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USA

Editor — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:06:02 +0000

Snow sports, such as snowboarding and snow skiing, has a huge following in the United States of America, with many enthusiasts greeting each new winter season with eager anticipation. There are numerous snow sport destinations to choose from throughout the United States, and into neighboring Canada, with something to suit everyone regardless of experience levels and how limited the vacation budget may be. Use our comprehensive ski resort directory to browse snow skiing resorts in the United States of America, and if you have not yet discovered the thrill of exploring a snow-covered mountain, maybe now’s the time to find out what attracts thousands of holiday makers to these ski resorts each year.

USA Resorts:

Randall Shines at the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships

Editor — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:33:34 +0000

The 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships are currently underway in Liberec, Czech Republic. This grueling stage of ice and snow sees the best competitors from across the globe take part in some exhilarating skiing events as they battle it out for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championship title.

And the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championship certainly hasn’t been short on excitement. Up until now Europeans have dominated the event, but recent years have seen Americans starting to catch up. The American team’s most recent victory came from Kikkan Randall of Alaska. This spunky teenager is certainly not a sissy. Unlike most other girls who spend their time getting their nails done, browsing through the mall or enjoying a visit to the hairdresser, Randall has entered bodybuilding competitions, almost run a sub-5-minute mile and skied 74 miles an hour in order to win the Alaska speed-skiing competition. No wonder her contemporaries have given her the nickname ‘Kikkanimal’!

Now Kikkan Randall has taken on the world stage with her fierce and fun attitude to life. A decade of grueling ski training paid off when she recently took second place at the 2009 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. She now has the distinction of being the second American to ever win a medal in cross-country at Worlds. The last time America won a medal of this caliber for cross-country skiing was in 1982. Speaking about her triumph, Randall said “I’ve always had the compulsion, ever since I was a little kid, to do something big. When I got involved in cross-country skiing, the US hadn’t been successful yet. But deep down I felt it was possible.”

Americans are hoping that fellow team-mates will soon be able to follow in Randalls footsteps and start bringing home medals from the world stage. The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships started on February 18 and will climax on March 1. This is the fourth time that the championships have been hosted in the Czech Republic and the region never fails to provide impressive slopes. No doubt skiing fans will be glued to their seats as they watch the final few days of this noteworthy skiing event

Heli

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

The ultimate vacation sport for an ardent, and expert, skier is heli-skiing. Many ski resorts all over the world offer heli-skiing and there are some places where heli-skiing is the only way to ski! Helicopters take you to remote mountain areas for a day of unimaginable powder skiing and bring you back to the base. Anyone who enjoys the thrill of skiing in the wilderness will discover the ultimate untracked, powder skiing adventure in heli-skiing.

Heli-Skiing on a skiing vacation is for the strong intermediate or advanced skier who has been skiing actively for many consecutive years. It is not suitable for beginners or weak intermediate skiers. It requires the ability to ski well on all types of terrain, from spacious open glaciers with moderate pitches to steep tree skiing. Expert skiers who can ski in a variety of snow conditions, from light, fluffy, boot-top powder to wind-affected crust and heavy crud should venture for this extreme sport.

You can plan to go heli-skiing in a few years time if you take a skiing vacation every year at conventional, big mountain downhill resorts. Heli-Skiing is usually more difficult than the black runs at a conventional ski area so put in plenty of practice. Ski as much as possible and challenge yourself by skiing progressively steeper runs. Try to ski away from the groomed slopes whenever you can so that you can handle the unexpected rocks, trees and other hazards.

Heli-skiing is very popular in Canada’s British Columbia, Alaska and the Austrian Alps. It is gaining admirers in New Zealand and the Himalayan country, Nepal. Reputed organizers are very particular of the level of skill the participants possess and often recommend they first undergo a Powder Introduction program to get familiar with the experience of skiing in remote mountain areas.

