A big plush bear should have a place in every child’s life. They are after all, the best friend and companion anyone could ever ask for. Much like a dog or cat are considered treasured members of the family, if a child’s big plush bear should ever become ‘lost’ or misplaced, panic will set in, in addition to great apprehension on the child’s part when it comes time for it to be washed.
In 2007, the University of Alberta conducted a new study on the Alberta grizzly bear to determine what kinds of food the animal was eating and what its activity patterns were. It was the most comprehensive research ever done in Canada on what grizzlies eat. Co-author of the study, Dr. Mark Boyce, remarked: “Alberta bears have remarkably diverse diets. They’ll eat just about anything.”
Over a period of three years, researchers analyzed the feces of 18 grizzly bears and also used GPS (global positioning system) for tracking. In a 24 hour period, they discovered that grizzlies accomplish lots of activities. While there is a great deal of knowledge about what bears living in mountain areas feed on, there is not as much known about the grizzly bear diet when they live in boreal forests that are also used by humans. In addition to looking at what the bears were eating, the study also examined five activities they used to find food regardless of whether they were eating fruit, flowers, insects, plants, or other animals.
According to Dr. Boyce, “the diverse diet of the Alberta grizzly bear helps cushion them against climate change and other vagaries of the environment.” The team of researchers discovered that grizzlies living in the foothills were very effective in killing both moose and deer. They were most adept at killing moose calves during the spring when other types of food such as berries, were not yet available. In comparison, bears living in the mountains were mostly vegetarian.
Forty different food items were identified by researchers and each was examined so as to determine patterns of use depending on the season. The food was also looked at closely so as to determine the differences – if any – between the foothill and mountain environments. During early spring, the grizzly diet consisted mostly of the root of sweet vetch plants while in late spring, they fed on hooved animals (like moose and deer); 83 percent of the time, the bears fed on moose especially newborns (54 percent). White tailed and mule deer were consumed 16 percent of the time while elk was eaten just 1 percent of the time. The grizzlies also ate insects (mostly ants), rodents and birds. In early summer, they ate a great deal of green vegetation in addition to ripe fruit such as berries in early August.
In terms of activity, bears living on eastern slopes were much more active in the morning and evening in comparison to bears living in Banff National Park where activity was mostly nocturnal and coming into contact with humans was more prevalent.
A big plush bear has no food habits to speak of although their owner may require them to attend a tea party or two on occasion. Coming in to contact with humans, is of course, the mainstay of a big plush bear so unlike the real thing, they are quite used to this activity on a daily basis.Copyright Shelley Vassall, 2010. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/big-plush-bear-and-the-grizzly-bear-diet-3588004.html
Winter is when skiers start to think about booking their skiing holiday. In Europe there are hundreds of destinations to choose from. France, Switzerland and Austria all have very popular ski resorts, but if you are looking for a bargain then try Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria and the high Tatra mountains in Slovakia are attracting increasing numbers of skiers. A survey by pricerunner.co.uk and travelex.co.uk revealed that not only are the Eastern European resorts much cheaper than the popular destinations in the Alps, but they are also rated quite highly. Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasna in Slovakia, Zelezna Ruda in the Czech Republic and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia all got a mention.
If you are unsure which resort to pick, companies such as Forbes create a list of the top ski resorts in the world. The list will contain many Western and European resorts primarily because of the quality of the snow and the village atmosphere. New England has snow, but it won’t feature much on the list. This is because its snow tends to be icy, not powdery like the snow in Europe which is better for skiing. However, skiing holidays are about more than the quality of the snow. Resorts such as Aspen are hugely popular and the slopes are crowded, meaning that you probably spend more time waiting for the chair lift than on the slopes. Another consideration is the après-ski scene. For some people this is the best part of the holiday. There should be plenty of opportunities for dining, drinking and swapping stories in front of a log fire. It is also a good idea to choose somewhere that has activities other than skiing, just in case your legs need a rest from the slopes. Your accommodation is also important and should be comfortable with easy access to the slopes.
