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Cross-Country Skiing in Australia

Editor — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:58:47 +0000

With snow skiing season drawing to a close in the northern hemisphere, skiers in the southern hemisphere are no doubt looking forward to indulging in their favorite sport. With a number of ski resorts catering exclusively for cross-country skiing, Australia offers adventurers a range of challenging terrain and spectacular scenery to choose from.

As part of the Yarra Ranges National Park, Mount Donna Buang is located around 80 kilometers from Melbourne and is the closest snowfield to this vibrant Australian city, making it a popular snow sport destination. The rough terrain is enjoyed by trekkers throughout the year, but in the winter time it becomes a playground for tobogganing and cross-country skiing.

Also located in the Yarra Ranges National Park in the Victoria State of Australia is the cross-country ski resort of Lake Mountain, so named after the surveyor-general of the area, George Lake. An exclusively cross-country skiing resort, Lake Mountain boasts up to 37 kilometers of ski and toboggan trails through the park, as well as a visitor center which was opened in 2004. During the other seasons of the year, Lake Mountain is popular with trekkers and mountain bikers. Unfortunately, the area suffered extensive damage as a result of rampant bush-fires in 2009, and although much has been done to restore the area visitors will still see evidence of fire damage.

Located around 230 kilometers from Melbourne, Mount Stirling is a back-country and cross-country resort within close proximity to the more commercial Mount Buller ski resort. Reaching the summit of the mountain takes some effort, but that is all part of the adventure of cross-country skiing. Skiers who choose to go this route will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Buller and higher regions of the Great Dividing Range of Australia, including Mount Cobbler, Mount Howitt and Mount Speculation. Entrance to the patrolled ski area is monitored during the winter months and Mount Stirling has a number of huts to provide emergency shelter to skiers.

So, if you enjoy the excitement and challenge of cross-country skiing, Australia has more than enough options to keep you busy all season.

Africa

Editor — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:24:21 +0000

It may not be the first continent to spring to mind when considering a ski vacation, but Africa does have its fair share of top-class ski resorts. Where there are mountains and snow, there you will find the opportunity to go skiing in Africa. One of the continent’s favorite destinations is South Africa, where you too can strap on your snow skis or snowboard between the months of July and September.

Tiffindell Ski Resort is South Africa’s premier snow sport location. Situated in the Ben Mac ski area, visitors experience spectacular views along with their skiing adventure. Here skiers and snowboarders can enjoy groomed runs, skiing instruction, activities for children, heli-skiing, great accommodation, and après-ski. Tiffindell Ski Resort in South Africa offers a truly unique snow skiing experience.

Resorts by Location:

South Africa

Asia

Editor — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:17:06 +0000

Enjoy a snow skiing adventure at top ski resorts in Asia. Whether you’re an avid snowboarder, a keen skier or enjoy a variety of snow sporting excursions, Asian destinations such as Japan and South Korea offer fantastic ski resort options.

Amongst the world-class ski resorts in Japan are Appi Kogen, Happo One, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen. Each of these Japanese ski resorts offers spectacular scenery and various facilities, such as modern lifts, hot springs, fine accommodation, equipment stores, restaurants, and more. Visitors to these ski resorts will discover a variety of snow-covered terrain, affording them opportunities for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, snowshoeing and other snow sport activities.

Skiers heading to South Korea will be pleasantly surprised with the facilities here. Many resorts can be easily reached from Seoul and offer exceptional skiing and snowboarding. Be sure not to miss Yong Pyong Ski Resort and the Alps Resort in South Korea.

Resorts by Location:

Heart Warming Hospitality on a Freezing Snow Skiing Vacation

Apex Mountain

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

Beautifully situated within the Okanagan Valley, just a half hour drive from Penticton in British Columbia, is the amazing Apex Mountain Ski Resort, opened in 1961. This full-service resort with its welcoming village is well-known for its dry “Okanagan” snow, excellent weather and brilliant terrain. Many a satisfied skier will reminisce over the amazing experience of Apex Mountain Ski Resort.

Picture yourself gliding across the white expanse, testing your abilities on the steep chutes. With 1 112 acres of ski area open to you its not difficult to see yourself skiing across the snow for hours. These acres of terrain with a vertical of 2000 feet open up over 60 runs to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Apex Mountain’s terrain is categorized as follows: 16% beginner, 48% intermediate, 18% advanced and 18% expert. Five lifts quickly carry snow sport enthusiasts to various points on the glistening white slopes.

The resort’s diverse terrain, means that every run is an adventure, whether you try out the south bowls, glide through the glades or get the adrenalin running through your veins on the steep narrow runs. Mountain hosts will gladly show you around and reveal the best spots to you. Those seeking the extreme will have a great time at the Super-pipe. With 56 cross-country ski trails, those who prefer to spend the day traversing the snowy mountains are more than catered for.