Heli-skiing trips include ground transportation to lodges where you will be based for the duration of your vacation and from where you are taken every day by helicopter to remote mountain slopes. The organizers keep track of the snow conditions and stability and about the terrain hazards in the areas. Their overriding priority is the safety of the skiers and take utmost care to ensure that the each member of the group has the necessary experience in skiing.

Alaska

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Located in the extreme northwest of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean lapping its shores to the west and south, Alaska presents snow sport enthusiasts with some great options to pursue their favorite activity. Alaska is the largest of US states, with huge expanses of unspoiled and unexplored territory. Discover some of the best snow skiing resorts in Alaska, as you enjoy a fun-filled vacation in the snow. To assist you in making a decision, we’ve given you a list of some of the most popular of the ski resorts in Alaska along with some basic details to get you started. Enjoy!

Alaska Resorts:

Alpenglow

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is situated in Chugach State Park, right beside Alaska’s Anchorage. This lovely ski area is operated by the volunteers who are members of the Anchorage Ski Club. Alpenglow is well-known by snow sport aficionados from around the continent. So whether you are a skier, snowboarder, telemark fan or ski skater, Alpenglow is a ski area you do not want to miss.

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley’s four ski lifts carry eager skiers and snowboarders up the mountainsides into this winter playground of 320 acres. The summit of Rendezvous peak reaches up 4 000 feet, creating a total vertical of 1 400 feet for Alpenglow. Recipient of about 250 inches of snow per annum, Alaska’s Alpenglow offers lovely ski conditions. In addition, the terrain has 15 snowboarding runs. People of all ability levels can enjoy the snow shrouded slopes of Alpenglow, which are rated 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced. Test out your skills on Alpenglow’s bowls, namely Champagne, Bradley, Rendezvous and Ptarmigan. In 2001 Alpenglow introduced a terrain park. Snowboarders will be thrilled by the number and variety of features with plenty of rails and kickers. So head off to Alpenglow at Arctic Valley between November and March for snow sport galore.

The cherry on top is Alpenglow’s well-maintained lodge. Amenities at the lodge include equipment rental and a cafeteria. It is also possible to rent a portion of the lodge during the season. Winter is not the only season for good times at Alpenglow. During the summer months you can hike several trails, go berry picking or test your strength with mountain biking.

So, if you weren’t too sure where to spend your vacation time this year, Alaska should be top of the list and a stop at Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is a must.

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Alyeska

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Alyeska Resort in Alaska’s Girdwood, about 50 miles from Anchorage, is situated on Mount Aleyska of the Chugach mountains. The largest ski mountain in Alaska, Alyeska is amongst the top year-round resorts in North America. An abundance of recreation, stunning snowy slopes and the impressive Alyeska Prince Hotel, make this an ideal vacation get away.

Opened in 1959, Alaska’s Alyeska Resort’s vast ski area encompasses 1 000 acres of ski terrain with some 68 runs. Alyeska’s landscape is shrouded in about 630 inches of snow every year, ideal ski and snowboard conditions. Mount Alyeska opens up a magnificent winter wonderland to all with a total vertical of 2 500 feet. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels are welcome at Alyeska resort and the terrain is rated as 11% beginner, 52% intermediate and 37% advanced. A challenging mountain, Alyeska is popular amongst expert skiers. That doesn’t mean beginners miss out, there is plenty of space for new-comers. Alyeska Resort also has a fantastic ski school to teach people of all ages and ability levels how best to tackle the slopes. To carry patrons up the sparkling white slopes, there are 9 lifts including an aerial tram. Freestylers can practice their moves at the Alyeska Terrain Park. An awesome selection of park features will keep you busy for hours. Family fun is enjoyed at the Glacier Tubing Park. The adventure never ends at Alaska’s Alyeska Resort with even more opportunities for recreation such as heli-skiing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing and mountaineering. So be sure to head to Alyeska this season between November and April.

