Chalet Lacombe

Winter's cold embrace is slowly descending and whether you are a season veteran of the ski slopes or just a week-end warrior, finding just the right winter gear is an absolute necessity. With the boundless amounts of winter wear available, what distinguishes one from the other? Well, for one it pays to go with an industry leader and Columbia fleece is just such a company. For 70 plus years Columbia fleece has been an outdoor's innovator and when it comes to winter, their line of sportswear fleece is second to none. I can clearly remember going down the small Pennsylvania mountains at Roundtop and Liberty as a teenager wearing the unbelievably warm and toasty Columbia Sportswear Fleece Jacket my...

As one of the best snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, Val d'Isere is a gem of a resort for the late season. Work hard, play hard seems to be the general rule, with over 300 kms of amazing pistes to explore, plus, of course, the allure of off-piste for the more adventurous. You're almost guaranteed bluebird days, and the high altitude keeps the snow in great condition long after lower resorts are beginning to shut up shop. After your strenuous day on the slopes, take it easy in one of the many bars, clubs or restaurants, many with amazing views over the valley. You can refuel with traditional Savoyard cuisine, carb-rich but oh so good! Alternatively, there are lots of other, lighter options which are...

A would-be real estate investor at a conference in Puerto Vallarta in April said he'd researched the Costa Rican property market for five years, considering making a buy. Meantime, prices appreciated, maybe, 200% in that period. The market became too expensive for him and he never did act. Another investor at a Real Estate Forum in Puerto Plata, explained that he'd been watching the market in the Caribbean island nation of the Dominican Republic, for more than two years but was still uncertain as to whether or where to buy. He lamented the rate of appreciation of property values during those 24 months. Two pieces of advice: First, yes, do your homework. But, second, don't become paralyzed by the...

Innsbruck is one of the best known European ski resorts, with first class facilities for both experienced and novice skiiers alike. And Innsbruck isn't resting on her laurels after a poor 2006/7 season due to a lack of snow in the resort - it's invested over 50 million Euros, with a contribution from the Austria government, and is providing a new cable car that will take skiiers direct to the skiing at over 7000 feet from the city for the first time. In an effort to blend the new infrastructure in with the environment, the stations en route to the ski areas have been designed cleverly to look like natural ice formations. With many European ski countries seeing a dip in visitor numbers last year for...

kiers, a getaway made to the slopes entails more than just ski passes and equipment rental; for destination skiing, it means the arrangement of accommodations, meals, and travel – all of which can add up to be an expensive prospect. Hotel accommodations alone can cost you seventy-five percent of your total vacation price; and when you add meals on top of that, a ski vacation sometimes becomes cost-prohibitive. But, if you consider a ski vacation rental, you may find that you are able to save an enormous amount of money – putting your ski getaway back into reach. A ski vacation rental can be a great way to spend a getaway. Depending on the location you choose, you can have close proximity...

When tourists think of California, they immediately think of San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, or San Diego. They think of sunshine, movies, celebrities, and cars. What most visitors coming from outside of California don't know is that just three hours from San Francisco is a breathtaking, freshwater lake set against a stunning, heart-stopping, panoramic views of mountains and crystal-clear water. This is Lake Tahoe. Located right smack on the border of California and Nevada, it may only be the second deepest lake in the US, but it is second to none in terms of reputation and allure. Lake Tahoe tourism Although Lake Tahoe is bustling with tourist activities, it has not deterred retirees...

Colorado vacations is a dream come true for those couples who like to escape from the urban centers and surround themselves with wildlife and natural scenery. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and tiny wild flowers at your feet you should not forget your camera at home. There are 10 national parks in this State, not to mention over forty state parks, so if you and your partner are outdoor types, you could not have a better destination spot. Not that a Colorado vacation can not include city trips. While there are plenty of cities where you can enjoy gourmet food, theater, and dancing, you are still only minutes away from historical railroads, old forts, Cliffside dwellings, and all manner of...

Fly Thomas Cook is an airline company based in the United Kingdom offering international flights at competitive costs. Thomas Cook Airlines is committed to customer service and works closely with many travel agencies to ensure your family holiday is stress-free and financially satisfying. By choosing Fly Thomas Cook for your travel needs, you can save money, take advantage of convenient online travel planning tools and fly in comfort and style. Flights Fly Thomas Cook offers flights to many international locations. From the website, you'll find the ability to book a flight, order upgrades and special perks for your whole family, as well as discover special holiday deals. No matter if you're looking...

