Paradise in Punta Cana: The Dominican Republic is an affordable spring break destination. Credit: Blane Bachelor.
By Blane Bachelor
With the holidays over and winter in full force, it’s not too early to start thinking about spring break ideas for 2012. But this year, how about considering a destination a little more original than Padre Island or Cancun? Here, five places that are under the radar in terms of crowds, but over the top in their value and fun factor. (more…)
Night lights: Fremont Street in Las Vegas will be packed with revelers on New Year's Eve.
By Mark Chesnut
For many people, the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be especially slow at work; indeed, some offices and businesses close entirely. So say goodbye to that pile of work and make the most of the season with family and friends. (more…)
Cold comfort: The Fairmont Banff Springs is a top meeting and ski destination.
By Mark Chesnut
With peak ski season rapidly approaching, the time is right to mix a decidedly snowy form of pleasure with your business travel. Indeed, the postcard-perfect slopes of North America’s greatest ski resorts can easily serve as an inspiring backdrop for that next meeting, conference or executive getaway. With venues as impressive as these, there’s no reason to come in from the cold. (more…)
By Elina Fuhrman
In Park City, it’s all about Sundance and snow. This pristine enclave nestled in the valley between Mount Alta and the Wasatch National Forest is a skier’s paradise and a filmmaker’s dream-come-true. I should know: My daughter’s film “Salvation Boulevard” debuted there recently. While we spent plenty of time on the red carpet, we also used the opportunity to take a much-needed ski vacation. (more…)
One more reason to love the spring ski season: the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
By Pieter van Noordennen
The end of the season is a special time in ski towns. On mountain, the freeze-melt cycle of cold nights and warm days creates corn snow that skis almost as well as powder. Gone are those frenetic mid-season days that start at dawn and end at the closing bell are no more. Springtime skiing has a cooler, more relaxed pace, letting you wake up late, ski a few runs and then head to the sundeck for an IPA. Before it’s too late to savor a ski vacation, head to these three resorts for end-of-year parties that capture the spirit of spring, and still have plenty of terrain open in April as well. (more…)
Spend the night in a Denver hotel, then drive out to the slopes. Credit: divemasterking2000.
By Maria Mora
Punxsutawney Phil — bless him so — forecast an early spring, but for snow bunnies, that means less time to hit the slopes. Before it’s time to pack up the North Face and start the bikini diet, consider a February ski vacation with a pit stop beforehand to Denver hotels. Because Denver is a convenient airport hub, it’s reasonable to stay before and after flights instead of rushing right out to the mountains. Easy on the budget without sacrificing quality, Denver hotels lure travelers who don’t mind taking a nice leisurely drive to one of the big resort areas.
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Credit: Barnaby.
By Jennifer Nielsen
As a Park City, Utah resident, I’m the first to brag about the jewels in my own backyard. This time of year, there’s no more pristine winter ski vacation than here in Park City, with powdery slopes and picturesque mountain ranges beckoning ski novices and pros.
Apart from its reputation as a ski haven, though, all eyes are on Park City today for another reason: the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, opening today and running through Jan. 30. Perfectly synced to keep celebrities, jetsetters and snow bunnies entertained, the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships kickoff at the end of the Festival on Jan. 30 with a slew of amazing Olympic-style games.
Après-ski, snuggle up by a fire at the breathtaking Ritz-Carlton Highlands.
By Maria Mora
When it comes to ski vacations, stunning Lake Tahoe is the textbook winter retreat. Thanks to a series of renovations and new properties, Lake Tahoe hotels are anything but old-fashioned. Lake Tahoe vacations are perfect for romantic getaways and honeymoons, travelers looking for a pet-friendly adventure and family trips with kids and teens.
From boutique hotels to spacious lodges, the new resorts in the area cater to a wide variety of travelers — whether you’re snowboarding a halfpipe, skiing the back country or suiting up for your first ski adventure. While the powder is still fresh, live out your snow bunny fantasies at three new or recently renovated Lake Tahoe hotels.
Colorado ski country. Credit: Casey Day.
By Jeanenne Tornatore
January may be one of the best times to take a ski vacation this year. Not only is it a great time to find ski travel deals, it’s also “Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month,” with resorts in more than 30 states participating. Throughout the month, you’ll find many of the country’s top ski schools offering deeply discounted — and even free — lessons for new skiers and snowboarders!
Stay at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa and get your 4th night free this season.
By David De Lalio
I love this time of year, because I can be in my house on the Colorado Front Range where it’s 60 degrees, while 2 hours up in the mountains fresh powder is falling and building a great snow base for the winter. This is also the time of year when Colorado hotels and condos put their best deals out for the upcoming ski season.
Here’s the scoop on some of the best ski resorts and deals out west right now:
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