Olympic History in the Making: Ghana’s One-Man Ski Team

This article originally appeared on voanews.com.

by: Selah Hennessy

Africans have long played a dominant role in the Summer Olympic Games. But the Winter Olympics are something else. Yet a man from Ghana is in Vancouver, Canada to take on some of the world’s greatest skiers at this year’s Winter Olympics (February 12-28).

Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong has only been skiing for six years. But the 35-year-old Ghanaian, known by his fans as the Snow Leopard, is representing his country at this year’s winter Olympics in downhill skiing.

His Olympic journey began when he moved to Britain a decade ago. In order to earn a wage for himself and his young family, he got a job as a receptionist at an indoor snow center, where snow is manufactured from water and air.

It was there that he first sped down a snowy slope carried precariously on a pair of rented skis.

“Really it was like having some fun, not really skiing because I wanted to ski but it was there – like working here, having the free ski slope and I learned how to ski that way,” he said.

But what started as a bit of fun, in the end turned into a serious pursuit. Within two years he’d made his way into a real mountain range.

It was then that he got a taste for what he says he loves most about skiing – waking up early on a crisp morning and gliding alone down a snowy slope. But he also loves the speed.

“When you get to the top of a racecourse and you’ve got all the gates and everything set up, it’s a challenge, you know, it’s a competition against yourself to see if you can actually get down to the bottom of the slope – not just get down but get down as fast as you dare,” he said.

Richard Harpham is Nkrumah-Acheampong’s manager and has been working with him for the last four years. He says watching the Snow Leopard develop as a skier has been an inspirational adventure to watch.

“I guess over the last three or four years, he’s established himself as a competitor, which is what is very important to him – he doesn’t want to be the novelty, he wants to be the middle dog. He’s not going to achieve medal status – it’s very unlikely – but he wants to come away with the respect of his fellow competitors and the fans,” said Harpham.

But Nkrumah-Acheampong says, for him, the most important thing is for his experience to inspire future generations. He says he thinks it’s important that young Africans know it’s possible to branch outside of sports commonly played on the continent, like running and football.

“We do them because it’s cheap. You get a field, you put a ball on, everybody can play – the ball doesn’t cost as much as a ski. But I think maybe the African nations should start getting involved in different sports, just to see. Because I think in every 200 to 300 people there is a champion somewhere,” he said.

And he says he hopes one day Ghana will produce a skier good enough to beat the world’s best.

“For me, I’m a guinea pig really, an experimental guy opening a few doors, getting people to recognize that If I’ve taken six years to achieve what I’ve achieved, let’s give somebody else ten years and let’s keep on going and maybe in the next 10-15 years we shall get a racer from Ghana who can actually compete in the top 30-50 in the world – then I’ll be very happy,” he said.

Nkrumah-Acheampong’s next goal, he says, is to open a grass ski slope or an artificial ski slope in Ghana to help young Ghanaian skiers to follow in his footsteps.

For many his plans may seem overly ambitious, but this Ghanaian is determined to prove that wrong.

To view the original article at voanews.com, click here.

World snow report, low temps in Europe, more big snow for western North America

As reported by TheSkiChannel.com… Original Article can be found by clicking here.

Low Temperatures In Europe, More Big Snow For Western North America

*  More Heavy Snow In Western North America
*  Quieter In Europe
*  Heavy snow in Russia leads to cancellation of international freeride contest at 2014 Olymics resort.
*  Seven feet of snow (2.1m) in seven days at Utah’s Snowbird ski resort.

For skiing Europe has had quite a quiet week in terms of fresh snowfall but in most areas temperatures have been low, helping to maintain snow quality, and small snowfalls have helped freshen up terrain at a number of centres.  Skiing in North America there have been more huge snowfalls on the west side of the continent.

Skiing in France the cold temperatures have kept the snow in excellent condition for skiing. There’s been little new snow, except for a big snowfall recorded on Monday in the country’s Vosges region. Otherwise resorts have received 10 to 20cm (4-8 inches) through the week.  However new big snowfalls are expected for tomorrow, Thursday.

