Winter Dude Ranch Vacations

As a blanket of white transforms the Western Pleasure Ranch into a winter wonderland, enjoy scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides.

For a different twist on a snowy adventure in the stunning Rocky Mountains look no further than these Dude Ranchers’ Association members. Snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, relaxing by a crackling fire, enjoying wonderful food and cozy accommodations, and making memories to last forever is what you will find at these DRA member dude ranches.

Western Pleasure Ranch – Idaho:  As a blanket of white transforms the Western Pleasure Ranch into a winter wonderland, enjoy scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides. You will feel like a child again as they jingle through a 2-mile loop trail of dense forests in the foothills of the Cabinet Mountains with amazing views of the Selkirk Mountain Ranch. With a wide variety of horse-drawn sleighs, including a five-passenger, three twelve passengers, and a two-passenger, they have the right size sleigh to accommodate your family, friends, and even that special someone for the romantic two-passenger sleigh.

Triangle X Ranch – Wyoming:  Head to the iconic Jackson Hole, WY for some incredible skiing and winter fun. Bask in the beauty of the snow-covered Teton Mountain Range and enjoy the comforts of Triangle X Ranch. The cabins are cozy, the food is delicious, and the hot tub is divine. Triangle X Ranch is located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park and is the only concession open in the wintertime! They offer unsurpassed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, photography, and wildlife viewing right out your front door. After a full day, return to the comfortable lodge and relax western style with a warm fire and a large outdoor jacuzzi.

Bar W Guest Ranch – Montana:  Escape to the Big Sky State to enjoy all of the winter activities that Montana has to offer. At Bar W Guest Ranch you will find snow activities like sleigh rides, ski & stay packages, cross-country & nordic skiing, winter fat biking, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoe tours and much more! Schedule the trip that makes you feel like you are in a holiday Hallmark movie at the Bar W Guest Ranch!

Latigo Ranch – Colorado:  Skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains of Colorado during winter vacations is probably one of the dreamiest vacations you can think of if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado has cozy cabins, miles of trails for adventures, gourmet meals, stunning scenery, and good company are what you will find at Latigo. You will also find yaks! They are a fun addition to the ranch and a rarity at dude ranches.

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch – Colorado: Winter horseback riding, stargazing from the jacuzzi, storytelling in front of the crackling fire, hearty home cooked meals, and welcoming accommodations. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Northern Colorado offers all of these. The ranch is easy to get to from Denver International Airport, offers a quiet, peaceful, and wonderful winter vacation for your group, and you can bring your pets!

C Lazy U Ranch – Colorado:  Take a trip to Grand County this winter and enjoy all that C Lazy U Ranch has to offer for winter fun! Snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice hockey, ice skating, sleigh rides, skiing and so much more are offered at C Lazy U to keep everyone busy, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories together. Delicious hearty meals will keep you fueled throughout the day and comfortable cabins will leave you well-rested and ready for more action.

Vista Verde Ranch – Colorado:  Luxury, adventure, beauty, peacefulness, is what you will find in winter at Vista Verde Ranch, outside of Steamboat Springs. Activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, skiing, and much more is offered at Vista Verde Ranch along with luxury accommodations, gourmet food, and scenery. Whether you are booking a holiday vacation or just a winter getaway, do not overlook Vista Verde Ranch outside of beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Contact the Dude Ranchers Association for help finding the perfect dude ranch for your next vacation (https://duderanch.org/start-planning-your-next-dude-ranch-vacation-today/)

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Woodstock Inn Offers Ski Packages at its Suicide Six Ski Area

In the heart of Vermont’s snow-covered Green Mountains and the picturesque town of Woodstock, VT, the Woodstock Inn & Resort offers value-added packages featuring numerous snow sports at the Suicide Six Ski Area and at its Nordic ski center.

WOODSTOCK, VT  – In the heart of Vermont’s snow-covered Green Mountains and the picturesque town of Woodstock, VT, the Woodstock Inn & Resort welcomes guests in search of cold weather pursuits with value-added packages for the whole family. The 142-room luxury resort offers numerous snow sports at the Suicide Six Ski Area and Nordic Center, as well as endless après ski activities with its award-winning Spa and farm-to-table dining options. 

