The Best Ski Resorts of 2012

Val d'Isère is a renown ski resort and commune of the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps. The area along with nearby Tignes, forms part of the "l'Espace Killy", the self-titled "Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World". The western and central areas of Val d'Isère are known for the beautiful chalets dotting its hills, while in the eastern part of the town high-rises dominate the landscape. Head down the Face de Bellevarde; the resort's Olympic ski run, scene of the men's downhill race. After a great day of skiing get ready for tantalizing cuisine that only the French can offer. Try the traditional calves head at La Taverne d'Alsace, the amazing risotto aux cèpes et jambon de Savoie (mushrooms and Savoie ham) at Pier Paul Jack and the salmon tartare with a green apple sorbet at Restaurant Ormelune.

 

Zermatt is a car-free village in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Zermatt is surrounded by a range of fabulous mountains, among which the highest of Switzerland: Monte Rosa, but it is famous for the Matterhorn. With skiing and snowboarding the whole year round, with 365 days of snow, the village is one of Europe's premier ski resorts. Located just 10 kilometers from the Italian border, you can go skiing in Switzerland in the morning, take a Cervinia cable car and have lunch in Italy an hour later and be back in time for delicious cheese fondue and raclette at Zermatt's oldest restaurant, the Café DuPont the same night. Zermatt cuisine is varied and not short on gastronomical delights. Try the fresh trout at Alm taken directly from their own pond, or the local Valais fare at Les Marmottes which serves homemade specialties from their farm.

 

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most famous, fashionable and expensive Italian ski resort, as well as a town and commune in the southern (Dolomitic) Alps located in Veneto. Aside from being a ski resort Cortina is home to some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Bulgari, Benetton, Gucci and Geox, and various artisan shops, antiquarians, and craft stores. The town hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, take a skitour of the four Dolomite passes around the Sella massif, said to be one of the most spectacular in the world. Make sure to take a chairlift up to the Cinque Torri a group of shaped boulders on a mountain in a more or less straight line so that from a distance they resemble a row of towers, the view once you reach the summit is extraordinary and for the more adventurous there is plenty of climbing to be done. Cortina d'Ampezzo is not only a paradise for skiers, but also for lovers of fine Italian cuisine. For local fare head to Restaurant Pizzeria Ariston across the street from the Cortina Bus Station and the Rifugio Piezza da Aurelio at Passo Giau. 

  (Photo courtesy of Antonio De Lorenzo / Wikimedia Commons)

Located in the Capital of the Alps, Innsbruck, Igls offers a combination of old world Tyrolean charm and access to some of the world’s finest ski resorts. The picturesque village can be characterized by its traditions, old farmhouses, top notch Austrian fare, and the Igler tram that travels from the heart of Innsbruck right up to the Igls plateau to some of the best skiing in Austria. Two time host of Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck offers many thrills: for an adrenaline rush, a ride down the Olympic bob slight at 100 km per hour is highly recommended. Take a winter walk and admire the snow covered landscape, play a round of Alpine-style curling, hit the slopes in a tobbogan, or go ice skating. Enjoy traditional specialties at Gasthof Wilder Mann who will serve you delicious wine soup followed by filet steak in cream pepper sauce. I discovered Gasthaus Anich on my last trip, mostly visited by locals, the tavern serves authentic Austrian cuisine in great portions and at moderate prices.

  

Looking for a fresh powder day? Courchevel's couloirs are renowned as some of the most difficult black runs in the world. The ultimate skiers’ playground and a magnet for the rich and famous, Courchevel is the glamorous heart of Les Trois Vallées. Courchevel has many facets; it consists of 4 satellite villages (Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850) although it is most famous for its highest resort, the exclusive village of Courchevel 1850. 11 hotels with a 5 star rating, 2 hotels with a 6 star 'palace' rating, and 7 restaurants share 11 Michelin stars, including 4 restaurants which have been awarded 2 Michelin stars, it is no wonder that its name has become synonymous as a playground for the wealthy. There is room for everyone however, and if you'd like to go to a ski resort like anywhere else in the world, choose from the villages 1650 and lower. Known for its fine dining, I have two restaurants to recommend; Le Bateau Ivre which I think is hands down the best restaurant in the French Alps, you can look forward to frog legs in garlic flavored cream sauce and grilled red snapper with balsamic vinegar. The second best restaurant in town is Le Chabichou which serves fare like the velvety risotto with giant prawns, and a divine lobster salad.

 (Photo courtesy of Alain Caraco / Wikimedia Commons)

Tranquil alpine beauty, Wengen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages and upscale resorts in Switzerland. This traditional, car-free Swiss holiday resort sits the foot of the imposing Eiger and Jungfrau mountain range in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Wengen hosts the internationally well-known Lauberhorn ski races (the longest race in the FIS World Cup circuit and arguably the most scenic), and it is on the route of the Jungfrau Marathon. Wengen's old, well looked after wooden chalets give the village the charm and character of a typical mountain village. Catering mostly to families the village boasts 68 mi (110 km) of predominantly easy to medium-difficulty pistes. The fresh mountain air, unusual long hours of sunshine (especially in winter), the toboggan runs and around 31 mi (50 km) of winter hiking trails also serve to attract non skiers to the sunny resort.