Laurie Martin Communications Officer of Montgenèvre told Skiinfo, “Snow conditions are optimal in Montgenèvre with 220cm at the top of the slopes and 160cm at the bottom. The whole area has been open since the end of December and the connections with the “Voie Lactée” (Milky Way) are also open, which is not always the case at this time of the year. The coming February holidays will be good for skiers. It has been snowing steadily since mid-December and we have a very good season, with skiers happy. The snow cover is good and stable and we expect new snowfall on Friday.”

Chamonix will host the Nissan Freeride on Saturday and then stage the postponed opening event on the next suitable day afterwards. The Russian event was due to have been staged in the 2014 Olympic venue of Sochi last week but had to be cancelled due to strong winds and heavy snowfall there.

Chamonix currently has the deepest snowbase in France with 3.9m (13 feet) on upper slopes.  Flaine has 2.65m (nine feet), La Clusaz 2.6m (8.7 feet) and La Grave 2.5m (8.3 feet).

Snow began to fall again in Austria and Germany in recent days with more new snow forecast for tomorrow and in to the weekend – especially in the western Vorarlberg, Tirol and Salzburg provinces. Temperatures have been as low as  – 20 degrees and colder in some parts.  The deepest snow is on the glaciers (Mölltal 330cm/11 feet, Kaunertal 209cm/7 feet on upper runs).  Sölden got the most snow in the country this week with 25cm (10 inches) with Kleinwalsertal reporting the biggest single fall of 17cm (six inches). Maria Alm/ Hochkönig and Alpbach had 10cm (4 inches) each.

It’s a similar picture in Switzerland where Elm reported the most new snow of the past week, with 30cm (a foot) accumulated.  Disentis, Davos and Saas Fee got 12-15cm (5-6 inches) each.  Andermatt has the biggest snow depth with 210cm (7 feet).  Saas Fee and St Moritz have only a few centimetres/inches less.

Italy has also had a quiet week although low temperatures have brought some snow at low altitude in the North of the country and also in the central Appennine mountains.  It’s snowing there now with Limone and Prato Nevoso in the north west reporting 20-25cm (8-10 inches) so far today.  The Presena and Marmolada glaciers both have the most snow with about 3.9m (13 feet) on upper slopes, Bormio has 3 metres (10 feet).

The cold weather has extended as far as Belgium where recent fresh snow fall (10cm/4 inches on 24 Jan), combined with the cold temperatures (-5°to  -15°C) has led some nordic resorts in the East of the country to re-open their tracks. Baraque Michel, Mont Spinet and Losheimergraben are offering Nordic Skiing on 10cm of snow. Other resorts, and hopefully also the Alpine resorts will follow as more cold and snow is predicted for next week.

There’s been little new snow in the past week in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Base depths in Andorra remain relatively good with 60-130cm (2-4.3 feet) at most areas providing perfectly adequate cover on all but the steepest slopes.  A new terrain park has also opened at Cerler in Spain, claiming to be the largest in the country with 18 lements and a length of 2.5km

Although there has been little new snow this week, cold weather has helped Spanish ski resorts to maintain and improve conditions on the slopes and Cerler has some of the deepest snow in the country with 175cm (nearly 6 feet) on upper slopes.

Typically resorts have 30-105cm (1-3.5 feet) at the base of their runs and 150-210cm (5-7 feet) on upper slopes.  However Sierra Nevada in the south reports the greatest snow depth of three metres (ten feet) at the top and Formigal has the most terrain open with 136km (80 miles) of runs.  More snow is expected tomorrow.

In Eastern Europe there have been some snow showers, particularly in the Czech and Slovak Republic, but it remains a moderate, if improving, first-half of the season in Bulgaria where cover remains rather thin at Borovets and Pamporovo, although better in Bansko.

Scandinavia has not had much snow in the past week, with regional leader Are reporting 7cm (three inches) of new snow on Monday and Nalovardo this most with 11cm.  The weather looks set to change in the next 24 hours with snow almost everywhere (It’s already falling) and up to a foot (30cm) of new stuff expected in the next few days in the mountains.

Resorts in Norway have begun issuing powder alarms today and Kvitfjell has one of the biggest snowfalls of the past week, with 33cm (13 inches) accumulated.