Those looking for something a little different can visit Tim Horton’s Tube Park, hop onto a snowmobile, enjoy a sleigh ride, try a snowshoe tour or play around on the adventure skating loop. Of course, Apex Mountain Ski resort caters for all your other needs with facilities such as a fitness club, ski lockers, kids club, child care, a business center, rentals and more. After a day of skiing why not relax with a spa treatment or enjoy a meal at one of the nine restaurants such as Gunbarrel Saloon and Three:Thirty Grill. Apex Mountain Ski Resort also boasts a great selection of accommodation. No matter your budget or requirements, you will find somewhere comfortable to stay at Apex Mountain. Check out these great places: Apex Mountain Inn, Double Diamond Hostel and Saddleback Lodge.

If you can’t make it to Apex Mountain Ski Resort during the winter season, you will still have a great time in the summer months. Recommended summer activities include hiking and mountain biking. Apex Mountain is the ideal family get away, a year-round vacation destination for all.

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:

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

Bear Mountain

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

Bear Mountain Resort has gained a reputation – especially amongst younger generations – as being the resort of choice for each winter season. The resort is dedicated to development of their facilities as one of the best freestyle terrain parks in the world, and so far they are certainly achieving this goal. What’s more, with constant redesign and upgrading, the resort provides a fun and progressive skiing experience that will never bore you.

The resort is located in the Big Bear area in California. Bear Mountain has a top elevation of 8,805 ft, which is attained by the highest of the four mountains in the area, Bear Peak. It also has a vertical drop of 1665 ft and 17 miles of ski-able terrain. It has 12 mountain lifts which include a variety of chairs and moving carpet surface lifts. There are approximately 31 trails. Only 15 % of ski runs are developed for first-timers while a further 15 % cater for low intermediate level skiers. The vast majority of runs are developed for more advanced skiers with some 40 % being intermediate runs and 30 % of runs dedicated to advanced skiers. The longest run is 2 miles in length and is known as the Geronimo or Clemetine run. In addition to these runs there are a variety of jumps, jibs and pipes available. Bear Mountain resort features the only superpipe in Southern California, as well as one standard halfpipe, more than 150 jumps and over 80 jibs.

Bear Mountain Resort also has absolutely awesome snow-machines which convert 7 000 gallons of water into snow every minute. These machines are used all over the resort and you find that you can snowboard during summer too! If you feel like taking a break, the resort is surrounded by 550 acres of undeveloped natural terrain where you will find canyons, natural waterways and an abundance of wildlife and foliage to enjoy.

Cottonwood Butte

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

Cottonwood Butte Ski Resort in north central Idaho, offers an excellent day of skiing not far from the town of Cottonwood. Offering diverse terrain, skiers of all levels of expertise have a great time at Cottonwood Butte. The resort is popular amongst families and is a fantastic spot to learn.

Imagine yourself standing at the base of Cottonwood Butte. You stare up at the vast snow covered landscape. Hopping onto the ski lift, you take in a big breath of cool mountain air. Arriving at your chosen trail you stand looking out at the breath-taking view. You then concentrate on the run before you. This is going to be amazing. Your pulse is slightly raised. Pushing off, the adventure begins. Cottonwood Butte is such a thrill!

Skiers and Snowboarders will thoroughly enjoy exploring Cottonwood Butte’s 260 acres of snowy landscape. Seven trails cross the 845 foot vertical of the resort and its runs are rated as follows: 28% beginner, 29% intermediate and 43% advanced, with the longest run measuring in at 4000 feet. With an annual snowfall of 45 inches you are certain to have a delightful ski experience. Two lifts, a rope tow and a T-bar, are available to carry snow sport enthusiasts up the glistening slopes and when the sun sets, the fun doesn’t end, as the trails are lit up for some night skiing. Cottonwood Butte Ski Resort also caters for the needs of patrons with equipment rental and food service.

So why not book into one of the hotels at Cottonwood town and purchase your tickets to experience the stunning slopes of Cottonwood Butte.

U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships

Schweitzer

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

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a great place where family and friends can just relax and enjoy the snow. Featuring 2900 acres of varied terrain and plenty of trails, Schweitzer has something for everyone. In addition to this, the trails are combined in such a way that you can choose from only steep slopes, only easy slopes or a mixture of both. This means everyone can enjoy the trip to the top of the mountain together, but from their they can find a way down to suit their level of experience.