Vermont’s leading family ski resort, the Suicide Six Ski Area, is home to 100 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 24 trails and slopes suitable for all skill levels and offers wide open spaces and shorter than average lift times. New for 2022 is a Sunkid conveyor lift named Snow Day, which offers ease of use, weather protection, and increased uptime for reliable transport to the Snow Day Learning Area. Those new to skiing have the option to learn from the resort’s world-class ski & ride school offering private and semi-private lessons to acquaint themselves with new equipment and the slopes. The school also offers uphill travel lessons to learn best practices of “skinning.” Also featured at the mountain is state-of-the-art snow-making technology and a freestyle terrain park. Open weekly Wednesday through Sunday, Suicide Six will also be open daily for holiday weeks and peak periods.

For cross country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing, 45 kilometers of groomed trails are primed for exploration at the Nordic Center. The extensive network of trails weaves throughout Mt. Peg and nearby Mt. Tom in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Snowshoers & fat bike riders may utilize the groomed ski trail areas in addition to a series of ungroomed trails for a more invigorating hike. Rentals, clothing, winter sport accessories, trail maps and passes are available at the center, as well as lessons, tours, and clinics with local experts.

Families, couples, and snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy one of the 2022 winter packages, including:

The Family First Run Package begins new traditions of learning how to ski. During a family lesson, parents will pick up new tips while the children master the basics.

• Two nights’ accommodations
• Breakfast daily
• Two day passes to the Suicide Six Ski Area
• One family lesson
• S’mores kit for après ski
• Starting at $753 per night or $1503 for two nights, for two adults and two children

Teach Your Honey How to Ski Package is the perfect romantic getaway for couples who want their partner to learn ski basics while they take to the slopes.

• Luxurious Accommodations
• Two-hour private beginner ski lesson (lift ticket included)
• Lift ticket at the Suicide Six Ski Area for a second person
• Two après ski cocktails
• Starting at $631 for a one-night stay for two adults

Unlimited Snowsports Package is the ultimate adventure package that includes alpine skiing, Nordic Treks, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing.

• Two nights’ accommodations
• Breakfast daily
• Unlimited access to snow sports at the Woodstock Nordic Center and Suicide Six Ski Area
• Starting at $669 per night or $1,338 for two nights for two adults

Packages are available for stays from January 4 through March 12, 2022, based on availability. Pricing does not include applicable tax, gratuity, and the $35 per room, per night resort fee. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

This season, Perley’s Pourhouse will offer grab-and-go food and made-to-order beverages options at Suicide Six Ski Area.  The ski area’s newly expanded outdoor deck features additional seating, gas fire pits, and wind cover areas for guests to sit back, relax, and warm up by the fire. The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers locally sourced cuisine at The Red Rooster, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After hitting the slopes, skiers can head back to the Woodstock Inn & Resort to relax in the library, participate in a friendly competition in the Inn’s flannel-draped retro game room, or opt for a soothing treatment at The Spa, the Inn’s award-winning, 10,000 sq ft wellness retreat. Guests can indulge in specialized facial treatments that utilize all-natural skincare products, tools, and techniques through a new partnership with Tata Harper, a leading Vermont-based all-natural skincare brand. Guests can opt for the seasonal Winter Rose treatment which restores the skin’s glow with a spiced cranberry orange body scrub followed by a rose-colored clay mask wrap. 

Located in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn & Resort defines country sophistication in one of New England’s most charming and popular year-round vacation destinations.  The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort and a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, offers award-winning dining in two restaurants, ranked among the finest in New England.  The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc.  Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs.

Recognized as one of the oldest ski areas in the country, Suicide Six has a rich history. America’s first rope tow, introduced on nearby Gilbert’s Farm in 1934, evolved into the opening of Suicide Six in 1936. In 1961 Laurance S. Rockefeller purchased Suicide Six from its founder, Wallace “Bunny” Bertram, as part of his vision for the community of Woodstock. Suicide Six is one of Vermont’s leading family-friendly ski resorts featuring more than 100 acres of skiing on 24 trails with terrain suitable for all abilities.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, which represents premier global properties that offer engaging stays and memorable moments. Authentic, intelligent, and approachable, this diverse collection presents hotels and resorts featuring responsive service and local dining that articulate culture and style. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.

