SNOWBOUND SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE
2014 EDITION
The latest must-haves
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2014 Apparel Guide Olympic Proportions
Tech Tools for Easy Travel
at these past venues
Mobile apps smooth the way on and off the slopes
® Ski like a gold medalist
SNOWBOUN ®
Great Aprés-Ski Hangouts
Favorite bars and lounges from Maine to California
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SNOWBOUND SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE
VOL. 1, NO. 1, 2014 EDITION
contents FEATURES
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Snow Apparel 2014
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BY LAUREN REINIGER
Check out the hottest new items for your next skiing or boarding trip
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Eight Great Après-Ski Hangouts BY JILL K. ROBINSON
Unwind at one of these special spots after an exhilarating day on the mountain
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Olympic Venues for Your Next Vacation BY JILL K. ROBINSON
Bring home gold-medal memories from competition-caliber resorts around the world
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Tech Tools Ease the Way
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Booking Group Airfare
BY ERIC HOWARD
Get your winter trip off on the right foot with the right flights
BY LANCE HARRELL
Put mobile apps to work for your group, both on and off the slopes
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WinSport
SITE INSPECTIONS Mammoth Mountain
Speed down the track in a bobsled at WinSport Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary.
Keystone Resort Granby Ranch Copper Mountain Telluride Ski Resort
Nathan Kendall
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Mountain Lodge Telluride Big Sky Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aston Lakeland Village Resort Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
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Switzerland Dearborn County, Indiana
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SNOWBOUND
jeff gayduk
SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE
Vol. 1, No. 1, 2014 Edition
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A Group Affair elcome to the inaugural edition of Snowbound! We are proud to present this new resource for the ski and snowboard community. It’s designed to help groups plan a seamless winter vacation, with insider tips and advice from some of the leading authorities in the winter sports industry. I hope you find this edition both informative and inspiring! Throughout the magazine you’ll find articles and tips from insiders who have a unique perspective on not only where to ski, but where to hang out after a long day on the slopes, how to negotiate air fares in an overly complex environment and new technology aimed to make group planning easier. Our destination partners are found in the back portion of the publication with individualized Site InSpections that help answer questions you may have when considering new destinations or looking to visit an old favorite.
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Editorial Office
While Snowbound is new, our company and history in the ski market are not. Our parent company, Premier Travel Media, publishes eight unique travel magazines, websites and e-newsletters serving the niche group travel industry. All told, we reach over 130,000 travel buyers who plan student trips, religious tours & retreats, reunions, group tours, sporting events and yes, ski & snowboard trips! For the past eight years we have published the Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council’s publication, Ski + Ride (formerly known as Midwest Skier). While that magazine is alive and well, Snowbound complements Ski + Ride with a national flair and reach towards a larger network of winter sports enthusiasts. Though Snowbound debuts in print, it lives online year-round at our new web portal for the industry, BoundForSnow.com. Here you will find a digital version of the print guide, along with Site InSpection features on leading destinations and resorts, plus a growing archive of planning tips. Visit us online today and start planning your next group vacation! See you on the slopes,
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher
621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com
Contributing Writers Eric Howard Jill K. Robinson Lance Harrell Lauren Reiniger
Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com
Advertising & Sales – Justin Roach justin@ptmgroups.com
Advertising Sales Office Phone: 630.794.0696 advertising@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com
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The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.
SNOWBOUND is published annually by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free to ski group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95. Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
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publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
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Stunning views.
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Views. Swiss made. The views from Switzerland’s high summits are heavenly. Each peak reveals a breathtaking natural landscape with its own unique charm. Experience natural highs that you’ll never forget. MySwitzerland.com
SNOW APPAREL
2014 THE LATEST MUST- HAVES
By Lauren Reiniger
For style, convenience and comfort, hit the slopes this year with the hottest new apparel. Here are some trend-setting products that may come in handy on your next skiing or snowboarding trip:
ASS ARMOR Ass Armor offers tailbone protection that is short on the market. The snowboarding injury rate is almost double that of skiing and a quarter of all injuries occur to first-time riders. Ass Armor takes the form of a pair of shorts that is temperature-stable and offers high-performance impact protection. Suggested retail price: $89.99. (assarmor.com)
ALPINE THERMACELL HEATED INSOLES Alpine ThermaCELL Heated Insoles are engineered to keep your feet warm while avoiding sweating. They are remote-controlled, wireless, rechargeable and transferable from one boot/shoe to another. Retail price: $134.99. (thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers)
HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER VOICE COMMUNICATING SKI GOGGLES These goggles feature a built-in wireless intercom that allows you to speak with up to six like-equipped friends via a Bluetooth transceiver with a 1,600-foot range. You can also connect wirelessly to a smartphone for music or for automatic voice answering of incoming calls. The mirror-coated black lens blocks 100% of harmful UV rays, with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. Retail price: $299.95. (hammacher.com/product/12196)
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COLDAVENGER WEATHER MASK ColdAvenger masks humidify airways and keep you warm. By humidifying inhaled air, the ColdAvenger protects the lungs and keeps your core warmer. The ventilator keeps excess moisture away from skin while preventing goggle fog. A hidden nose wire provides a custom fit. Retail price: $49.95-$139.95. (coldavenger.com)
PEEPSNAKE SCARF Peepsnake scarves allow you to keep and protect your phone and other small belongings while you ski and snowboard. Take photos and video through the back window and store additional items (key, cash, tickets, lip balm or passport) in the pouch on the other end. Scarves are available in a range of colors. Retail price: $45.95-$54. (peepsnake.com)
PAKEMS BOOTS Pakems are a line of lightweight (15 ounces) and compressible shoes designed to fit in your bag while you hit the slopes and quickly substitute for ski or snowboard boots. Pakems are offered in high tops or standard shoes and are available in different colors. Retail price: $60-$70; $12 carrier bag. (pakems.com)
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GREAT APRÈS-SKI
HANGOUTS
Cap your day on the slopes at one of these special spots By Jill K. Robinson 8
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Paul Morrison
Presenting top acts from around the world, Belly Up is a live music hotspot in Aspen.
Garibaldi Lift Company is “the” place to après at Whistler Mountain in British Columbia.
Savor the Western ambience at High West in Park City, the world’s only ski-in distillery.
Take a dip in the hot tub at Umbrella Bar, a high-altitude watering hole at Squaw Valley.
here’s no argument—the best part of a ski day is the time you’re taking turns on the mountain. But regardless of how awesome your day turns out, the cherry on your ski sundae is how you celebrate. Whether you like to take it slow while watching the afternoon crowd from the sunny deck, or prefer to party like a rock star into the night, we’ve got your star selection of après and night spots to put on your dance card.
GARIBALDI LIFT COMPANY Whistler, British Columbia People pack in at the GLC (learn the local nickname) because the deck looks out onto the mountain, so you can watch the late-afternoon skiers charging down at the end of the day while enjoying a brew and nachos. The music is the other reason this bar is a hotspot. With DJs spinning everything from funk to house, how can a good après go wrong? (whistlerblackcomb.com/events-andactivities/the-village/restaurants/glc.aspx)
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UMBRELLA BAR Squaw Valley, California Start your après off right on the mountain at Squaw Valley with a great brew, some breathtaking views and a dip in the huge hot tub at High Camp (elevation 8,200 feet, but who’s counting?). It’s not somewhere to linger later into the evening, as you’ve got to get moving when the lifts close, but the spot is perfect for winding down your day of sweet spring skiing. (squaw.com/things-to-do/dining/on-mountain)
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Go for the fishbowl at Boyne Mountain’s Snowflake Lounge.