Alyeska Resort is also known for the exquisite ski-in/ski-out Alyeska Prince Hotel. After a day of activity simply ski into the hotel, head up to your room, have a warm shower and hop into a comfortable bed. It’s simply dreamy. Of course you will build up quite an appetite with all the physical exertion. When your stomach groans, its time to head of to one of Alyeska’s dining establishments which include Seven Glaciers, Sitzmark Bar & Grill, O’Malley’s on The Green, Katsura Teppanyaki, Glacier Express and the Kiosk.

Alyeska Resort is a popular resort all through the year. When snow sports can no longer be engaged in and the warmer weather comes in, a whole new set of recreational activities are on offer at Alyeska. Some of these are river rafting, kayaking, jet boat tours, golf, horseback riding, fishing, day hikes, mountain biking and flight tours.

Alyeska Resort offers an unforgettable ski experience. Boasting stunning conditions, gorgeous landscapes, world-class facilities and an endless array of entertainment, this is a vacation destination that everybody should visit at least once.

Eaglecrest

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Eaglecrest Ski Area is near the town of Juneau on Alaska’s Douglas Island. As the island is only accessible by water or air, the ski area is never crowded and lift queues are non-existent. A sparkling gem, Eaglecrest is beautifully set and its relatively isolated location makes it a magical winter experience.

This stunning ski area is every snow sport enthusiast’s dream, with challenging steep faces, well-groomed runs, open bowls and lovely glades. Eaglecrest Ski Area, opened in 1976, is an amazing winter vacation destination.

Eaglecrest Ski Area opens up a winter playground of 640 acres that receive between 200 and 300 inches of snow per annum. Spend your day gliding down the 31 alpine runs or exploring the 10 km of Nordic trails. A vertical drop of 1 400 feet, Eaglecrest has terrain for everyone. The trails have been categorized as follows: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% advanced, with the longest run measuring 2 miles. Four lifts have been put up to carry excited snow sport enthusiasts into this snowy playground. An awesome terrain park features jumps, rails and tabletops for freestyle boarders to practice on. A ski school running several programs is available at Eaglecrest Ski Area. Don’t miss the fun with the snow tubes. Just picture yourself looking out at the amazing snow covered landscape around you, then pushing off on your run, the mountain air is cold against your cheeks, your adrenalin pumping. This is exactly what Eaglecrest is about.

A day lodge provides visitors to Eaglecrest Ski Area with all the necessities, such as equipment rental and the Eaglecrest Grill restaurant. Accommodation, shops and restaurants are located in Juneau. There are several lodging options in the vicinity of Eaglecrest Ski Area such as Goldbelt Hotel Juneau, Silverbow Inn, Prospector Hotel, Breakwater Inn and many more. All a vacationer could possibly desire is in convenient reach.

Eaglecrest Ski Area, in its stunning, quiet setting, allows visitors to focus on their skiing and get in touch with nature. A truly magical adventure.

Snow Skiing in Alaska

Hilltop Ski

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage of Alaska is situated nearby Chugach State Park. Opened in 1984, Hilltop is Anchorage’s in-town resort. Ideal for skiers of all abilities and boasting a beautiful landscape, vacationers will have a wonderful time at Hilltop Ski Area.

Picture it: You are standing at the base Hilltop Ski Area’s 30 acres of ski terrain. Hopping onto one of the two ski lifts you are whisked up the 294 vertical into this winter playground. Reaching your run you look out at the landscape, which receives 100 inches of snow each year along with extensive snow-making facilities. Slowly pushing off, you glide down the glistening hillside, fresh air filling your lungs as you pick up speed. Reaching the bottom you feel absolutely exhilirated. You’ll be eager to pick another of the 10 runs to experience it all over again. Hilltop Ski Area is perfect for those who are just starting out. The terrain has been rated as 80% beginner, 10% intermediate and 10% advanced. Many excellent programs have been created to teach visitors how to handle the snowy slopes. Adventure seekers can try their skills out on the various jumps and terrain park at Hilltop.

