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Fresh Tracks - What's New at Top Ski Destinations in 2005-2006
The Hills Are Alive this Season with Multi-Mountain Passes, Innovative Services, and Newly-Opened Terrain
Snow is starting to blanket slopes across North America, and top resort destinations are pulling out all the stops to make sure you go big and get cozy. The mountains want you to try new tricks and spend time with old friends on their improved lifts and increased terrain. And for snow bunnies more interested in what's hot off the hill, there is plush comfort to experience in this year's unique off-mountain amenities. According to Travelocity's editors here are some of the season’s hottest trends and destinations:
Climb Every Mountain: You’ve heard of island hopping, but what about mountain hopping? Hotter than ever before are multi-passes, which allow skiers and riders to visit more than one mountain on the same interchangeable lift ticket. Not only will you save money, but a multi-pass will help everyone in your group find terrain that suits them.
Our Favorite Multi-Pass Options:
- SKI SALT LAKE SUPERPASS: Purchase a Superpass and ski at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, or Solitude. Only one resort can be skied per day. Transportation from Downtown or South Valley is also included in the cost.
- VAIL RESORTS “PERFECT TEN” TICKET: A Vail/Beaver Creek lift ticket is also valid at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin–all located within a 40 mile radius.
- ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUPERPASS: Winter Park and Copper offer interchangeable lift tickets.
- THE POWER OF FOUR: Ski at Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, or Aspen Highlands on one ticket.
- STRATTON/OKEMO: These two popular mountains in southern Vermont have teamed up to offer a reciprocal ticket. Purchase a three-day lift ticket at Stratton and you can ski or ride one day at Okemo.
Tip: Some multi-mountain passes have restricted dates (think Christmas and New Year’s) so make sure to check those limitations pre-purchase. In addition, many of the most popular multi-mountains passes (like the Ski Lake Tahoe Six Pack) sell out before the season even starts so make sure to get yours early!
Ski New Ground: Added terrain is always a huge draw for repeat skiers, and this year’s crop of newly opened runs promises to up the adrenaline factor on the slopes. Vermont’s Stratton expands its existing terrain with a new gladed course designed and hand cut by Bill Koch, the first and only American to win an Olympic medal in Nordic skiing. His design combines the best in old-fashioned New England skiing with the features of a terrain park. A true local’s favorite in Colorado, Aspen Highlands unveils Deep Temerity–180 acres of new advanced, expert and extreme terrain that will open along with the Deep Temerity triple chair, which rises 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes. The famed runs of Steeplechase and Temerity will be almost twice as long.
Tip: Some of the new runs being added by top mountains is considered semi-backcountry terrain, so be sure that you have the proper training, skills, and equipment before you hop on them as if they were the bunny hills. Most ski areas offer avalanche courses, and essential backcountry gear can be found at major ski outfitters.
Olympic Inspiration: Even if you can’t make the trek to Italy for the 2006 Winter Olympics this February, watching the events and medal ceremonies is sure to inspire you to attempt some world-class feats of your own, so why not do it at one of the historic sites of past Games? You can find historic tributes and relics from the 1960 Games at Squaw Valley USA near California’s Lake Tahoe, or get a sense of the infrastructure and planning that goes into today’s Games at the home of the 2002 Games in Park City and Deer Valley in Utah. Get a preview of what’s to come when you take on the world-class terrain at Whistler/Blackcomb, the future site of the 2010 games. Celebration 2010 - Whistler Arts Festival takes place this February and features performances, art exhibitions, film presentations, literary events and outdoor performances showcasing regional talent and celebrating the cultural component of the 2010 Games. If your aspirations are more extreme, head to Buttermilk Mountain near Aspen this January as it plays host to the ESPN Winter X Games.
Tip: Older host cities, like Squaw Valley at Lake Tahoe, tend not to have as much of the Olympic legacy infrastructure intact, because, back then, the Games weren’t always considered to be the lasting tourist attraction they are today. In destinations like Salt Lake City, however, you can still ride on the light rail system, which was constructed especially for the Games, and watch future Olympians train and take a 70 MPH bobsled ride at Olympic Park. In addition, the emergence of Salt Lake City as a major cultural center can be largely attributed to the public awareness created by its hosting of the 2002 Games.
Get Lucky on the Slopes: Heli-skiing is the fly-away favorites of the extreme and backcountry skiing scene and now Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) a heli-skiing operation in the remote mountains of British Columbia has upped the ante. CMH joins forces with Phil Gordon, the man who is reputed to be the greatest poker instructor in the world for the first ever Powder and Poker trip–a seven day retreat for snow and Texas Hold ’Em fans. From April 22 -29, Gordon will be Heli-Boarding with CMH during the day and teaching poker at night. His lectures will be followed by tournament play with a champion to be crowned at the end of the week.