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Winter Village With Free Skating, Holiday Market Returns to NYC’s Bryant Park

NYC’s celebrated Bank of America winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring the city’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings, has returned for its 20^th season,Friday, October 29, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYC’s celebrated Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring the city’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings, has returned for its 20^th season, Friday, October 29, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022.  While still proceeding with an abundance of caution for the safety of its guests, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is thrilled to be welcoming back its most popular attractions this winter season:

• The Rink: the only free-admission ice skating rink in NYC is open daily. The Rink is completely outdoors, and skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online. New skate reservation dates will be released on a rolling basis throughout the season. Masks are encouraged, and Bryant Park is continuing to implement additional cleaning protocols throughout the day to ensure high-touch surfaces and shared rental equipment are sanitized and safe for use.
• Holiday Shops: the open-air holiday market are open daily through January 2, 2022, and features more than 170 new and returning merchants. 
• Small Business Spotlight presented by Bank of America: fourNew York City minority-owned small businesses with annual revenue of $1 million or less will have the chance to showcase their products in a rent-free booth, made possible by Bank of America, as part of this season’s Holiday Shops. 

Last year’s featured small businesses were sustainable candle and soap company TREE*STAR, Brooklyn-based bakeshop Annie Mae’s Bakery, custom-designed hat shop Harlem’s Heaven Hats, and Tibet Tree of Life, a business selling incense, shawls, and other products made in the Himalayan region.

The Lodge by Prime Video: a covered, outdoor après skate escape is where visitors can cozy up with a festive cocktail, enjoy delicious food, watch the ice skaters or admire the tree.

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Vail Resorts Mounts 96-Hour Ski Sale Feb. 23-26 With up to 55% Off Lodging

Take advantage of Vail Resorts’ 96-hour sale to book a trip to Keystone Mountain Resort, Colorado © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

BROOMFIELD, Colo. –– Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Snow.com 96-Hour Sale clock starts ticking with the best rates on vacations across Vail Resorts and RockResorts destinations, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Grand Teton National Park and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

A Mountain of Vacation Values

With up to 25 feet of snow in Colorado and Utah this winter, there are plenty of fresh tracks for one more ski getaway this season. Rates at the Keystone Lodge & Spa, which has undergone substantial upgrades throughout the property and guest rooms, start at $179 per night – a savings of up to 45 percent! Mountain Thunder Lodge in the heart of Breckenridge offers a variety of lodging choices including studio, one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- and three-bedroom town homes at up to 40 percent off with rates starting at $173. Vail aficionados can also enjoy lodging savings of up to 40 percent with rates at The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort in Vail Village starting at $253. In Beaver Creek, lodging rates can be found with savings of up to 45 percent, including The Pines Lodge, A RockResort, where rates start at $269 with easy access to the resort’s world-class slopes. Save up to 30 percent at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City with rates starting at $119 and discovery the country’s largest ski resort. In Lake Tahoe, skiers and snowboarders can save up to 25 percent on lodging with rates starting at $105 at the Meadows in Kirkwood, $199 at Aspen Grove in Northstar and $199 through Lake Tahoe Lodging Company. www.Snow.com/96HourSale

Go Green and Save Green on Transportation

The 96-Hour Sale values continue with ground transportation from Colorado Mountain Express. Keep an extra vehicle off the road, leave the driving to the pros, sit back, enjoy the views or keep up-to-date with complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Save $15 per person on roundtrip shuttles from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek and other Rocky Mountain destinations. www.RideCME.com

Gear Up Online and Save

For those who prefer to travel lightly, RentSkis.com can help skiers and snowboarders save on baggage fees and then some. Get ahead of the game by booking rental equipment online across more than 90 locations in North America and save up to 20 percent. www.RentSkis.com

Celebrate and Save with the National Park Service Centennial

For a different type of mountain vacation, the National Park Service celebrates 100 years this summer across its parks including the spectacular Grand Teton National Park. Also known as the Serengeti of the West, where the bison, moose, bear and other wildlife roam free visitors to the park can listen to the elk bugle from a cozy, classic cottage at Jackson Lake Lodge in the heart of the park with rates starting at $195 per night – a savings of up to 35 percent.www.GTLC.com

96 Hours to Island Time

Choose white sand beaches for an unforgettable retreat at Half Moon Jamaica, located just 10 minutes from MBJ airport. Relax and unwind at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa, play Golf at our 18-hole, par-72 championship course, or dine at the renowned Sugar Mill Restaurant.  Luxury Rooms/Suites start at $299.  Villas start at $2,126 per night – a savings of up to 25 percent. www.HalfMoon.RockResorts.com

Snow.com 96-Hour Sale participating properties and services include:

• Vail, Colo.
  • The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
  • The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail
  • Austria Haus

• Beaver Creek, Colo.
  • Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort
  • The Pines Lodge, A RockResort
  • Beaver Creek Resort Properties

• Breckenridge, Colo.
  • One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge
  • Crystal Peak Lodge
  • Mountain Thunder Lodge
  • Village Hotel & The Village at Breckenridge