In Scotland conditions are excellent at Cairngorm, which continues its superb season with up to 1.8m (six feet) on upper slopes and 60cm (two feet) on lower runs. The area has been closed for prolonged period over the past three weeks as heavy snow blocked roads and buried lifts and restaurants, but is now fully open with great conditions.  The two other eastern Scottish ski areas at Glenshee and The Lecht don’t have as much snow but do have enough to be in great shape. On the West Coast the other two Scottish areas of Glencoe and Nevis range are open but with less snow.

More Heavy Snow For Western North America

Heavy snow up and down North America’s Pacific Coast has brought huge snow accumulations to most resorts, and also caused operational difficulties at some.

In the north there’s been yet more now at Whistler, with the Olympics now just over a fortnight away.  Its season-to-date snowfall is now nearly 10 metres (30 feet).  Fellow host Cypress Mountain also had a respite from the thaw and rain that is threatening the snowboarding and freestyle venues, with some fresh snow there too.

To the south of the region thousands of southern Californians who flocked to Mountain High resort in the San Gabriel Mountains, which has received five feet (150cm) of snow in recent storms,  were turned away by police due to dangerous road conditions and diminishing fuel and food supplies. Truck convoys were organized to deliver food, supplies and fuel to the area on Monday, with roads re-opening that evening.  However more snow is forecast, if on a smaller scale.

John McColly, Mountain High’s Director of Marketing said, “There is a reason I am in this business.  And this is it.  Skiers and snowboarders that braved the storm are grinning from ear to ear.  And I’m one of them.”

With the fresh snow there is an enormous temptation to go out of bounds but both Mountain High and the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s department advise against that.

Says McColly, “Anything outside of Mountain High’s boundaries is not patrolled so if you run into any trouble, you are on your own.  There is plenty of terrific tree skiing and natural terrain within Mountain High’s permitted area so stay in bounds, enjoy the fresh snow, and be safe.”

It’s a similar story at other western resorts, Jackson Hole has reported more than three feet of new snow, Snowbird in Utah, seven feet in seven days.

Up in British Columbia, monumental snowfall over the last week has created perfect conditions at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.  With a mid-mountain snow base of 320cm and 399cm at the top, the resort is once again the home of Canada’s deepest snowpack.  The news couldn’t be any better for the first wave of Olympic athletes who arrive this week to train at the Island mountain.

“We received over a metre and a half of snow in the last six days,” says Resort spokesperson Brent Curtain.

The Chinese Biathlon team arrived in the Comox Valley late Thursday and hit the snow on Friday, January 22nd.  The team will train at the mountain’s popular Nordic Centre, an obvious choice for numerous cross-country and biathlon teams over the next month.  A total of 26 teams from 15 countries are performing their final on-snow preparations at Mount Washington before heading back to the Lower Mainland and Whistler for the Games.

It’s been less promising on the East coast with warmer weather and some resorts reporting rain over the weekend, but it’s now colder in most areas and Smugglers Notch in Vermont is among those reporting fresh snow in the past 24 hours.

Elsewhere in the world, Japan’ Niseko looks set for record breaking January snowfall.

“Consistent snow falls for the last two weeks of December and another metre to celebrate the New Year here in Niseko have made for some epic skiing conditions with waist deep powder for everyone! With a village average top temperature of -2 °C and an average low of -8 °C since the New Year the base is in great condition. Get ready for some of the lightest, driest powder on the planet- the forecast is for continued moderate to heavy snow falls for the next week.” said an excited Ski Japan statement (www.skijapan.com).

Austria 7-Day Trip at 5-Star Hotel w/Breakfast & Air

Reviewed by ShermansTravel Staff on 12/30/2009.  You can find the original article on Sherman’s Travel by clicking here.

Book By: ASAP

Travel By: January 31

Savor a snow-laden vacation in the Alps

The Deal

Sure, chances are you’re not training for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but still, you might want to consider packing your parka and skis and visiting Innsbruck, Austria – host of the eminent Games in 1964 and 1976. From January 7 through January 31, World on Skis is offering an incredibly discounted seven-night vacation package to this ski paradise from just $1,743 – which is a staggering $1,140 less than what it would cost if you booked this trip by yourself!

