16Mar

Viva Italia: Skiing the Italian Alps

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Italy remains one of the best kept skiing secrets in Europe, but perhaps that’s how the Italians like it. Though often overshadowed by France and Switzerland, Italy offers skiers some of the finest resorts and hotels in the Alps.

Italia has a relaxed charm and a unique Italian ambiance that is not found in other Alpine countries. With its excellent cuisine, fine wine, chic boutique shopping and sophisticated après ski night life, it’s no wonder that the Italian Alps are a popular luxury winter holiday destination for the discerning skier.

And off course, skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only winter sports on offer; increasingly more people who prefer not to risk life and limb by hurtling down a mountain at break neck speed are enjoying more sedate winter holidays. Snow-shoeing for example, makes for a relaxed walk on the white side; technology has come a long way and snow shoes no longer resemble unwieldy tennis rackets. New modern designs mean light weight manoeuvrable shoes, perfect for exploring snowy forested trails.

Or if you want a real work out, why not give cross-country skiing a go? This sport is the oldest form of skiing, and is one of the best forms of exercise possible. These narrow skis use soft, comfortable boots which are attached to the ski at the toe only, allowing uphill travel as well as down. The sport is good for all levels of ability, and a great way to get out and enjoy the snow at your own pace.

As hosts of the 2006 winter Olympics which took place in and around Torino (Turin), Italy has proved itself worthy of competing as a ski destination in the international arena, and for many clued-in Brits, Italy’s laid back attitude to life, love of fine food and wine, good value for money and beautiful mountains are an ongoing draw.

Italy has over 100 resorts scattered over the northern part of the country, in the Italian Alps and the jagged Dolomites. The mountains of Piedmont, where Pragelato and Sestriere are located, hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics and are a particular favourite for ski holidays.

Pragelato is set within the Chison Valley between two spectacular national parks, the Val Troncea and Orsiera-Rocciavre. Swathed by larch and fir woods, wide alpine grassland and glaciers, these natural sanctuaries dominated by silence, are ideal habitats for an array of wildlife, and the area offers some of Italy’s finest skiing and snowboarding.

With a flight from the UK taking under three hours, Italy is just as accessible as other Alpine nations and generally considered slightly better value compared to other British favourites such as Switzerland and France. So, maybe it’s time you tried skiing the Italian way.

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15Mar

What To Do To Keep Your Racing Jet Ski In Good Condition

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Jet skis, especially when used in racing are probably among the world’s most battered marine vehicles. Let us consider the length of time they have to stay in water and sway harshly to create the waves that the racer exactly needs. While many of us find this experience exciting, well should we not consider how a jet ski would feel (in case it actually has the capacity to feel)?

Their suffering is more aggravated with the fact that after long days of water cruising, they would be stored in places where harsh elements can violate their good working condition.

Let us be realistic. We don’t normally have the time and effort enough to attend to our jet skis. Because of the grime and dirt and salt that have accumulated, the performance of our jet skis is lessened.

Jet skis used for racing normally require the highest maintenance covering personal watercraft vehicles. They have to be in their best whenever driven in water. Not only would proper maintenance sustain their power to perform, this routine will also lengthen their optimized lives.

We know how precious your jet skis are for you so we have gathered some tips here that will help assure that your racing vehicle drive down the waves everytime it gets into water.

Due to the fact that there are literally thousands (and the number just keeps on rolling) of jet ski models available now, there is a great possibility that incompatibility with parts may occur. Or if in case a specific part for upgrade is installed in the vehicle and worked well initially, there may be long term damages that may not be reversed.

Always remember that there are specific products that would best suit each jet ski model, please buy only from authorized parts dealers.

Repairing a specific jet ski model using a system that is apart from its original repairing method will normally produce no good results. Normally, cheaper repairs can cause you to seek additional repairs. Thus, only aggravates the problem.

As always, prevention is much better than cure, no matter what the ratio is. Before your racing jet ski accumulates enough elements that will hasten its depreciation, it would be good that you practice enough of jet ski hygiene so you would be assured that it will stay longer with you, in the waters.

Finally, it would be best if you would know the tactics used in the industry. Price does not say it all. You have to learn to read between the lines.

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14Mar

Skiing Holidays: Your Dreams and Hopes for the Perfect Slopes

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At this time of year with the cold weather setting in, many people are turning to the sun and sea of Southern Europe, but for those who don’t mind the winter and want some fun and adventure in their holidays then skiing may just be what the doctor ordered.