• Keystone, Colo.
  • Keystone Lodge & Spa
  • The Inn at Keystone
  • Keystone Property Management

• Park City, Utah
  • Grand Summit Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City
  • Silverado Lodge
  • Sundial Lodge
  • Vintage on the Strand

• Grand Teton National Park
  • Jenny Lake Lodge
  • Jackson Lake Lodge
  • Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

• South Lake Tahoe, Calif. & Nev.
  • Lake Tahoe Lodging Company

• Kirkwood, Calif.
  • Mountain Club
  • The Meadows
  • Sun Meadows

• Truckee, Calif.
  • Northstar Condos
  • Ski Trails

• Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Half Moon, Jamaica

• Colorado Mountain Express

• RentSkis.com

Visit www.Snow.com/96HourSale to book or for more information. These deals cannot be booked until 12:01 a.m. MST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 and will expire at 11:59 p.m. MST on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. Other restrictions may apply.

 

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Dogsledding, X-Country Skiing, Snowmobiling in New Hampshire’s Grand North

Conditions are simply perfect for cross country, snowshoeing or whatever you choose at Great Glen!

With winter in full swing now, New Hampshire Grand, the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains, is highlighting winter fun, including the Snodeo, the Great North Woods Vintage Series, Ski and Shoe to the Clouds, Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon and the Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge. Along with these events and more, the Grand North features plenty of opportunities to get outside—and inside—this winter.

“There is never a dull moment when it comes to wintertime activities in New Hampshire’s Grand North,” said Karl Stone, NH Grand Marketing Manager. “Once again we’re enjoying another great season of snowmobiling, dog sled racing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Pair this with outstanding dining, opportunities to relax, and breathtaking beauty, and New Hampshire’s Grand North offers a spectacular vacation destination, close to home.”

Snowmobiling
Riding snowmobiles manufactured prior to 1973, racers will hit the throttle for 10 laps during The Great North Woods Vintage Series race in Errol on February 21. Now in its 8^th season, the four-race series, which culminates in Pittsburg on March 14, gives snowmobile racers the opportunity to tune up their old sleds and take a step back in time. The roar of the engines and the speed of the racers is sure to bring excitement to all ages.

For plenty of fun and excitement, check out the 23rd annual SnoDeo, one of the premier snowmobile events in the Northeast drawing about 6,000 snowmobile enthusiasts. Taking place the weekend of March 6 and 7, this event gives snowmobilers the chance to check out the latest and greatest snowmobiles. The event, which takes place at Coleman State Park, began in 1993 as a fundraiser for the Swift Diamond Rider’s Club.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross country skiers and snowshoers who are up for a challenge may compete at this year’s Ski and Shoe to the Clouds. Dubbed North America’s toughest 10K, Ski to the Clouds, which takes place March 1, takes racers up the steep slopes of Mount Washington, offering a challenging opportunity to push yourself to new heights.

On March 8, the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon offers long-distance cross-country skiers an opportunity to compete against some of the stiffest competition in the region. Hosted by Bretton Woods Nordic Center on the grounds of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this event features marathon and half marathon distances. Since 2009, cross country skiers have hit the trails in this annual race on one of the largest Nordic systems in the northeast between the Mount Washington Hotel, the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and Bretton Woods.

Dogsledding
For a uniquely-New Hampshire experience, The Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge offers a weekend of dog-sledding fun and excitement for all. The three-stage race kicks off at Back Lake Road in Pittsburg on March 13. Dogsled teams continue from Pittsburg to the Mahoosuc Inn in Milan before finishing at the Colebrook Country Club on March 15.

Or, maybe you would like to see the view from a dogsled yourself? Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson offers a variety of tours and adventures, ranging from two-hour trips to full-day trips.

Relaxing Outdoor Fun
Enjoy some relaxing family fun with a sleigh ride at Bear Tree in Pittsburg. Take in the Grand North’s scenic, wintertime beauty as a team of Clydesdales does all the work. Rides will take place Saturday afternoons through March 1, which makes for a great Valentine’s Day date, February 14.  

Looking for a more relaxing snowshoeing experience? Starlit Snowshoe Tours at Great Glen Trails offer great family fun under the stars of northern New Hampshire. A guide will help snowshoers navigate unlit trails using the stars as beacons in the night. Snowshoers ages 8 and up are welcome.

Hitch a ride on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach and take in Mount Washington in all its snow-covered glory. Relying on a 4-track, all-wheel-powered drive-train, the SnowCoach takes passengers to treeline at about 4,200 feet in elevation, providing a glimpse into a sub-arctic world.