HIGH WEST DISTILLERY AND SALOON Park City, Utah Park yourself on Park Avenue (the center of town) at the High West Distillery and Saloon, Utah’s first legal distillery since the 1870s, which also conveniently sits smack at the end of Park City's Quittin’ Time ski run. It’s not quite set up so you can snag a tumbler of whiskey before you get out of your bindings, but it’s the next best thing. Want to see how your booze is made? Take a behind-the-scenes distillery tour. (highwest.com) BELLY UP Aspen, Colorado Hang in through après, and if there’s a good band playing at the Belly Up, do yourself a favor and get a ticket. The small club hosts world-class talent, but it feels like it could fit in your pocket, allowing views that feel like front row from nearly anywhere in the building. Here’s one reason to follow the locals and don’t ask questions—they usually know what’s good. (bellyupaspen.com) THE ROSE Jackson Hole, Wyoming Sexy snow bunnies and snowboarders with trucker hats gather at The Rose, a swanky citified, low-lit bar that serves vintage and modern cocktails with fun names. Many of the libations change with the seasons, but there’s always something for everyone— from beer to wine to bubbles, and of course, the killer cocktails. This bar could easily be plunked down in New York City, but the mountain spirit makes it extra special. (therosejh.com) SNOWFLAKE LOUNGE Boyne Falls, Michigan Start the evening off with a bang at the Snowflake Lounge, perched on the third floor of the Clock Tower Lounge. Drink highlights run from warmers (like the Snow Cocoa) to shooters (a favorite is the Dirty Girl Scout XX) to elaborate signature cocktails. Don’t worry, it’s not just drinks. Live entertainment keeps you moving, so don’t forget to tally up your beverages as you go. (boyne.com/boynemountain/dining)
THE RACK Sugarloaf, Maine When you’d prefer not to jump around from place to place after a hard ski day, head down the road to The Rack. Set in a barnstyle building, the place seems to have it all. Start with budgetpriced beer for après (you know you love PBR), get a rack of slow-roasted ribs with coleslaw and corn bread for dinner, and then hang around into the night for some live music or basement arcade games. All in one is often the way to go. (therackbbq.com) 10
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WOBBLY BARN Killington, Vermont Created from pieces of barns across New England, this popular steakhouse draws hungry skiers and riders at the end of a long mountain day. After dinner, climb upstairs to the nightclub for adult beverages and partying into the night. If you overindulge on Friday and Saturdays, grab a ride on the Wobbly Wagon, which runs up and down Killington Road during ski season. (wobblybarn.com)
Relax in style at The Rose, a classically inspired cocktail lounge in Jackson, Wyoming.
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OLYMPIC VENUES FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION Bask in the glow of the 2010 Winter Games with a photo stop at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Get into the spirit of the Winter Games and bring home gold-medal memories from premier resort destinations around the world By Jill K. Robinson
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ven if your winter sporting pursuits are purely leisure in nature, it’s hard to avoid being awed by the Winter Olympic Games. Sochi may be only memories, and it’s a long slog to hang in for four years until Pyeongchang (South Korea), so why not take advantage of some of the existing Winter Olympic venues to get as close as you can to the glory of the Games?
Vancouver, British Columbia
Take a spin on the ice at Utah Olympic Oval. Utah Olympic Park
The 2010 games (XXI) were held from Vancouver to Whistler, and this still-new site has a wide variety of Olympic experiences for the casual traveler. First on the list, with views of Vancouver, Cypress Mountain (cypressmountain.com) was the venue for Olympic freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Whistler was home to a host of mountain sports. Take some time to hang out in the Whistler Olympic Plaza, in the heart of Whistler Village. An outdoor gathering place, the plaza features free outdoor public ice skating, outdoor performance spaces, and Olympic and Paralympic memorabilia on display. At Whistler Olympic Park visitors can take lessons in classic cross-country and skate skiing. Hit the Whistler Sliding Centre for a ride on either the bobsled or skeleton. On the mountain (whistlerblackcomb.com), get your downhill kicks on the Dave Murray Downhill course, dropping more than 2,500 feet in just under two miles. SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE
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Dave Schmidt/Lake Placid CVB
Perry Thompson
Revel in Olympic memories at New York’s Whiteface Mountain, Alberta’s Nakiska Ski Area and the ski jumping stadium in Turin, Italy.
Turin, Italy The 2006 games in Turin (XX) were the second time that Italy’s hosted the Winter Olympics. At the Turin Olympic Park (torinolympicpark.org) in winter, take some turns on the ice at the Palavela Turin. The bobsled, luge and skeleton track is located between the mountains of San Sicario and today allows the public to take part in rides with professional drivers on the Taxi Bob and Bob Kart. Looking for other ways to experience speedy downhilling? Visit the Ski Jumping Olympic Stadium, not for jumping, but for some super-quick tubing. If speed isn’t your thing, you can at least tour the facility to get a look from up top. For a little bit of freestyling, head to Melezet, where you can check out the terrain park in the shadow of the Olympic Half Pipe.
Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City’s 2002 Olympics (XIX) are still recent enough to be in the memory of modern-day sports fans. Take a spin on the ice at the Utah Olympic Oval and then head up to Park City and the Utah Olympic Park (utaholympiclegacy.com)—open to the public for the Comet Bobsled ride and the skeleton. Look through the three-story Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, which also happens to be home to the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. Visitors can
view the gallery of highlights and artifacts from the 2002 games, as well as check out the history of skiing disciplines in the area. Freestylers can try their skills on the 22-foot Eagle Superpipe at Park City Mountain Resort (parkcitymountain.com). Over at Deer Valley (deervalley.com) take a turn down Know You Don’t trail, site of the Olympic slalom events. Or, hit Champion, which was the site of the mogul events.
Nagano, Japan The 1998 Winter Olympics (XVIII) were held in Nagano City, Japan, as well as the nearby mountain towns of Hakuba, Karuizawa, Nozawa and Shiga Kogen. Stroll through the Minami Nagano Sports Park, right in front of the Olympic Stadium. Here, you’ll find the Olympic Cauldron with the names of medal winners inscribed at its base. Nearby, the M-Wave holds an ice skating arena (during winter) and the Nagano Olympic Museum. The small collection inside includes the Olympic torch and photos from the 1998 games. For Alpine and Nordic skiers, the Hakuba Happo-one Resort (happo-one.jp/english) and Snow Harp are your focus. Happo-one, used for Alpine events, is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and is only an hour away from Nagano by train. The Snow Harp Cross-Country Course allows visitors to try their skills at this Nordic discipline.
Utah Olympic Park offers thrilling bobsled and skeleton rides down the Olympic track.
Utah Olympic Park
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The premier site for the 1988 Calgary Games (XV) is 15 minutes from downtown Calgary at WinSport Canada Olympic Park (winsport.ca). Get a chance to speed down the track in a bobsled or luge. Duck into the Sports Hall of Fame while at the park, and then lace up your skates for a turn on the ice at the Olympic Oval (oval.ucalgary.ca), about 15 minutes away at the University of Calgary. Alpine events (including Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G) took place at Nakiska (skinakiska.com). Test your skis on more than 40 miles of cross-country trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Home to Nordic events such as cross-country skiing and biathlon, this center has classic and skate trails.
Relive great moments at Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum.
Lake Placid, New York Having hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice in the 20th century, in 1980 (XIII) and 1932 (III), Lake Placid is an Olympic favorite. Start your visit at Whiteface Mountain (whiteface.com), home to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The museum’s collection of Olympic material includes a never-released historical footage of the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey game. Get a pin and membership in the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation when you take a ride on either of those two optimal ways of hurling yourself down the track at Lake Placid Sliding Center. Skating fans can choose rinks either inside or outdoors. Both rinks were in use for both the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. When it comes to Alpine pursuits, head back to Whiteface Mountain, where you can still carve out the men’s and women’s Downhill courses with a little help. But don’t leave it to only traditional Olympics routes when the entire mountain offers great skiing.
Squaw Valley, California Squaw Valley’s 1960 Olympics (VIII) is the oldest of the bunch, which means that few original competition sites exist in the same manner, but skiers can zip down trails used for men’s and women’s Downhill, Slalom and Giant Slalom. While you’re on the mountain, duck into the Squaw Valley Olympic Museum at High Camp, filled with a collection of memorabilia, news articles and video presentations from the 1960 Winter Olympics. There are also items from current Squaw athletes Julia Mancuso, Travis Ganong, Marco Sullivan and Nate Holland. (squaw.com) The Nordic trails for cross-country and biathlon events are on the West Shore at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Bring your own skis and follow the interpretive panels that start at the Blue Trailhead. ❉ BoundForSnow.com
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Utah Olympic Park
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TECH TOOLS E Enhance your group ski trip with these four handy, dandy mobile apps
By Lance Harrell
s someone who has been an avid skier for more than two decades, I know that skiing and snowboarding have always been a technology-intensive endeavor. I have spent many hours scanning through equipment and apparel reviews, comparing DIN ranges, turn radii, flex capabilities and thermal rating, just as I am sure many of you have. We are no strangers to technology. However, what I’d like to offer you here is some helpful advice on technology of a different sort. Below I have listed what I consider to be a few mobile apps to help you with your group trip, both on and off the slopes.
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4,800 RESORTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS I’ll begin with an app that claims to be the most comprehensive collection of trail maps, test reports, snow reports, snow depths, ski weather/mountain weather info, webcams, live streams, ski info (slopes, lifts, ski passes) and accommodations for ski holidays in the world. The Skiresort.info app holds information on over 4,800 resorts and lifts worldwide and is a trusted leader in the snow report and resort info arena. Some of the most useful features are the “route planner” and “nearby resorts” features, which use your current location to display resorts close to you With the Skiresort.info app at your command, on a map and provide you you can find out almost anything about any directions on how to get major ski area in the world. there from where you are. The app even has links to 3,000 live webcams for those of us who want to see the destination live.