For many people, ski holidays have been a regular holiday activity and for skiers, there aren’t many places they’d rather be than the Alps. Italy is now proving that it is a destination that has great value for money and with skiing routes ranging from the French border to the amazing Dolomites in the east; it is no wonder why people are flocking to Southern Europe to test out the slopes.

In an era where cheap package holidays in the sun have outsold any other kind of holidays, it would have been easy for the ski operators to reduce the level of customer service but it seems that this competition has just urged them on and the offerings are better than ever. The great nightlife and culture of Italy offers the perfect ending to day of skiing where you can dine at many of the first-class restaurants that Italy has to offer.

Many people look for cheap holidays when deciding where to go but the truth is that skiing holidays are not as expensive as some people think. There are some great deals out there at the moment and if you have never been skiing before why not have a different holiday experience and book your holiday today.

All of the mountains and destinations can be reached within a couple of hours of the nearest airport which gives you more time on the slopes. The easiest way to find the best package for you is to shop online where you can compare various deals at the click of a button.

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13Mar

Coming to Utah to Ski? Forget a Week…stay a Month!

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Utah has the greatest snow on earth, which is true. But it comes in spurts. There may be three weeks without a strom and then a week solid of daily two-foot dumps. So why risk not samplin ghte greatest snow in the world with just a week’s stay? Save up that time off, telecommute and stay for a month! Study out the resort you want to ski at and then use this simple guid to find a place to stay:

Alta

Everyone loves Alta, except for snowboarders. If you wanna ski at Alta, live in Sandy. Look for a room to rent on the east bench around 9400 S and as fast east (at least 1300 E) as possible. Rooms are frequently rented out for a month at a time for as little as $250.

Brighton

Brighton has some of the best snowboarding terrain in the world which is probably why many top riders call it home. If you want to ski at Brighton, find a place near 7000 S in Hollad, Sugarhouse, or Murray. Again stay as far east as possible and you’ll be set.

Brian Head

Brian Head is a tricky one because its hard to find places close to the resort since it is so far up the canyon. Cedar City will be your town of choice though, look for something in the center of town near the highway that goes up th ecanyon.

Beaver Mountain

Logan is a sweet town, and the snow up the Canyon is extremely light and fluffy simply because the canyon is one of the coldest places in the state. Look for student housing around 900 N and 600 E. There are lots of people trying to sell contracts all the time and if you offer them a little extra for just a month (should be about $300) you can be within 30-40 minutes of some sweet, totally uncrowded skiing.

The Canyons

This Park City resort i spretty sweet, a bit pricey but sweet. They really go the extra mile to make some intense terrain parts and good amenitites. However, don’t live in Park City unless you want to sell you left leg to afford rent. Live in Salt Lake on highland drive, you will only be about 20 minutes from the slopes.

Deer Valley

I don’t see why you’d want to ski there unless you already have sold an appendage to science, but if you do, follow the advice I gave for the Canyons but plan on a five minute longer drive.

Park City Mountain Resort

Sweet terrain, sweet lifts, and a park that Shaun White calls home. Do the same thing for Deer Valley and the Canyons but add a few miutes drive time.

Powder Mountain

Oh my holy fudge. Powder Mountain has sweet snow. An added bonus is that it is always totally uncrowded. When you want to hit up this area, live in Ogden. Look for a place close to the canyon and if you really want something cheap, find something near the campus of Weber State University. Your drive will still be in the 30-40 minute range but your rent will be a little bit smaller.

Snowbasin

Host of the 2002 Olympic Downhill has some intense terrain and a great snowmaking system which makes sure their coverage and conditions are top notch. Follow the same advice as Powder Mountain and you’ll be set.

Snowbird

Smae advice as Alta. If you want to make sure you get first tracks, sacrifice your warm bed for the back seat of your car the night of a big storm. Sometimes, the canyon is closed for avalance work while the canyon dwellers are getting all the freshies.

Sundance

Provo and Orem are the places to be. Try finding a place off of BYU campus is regular apartments or near the Riverwoods complex at the mouth of Provo canyon. Either way you’ll be looking at a 15 minutes drive to Robert Redford’s little resort.

Wolf Mountain

Same advice as Powder Mountain and Snowbasin but don’t forget that this resort is super small and you’ll probably get burned out after a couple of days, so don’t go out and buy a 20 pack of tickets or anything before you check it out.

 

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12Mar

Ski With the Rich and Famous at Beaver Creek Ski Resort, Colorado, Usa

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There’s something rather special about Beaver Creek. The creation of the resort was influenced by St.Moritz in Switzerland and Cortina in Italy and the result is an exciting mountain to ski and a village wrapped in luxurious treats.

