Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

Denver area ski resorts are among some of the most popular ski resorts in the world. The most commonly heard-of are Vail and Aspen, but there are many more to choose from. It doesn't matter if you've never set used a set of skis before, or if you prefer snowboarding or hiking in the snow-there is something for everyone to enjoy at these wonderful resorts. That's why ski resorts are so popular for family vacations, as kids and adults alike can take skiing lesson together, go shopping, or dine at one of the world renown Denver restaurants.

If you aren't up for driving, or just want to relax and let someone else do the work-that's not a problem! Denver International Airport offers a shuttle service to and from most of the resorts in the area, as well as transportation to the city of Denver itself, where you can find an assortment of night clubs, bars, high-end and specialty shopping, museums, and even the famous Denver Zoo.

Aspen is one of the most widely known resort in Colorado. Aspen offers a variety of slopes ranging from very difficult to beginner, so there's no worrying about whether you'll find the thrilling or gentle experience you're looking for. Aspen is far from just a skiing resort, however. You'll find that it's a very popular host for weddings, banquets, and other special occasions.

If you're looking for the closest ski resort to Denver, that would be Loveland Area. It, too, offers a terrific variety of slopes suitable for all levels of experience, as well as a direct shuttle to the Denver airport.

Even if you are not into skiing, there are plenty of other things to do in the area such as hiking or just relaxing being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. If you prefer something a little more lively, then the town of Denver will undoubtedly provide everything that you want. So, if you are a non-skier in your group then there is really no need to feel left out.

Booking a stay at a ski resort can easily be done online or over the phone, however you're more likely to receive a discount or special deal if you book online. Bear in mind that the more notice you give when you book your stay, the cheaper it will be!




http://www.denverskiresorts.net

Friday, November 20, 2009

Aspen Discount Lift Tickets - Read What The Ski Resorts Don't Want You to Know

First of all, the best thing about buying discount lift tickets for skiing at Aspen is that it's a 4 in 1 deal. When you purchase ski deals for Aspen, Colorado, you receive the advantage of being able to use that same ticket at any of the Aspen Skiing Company's suite of ski resorts. These include Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Highlands and Snowmass.

Whatever you do, don't show up at the ticket counter at any of the resorts and expect to purchase discount rates for ski and lift tickets. In order to save money on your Aspen ski vacation, you need to purchase your tickets in advance online, or through our Aspen Travel site. In some cases, you can save 10% - 30% on Aspen lift tickets. One of the most popular ways to save money on lift tickets is to bundle it with Aspen lodging. If you know your coming to Aspen, Colorado for 3+ days and are going to be skiing for the majority of your vacation, you can purchase 3 days of lodging and get 1 night free as well as free lift tickets. This is the most common way to save money on ski vacations to Aspen, but this special differs between lodging companies, and is valid at off-peak seasons.

Another way to get ski ticket deals for skiing and snowboarding in Aspen is to stop by King Soopers or Safeway in Denver or Colorado Springs. Often times, they have rates that are better than ticket counter prices. The advantage to this is you don't have to wait in lift ticket lines.

If you're the kind of person that likes to have everything sorted out before you get to your vacation destination, simply purchase your lift tickets online. We hope you save money on your Aspen vacation, but the most important part of experiencing this mountain town is relaxing and having fun! Good luck planning your Aspen Trip!




Aspen.travel is an excellent non-biased resource for researching Aspen vacation lodging & hotels. Don't forget to utilize our Aspen trip planner to purchase Aspen discount lift tickets.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Ski Colorado

Over the last few years, alpine skiing has become a more and more popular sport. Since the early 70s mountain scenes all over the world have turned from relatively poor regions where only farmers could make their live to densely populated landscapes with lots of hotels, boarding houses and so on. In Europe Switzerland and Austria are definitely the most popular skiing nations. However skiing is also famous in New Zealand and even Australia. It is quiet fascinating that there are five huge ski resorts (Mt. Buller, Hotham, Falls Creek, Thredbo and Perisher Blue) in the middle of the so-called Snowy Mountains which are located in the south of a dust-dry continent. North America boasts to have one of the best skiing regions on earth.