AUGMENTED REALITY COMES TO LIFE So you’ve finally arrived at your chosen resort, but it is your first time there, and finding your way around using traditional means can be cumbersome and time consuming. Enter the Realski augmented reality app. Just open the app and point your phone like a camera, and information regarding restaurants, lodges, restrooms and chairlifts layer over your view screen. The app can even tell you the difficulty rating of whatever ski run you happen to be on. The app currently is limited to about 100 ski resorts in North America, but the list is expanding rapidly. And when your day is done and you’re trying to remember where you parked, this app has you covered as well, with the ability to geotag your car for easy location.
FIND YOUR FRIENDS ON THE SLOPES Let’s face it, while skiing and boarding may be group activities, the members of your group will not be homogeneous in regards to skill level, pace or trail choice, and the larger the group, 14
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ASE THE WAY the more you are likely to be spread out all over the mountain. Keeping track of everyone can be a chore, especially when you are trying to schedule group activities like meals or check-ins. Apple comes to the rescue once again! Its Find My Friends app, available for iOS and Android devices, tells you the exact location of all of the members of your group who have it installed and have agreed to share their location, making sure you always have the 411 on your group members.
SAFETY FIRST Safety is always a concern when on the mountain, especially for the more adventurous of us who venture
into the backcountry or engage in heli-skiing or other activities where the risks are higher. We all know to carry an avalanche beacon in case we become injured or trapped, but as backup I highly recommend the SnoWhere app, which converts your phone’s GPS into a beacon as well. These apps are just four of my favorites, but there are lots more out there to help you plan and execute a safe and successful group trip. If you have one that you’d like to share, please contact us on our website, BoundForSnow.com. If we like your suggestion, we’ll be sure to include it in our next list along with your submission information. See you on the slopes! ❉
TVB Innsbruck
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Snowbound travelers know that weather can wreak havoc with airline plans.
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hances are when you are planning your winter getaway, you fall into one of two camps; either you are trying to make an escape to a tropical locale, or you openly embrace the season and all that comes with it. While the winter weather can present a multitude of outdoor activities, it can also present different challenges to making your travel plans. If you are flying, then organizing a group may come with some benefits for you, so let's start there. A group, by simplest definition, means you have multiple people who want to travel on the same flight. The airlines consider a group as a reservation with 10 or more traveling together. Booking as a group means you can plan your departure and arrival logistics with ease, as you will all depart and arrive together. In addition to the logistical benefits, you usually guarantee the same price for everyone.
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©iStock.com/travellinglight
Arranging flights for your ski group calls for professional advice and keeping up with the rules of the airline industry
GROUP BOOKINGS To start the process, you can generally request group space up to 11 months in advance of today’s date. It is up to you on how to approach this. You can do your homework and research every airline that flies the route. You then need to find the airline contacts, make the calls, get the quotes, and ask the questions (assuming you know what to ask them). Chances are every time you call, you’ll speak to a different representative and the service level is inconsistent at best. If you work with a travel agent, you may work with them throughout the entire planning process. They may have stronger purchasing power, have more knowledge of the players in the market, or can more effectively negotiate the airfare on your behalf. They can also assist with finding hotels, ground transport, and other key components of your trip. Once group airfare is confirmed, you may be asked to pay a deposit to continue holding space. At this point, you have not provided anything to your agency or airline, other than a commitment that you will use the space down the road. Deposits can range from $50 to up to $200 per seat, depending on the season and destination, and you may be asked to pay this deposit within a few days, up to 30 days from date of confirmation. BoundForSnow.com
Further along, you will approach what airlines call the “utilization” date. Simply put, this is the last day you can cancel or reduce space, without fear of being penalized. This is usually 90-100 days before departure. While you may have been holding space for some time, you still haven’t provided any passenger names to the airline, giving you plenty of opportunity to keep recruiting group participants. Once the utilization date has passed, you might be wondering what happens next. First, a good thing to know about being within the utilization date is that while you have entered a penalty period for reductions and cancellations, the airlines usually build in some flexibility in filling up your group reservation. Many airlines will still allow an additional 10-20% reduction in the space held, without any penalty. As you have continued to hold on to your reservation and make adjustments, you still have not submitted any passenger names yet, nor have you paid the balance. Again this gives you the flexibility for people to sign up, or drop from, your group without too much worry about penalty. Once you approach 35-45 days before departure, it is time to finalize the group, and tickets will be issued. You need to work with your agent, or the airline, to submit all passenger names, dates of birth, and passenger gender, as well as make your final payment of the balance. At 30 days out, the airline or agency will issue tickets. Most tickets today are issued as electronic tickets, where you simply show up at the airport with your identification and have boarding passes issued.
In addition, you should think about what it would cost to rent equipment on site, versus paying excess and oversized bag fees and worrying about potential damage to your prized belongings. Every airline will post their excess and oversized fees on their website, so start there to get an idea of potential costs. Keep in mind that if you are booking a group far in advance, these fees may change before group tickets are issued. While both an airline and agency will certainly try to guide you through the process, they are legally not required to do anything more than disclose the standard baggage fees as part of the up-front ticket costs. If you have a larger group, you may be able to request assistance in advance by providing a manifest of equipment that includes quantity, weight, and dimensions. Be sure to ask your travel agent or airline representative if this is possible. Airlines will usually also make blanket statements about what they will or will not be liable for in case of damage to your equipment. It's certainly not their intention to damage your belongings, but there is also reality that fragile equipment can break in transit. American Airlines, for example, puts specific statements on their website about use of hard-sided cases versus soft sided, and when damage is visible (or not). If you purchased travel insurance, make sure the baggage delay/damage language covers specialty equipment, not just standard baggage.
FINAL THOUGHTS SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES There are some additional things to think about when planning winter travel. Airports in resort areas may be smaller, have variable schedules, or the airlines may run smaller equipment. Because there is so much demand for a short season, and limited supply, it will lead to a higher fare. If you were going to Vail or Aspen, it might make more sense for a group to think about Denver and then making the drive. The planes are larger and can handle excess and oversized baggage, and the flights will be more frequent. A higher frequency of flights mean there are more seats to fill, and more competition to fill them. If there is bad weather, there may be more opportunity for the group to be rebooked. Also be sure to investigate the transportation options upon arrival; can you get a direct airport shuttle service to a hotel, or do you need to rent a van or motorcoach? How long is that drive, and is the drive safe in bad weather?
The same snow you love on the slopes may be the same snow that causes headaches at the airport. If you are the group leader, be creative with problems you are presented with and be confident to justify your decisions to those who think they can do it better. It is relatively easy to book your family on a vacation, but many people do not understand the complexities of group bookings. Be sure to talk to your travel agent for a professional opinion, and get out there and enjoy the cold winter sun! ❉
Eric Howard is Director of Travel Services at StudentUniverse and has been with StudentUniverse since 2005. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Isenberg School of Management, with a concentration in tourism management.
Travel agents can help ski group leaders navigate the ins and outs of airline rules and regulations.
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ammoth Mountain is located high atop the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Not only is it the highest elevated ski resort in California, Mammoth also has the longest ski season in North America—from November to June. Mammoth Mountain offers excellent dining options, top-notch lodges and hotels, and well-kept ski slopes and facilities, plus dozens of festivals and special events throughout the year.
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MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN SLOPE TO SLOPE
Mammoth Mountain offers terrain to challenge all abilities, with 25% of the trails dedicated to beginners, 40% to intermediates, 20% to advanced and 15% to expert skiers and boarders. The resort’s 150 trails are spread over 3,500 acres. Mammoth’s 28 lifts (including nine quads, two six-packs and three gondolas) and RFID gates eliminate wait time at lifts and allow guests maximum time on the slopes. Mammoth is famous for its award winning terrain parks and Super Pipe.
Catch a movie at Minaret Cinemas or bowl a few frames at the new Rock N Bowl entertainment center. The town of Mammoth Lakes has its own microbrewery with a popular tasting room located in the center of town, clothing boutiques, ice cream parlors and sporting goods stores. Enjoy a relaxing soak at Little Hot Creek or Whitmore Hot Springs. ❉
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Laura Kennedy and Michael Green sales@mammoth-mtn.com 1 Minaret Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 760-934-2571, ext. 3115 www.mammothmountain.com
ACCOMMODATIONS
Juniper Springs Resort is Mammoth’s mountain-side condominium hotel. It has studio, one- and two-bedroom condos. Mammoth Mountain Inn, offering hotel rooms and condos, lies 9,000 feet above sea level. Mammoth Mountain Inn is home to the Mountainside Grill and Dry Creek Bar and is located slope side at the base of the mountain adjacent to the Main Lodge and the Yodler Restaurant.
