Three exciting winter deals from the Four Seasons

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts wants to host you for ski season and is offering some great deals this season. So, instead of just hitting your old standby or scrambling at the last minute, go upscale this time. The Four Seasons is delivering bargains from Jackson Hole to Whistler, BC. Chances are, there’s a great one waiting for you.

Skiing in Jackson Hole – This resort is hosting the first annual How-to-Heli Camp. You’ll be able to get to the virgin trails of the Teton mountains, delivering for skiers a real expedition through fresh snow … with no lines! The camp comes with two days of on-mountain instruction, lift tickets, a day of heli-skiing and four nights in the Four Seasons. The camp runs from February 3 – 7, 2009 and starts at USD 2,975.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Ice climbing in Whistler – Demonstrate your physical prowess with waterfall ice climbing (don’t worry, you’ll have a guide) … all it takes is a heft dose of courage and the $466 (USD) for a personal climb. Skiing’s a blast, but this will kick your adrenaline into overdrive.

Bungee jump into Cheakamus Canyon – drop into the canyon and trigger an unparalleled thrill. Plunge 160 feet toward the Cheakamus River; it probably won’t occur to you that it’s glacier-fed, but that will be interesting later. Book it through the Whistler concierge, at $115 a pop.

Ski season officially begins today!

by Kraig Becker on

The Loveland Ski Area in Colorado officially opens its slopes today, marking the start of the ski season in North America. The resort will open its doors at 9 AM local time, greeting the first eager ski bums and bunnies of the year with 18 inches of fresh powder.

For Loveland, which sits 50 miles west of Denver, this will be the earliest opening day in 40 years. With 160 acres of groomed slopes, and the longest run reaching two miles in length, there is plenty to offer for the beginner and experienced skier alike. And while that 18 inches of snow may sound good for now, it is nothing compared to what will come in the weeks ahead. Loveland averages 400 inches of snowfall a year, ensuring a great season ahead.

Loveland won’t have all of the ski business to itself for long however. Rival resort Arapahoe Basin plans to open on Friday, which will be it’s earliest opening day ever, and the Boreal Ski Area in California will start allowing runs on Saturday as well.

With these ski resorts opening earlier than ever, one has to wonder what happened to global warming? Where I live in Texas we’re still having 90º days, and hard to think about skiing that doesn’t involve being pulled behind a boat. I’m a little envious of the skiers and snowboarders who are going to hit the slopes in the next few days. Anyone know of any cheap airfares to Colorado?

Alyeska Ski Resort charges for rescue, bans guest for a year

by Tom Johansmeyer on

You know times are tough when the rescue shows up on your bill. When Matt Davis, skiing at Alyeska Ski Resort, needed to be rescued, it took 13 members of the ski patrol to bring him – and his fractured left leg – to safety. Despite the fact that it required a baker’s dozen of “highly trained” professionals, the feat occurred on a well-marked, roped-off stretch of Mount Alyeska (that was off-limits).

Davis now knows the true cost of his life … at least on February 28, 2009. He has been required to pay $845 for the rescue. To add insult to industry, Davis has been banned from Alyeska for a year.

Quebec has some insane deals

by Tom Johansmeyer on

I know I just pitched cold-weather destination Montreal to you last week. So, why would I send you even farther north? Well, for skiers, this is a no-brainer. If you could get your third night (hotel) and third day (slopes) free, you’d probably battle the cold happily. This is exactly what’s going on in Quebec right now.

From January 5 to 29 and also February 1 to 12, you can get two-for-one hotel and lift access at Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne. To sweeten the deal, they’ll throw in a guided tour of each mountain, access to the Mont-Sainte-Anne snowshoe trail and a free ski free rental, free skiing lesson or a half-day of cross-country skiing (with equipment). Prices start at $226!

While you’re in this part of the world, dash into the city for the 2009 Carnaval de Quebec. Explore the ice palace, shout during the canoe race and admire the snow sculptures while buried under 17 layers of clothing. Quebec may be cold this time of year, but that’s no reason not to go.