 

Ski one of Otago's world-renowned skifields: Treble Cone. This majestic mountain boasts the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes with far reaching boundaries spread over two large basins and some of the best free ride terrain in New Zealand. Make sure to take a guided trek up to the Motatapu Chutes, this is a great tour for advanced skiers. The area surrounding the mountain is Wanaka, a town situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a mecca for outdoor adventure, aside from skiing, you can take scenic flights, go skydiving, paragliding, bungee-jumping, go lake cruising, jet boating or rafting, take a Lord of the Rings tour, go fishing, play golf, climbing, kayaking or canoeing, mountain-bike riding or horse back riding.

 

Looking for a real challenge? A scenic drive to this resort is often overseen, leaving this undiscovered piece of paradise as the best kept secret in the Rockies. Golden and Kicking Horse Country lie in the heart of six Canadian national parks in beautiful British Columbia. The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has the fourth highest vertical drop in North America and its slopes are well known for its light and dry snow, dubbed Champagne Powder. Aside from skiing the resort also offers tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, heliskiing and snowmobiling! After a long day out on the slopes take the gondola up to Eagle's Eye Restaurant and enjoy amazing starters like the Bison Carpaccio with Manchego cheese and Truffel crisps, and tantalizing main courses like the Grilled Elk loin with squash Barley risotto, and Blueberry Jus.

 

Tremblant exudes French Canadian 'joie de vivre'. A quaint pedestrian village, rejuvenating Scandinavian baths, and exceptional ski conditions make up just a few of the reasons why Mont Tremblant is the best ski resort in Eastern Canada. This winter wonderland was the first resort to open in Canada and also offers a number of different activities including snowmobiling, dogsledding, cross-country skiing, tubing, skating, and snowshoeing. Tremblant is renowned for its ski slopes and the best part it's a short 1 hour drive from beautiful Montreal. Enjoy fine French cuisine, chomp on a spicy fajita, savour a rich fondue and make sure to treat yourself to a queue de castor (beavertail snack), Tremblant's restaurants have something for everyone!

 (Photo courtesy of Pierre Vanacker / Wikimedia Commons)

Manifesting New England charm at its finest, Stowe Moutain Ski resort is home to Vermont's highest peak. It is also one the most family friendly ski resorts I've ever been to; with attractions like the Ben & Jerry's factory tour, Cold Hollow Cider Mill tour, and Gentle Giants horse rides, my son and I were busy everyday with a new activity! Now back to skiing: Stowe is considered by many to be ski capital of the east, and offers trails from beginner to expert level, the famous 'Front Four' trails (National, Lift Line, Starr and Goat) are the most challenging. The lower altitude Spruce Peak is suitable for beginners and intermediates. Check out the Trapp Family Lodge made famous by the Sound of Music, and also a great photo opp. Stowe is also famous for its many fine restaurants, with only Boston and Providence with more award winning restaurants in the New England area!

 

My number 1 favorite ski resort is: Whistler Blackcomb! This British Columbian ski resort has it all; the largest ski area in North America, international stores and couture boutiques, award winning restaurants, and endless winter activities. So hit the slopes and explore the area's 8,100 acres of terrain, terrain parks and half pipes, tree forts, kids adventure parks, and 200 marked trails from beginner to advanced. Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, go heli skiing, discover why they call Whistler a shoppers paradise and take part in the Whistler Après at one of its many venues (my faves were the Longhorn Saloon and Merlins). Whistler received a Traveler's Choice Award from TripAdvisor as one of the Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in Canada so take advantage. My restaurant recommendations; 21 Steps; for the wild BC salmon filet, La Rua; where I tried rangeland Alberta buffalo for the first time, and Aura's 10 course tasting menu which I will never forget.

 (Photo courtesy of Ben Poweski / Wikimedia Commons)

HAPPY SKIING EVERYONE!

-MJ Sanford
Certified Travel Advisor
MyVacationPages.com

 

 

 

 

 

Escape the Winter with these Fun Destinations!

Traveling, visiting family, seeking sun soaked beaches and snow peeked cabins, make up part of our many ways to escape the winter. In light of this fact I thought it'd be fun to check out some great places to both enjoy and forget this season.

Paraty is a preserved historic coastal town on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. The town is located on the Bay of Ilha Grande, whose cerulean waters is dotted with about 300 tropical islands. Rent a boat so you'll be able to find your own private beach on many of them. Don't forget to ask for a mask and snorkel! Some renters even provide fish food which means you can jump right into the bay, float around and feed the tropical fish. Make sure to take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of the old town, and a guided trek on the gold trail which takes you into the rainforest. Enjoy delicious Brazilian cuisine at Bistro Brasil where you can watch the chefs prepare signature dishes like the Paella Caiçara: Curcuma rice served with delicious mix of seafood marinated in rum sautéed with heart of palm. Paraty is not short on excellent fare, so explore away!