Ski holidays can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. When you book your holiday you should consider a package deal as these often work out cheaper. A single lift ticket can be very expensive. Try booking at the last minute and stay in catered accommodation to save on eating out. Book your ski pass and ski hire online and always pay in local currency.
Ski resorts that regularly make it into the top 10 lists are:
Aspen: Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, Aspen always features on the list of top ski resorts due to its excellent ski runs that are suitable for skiers of all abilities. It is also the place where you have the chance to ski with the rich and famous although the downside of this is that it is not cheap!
Cortina: Another top choice is this stylish Italian ski resort which hosted the Olympic Games in 1956. Cortina was one of the world’s first ski resorts. The Cortina Ski World is located in the Alps and is one of the most scenic places in the world, with 120 kilometres of ski trails and 52 lifts.
Mont-Tremblant: Canada’s best known ski resort first opened in 1939 and has recently been given a $1 billion facelift. It is a compact ski resort lying in the pretty Laurentian Mountains. The village has a distinctive French feel to it and it has a number of cafes and bistros in cosy log cabins, as well as boutiques and restaurants. The skiing is suitable for mixed groups and there is a good ski school. Another plus for this resort is that it is just one hour from Montreal for those who would like to do some sight-seeing along with their skiing.
Stowe: Located in Vermont, this is another American resort famed for its picturesque setting. It has the largest vertical drop in the area and is famous for its double-black diamond ‘Four Front’ trails, suitable for experienced skiers. However, it also offers trails suitable for intermediate skiers and beginners. Away from the ski slopes it has over 90 shops and 60 restaurants.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Situated in the French Alps, it played host to the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. It is renowned for its vertical drop of 9,209 feet and for having one of the world’s longest runs, the Vallee Blance, at 13.7 miles.
Banff/Lake Louise: This ski resort in Alberta, Canada is located in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America and has very reliable snow conditions. Covering 4,200 acres it offers tree-lined runs, smooth slopes and plunging bowls, providing ideal skiing for everyone from the novice to the expert.
Vail: Another ski resort in Colorado, Vail claims to be America’s favourite resort. With 5,300 acres of skiable terrain it has the largest ski area in the USA. Vail also has a lot to offer besides skiing with art galleries, ballooning, dog sledding, museums, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.
Zermatt: Switzerland’s top resort is a picturesque village and a car-free area at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world. Zermatt has large snowfalls and the longest skiing season in the Alps.
Kitzbuhel: The most famous resort in the Austrian Tyrol. Skiing began here in 1892 and the 700-year old village still retains its traditional charm. Kitzbuhel is home to the Hahnenkahm the most dangerous and famous of the downhill ski races and is Austria’s winter entertainment capital. It has excellent skiing and snowboarding, but due to its low altitude snow may be lacking on the lower slopes.
Whistler/Blackcomb: This resort in British Columbia provides the best skiing in North America with the biggest vertical drop. It has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and has been voted North America’s Favourite Ski Resort by OntheSnow.com visitors. The village has cafes, spas, galleries, international stores and over 100 restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and more.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/greatest-ski-holidays-721752.html
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Ski holidays don’t have to be expensive and they are great fun no matter what your level of ability. So whether you are a novice or an expert, looking for cheap ski deals or a luxury holiday you will be able to find something.