Indoor Relaxation
After a day of fun outside, it is time to warm those red cheeks and numb fingers. Pop over to the family-owned Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton for a hot meal and a cold, craft brew. The Grand North’s brewpub, which boasts a selection of 14 beers and great food, is a continental European-artisanal brewery.

Schedule a massage at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. With a full array of massage options, treat yourself as you unwind and work out the kinks after a long day in the fresh mountain air.

Warm up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the Moose Muck Coffee House in Colebrook. Have a hot sandwich or cup of soup while you’re at it. And maybe throw in a piece of key lime pie as well. Moose Muck relies on local ingredients whenever possible.

For more information on NH Grand, visit www.nhgrand.com, New Hampshire Grand on Facebook, and NH Grand on Twitter. To sign up for the monthly e-newsletters, visit http://www.nhgrand.com/newsletter-sign-up/default.aspx.

 

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Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont Introduces Kids’ Snowmobile Tours

Among the distinctive activities that make Okemo such a marvelous family mountain destination are new kids snowmobile tours on specially designed ‘kidsbiles’.

LUDLOW, Vt. – Okemo Mountain Resort has added kids’ snowmobile tours to its lineup of winter activities for families visiting the popular ski and snowboard resort. Pintsized Polaris snowmobiles travel at a maximum speed of 8 mph. Kids love the look and sound of the Indy 120 XC – a real snowmobile built for kids. Each 15-minute tour consisting of up to four riders takes place on a specially designed course at the Jackson Gore Paleo Field and is led by an adult riding a full-sized sled. Riders must be between the ages of 5 and 12, weigh no more than 120 pounds and be no taller than 5’4”. Helmets are required and provided for riders. Each tour is $29 and reservations are recommended.

Renowned for its commitment to snowmaking, world-class grooming, and a vast selection of trails that span five distinct mountain areas, Okemo Mountain Resort excels at providing a memorable winter vacation experience off the slopes, as well as on. Visitors can enjoy mountain coaster rides, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, swimming, year-round indoor golf, racquetball, fitness classes, aerobic and weight training, massage, sauna, relaxing by a fire, or soaking in a hot tub.

The Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster is a four-season attraction that offers a scenic and exhilarating ride through alpine forests and along the contours of the mountain at Okemo’s Jackson Gore. The roller-coaster ride features tubular rails for a smooth run down the mountain at any time of the year. Sled-like cars carry two passengers in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone. The riders are in control of their speed and this gives them a unique hands-on experience, encouraging repeat visits. Visitors, age 7 and older, load and unload The Timber Ripper in the Jackson Gore base area, near the bottom of the Coleman Brook Express lift. The ride starts with a five-minute, 1,600-foot climb followed by a 375 vertical-foot descent along 3,100 feet of track with turns, waves, camel backs and banking loops at speeds of up to 25 mph.

The Ice House, a multi-functional, year-round sports pavilion, features a covered skating rink that is maintained by an ice resurfacing machine. Skate rentals are available and skaters can enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace inside the attached building. When winter wanes, The Ice House transitions to a warm-weather sports center with tennis courts, a basketball court and covered, single-lane jogging track.

Snow tubing is a popular early-evening activity at Jackson Gore on weekends and during holiday periods and other designated times. Specially groomed chutes keep inflatable snow-sliding “inner tubes” on track for a thrilling slide down a snowy slope. Snow tubers must be at least 42 inches tall. Specialized snow tubes are available for rent by the hour and a magic-carpet style surface lift returns tubers to the top of the chutes after each thrilling ride down.

Located halfway between Okemo’s Jackson Gore base area and original Clock Tower base area, the Okemo Valley Nordic Center welcomes winter enthusiasts with 22 km of tracked and skate-groomed cross-country skiing trails, and 13 km of trails designated for the use of snowshoers. Okemo’s Nordic Center trails are ideally suited to all ability levels, and they are groomed daily using state-of-the-art grooming machines. Inside the clubhouse, visitors enjoy a fully stocked Nordic Shop with the latest advances in outdoor clothing and accessories. Demos, equipment rentals, repairs and waxing are available on-site. Dressing rooms with showers and lockers make a nice change from the typical rustic facilities of most Nordic centers.

Golfers can stay on top of their game with Okemo’s Indoor Golf Training Center at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center. The 6,000 square-foot, indoor practice facility houses a 700 square-foot putting green, swing stations and a computerized virtual golf simulator.  Golf instructional programs are available with group and private lessons offered. The Indoor Training Center is an ideal way for golfers to improve upon their skills and maintain their swing during the winter months. Golf enthusiasts can purchase a golf winter season pass to the indoor golf facility or visit one day at a time for a daily fee.

