Arizona Skiing - Yes, Snow Skiing!

Ah, Arizona. Land of sun, scorching summer days and winter skiing fun. That's right, skiing. Yes, Virginia, Arizona, known for tumbleweed snowmen, actually gets snow.

There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.

The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.

The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.

For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is "skiing only" day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.

If you're planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it's nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?

Snow Skiing at Snowmass

It's not called Snowmass for no reason-Snowmass, Colorado boasts of not only being located in one of the most beautiful communities in the world, but also of being among the top ski resorts on the planet. With 3,132 acres of terrain, a 4,406 foot vertical drop, tons of terrain parks, halfpipes, cliffs and glades; the massive mountain known as Snowmass is an exciting experience for all levels of skiers-making it perfect for a family vacation, a winter break college ski trip or even a romantic getaway.

This is especially an exceptional trip or vacation for those living in the southern region of the United States, who often rarely or never see snowfall. There's something absolutely magical about a mountain covered in pure white snow, just waiting to be explored by you! Learning to ski (or improving your ski skills) is also an exceptional way to stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

There's something for everyone, no matter what your style is, including:

-Cross-country skiing (Commonly abbreviated as XC skiing) Several popular trails along the Maroon Creek, Ashcroft Ski Touring Center and Aspen Golf Course provide an ideal location to propel yourself across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles.

-Downhill skiing (Synonymous with "alpine skiing") This recreational sport includes a speedy descent down chutes and groomers, glades and bowls. It is ideal for those with a "need for speed."

-Snowboarding-This sport involves one board instead of two skis that is attached to the riders feet; ideal for those already familiar with skateboarding or surfing. (There are 78 snowboarding trails and two halfpipes including the longest halfpipe in America).

-Backcountry skiing (Skiing in a sparsely populated rural area; often not monitored or patrolled like other areas). If you're in the mood for something more challenging-ski to an alpine chalet with a wood-burning stove in a cabin nestled many miles from civilization. This is ideal for someone really looking to "get away from it all".

Transportation is a breeze-as Snowmass is one of the most accessible resorts in the Rocky Mountains. There's an airport located only six miles away from Snowmass Village, and you can book connections via three major airlines from cities throughout North America and Europe.

STATS:

Bass elevation: 8,104 ft.
Summit elevation: 12,510 ft.
Terrain: 3,132 acres
Vertical rise: 4,406 ft.
Miles of trails: 147
Longest run: 5.3 miles
Average snowfall: 300 inches

Season dates: November 26-April 11 (changes annually)

Another perk associated with snow skiing at Snowmass: you'll be breathing some of the freshest, cleanest air in the country, thanks to Colorado's first-class proactive environmental programs. This helps to make such a trip an ideal break from a busy, densely populated city.

Big Sky Ski Vacation

When searching for the right place to strap on your skis and take an eventful ride down a mountain this winter, consider the endless opportunities for excitement Big Sky, Montana has to offer. With two downhill skiing areas and countless other ways to get your fill of the great outdoors, you simply cannot go wrong with a Big Sky winter ski vacation. Make your way to Big Sky this winter and get ready for the thrilling, snow-filled trip you have been dreaming about all summer.

One of the ski destinations in this area is the Big Sky Resort, ideally located near Yellowstone National Park so visitors can enjoy the beauty and majestic nature of the scenery. Here, you will find three mountains that offer a fair balance of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert runs that are sure to challenge your mettle and make your heart beat just a little faster. The signature Lone Peak is perfect for anyone who wants to get up to a skiable vertical of 4,350 feet while the six mile Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall run gives you endless excitement as the longest run at the resort.

The other ski area, Moonlight Basin, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains and offers a unique terrain that creates a diverse collection of runs. Whether gentle trails and a few speedy cruisers are more your style or you prefer the all-out nature of spine-tingling chutes, you are bound to find an abundance of trails and plenty of space to meet your needs. Together, the two places an impressive 5300 acres and over 220 ski runs, which means you will never encounter a dull moment on the slopes.