In 1953, an Austrian mountain guide known by the name of Hans Gmoser was determined to transform his lifetime dream into reality and set the foundations of his own mountain skiing company. As Gmoser was not a rich man, it wasn’t at all easy for him to accomplish his enthusiastic goals, but that never stopped him from persevering in his endeavors. Without any help from the outside, it took him many years to save the money needed to move to Banff, where he would pursue a career as a professional guide in the sumptuous and striking mountain scenery surrounding Mount Assiniboine, often nicknamed “Canada’s Matterhorn” by the locals. Within a few years’ time span, Gmoser became very familiar with the mountain and adjoining areas, and one after another, he uncovered and learned all the intimate secrets of the region. As his knowledge of Mount Assiniboine was growing, so did his urge to share the natural beauty of the mountain scenery in Western Canada with other people, and as days went by, Gmoser was getting closer and closer to fulfilling his ambitions. The extensive backcountry experience he had accumulated as a guide over the years enabled Hans to set the grounds for a small company called Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), a name that he would etch in the pages of history. With Hans in charge, business was going smoothly and the company was rapidly gaining in popularity, as Hans was directly involved in attracting and leading thousands of skiers and mountain climbers on fascinating, previously untouched mountain routes. More than five decades later, the helicopters rides and the skiing equipment have changed radically, but the dream inspired by Hans Moser is as vivid and authentic as ever. Nowadays, his mission is carried on further by a new generation of dedicated guides, whose main strive is to share the thrill and excitement of heli skiing BC Canada with the many thousands of winter sports enthusiasts who come to this place every year. The perfect mix between bountiful snowfall and permissive weather conditions render the region of British Columbia ideal for practicing heli skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. Helicopter skiing operations are renowned for their quality and diversity of service, and with so many dedicated companies functioning in the region, it is easy to find one that suits your exact needs and requirements. The main differences between the helicopter skiing operations of today are in areas like lodging conditions, the types and sizes of the helicopters used, the number of skiers in a group, as well as the locations of the lodges. While some lodges are more secluded and intimate, others are situated right in the heart of towns to provide access to a larger array of entertainment options and other facilities. A number of operations have become specialized in offering daily helicopter skiing services directly from a ski resort, while others only offer multi-day packages for which you need to make bookings long in advance. Overall, British Columbia has come a long way since the 50′s, nowadays offering a broad spectrum of dedicated heli skiing services to satisfy all preferences and to meet almost any budget.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/helicopter-skiing-in-bc-canada-a-brief-history-and-outlook-2908465.html
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We planned on an afternoon of skiing at Sunshine Village, one of the largest ski resorts in Canada. It is located just 15 minutes from Banff, going west on the TransCanada Highway. Sunshine Village is a pretty historic place and as a ski resort it dates all the way back to 1936.
With over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain Sunshine Village is one of the largest ski resorts in Canada. The top elevation is 8,954 feet (2730 m) and the base elevation is 3,514 feet (1070 m). It receives a huge amount of natural snowfall: up to 33 feet or 9 m. Skiing usually lasts from mid November all the way to late May.
This resort straddles the Continental Divide and some of the runs are in Alberta and some in British Columbia. 107 runs spread out over 3 mountains (Goat’s Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain and Mt. Standish). The whole area is serviced by a high-speed 8 passenger gondola that whisks you from the parking lot up to the main village. In addition, there are also 5 high-speed quad chairs, 2 quads, 1 triple, and 1 double chair and 2 magic carpets.
Sunshine Village also offers extreme terrain for really expert skiers. Delirium Dive is an expert ski area that requires special safety equipment and precautions such as being equipped with an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and having at least one other person with you. Goat’s Eye Mountain offers a number of highly challenging double-black diamond runs that should be mastered before you even consider venturing into this area.
At our level we decided to stick to the blue runs, which on this snowy day with lots of accumulated snow were plenty challenging enough for us. Every trail had turned into a mogul run, with all the extra piles of snow that had been carved into bumps by the other skiers. It was basically snowing the whole day with the sun peaking through in between the snow flakes. The night before 10 cm of fresh snow had fallen, and during the day several more centimeters got added. All the extra snow made this a really great workout, and we had to work really hard to push the white powdery stuff around.
The Banff National Park is unique in that it restricts development and there are no sprawling condominiums at the base of any of the 3 Banff area ski resorts. It is almost a throw-back to an earlier time when skiing was less commercialized. The only ski-in/ski-out accommodation is at the recently renovated 84-room Sunshine Inn, located in the main village of the Sunshine Village Resort at an altiude of 7082 feet. Ski Canada has referred to the Sunshine Inn as “the best rooms with a view in Canada!”.