The deal includes round-trip airfare from New York City, seven nights’ accommodations at the five-star Grand Hotel Europa (rates are usually $270/night), as well as daily breakfast. And, if skiing the fresh powder is a top priority of yours, you can buy a 6-day ski pass with the money you’re initially saving on this trip – for roughly $300 – that comes out to just about $50/day.

About Innsbruck, Austria: Settled 800 years ago, and host of the Winter Olympic Games in ’64 and ’76, Innsbruck has since achieved ski-haven status, containing eight ski areas, 75 ski lifts, and 177 miles of skiable powder. Even if you aren’t an avid skier, you will be enamored with Innsbruck’s world-class charm and historic attractions such as the Golden Roof (which is comprised of 2,738 gold-plated tiles and dates back to the beginning of the 16th century), the colossal Ambras Castle, as well as the Imperial Court Palace.

The Dollars

Prices are based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.

The Catch

By the end of your trip, you still may have not mastered the ski jump.

Booking Details

Call 1-866-678-5858.

Book With Santa’s First Choice in Ski Vacations

Your ski trip should be as pleasant and hassle-free as possible. Whether you prefer downhill skiing, cross country trails, spectacular snowboarding or simply taking-in the invigorating mountain air, stunning panoramas and distinctive world cultures, you can count on us to provide the professional service you need to ensure an ideal ski vacation.

World On Skis can expertly plan your hotel or condominium stay, airfare, car rental, lift tickets, pre and post city tours, ski or board rentals and lessons. Whether it’s for individuals, families, friends, or groups, it’s time to book your next ski vacation with ‘World On Skis’.

Offer Details:
All ski USA/ ski Canada prices require a minimum 4 nights accommodations and include hotel taxes & service charges .
All ski Europe packages include 7 night stay and hotel taxes & service charges.

Click here for our latest newsletter of Hot Ski Deals!

World On Skis Unveils Air + Hotel Inclusive Travel Hot Deals From NYC To Top Rated Ski Resorts In Italy, Switzerland & Austria

7-Nights’ Accommodations, Roundtrip Airfare (Plus Fuel Surcharge), Airport/Resort Transfers & Breakfast Daily – From $1,279

MOONACHIE, NJ – (December 14, 2009) – World On Skis, a brand of Central Holidays, is delighted to unveil week-long air and land inclusive travel packages from NYC to spectacular ski resorts in Italy, Switzerland and Austria – for travel in early 2010.  With prices starting at only $1,279 per person (and up to $1,743 for a 5-Star Resort), these Ski Hot Deals will enable U.S. travelers to experience some of the most celebrated Europe ski destinations this winter, for an unbelievably low cost.

These special Ski Hot Deals packages include 7-night hotel accommodations (including hotel taxes and service charges), roundtrip airfare from New York City to the European gateway city (including fuel surcharges), roundtrip airport/resort transfers and a daily meal plan as indicated (either breakfast daily or breakfast & dinner daily.) Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, and valid for selected travel dates beginning in January 2010. Following are some incredible World On Ski’s deals:

SKI COURMAYEUR, ITALY from $1,279 – Hotel Triolet, Breakfast Daily, Valid for the following January & March travel dates: 1/3/10 – 1/30/10 & 3/21/10 – 3/20/10.

Skiing’s life in Europe revolves on one thing: Mont Blanc, the continent’s tallest mountain. Courmayeur ski resort is lucky enough to be situated on the Italian side of this skiable beast. Known for its fabulous bars, restaurants, and shops that line the cobblestone streets – Courmayeur offers a top-notch atmosphere, combined with world-class skiing and snowboarding year-round.

SKI BORMIO, ITALY from $1,341- Hotel Baita Dei Pini, Breakfast & Dinner Daily, Valid for the following January & March travel dates: 1/10/10 – 1/23/10 & 3/14/10 – 3/27/10.

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “at the top of the Valtellina there are mountains always covered with snow and the Roman Baths”. The exquisite winter skiing wonderland he was describing is what is now Bormio ski resort in Italy. Romanesque architecture creates a medieval aura as visitors dine and relax in Bormio ski resort’s world-renowned restaurants and thermal spas. One can find great skiing, dining, spas, and a wealth of other winter activities within Bormio ski resort’s section of the Italian Alps.