If you've ever heard the terrifying rumbling of an avalanche you won't be surprised that avalanches can travel at speeds of up to 300 km per hour (almost 200 mph), measure up to 100 metres high (over 300 feet) and weigh millions of tonnes. In most cases, it is impossible to out ski them, outrun them, or even get away fast enough on a skimobile. Avalanches are so powerful that their velocity can tear trees from their roots, flatten buildings, and destroy anything in their path. What chance does a mere human on skis stand against such a force of nature? When we plan our skiing trips we take out travel insurance, pay a little extra for the winter sports coverage, and then tend to forget about the...

Then… Just over 3 years ago, Bansko, Bulgaria was a relatively unknown provincial Bulgarian town of some historical significance, enjoying relative anonymity from the Euro tourists. Popular with Bulgarians and their close neighbours, the Greeks, as a peaceful holiday destination with a long ski season nestled in the UNESCO protected Pirin National Park. The perfect secret Eastern European getaway. Unfortunately, nothing of value remains hidden forever and once word got out of the huge investment and holiday potential, Bansko’s fate was sealed. Developers began buying parcels of agricultural land from local farmers and land owners and small developments began sprouting up in and around the...

The TV, magazines, newspapers - all of them start advertising about various ski resorts. The starting of winter is indicated by many things such as snowflakes that fall outside your window, nuts are roasted on an open fire, you also get to hear Christmas carols and see people dresses up like Eskimos. All the vacation places like beaches, fishing, camping, hiking a mountain will be crowded during this festive season so the best choice to enjoy your Christmas holidays is going on a ski vacation. Planning for a ski vacation especially during festive season should be done much ahead because it will be very difficult to book a resort just a week before the festival. These areas become so crowded similar...

Gulmarg the 'meadow of flower' is the land of natural fantasy which is located 56 km south-west of the capital city Srinagar. The cup shaped landscape of this place is known for its soul stimulating beauty of lush green slopes, snow clad mountains, wild flowers and scenic pastoral. This is among the most splendid hill stations of India which is visited by scores of nature lovers and trekker enthusiasts. The best season to visit this enchanting place is during spring when it teems with rows upon rows of colorful flowers of bluebells, tulips, buttercups, daisies, roses and forget-me-nots. It is also the popular ski destination of the world which is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. Some of the...

In a desert state and a city where the temperature reaches 38C on an average of 89 days during the year it may come as a surprise that you can ski on real snow, on real mountains, just a few hours from the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Snowfall in Phoenix itself is extremely rare; the city only averages 5 days per year where the temperature drops below freezing and since records began, snow has only fallen seven times - the last of which was January 2001 (the first snow fall in 22 years). However, much to the enjoyment of Phoenix's skiers and snowboarders, there are several ski resorts within a few hours drive which are perfect for a day or weekend trip and should satisfy snow lovers' cravings for the...

Over the years, skiing has transformed into one of the most popular sports in the world. Europe has always been like the ski destination of the world especially Switzerland and Austria. Of course there are many other hotspots for skiing and one such hotspot is in Costa Tropical in Andalucía. Actually this is the last place, you wills search for a ski resort because most people come here for the spectacular beaches and the marinas. The ski resort in Costa Tropical is called the Sierra Nevada Ski resort. At the Sierra Nevada Ski resort, you can have a great time snowboarding or skiing in winter when the entire landscape turns into a white shimmering blanket of snow. You can reach this ski...

Donner Pass is a formidable mountain pass and the high point along Interstate 80 in Northern California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The pass is located nine miles west of Truckee, California. At an elevation of 7,085 feet, the pass has significant historical significance in terms of its barrier to travel and resulting loss of human life. In the winter of 1846-1847, over forty people from the Donner Party perished as a the result of their inability to get over the pass. Donner Pass is narrow and has a steep accent from the east, with a more gradual rise from the west. For early western settlers in the mid nineteenth century, traveling through the pass was highly treacherous. The pass receives large...

