Month: July 2015

Image

Mauna Kea: An Interesting Ski Vacation Destination

Mauna-Kea

Mauna Kea is a very interesting ski vacation destination that snow sports enthusiasts can visit anytime of the year. This volcano located in Hawaii is standing 13,803 feet above sea level and is even higher than the renowned Mount Everest of the Himalayas, making it the tallest mountain in the whole wide world. Its height from the base of the ocean floor up to its peak is estimated to be 33,500 feet tall, making it at least three times higher than Mount Everest.

Records suggest that that last time Mauna Kea erupted was 4600 years ago. It has since remained dormant but it is feared it might erupt again soon. Compared to other more active volcanoes in Hawaii, Mauna Kea’s eruptions don’t occur too often even in the distant past but scientists are always on the lookout for signs of its potential recur.

Volcanoes are not typical spots for ski vacations, but people in Hawaii and in nearby places consider this Mauna Kea a perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding. While it does not always have fresh snow, its summit is practically snow-covered, making it an ideal spot for skiing and other snow sports. Its snow-capped summit appears to live up to its name which means “White Mountain”.

Mauna Kea’s high elevation and relatively dry environment makes it a popular and preferred place to study the skies. As a matter of fact, at least 11 countries have built their own 13 large telescopes on top of Mauna Kea since 1964.

These state of the art telescopes make up one of the largest and UNIQUE astronomical observatories in the world today. The observatory itself is already an interesting site to visit but guests are strongly encouraged to check with physicians before eventually heading up the summit, where oxygen is said to be 40% less than the air at normal sea levels. Visitors to the observatory are also advised to acclimatize to the altitude and not risk going immediately up to the peak. Those in poor health, pregnant women, as well as individuals who have heart or respiratory problems are also advised not to go beyond the observatory’s Visitor Information Station (VIS) that is located at 9,200 ft. above sea level.

Mauna Kea is not only visited for its highly interesting summits. Vacationers looking for other fun and thrill adventure can go to its lower slopes for hunting, hiking, sight-seeing, and bird watching. Nightly stargazing programs as well as escorted summit tours are available. All these and more makes Mauna Kea one of the few must-visit ski vacation destinations.

Trivia Time: Precisely How Ecologically – Welcoming are Ski Resorts?

Featured Image -- 304

Ski vacation destinations, no matter how big or small, need to be ecological and sustainable. These tourist magnets must support recycling and other earth-friendly measures to help Mother Nature. Thankfully, such need for eco-friendly alternatives doesn’t go unnoticed. Most ski resorts now utilize wind turbines and on-mountain micro-hydro power plants. Other ski areas employ uber-efficient snowmaking systems as well as electric vehicle plug-in stations. Aside from that, some resorts even recycle ski boots that are left unused and lying around for long time.

Anyhow, here’s how some ski destinations are getting green:

4,600,000 kilowatt hours – The amount of electricity produced by the wind turbines at Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts each year. This energy is enough to power a 75 million miles drive using a conventional automobile.

30 gallons – The amount of manure a single Vermont cow produces each day. This is later used to power Killington’s K-1 Express Gondola and Peak Lodge, a resort facility that sources its power from local dairy farms.

775 – The number of families comprising the Beaver Valley Ski Club in Ontario, Canada. The 91 acre ski area strictly implements an organics program geared towards reducing Greenhouse gas emissions.

$5.5 million – The amount of money Aspen Snowmass invested on its first ever large coal mine project. This endeavor hopes to reduce the resort’s overall CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

285, 000 gallons – The amount of water Mount Hood Meadows saved as a result of using low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, as well as other water-efficient appliances.

1.7 million – The number of vehicle miles saved annually by snow riders and skiers who utilize Mt. Bachelor’s shuttle service on their way to/ from the summit.

12 hours – The length of time Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort runs on nothing but solar energy during winter. This prevents 428,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. It is also important to note that this popular ski destination operates in Las Vegas runs entirely on solar power during summer.

1% – Jackson Hole of Wyoming was the first ski resort to commit to 1% for the Planet, an endeavor where member companies give 1% of their sales for the protection of the environment and promoting positive environmental change.

$100 to $2,000 – The monetary grant Boreal Mountain of California gives in support of projects geared towards the protection of natural playgrounds. The funding is given to help identify and develop solutions for various environmental issues within the community.

