PM360 January 2010

DESTINATIONS

From California to Vermont Let It Snow!

Carving through fresh powder on a pristine slope or hurtling down a steep course at high speed on a snow tube—it has a way of taking the mind off the tedious details of our everyday lives. It’s an escape, a true wintry diversion from the real world. Here are a few great places to get away this winter, not only for skiing but a variety of activities that make it easy to keep the whole family entertained. So bundle up, and head out for some frosty fun.

Lake Tahoe, CA
Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe in the winter is a far cry from the sunny beaches that made the Golden State famous. But this crystal clear alpine lake—the largest of its kind in the country—is ringed by more than a dozen ski resorts, making it an ideal spot for a wintry vacation. Aside from the main attractions of skiing and snowboarding, Tahoe is also home to a variety of activities for those not quite ready for that black diamond trail. Check out the tubing course at Northstar-at-Tahoe for a downhill rush that doesn’t require so much skill and equipment as skiing does. And if careening down a mountainside isn’t your cup of tea or you’re just feeling lucky—head over to the Nevada side of the border, where gambling is legal and casinos abound. Between the slots and the slopes, Tahoe has something for everyone. (For more information, go to VisitingLakeTahoe)

Jackson Hole, WY
Well regarded among serious skiers and snowboarders, Jackson Hole offers challenging, untarnished slopes that attract powderhounds from around the world. With over 4,000 vertical feet of descent to traverse, this is the spot for skiing and snowboarding purists. Once you’re all skied out, though, other exciting diversions are available nearby. You can hop on a dogsled for a guided half-day tour of nearby Teton and Shoshoni National Forests. These expeditions, run by veteran mushers of Alaska’s famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, offer close-up views of the spectacular natural surroundings ($180 for a half-day tour, DogsledAdventures). (To plan your visit, go to WyomingTourism)

Stowe, VT
For those near the East Coast, you don’t have to travel halfway across the country to find quality ski destinations. Look no further than Vermont’s Green Mountains, which boast a set of slopes that compete with their Western rivals. Not only does Stowe have plenty of trails for skiing and snowboarding, it’s also known for its nonvertical activities. The resort town provides plenty of family fun at the Swimming Hole, an aquatic facility with a heated children’s pool and waterslide, a 25-meter lap pool, and gym equipment. If food more than fitness is your thing, why not head down the road to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or Cabot cheese factories? The iconic Vermont ice cream company offers a bit of both with its “snowshoe and ice cream” tour in Waterbury that includes free samples of its tasty creations. Nearby, the Cabot Annex offers cheddar samples. You can join a tour of the cheese-making factory in the town of Cabot to the northwest of Waterbury year-round. (For information, check out GoStowe)

—Bill Donahue