The “REAL” Topnotch Resort and Spa

Props to the team at Topnotch Resort and Spa for participating in yesterday’s April Fool’s prank on new spa amenities in Vermont’s snow-capped mountains. The real Topnotch, however, is nothing short of warm, comforting, and luxurious.

Consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 spas in the US, Topnotch spa is referred to the “jewel of the mountaintop” by those who have visited. Complete with 35,0000 square feet of zen space, the Topnotch spa team is available to cater to your every ache, pain and relaxation needs. The more than 120 spa treatments and services were devised by Spa Director Alexandra Sharpe and take into account the passions of her team.

“When we devise our treatments they are not only unique to Topnotch, but yield true results. Our therapists are invested in what they do, and it shows in the service and treatment,” said Sharpe.

Among the many offerings in the spa are three heated swimming pools – a large indoor family pool, and two outdoor pools (one for families and one for adults ages 18 and over). The waterfall whirlpool adds a dramatic effect to the landscape of the Vermont mountains. Guests can take advantage of the spa lounges with fireplaces, steam, sauna, Jacuzzis and juice bars.

If you can’t possibly choose from the hundreds of services, Sharpe recommends one of the signature treatments, which are designed specifically for each individual client.

“The treatments are focused on a variety of elements and use organic oils that are blended in house,” said Sharpe. “Each signature treatment ensures the guest has their own unique individual experience.”

Take a break, relax and don’t worry – no one is going to bury you in the snow. The Topnotch spa is the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation in New England.

Ski for free at Stowe when you stay at Topnotch Resort

Ski season is in full swing at resorts throughout the US, and now through April 10, you can “ski for free” at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. The resort sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, which reaches nearly 5,000 feet. It offers luxury accommodations on 120 acres, 40 minutes from Burlington Airport. .

This season, included in accommodations rates, you’ll also receive two adult lifts tickets to Stowe Mountain delivered by the resort’s “Ski Concierge”, shuttle service to and from the mountain, and overnight ski storage. Rentals are available from the resort’s Nordic Barn. In addition to skiing, the resort offers tennis, a spa, and horseback trail rides.

Rates start at $250 (plus tax) for weekdays and $350 for weekends. Blackout dates include January 28-30, February 7-20, February 25-27, and March 21-23. Rate outside of the promotion start at $300 per night, and lift tickets at Stowe can cost $84 per day per person, so this deal would save you around $200 per day for two skiers….which means more money for apres ski fun and hot toddies by the fire.

The 10 most-affordable ski spots in North America

Skiing, like polo and yachting, is a rich man’s(or woman’s) sport. The equipment is expensive, and in order to participate, you need to go to a specific place. In the case of skiing, this means paying ski lift fees and traveling to a pricey ski resort. The costs can add up and make it prohibitively expensive for less affluent ski enthusiasts.

But there are some less expensive ski resorts. Ski.com has put together a list of the top ten affordable ski spots in North America.

Keystone, near Denver, makes the list because of the many extras it offers, such as night skiing included with a lift ticket on the day of arrival, plus access to nearby resorts like Vail and Breckenridge. Steamboat in Colorado is on the list thanks to affordable ski-in/ski-out lodging and convenient shuttle services. And Winter Park, also in Colorado, is praised as catering to a “moderate demographic, no luxury properties.”

Whistler-Blackcomb, near Vancouver, is normally a very pricey destination. But in an attempt to lure visitors before the Olympics, it is offering some fantastic deals right now. Airfare to Vancouver can be expensive, depending on where you fly from, but you can save money by flying into Seattle and taking a train to Vancouver.

Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Banff(Alberta, Canada), and Lake Tahoe round out the western top ten with plentiful deals, discounts, and special offers that help keep prices low. On the east coast, Stowe(Vermont) and Lake Placid in New York offer excellent mid-week prices.

New England: dirty, sexy, sweet

Mud and maple shroud every New England spring. Thanks to an economic climate that is devastating the travel industry, you can indulge for cheaper than ever. Properties in the New England Inns & Resorts Association (NEIRA) are adding maple to mud as the snow melts, and some are throwing in a bit of spice.

Mud & Maple Madness: Inn at Ellis River, Jackson, NH
From March 15 to May 21, pick up two nights at the Inn at Ellis River, and breakfast and lunch daily. The price (which starts at $479) also includes dinner for two and two massages.

Inn the Mood for Mud: Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, ME
For $679, pick up a night in a room with ocean views and a fireplace! (Hey, that’s a big deal to a city-dweller like me.) Strawberries drizzled with Rich Maine Mud chocolate Sauce™ will be waiting for you in your room, along with two mudslide cocktails and L.L. Bean gum boots (to make walking in the mud easier). The spa treatment for this package? You guessed it … mud mask.

Tap at Trapp: Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT
From March 13 to April 13, $490 will get you two nights at the Trapp Family Lodge, breakfast every day, a sugaring demonstration and a traditional maple sap gathering experience. On Saturdays, you’ll be able to participate in the “sugar on snow” party.

Dirty, Sexy, Sweet: Colonnade Hotel, Boston, MA
A free car wash will remove the mud from your ride, a nice addition to the one-night stay in Boston’s Back Bay. The $279 room rate also includes Chocolate Mud Mousse for two, with sweet maple liquor, delivered to your room. Apparently, you won’t want to go downstairs for dessert.