Okemo’s Spring House is a center for relaxation and rejuvenation. The two-level, 18,000 square-foot fitness and aquatic center features a recreational swimming pool with lap lanes for designated swim times, a five-person hot tub, and a children’s pool with a whimsical frog slide and numerous splash and fountain features. In addition to all that aquatic action, The Spring House offers a racquetball court, a fitness-class studio, weights and cardio equipment, a sauna, and locker rooms that include a unique family locker room area. For the ultimate indulgence, massage services are available just steps away, inside the Jackson Gore Inn.

For resort visitors who opt to travel farther afield, the village of Ludlow and the entire Okemo Valley serves as a gateway to Okemo Mountain Resort, offering shopping, dining and a variety of community events that are open to the public.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, call (800) 228-1600 or visit okemo.com.

 

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Stowe Mountain Lodge Introduces ‘Mountain Survival Package’ and Other New Experiences

Stowe, Vt. – Stowe Mountain Lodge, by Destination Hotels, is offering new and exciting outdoor adventures and revitalizing spa treatments for the 2014/2015 winter season. With people seeking more experiential and adventurous vacations for the entire family, Stowe Mountain Lodge has developed offerings that appeal to a wide variety of guests.

Here is a sample of new offerings for the 2014/2015 winter season.

The Mountain Survival Package:  This is an unforgettable experience and a chance to spend the day with a true mountain man and our resident Green Mountain expert. Mountain Survival includes:  a two-night stay in luxurious accommodations, your choice of an ice climbing/mountaineering expedition, a Rustic Furniture Making Class, or a backcountry skiing trip; an 80 minute deep tissue or hot-stone massage, a guided evening snowshoe tour and a $100 dining credit to experience our upscale restaurant, Solstice or Hourglass Lounge. Guests can seek out a true adventure with a touch of indulgence to go along.

For Mom: The Winter Goddess: Spend a day at the Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge to truly revive and rejuvenate. Winter Goddess includes:

-Hydrofacial Boost treatment

-Manicure & Pedicure

-Blowout

-Make-up Application

For the Young Couple: Ultimate Detox: The Stowe Mountain Lodge Spa and Wellness Center takes pride in guiding our guests to achieve their ultimate level in wellness and balance. The Ultimate Detox package is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, healthy, balanced and ready to seize the day, whether it’s on the slopes or sitting by the fire.  Ultimate Detox Package includes:

-80 minute Detox Facial

-50 minute Detox Body Wrap

-50 minute Ionic Detox Foot Ritual with a hand, scalp and foot treatment

-Healing Lodge Access for Detox Ritual

For the Kids: Art Aprés, Ages 3-18:  After a fun day on the ski hill or playing outside, kids can wind down with the art teachers from Stowe’s Helen Day Art Center, a non-profit organization that supports the arts in the community of Stowe, Vermont. Classes include: Paper Arts, Winter Birch Tree Painting, Fabric Arts, Wool Weaving, Snowboard/Ski Designing, Sticker/Logo Designing, Cartooning, Winter Watercolor and more.

For the Grandparents: Take a Day Off…from Skiing!  Package: When you ski hard on a winter vacation, especially a challenging mountain like Stowe Mountain Resort, sometimes you just need a day off. Enjoy the “Take a Day Off” package at The Spa and Wellness Center and spend the day stretching, moving, and relaxing. “Take a Day Off” includes:

-Guided snowshoe Tour and Stowega (our signature outdoor stretching and yoga class)

-Unlimited fitness classes

-Choice of 80-minute massage

For the Four Legged Family Members: Bring the dogs on a special and unique privately guided snowshoe tour for the entire family. Your dogs will get to run free, frolic in the snow and hike Smuggler’s Notch with other Vermont dogs and families. “We like to call it the ‘Vermont Dog Park’.”