CALIFORNIA’S BIG MOUNTAIN FUN
HERE Ï GETTING & GETTING AROUND
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FACILITIES UNDER PERMIT FROM INYO NATIONAL FOREST.
Mammoth Mountain is a three-hour ride south of Reno and a five-hour ride north of Los Angeles. The local airport, Mammoth-Yosemite Airport, is eight miles and a 15-minute complimentary shuttle ride from the resort offering daily flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities. Mammoth offers ample complimentary local public transportation around the resort and the town. ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures outfitter offers tours. Mammoth Ice Rink provides another activity option. The Village of Mammoth is the heart of town and offers many dining options. BoundForSnow.com
Book your slopeside accommodation now and your club receives complimentary welcome reception, mountain tour and beer tasting. Contact your preferred tour operator for more information and exclusive packages. 760.934.2571x 3115.
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hen Max Dercum founded Keystone over 43 years ago, he knew he was on to something special, a beautiful spot high atop the Rocky Mountains - the perfect place to ski the day away and create lasting memories with friends and family. Today the tradition continues with three unique mountains featuring scenic groomers, tree-skiing, powder stashes, glades, bowl skiing, Cat Ski Tours and endless opportunities for fun.
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KEYSTONE RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE
Keystone Resort, one of the top-ranked year-round resorts in the country, opened in 1970 with four lifts and a small village. Today, it has three villages, with 20 lifts and 3,148 acres spread across three mountains. Skiers and riders can experience the cruiser runs and beginner trails on Dercum Mountain, continue to the legendary bumps of North Peak, then head into the powder stashes and solitude of The Outback. With three mountains, there’s a lot of terrain to conquer at Keystone. Whether you’re just beginning or an old pro, the knowledgeable instructors of the Ski & Ride School will help you accomplish your goals. In addition to traditional lessons, options include a kidsonly Ski & Ride School, family private lessons, and specialty programs. Kids will love Camp Keystone, where they will learn to ski and ride and participate in an array of on-snow activities, kids’ nights out and themed days. Kids can have the same camp counselor every day. Let experienced guides take your group on an off-piste, snowcat experience through Independence Bowl. The Mountain Top Tour is a snowcat adventure the whole family can enjoy - breathtaking views of the Continental Divide are just part of the fun. Keystone is also home to one of America’s best terrain parks - A51, which has a variety of features to fit any level. Plus, Keystone offers night skiing, which means it offers one of Colorado’s longest ski days so you can make the most of your day with family and friends on the mountain. 20
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Enjoy luxurious Ski-In / Ski-Out accommodations at the Lone Eagle Condominiums
Keystone Resort Keystone Resort Dana Rains P.O. Box 38 Keystone, CO 80435 877-753-9786 www.keystoneresort.com
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Keystone Resort offers lodging options from Four Diamond hotels to spacious condos to a cozy bed & breakfast. Unwind in the hot tub, relive the day by the fireplace and recharge for tomorrow. Plus receive free night skiing on day of arrival and other Play for Free activities when you stay at Keystone. Keystone Sports provides year-round gear in several slope-side locations, so you can get your rentals and hit the slopes in no time. They offer an extensive array of ski- and snowboard-equipment rentals. Keystone Sports allows you to pick up, adjust or drop off your equipment at the Mountain House base area or River Run Village locations.
1SPA POOL
Take a break from your adventures and relax in the Keystone Lodge’s state-ofthe-art spa with a full range of rejuvenating spa treatments. The lodge also includes a steam room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
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© Ric Stovall/Vail Resorts
RESORT SPOTLIGHT
Enjoy the comforts of the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Keystone Lodge & Spa
© Kimberly Gavin/Vail Resorts
3 INDOOR FITNESS STUDIO
Ï GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND Enjoy access to Keystone Lodge fitness studio, with 10,000 square feet of amenities
In addition to complimentary resort transportation running between Keystone lodging properties and the mountain, Keystone’s shuttle service has new 30-passenger buses that connect Lakeside Village, Mountain House Lodge and River Run Village in one continuous loop. Keystone is only 90 minutes from Denver International Airport via I-70.
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BIGHORN BISTRO & BAR
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
When you’re not on the mountain, Keystone offers a wide range of activities and dining. Take a full-moon snowshoe tour or skate ski lesson, slide down the tubing hill, view Orion Nebulous from a state-of-the-art observatory, skate on one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in North America or relax at the blissful Keystone Spa. The full-service spa, located in the Keystone Lodge & Spa building, is host to an indoor fitness studio, outdoor heated pool, sauna, hot tubs, relaxation room and specialty treatment facilities. ❉ BoundForSnow.com
Soak in the inspiring views of the Keystone Lake and Continental Divide as you enjoy masterfully prepared cuisine at the Bighorn Bistro & Bar.
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he snow has finished falling outside, a fresh layer of powder blankets the mountains, and the slopes are primed for skiing. Everyone is heading for the lifts, but long lines and large crowds won’t hold you back from enjoying a long day on the mountain. The quaint resort community of Granby Ranch, nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offers ski groups a true winter playground. Not only is there great skiing and snowboarding on the mountain, but there’s also snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking, among other activities. The best part of Granby Ranch, though, has to be the welcoming environment, with a local crew that will make you feel right at home. The resort was developed to bring the outdoors to families and groups, and allow them to create great memories that will last a lifetime.
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The only night skiing in Grand County is a unique addition to your group’s adventure.
PLAN YOUR GROUP ADVENTURE AT GRANBY RANCH SLOPE TO SLOPE
Granby Ranch is one of the smaller resort mountains in Colorado, but it offers quality skiing and riding for all ages. The mountain has a vertical of 1,000 feet, 41 trails and covers 406 skiable acres. Terrain ranges from beginner to advanced and was created specifically to be group- and family-friendly. The mountain features five lifts and a six progression terrain park, three of which are lit at night. And yes, there’s night skiing, too, and it’s offered most nights during the holidays, and Friday and Saturday nights from January to April. Private or group ski and snowboard lessons are perfect for visitors who may be new to the sport, want to improve their skills or haven’t been on a pair of skis in a while. Resort instructors offer personal instruction to make you the best skier or snowboarder you can be. Granby Ranch is easy to navigate, making it easy for groups to explore on their own, too. The Granby staff works to create personalized packages for groups. There will always be someone there to greet you and make sure your day gets off to the right start, whether you’re in need of rentals or looking for the best backcountry trails. They can even set up a private rental fitting for your group, so you don’t have to waste good powder time in lines.
HERE Ï GETTING AND GETTING AROUND
Granby Ranch is easily accessible by car or train and is only a 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport, which is served by dozens of airlines with direct flights to destinations all over the country. Once you arrive at Granby Ranch, you can hop on the shuttle around the property or explore on foot or by bike. If you do decide to drive, parking is abundant and is close to the lodge and lifts.
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ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Besides downhill skiing or snowboarding, Granby has plenty to do. Granby offers miles of cross-country and snowshoeing trails. There are two Nordic locations on the East Mountain and at Golf Granby Ranch. Families, safety & fun are the biggest priorities at Granby Ranch.
ACCOMMODATIONS
After a long day of skiing, boarding or snowshoeing, you need a warm, comfortable place to kick back for the evening. There is a variety of lodging options in or near Granby Ranch that are ideal for ski groups—and very reasonably priced. Stay in Base Camp One, a cozy venue with one-, two- and threebedroom condos; or opt for any of the other slopeside options like Mountainside, Kicking Horse and Summit. Hotel-style options are only a short drive away. 22
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In the evening, your group can gather around the bonfire at the base of the mountain and mingle while sipping cocktails and munching on s’mores. Or enjoy a nice meal at the Granby Ranch Grill in the Base Lodge. This classic mountain restaurant is open daily and serves up everything from pizza and pasta to strip steaks and salmon. On chilly evenings, cozy up by the indoor fireplace during the restaurant’s happy hour; or venture out to the patio, which offers a fantastic view of the runs lit up at night. If your group is interested in checking out some local shops or seeing a little more of Grand County, then take a short drive over to Winter Park or Granby. The towns feature unique retail stores where you can pick up anything you might need for your trip—or even a nice gift or souvenir for friends and family back home. They both also have a number of great dining options. Visiting in warmer months? You can enjoy mountain biking on a wide range of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. Tee off at the local golf course, or head to the lakes and rivers
Granby Ranch Emily Burgess Sales Manager, Granby Ranch 970-887-5143 groups@granbyranch.com www.granbyranch.com
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With Granby Ranch’s ski & ride school your group can learn to shred in no time.
for some fishing and hiking. The people that live and work in Granby Ranch are passionate about the outdoors, skiing and snowboarding, and about giving your group a comfortable, welcoming, and memorable experience. You’ll enjoy it so much you may just start planning your next visit before you even leave. So go ahead and settle in for a few days—or even a week— and explore the recreational paradise that is Granby Ranch. ❉
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opper Mountain is a year-round, all-inone destination complete with slopeside villages and lodging at the base of the mountain. It is one of the closest major resorts to Denver with a pedestrianfriendly village. While featuring an intimate environment, Copper provides charming village sights and abovetree-line skiing; there is something for everyone in your group to enjoy.