It's wintertime and you love to ski or snowboard, but like many, is your budget tighter than last year? Have no fear, it is still possible to enjoy a winter ski vacation on a budget. Here are some tips: Destinations Consider ski destinations that are less expensive. Try to ski closer to home. Live in Los Angeles? Then consider one of the ski resorts closer to home, like Mammoth Mountain or Big Bear. Skiing closer to home saves you on travel costs and travel time. Some resorts even offer special deals for locals. Transportation When you are flying to a ski destination, you need transportation to and from the airport. If you rent a vehicle, it will most likely be an SUV, which is a gas hog. More often...

If you're traveling to a high altitude ski destination, such as Breckenridge, Colorado this winter, it's important that you bring along a thorough understanding of how higher elevations can affect your travels. With a base elevation perched at 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the highest ski towns in the American West. Most travelers will find that the altitude of Breckenridge has a relatively mild effect on them. It is not uncommon to notice a slight headache or have a bit of trouble sleeping for the first two to three days after arrival. Unfortunately, some visitors will experience more severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, significant headaches and shortness of breath. The...

As an Olympic medalist, successful commercial entrepreneur and recently inaugurated Canadian Senator, Nancy Greene is the exemplar of an accomplished Canadian athlete and role model. Gaining international attention with her gold medal performance at the 1968 Olympic games in Grenoble, Nancy continued to inspire and impress skiers and non-skiers alike with numerous World Cup victories and Championship titles . After a nine year racing career, Nancy retired from amateur racing and directed her attention on improving the quality of the Canadian ski environment. This article distinguishes some of Nancy’s major accomplishments and contributions to Canadian ski communities, her role in the growth of...

You know it when newspapers, TV and magazines start advertising skiing resorts: winter is here again. Snowflakes start to fall outside your window, chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, Christmas carols are being sung by the choir and people are dressed up like Eskimos. Okay, you get the picture. Now, that going to the beach, camping, fishing or hiking a mountain is out of the question, where can you go to escape the rush and bustle of shopping and enjoy the Christmas holidays? Well, you could ski, of course. In the season of scarves, mittens, hats and snow, skiing resorts can be as jam-packed and impossible to book in as beach resorts in the summer. Thank God, there are a lot of them available...

Winter Park Resort is Colorado's favorite. It is also Colorado's best destination ski resort! Just a short drive from Denver and Denver International Airport, Winter Park beats all the rest in amount/quality of snow, family friendliness, difficulty and the variety of terrain and ease of access. Lets start with how close Winterpark is to DIA and Denver. The Resort sits 62 miles from Denver's western border as the crow flies. Drive time from central Denver is around 75 minutes in good traffic. From DIA the drive time is about 2 hours. Compared to resorts farther along the I-70 corridor Winter Park is much more accessible as the Eisenhower Tunnel does not need to be negotiated. Also, the Berthoud Pass...

Aspen and the Colorado Rockies Aspen is consistently one of the top holiday ski destinations every year, offering four mountains from which to unleash your skiing fury upon. Buttermilk and Snowmass are known as the more family-friendly of the four, with Snowmass holding the annual ESPN Winter X Games each January. The Aspen Highlands runs are reserved for the intermediate to advanced skiers, with over 35 percent of its terrain dedicated to experts. Each year the mountains of Aspen receive 300-plus inches of snowfall, which helps fuel its famous double-black diamond runs, steeps, and breathtaking winter views. During the holidays, Snowmass village is decked out in all its holiday cheer, featuring...

Just picture this: You're out on a fun and exciting ski day in Mammoth but now it's time to head home. So why not ski right back to your condo on Mammoth Mountain? Then, you can climb right into your hot tub and enjoy views of the local scenery. Mammoth's location right on the edge of California and Nevada makes it one of the most unique northern California getaways out there. Plus, from your Mammoth location you can quickly and easily access some great tourist spots like Mono Lake, Devil's Postpile, and Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. Just imagine getting your own private condo at Mammoth's amazing 11,053 feet towering over many other popular areas nearby. Private Mammoth condo rentals are a great way...

At the outset, Bulgaria did not benefit from a prominent spot in ski destinations. On the other hand, the year 2008 was lucky for ski lovers are they are gifted to pick out a new destination that is incalculably beautiful and at ease for skiing. Bulgaria was well-known for its slopes and at presents the best floor for skiing. More than that, the prices are relatively less when compared to France and Switzerland. As a result, people who have only a small sum to spend can choose Bulgaria as there are lots of deals and discounts in flight tickets and accommodation. The authorities have put forth many packages in order to promote Bulgaria as a breathtaking ski destination in the year 2009. On the other...