Some Great Benefits of Trekking and Running Trails On Ski Areas

Hiking and running trails on ski vacation destinations can be a huge challenge. For runners, these activities could mean sore muscles, extreme fatigue and bouts of difficulty to do regular tasks such as getting up after sitting down without feeling tortured. Nevertheless, going through the trails by either running or walking remain an ideal and easy fitness activity for everyone else. Trail running and walking gives endless challenges and surprises; hence it is not at all surprising that many more people are now into the sport.

Here are five reasons why you should try walking and running ski trails:

1. Scaling trails on ski areas means on-site product reviews. Like any sport, running and walking on ski trails require specially designed gear and equipment. Try out your brand new running shoes or sample a new model available in the market today. If you are lucky, you can ask to test run gears or even get sponsored. You can also ask other runners how they feel about their own shoes, apparel, and hydration pack or just about anything they could be using as they traverse the summit. Take note that scaling mountains require trudging, climbing, and running through various terrain. With that in mind, observe and discover how your gears stand up against varying forces and characteristics of nature. How did it stand against rock, wind, mud and water? Did it actually live up to its product demo videos and sales pitches?

2. Bask in the goodness of strangers. Trail running allow you to experience the good side of local folks. It’s almost impossible to not receive a smile, a greeting or words of encouragement when you’re at the verge of stopping and not continuing your run. Aid station volunteers are chirpy, attentive, and just enthusiastic for your upcoming feat. In addition, there are countless strangers who seem more than willing to point you to the right direction.

3. Running on ski trails brings you closer to nature. Ski vacation destinations really have a lot to offer, so when you’re up there, make every moment count. Observe the sunrise from the summit, soak in the flowing stream, and playfully tumble into the ravine. No, seriously there’s so much to do each time you hit the trail. The mountains offer a differently refreshing appeal and a pleasing sensory overload that will make you forget urban traffic, pollution and stress. Of course, there’s breath-taking flora and fauna waiting to be discovered, captured and shared – on pictures, that is!

4. Hitting the trails means meeting new friends. Trails are not flat and can be challenging. As a matter of fact, some trails require rappelling skills! But don’t fret! Whatever challenges you may encounter as you go through the trails can always be overcome with the help of other runners who’d later turn out to be your friends. Don’t be discouraged by nasty, abysmal hurdles along the way. Instead, learn to devise plan of actions to counter every challenge. Also, don’t forget to acknowledge the presence of other runners. Encourage them. And learn from each other.

5. The trails test your limit. Running can be very exhausting, such that not all runners actually make it to the finish line, but just keep running! You will soon get to the finish line and it will be worth it. Remember that quitting usually results to regrets, so drag your self a little further toward the end line.

Early Summer Ski Camps At Whistler

summer-ski-camps-at-Whistler

The thought of summer camps ignites a myriad of emotions and brings back many unforgettable childhood memories such as sailing and swimming in the lakes, learning crafts, getting your hands on that bow and arrow, as well as forming deeper relationships with friends. If you lived within or near ski vacation destinations such as Whistler, your childhood could also include unconventional summer activity called skiing.

Summer skiing in Whistler existed since the late 1960’s. Roy Ferris and Alan White who owned Highland Lodge recruited Toni Sailer, an awarded member of the Austrian ski racing team, to organize and spearhead Whistler’s first summer ski camp. Toni spent more than a decade in the mountain town and mentored young ski racers under the banner Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camp.

Summer ski programs at the Whistler Mountain were initially driven by the need for competitive skiers to be in tiptop shape and improve their ski skills in preparation for upcoming competitions. Recreational skiers eventually caught the idea of ski clinics and later became active participants of the camp.

As with most ski clinics, participants of the first summer camps at Whistler were generally up at 6:30AM so they could hit the slopes at 8 o’clock. Intensive training typically usually last four hours each day that were then followed with lunch and rest period.

Apart from skiing, participants of the summer ski camps also enjoyed a multitude of activities like sailing, swimming, trailing, horseback riding, as well as volleyball. Campers were enlisted in skill-enhancing programs that included advanced racing, intermediate, recreational, and freestyle and were under the aegis of internationally acclaimed athletes such as Nancy Greene Raine, Jim McConkey, and Wayne Wong.