Whistler became a synonym for powder skiing in Canada. In the United States however, Colorado claims to be the best place for skiers and snowboarders. Resorts like Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge or Aspen are well known even to skiers and boarders in Europe. The ski resorts in the USA are famous for the very dry and light snow that covers the Rocky Mountains in Colorado every year again and again. The Back Bowls in Vail offer a huge variety of expert terrain which can be accessed by five modern chair lifts. The so-called Blue Sky Basin offers even more demanding Black Diamond Runs. But skiing in Colorado is more than just the Back Bowls in Vail. The expression "Champagne Powder" was found in Steamboat, one of the northernmost resorts in Colorado.

Steamboat offers amazing tree-skiing especially near the mountain top of Storm Peak (10,372 ft). While Steamboat is for expert skiers and powder fans, the most luxurious resort in Colorado is definitely Beaver Creek. The ski resort is located in proximity to the Interstate 70 which crosses the Rockies from Denver to Utah. Therefore Beaver Creek is among the most easily accessible resorts in Colorado. Beaver Creek village is a very lovely place. It imitates an old european style mountain village but provides the guests with luxurious hotels and bars. Many slopes in Beaver Creek, which are earmarked intermediate level (blue), are little demanding. Especially at the Arrowhead Mountain the slopes cater more to beginner skiers than sporty intermediate skiers. However there is enough to discover for experts, too. The terrain between the "Centennial Express Lift" and the "Birds of Prey Express Lift" are quiet demanding and the Back Bowls in Vail are just a 10 minutes drive away.




Martin is an author for the European project skiresorts-test.com. He wrote reviews of more than 150 ski resorts worldwide. In 2007 he visited a total of 16 Ski resorts in USA (10 Ski resorts in Colorado). Martin is from Bavaria / Germany.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Jan 2, 2008 in Beaver Creek

Instructor/Trainer Jonathan Lawson, skis with Alex in Beaver Creek, CO. If only all lessons were like this one. ... ski instruction Vail Breckenridge Jonathan Lawson



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCnUdpw_vDY&hl=en

Ski Colorado on Your Rocky Mountain Vacation

A great winter Rocky Mountain vacation includes a ski trip to one of the fabulous resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Skiing began as a necessary means of transportation during the gold rush of the 1830s. Deep snow made roads and trails impassable, so immigrants from the Scandinavian countries showed the miners how to use skis and snowshoes to get around in the mountains. Even the postman delivered on skis!

Some of the more exclusive ski resorts include Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Telluride. The rich and famous from all over the world come here to ski and to enjoy a Rocky Mountain vacation in the spectacular scenery. Five-star hotels and gourmet meals are readily available at any of these resorts.

Other resorts that offer some of the best skiing in Colorado make up The Gems. These somewhat lesser known ski areas can offer you a great ski experience at family prices. The Gems include ski areas at Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Ski Cooper, Echo Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, SolVista Basin, and Sunlight Mountain.

At the Gems you can get more Rocky Mountain vacation than you expect. Because these areas tend to be less crowded, you have less wait time for a lift to the top and more trails to ski. Each of these ski areas has its own character, so do a little research first and select the one fits your style best.

Where to stay on your Rocky Mountain vacation can be a tough decision. You can choose from five-star hotels, chain hotels, bed and breakfast inns, condos, and lodges in all price ranges. If you stay at one of the ski resort areas you might choose one with easy mountain access. A variety of rooms and suites is available at many locations. Some have in-house restaurants and all are near a wide variety of dining options, from romantic dinners for two to family dining that everyone will enjoy.

Some ski areas offer special ski packages that include transportation, room, lift tickets, and lessons. Some also offer free activities like snowshoeing and ice skating with room rental. You can enjoy Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports on your Rocky Mountain vacation. Try one or try them all!