Schweitzer has some of the best snow sport facilities in the state. There are 67 trails, accessed by eight lifts, and the ski area takes the form of two small bowls – each of which are situated in larger bowls. This means that you can enjoy the steep terrain at the top or the more intermediate terrain lower down – you simply need to pick your trail. There are also excellent snowboarding facilities with two terrain parks and a halfpipe. Cross-country skiers will enjoy the 32 km of cross-country trail that is available.

The resort has a summit elevation of 6400 ft and a vertical drop of 2900 ft. An average of 300 inches of annual snowfall ensure that the slopes are always well coated and ready to be ridden. Trails are rated: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced and 5% expert. The resort also caters well to the needs of families and is a great place to go if you have little ones travelling with you. If one or more of the family members don’t ski, they can enjoy sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, hot tubs, massage, live music, live theatre, senior socials, free cinema for the children, ski tours, chapel services and a variety of other forms of great winter or even summer entertainment.

Accommodation takes the form of lodges, condominiums, hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts and you can decided if you want to live in luxury or on a shoe-string budget. In summer the snow gives way to rolling green pastures and pine trees and a variety of other activities can be enjoyed. These include scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, hiking, bungee trampoline, wall climbing, horseshoe throwing, bocce ball, giant checkers and croquet. A trip to the Artist Studio is always a treat for would-be crafters.

Schweitzer is situated just 11 miles northwest of Sandpoint. It is open for snow sports between November and April and offers child-care, children’s programs, woman’s programs and ski or snowboarding lessons. There are several great dining options including Chimney Rock Grill and Mojo Coyote Cafe. Book now to enjoy your slice of Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

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Sun Valley

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

Sun Valley, opened in 1936, is renowned throughout North America as a true original. Situated in Idaho’s Rocky Mountains, the resort encompasses two beautiful and brilliant ski mountains – Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain – which are ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Skiers and snowboarders can be seen gliding down the many trails of Sun Valley’s expansive 2054 acres, with a total vertical of 3400 feet. Sun Valley’s exquisite terrain is great for all abilities and is rated as follows: 36% beginner, 42% intermediate and 22% advanced. A total of 19 lifts whisk excited snow sport enthusiasts up the snow covered slopes. Bald Mountain is considered the more challenging of the two. Situated right beside the Sawtooth National Forest, Bald Mountain offers exquisite views of the surrounding areas. Bald Mountain’s River Run area can be used by all levels of skiers and riders. Experienced skiers will particularly enjoy the moguls of Exhibition, Upper Holiday and Rock Garden. Seattle Ridge features carefully groomed runs that are mostly used for slow skiing. The Bowls are located at the summit of Bald Mountain. Warm Springs is the spot for intermediate skiers. Dollar Mountain is better known as the beginner’s mountain. Here is where you will find the impressive Sun Valley Ski and Snowboarding School, among the best in North America. Those who prefer a bit of cross-country skiing can make their way to the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center. Everything a Nordic skier could desire is provided here including 40 km of stunning snowy trails.

If you want to try something new or take a break from the glistening slopes, Sun Valley has a number of other exciting entertainment options. Why not check out some of these great activities and amenities: ice skating, ice hockey, horseback riding, the gun club, Movie and Opera House, Swimming and Fitness Center, day spa, sledding and sleigh rides, to mention a few.

But the vacation experience doesn’t end there. Sun Valley ensures that all of its visitors are well cared for with outstanding services and facilities such as a ski shop, salon, various stores, a bank, a post office, child care, massage center, gift shops, a chapel, first aid, a medical center, equipment rental, equipment repair and more. What more could a vacationer wish for?

A day of skiing, riding or other great Sun Valley activities is certain to build up a healthy appetite. Sun Valley offers a wonderful selection of dining experiences, with something for every preference. Try out these fantastic dining venues: Sun Valley Lodge dining room, Gretchen’s, The Ram Restaurant, Konditorei, Sun Valley Deli, The Inn Lobby Lounge and Bald Mountain Pizza & Pasta amongst others. Accommodation is a available at Sun Valley and includes Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Inn, various condominiums, Eccles cottage, Harriman cottage, Lake cottage, View cottage, Guest cottage and President’s cottage. Imagine: a day of fabulous skiing on a magnificent snow shrouded landscape, a warming meal at a lovely restaurant and collapsing into a comfortable bed, Sun Valley offers this and more.

As spring and summer come to Sun Valley and the snow begins to disappear, the good times continue. Sun Valley is also an excellent summer vacation getaway with fun-filled activities such as hiking and mountain biking on 28 miles of magical trails, golf, tennis, horseback riding, bowling, films, swimming and other great activities.

Sun Valley is the ultimate vacation destination year-round. Whether you’re a group of friends looking for some excitement, a couple seeking a fun and romantic get away or a family keen on a great vacation, Sun Valley is just for you.