SKI INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND from $1,494 – City Hotel Chalet Oberland, Breakfast Daily, Valid for the following January travel dates: 1/06/10 – 1/28/10.

Located right in the heart of Interlaken, one of the oldest and most popular tourist resorts to ski Switzerland, guests can enjoy the amenities of a modern hotel while also experiencing the tranquility of this quaint village. The City Hotel Oberland makes for a great starting point for the many ski and adventure excursions that await visitors of Interlaken.

SKI INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA from $1,743 – Hotel Europa (5 Star Hotel), Breakfast Daily, Valid for the following January travel dates: 1/7/10 – 1/31/10.

Host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, Innsbruck ski resort has deservedly earned its illustrious reputation as a ski and winter sports paradise. Innsbruck ski resort sports 8 ski areas with a total of 75 ski lifts serving over 177 miles of marked skiable trails. Innsbruck’s 800-year-old town is renowned for its historic center with famous attractions like the Golden Roof, the Court Church, the Imperial Court Palace, and Ambras Castle.

Travel with World On Skis by Central Holidays ensures the very best skiing adventures for ski aficionados of all levels and budgets.  World On Skis presents the ultimate ski and snowboarding vacations to the most popular destinations across the globe.  It bring skiers the best value-packed travel opportunities money can buy, whether they prefer downhill skiing, cross country trails, spectacular snowboarding or simply enjoying the invigorating mountain air, stunning panoramas and distinctive world cultures.  For additional information or to make reservations, contact World On Skis, a brand of Central Holidays at 1-866-678-5858.  To book online or to view all of the World On Skis Hot Deals, visit their Web site at www.worldonskis.com

JASPER’S MARMOT BASIN SKI RESORT CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING OF LONGEST HIGH-SPEED QUAD CHAIR LIFT IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

$8 Million Investment and Massive Snow Falls Transforms the Marmot Basin Experience from the Spectacular to the Exceptional

JASPER, Alberta – World-famous Marmot Basin Ski and Snowboard Resort Saturday celebrated the official opening of the Canadian Rockies Express, the longest high-speed quad chairlift ever built in the Canadian Rockies.

As guests from throughout the mountain community and across Alberta enjoyed record early-season snowfalls, Chairman John Day said the spectacular new lift transforms Marmot Basin into an even more exceptional experience.

“The Canadian Rockies Express once again improves the skiing and riding experience in Jasper National Park,” said Mr. Day. “Skiers and boarders can now zoom from the bottom to the top of the ski area in record time, guaranteeing more time enjoying the views and our spectacular slopes and virtually none spent in lift-lines.”

The Canadian Rockies Express is the largest single investment ever undertaken at Marmot Basin, located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It continues years of increased investment, including the opening of the Eagle’s Ridge area, the largest terrain addition of any national park resort this decade.

From the ski area base, the longest high-speed quad chair in the Canadian Rockies travels 2.3 km (1.5 miles), whisking skiers and boarders 596 vertical metres (1,955 ft) up to the mountain top in eight minutes.  The lift was built using the most environmentally progressive construction techniques developed as part of an industry Best Practices Manual written collaboratively with Parks Canada.

With an increased carrying capacity of 4,800 people per hour from the base area, lift lines are certain to be virtually eliminated as it will now take half the time to travel up from the base of the ski area to the top of the upper mountain. Runs for every caliber of skier or boarder, from beginner to expert, are available at the top with some stretching four kilometers long.

Dave Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the resort which opened in early November added, ”We have never seen such spectacular early season conditions as Marmot is being continuously blanketed with fresh powder. Another 21 cm of snow fell Friday night and conditions are as good as they get anywhere at anytime.  Today again demonstrated that our shareholders are fully committed to investing to improve the magical experience for which Marmot Basin is famous worldwide.”

Since 2003, Marmot Basin, which overlooks the resort town of Jasper, has invested more than $16 million in visitor improvements.

“This was a massive project and I am absolutely thrilled with how much this new lift has improved the skiing experience at Marmot Basin”, added Mr. Dave Gibson. “We worked in complete cooperation with Parks Canada to employ the greenest construction techniques every step of the way in order to achieve an appropriate balance for both our ski area and for Jasper National Park.”