For those with an appetite Sunshine Village offers a variety of culinary options: the Creekside Bar & Grill is located the gondola base. The Deli, Alpine Grill and the Lookout Bistro are all located in the Day Lodge in Sunshine Village. The Java Loft Coffee Bar and Chimney Corner Lounge are located in the Sunshine Inn while the Mad Trapper’s Saloon can be found in the Old Sunshine Lodge. Goat’s Eye Gardens is located right next to the Goat’s Eye Express and offers cafeteria style food.
An interesting feature of this resort is that it offers a SnowHost program, an absolute free program for visitors, that are welcomed by a team of frontline ambassadors for Sunshine village, all dressed in yellow and black outfits. Every day at noon the SnowHosts take skiers / riders out on tours using blue runs and show them how to access this monstruous ski area.
We spent most of the afternoon in the Lookout Mountain (top elevation: 8954 feet or 2730 m) and Mt. Standish areas, going up the Angel Express and the Wawa Quad Chair. There are many blue and green runs available in this area which was helpful on this challenging day. After a rest in the Goat’s Eye Gardens cafeteria and a sinfully filling portion of poutine, a truly Canadian culinary treat that combines French fries with curds and gravy, we felt strong enough to tackle Goat’s Eye Mountain which offers mainly single and double black diamond runs. By that time it was about 3:30 and after getting safely down the mountain we decided to make our way down to the Gondola Base. We skied down a picturesque green run called Banff Avenue all the way to our car, surrounded by peacefulness in the forest.
On our way back to Banff the sun finally came out and we stopped the car several times because the scenery was so breath-taking. The Rockies do have a way of sucking you in….
On Sunday, after our high-intensity day in Calgary and after stocking up on groceries in the Mount Royal Area,, we left the city to head towards the Rocky Mountains. It was an interesting drive on Highway 1, the Transcanada Highway, heading towards the mountains. There were some interesing looking clouds on the horizon that kept us entertained on the drive and it didn’t take us any more than about an hour and 15 mintues to get to Banff. We checked in at the Banff Rocky Mountain condominium resort and settled in for the evening to relax after a couple of really hectic days.
Yesterday after a leisurely breakfast we got up to take a drive through Banff. Banff is a quaint mountain town with many different hotels, restaurants, shops and galleries. We drove down Banff Avenue, the town’s main street, and since I had to pick a package up at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, we briefly explored this historic landmark. When Canadian Pacific built the railroads in the 1880s towards the West Coast, they determined that the Banff / Lake Louise area had tremendous potential for tourism and CPR built the Banff Springs Hotel in 1888 to develop this area for all the travellers who were keen to discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
After our very brief introductory exploration of this impressive building we decided to go skiing at Norquay, just 10 minutes from downtown Banff. On our first full day here we wanted to take it easy a bit since I am just getting over a major chest cold. I figured a couple of hours of local skiing would be enough of an initiation to the Canadian Rockies.
Norquay refers to itself as “Banff’s Best Kept Secret” and it has been around since 1926. Incidentally, Norquay is home to Thomas Grandi, Canada’s World Cup GS 2 time Champion. This ski resort is also the only one in the Banff area that offers night skiing.
What we found great was that Norquay offers the so-called “Ski & Ride by the Hour” passes and a 2 hour ticket was only $29, a great value. We drove up from the town on a forest road with many switchbacks and stopped several times at different lookout points to look over the Bow Valley and the Town of Banff. The vistas of the surrounding mountains are simply magnificent.
We arrived at the ski resort not much later (Norquay is only 5 km from the Town of Banff), and since it was a Monday, the slopes were nice and empty. Norquay’s elevation at the base is 1,630 m (5350 feet) and at the top it is 2,133 m (7000 feet). The vertical drop is 1650 feet and the resort has 32 runs. About 20 % of its terrain is geared towards beginners, 36% towards intermediate skiers, 28% to advanced and 16% to expert skiers. According to their website, Norquay also has a terrain park that features gap jumps, table tops, and hits for all levels of riders. We , however, decided to stick to our good old trusted skis and forego the jumps and table tops….