Perhaps it’s the ski valets who unload your skis from the buses and place them on the snow for you. Or maybe it’s the escalators that take you from the village to the bottom of the lifts, so you don’t have to walk in clumpy ski boots or carry your ski gear. The moving walkway to take you between ski lifts at the bottom of the hill is a great idea and the hot chocolate chip cookies at three o’clock every afternoon really are the icing on the cake.

Beaver Creek is one of those ski resorts that is tucked away, just past Vail on the I 70 corridor in Colorado. As many Denver “weekend warriors” stop at Copper, Breckenridge or the world famous Vail ski resorts before they get to Beaver Creek, this resort stays quiet and untouched. Beaver Creek likes it that way. On busier weekends they even limit the number of skiers allowed on the mountain to keep the slopes empty.

Beaver Creek resort is made up of 3 separate and distinct villages: Beaver Creek village is the first stop for many and really the main centre of the resort. As you enter the village all the walkways are heated and clear of snow. The focal point is an ice rink, where you’ll see children and adults alike practising their skills and picking themselves off the ice. Around the periphery are boutiques, art galleries, the Vilar Center for the Arts, bars and restaurants ranging from reasonably prices to very top end offerings. The fur coat selection is not to be missed.

Bachelor Gulch sports the world renowned Ritz Carlton Hotel and many other homes and condominiums. Fully linked to the other areas, Bachelor Gulch offers mostly intermediate skiing and skiers can make turns all the way down to the Ritz Hotel and often spot swimmers in the indoor-outdoor pool with steam rising from the pool.

Arrowhead Village is the westernmost entrance to the resort and offers the Broken Arrow restaurant and bar with outdoor patio to enjoy some of the 300 days of sunshine whilst watching the skiers & snowboarders come whizzing down the slopes.

The 148 trails and 17 lifts make this a resort of reasonable size and gives plenty of skiing. Designed for all abilities, Beaver Creek can challenge you on its Grouse Mountain bumps or let you relax on Strawberry Park’s gentle groomers. Beaver Creek is big on grooming and you can see those piste bashers on the slopes at any time of day.

And don’t forget the famous World Cup Course for ski racing. The Birds of Prey downhill course attracts hundreds of skiers early in the season to compete on the world cup circuit. The Golden Eagle and other double black diamond runs are part of the course and although not for the faint hearted are definitely skiable for visitors who care to try their skills.

Just outside the resort area are the two towns of Avon and Edwards, which offer accommodation for those of us who haven’t quite made the A star celebrity list. Wildfire Lodge in Avon is a one to be recommended – a European style chalet fits rather well into this setting of elegance and charm. For more info on Vail, Beaver Creek, Wildfire Lodge or other Colorado ski resorts, visit www.chalets-usa.co.uk

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11Mar

Enjoy Skiing and Snowboarding in Alaska

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If you’re anything like me, you like to have a great time skiing or snowboarding. I’m more into snowboarding, and as quite a few other people, I enjoy going to resorts where there are less people, and the site is less commercialized. Among the few places which still remain this way, you can count the Alaska skiing and snowboarding resorts. Most people don’t think about going to Alaska because there are so many ski resorts in North America, so why travel so far? That leaves you with opened slopes and half empty lift lines.


Let’s take a quick look at some of the best of Alaska’s skiing or snowboarding resorts:


1. Moose mountain, Alaska ski resort – Moose mountain is over 1250 ft feet of vertical, and has both beginner slopes as well as advanced slops. Due to the mountain’s southern exposure, the area is shielded from the prevailing Northeasterly winds, and thus receives hours of sun each day. This makes the mountain 20-30 degrees warmer than the nearby city.


Base Elevation: 680 ft

Summit Elevation: 1,987 ft

Vertical Drop: 1,307 ft

Skiable Area: 200 acres

Annual Snowfall: 70 in

Longest Run: 7,920 ft

Snowmaking: 0 %

Number of Lifts: 14

2. Eaglecrest Ski Area – the Eaglecrest ski resort is a community-owned ski resort that is located 12 miles from downtown Juneau on Douglas island. The ski and snowboard season at Eaglecrest runs from early December through mid-April. Most of the terrain is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders


Base Elevation: 1,200 ft

Summit Elevation: 2,600 ft

Vertical Drop: 1,400 ft

Skiable Area: 640 acres

Annual Snowfall: 300 in

Longest Run: 10,560 ft

Snowmaking: 6 %

Number of Lifts: 4

Uphill Lift Capacity: 2,600 per hour

Types of Lifts: 1 Tubing Lift, 1 Surface Lift, 2 Double Chairs

Number of Trails: 31


3. Alyeska Resort – The Alyeska was voted one of the best ski resorts in the world by the ski magazine. This resprt has a great snowboarding park, and it’s also very suitable for families.