When it is time to escape from the gray and gloomy days of winter, family ski vacation packages can help you to enjoy the kind of getaway that you and your family deserve. While you can plan ski vacations in your favorite resort by booking a room, buying your lift ticket and booking your travel separately, you can often save a great deal of money with a package deal. Booking a family vacation is probably the very best and most cost effective way to be able to take the whole family on a trip. Often, there are discount packages that can be found with some extra time, effort and initiative, which can end up saving you even more money. The discount packages are often available during the time when the...

The Kingdom of Sweden lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is a rich, ecologically friendly, progressive nation with a high standard of living. It offers much for tourists to see and do, both in the cities and countryside. 1.) Vasa Museum In this museum in Stockholm rests the fruit of some remarkable engineering labor, the seventeenth-century warship Vasa. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 in Stockholm's harbor and was recovered in 1961. The only extant example of the period's ship architecture, the resurrected skeleton, is exhibited along with relics recovered with it. 2.) Stockholm Sweden's capital city is replete with museums. Aside from the Vasa museum, one...

Italy remains one of the best kept skiing secrets in Europe, but perhaps that's how the Italians like it. Though often overshadowed by France and Switzerland, Italy offers skiers some of the finest resorts and hotels in the Alps. Italia has a relaxed charm and a unique Italian ambiance that is not found in other Alpine countries. With its excellent cuisine, fine wine, chic boutique shopping and sophisticated après ski night life, it's no wonder that the Italian Alps are a popular luxury winter holiday destination for the discerning skier. And off course, skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter sports on offer; increasingly more people who prefer not to risk life and limb by hurtling...

Being ranked number in any category is a prestigious award for anyone to receive. By being exceptional in a specific field and offering the highest quality of amenities and service, Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah has received the superior rating for being the most sought out ski destination in North America. Beating out Colorado resorts that have been long-standing favorites of many ski enthusiasts the services and quality of the Deer Valley community is providing the world-class skiing facilities and exclusive resort style living for many visitors that are looking for Deer Valley lodging. With fine dinning experiences and the exclusive private membership of the many clubhouses that are...

Bulgaria may not have the ski pedigree enjoyed by traditional Alpine destinations such as France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy; but this Eastern European country is fast becoming a favourite with British skiers and snowboarders looking for a change from the stereotypical ski resorts. So what's so great about skiing in Bulgaria, a country that was never previously known for its slopes? Well, perhaps the biggest advantage of Bulgaria over ski resorts in Western Europe is the price. Bulgaria offers a ski or snowboarding trip that is much cheaper than France, Austria or Switzerland. Indeed, it's quite possible to find deals including flights, accommodation and transfers for under £250 - a bargain...

Ski season is under way, and New Hampshire has been getting tons of snow for those expert and novice skiers that can't wait to get going. Loon Mountain, situated in Lincoln New Hampshire, has been a top ski destination for New Englanders for years. Not only is Loon only a 2 hour drive from Boston, but it also has several types of trails for all types of skiers. Lincoln New Hampshire is a quaint and beautiful town that features restaurants, shopping, natural wonders, and great attractions. I'd like to take this opportunity to provide a brief guide for visitors to Lincoln New Hampshire who plan to Ski Loon Mountain. 1. Driving Directions - Loon is easy to get to from Boston: From the north or south...

New Zealand is a country of many contrasts, offering stunning scenery, beautiful coastlines and world class cities. While many tourists travel here to experience the stunning natural attractions, many discover that it is actually a country that also boasts a strong metropolitan feel. New Zealand is decoratively dotted with pleasant cities; some large and some charming and small. Driving in between these cities will reward you with some of the most untouched wilderness you will ever come across. New Zealand's must-see cities include: 10. Queenstown Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World", Queenstown may be small, but it is one you cannot be missed. Queenstown is New Zealand's premier ski...

A lot of people seem to think that it's an easy task to buy a skiing jacket for their upcoming ski trip. But the fact of the matter is that these jackets come in many shapes and sizes. There are many things to look at and not all jackets are created equal. You can't blindly trust a certain brand and trust that you will receive value for money. There are too many models and too many differences when it comes to skiing jackets. In order to buy the best one for you personally, you are going to have to learn what makes for a good jacket! Ski Jacket Buying Guidelines A good jacket will offer you a lot of protection from the elements. When you go skiing, you are going to be exposed to snow, which will...