The runs on the south side looked extremely imposing, and most of them are single or double black diamonds. The slopes are extremely steep and covered with all sorts of bumps and moguls and this was an area we didn’t feel confident enough to tackle. I am sure expert level skiers would have a ball there.
We started with the first of four chairlifts and worked our way northwards and thoroughly enjoyed the extremely well-groomed blue runs. As a matter of fact, Norquay offers a Grooming Guarantee that ensures that the runs are always in perfect condition. We flew down a few of the single-black diamond runs, and because of the excellent grooming there was no problem at all, even for two non-experts like us.
At one point we ventured onto the northernmost trail which connected horizontally along the hill to the last run which was a double-black diamond run at the top. It was very steep, with lots of moguls, and very narrow, probably no wider than 3 m (10 ft). That was a slightly unfortunate choice since we got bumped a little by the topography, but once we had made it through that dicey stretch, the slope improved and we enjoyed our run to the bottom of the hill.
After our 2-hour ticket was finished we relaxed for a while in the spacious chalet at the bottom and watched the skiers coming down the hill. We both commented that Norquay was a very pleasant skiing experience and a great initiation to the Rocky Mountains.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-banff-vacation-journal-4574806.html
One of the best ski resorts in Canada has to be Banff in the Rocky Mountains and state of Alberta. There are a number of reasons for this and it is not all about the skiing, although that is obviously a very important factor. For Banff the quality of the skiing is beyond question but you can also enjoy great apres ski, a place with natural beauty and a little bit of history.
Banff the town resides in Banff national park which is a world heritage site and a beautiful part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In the town you can explore the history of the native American Indians, eat and drink in the famous Banff Springs Hotel and have access to a loads of different types of accommodation, restaurants and bars all within an hour and half of the international airport and city of Calgary, once home to the winter Olympics. Needless to say your comfort and apres ski experience will be well catered for.
Now down to the important business of skiing, one of the biggest benefits of being based in Banff is that you can take out a tri-area ski pass and make the most of three separate ski resorts, each one superb in it’s own right.
* Lake Louise
* Sunshine Mountain
* Mount Norquay
The quietest of the three, closest to Banff and my personal favorite is Mount Norquay, it is probably a little smaller than the other two but provides some really good slopes for all levels of skier, great lifts and hardly any queues, not that you would be queuing for long at either of the other 2 resorts either as they also have the sort of fantastic lift systems that you normally associate with North America plus skiing for all levels including beginners, intermediates and advanced.
To access the resorts from Banff does mean catching a bus, but as you are picked up for the most part right outside your hotel and most of the hotels will normally store your ski equipment for you, then this really isn’t a problem. The time on the bus passes pretty quickly and you are on the slopes before you know it with hardly any energy expended.
When we visited the temperatures were a very chilly -40C with wind chill, this was pretty extreme however as we were unlucky enough to arrive in the coldest week of the Canadian winter that year. But it is worth bearing in mind and making sure you have got kit with you to suit those sorts of temperatures, basically you have to cover up all of your skin as any skin that is exposed to the environment is likely to end up seeing frost bite as a result of the extreme temperature. This isn’t as bad as it sounds, a simple scarf pulled up to a pair of goggles and a woolen hat or similar pulled down to the top of your goggles will normally do the trick. Also worth noting that the cold is generally very dry and as such does not feel as biting as the damper climate in Europe where it can feel much colder at temperatures not even close to the ones described.
A trip to Canada is right for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of magnificent scenery and friendly faces. Here we outline some highlights of a tour which starts in Calgary and ends in Vancouver – easily covered in 10 or 11 days, with a few nights in Banff and Jasper to savour the mountain scenes, and an unforgettable train ride too.
Starting in Calgary, a simple morning tour is a great way to take in the atmosphere of this go-ahead, elegant city of skyscrapers and diverse shopping centres. Amongst the attractions is Calgary’s Saddledome, the city’s 17,000-seat stadium hosting a huge variety of sporting and entertainment events.