Early summers ski camps in the mountain town encouraged many to excel and be competitive in ski racing. One of its numerous participants was a 14-year old named Dave Murray who catapulted as one of the Crazy Canucks, a well-known Canadian ski team popular for its reckless riding style. Murray, who attended the 1968 summer camp, later retired in competitive racing and became the lead instructor the summer camp where he honed his skills. He eventually took the organization’s helm and renamed it to Atomic Dave Murray Whistler Summer Ski Camp.

Murray’s organization attracted many skiers from Europe and Japan and helped promote other sports. Snowboarding became popular in the late 1980’s and new programs such as the Snowboard Shop Camp of Champions were established. These new summer camps accommodated snowboarders and other guests who wanted to try non-traditional snow sports.

As of press time, various snow sports are now available in most ski resorts – not only on winter season but also on warm summer months. This way, individuals and families who plan to go on ski trips can have as much fun on the snow regardless of the weather condition.

Trivia Time: How Environmentally – Friendly Are Ski Areas?

Ski vacation destinations, no matter how big or small, need to be ecological and sustainable. These tourist magnets must support recycling and other earth-friendly measures to help Mother Nature. Thankfully, such need for eco-friendly alternatives doesn’t go unnoticed. Most ski resorts now utilize wind turbines and on-mountain micro-hydro power plants. Other ski areas employ uber-efficient snowmaking systems as well as electric vehicle plug-in stations. Aside from that, some resorts even recycle ski boots that are left unused and lying around for long time.

Anyhow, here’s how some ski destinations are getting green:

4,600,000 kilowatt hours – The amount of electricity produced by the wind turbines at Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts each year. This energy is enough to power a 75 million miles drive using a conventional automobile.

30 gallons – The amount of manure a single Vermont cow produces each day. This is later used to power Killington’s K-1 Express Gondola and Peak Lodge, a resort facility that sources its power from local dairy farms.

775 – The number of families comprising the Beaver Valley Ski Club in Ontario, Canada. The 91 acre ski area strictly implements an organics program geared towards reducing Greenhouse gas emissions.

$5.5 million – The amount of money Aspen Snowmass invested on its first ever large coal mine project. This endeavor hopes to reduce the resort’s overall CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

285, 000 gallons – The amount of water Mount Hood Meadows saved as a result of using low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, as well as other water-efficient appliances.

1.7 million – The number of vehicle miles saved annually by snow riders and skiers who utilize Mt. Bachelor’s shuttle service on their way to/ from the summit.

12 hours – The length of time Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort runs on nothing but solar energy during winter. This prevents 428,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. It is also important to note that this popular ski destination operates in Las Vegas runs entirely on solar power during summer.

1% – Jackson Hole of Wyoming was the first ski resort to commit to 1% for the Planet, an endeavor where member companies give 1% of their sales for the protection of the environment and promoting positive environmental change.

$100 to $2,000 – The monetary grant Boreal Mountain of California gives in support of projects geared towards the protection of natural playgrounds. The funding is given to help identify and develop solutions for various environmental issues within the community.

Summer’s Fun On Ski Resorts

Who said you can’t head to your favorite ski vacation destination on a warm summer day? In case you have heard someone telling you mountain resorts is no fun around these months, many ski destinations now offer different warm weather activities guaranteed to keep guests busy and having a lot of fun. Talk about alpine slide, roller coaster rides, rope courses, and zip lines that are bound to keep your adrenalines on high. And then there are restaurants that provide sumptuous meals especially prepared to satisfy every palate.

What makes summer extra fun on ski destinations? To start with, the place offers a wide range of thrilling adventures. There’s this ski lift that gives every vacationer a bird’s eye view of the beautiful resort and its amenities.

If you’re in Keystone Resort, there’s these bike park that’s a heaven for cycling enthusiasts. The park features rock gardens, bridges, roller coasters, and more than 100 miles of trails that one can take using a cruiser rise or a road bike. This resort also offers mountain bike clinics for beginners and intermediate bikers as well as gear and equipment rental.