What better way to spend an escape this harsh winter then at a retreat known by aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times. Lake Como is the ideal destination. This jewel in the crown of Italy’s famous lakes is a haven of tranquility, ambrosial cuisine, magnificent snow capped mountains, courteous folk and style. Take at least one boat trip and visit the popular towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. Ride the hillside trolley known locally as funicalare, from the top are the most spectacular views. Lake Como is renowned for its exquisite villas. Probably the most famous is Villa Carlotta, a combination of luxurious interiors and art collections, and a definite must see on your vacation. Check out the back streets to find some of the less well known but excellent Italian fare. Try the Varenna Caffe for some yummy red wine and bruschetta, the gazpacho at Ristorante La Vista is to die for, and the perch risotto at Ristorante Bilacus will be forever imprinted in my memory.

Looking for a more traditional getaway? Then Charleston is one of the best places to do so. A seaport city in the state of South Carolina, it is known as The Holy City due to the prominence of churches on the low-rise cityscape, particularly the numerous steeples which dot the city's skyline. Take your family to the Festival of Lights featuring millions of sparkling lights. Go on a carriage tour of the city, worship with the locals at one of the many churches, and take a nice walk on the beach. Charleston is considered a great American restaurant town especially for seafood, head to Bowen's Island, near Folly Beach and The Wreck, in Mount Pleasant. For a great Sunday brunch try Moe's Downtown Tavern on Cumberland Street.

 

(Photo courtesy of Khanrak / Wikimedia Commons)

How amazing would it be to beat your winter blues in a cable car over waterfalls and lush tropical rainforest? Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah, is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea off the mainland coast of Malaysia. Ride the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the 700m high Sky Bridge for a spectacular view of the islands and Thailand. The largest and main island is Pulau Langkawi. Trek 300 wet steps to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls also known as The Seven Wells; named after the seven natural pools along its path. Pantai Pasir Hitam is a black sand beach, and definitely worth a drop in. Watch the birds, monkeys and eagles, on a boat tour. I used Mangrove Tour Langkawi, which took me on a nice slow cruise along the river. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium. Sidenote: While there I met a group of young conservationists, who told me not to encourage eagle feeding, while a really interesting display to watch, it encourages the eagles to rely on tourists for food.

 

Picture perfect pink sand beaches, New England style buildings, flower lined streets, Harbour Island has long been known as a premier family vacation destination for the travel elite. Its warm, clear waters are aquamarine and flawlessly calm for swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating. Ride around in your golf cart (the island's preferred choice of transportation) and enjoy small town life. If you're looking for some of the best restaurants the Bahamas has to offer, then you'd be heading to the right place. Harbour Island boasts some of the chain's most exquisite fare. Try the upscale craw fish roasted in green basil butter at Rock House Restaurant perched on the bluff in Dunmore Town overlooking the bay. The cracked conch reflects true local flavor and makes a spectacular lunch over at Pink Sands' casual Blue Bar. For a truly 'native' eatery however you will want to try Ma Ruby's on Colebrook Street. Last but not least take a peak at the exclusive yachts anchoring at the marina.

 

Escape the winter this holiday season and take the family or your special someone to sunny Orlando, Florida. Home to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld, Orlando is filled with many attractions as well as a range of accommodations catering from budget to five star making it the perfect place for all. In January the climate is in the comfortable 70s (approx 24°C), splendid weather for a round of championship golf at one of the city's international golf clubs. Take the time to visit Holy Land, a biblical inspired theme park, and a great visual aid to explain the true meaning of Christmas to little ones. Catch a local basketball game, the Orlando Magic are at the Amway Center on Church Street, and the NBA lockout is finally over so why not indulge. Orlando nightlife away from the theme parks is centered mostly around Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, head there for a fun night away from the kids. A wide variety of restaurants can be found in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, including Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Pastamore, and NASCAR Cafe. Downtown Disney has the Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and Wolfgang Puck Cafe. 

(Photo courtesy of Siebrand / Wikimedia Commons)

  

Moderate Pacific temperatures, snowy west coast mountains, and top notch skiing is why we chose Whistler, in the Canadian province of British Columbia as one of my top destinations to head to this holiday season. If skiing or boarding is your thing, Whistler will not disappoint, their trails cater from child friendly to expert level. There is also a number of other activities available, including ice sailing, back country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Whistler village has a variety of restaurants ranging from budget to gourmet, and covering international fare. No matter what type of food you're looking for, the best way to find good food in Whistler is to take a walk around the village. Try Araxi's in the heart of the village the loin of venison served with crisp parmesan polenta and roasted cipollini onions is to die for. Caramba is next to the Delta Suites Hotel and serves first class fare in a relaxing atmosphere, I had the free range rosemary chicken with roast potatoes, and the calamari a la plancha to start which many friends had recommended, both were absolutely delicious. During the winter of 2009-2010, Whistler Blackcomb realized its dream of hosting the Winter Olympics, visit the legacy display and the official alpine skiing venue.

(Photo courtesy of Thomas Quine / Wikimedia Commons)

-Tracy Smith