After Calgary, a drive west takes you to Banff National Park, known as the gateway to the Rockies, and a spectacular mountain resort. There is so much to do here, including an excursion to Sulphur Mountain for a gondola ride with spectacular views of the mountain scenery, and a visit to Bow Falls. Main activities can be hiking, boating and fishing, and the extra-adventurous might try a helicopter trip over the mountains; or perhaps for those who enjoy the quieter life sometimes – a cruise on Lake Minnewanka?
From Banff, a great place to visit next is Jasper, but on the way it is a good idea to take in the resort of Lake Louise with its clear blue waters a perfect natural mirror which reflects the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The scenery here is breathtaking, with steep gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and turquoise lakes. Another stop might be the Columbia Ice field for a snow coach ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Great adventure.
Once in Jasper, you will marvel at the continuous stream of beautiful scenery again with hiking options (how about an evening hike looking for elk?), or a trip to Maligne Lake and its huge canyon. But Jasper is also famous as a starting point for a fantastic 2-day trip by rail on the Rocky Mountaineer – a classic rail journey from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. It takes in Mount Robson the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and follows the route of the ‘Overlanders’, 19th century homesteaders who tried to settle down in this wild region, and the Thompson River with views of the Monashee Mountains. Staying overnight at the ranching centre of Kamloops, the next days sees the Rocky Mountaineer continue on to Vancouver via the Fraser Canyon and the churning rapids of Hell’s Gate where the Fraser river squeezes through a 100 foot gap.
The Rocky Mountaineer offers two choices of service. RedLeaf Service which provides guests with assigned, spacious, comfortable reclining seats, large picture windows, delicious chilled breakfast and luncheon selections served at your seat in an air-conditioned traditional rail coach environment.
On the other hand, the GoldLeaf Service allows you to use one of the 11 custom-built, bi-level GoldLeaf dome coaches with an upper level offering 360-degree panoramic views. The whole experience includes elegant dining and top class service – probably the rail trip of a lifetime for many.
After this, Vancouver offers beautiful beaches and fine harbour, Chinatown, Gastown, and the beautiful Stanley Park. From Vancouver you can sail across the Strait of Georgia through the Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean climate. A nice idea is to take in a sightseeing trip to Victoria with its Butchart Gardens and Bastion Square. An interesting collection of totem poles can be found in Thunderbird Park. Staying overnight before a return to Vancouver, you can enjoy a more leisurely stay in Victoria, which will repay you with memories of fine attractions such as the Royal British Columbia Museum, or afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, or even a whale watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
With flights by Air Canada amongst other to Calgary and back from Vancouver, this itinerary is a great recommendation for an unforgettable taste of Canada’s pure and spectacular beauty.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/touring-western-canada-a-spectacular-winter-idyll-675024.html
With winter nearly over, it may be just the right time to consider a ski vacation for some exciting down hill fun. You can great flight deals on flights to many ski destinations. Below are a few of the top picks for après ski destinations:
Whistler: The Wildflower Restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau provides some of the best meals such as cedar planked salmon with a maple glaze. The maple glaze is prepared months before the chef uses it and it is processed through 200 liter oak barrels, maple syrup, whiskey, and stirred 4 times per day.
Aspen: In Aspen, you will not only have a great time on the slopes, but you will also enjoy delicious cuisine at the Sky Hotel 39 Degrees Bar. They also have a relaxing hot tub where you can enjoy martinis.
Telluride: Telluride has a pleasant neighborhood feel with its fantastic slopes, delicious restaurants, and stylish bars. Victorian buildings have been transformed into bistros, shops, and bars. Stars like Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey have been seen around the beautiful San Juan mountain area. Also, check out the New Sheridan Bar.
St. Anton: The skiing is fantastic in St. Anton. Other fun activities include visiting bars such as Senn Hutte where a German show gets guests to dance on tables and Krazy Kanguruh which is famous for its parties. There are also many karaoke bars and discos.