Another consideration when planning your Rocky Mountain vacation is transportation. If you fly into Denver International Airport, do you want to rent a car, or ride one of the resort shuttles? If you want to spend more time vacationing and less time driving, or if you want to avoid driving snow packed mountain roads, you might want to fly into one of the seven regional airports that serve these mountain communities.

With more than 11.5 million skiers hitting the slopes each year, you might also want to think about when to come for your Rocky Mountain vacation. Ski season begins as early as October in places like Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, and Silverton. The higher elevation, early snow storms, and snow making equipment help skiers get an early start in these areas.

The early season at other ski areas runs from November through most of December. The skiing is generally good, but the crowds are larger for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you want to find a ski bargain, wait until January. Many resorts offer discounted packages to attract post-holiday skiers. You can get a lot more Rocky Mountain vacation for your money if you shop around.

February and March are generally the stormiest months in the mountains. The snow falls fast and deep. The slopes are packed with skiers looking for fresh powder. Mid-March and most of April bring spring break crowds, but again, most resorts offer bargains on ski packages, so you might want to consider planning your Rocky Mountain vacation this time of year.

The real beauty of a Rocky Mountain vacation is that you can ski almost all year round. Many resorts are often open until late June or early July, depending on the spring storms. You could have two vacations at once, skiing at the higher elevations and whitewater rafting farther down the valley.

Packing for your Rocky Mountain vacation any time of the year should include layers of clothing. It might be 85 degrees and sunny in Denver, but it can be 30 and snowing along the Continental Divide. Sunscreen and lip balm with 25 SPF or higher is a must. The sun is intense in the higher elevations, even when it is cloudy. Sunglasses that provide UV protection are also a necessity. The glare from the snow can be blinding, and you really do want to see where you are going.

Winter is a great time to enjoy a Rocky Mountain vacation. There are many resorts to choose from that will fit your personal style and budget. Many offer special packages that can help you stretch your vacation dollars. A little thought and planning can help you create a perfect ski experience for yourself and your family. Come and ski Colorado!




Joe Dockter
http://yellowstonevacations.blogspot.com
http://mountrushmorememorial.blogspot.com

Restaurants Near Deer Valley Resort

The ski resorts in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado have been competing over the last 20 years to create the perfect mountain vacation getaway. The ski vacation is no longer the same experience it was in the 1980s when lodgings of marginal quality were considered the norm.

Over the last 10 years western ski resorts have continually expanded their size, quality of facilities, and breadth of services. Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah and Vail Resort in Vail, Colorado have risen to the top of the ski resort show down. Deer Valley Resort has been ranked the #1 Ski Resort in North America by the readers of Ski Magazine in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008. Vail Resort held the honor in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006.

To earn the #1 spot Deer Valley Resort has focused not only on the quality of its skiing, but also on mountain services and the Deer Valley dining experience. Deer Valley Resort does not just serve skiers lunch during the day. At night they convert their lodges into fine restaurants which are arguably some of the best restaurants in Deer Valley and Park City Utah.

Deer Valley Fireside Dining is held in the Empire Canyon Lodge and features a Swiss menu of alpine delights served fireside. The Seafood Buffet located in the Snow Park Lodge offers all types of seafood delicacies including sushi, prawns, shrimp, crab legs, and even duck and prime rib. The flagship Mariposa Restaurant serves continental cuisine and is located in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain.

The town of Park City Utah has followed suit by increasing the number of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and shopping options. The expansion over the last 10 years has been very dramatic with literally hundreds of new luxury lodging options gradually replacing the more traditional ski vacation accommodations.

As a result of the recent transition towards a more discerning palate, area restaurants have responded by introducing a rich dining experience worthy of top honors. Distinguished rating agencies such as the Michelin Travel Guide, Mobile Travel Guide, and Zagat Restaurant Guide have awarded Deer Valley area restaurants with their highest ratings.

The Goldener Hirsch restaurant located in the famous Goldener Hirsch Inn and the Glitretind restaurant located in the Stein Eriksen Lodge are two such restaurants. My personal favorite is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant because of the delicious cheese fondue appetizer and the quaint Austrian decor.