Hilltop Ski Area has a lovely day lodge where you can purchase and rent equipment. Is your stomach feeling a bit empty? Hilltop’s snack bar has many tasty treats. Alternatively you can treat yourself to a meal at Hilltop Haus Restaurant. With Anchorage in such close proximity, visitors can find lodging near Hilltop. Amongst these lodging options are establishments like Country Rose Manor, Parkwood Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Alaskan European B&B and Best Western Golden Lion Hotel.

If you are planning a vacation in Alaska, be sure to stop by at Hilltop Ski Area for a day or two of fun in the snow.

Moose Mountain

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Moose Mountain Ski Resort, located just 10 km outside of Alaska’s Fairbanks, is well known as a lovely family ski area. Varied terrain and magnificent surroundings make Moose Mountain a ski destination for everyone. Well protected by prevailing winds from the northeast, the slopes receive plenty of sunlight during the day. When traveling in Alaska, you don’t want to miss this wonderful winter playground.

Moose Mountain Ski Resort is relatively small, taking in 200 acres of ski area with a vertical of 1 307 feet and 35 trails. It certainly makes up for its size by the sheer beauty of the area and awesome skiing. The landscape offers something for people of all ability levels from small novice slopes to challenging steep runs. In fact, the runs have been rated as 15% beginner, 65% intermediate and 20% advanced. Fourteen turbo trams transport you up the mountain so that you can begin your snowy adventure. Why not try out Moose Mountain’s longest run of 7 920 feet. Cross-country skiers will also have a great time on the 5 km network of trails. Those who are young-at-heart can try out the terrain park. Is this your first ski experience? At Moose Mountain Resort there is no need to worry, expert instructors will assist you in mastering your skills on the slopes. Just picture yourself gliding down the stunning slopes of Moose Mountain surrounded by some of the best scenery around. Moose Mountain is an absolute adventure from beginning to end.

Accommodation and dining establishments are located in the nearby town of Fairbanks. Lodging options vary from hotels to B&Bs, so you are certain to find a great spot to suit your budget. Why not spend a weekend with your family at Moose Mountain this season between November and April.

Mount Eyak

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Alaska’s Mount Eyak is located right by the town of Cordova. A lovely ski area serviced by a single vintage chairlift, Mt Eyak offers outstanding views of Orca Inlet and its surrounds. Alpine skiers and snowboarders alike will have a magical experience gliding down the stunning slopes of Mount Eyak. The wonderful ski conditions and rustic feel make this an ideal escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Imagine yourself staring up at the sheer natural beauty of Mount Eyak. Climbing aboard the ski lift your eyes widen as you see the gorgeous panorama. Dismounting from the lift you take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Its so refreshing! You begin to prepare for your run. You can feel the excitement building up, your pulse rate speeding up slightly. The adventure begins as you push off. Gliding down the slope the feeling of freedom is amazing. This is what skiing at Mt Eyak is all about.

Alaska’s Mount Eyak offers skiers and snowboarders about 30 runs across a vertical drop of 800 feet. The slopes are covered with 350 inches of snow each year, great for skiing. Mount Eyak’s terrain is popular amongst snow sport enthusiasts of all ability levels as it is rated 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% advanced. Feeling adventurous? Try out heli-skiing. Heli-skiing is becoming very popular at Mount Eyak as it allows access to previously inaccessible areas.

Lodging and dining establishments are found in the nearby town of Cordova. After building up an appetite on the slopes you can enjoy a lovely meal at restaurants such as Killer Whale Café, Powder House or Reluctant Fisherman. Then make your way to your accommodation for a good nights sleep. Try out one of these fine establishments: Orca Adventure Lodge, Bear’s Den Cabins, Bear Country Lodge or Cordova Rose Lodge. Many recreational activities are available on and around Mount Eyak in the summer months for those who can only visit after winter.

With so much to offer, why not stop in at Alaska’s Mount Eyak this winter!