While skiing and snowboarding are certainly among the most popular activity, the collection of winter brings a whole other outdoor adventures that you definitely can not verify. With so much scenery around to pack around a pair of cross country skiing and gliding through the breathtaking scenery as yousoak in the impressive mountain views. In the Gallatin National Forest and neighboring Yellowstone National Park, beginners can enjoy trails that make their way through open meadows while more experienced skiers can traverse forested canyons.

Other popular activities in the Big Sky area include snowmobiling and snowshoeing across the gorgeous terrain. Snowmobiling in Big Sky is certainly an adventure since there are numerous challenging trails located just north of Yellowstone National Park. As you make your way over the spectacular terrain, be sure to keep your eyes peeled since you will likely catch sight of some of the impressive wildlife that calls this area home. Snowshoeing is another great way to view the backcountry and leave your mark on untouched snow while soaking in the memorable winter landscape.

When nighttime rolls around but you're not quite ready to retire to your lodging, head into a beautiful snow covered forest for a relaxing sleigh ride. Snuggle up under the blankets as you listen to the sleigh bells jingling and the hooves clacking for an enchanting and endearing evening. Whether you only want to head out for a short trip or make an entire evening out of the adventure with a dinner ride, there are numerous outfitters available to whisk you away for a comfortable night.

While you may already be planning all the exciting activities you want to participate in, locating the perfect accommodations is a necessity if you want to experience a memorable ski adventure. Big Sky vacation rentals are cozy, comfortable, and provide all the amenities of home so you can enjoy everything you love about this stunning mountain town without losing out on the comforts you are used to. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, bubbling hot tubs, and a variety of other amenities such as a washer and dryer and a fully-stocked kitchen when you select the house, condo, or cabin rental that is right for you. Begin your search for the perfect vacation rental today so you can slip into a convenient and relaxing vacation tomorrow.

Cross Country Skiing Tips

Skiing is an old sport. In the 19th century, it was used to aid in the hunting of animals such as the deer. Skiing equipment were made of wood/bamboo poles and leather hand straps. The skis are about 2m long and 5cm long. They are made this way to enable equal weight distribution. Cross country skiing races usually have many audiences. There are different races that use different lengths of skis. The races may be sprint relay, mass start pursuit or even the marathon.

Some ski marathons include: Vasaloppet in Sweden, the American Birkkebeiner and the Tug hill. Some races have fixed distances. Countries with large snow fields practice this winter sport often.

Northern Europe and Canada are well known for this. A variation of the sport is Nordic skiing. It involves both ski jumping and cross country skiing. Skiers stay in tents similar to that of hikers and bush walkers. They may stay for whatever duration they want.

Cross country skiing is involves the use of all major group of muscles. A lot of calories are burnt during the skiing process. The Canadian marathon is considered the longest in the world. Participants choose the distance to travel and they attempt to cover it. Coureur de Bois Gold is the highest honor given to a skier who meets his goal. Some states of New England have introduced regional races that are of high quality.

This type of skiing is referred to as skinny skis. This is because they are thin. The poles used are made of fibre glass and aluminum. The expensive types are made of Carbon or graphite. The poles have spikes at the end to allow penetration through a hard surface.

Zip Trek and Sky Lining in Whistler

Imagine admiring the natural beauty and magnificence of Whistler while soaring through the air at speeds of up to 100mph (160km/h). This unique and daring experience is what Ziptrek Ecotours and Skyline Eco-Adventures offers you! There is no better way to take in Whistler's true glory than to explore the mountain topography in its natural state-not to mention being suspended in the air with just a harness connected to a cable line. Find out more about these two airborne companies and some interesting facts you should know before taking on the zip-lines yourself.

Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours is the founder of zipline tours in North America. With an award-winning environmental program and the highest, longest, and most zip lines about, Zip Trek offers an enjoyable blend of learning and adventure. Ziptrek's tour region consists of 33 acres of varied terrain; primarily in the ancient rainforest that separates Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and over the Fitzsimmons Creek. The location is just moments away from Whistler Village, so guests are provided easy and convenient accessibility to zip lines. Ziptrek tours also runs all in all weather conditions.

The harness used by Zip trek is a five point design that goes around your waist, your legs, over your shoulder and has a chest strap. These harnesses are not only lightweight and comfortable, they are safe and allow guests to be more flexible while on the ziplines. Ziptrek Ecotours offers two amazing tours that are a must see:


Ziptrek Bear Tour -- This excursion consists of five amazing ziplines connected by a series of suspension bridges, boardwalks and trails. Breath taking in-flight views of the Fitzsimmons Creek conclude the eco-quest. This is an excellent tour for zip-line beginners and families.

Ziptrek Eagle Tour -- This is the newest addition to Ziptrek tours and offers an exhilarating twist on the original Bear tour. The excursion includes five new ziplines connected by treetop suspension bridges, a spine-tingling drop of 20 stories and heated platforms where guests can admire the Whistler panorama.

Skyline Eco-Adventures
Skyline Eco-Adventures is located on Cougar Mountain in Whistler and consists of a cable line voyage through old-growth forests. Tours include five dual skylines, with the longest ride being over 1500 feet long, 200 feet above the ground and a 200ft vertical drop. Similar to Ziptrek, the Skyline ziplines are connected through a series of suspension bridges. No experience is required to ride the ziplines and Skyline runs year long in all weather conditions.

The Skyline harness and cable are different from Ziptreks. Skyline utilizes dual cable construction, this allows for two people to ride simultaneously and permits higher passenger capacities. Skyline also offers self-braking through the use of rotary magnetic brakes. This reduces interference of the ride by zip-line operators and allows Skyline to be open all year round in all weather conditions.

What to wear!
If you're considering giving zip-lining a try, here are some important tips on what to wear. In the summer, shorts and t-shirts are ideal and a light/rain jacket for afternoons when temperatures are cooler. Footwear for hiking is also ideal. It is important to wear closed toed shoes; sandals and flip-flops are not recommended. Both Ziptrek and Skyline also provide rain gear for the wetter expeditions.

In the winter, dress warmly! Layers of outdoor clothing such as what you would wear skiing or snowboarding is suggested. Both Ziptrek and Skyline also provide some winter gear such as gloves and boots.

Things to Do in Haliburton For Cottage Renters

1. Rent a cottage in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is one of the top cottage destinations in Ontario that has activities for everyone on hundred of interconnected lakes, forests, golf courses and in beautiful Haliburton village.

Price: In summer average price is $1500-$3000 CAN per week and most cottages rented on weekly basis only starting from Saturday. In winter prices drop to $1000-$2000 per week and the duration of the rent become more flexible.

2. Go on the Canopy Tour - "Walk in the clouds"

"Walk in the clouds" is unforgettable 4-hours trip for nature lovers that takes you thorough basic element of nature - earth, water and air. It starts through guided van trip through the private lands of Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve.

Then you will have short half-a-kilometer walk along the scenic Pelaw River following guided canoe ride across a wilderness lake to the final destination.

The canopy boardwalk is the ultimate highlight of this outing. Over half a kilometer long - and as such the longest of its kind in the world - the canopy boardwalk winds through the treetops some 10-20 meters above the forest floor.

A spectacular view across the lakes and forests becomes a fitting closure to your tree top tour.

Price: $95 per person including Wolf Reserve visit and it is required to reserve your tour in advance. The tour runs every day during the summer and children 10 or older allowed for this tour.

3. Visit Sculpture Forest

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists. The trails in the Sculpture Forest for walking and bike riding in spring, summer and fall and skiing in the winter, provide changing perspectives of the forest and the sculptures in each of the seasons.

The Sculpture Forest experience, which is unstructured and unscripted, is ideal for families looking for an interesting outing, for those who enjoy outdoor trails, and for people looking for a unique artistic experience.