Jackson Hole: The Jackson Hole has been frequented by such stars as Harrison Ford and Uma Thurman. The Wyoming landscape is a beautiful sight to take in. Make sure that you dine at Four Seasons and have a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or Mangy Moose. St. Mortiz: St. Mortiz is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. The area shares trails with Pontresina, Celerina, and Silvaplana, where travelers diversity of slopes, exciting social scenes, and fun lounges and social scenes. The lobster, ski fondue, terraces, and sun decks, definitely make its après ski atmosphere exciting.
Chamonix: Stars seen at this exciting alpine resort include Kylie Monogue and Elin Nordegren. Mont Blanc is a popular place, including Le Privilege, which is a continuous party spot.
Vail: Many celebrities have come to Vail such as Kelsey Grammar, Cameron Diaz, and Clint Eastwood. The Red Lion is known as a venue for nightly live music. As well, Garfinkle’s in Lionshead also has live music as well as a big outside deck that overlooks the beautiful terrain.
Banff: The landscape in Banff is amazing with its crystal blue lake. Make sure you check out Banff’s upper hot springs, which usually remains at about 100 degrees F. As well, enjoy fine dining at the Maple Leaf or more traditional dining such as at the Grizzly House or the Saltlick.
Although winter may seem to be almost over, it does not have to be when you travel to one of the après ski destinations. The skiing at these destinations is amazing and they also have great restaurants, luxury accommodations, and exciting activities. As well, you may just see a few celebrities walking around, in a trendy shop, or on the great slopes. If you are going to splurge on one of these destinations before the winter is over, you might as well save money on your flight by using an online discount travel site.
It is no wonder why a road trip through the Canadian Rockies is one of the best things to do for a summer vacation. Located at the easternmost part of the Western Canada mountains (called the Canadian Cordillera), the Rockies promise nothing but the best views of rivers, waterfalls, gorges, lakes and glaciated mountains.
Within the Canadian Rockies are five national parks that each offer impeccable sights and activities for everyone taking the road trip this summer. Four of the five national parks interlock with each other and are collectively known as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. These are Jasper, Banff, Kootenay and Yoho. The national park that does not interlock with the other four, Waterton, is situated along the international US border.
Wherever you are coming from, it is best make your way through your Rockies summer road trip with Jasper as the starting point. Being the largest among the five national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is abundant of things to see and do. The Maligne Canyon, the Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, and the Athabasca Falls are some of Jasper’s most spectacular gifts. Guided sightseeing tours are available. Between May and October, Pyramid Lake offers an extraordinary Canoe Experience that will give you a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature. There are a lot of accommodation options in Jasper like the Lobstick Lodge that has kid-friendly facilities, perfect for people traveling with children.
Continue your summer road trip to Banff where you will find the large, highly popular Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, known for its natural beauty. Discover Lake Louise and the world renowned Moraine Lake with the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Summer Tour that will not only allow you to explore the two lakes’ shorelines and take photographs, but also educated you about the mountaineering history in the area and the events that helped shape Canadian mountaineering culture. Other attractions in Banff are the Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Center, and the Banff Gondola. Banff National Park offers a lot of recreational activities such as soaking yourself up in the pool at Upper Hot Springs, nature hiking on mountain trails, cruising on Lake Minnewanka and swinging your clubs on a golf game.
Yoho National Park sits between Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Maximize your Yoho experience by visiting the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoints, the Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse Pass. Yoho Valley offers a day hike that will definitely test your endurance. Visit the last of the interlocking national parks, the Kootenay National Park, next. Explore the park’s Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, Redwall Fault and more!
Carry on with your road trip by driving yourself to the only park that does not interlock with the first four: Waterton National Park. It is located in the farther south that borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. The park offers lots of fun summer activities that you can do during your vacation. You can go horseback riding, boating or canoing over the Cameron Lake, and hiking to one of Canada’s top rated hiking trail, the Crypt Lake.
Making your way through the Canadian Rockies brings you closer and closer to nature. With all the bodies of water you get to encounter along the way, and the numerous opportunities for wildlife sighting, this summer road trip will definitely be etched in your memory for a very long time.