Durango Mountain Resort, more popularly known as Purgatory Resort, has something fun and exciting for every vacationer. Its Scenic Chairlifts moves visitors from the base areas to its more than 10, 822 feet summit. Its vibrant green playground features Purgatory Plunge Ziplines, Alpine Slide, and Music in the Mountains. In addition, families can also enjoy miniature golf, family rope courses, wall climbing, mechanical bull, water runners, and bungee trampoline. Therapeutic massage and body treatments are also available to relax, rejuvenate and revive the body and soul.

Whiteface Lake Placid in New York has a bevy of outdoor activities that are guaranteed to entertain guests of all ages. Summertime vacationers have an opportunity to experience the thrill of a professional bobsled that goes through an actual bobsled course. Whiteface Lake Placid is also home to Olympic skaters that you can catch live and in person.

Come summer, Killington Resort that is one of the country’s largest ski areas offer 45 miles of mountain bike trails that once can access through a gondola. It features 18-hole golf course set against a scenic mountain landscape. Weekend summer nights are typically capped with outdoor concert series dubbed “Cooler in the Mountains” that features musicians from all over the country.

Winter Park Resort of Denver in Colorado offers endless summer fun activities starting June 6 till September 27. Aside from usual chairlift, alpine slide, and mountain trails, visitors at this popular ski vacation destination can also have fun on its Human Maze, Bungee Trampoline, Bouncy Snow Cat, and GyroXtreme – a unique summer attraction similar to high technology equipment used by NASA for astronaut training.

Top Three North American Ski Trip Destinations For Kids

Looking for ski trip destinations all over America is not difficult. This is especially true these days since tourist locations adjust to specific market parameters. Thus, various venues cater to certain groups. There are locations best suited for wild socialites and there are also resorts meant for somber single soul-searching individuals.

But there is a good reason why family ski resorts are a bit challenging to find. One has to abide with a number of moral restrictions while elevating the fun factor in the name of wholesomeness. In case you are having difficulty, here are some of the famous locations recommended:

Beaver Creek (Utah)

This ski resort in Colorado earns the top rank for a good reason – it is practically built for kids. There is a whole list of amusements that are meant to entice the minors. And in assembling these fun rides, the management did not come short with the creativity. Another reason for families to choose Beaver Creek is the convenience in accessing this recreational area. You do not have to go through the effort of riding chair lifts to get there. Not bad for a relatively luxurious ski vacation package. If anything else, the only riding done is still meant for fun. Kids are always guaranteed to love the Buckaroo gondola.

Heavenly (California)

By the sound of its name, it is normal for individuals to feel abashed by the ambitious title. Yet the venue itself did do “heaven” some degree of justice. The high altitude parking lot is efficiently landscaped. This ski resort boasts on its natural wonders. Families will be guaranteed a great time having picnics with their little ones. Furthermore, this ski resort is conducive to those who are not accustomed to the harsh climate of typical ski recreation destinations. After all, California is pretty much a sunny state compared to those frigid areas in Mid-West and the gloomy East Coast.

Park City Mountain Resort (Utah)

This ski resort in Park City has its own industrial feel in them. Park City Mountain Resort is teeming with high speed lifts almost straight out of the majestic science fiction cityscape. Lifts pretty much identifies itself as a centerpiece to the ski venue’s whole architectural achievement. This tourist destination has enough space for an endless stream of visiting families. It won’t appear too overcrowded with kids milling about due to the vastness of the land area. Furthermore, the catering services also appeal to juvenile tastes. When it comes to the theme park’s menu, there’s not much ski trip destinations that capitalize on the good old American breakfast – the pancakes!

Why Need to Plan Early for a Ski Vacation Trip

The country may yet to see snowy slopes and winter flurries, but savvy skiers and families are already planning out their next ski vacation. Sure, there are only a handful of US ski resorts open, and most of them are already offering a whole new set of attractions that doesn’t involve making snow angels.

But making arrangements this early do have a couple perks. To name a few:

Beating the rush

Imagine having to book your ski trip at the last minute, and you’re halfway down the road only to realize you left behind your skis! Or how about taking a chance on budget accommodations that look good on paper (or on the web) then arriving only to get disappointed? This happens when you plan your holidays on panic mode (Read: less than a month before peak season). When you plan your getaway early, you still have enough time in your hands to research on the best accommodations and create an itinerary everyone can agree upon. It also allows you to plan out your wardrobe and decide what gears you’ll need.