Deer Valley resort definitely lives up to its #1 North American ski resort reputation. Why not have it all and visit a resort that not only provides the utmost experience on mountain, but also the perfect balance of off mountain dining and shopping as well? I definitely recommend taking a closer look.




Robin Rutecki has lived in both Colorado and Utah working as a professional travel journalist for over 15 years. She recommends you visit the following site for info on Deer Valley Resort and Deer Valley restaurants.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Keystone Lift Tickets And Discounts - How To Get Cheap Ski Tickets For Keystone Resorts

You're moments away from walking up to the ticket counter at the Keystone Ski Resort and laying down a wad of cash so you and your family can experience The Outback, Dercum Mountain and North Keystone Mountain. I know its worth every penny, but here is an idea. Let's say you planned your vacation in advance and bought Keystone Lift Tickets from the comfort of your own home. This way, you don't have to slop around in your ski boots while carrying your children's ski gear. Since you bought your discount lift tickets online you simply show up and hop on the lift. Read on to learn about saving money on your Colorado ski vacation.

1) Book Keystone Ski Tickets Online

Ahhhh....the power of the internet. What a miraculous thing. Simply log on and spend just a couple minutes finding ski deals that will save you 10-30% on lift tickets and activities. Many lift ticket consolidators that sell lift tickets online will send you the voucher via email. Simply plan ahead, book your tickets and sit back while they send you your voucher for ski tickets to the Keystone Resort.

2) Keystone Lift Tickets On Ebay

Many savvy searchers go to Ebay and search for "Keystone lift tickets" or "Keystone ski coupons." Ebay has a multitude of coupon options. Though you will still have to wait in line at the ticket counter, these coupons could save you a good deal of money if you're coming with a big group.

3) For Groups

Speaking of groups. Often times groups visiting Keystone are offered bulk discounts. If you're coming with a group of 20 people or more it is advisable to contact the resort directly to see if they are willing to provide a free ticket or offer discount rates.

4) Buying Lift Tickets at the Resort

Scalping tickets at the resort sometimes works out but is not the preferred method for saving money on Keystone lift tickets. However, many families buy multiple days for skiing only to realize their legs are too tired for another day on the slopes. If you are lucky enough, they will walk up to you and offer the tickets directly. Keep your eyes out, they are often found hanging around the ticket corner or in the parking lot. MAKE SURE you check that the dates are valid on the ticket. Again, this is not the preferred method for getting discount tickets but sometimes works.

Keystone, Colorado is a place built on authentic character and smiling locals. Come experience skiing Keystone's famous back bowls but make sure you don't pay FULL PRICE!




Keystone discounts lift tickets can be booked online in advance of arrival. Many visitors choose to purchase their Kestone lodging, airfare, car rentals and vacation plans together to save on packaged deals. Begin planning your Keystone vacation today.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Winter Park Ski Vacation - Fun in the Colorado Rockies

Winter Park Resort in the Colorado Rockies is the place to go on your family ski vacation this year. With world class skiing, great restaurants and the most and consistent snowfall of all of Colorado's destination resorts. Just a short drive from Denver International Airport over Berthoud Pass sits Colorado's favorite ski resort, Winter Park. Come on up and let's make memories that will last a lifetime.

Lets start with the new Village that is in its first full ski season at the resort. The Village has a ice skating pond that is complete with its own miniature Zamboni. A few steps away there is the Belgium beer cafe The Cheeky Monk and few more steps there is the modern Mexican of Lime. For breakfast there is the creperie Gooddy's.

It is only a 1.5 hour drive from Denver to the Winterpark Resort and you do not have to deal with the Eisenhower Tunnel. Snowfall at the Resort averages around 350 inches per year. This year is going to be an El Nino year so look out for lots of snow early and late.

Pricing at Winterpark is roughly one third cheaper as that at the other destination resorts in Colorado. From lodging, restaurants, lift tickets and lift tickets prices are less here than those resorts on the I-70 corridor. Come and spend your winter ski vacation at Winter Park Resort and you will have the memories and not all the hassles.