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A torch light parade and fireworks are just some of the weekend animation you might expect at Copper.
COPPER MOUNTAIN RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE
Copper Mountain has 2,465 acres of skiable terrain that includes over 140 marked trails (21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 18% expert) and 23 lifts. The lift capacity is 32,324 skiers per hour, the average annual snowfall is 269 inches and the longest run is 1.7 miles. The mountain is naturally divided by ability; as your skill increases, you move east across the mountain for more challenging terrain. Copper’s High Alpine Project— The 12’s—allows you to ski above the tree-line and features expanded terrain, improved lift access and additional cat skiing operations, all designed to provide the iconic Colorado skiing experience. Woodward at Copper’s Barn is a facility full of trampolines, skate bowls, mini ramps and foam pits, which enable you to test out your tricks before you take them to the terrain park. This special training facility is the only one of its kind in Colorado. In 2014, Copper Mountain launched a new Apple and android app—Sherpa—the first hands-free, geo-aware mountain guide. Turn it on, plug in your headphones, put it away and Sherpa will alert you with insider tips, directions and information wherever you are on the mountain. This app allows you to know what the real insiders know; it tells you which sides of trails have the snow, which sides are groomed and where trail intersections eventually lead. There is also a Ski Patrol Help button.
Ï GETTING HERE About 75 miles from Denver, Copper Mountain is a straight shot right off Highway I-70. Airport shuttles and bus services are available through Hertz, Budget, Summit Stage and Denver Ski Bus. Copper Mountain is about an hour-and-45-minute drive from Denver International Airport.
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ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
There are many convenient meeting places to designate for your group, and the quaint village allows the non-skiers in your group to have an equally exciting vacation. While everything in the village is within walking distance, free shuttle service within the village is available. While in the village, you can also Zip lining is just one of the activities to explore along with ice skating, xc skiing, snowshoeing and others.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Lodging through Copper Mountain Reservations includes standard rooms, studios, one- to five-bedroom condos and town homes. All lodging in Copper is just steps away from the slopes, bars, restaurants and shops. Nearby Summit County lodging includes hotels and condos. Every group receives a group service manager who is their contact throughout the entire trip assisting with both lodging and lift tickets. This manager also helps with any activities your group may be interested in. Groups can also arrange a free mountain tour via ski or snowshoe. 24
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Village. JJ’s serves slow-smoked BBQ and features live music and the longest bar in Summit County with daily drink specials and happy hour. CB Grille, located in Center Village, is also great for group-seating and serves fresh seafood, burgers and pizzas. There is also a bar with live jazz music on weekends. ❉
Copper Mountain Resort Copper Mountain Resort 209 Ten Mile Circle Copper Mountain, CO 80443 866-236-4386 ext.11505 gs@coppercolorado.com www.coppercolorado.com
With 269 inches of snow anually, there is almost always some fresh snow to be found on the mountains
enjoy spa treatments, shopping and ice skating. Fire pits scattered throughout the village allow you to roast marshmallows or simply warm your hands. Just as the slopes are naturally divided by skill level, so too are the villages. West Village is home to Kid’s Ski & Ride School and Woodward at Copper’s terrain parks. East Village features Critterland and the Tubing Hill for kids while adults have multiple après options. Center Village has shopping and après a plenty and is sure to be the hub of your trip. The Alpine Rush Zip Line is a familyfriendly ride which allows two guests to fly side-by-side as they soar 30 feet above Copper’s West Lake ice skating rink. The zip line travels 300 feet across the lake, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The Copper Mountain Athletic Club and Spa features a 25-yard pool, hot tub, locker room with hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. The weight room offers free weights and the Cardio Center has stationary bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, stair climbers and elliptical trainers. The spa offers massages and facials, and Racquetball and Wallyball courts are also available. After working up an appetite on the hill, check out JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern in East BoundForSnow.com
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elluride, a former gold-mining town in the 1800s, has traded in its picks and shovels for skis and snowboards. With a population of about 2,500, this small town allows your group to seclude itself for a scenic getaway. No matter the skill level, there’s something here for everyone in your group to enjoy, from heli-skiing to boutique-shopping in the old rustic town of Telluride.
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Ski powder in Telluride while enjoying views of 14,000-foot mountains.
TELLURIDE SKI RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE
Telluride, ranked No. 1 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the Top 20 Ski Areas in North America for 2013, features over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. This includes 127 trails, three terrain parks and 18 lifts. The longest run is 4.6 miles, and the mountain is made up of 23% beginner, 36% intermediate and 41% advanced/expert courses. Because Telluride is not a typical tourist town, there are no crowds or lift lines, which means you can enjoy a lot more skiing.
Telluride averages 300 days of sunshine and 309 inches of snow per year. It’s referred to as a “ski mecca,” with the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in North America. The surrounding San Juan Mountains are some of the most beautiful in the Rockies. Telluride provides a comprehensive ski school for all ages. From groups to private lessons, the school teaches every ability from beginner to expert level. Living up to its reputation for legendary terrain, Telluride Ski Resort has something for everyone. The Plunge, Revelation Bowl and Gold Hill offer many steeps for experts. See Forever and Prospect Bowl provide the ideal terrain for intermediates and the wide-open, gentle slopes of Ute Park and The Meadows start beginners off right while enjoying the endless scenery of the mountains. ACCOMMODATIONS
Telluride has over 1,500 lodging units including condominiums, vacation homes, townhomes and hotels. Most lodging options feature ski-in/ski-out capabilities or are within walking distance of the slopes.
Ï AND GETTING AROUND GETTING HERE
Experience an 1800’s mining town. 26
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The two main area airports are Telluride (TEX) and Montrose (MTJ). Montrose Regional Airport is an hourand-15-minute drive to Telluride, with direct flights from Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Newark, N.J. during the winter. Telluride is only a 15minute drive from Telluride Airport and a six-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver. Group shuttle and bus services are available to Telluride Regional Airport and Montrose Regional Airport; there is no need for a rental car. Upon arrival in Telluride, the free gondola system transports you from Telluride to Mountain Village and back in just a matter of minutes. BoundForSnow.com
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The gondola runs daily from 7 a.m. to midnight during the summer and winter. It not only provides scenic rides, but is the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the nation. The locals say, “we have two towns built in the ‘90s: one in the 1890s and another in the 1990s.” Telluride is an old gold-mining town that has turned into a bustling ski town, where boutiques and restaurants share space with snow banks and bike racks. Just up the mountain from Telluride sits Mountain Village, which is a more modern, Alpine-style community. Although Telluride is a small town, there are plenty of activities to keep your group entertained, such as sledding, ice climbing, ice skating, dinner sleigh rides, dog sled tours and a visit to the hot springs. You can also take your group on a snowmobile or snowshoe tour. Feeling adventurous? Take your group to ski on untracked
Telluride Ski Resort 565 Mountain Village Blvd. Telluride, CO 81435 888-483-5754 groupsales@telski.com www.tellurideskiresort.com
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powder with heli-skiing. Telluride also features NASTAR Racing where you can get national ranks and earn medals. If your group wants a break from the snow, they can visit the Telluride Historical Museum, relax at the spa, paraglide or ride in a hot air balloon. The fun doesn’t end in the winter; summer activities allow you to ride horses in the mountains, hike, swim, kayak and mountain bike. Feel like grabbing some lunch on your way down the mountain? Alpino Vino and Bon Vivant are restaurants located on Mountain and are only accessible by ski and snowboard. Telluride has over 50 restaurants; groups can find a great variety of dining options to fit their every need. ❉
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ountain Lodge Telluride is the perfect place for a private group getaway. Hours from any major city, Telluride provides a true mountain escape. Whether your group chooses suites, condominiums or separate cabins, a stay at the lodge will be one they never forget.