About Marmot Basin

Located in the breathtaking, vast and ruggedly mountainous landscape of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Marmot Basin is a ski destination that inspires lasting memories.  With 1,675 acres of superb slopes, the resort offers 3,000 vertical feet of superb skiing and snowboarding.

With 86 marked trails on four distinct areas of the mountain, the terrain is nicely varied; from long, gentle, winding novice runs to steep, high alpine bowls and chutes and glade skiing through verdant pine forests. The ski and snowboard runs are split evenly between easy, intermediate and advanced, making this an ideal destination for the whole family and all abilities.

Jasper’s Marmot Basin Receives 60 Centimeters/ 2 Feet of New Snow in 48 hours!

Once in a while, the stars align and the heavens open up and you are in the right place at the right time. Right now are those days at Marmot Basin and the time to ski Jasper is now.  Jasper’s Marmot Basin has received a stunning 60 centimeters, two feet, of powder over the past 48 hours and 85 centimeters in the last seven days and it is still snowing. Yesterday morning, November 17,  the grooming team had to clear the parking lots with snow cats rather than with a plow because there was 25 centimeters of snow that fell overnight. Lifties were shoveling out the load and unload ramps of the chairlifts along with their buried mazes.

To say Marmot Basin is having an excellent start to the skiing Jasper season is an understatement. This is the first time we have had 100 centimeters of settled snow at mid mountain in the month of November and it is only November 18th. Today Marmot Basin opened even more terrain and we now have 53 runs open. The avalanche team is working hard to open the Knob Chair. They will have to do considerable avalanche work to re-establish the safety of this area before we can open it to skiers and boarders, however, we expect the Knob area to open soon.

Skiers and riders are hooting and hollering as they ride the New Canadian Rockies Express high speed quad chair.  2000 vertical feet of perfect powder skiing and riding from top to bottom on our new quad chair. This is a perfect time to ski Jasper and head to Marmot Basin as there is another storm headed our way and we are going to need snorkels to ski and breathe if this keeps up.

Powder Play: Eight Reasons To Ski Utah

This article originally appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, written by Stephen Regenold

Utah offer some of the best ski vacation experiences in the U.S.  With it’s deep snow, steep slopes and good value, Utah is a skiers dream come true.  Stephen Regenold, a special contributor to the Star Tribune, was gracious enough to detail 8 of the top reason to ski Utah.  World on skis has many great ski deals to Utah and offers excellent value with their Utah ski packages.

Powder Play: Eight Reasons To Ski Utah

By STEPHEN REGENOLD, Special to the Star Tribune

Top 10 Well-Rounded Ski Towns

We love, love, love, love, love top 10 lists! Maybe it’s the great anticipation of counting down from 10 to 1, or maybe it’s the fact that World on Skis is the leader in sending ski enthusiasts like yourself to any of these best ski resorts. Actually… it’s the combination of the two!

We would like to thank Digital City and Lauren Lamb for writing this article.

Top 10 Well-Rounded Ski Towns

By Lauren Lamb

When ski season hits, certain cities across the country come alive. While skiing may be the main attraction, many of these towns offer an enchanted experience that extends beyond the slopes.

As you plan your winter getaway, consider these well-rounded ski cities:

Ski Park City, Utah
This lively ski town is filled with acclaimed restaurants, galleries and shops. Aside from skiing, the town also offers snowmobiling, fishing, snowshoe adventures, bobsled, luge and sleigh rides.

Ski Telluride, Colo.
This quaint ski village is home to more than just beautiful slopes. Upscale boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and bars line the charming snow-covered streets. A free gondola connects Telluride to the nearby Mountain Village which features expansive views, convenient access to the slopes of the Telluride Ski Resort and world-class accommodations.

Ski Stowe, Vt.
This is a great destination for skiiers and non-skiiers alike. From snowshoeing to shopping to first-class dining, there is so much to do in this charming New England town. Be sure to make the trip to nearby Waterbury for a tour and taste at the Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters.

Ski Jackson Hole, Wyo.
In addition to downhill skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snow-coach rides are very popular in this spectacular winter wonderland. Another big draw is the close proximity of Yellowstone and the National Elk Refuge.