A full tour takes approximately 1 - 1.5 hours and includes a tour guide who will provide you with background on the artists, the sculptures and the Sculpture Forest.

Price: The price of the tour is $5 per person; however you can take advantage of free admission on every Tuesday in July and August.

4. Visit Haliburton Forest Wolf Center

The Wolf Centre contains large indoor observatory overlooking the feeding area within the wolf compound. Most likely you will have a chance to observe wolf pack or individual members especially if you stay for longer period, but it is not guaranteed. There are also numerous exhibits, a small cinema/classroom, a retail area featuring a wide selection of wolf related books, tapes and graphics. So, at the end of you stay you will become a wolf expert.

Price: Adult: $9.00; Children and Youths under 18: $6.00; Family: $20.00
5. Play golf in the Pine trees

If you're looking for a scenic and challenging golfing experience, Haliburton is the place to be.

The main feature of most Haliburton golf courses is amazingly tall pine trees and beautiful landscapes featuring hills and lakes.

Most golf courses offer varied terrain, lush fairways and excellent greens-keeping, as well as a fully equipped golf shop, cart rental, rental clubs, and driving range where you can warm-up before the game.

Here are some main golf clubs and hotel resorts that have website and are available to public:

Pinestone Resort,
Martinwood Resort,
Haliburton Highlands Golf Course,
Blairhampton Golf Club.

Price: Around $25-$40 for 9-holes and $50-$80 for 18-holes courses.

6. Drive ATV on Haliburton terrain

ATVs are all-terrain vehicles where the driver sits on and drives like a motorcycle. The only difference with motorcycle is that ATV gives you more stability.

With one of the largest trail systems in Ontario, Haliburton has over thousand kilometers of breathtaking ATV trails to offer outdoor enthusiasts. You and your family or friends can choose from easy scenic forest trails or more intermediate trails filled with mud bogs, river crossing steep hills, and one of a kind fault line terrain.

If you have your own ATV, you can just register with Haliburton ATV association and for $12 they will give you a map with the trail pass. If you don't own ATV and you still want to try it, you can rent ATV from Back Country tours.

Price: Starting from $70 per hour

7. Climb Dorset Lookout Tower

Dorset Lookout Tower is a former fire tower that is over 100 feet tall and stands 365 feet above the Lake of Bays and the village of Dorset. It has beautiful breath-taking views and many radiant trails that start from the Tower.

You can enjoy picnic areas along with hiking trails. It is open to the public from end of May till middle of October.

Price: $4 per car

8. Kayak in Minden Wild Water Preserve

Minden Wild Water Preserve is the site of past Provincial and World Cup whitewater events.

Come and see professional paddlers challenge the tumbling waters of our World Class white water course. You can watch pros and amateurs battle it out in annual competitions, or even try it yourself through the beginner courses offered throughout the summer.

Powered by "Whitewater Ontario", the introductory kayak clinic is intended for first time paddlers or for those who wish to improve their basic kayaking skills. The course is designed as an introduction to recreational kayaking. The skills you will learn can be used for whitewater, touring, or sea kayaking.

Price: Kayak Clinic costs $220 per adult and $180 per junior

9. Ride the horse on Algonquin Trails

South Algonquin Trails offers you a horseback riding experience with certified trail guides.

Conveniently located between Haliburton and Bancroft, the area provides a natural environment for seeing rock outcroppings, ponds, beaver dams, streams, rivers, rugged hills, huge pine trees, and bear claw marks on the beech trees.

Price: The prices start from $50 per hour per rider.

10. Discover Haliburton arts

Haliburton is famous for its artists. You will find hundreds of artists that specialize in oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, pottery, creative woodworking, needle art, sculpture and wood carving, metal works and blacksmithing, photography, sepia drawings, fabric art, home decor, handcrafted gifts, cottage accessories, folk art just to name a few.

Around every corner in Haliburton you'll see a gallery, a studio, a museum, or a theatre.