The locals are friendly and there is no rush as with other Colorado resorts.




Come on up to Winter Park Resort to get your season ski pass and witness all the fun.

Christopher Bradford invites you to visit http://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com to find the best lodging and ski deals on skis, snowboards and lift tickets in Winter Park, Colorado.

Swedish Ski Holidays

Do you want to go on spectacular ski holidays? If so, consider a vacation in Sweden. Indeed, skiing is one of the most popular winter activities in Sweden. There are over twenty ski resorts to choose from, too.

The most popular of all the Sweden ski resorts is the Are ski resort in Jamtland. With a mixture of both gentle and steep slopes in a sparkling landscape, it is no wonder that Are was chosen as the host for the 2007 Alpine World Championships. It is considered the leading alpine resort in Northern Europe, as well, and one of the best ski resorts in the world.

If you're an intermediate skiier, consider spending a few days at Funasdalen, Sweden's southernmost ski resort. Most of the peaks in Funasdalen are more than a thousand metres above sea level, which means you'll get to test your skills on some steep slopes. Funasdalen is also the third largest ski resort in Sweden, so you don't have to worry about not having enough space.

Riksgransen, located opposite Funasdalen in the northermost parts of Sweden, is another great choice for intermediate skiiers. One of the best Sweden ski resorts, Riksgransen also offers heli-skiing. It is a good place for snowboarding, too.

On the other hand, if you've just started learning to ski, you can try the slopes at Vallasen. Located on the northern side of the Halland Ridge, Vallasen offers gentle slopes, as well as private and group ski classes for all ages.

Are you taking your entire family skiing? If so, you'll want to check out Idre Fjall, the family favorite among the Sweden ski resorts. Idre Fjall offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities for experts and beginners alike. Good food and entertainment awaits both adults and kids, as well.

Finally, if you want to spend your ski holidays doing more than just skiing, consider staying at Hemavan. Aside from skiing and heli-skiing, you can go dog-sledding in Hemavan. You can ride a snowmobile or a snow scooter, too, or go fishing at Lake Tarnasjon.

So why not book your ski holidays in Sweden today? Whether you're an expert skier or a beginner, touring alone or spending holidays with your family, you're sure to find what you're looking for in one of the Sweden ski resorts.



Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Sweden, by car. To book your car rental Sweden or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit http://www.zencarhire.com.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Making snow in Summit County

What it takes and how snow is made at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort ... snowmaking arapahoe basin colorado



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y6pKD6_WoM&hl=en

Ski Vacation Packages in Colorado

If you're planning an outdoor and chilling activity with your family, try the winter wonderland ski vacation package of the Beaver Run Resort in Colorado. It is the home of America's much loved alpine destinations, the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Beaver Run Resort, famous for it deep fine snow and ski runways, is a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding activities. These adventures are fit to all ages and travelers. This huge mountain resort in Breckenridge Colorado has easy access to the historic places of Main Street, adjacent to Peak Nine and Peak Eight.

Vacationers and travelers will surely find the mountain top views breathtaking, with mountains nearly touching the skies. The vacation is perfect with a ski-in and ski-out entrée to the Quicksilver Six snow tracks. Beaver Run Super Chair lift can carry four persons with a detailed tutorial book on snowboarding and skiing.

The Beaver Run Resort features five bars and restaurants including the Base 9 Bar and the Coppertop Café in the lobby. They offer and serve breakfast and lunch.

The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, indoor miniature and nine-hole golf course. There's a spa with spa tubs for relaxation. For the athletic persons, there's a tennis court, a fitness center with modern facilities and an indoor sauna.

The resort also features a conference center and banquet facilities with uninterrupted high-speed Internet connection. These rooms are well-decorated with modern furnishing. Floorings and ceilings are accentuated with affectionate wood tones. All guest rooms are fully air-conditioned and have complementary coffeemakers, cabled television, videogames, VCD's and wood fireplace.