If you’re feeling lucky this winter, put your instincts to the test in the backcountry and at the table with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Apres Improvements: It used to be that the après-ski scene was limited to heavy carbs and hot drinks served fireside, and maybe a small locals bar with--if you were lucky--a bad juke box. Nowadays, mountain towns and resorts alike are stepping it up so the once-uninspiring après scene is now almost as exhilarating as the black diamonds themselves.
DINING/NIGHTLIFE
Aspen: Owners of highly touted Wild Fig have opened D-19, serving the notable Italian fare of Executive Chef Dena Marino, formerly of the Aspen’s famed Ajax Tavern. Marino will continue to oversee the kitchen at Wild Fig as well, with D-19 located just around the corner. Five-star celebrity hotspot The Little Nell has a much buzzed-about young new Executive Chef in Ryan Hardy. Hardy makes his own artisanal cheeses and works with local farmers to harvest the best of the Rocky Mountain region (think foraged mushrooms, Colorado elk, and watercress from local rivers) for The Little Nell’s multiple menus.
Whistler’s Tea Time at Steeps: Guests can head up the Whistler Village Gondola for a tradition with an alpine twist. Afternoon tea is served daily at 6,000 feet, with oven-baked scones, Devon cream, petite-fours, select deli platters, smoked salmon and a tea selection that will satisfy the senses.
The N’ice Club Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada: This unique lounge will be built entirely out of ice and snow, right next to the slopes, in the pedestrian village at the mountain’s base. The 4,200 square foot N’ice Club will have a capacity of 250 people and feature private alcoves, a fireplace, dance floor, and cocktails served in glasses made of ice.
The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub at the Village at Squaw: Now you can get that cozy feel and friendly Irish pub welcome here in California. Wrap your hands around a well-poured Guinness and chat with the friendly, ski-savvy staff at the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub to the Village at Squaw. The establishment’s design and fixtures, including the bar, tables, and wall treatments, were all imported from Ireland and the menu features hearty traditional favorites like boxtys and shepherds pie.
SPAS/YOGA
Trilogy Spa at the Village at Squaw: After a chilly day out on KT, warm up to the Hawaiian-influenced signature treatments at this brand new day spa. Sweet island aromas, fresh cut flowers (imported directly from the islands), and exotic herbal teas make Trilogy a welcoming oasis in Intrawest’s Village at Squaw. Indulge in the Hawaiian royal tradition of the kukui, coconut milk, and honey ali’i body treatment (yes you will be drizzled with coconut milk), or simply drop into the Barefoot Bar Lava Lounge for an après-ski foot massage by the fire.
Remede Spa at St. Regis Resort, Aspen: The first and only resort spa in Aspen, this is the flagship spa of the new Remede brand, created exclusively for St. Regis hotels and resorts. The 15,000-square-foot property includes fitness and yoga/Pilates rooms and 15 treatment rooms, and offers signature treatments incorporating Aspen’s alpine and mineral environment, as well as other amenities such as post-treatment oxygen rooms and chilled Champagne and truffles.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Whistler: A new Tube Park will be introduced at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain this year, offering an exhilarating snow sliding experience. It will be serviced by a conveyor lift, with at least six different sliding chutes. Another first at Whistler Blackcomb, SNO-LIMO service is available for the resort’s non-skiing guests. This fully-interactive activity introduces guests to the mountain’s Olympic-class terrain by chauffeuring them down the mountains by means of a specially-tailored ski-chair.
Panorama, BC: Panorama’s Northern Lights Wolf Education Centre will be open through the winter season this year. In-house grey wolves Moab and Maya are well adapted to survival in snowy conditions and take Canada’s harshest winter weather in stride while helping to educate visitors about wolf and bear conservation.
Snowshoe, WV: Snowshoe Mountain will open a massive family fun center, called the “Big Top,” this season. A plethora of entertainment and activities will be available, including interactive games, adventure activities and even live entertainment. A large arcade area with over 75 video games, table games, billiards, and a video cafe will be available along with a stage and performing space.
Winter Park, CO: Mary Jane Mountain's 30th birthday celebration takes place all season long. With this milestone event comes a season-long celebration of pancake breakfasts every weekend, look-alike contests, and tons of promotions and giveaways. The big birthday weekend will be taking place January 21 and 22 and will include evening fireworks, a parade, block parties, and contests.
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