Stowe Mountain Lodge is the centerpiece of Spruce Peak at Stowe, a $400 million alpine village in planning and development stages for the past 16 years.  As part of this new community, guests of Stowe Mountain Lodge will enjoy world-class service, 312 guest rooms, a 21,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, ski-in/ski-out access to over 100 legendary trails, exclusive access to Stowe Mountain Club, an 18-hole mountain golf course designed by Bob Cupp, and a heated outdoor pool. Stowe Mountain Resort offers over 56,000 square feet of event space, as well as high-end boutiques, restaurants and limitless on-mountain recreational options.  The lodge offers farm-to-table cuisine in Solstice restaurant and Hourglass bar.  In addition, 34 fractionally-owned condominium units are available for vacation home ownership in the Lodge’s Front Four Private Residence Club.  Rooms reservations, with special lodging offers and packages, are available by calling (802) 253-3560 or (888) 4-STOWE-VT, or by visiting www.stowemountainlodge.com. For real estate inquiries, call (888) 403-7739 or (802) 253-0320.

Destination Hotels is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically-immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 125 exceptional bars and restaurants. Destination Hotels are true to our place; diverse by design. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow on Twitter: @Destination. Like on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

Stowe Mountain Resort is an internationally renowned four-season destination. With majestic Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe is filled with activities for every season: golf, tennis, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, world-class dining, shopping, spas and more. Stowe’s historic village combined with Vermont’s most spectacular landscape creates the quintessential New England getaway. For more information visit:  http://www.stowe.com or call: 800-253-4754.

 

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Lake Morey Resort Offers Array of Ways to Enjoy Winter in Vermont

With its own 600-acre lake cleared to create multiple pond hockey rinks and the country’s longest maintained skating trail (4.5 miles), Lake Morey, Fairlee, Vermont, is an icy playground for winter enthusiasts.

Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT offers a variety of ice-based outdoor winter activities that get the blood pumping in ways other than downhill skiing. With its own 600-acre lake cleared to create multiple pond hockey rinks and the country’s longest maintained skating trail (4.5 miles), Lake Morey is an icy playground for winter enthusiasts.

During Ice Sports University (ISU) weekend, January 23-25, 2015, guests can sweep a curling stone down the ice, compete in an invigorating game of pond hockey, circle the lake on Nordic Skates or discover the secrets to ice fishing. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are also available for more snow-minded folks. Open to beginners through advanced, experts in each field will be on hand giving complimentary one-hour workshops in each activity for those who need it, culminating in a friendly competition for those who wish to test their skills.

Rates start at $149 based on single or double occupancy. Extra people sharing a room would be $20 per person, per night. The rate includes two nights lodging and all workshops. All equipment (except helmets) will be provided onsite.

For those not interested in hitting the ice, there are plenty of spectator sports to enjoy as well. In addition to the ongoing workshops, Lake Morey Resort has partnered with the Upper Valley Curling Club to bring a weekend of curling competition to the lake during the second annual Pondspiel. Catch the action lakeside or while sipping a warm beverage in the Steamboat Lounge. Throughout the weekend, the resort’s complimentary 120-seat indoor movie theater will also be streaming classic winter-sports-themed movies and a variety of other indoor activities are available, from swimming and table tennis to massages and other treatments in the resort’s Waters Spa.

For more information and to book, visit www.lakemoreyresort.com or call 800-423-1211. Lake Morey Resort is located at 1 Clubhouse Road, Fairlee, VT 05045.

 

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1980 Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Hockey Team to host Fantasy Camp in Lake Placid

Hockey goal, Jim Craig’s goalie stick and equipment from the 1980 Olympic gold-winning ‘Miracle on Ice’ game on display at Lake Placid’s Olympic Museum. Members of the “Miracle” team are marking the 35th anniversary by returning to Lake Placid to host a “Miracle on Ice” Fantasy Camp © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Members of the 1980 United States Hockey Team marking the 35th anniversary of their historic win in Lake Placid by hosting a “Miracle on Ice” Fantasy Camp March 29-April 2, 2015.

All on-ice activities will take place on the 1980 Rink Herb Brooks Arena, managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) in Lake Placid.

This opportunity is limited to the first 68 individuals (age 21 and over) to register and join members of a team that created, in the words of Sports Illustrated magazine, the “sports event of the century.” These fantasy camp attendees will skate with, be coached by, and receive instruction from the likes of Eruzione, Neal Broten, Dave Christian, John Harrington, Steve Janaszak, Ken Morrow, Mike Ramsey and Buzz Schneider.

In addition to hockey instruction and games, attendees will be treated like gold. Fantasy campers will be picked up at Albany (N.Y.) International Airport and transported to and from Lake Placid via motor coach. They will spend four nights at the High Peaks Resort, enjoy dining, socialize with the 1980 players, receive a gift bag including practice and home and away replica 1980 USA Hockey game jerseys, hockey helmet, gloves, socks, pants, camp apparel, souvenir autographed hockey stick and a framed autographed photo of each participant and their team with the 1980 Hockey Players. Participants will also receive a camp highlight video and be a part of those “inside” stories that may not have been told over the past 35 years.