You can visit numerous shops and art galleries in Haliburton village, observe artists or even take short course.

Haliburton School of arts offers an amazing range of week long and weekend courses throughout the year.

Straw bale construction, digital photography, stained glass workshops, and watercolor painting classes are just a few of the courses available.

Price: Starts as low as $1.

11. Ski Haliburton Nordic Trails

The Haliburton Nordic Trails Association maintains a series of distinct trail systems comprising nearly 100km of groomed trails for the cross-country ski enthusiast.

Trails feature skate and classic grooming patterns, a 1.5 km lit-loop for night skiing, some trails suitable for novice skiers, and some of the most challenging terrain for cross-country skiing in Ontario.

Summer Festivals in Keystone Colorado - The Definitive Guide

Keystone Colorado Summer Festivals

Keystone is one of the hidden gems of Colorado during the summer months. Quite surprisingly, Keystone actually offers more things to do during the off-season than the on-season. During the winter months, Keystone is home to one of the most popular and best ski resorts in North America, offering one of the longest ski seasons thanks to some of the most advanced snow making equipment available and the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains. Keystone is also home to the longest ski day in Colorado with the vast area of lit ski trails so you can ski at night.

During the summer months, however, Keystone certainly is a hidden gem among destination resorts. Unlike most other resorts that shut down for the summer, Keystone is wide awake and hopping during the cool Colorado summer. Just about every weekend you can find a new thing to do a Keystone, whether it be a brand new festival or new activity...it's all possible at Keystone Resort, Colorado.

Whatever your fancy is, there is a day to celebrate in Keystone Colorado. Beer festivals, wine festivals, art festivals, bike festivals. Can you think of any more? Whatever festival you can imagine, Keystone has it during the summer months. The best part is that all of these fun festivals are usually free to attend for the entire family. No wonder so many people are finding that Keystone is one of the most up and coming places to visit in Colorado!

Coming Summer 2006 to Keystone Colorado are the following festivals:

Blues Festival and Art Show at River Run Village in Keystone, Colorado

July 8 & 9 in Keystone's River Run Village.

If you like blues bands, this is the place to be right in the middle of the town. Enjoy food, drink and lots of acoustical music from a wide variety of musical artists. Art vendors from all around the country will be there as well for the art show. Don't miss it right here in Keystone's River Run Village!

Bluegrass & Beer Festival at River Run Village in Keystone Colorado

August 5th and 6th in Keystone's River Run Village.

Over 25 of Colorado's top brewers will be attending including Artic Craft Brewery, Avery Brewing,Blue Moon, Backcountry Brewery, Blicks Brewing, Boulder Beer Co, Breckenridge Brewery, Dillon Dam Brewery, Durango Brewing Co, Estes Park Brewery, Flying Dog Brewery, Great Divide Brewing Co, Great Northern Tavern, Hops Grill and Brewery, Left Hand Brewing Co, New Belgium Brewing Co, Odell Brewing Co, Oskar Blues Brewery, Palisade Brewery, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co, Pug Ryan's Steakhouse and Brewery, Redstone Meadery, Ska Brewing Co, Steamworks Brewing Co, Tommyknocker Brewery, Trinidad Brewing, Wynkoop Brewing. Bluegrass music will be playing from several top bluegrass bands, so sit back and enjoy the local atmosphere and sip that beer all you want. Make sure you don't have to drive home!

Wine, Jazz, & Sculpture Festival at River Run Village in Keystone Colorado

August, 26 & 27, 2006 in Keystone's River Run Village.

A full weekend filled with jazz music and wine tasting from wineries all around Colorado and the world. Wine tasting seminars are on-going all weekend.

Taste of Keystone at River Run Village in Keystone Colorado

September 2nd in Lakeside Village at Keystone Lake in Keystone Colorado

Make sure you starve yourself before attending this one! Enjoy a weekend of sampling the best of what Colorado has to offer in the food arena. Lets not forget about the dessert either! Live music and food samples all day.