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MOUNTAIN LODGE TELLURIDE SLOPE TO SLOPE
Telluride Ski Resort features 127 trails, 3 terrain parks and 18 lifts. The longest run is 4.6 miles. The trails on the mountain are made up of 23% beginner, 36% intermediate and 41% advanced/expert, resulting in enough terrain for all skill levels. Also, because the mountain is secluded, there are no lines for the ski lifts, so your group can enjoy a lot more skiing and snowboarding on a more leisurely level. The resort offers private and group ski/ snowboard lessons for anyone from beginner to expert. There is also a kids’ ski school, which offers lessons to children ranging from 3 to 14 years old. Group rate lift tickets are available via the lodge as well as free mountain tours. The Mountain Lodge has ski-in/ski-out access, sandwiched in between two ski slopes. This not only ensures a short walking distance from your room to the slopes, but also an easy-tofind meeting location for your group after a day on the mountain.
room condominiums and Luxury Private Cabins adjacent to the ski slope. The property lends itself perfectly to any size group. Lodge amenities include grocery shopping service, on-site ski rentals, ski lockers, indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs,
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Mountain Lodge is Telluride’s premier group hotel, with a rustic, log-cabin environment, as seen in the 50-foot fireplace in the main lobby. The lodge offers condominium-style rooms and suites, providing the same services as a full-service hotel. It is also pet-friendly. All 92 units, many with views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, feature fireplaces, kitchens and jetted tubs. The Mountain Lodge offers accommodations ranging from Junior Suites, one, two- and three-bed28
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Top of Lookout looking at town of Telluride
Mountain Lodge Telluride Neil Hastings, Director of Sales & Marketing Noble House Hotels & Resorts 457 Mountain Village Blvd. Telluride, CO 81435 970-369-6017 • 970-369-4317 nhastings@mountainlodgetelluride.com www.mountainlodgetelluride.com
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a fitness center, a massage room, a steam room and full bar and restaurant, The View. Whether you’re dining or just grabbing a cocktail at The View, you can gaze out the 50-foot ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the mountain range. During the winter, The View is open for breakfast, après-ski and dinner. Catering services are available for groups and families.
1POOL
Ï GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND Montrose Regional Airport is an hour-and-15 minute drive to Telluride, with direct flights from Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Newark, N.J. during the winter. The Telluride Express shuttle will take your group from the airport to the lodge. An alternative airport is Telluride Regional Airport, only 15 minutes from the lodge. Telluride is approximately a six-hour drive from Denver and seven hours from the Denver International Airport. Mountain Lodge provides free shuttle service to and from the gondola, which gives you a free 13-minute ride to and from the two towns—Mountain Village and Telluride—that make up the ski area. The lodge also offers free shuttle service to the Mountain Village Market and Mountain Village Core.
Winter Sunset
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RESORT SPOTLIGHT
Living area, One Bedroom Suite, Two Bedroom Condo
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ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Mountain Lodge gives your group a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of a congested ski resort. Your group can count on privacy and seclusion—the nearest stoplight is 40 miles away—while still having a range of activities to enjoy. The lodge is located in the town of Mountain Village, a modern, Alpine-style community located at 9,500 feet mid-mountain on the south side of the ski area. Your group can take a short shuttle ride from the lodge to the gondola, which takes you above the mountain to the town of Telluride, located in a box-canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Old-town Telluride is a National Historic District that maintains its 1800s-style atmosphere. While in Telluride, your group can explore boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, restaurants and historic buildings. A retreat to Mountain Village is complemented by the rustic charm of Telluride to create “the best of both worlds” for groups visiting this scenic area. The Mountain Lodge and the two towns work together to provide a variety of activities for your group on the mountain, such as heli-skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sled tours. If your group needs a break from the slopes, they can enjoy spa treatments, paragliding, hot air balloon rides and a visit to the hot springs. ❉ BoundForSnow.com
Living area, Luxury Cabin
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KITCHEN/DINING AREA
Kitchen, Dining area, Luxury Cabin
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ontana’s Big Sky Resort recently combined with Spanish Peaks and Moonlight Basin to create the largest ski resort in the nation, claiming the title of “Biggest Skiing in America.” Your group is sure to love Big Sky Resort with its different styles of lodging, hundreds of trails to choose from and activities for all interests.
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© Big Sky Resort, Montana/Lonnie Ball
BIG SKY RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE
Big Sky Resort provides 5,750 acres of skiable terrain, 4,350 vertical feet, 23 chairlifts and 10 surface lifts. Lift capacity is 29,000 skiers per hour, but lift lines are short to nonexistent. The terrain is divided by 40% advanced, 20% expert, 26% intermediate and 14% beginner. The Lone Peak Tram takes skiers and riders to the summit of Lone Peak at 11,166 feet, where there is a 360-degree view of three states and surrounding mountain ranges, including the Tetons, on a clear day. Base (Mountain Village) is located at 7,500 feet. There are 250 named runs that cover more than 110 miles on three separate mountains; the longest run is six miles. Nine terrain parks—three smaller, three medium and three large—contain more than 100 features that allow you to improve skills on jumps, rails, C-boxes and the natural half pipe. The mountains receive more than 400 inches of annual snowfall. Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Sports School offers a variety of lessons, guide services, tours, camps and clinics for all ages and skill levels in both the Mountain Village and Madison Base Areas. Adult and youth group lessons are available for the day, morning or afternoon. The Big Sky Resort app is available for free download on Android and iPhone. It allows you to navigate the mountain, receive real time lift status updates, and find groomed and open runs, weather and facility information.
HERE Ï GETTING AND GETTING AROUND
There are direct flights to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) from Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, Houston and Portland, Ore. Big Sky Resort is approximately an hour drive from Bozeman Yellowstone International.
Big Sky offers a variety of lodging including hotels, condominiums, cabins, penthouses and homes to fit any size group’s needs. Many properties are within walking distance of each other, so if part of your group wants to stay in a hotel and the other wants to stay in a cabin, you can still meet with no hassle. Many of the lodging options are slopeside, allowing your group quick and easy access to skiing and snowboarding. 30
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Making memories: Interactive dining at the Fondue Stube
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© Big Sky Resort, Montana/Michel Tallichet
ACCOMMODATIONS
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Spa is the perfect place for your group to unwind after a long day on the slopes. Located on the pedestrian level of Village Center, the Wellness Studio offers daily classes and activities including yoga, ballet fitness, cardio-conditioning and Zumba. ❉
Big Sky Resort 50 Big Sky Resort Rd. Big Sky, MT 59716 1-800-548-4487 info@bigskyresort.com bigskyresort.com
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Big Sky Resort’s ski slopes, base area and lodging options are all located in the Mountain Village. The Meadow Village, which is where many locals reside, is located just 10 minutes away and offers additional shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Free shuttle service is available between the two villages. The Adventure Zipline is a chairlift-accessed tour made up of three zipline sections and the Twin Zipline, which spans up to 1,500 feet long and 150 feet above the forest floor. The entire Adventure Zipline Tour offers 5,000 feet of ziplining and open views of Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks of the Madison Mountain Range. Other outdoor activities include a high ropes course, giant swing, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, tube park, snowshoe tours, Nordic skiing, ice climbing, snowmobile tours, snowcoach tours and sleigh rides. Big Sky Resort is the base camp for Yellowstone National Park. Your group can take scenic hikes and see the world’s greatest concentration of geysers against the backdrop of the Gallatin Range. You can also visit Yellowstone via snowcoach tours and snowmobiles. If your group needs a break from the snow, they can shop at the Village Center shopping mall in the Big Sky Resort Mountain Village Plaza and Base Area. Shopping is also available at Mountain Mall, Moonlight Lodge and Madison Base. Dining is available everywhere you look. From bars and grills to cafés and delis, your group will easily find what they’re craving. Chet’s Bar and Grill is a group favorite with its nightly entertainment and big tables to accommodate groups. Whiskey Jack’s, located in the Big Sky Resort Mountain Village Plaza, is the place to cut loose after a long day. If your group wants a meal with a view, stop at Black Kettle Burritos, located at 9,160 feet on the slopes of Lone Peak. Solace Spa has two locations: Mountain Village and Moonlight Lodge. With complete spa treatments and relaxation rooms, Solace BoundForSnow.com
© Big Sky Resort, Montana/Lonnie Ball
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ackson Hole refers to three parts—the entire valley, the town and the ski resort— but you are sure to find what you’re looking for in any of these areas. Ranked as one of the top ski resorts in the country, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) has the character, variety and approachability that every snow-seeker craves. From snowshoeing to skiing and snowboarding, JHMR has something for everyone.
