Avalanche Hockey

Roger Munns asked:


There are many notable ski resorts in North America. According to a recent poll, the top 10 ski resorts in the world are: Aspen, Colorado; Cortina, Italy; Mont-Tremblant, Ontario; Stowe, Vermont; Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France; Banff, Canada; Vail, Colorado; Zermatt, Switzerland; Kitzbuhel, Austria; and Whistler, British Columbia.

Such a wide array of top-notch ski destinations is difficult to compete with. Reaching a position on the top-10 list is a feat in itself. Skiers from around the globe gave their input on these highly sought-after destinations. Six of the 10 are located in North America.

Aspen, Colorado has always been well-known as a favorite ski spot for the rich and famous. As new resorts open world-wide, Aspen remains one of the most visited resorts in the United States. It offers a variety of runs ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. Hundreds of acres of terrain offer something for everyone.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec opened in 1939 and was the second resort to open in North America. It was the first resort to open in Canada. Mont-Tremblant is only an hour away from Montreal, making it a great daytime or weekend getaway for anyone looking to escape the nine-to-five. One of the most charming aspects of a Mon-Tremblant ski holiday is the fact that the streets in the village have a pedestrian-only layout. Visitors can park their vehicle for the entire duration of their stay if they wish.

One of the most picturesque resorts in the United States is Stowe ski resort in Vermont. Stowe ranks number seven on the top-10 list. It boasts the longest vertical drop in the area. Conveniently located in Vermont, Stowe offers two ski areas; Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Spruce Peak backs up to Smugglers’ Notch’s terrain and features a unique lift-link to both resorts.

Banff, or Lake Louise, in Alberta Canada ranks number five on the top-10 list. The mountains around Lake Louise are some of the most scenic mountains in the world. The three different ski areas, Mystic Ridge, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are roughly 31 miles apart. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was also recently voted a must-stay resort in a popular men’s magazine.

Another great Colorado based resort is Vail. Vail offers about 5,300 acres of terrain ranging from beginner to expert. It is also home to the fastest high-speed detachable quads on one mountain. Skiing, along with museums, art galleries, dog sledding, hockey and other attractions make Vail an excellent family ski location. There is always something for everyone to do

Whistler Blackcomb, another North American resort, is ranked number one on the top-10 list. According to the poll, Whistler Blackcomb provides the best skiing in North America. It also provides the biggest vertical drop of any slope in North America. This revelation comes as no surprise to skiers who have enjoyed Whistler’s beauty and slopes for years. Crystal Lodge and Summit Lodge and Spa were voted must-stay resorts in the Lake Louise area.

The top-10 report states that Whistler has everything it takes to make a legendary resort. The resort offers over 100 restaurants to suit all tastes, cafe’s, international stores and rentals. Over the last 10 years, Whistler has been nominated for “World’s Greatest Ski Resort” and has held the title for “Best North American Ski Resort” by North Americans. It has been deemed the favorite international destination by Japanese skiers.

This was not a conclusive list of North American ski resorts. It was simply an overview of a few of the newest, oldest and best in North America as revealed by a recent poll in a popular men’s magazine.



TRISTAN

Rich Gonzalez asked:


A skier’s paradise is in store for those that visit Crested Butte, Colorado.  The last ski town in Colorado is 4 hours from Denver, and 3 scenic hours from both Colorado Springs and Grand Junction; and offers a tranquil escape to reconnect with both nature and the entire family. I have been there - and the scenery is phenomenal!

A pleasant change of pace from escaping the cold and heading to “St. Somewhere”, Crested Butte is every bit as relaxing as it is exciting.  Adventure junkies can tackle any number of ski resorts that line this wonderful little town, while nature lovers can sit and marvel at some of the most serene snow-cap mountains anywhere in the world.  Yes, the holidays are here, and the people at Gunnison Crested Butte, Colorado have every intention on making this holiday season one to remember.
Currently Gunnison is offering Thanksgiving and Christmas deals for families, friends and couples alike. If your vacation ranges December 26, 2008 – January 3, 2008, the fifth night is free.  Ranging from hotel suites to four bedroom condos, you can save up to $1138; not to mention up to 20% on your equipment rentals.

 

Though skiing seems like the main winter sport here, they also offer boarding, Nordic, Sno Shoeing, Ice fishing, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, tubing, dog sledding and an array of educational and recreational children’s’ activities. 

If this has peaked your interest, the ‘Stay & Ski Free’ promotion is offered with a number of their fabulous lodges.  That’s two free lift tickets for every night you stay; and the places to choose from to rest your head after tackling the white powder are premier. 

I spoke to the tourism board to find out what the best deals around were - and after my own investigation, this is what I have found:

The Ruby, a luxurious Bed & Breakfast starts at just $60 per night including breakfast to get your day started and free shuttle bus to one of the best mountains in Colorado, Crested Butte Mountain Resort.  After a long day of swooshing around in the snow, come to your holiday home and receive an in-house massage with your 20% discount. 

Another homey type hotel is the Water Wheel Inn, here you can take full advantage of the ‘stay and ski free’ offer, You can marvel at some of the most spectacular views from any turn of the resort.  From Blue Mesa Reservoir to the rock walls of Black Canyon, this resort captures the ‘postcard’ image of what a ski vacation should be.  One of the best parts of this vacation was what happens after nightfall.  With its wide open skies, the stars put on a light show that gives some July 4 fireworks celebration a run for there money.  If this wasn’t enough, you can enjoy the whole show while soaking the night away in one of the hot tubs; quite frankly, the best part of the vacation for me!

Staying with the theme, another lodge to consider when out in ski country is the Elk Mountain Lodge.  Old world elegance meets modern day comfort in this 1880s miner’s lodge in downtown Crested Butte.  Whether it’s a full skiing experience or a quiet getaway for two, the Elk Mountain Lodge offers the perfect balance.  Along with your amazing mountain views, you also get breakfast and two lift tickets.  $125 is the price for both you and your companion.  Everything needed for a nice nature loving vacation can be found at the Elk Mountain Lodge.

Along with receiving a chance to ski some of the best mountains for free, there is more discounts for those that are planning on spending their next vacation out west.  Of course, these are just two of the many resorts that are offering some out of this world savings to come out and experience Crested Butte; an outdoor adventure where nature’s artistry is your playground.  A place to ski, get a muscle relaxing massage and enjoy a nice warm hot tub all while allowing your senses to be at one with your surroundings. 

The ‘Stay & Ski Free’ offers are going on right now; get out and take full advantage of it.



TRENT