The early bird scores the best accommodations

When you book your vacation early, you get first dibs on prime chalets, apartments or hotel rooms. You can even request a room just a stone’s throw away from the slopes! Booking early also means you get to pick your flight schedules, slots in daycare and ski schools for your kids, and the best table at your favorite restaurant.

And big discounts, too!

Many ski resorts offer a slew of early bird incentives for those who plan way ahead. Enjoy huge savings on lodging, airfare, bulk ski passes and lift tickets when you book way ahead of the others.

Come peak season or early ski season and prices start ballooning to premium rates.

Flexible payment terms

On top of discounts, ski resorts, too, may offer early bookers down payment options on ski passes and other fees. For instance, you can pay half of the price now then pay the remainder by September. This allows you to save up for the getaway you and your family have been dreaming of since the end of season, without accruing debts and credit card interest charges.

You can always take a chance on finding last minute bargains. But you could miss out on a lot of advanced reservation promotions that could save a great deal! And while planning out your winter getaway while everyone else is set to hit the beach and get a tan may strike others as odd, you’ll be treating yourself to a well thought off ski vacation you and your whole family will certainly cherish and enjoy.

Planning A Family Ski Trip: The Perks And Setbacks Of DIY Ski Trips

Isn’t it a little too early to plan family ski trips? For the travel and budget savvy, it never is. Besides, waiting until a month before ski season hits its peak will only guarantee packing woes and sky-high premium prices. Hence, the early birds will not only get the worm, but also the best accommodation the resort has to offer.

While many will prefer the convenience of pre-packaged vacations, some may opt for the DIY ski vacations. While yes, planning every detail of your ski getaway will entail a lot of haggling, research and planning savoir-faire, the pay-offs can be huge:

Flexibility. Everyone gets to have a say on what they can do during the ski holiday. It’s a win-win situation if each member of the family has their own preferences.

Freedom. Planning your own ski getaway means you have the freedom to explore the ski resort your own way. This means you can visit off-the-beaten-path sights and even go backcountry skiing (with a guide, of course). You won’t have to worry about sticking to the schedule set by your travel agent.

Savings. As you get to plan out every aspect of your ski getaway, you can take a pick on the cheapest flights and accommodations available in the resort.

But with great freedom comes great responsibility. As you’ll be handling every detail of your trip, you have to go through all lengths to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. This includes enrolling your kids to a ski school of your choice yourself, and making sure everyone and everything is accounted for (the last thing you want is to lose your luggage or skis in between connecting flights, or find out little George got in the wrong flight). And if you’re bringing along young children or toddlers, the stress can be magnified further.

Hence, if you’re still going down this route (at your own risk), here are a few tips you need to remember when planning a DIY ski getaway:

  • Avoid the rush. Planning a DIY ski getaway entails a lot of research, hence, you need to do it earlier. This not only guarantees that you get first debs on the best accommodations, but you’ll be getting it for a lot less. Discounts abound during off peak seasons as most ski resort operators try to get more people to book early to avoid the rush.
  • Check the fineprint. Many airlines, especially budget carriers charge extra for ski or snowboard gears. Hence, if the airline of your choice allows you to book in carriage early, do so in advance as you could be charged more if you wait until check-in.
  • Choose late or early season. Prices are usually cheaper during early season (when crowds are just trickling in) or late season (when everyone’s eager to go back to reality) as snow conditions aren’t usually certain outside of peak season. Plus, you get to enjoy the serenity of an almost empty ski resort during this time.
  • Choose lesser known destinations. Peak season still guarantees the best snow condition. And if you’d like to hit the slopes during this time of the year (but still want to avoid the crowds), go for lesser known resorts and destinations. With a little research, you can spot hidden gems which can guarantee just as much fresh powder as their more popular counterparts at a fraction of their cost.
  • Don’t forget childcare options. Ask the hotel or the resort operator if they have babysitting or daycare centers where you can drop of your little ones while you enjoy your day on the slopes. But do it with caution: Some daycare facilities employ people who may not have the necessary certified to tend to younger children. Hence, it’s best to research first on the day care facilities before entrusting your toddler to their care.

Remember that DIY ski trips may not be for everyone. Hence, it’s best to look into other options first before considering this route. A poorly executed one will not only guarantee woes, but also hidden charges you’ll be much surprised to find out.