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JHMR Athlete, Jess McMillan samples the Cowboy Powder
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE
JHMR, situated in the heart of Wyoming’s Teton County, is known for its intense, steep terrain and its vertical drop, which is one of the highest in North America at 4,139 feet. The resort consists of two mountains, Apres Vous and Rendezvous, and is made up of 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. There are 116 named trails, with about 50% of those labeled as expert, 40% intermediate and 10% beginner. However, you don’t have to be a professional to ski here. Jackson Hole also has a more family- and beginner-friendly environment at the resort, making it less intimidating for people who are just starting out or are looking for a laid-back day on the slopes. Whether you have never set foot on a slope or you are looking to improve your skills, you can head over to the Mountain Sports School and sign up for individual or class instruction. For seasoned veterans and adventurous types, JHMR has a superpipe, two terrain parks and a Burton Stash park—the only one in the Rockies.
complimentary shuttle service to JHMR. Town Square Inns consists of four different properties that accommodate any size group and budget. The properties are located downtown within walking distance of the city’s night life, restaurants, shops and art galleries. The Wort Hotel offers guests a trip through time, as this historic hotel dates back to 1941 and captures the essence of the Old West. HERE Ï GETTING & GETTING AROUND
Non-stop flights to Jackson Hole are available from 12 cities that connect to almost anywhere in the nation. The airport is located at the base of the Teton mountain range and is only a short drive from JHMR and downtown. By car, Jackson Hole is within a few hours of Salt Lake City and Denver, and the drive on the highway is sure to be breathtaking. Once you arrive in Jackson, it’s easy to get around. The city offers a public bus system, START, which is an affordable and efficient way to travel around the valley. A one-way trip from downtown to Teton Village is $3 per person. You can also rent cars or shuttles to travel at your own leisure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
JHMR has several slopeside lodging options, putting you within steps of the base. For upscale accommodations, check out the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, located at the base of the mountain in Teton Village, complete with three restaurants and an outdoor pool and spa. Top-rated Hotel Terra features a rooftop spa, two restaurants, a pool and 132 guest rooms including condo-style suites. Other slopeside options include Inn at Jackson Hole, considered one of the best values in Teton Village, and Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, which offers a wide variety of slopeside condominiums and homes with ample bedding options for ski clubs or groups. If you would rather stay in the town of Jackson, there are numerous spots to choose. The Wyoming Inn recently unveiled new rooms featuring Western-style fireplaces, window seats and spacious granite bathrooms. The hotel also offers 32
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JHMR boasts an annual snowfall of over 450”
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When you need a break from skiing or boarding, Jackson Hole has you covered with plenty of other activities and entertainment. Off the slopes, guests can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog sledding. The city is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park, 96,000 acres of wilderness perfect for hiking, snowshoeing and exploring. You can also make your way to the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk gather to graze. Overlooking the refuge is the National Museum of Wildlife, considered the definitive site to see wildlife art in the U.S. Jackson Hole is known for its art scene. Be part of the fun on Thursday Night Art Walks, a free monthly event where guests can wander from gallery to gallery, enjoying art, drinks and food. With concerts and music events going on almost every night, the party never seems to stop in Jackson. Dance the night away at Bluegrass Tuesdays at Wort Hotel’s Silver
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort P.O. Box 290 Teton Village, WY 83025 Spencer Long Domestic/Int’l Sales Manager 307-739-2635 (office) www.jacksonhole.com
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The Aerial Tram whisks skiers and riders 4,139’ from the Valley floor to the Top of the Tetons.
Dollar Bar, a free event that has become a beloved tradition. On the weekends, head over to the Pink Garter for some indie music and a craft cocktail from the lounge, The Rose. On Sundays, don’t miss the Stagecoach Band, which has been playing at Stagecoach Bar for over 40 years. ❉
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estled among the slopes of the Sierra Mountains, Aston Lakeland Village Resort offers groups in Lake Tahoe the perfect spot to enjoy world-class skiing. Located about a mile from Heavenly Mountain, the resort offers a free shuttle that will take groups straight to the base of the mountain.
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ASTON LAKELAND VILLAGE RESORT
Ï GETTING HERE
SLOPE TO SLOPE
Skiers and boarders will revel in Heavenly’s varied terrain, which includes 97 trails that range from open cruisers to plunging chutes. And if that doesn’t impress you, perhaps these facts will—Heavenly has 4,800 acres of skiable terrain, a summit of 10,067 feet and the longest vertical drop in California at 3,500 feet. Other great locations near Aston Lakeland Village Resort include Sierra-at-Tahoe, about 20 minutes away; and Kirkwood, about a 45-minute drive. Aston can arrange for a special shuttle to take groups to the North Shore of the lake, where there are even more mountains. Squaw Mountain averages 450 inches of snowfall every winter and boasts 3,600 skiable acres spread across six peaks. Northstar delivers a great balance of comfortable beginner slopes and intense elite runs while providing seven terrain parks.
Aston Lakeland Village is only 75 minutes from Reno Tahoe International Airport and about two hours from Sacramento International Airport. ❉
Aston Hotels & Resorts Michael Newberger Director of Sales and Marketing 3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Phone: 530-542-5088; 800-845-5240 ext. 758; Fax: 530-544-7796 www.astonlakelandvillage.com
ACCOMMODATIONS
Aston Lakeland Village Resort features 200 luxury rooms that are ideal for ski groups of any size. Townhome-style accommodations come in one through five bedroom models all with loft, fireplace, large living room and full kitchen. Smaller groups can opt to stay in studio or one-bedroom units in the Lodge, and these also feature kitchens and fireplaces, as well as balconies. Depending on the time of year, the resort can provide discounted room rates for large groups.
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ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Aston makes groups feel right at home by offering a welcome reception at the Lakeshore Pavilion. And every morning, the hotel offers an expanded continental breakfast with lots of great options to fuel guests before they head out on the slopes. The resort offers a ski shop with group discounts on equipment and rentals. Activities at the resort include snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, snowmobiling, ice fishing or just relaxing in the indoor pool and sauna. S’mores nights are held at the fire pits next to the lake. 34
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ASTON LAKELAND VILLAGE BEACH & MOUNTAIN RESORT • Deluxe studios to 5-bdrm townhomes all with fireplace & kitchen • Continental breakfast during ski season • Shuttle to casinos & Heavenly Ski Resort • Outdoor heated pool, 2 hot tubs, sauna & on-site ski shop • Ask about our Kids Ski Free package!
866.774.2924
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ocated on the eastern side of the Central Cascades, in the sunny high desert climate, near the recreation mecca of Bend, Oregon, Mt. Bachelor is one of the largest single-mountain resorts in the country. Since it’s a volcano—a fact most people are not aware of—Mt. Bachelor allows guests to ski and ride 360° off the summit. For arriving groups, an Ambassador will act as a personal guide on the first day.
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MT. BACHELOR, OREGON SLOPE TO SLOPE
Mt. Bachelor gets an average snowfall of 462 inches, offers 88 trails and has a vertical of 3,365 feet. The mountain will expand from nearly 3,700 acres to over 4,000.The lift line and runs are cut in and being skied with skin-out access in anticipation of the new lift. Mt. Bachelor boasts a variety of terrain levels, with about 15% easy, 25% intermediate, 35% expert and 25% extreme. The mountain has roughly 80 volunteers cruising around to help visitors. Since Mt. Bachelor is surrounded by two million acres of national forest, which means there is no lodging on the mountain, it is a truly pristine skiing experience. ACCOMMODATIONS
Riverhouse Hotel
The Riverhouse, nestled along the Deschutes River just 30 minutes from Mt. Bachelor, offers 220 comfortable rooms, featuring spa, fireplace and kitchen suites. The hotel offers a free, full breakfast daily, indoor/outdoor pools and spas, and Crossings restaurant, which features Bend’s best steak and dessert. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bend, set in the heart of historic downtown Bend, is near numerous recreation areas, shops and restaurants, and offers incredible views of the Cascades. Each spacious guest room features a refrigerator and microwave, sumptuous bedding, a pull-out sofa, a 39-inch flat-screen HDTV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a suite for amenities including a balcony, fireplace and hot tub. Work out in the 24-hour fitness center or take in beautiful downtown views as you swim in the heated indoor pool with hot tub. Sip locally brewed ales or a cocktail in the stylish PressNW Bistro and Bar. DoubleTree
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Mt. Bachelor 13000 SW Century Dr. Bend, OR 97702 Ann Cook Group Services Manager acook@mtbachelor.com 541-693-0957 • www.mtbachelor.com
Ï GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND The Redmond Airport (RDM) is approximately 20 miles north of Bend. Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from Seattle and Portland, United Airlines flies nonstop from Denver, San Francisco and Portland, Delta Air Lines provides nonstop service from Salt Lake City and American Airlines offers nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX). Car rental is available at the airport. Bend is about a three-hour drive from Portland, about 2½ hours from Eugene. The Mt. Bachelor Shuttle offers bus service from Bend to the mountain.
