Bugaboo Alpine Traveling » Olympic Skiing

Ski Resorts in Europe

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:41:14 +0000

By: Shoren Shaer

Each year more and more of us seek that uniquely pleasurable feeling that comes with a holiday in one of Europe’s leading ski resorts. However, probably unlike the case in North America, a large emphasis of having a skiing holiday in Europe is placed on the social, as well as sporting, facilities that the resort has. What’s more, with ever increasing numbers of us now having the means to enjoy both a winter and summer break, booking your winter skiing holiday early has become even more pressing. The following are 5 skiing resorts in Europe considered to be among the best in the world – and are widely regarded as being the best in Europe:

* Chamonix Mount-Blanc, France

Located at the foot of Europe’s tallest mountain (Mount-Blanc at a height of 15,771ft), Chamonix ranks a common mention in any list of the “world’s most elite skiing resorts” -especially among the French. As the home of the first ever Winter Olympics, in 1924, there has to be a lot said about this fantastic resort: and the resort lives up to its name by having both the longest vertical drop (9209 ft) and the world’s longest ski-runs (13.7 miles). Chamonix is certainly a good choice resort for the serious snow freak and the well-heeled. Which is not to say that you cannot go and enjoy the ski-run and stay in nearby cheaper accommodation and watch from afar as the rich and famous go about their business in the many boutiques located here. Certainly a place for people watching!

* Cortina, Italy

One of the world’s first purpose built ski resorts, Cortina is where the 1956 Winter Olympic Games were held. Although this may lead you to think that Cortina is now an outdated resort, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Like many other ski resorts in the Alps, the resort centres around a pedestrian street with lots of shopping arcades, restaurants and other pleasure activities. For the serious skier among you, this resort has a number of ski runs, ranging from the basic to the professional, of a rich quality.

* Kitzbulhel, Austria

People have been skiing in the scenic resort of Kitzebulhel since 1892, making this one of Europe’s oldest skiing towns. Although this resort is neither particularly lively, nor particularly popular among the trendier younger age groups, the “Pearl of the Alps” (as it is affectionately known) is a popular choice among the more serious skier and those looking for a holiday combination of serious scenic sightseeing and gentle skiing. Kitzbulhel would also be a good choice skiing resort for the first-time skier looking to take things at a little more leisurely pace.

* St. Moritz, Switzerland

Mention to anyone that you are considering going on a skiing holiday in Europe and the name St. Mortiz is going to crop up. Home to the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz has been the European ski resort of choice almost since its first visitors (two Englishmen) ventured there in 1864. Today the resort is equally famous for its Cresta Run and the array of 5-star hotels located here. For the more adventurous of you, the frozen lake in St. Moritz doubles up as a golf course during the winter!

* Zermatt, Switzerland

What can be said about Zermatt that has not already been said! Probably one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, Zermatt is actually an extremely peaceful ski resort to visit. In part, the reason for Zermatt’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere has to do with the fact that automobiles are not allowed in the ski resort. However, the fact that most visitors to Zermatt elect to stay at the more popular nearby skiing resorts of St. Mortiz or Gstaad, and come over to Zermatt for a day visit, also plays a large part in this. Certainly an ideal skiing resort to come to if you have a young family as there are, in the surrounding areas, activities other than skiing. It would also make a good location for a quick romantic skiing break.

The Author is an expert writer for various travel writing such as JetAirways, Jet konnect and jet airways konnect.

Aspen Ski Vacations

Thu, 06 May 2010 02:29:36 +0000

By: James Williams

Does your idea of the perfect vacation include snow-capped mountains, heart-stopping vertical drops and challenging moguls? If so, an Aspen ski vacation just might be your perfect wintertime getaway.

Aspen, Colorado is one of the world’s premier ski resort towns. When snow falls on the more 4,500 acres of sprawling terrain spread over four main mountains, Aspen explodes in a white-capped wonderland of skiing and outdoor fun for all ages and abilities.

Aspen was originally a small mining town, until a small group of visionaries and entrepreneurs realized the potential and value of the town’s other inexhaustible resort–the snow. Since then, the sleepy hamlet of Aspen has grown to become one of the best destinations for ski vacations worldwide. The first step to creating this now bustling recreational nook came in 1947. It was then that an Austrian entrepreneur named Friedl Pfeifer partnered with Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth. The trio established would be the first of a number of Aspen ski vacation resorts, and opened what was known then as the world’s longest chairlift. Following the success of this inaugural venture, more Aspen ski vacation resorts and hotels were opened, and the town grew to the Aspen so many skiers love today.

The main attraction of Aspen, and its undisputed claim to fame, has got to be the four majestic mountains. Located in Colorado approximately 215 miles southwest of Denver, 75 miles southeast of Eagle, and only minutes from Aspen’s Sardy Field (ASE), the four mountains distinctly highlight a terrain particularly suited to various levels of skiers.

The Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is best suited to seasoned skiers. As Aspen’s main attraction, the Ajax boasts more than 3,200 vertical feet on 700 skiable acres.