Skiing has become very popular in the last 30 years. Many people are looking for a challenge and some want the world's longest ski runs to get the most out of their skiing adventure. * The Grand Tetons in Wyoming, home of Jackson Hole Ski Resort, has the longest downhill ski run in North America. The vertical drop is 4,139 feet down Rendezvous Peak. To reach the peak, skiers ride on a state of the art 100 passenger aerial tram up to the apex of the Rendezvous Bowl. * You wouldn't think of Japan as a ski destination, but Myoko Suginohara has a ski run that is 5.3 miles! This is absolutely one of the world's longest ski runs. * New South Wales, Australia is home to Thredbo, and has the longest...

Ski resorts all over the world are taking an active interest in the affects of global warming. This is because global warming will have a direct impact on their business for the worst. Temperatures around the globe are expected to rise an average of 6 degrees Celsius within the next century. It may sound like a small number, but the affects can be devastating to a ski resort business that depends on frigid temperatures to attract visitors. A few major ski resort tycoons have already begun steps to "go green" by hiring environmental affairs specialists to come up with ways to keep them in business and have their operations run more efficiently. Much of these efforts involve implementing practices of...

One of the most popular ways to enjoy a winter vacation is to stay at a luxury ski resort. People from all over the world take advantage of ski resorts and the services and amenities they offer. When planning a vacation at a ski resort, one has to decide what kind of accommodations they will book. One type of accommodation that is very popular is Ski Condos. There are many benefits to staying at a ski condo. The convenience of staying in a condo at a ski resort makes this type of lodging a popular choice for couples and families. Staying at a condo allows one to be only minutes away from the ski slopes. As well, guests are in close proximity to all of the on-site amenities and activities that the...

If you’re looking for a job while you’re on your winter or even summer vacation, why not try your hand at skiing jobs and ski resort jobs. Ski resort work is perfect for teens and young adults who look forward to earning extra cash during the winter break; and it even makes sense to get ski resort jobs during summer as well. It really doesn’t matter if you know how to ski or not, ski resort work offers equal opportunity for skiers and non-skiers alike. Because ski resorts are usually packed with guests during the summer or winter months, finding temporary ski resort work shouldn’t prove too difficult a task. Skiing jobs, as well as ski resort jobs offer you, not only the opportunity to earn...

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...

If you are a serious skier with a love for the adrenaline that comes from skiing a new slope, then you may want to save your pennies for a couple trips to the world's best ski destinations. A couple land on the North American continent, but a few will take you too amazing foreign lands. Cortina, Italy is primly located in the prestigious mountains of the Alps. Resorts such as Rosa Alpina are located on traffic-less streets and are world famous for the beautiful winter scenery. Cortina is actually ones of the world's oldest ski-resort cities, but it has turned itself into a modern place to be. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France is like Cortina in that it holds the same historical value. This ski destination...

ax incentive was started in the later 1800s to keep people living here; and, of course, to help Italy keep an eye on its land and borders. Other Italian villages make complaints about these continued benefits given solely to Livigno. The tax incentive continues on today because of the poverty that dominated the region for centuries. Today's inhabitants benefit mostly because of the hardships their grandparents faced. These hardships didn't stop at poverty back then either. Because of an altitude over 1800 meters, Livigno suffered inadequate supply shipments, snubbing by the Italian government, frostbiting cold and death-swallowing avalanches. The last one killed seven people, destroyed more than a...

Northstar at Tahoe is known as providing an excellent backdrop for a family friendly ski vacation. With a vertical rise of 2,280 and a quad busting run of 1.3 miles, Northstar resort encompasses a vast variety of terrain. Read the following information about Northstar at Tahoe and find tips and tricks for saving money on lift tickets and general vacation components. Northstar at Tahoe Resort Profile: Acres of Terrain: 2,904 skiable Lifts: 17 Runs: 89 Average Snowfall: 350 inches Difficulty of Terrain: Beginner 13%, Intermediate 62%, Advanced 25% Location: This resort is 40 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Six miles north of Lake Tahoe at Truckee, CA. Here are some tips for finding...