Vertical drop:2,500 feet

Summit:3,939 feet

Lifts: 9

Trails:68

Longest run:10,560 feet

Annual snowfall:720 inches

snowmaking:37%

skiable area:1,000 acres

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10Mar

Catskills Ski Vacation

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When you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City or take respite from the monotony of winter days, make your way to the Catskill Mountains for an exciting ski adventure. Located northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, visitors will be delighted to find a multitude of ski resorts with an abundance of winter activities that are sure to keep them occupied for the duration of their trip. Make your way to the Catskills this winter to experience a diverse selection of winter fun and you are bound to leave refreshed and excited about your inevitable return next year.


If you are searching for a wide selection of runs in a winter resort atmosphere, then Hunter Mountain is certainly the place for you. Situated in Hunter, New York, skiers and snowboarders will find renowned terrain, soft powder, and a few vertical drops that are bound to leave even the most experienced snow lover breathless. Whether this is your first adventure to a big time ski mountain or a recurring winter excursion, visitors of all ages will enjoy the more than 50 trails that can accommodate beginners to experts.


Those who prefer a natural, non-commercial setting coupled with a challenging ski adventure will definitely appreciate all that Belleayre Mountain has to offer. Owned and operated by the state of New York and located in Highmount, visitors are treated to unblemished Forest Preserve land as they traverse pristine and serene woodlands. The 47 trails can meet the needs of beginner, intermediate, and expert level skiers and snowboarders, however, most of the runs are centered around the intermediate level so be prepared for fewer opportunities for excitement if this is not for you.


In addition to these large mountains, there are numerous other smaller resorts scattered throughout the Catskills. One to consider if you are in the Syracuse area is Labrador Mountain. Located only thirty minutes away from Syracuse, visitors will find 22 trails of alpine skiing in addition to night skiing and a terrain park filled with tabletops, rails, box-slides, and a half-pipe. Another excellent possibility is the family-friendly Thunder Ridge, which has 30 trails that range from slow and gentle for the newest skiers to steep and challenging for the daring and adventurous. Challenge a family member or friend to a downhill race or learn the ropes of alpine skiing at this accommodating and exciting park in Patterson, NY.


While downhill skiing is the most popular activity with visitors to the Catskills, there are numerous other outdoor possibilities that are worth consideration. Some of the ski resorts, such as Belleayre Mountain offer cross-country skiing, but the place to head for memorable sights and a peaceful atmosphere is Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center in Tannersville. With 35 kilometers of impeccably groomed trails that vary in difficulty, you can enjoy an afternoon of gliding through a pine-scented forest as timid woodland creatures appear along your path.


When you want a less exhausting way to enjoy the great outdoors, hop aboard a snow tube and let loose down the mountain. Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury offers lift-serviced snowtubing so you can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the slopes without the hassle of walking back up. For those staying near Belleayre, the Catskill Forest Preserve also allows for excellent snowmobiling conditions, particularly around the Willowemoc Wild Forest system. Traverse more than 15,000 acres and 30 miles of trails on this powerful machine all while catching sight of the stunning woodlands and occasional wildlife.


With so many opportunities for outdoor excitement, it can be difficult to determine which part of the Catskills you want to visit. No matter which location you decide is ideal for your trip, you can find the perfect accommodations in any area with Catskills vacation rentals. Whether you head to Hunter for the diverse selection of trails on Hunter Mountain or you prefer the natural setting around Balleayre Mountain, there is a vacation rental located close to the mountain while also providing all the comforts and luxuries of home. Begin your search for the perfect Catskill rental home today so you can enjoy all this gorgeous area has to offer when the snow begins to blanket New York.

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09Mar

Check Out Jet Ski Reviews in Order to be Able to Make an Informed Choice

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If you are looking for that specific Jet Ski that will suit your needs and requirements, you should read Jet Ski reviews online and take into consideration Jet Ski ratings. Only people who have tried it themselves are able to understand the thrill of riding a high-speed Jet Ski.

Online review websites offer you articles written by real people or even experts that will put you up to speed with the latest developments in the field of personal watercraft and will help you make the best decision when purchasing one.

Real people, who have no interest whatsoever in recommending one Jet Ski or another, write Jet Ski reviews. Therefore, you can trust their opinion and make your decision about which Jet Ski to buy accordingly. If you have tried a personal watercraft of this kind, you can write a review yourself explaining the advantages and disadvantages you have noticed. In this manner, you will help others and share your opinions and experience.