Beaver Run Resort has 4 buildings with high-speed lifts. All guest rooms have jetted jacuzzi tubs. Four-bed guestrooms are available, only by advanced reservations. Most rooms in buildings 2 and 3 have two queen-sized beds per room. Beaver Run Resort also offers a private shuttle to take their guests to the nearby attractions and can relax after a day on the slopes.

Other Beaver Run Resort vacation packages are:

BeavPackage Deals
This deal is best for five-night accommodation at the slope side in Beaver Run Resort and Spa. Package is for two persons in one hotel room, a 3-day Breckenridge keystone lifts, free transportation from Denver international airport with air discounts available in all major cities. Fifth night is free of charge!

Spa-tacular! 2 Days and 1 Night

Spoil yourself with the mixture of fine lodging and comfortable spa services. Take pleasure with its expanded massage treatments offered such as the seaweed and mud wraps, bindi herbal body and facial treatments with dermatological products, watsu and hot stone massages while staying in one of their studios or suites available with private spa tub, kitchen and living room facilities. This special package can save you up to 10% discount in your treatment and accommodation. All these and other special vacation packages are subject to change and availability.

Other resort amenities and services include:
Ski-in/Ski-out access
• Spencer's Restaurant
• Base Nine Bar
• The Spa at Beaver Run
• Concierge
• Business Center
• One heated indoor/outdoor pool
• One heated outdoor pool
• Eight Hot Tubs
• Exercise Room
• Sauna and Steam Room
• Tennis Court
• In-Room Movies & Games
• Arcade Games
• Complimentary Ski Storage
Ski & Snowboard Shops
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Jeep Rental
• Complimentary in-town Shuttle



For more information on Colorado Ski Vacation and Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels please visit our website.

Vacation Homes and Limousines

A vacation is a period off the normal activities and engagements that a person is involved in on the day to day life. A home on the other hand is a place of dwelling of a human being. A vacation home therefore is a temporary place of dwelling when one goes on a vacation or holiday. The only difference between an ordinary home and a vacation home is that the latter is temporary and the former is permanent. The procedure is that when people are on vacation they make some rentals for the period that they plan to be on holiday in that particular area.

Limousines on the other hand are modern day vehicles which are stylish and elegant. They range in type with most having many modern features. They have two compartments which are the passenger compartment and the drivers compartment. Limousines are luxury vehicles and more often associated with great occasions like weddings, parties and the ushering in of honorable guests. Limousines come in a wide range but all have some features in common like the elongated rear. They are classified as traditional, stage, exotic among others, the only major difference being in terms of features.

Limousines though not often used as a means of transport are actually the best especially while going on a fun trip or even on vacation or holidays. The preference is because of the style, the elegance not to mention the comfort that is associated with these palatial vehicles. It is a good idea to consider the use of limos especially when going for a vacation in a vacation home. Normally, people go on vacation to not only break the monotony of everyday life but also to have fun and relax. It is for this reason that use of limos in a vacation home are most preferred as they blend well with the core objective of going to a vacation home.

There are various benefits that go along with choosing a limousine as the means of transport while going to a vacation home. Firstly, limo services are not as expensive as they have been in the past. There is therefore absolutely no need to worry about the costs. The second benefit that is tied with the use of limos when going on vacation is the luxury that the vehicle has. The fun is unlimited. It has been noted that the most stressful part of organizing a vocational trip is obtaining a reliable means of transport. With a limo, you need not worry of punctures and other mechanical problems. You just need to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride as you head to your desired destination.

Using a limo to go on vacation could be your most memorable thing in the entire vocational trip. Besides being luxurious, limos offer professional customer service so that you are actually given value for the money that you pay. The next time you organize a vocational trip with your friends or and family, it shall be wise to give the idea of limos some consideration and it is guaranteed that the experience shall be one of a lifetime.



Are you looking for best deal on limo- try Limousine Reservation Service. Reservelimo.com is definitely one of the most impressive services out there for locating limo companies.