Ski Bend, Ore.
Over the past two decades, the population in Bend has quadrupled, but its 1920s appeal has remained intact. The growth has led to an influx of talented chefs and an impressive array of new restaurants. Step outside and you’ll be surrounded by nearly 3,700 acres of awe-inspiring terrain. Strap on those snowshoes, hit the slopes or go on a dog-sledding adventure. It all awaits you.

Ski Bozeman, Mont.
Bozeman is the ultimate town for outdoor adventurist. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing, snowboarding… you name it, you can do it. Yellowstone is also nearby. If you want uncrowded slopes and plenty of untouched powder to explore, this is the place.

Ski Aspen, Colo.
When you arrive in Aspen, you’ll feel the magic of this picturesque ski town. Everything is here, from fantastic skiing to the very best dining and upscale boutiques such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Aspen is glitz and glamour with a laid-back vibe.

Ski Truckee, Calif.
Just 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, this serene town is ideal for those who want a quieter retreat. Take a walking tour of the historically-rich downtown district, explore a state park or browse the wide selection of shops which range from chic to rustic.

Ski Burlington, Vt.
Whether you want to relax or do something exciting, Burlington offers both. You can try nearly any outdoor activity you can imagine and there are plenty of beautiful hotels and inns where you can simply just unwind. The Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s award-winning pedestrian mall, is also a big attraction where you’ll find a wide assortment of shops, restaurants and even live entertainment.

Ski Crested Butte, Colo.
In “The Butte,” locally-owned businesses rule. There are no chain restaurants allowed, so instead of Starbucks, you’ll find Camp 4 Coffee. Exploring the unique shops and boutiques is great fun and adds to the charm of this small ski town.

The original article can be found at Digital City by clicking here.

Early Snow: Six Ski Resorts For Early Season Skiing

Good news for skiers: It looks like the ski season is starting early this year.  Even better news?  Here are six ski resorts that open before the others for early season skiing!  World on Skis can help bring you there!

This article was originally published on SkyScanner.net and can be found here.

With winter on its way, snow lovers are already sharpening their edges, polishing their goggles and scanning the snow reports for the first signs of the white stuff.

If you’re one of those people who just can’t wait to hit the slopes, Skyscanner reveals some of the best places to get an early season ski trip in.

But how can you be sure that you’ll find snow, rather than grass on the slopes?

Well, the general rules for early season skiing are similar to late season skiing; head high or head north if you want the best chance of hitting the slopes before the New Year. Resorts that have invested heavily in snow making systems are also most likely to be able to guarantee the goods.

Ski Val Thorens (France)

As Europe’s highest ski resort, most of the skiing here is over 2000m, which means the snow starts falling early. Part of the huge Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens is an excellent bet for good snow conditions early in the season.

Ski Tignes (France)

Winter sports enthusiasts can start skiing early here on the glacier which offers an impressive 20km of runs and a vertical drop of over 750m. Skiing on the rest of the mountain starts in mid December, making Tignes a fairly solid choice for an early season schuss.

Ski Zermatt (Switzerland)

This famous Swiss ski resort has lifts that take you to a dizzy 3899m, and offers skiing that starts in late November. Zermatt is one of the few, truly year-round ski destinations in the world and a sure bet for pre-Christmas skiing.

Ski Saas Fee (Switzerland)

With a ski area that sits between 1800m and 3500m and has access to a glacier, Sass Fee offers early-season skiers plenty of snow. Early November sees some of the world’s best freestyle snowboarders descend on the town for the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup.

Ski Whistler-Blackcomb (Canada)

The excellent slope grooming and snow-making facilities at Whistler Blackcomb help to ensure a lengthy season that starts in late November/early December. This Canadian super resort has repeatedly been voted the best ski resort in the world.

Ski Solden (Austria)

Like Zermatt, Solden has year-round skiing on its two glaciers, so when it comes to early-season trips, it’s a pretty sure bet – so sure in fact that Solden say “snow is absolutely guaranteed from November to May”.  With a state of the art mountain railway, and a massive ski area, Solden is a great choice for the early bird skier.