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Visitors can slide down the slopes in rubber tubes at Snowblast Tubing Park; Nordic ski on the 56k trail system; tour the wild areas of Mt. Bachelor and Deschutes National Forest with Wanderlust Snowshoe Tours; or ride behind a real sled dog team with Oregon Trail of Dreams. The resort’s home base in Bend has been dubbed the “Outdoor Playground of the West.” People from around the world are inspired by the lifestyle of this hip mountain town. With more than two dozen breweries along the Bend Ale Trail and thousands of acres of trails, Bend has been named one of the world's top 25 ski towns (National Geographic), the world’s top SUP getaway (Outside magazine), America’s #1 ski town for breweries (USA Today), America's top adventure town (Men's Journal) and the #1 mountain biking town in the United States (Mountain Bike Action). ❉ SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE
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hen it comes to skiing and winter sports in Europe, Switzerland ranks as one of the top countries because of the all-encompassing, snowcapped Alps, the modern ski facilities offered, and the abundance of upscale hotels, resorts and apartments that can accommodate skiers. It's almost as if Switzerland was made for skiing, snowboarding and snow-related activities.
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SWITZERLAND: A WINTER PLAYGROUND FOR GROUPS
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In the southwestern part of Switzerland in the beautiful Valais region, the two neighboring trendy resorts of Crans and Montana at an altitude of 5,000 feet lie on the sun-drenched Plaine Morte plateau high above the Rhone Valley. Together they form one of the
Top of Lookout looking at town of Telluride
Switzerland Tourism Switzerland Tourism 608 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10020 212-757-5944 www.myswitzerland.com
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Jungfrau Region/Mattias Nutt
An amazing number of areas in Switzerland's winter wonderland are exceptional ski regions that welcome groups and host thousands of skiers, snowboarders and winter sport enthusiasts every year. At 10,000-foot-high Mount Titlis in the Lake Lucerne region at Engelberg, and only two Snowshoeing Grindelwald hours from the Zurich Airport, you'll find the largest ski area in central Switzerland, with as many as 25 lifts, downhill runs for the pros and three slopes for beginners. And with the glacial slopes at 9,800 feet, the snowpack makes skiing possible from October to May. After a full day in the snow and sun, your party can retire to a comfy hotel, guesthouse or apartment, and indulge in one of the Swiss' favorite dinners—fondue and wine in front of a warm, roaring fireplace. There are 51 miles of slopes and trails in the Titlis ski area, with a variety of snow sports available, including winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding—and there's even an igloo village where your group can relax over dinner or drinks after a day of riding snowbikes or paragliding. In the Jungfrau region, three spectacular mountains reign supreme—the massive Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau—and throughout the area skiing, snowboarding, sledging and winter hiking also reign supreme for enthusiasts. Beatenberg-Neiderhorn, Habkern, Grindelwald-First, Mürren-Schilthorn and Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen ski areas all combine to make the Jungfrau region popular, with the most beautiful backdrop in the world. Groups coming here enjoy numerous choices of accommodations and restaurants, and excellent transportation including trains, aerial cables, buses and automobiles.
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Jungfrau Region/René Feuz
largest vacation spots in the Valais, with ski slopes stretching from the plateau up to the glacier at 9,800 feet. This region hosts the Ski World Cup races, as do Wengen (Jungfrau), Adelboden, Lenzerheide and St. Moritz. Near the quaint alpine village of Verbier, with its slate-roofed chalets, are nearly 100 lifts and more than 250 miles of ski runs for all levels of expertise. At Saas-Fee, called the Pearl of the Alps, groups find cross-country skiing with five miles of trails, ice sports, snowboarding, sledging and snowshoeing with a professional guide. The area is surrounded by 18 peaks of 13,000 feet or more. Surrounded by Saas-Fee's unique mountain scenery, the new Kneipp hydrotherapy area is the ideal place to give your body and soul a healthy boost. It has a foot bath, water stream, arm bath, barefoot trail and relaxation zone. Close by are the resort areas of Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell and Saas-Balen, all with cozy accommodations, excellent food and special events during ski season. Zermatt, the resort city with a world of charm, sits a mile above sea level in the heart of the highest peaks in the Alps. Everyone loves to see the Matterhorn, ski the area's slopes and relax in the evening at charming restaurants and enjoy the après-ski scene. The panorama at the Matterhorn glacier area provides a breathtaking view of Italian, French and Swiss alpine mountain giants
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SPOTLIGHT Jungfrau Railway
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ST. MORITZ
ENGADIN St. Moritz
from an altitude of 12,700 feet. Here you are at the peak of the international ski area—beneath you lies the largest summer ski area in Europe, and not far away there's a cool snow park for snowboarders and free skiers, open 300 days a year. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there's winter hiking, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, paragliding, curling and ice skating. In the eastern region of Switzerland is St. Moritz, a jewel known for its inspiring panoramas, dramatic mountain backdrops, sunny climate (322 sun days a year), and celebrated shopping and glamour. Winter sports were invented here more than 150 years ago: the first ski lift was installed in 1935, and St. Moritz has hosted two Winter Olympic Games. With 217 miles of ski slopes, the Engadin St. Moritz region is one of the largest snowsports area in Switzerland. (Zermatt, with 223 miles of trails, has the most). It's a complete package for tour groups, with glacier runs and full-moon descents. Switzerland's beauty, expansive accommodations and warm hospitality are the keys to a successful “run” for your next group tour. ❉
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PERFECT NORTH SLOPES earborn County, Indiana is home to Perfect North Slopes, a family-friendly ski and snowboard site. This area in Southeast Indiana also features the Hollywood Casino and other activities, such as hiking and biking, rock climbing and go-kart racing. If you’d rather take a more relaxing break after hitting the slopes, visit one of Dearborn County’s various parks or theaters.
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SLOPE TO SLOPE
Perfect North Slopes features a skiing and snowboarding hill with courses for all skill levels. Skiers and snowboarders can go easy on beginner trails, take on intermediate trails or challenge themselves on the double black diamond trails. The 23 courses include four “easiest” trails, seven “more difficult” trails (including one shortcut and two terrain parks featuring ramps and rails), three “advanced intermediate” trails, four “most difficult” trails and two “experts only” trails. Five chair lifts and six rope tows provide access to the trails. Perfect North also features 25 tubing lanes where snow tubers slide down a hill 750 feet long and then ride the Magic Carpet conveyor lift back up. The resort covers 100 acres, peak elevation is 800 feet and the longest run is one mile. The lodge includes food service and ski and snowboard rentals. ACCOMMODATIONS
Dearborn County offers a variety of hotel packages that include Perfect North Slopes, the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky. and restaurant vouchers. Lodging opportunities include hotels, including the Hollywood Casino, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Holiday Inn Express offers Perfect North ski packages that include continental breakfast and Jacuzzi suite.
Ï GETTING HERE Dearborn County, Indiana is located along the Ohio River where Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky meet. Located on Interstates 275 and 74, Dearborn County is 22 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Indianapolis and Louisville are 90 miles away.
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ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Bring your group to Perfect North Slopes to support breast cancer research. Perfect North teams up with Tour for the Cure® to raise money for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, which funds breast cancer cure research in Indiana. Competition Go-Kart Racing offers a 950-foot indoor track. Cliffs of Muscatatuck Park is a rock climbing area where visitors mainly climb bouldering-style, which is low to the ground without any gear. Greendale Cinema is a 10-screen theater with reclining seats. ❉
Dearborn County CVB Sally McWilliams, Group Sales Rep. 320 Walnut St. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 812-265-6999 smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com www.toursoutheastindiana.com 38
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TELLURIDE’S PREMIER GROUP LODGING PROPERTY “Mountain Lodge Telluride is not
“We have skied all over the world
only a pleasure to stay at, but is very
and this is as nice and convenient
accommodating with courteous
as anywhere we have ever stayed. I
and helpful staff. Rooms come in a
am looking for something someone
variety of sizes making it easy for
missed but I have been everywhere
groups and individuals alike. All
and I have not found it yet.”
your après-ski activities can be
— Billy Furgeson, Little Rock Ski Club, Feb. 1-8, 2014
done there as there is a great restaurant/bar in the lodge. I can’t
“We highly recommend the Mountain
say enough good things except
Lodge to anyone looking for a
there are many reasons we keep
relaxing, high class facility run by a
coming back here year after year.”
group of friendly, high class people.”
— Dale Ulmer, Past President, Orlando Ski Club
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Outdoor Heated Pool & Two Hot Tubs I
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— Rocky Mountain Exotics Road Rally
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Complimentary Wireless Internet
The View Restaurant & Bar—Group Catering
Complimentary Shuttle to Gondola and Market
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Daily Maid Service
Complimentary Fitness Facility with Steam Room
www.MountainLodgeTelluride.com
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970-369-5000