One of the most beloved sports teams in history, members are returning to the site of their historic achievement where they defeated the Soviet Union and Finland and shocked the world en route to that improbable gold and Lake Placid glory.

“It’d be nice for people to come up there to experience Lake Placid – it’s such a great little place and such a big part of our lives,” said 1980 team member and captain Mike Eruzione, who scored the winning goal against the Russians in the ‘Miracle on Ice’ game. “I think it will also be terrific for some of us to get together. This will be great for us to kick back and have some fun in a place that was special to us, and over the years, we’ve realized it’s special to a lot of people in this country.”

“Miracle on Ice Hockey Camp is a chance to connect with one of the greatest moments in sports. Our team is continually amazed at the response we continue to get from not only fans but the general public,” added Harrington, who assisted on Eruzione’s go-ahead goal against the Russians. “It was an amazing time in our lives, a crucial time in global politics, and to know that we had some effect on the psyche of a nation is very flattering. This camp will enable participants and players to re-live that time period, share the inside stories and allow you to play in one of the most famed arenas in all of sports.”

“We think what we did 35 years ago was special, and the way we’ve carried ourselves in the past 35 years, as individuals, as a group, and what has become of that legacy…we’re very proud of that legacy,” said Schneider, who scored the team’s opening goal against the Russians. “We’ve had many opportunities to do these types of things over the years, but we’re very selective. Having the opportunity to do something like this in Lake Placid is very special to me and I’m sure that it will be equally as special to those who participate. This will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

To learn more about the Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp visit www.MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.com. Follow the camp on Twitter, @1980HockeyCamp and on Facebook, MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.

 

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Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem 5-Week Holiday Festival Begins Nov. 20 at Steelstacks; Tix on Sale

Festive Main Street, Bethlehem. A great place to stay is the historic Hotel Bethlehem.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, the popular holiday marketplace that takes place at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is set to return for its 22^nd year, with 100 artisans and vendors, a special 50^th anniversary celebration by Käthe Wohlfahrt and more. Advance discount tickets for the event, which takes place Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 20-Dec. 21, are now on sale at http://www.christmascity.org and 610-332-3378.

New this year is the Christkindlmarkt/Bethlehem: The Christmas City Movie combo ticket, which includes admission to the “Bethlehem: The Christmas City” film, highlighting Bethlehem’s rich history from its founding by the Moravians in 1741 through the present day.

Recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Christkindlmarkt is a delightful family event that features aisles of exquisite, handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heartwarming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious German and Austrian food, and more.

Each weekend, dozens of vendors and artisans come to the marketplace from as far away as North Carolina, Georgia, Indiana and Illinois. Approximately 135 different vendors will attend the market over its five-week run, with nearly 20 percent of them appearing at the event for the first time.

Among the thousands of holiday gift ideas guest will discover are beautiful glass art, handmade jewelry, wheel-thrown pottery, gourmet foods and hand-crafted candles.

One of the highlights of Christkindlmarkt 2014 is the return of Käthe Wohlfahrt, which is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year. In honor of the special occasion, the renowned German ornament and nutcracker maker is featuring a handful of special 50^th Anniversary collectibles and ornaments, all available only in very limited quantities.

Other new attractions include the first limited-edition Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem collectible from Rich Connolly, the popular local artist known for his hand-painted chalkware figurines created with century-old antique candy molds; as well as the opportunity for guests to work with the glass artists at the Glassblowing Tent powered by Think Energy to create their own Stamped Glass Bethlehem Star, the perfect souvenir of their visit to the Christmas City.

Families attending Christkindlmarkt will also enjoy the ice sculpting demonstrations, giant playhouses created by area architects, and visits with the market’s authentic German St. Nicholas.  Plus, the popular “Breakfast with St. Nick” is back Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13 at 9 a.m. During the events, which sell out each year, children and their families enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, goodie bag and arts & crafts, as well as a photos with the jolly, old man himself.
Christkindlmarkt hours are Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving), Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 for ages 13 and older, $4 for ages 6-12, and admission is free for ages 5 and under. Advance season passes are $16 for ages 13 and older, and $8 for ages 6-12;

Tickets for Breakfast with St. Nick are  $14.95 for ages 11 and older; $11.95 for ages 2-10, and $6.95 for ages under 2.

For complete Christkindlmarkt information, as well as tickets and season passes, visit http://www.christmascity.org or call 610-332-3378.

 

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