. There are 3 packages available: Standard (2 nights and 2 days lift tickets), Magnum (3 nights and 3 days lift tickets) and Imperial (3 nights in upscale lodging, 3 days lift tickets and tickets to most of the

3. Every Monday, from mid-January to early March is the Beaver Creek Race Series. There is the option for individual and team competitions; for snowboarders, telemarkers, and alpine. There are also raffle prizes and an awards party. So if you’re looking to see what you’re made of, this is the way to find out.

4. Be sure to stop by the Black Family Ice Rink, for some skating, on your visit. This outdoor rink is in the center of Beaver Creek Village. It’s open from noon until 9 p.m.; skates and helmets are available to

5. The Haymaker Tubing Hill in a great option for the whole family. Participants must be at least 36 inches tall. The tube park has 4 lanes and lift services. Be sure to make your reservations!

6. Have you ever wanted to try a scavenger hunt? On January 7, 2012 is the EpicMix Scavenger Hunt. It’s for any age group and only $10 per person or $30 for groups up to 5 people. There are riddles with virtual pins located on different parts of the mountain. Each pin has a point value: solve the riddles and earn the points. The three people with the most points will win prizes. Then there is an Après party for everyone from 3pm-5pm.

7. There is something magical about the mountain landscapes. What better way to view it then with a hot air balloon tour. Camelot Balloons, Inc. offers balloon rides all year. The early morning flights average between 60 and 75 minutes and are for ages 6 on up.

8. Beaver Creek has a night time skiing event called Thursday Night Lights. This event is held every Thursday night during the season and is for anyone with at least Level 5 intermediate abilities. Skiers will glide down the slopes listening to bumping music and using glow sticks. At the end of the evening is a spectacular fireworks event.

9. A free night to stay? Yes, please! The “Three For Free” package is what you need to book for this deal. Make a reservation for Beaver Creek by January 31, 2012, and you receive one night free, a $50 gift card and a free hydration backpack.

10. While Beaver Creek has many family friendly activities, there is still plenty for the grown-ups to do at night. If you would like to see a comedy, dance, or musical show, then visit the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Looking for some great food, drinks, and dancing? Then hop on over to the Coyote Café.

So, if you love to ski/snowboard, but are also looking for a vacation for the whole family, then Beaver Creek is the place to be.

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top 10 Things About Breckenridge ski Resort :: Ski Vacations

Come visit one of the more popular and notably historic resort areas in Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort is an old mining town with gold first being discovered in the area around 1859. Breckenridge has certainly come a long way since the mining days of the 19th century. There is plenty to see and do in Breckenridge Mountain Resort, especially during the winter months for your ski vacations.

1. Breckenridge Resort is proud to announce that they are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in business! In honor of their anniversary, they are hosting a “50 Wishes” campaign. Each guest can submit a wish they would like to see at the resort. 50 wishes will be picked to come true.

2. Breckenridge has no shortage of mountain terrain, with 5 parks available and over 150 trails. There are selections for all ability levels with the longest trail being 3 ½ miles long. That’s a lot of options for your daily dashes down the mountain.

3. Everyone loves a deal and during the month of January through February 16, 2012, you can receive 25% off of your lodging. There is a three night minimum requirement. Another offer includes buying three nights and getting a fourth free (“Four Scores Package”). Hurry and make a reservation today!

4. If you love roller coasters, then be sure to ride along the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster. It’s a 2,500 foot coaster that is open to daily runs starting at noon. A cool feature is that riders control their own speed! It’s an activity fun for all ages.

5. While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic Center. The Center provides both cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The trails twine through the forests and picturesque scenes.

6. Nordic Sleigh Rides provides a great way to take in the natural sights. Riders will relax in a “Santa” style sleigh while passing through the forests. Then, you will be brought to an 1860’s mining camp. While there, you will enjoy a warm meal and an entertaining comedy show (for adults and kids) in the dining hall.

7. A great educational experience at Breckenridge is the “Ski with a Ranger” tour. While skiing along an intermediate trail with a guide, you’ll learn about tree identification, local history and wildlife, and environmental programs.

8. Breckenridge also has a number of museums and guided walking tours. Stroll through the Barney Ford House Museum to learn about an escaped slave. Or take the Haunted Tour of Breckenridge which has tales of the haunted historic district. Other options include the Saloon Tour & Distillery Tasting, Valley Brook Cemetery Tour, and the Iowa Hill Guided Snowshoe Tour.

9. Breckenridge is also a great place to rejuvenate with a massage

10. and body treatments. Visit any number of spas in the area, including: A Mountain Sanctuary Day Spa, The Rejuvenation Center in One Ski Hill Place, Alpine Spa and Salon, Blue Sage Spa, or Breckenridge Acupuncture. There are dozens of little shops to visit along Main Street in Breckenridge. There’s pretty much a shop for everything, such as clothing, accessories, art, gifts, and more. Stop by the Magical Scraps Boutique & Studio, Hand and Glove, Portiera Designs Artware for the Home, or Ridge Street Wine, among many others.

If you’re looking for a ski resort area that has a lot of history, then Breckenridge is the destination for you. It’s a great vacation to combine both a love of winter sports and activities with an appreciation of American history.

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