Active Vacations

Winter vacations — sans skis
Whether you harbor sour memories of past winter sports gone awry or think that freezing temperatures and the outdoors just don't mix, our collection of fun, offbeat winter getaways might change your mind!

Skiing on a budget

Many resorts are adding value to ski packages, offering a third or fourth night free, or lowering rates during the traditional slow times.Because of the softening economy, resort bookings are down 20 percent or more this winter. The silver lining? This is helping spur the mountains to create irresistible ski deals.


Michigan offers skiing — and lots of it

A skier rides a lift at Boyne Falls, Mich. The slopes are open early this winter due to daily snowfall, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy their sports earlier than the past few years.Michigan has more downhill areas — 42 — than any state except New York. Altogether, Michigan resorts have more than 200 chairlifts, 840 runs and 40 terrain parks.


New rides for winter sliders

A skier enjoys some fresh powder on the slopes of Whistler in British Columbia.Ski season is upon us, and resorts across the continent are hoping to boost their appeal with a bumper crop of new lifts and added terrain.


New map paves way for bike-friendly travel
State officials and bicycle enthusiasts are stitching together more than 50,000 miles of pedal-friendly pavement to form a vast network of bicycle routes.

Nature's most amazing rocky sights

Cliffs carved over millions of years by the rushing Colorado River define Glen Canyon, Utah, now part of the reservoir of Lake Powell. Sandstone cliffs tower over placid water, where boating, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and swimming are touted activities by the National Park Service.From Utah to Chile, how billion-year old magma and floods carved out some of nature’s most amazing rock formations.


Skiers plan to slalom around new baggage fees

With new airline fees on checking luggage, including oversized bags, the cost of a vacation can rise by several hundred dollars. So skiers are cutting back and renting equipment at resorts instead of bringing their own.As skiers seek to lighten their load, fees may help boost resorts' rentals.


Leave a Reply

Entries RSS | Comments RSS | Adres - Dutch News