When writing a review, you should first give a general description of the Jet Ski, then offer information about the price in comparison with other similar watercraft and information about power, hull and weigh, as well as a graphic representation with technical elements. Once you become a user of such a website, you can also rate reviews of other users or of different brands of water vehicles such as Honda, Kawasaki, SeaDoo or Yamaha.

Before purchasing a certain type of Jet Ski, you should read all the top rated reviews on a specialized website that offers reliable and balanced information. Jet Ski ratings help you figure out which are the favorite and should help you decide which Jet Ski has the best qualities. Specialized Jet Ski reviews websites offer links to manufacturers and to other websites that sell such personal watercraft to help you find the best price.

You can upload videos of your favorite type of Jet Ski or of your own Jet Ski. In addition, you can watch videos from other users and see for yourself how certain vehicles work in different circumstances. Out of several reviews on the same product, you can read the one that has the best Jet Ski ratings, because of it being the most impartial and truthful review of them all.

A website that publishes Jet Ski reviews is a great way for you to keep in touch with the most recent developments in the domain. If you are passionate about jet skis, such a website helps you meet other adrenaline fanatics to whom you can talk about your shared passion.

Therefore, if you need a place to get balanced quality information about the leading brands of jet skies, you should visit a specialized website. We will offer you the possibility to write articles and provide Jet Ski ratings. Here, you can share you passion for these high-speed watercrafts with other enthusiasts and obtain information about all the things you need to know when buying a new Jet Ski. Personal watercraft reviews give you a perspective of a real user that has tried the product and can tell you more about it.

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08Mar

Enjoy a Colorado Ski Lodge

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One of the best places in the world to go skiing and snowboarding is the Colorado area. In Colorado you will find ski lodges which offer their visitors an amazing experience while hitting the slopes of the Rockies. You will also be able to come across different ski lodges that offer world-class restaurants while others have world class ski instructors.

Many of these ski resorts in Colorado offer equipment rentals as well. Some of them are specifically designed to be geared towards families and even offer special programs for the children in your life.

One of the best places to begin your search for the perfect Colorado ski lodge is the Internet. You may even be able to find many lodges that are offering discounts in the form of package deals and other great offers. These package deals can include things like lift tickets, rentals, as well as lodging and airline tickets.

Even if you don’t find any deals that strike your interest online you can always pick up the phone and call around to different ski lodges in Colorado to see if they are running any special deals. When you call you should also ask for all of the information in travel forums and then contact your travel agent. There are many times where your travel agent will be able to access different information that the public.

There are also times when you will find that several different lodges are offering their own specials, so it will come down to selecting the offer with the features that are most important to you and your family. You need to take into consideration which types of rooms you are interested in, if your family will want to eat at the skiing lodge, if you will need equipment rentals, and many other factors. If you need help planning your Colorado Ski trip then get online to and read travel forums to learn everything you need to know.

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07Mar

Finding The Perfect Ski Vacation Special

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For ski enthusiasts, the only suitable vacation is one spent on the slopes. Vacationers will go to great lengths to find the perfect locale in which to celebrate the snow. With skis, boots, and poles in hand these vacation adventurers head off to spend their days doing what they love best.

But prior to arrival, the inevitable planning stages take place during which a myriad of details are addressed. And in order to best plan a trip that doesn’t break the bank, keep an eye out for the perfect ski vacation special.

With some thorough research and a little bit of patience you may find a ski vacation special that will allow you to experience the ski vacation of your dreams at a manageable price. The key to finding such a deal is staying flexible, knowing where to look, and keeping your eyes open at all times.

One of the most popular ways in which travelers find a ski vacation special is through the Internet where a host of online services offer competitive travel deals. The trick to nabbing a really spectacular ski vacation special is staying tuned in to the ongoing offerings of these specific websites at all times – join their mailing list, request price alerts for when particular locations go on sale, and check back often. If you are vigilant, you can get in on rock bottom prices before the general public is even aware of the sales.

A ski vacation special can also be obtained by more traditional methods such as working with a travel agent who can best navigate the industry and find the better deals; taking advantage of deals offered for those who book early; and comparison pricing between resorts.

Another way that you can acquire a ski vacation special is by booking your trip as a group. Group rates on airfare, accommodations, and ski passes can save you quite a bit of money so gather like-minded friends together and plan your trip!

A ski vacation special can be just what you need to stay within your budget guidelines while still enjoying the trip of a lifetime.

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