The Aspen Highlands are another huge bonus for those taking an Aspen ski vacation. Situated adjacent to the Aspen Mountain, the Highlands provide a respectable level of skill for novices, plus terrain for intermediate skiers. A number of Olympic medallists spend their time at the Aspen Highlands.

Another gem of the Aspen ski vacation scene is the Buttermilk. Known for being a smaller, novice-oriented mountain, the Buttermilk has a lot to offer skiers of all skill levels. It features the Aspen’s longest terrain park and is home to the ESPN Winter X Games of the World. Held at the end of January, the ESPN Winter X Games are a huge tourist draw.

The largest of the four Aspen ski vacation mountains is Snowmass. Novice, intermediate and advanced skiers flock to Snowmass for the thrill of taking on the more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain. Challenging slopes and spectacular views make Snowmass a great choice for your Aspen ski vacation.

Regardless of your skill level, you will find your winter wonderland among the four majestic mountains of Aspen.

James Williams writes for several well-known web sites, on travel and recreation and recreation and sports issues.

Legendary Party Themes and Ideas

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:37:32 +0000

By: Monica Leigh

Legendary parties have legendary party themes! What separates a good party theme from a legendary party theme? Specificity.

Your party theme idea should be as specific as you can make it. The more specific you are with your theme, the easier it is to plan your party. Thinking of having a pool party? Great! Expand the theme to be specific as in an 80’s Pool Party. Even then you should take it a step further and be even more specific such as 80’s Neon Pool Party. See the difference? With a pool party, the theme is vague and the vision for your party is weak. With an 80’s Neon Pool Party, you envision bright neon, graphic shapes and big hair! Now you can take that vision and you’ll find it’s easier to get invitations, decorations, food & drink ideas, and party games that all match.

Having trouble thinking of a specific party theme? Here is some inspiration for you!

Decade Party Themes

20’s Gangster

50’s Sock Hop

60’s Psychedelic

60’s Peace

70’s Disco

70’s Hippie

80’s Neon

80’s Punk

90’s Grunge

90’s Hip Hop

Movie Party Themes

Animal House

Austin Powers

Dazed and Confused

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Gone With the Wind

Grease

Harry Potter

Pirates of the Caribbean

Star Wars

The Matrix

The Wizard of Oz

Top Gun

Holiday Party Themes (don’t limit these to the specific times of year that they fall)

April Fool’s Day

Armed Forces Day

Chinese New Year

Christmas

Cinco de Mayo

Columbus Day

Earth Day

Election Day

Fall Equinox

Halloween

Hanukkah

Independence Day

Kwanzaa

Labor Day

Mardi Gras

Memorial Day

New Year’s Eve

Oktoberfest

Passover

Spring Equinox

St. Patrick’s Day

Summer Solstice

Thanksgiving

Valentine’s Day

Veteran’s Day

Winter Solstice

TV Show Party Themes

American Chopper

American Idol

Emmys

Grammys

Oscars

Sex and the City

Survivor

The Apprentice

Top Chef

Sport Party Themes

Baseball

Basketball

Euro Cup

Football

Gymnastics

Hockey

March Madness

Nascar

Olympics

Skiing

Snowboarding

Soccer

Superbowl

Surfing

Tennis

Volleyball

Wimbleton

World Cup

Location Party Themes

African Safari

Around the World

Carnival

Casino

Hawaiian Luau

High-Sea Pirates

Hollywood

Party Bus

Pool Party

Slumber Party

Wild Wild West

Music Party Themes

Beatles

Country

Elvis Presely

Golden Oldies

Hip Hop

KISS

Phantom of the Opera

Pop

Rap

Rolling Stones

Don’t forget that you can always mix and match themes! Why not have a 70’s disco pool party, a Grease slumber party, or an Oktoberfest party bus? By mixing and matching themes, you get even more specific and have even more fun!

Use your imagination and the themes are unlimited! And remember, the more specific your theme is, the easier it will be for you to plan your legendary party!

Monica believes that throwing an amazing party is worth the effort!
In order to help you throw parties all your friends will talk about, she has created LegendaryPartyIdeas.com.

Winter Olympics Resorts

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:03:14 +0000

By: dn009

Winter Olympics is a multi sport event held every four years. In 2010 Canada will have the opportunity to host Winter Olympics for the second time .The events will be held in Vancouver and Whistler. With 2010 coming near sports enthusiasts visiting Vancouver will have to consider lodging options available as they make their plans.

There are many leading hotels of the world available in Vancouver and Whistler. Between Luxury hotels, guest houses, hostels, bed and breakfast and other accommodations, there is bound to be something that will suit everyone’s needs. The whistler mountain resort chosen should be such that Ski slopes are easily accessible as 90% of the terrain on Whistler Blackcomb will be open during the Olympics. So when you aren’t seeing the events you can ski to your hearts content on these slopes. The Whistler Hotel should also be in the city centre ,then you will have access to the shops ,and business centers while you enjoy. There are many options right from five star luxury hotels in Whistler ,to guesthouses to hostels available depending upon your budget.

Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel also the co-host venue of the 2010 Winter Olympic is among the five star whistler Canada hotels available for those visiting Vancouver and Whistler during the Olympic Games. located in the heart of Whistler Village, moments from the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The whistler mountain resort also provides access to over 8,000 acres of ski able terrain stretching over eight miles, including North America’s steepest mile vertical drop, and to four award-winning golf courses. Rooms are very large and spacious, and a variety of amenities, including Complimentary wireless internet and local calls and meeting facilities, are available.

Other Five star Hotel includes hottest ski resort in Whistler Blackcomb Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel where one can revitalize at the boutique spa or relax poolside with spectacular views of the idyllic mountains The Pan pacific Whistler boutique hotel offers unforgettable winter playground of mountains, lakes and golf courses. And for family gatherings it offers boutique, all-suite accommodations that are comfortable for grandparents, stylish for the younger crowd and fantastically fun for the kids.

In Pan Pacific Vancouver Luxury Hotel located in the city center provides another five star luxury Hotel for the event, Its unique location provides some of the most stunning views of Vancouver’s skyline, harbour and Coastal Mountain Range. Whatever the occasion, the hotel offers uncompromising service to ensure all meetings in whistler; conferences and social events held at the hotel are a resounding success.

Apart from these there are several other Whistler Hotels available from which to choose. You are sure to find a great place to stay there, and you will have much to do aside from attending the actual Olympic Games themselves.

Of course, you’ll have to be willing to do some research if you want to find the most appropriate whistler village resort choice for you or your family during the 2010 Olympics. Luckily, the internet makes this easier than ever, as you can usually view hotels inside and out and compare prices without leaving your computer desk. You’ll want to hurry up and make reservations quickly if you haven’t already, so make sure to complete your research soon! With a little effort, you can find the perfect lodging choice for you, and get ready to enjoy your Olympic experience!

Three Public Golf Challenges In San Francisco And Berkeley

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:10 +0000

By: Bruce MacBruce

Challenging and beautiful golf courses are open to everyone in Northern California. Here are three you can play next week, including Harding Park home of the 2005 World Golf Championships and Berkeley’s Tilden Park with its notorious 420-yard par 4 straight uphill to an elevated green, first hole.

Part of the fun of city golf is having a San Francisco limo or car service pick you up at your hotel and deliver your party to the course. Then when your game is over, your driver awaits, just as he does of Tiger.

It’s always smart to call several weeks ahead for tee times, deposit requirements and to reserve a Quicksilver Towncar or Suburban to pick you up at the airport. (800) 486-9622 The Suburban easily holds four golf bags and all your luggage.

Harding Park San Francisco was designed by architect Willie Watson in 1925. Among its kudos are a Top 50 US Courses ranking by Golf Digest and a place among “Top 100 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine.

Harding Park played host to the 2005 World Golf Championships-American Express Championship. The American Express event in October of 2005, which saw Tiger Woods defeating John Daly on the second playoff hole.

Harding Park Golf Course is located next to the private Olympic Club course which has been host to many U. S. Open tournaments and is less than one mile from the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Zoo. Harding Park’s layout follows the original 1925 plan, using the property’s existing topography, contours and vegetation. Features include the towering Monterey Cypress trees and a view of Lake Merced where high school crews practice on a dogleg 2k course.

Tee-times for Harding Park Golf Course are available 8 – 30 days in advance. A non-refundable deposit is required for advance booking at the time of the reservation. To make an advance reservation, call the Harding Park Pro Shop at 415-664-4690. http://www.harding-park.com/view.asp?id=129&page=1727

If You Are Staying In SF Consider Playing These

One-Of-A-Kind Bay Area Golf Courses.

Lincoln Park Golf Course, 300 34th Ave, San Francisco, (415)221-9911, is easily one of the two or three most beautiful courses in northern California. Lincoln is the oldest course in this list; its 18 holes were built in 1908, designed by Tom Bendelow.

Located west of the famous bridge, several fairways provide postcard views of the Pacific and Golden Gate. If you play this course carry a camera in your bag. City of San Francisco golf info: http://www.sfgov.org/site/recpark

Tilden Park Golf Course is located across the bay in Berkeley at the intersection of Grizzly Peak and Shasta Road, above the University of California campus. (510)848-7373. This is a challenging hillside course. Tilden Park’s signature first hole is a 420-yard par 4, straight uphill to an elevated green. My father-in-law compared it to playing the Royal Course in Nepal. The 18 hole course was built in 1937 and designed by William P. Bell.

Tilden is notorious for its hills and natural setting. According to one report, the front nine is fairly forgiving, but things change on the back nine, which starts with a vertigo-inducing tee that recalls Olympic ski jumps, followed by narrower fairways. http://tildenparkgc.americangolf.com/

There are many golf courses in the Bay Area, but we suggest trying these courses which are open to the public, inexpensive and well know to your Quicksilver Towncar driver.