Top 10 Winter Getaways

Summer is typically the season that everyone thinks of when planning their vacations. But why not dare to be different and take a winter vacation getaway instead? If you are a skier, snowboarder, or just someone who enjoys the winter months, a winter vacation may be just what you have been looking for. There are plenty of spots around the world that make spectacular winter getaways.

If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, Pennsylvania as your vacation destination. The home of Hershey's candy, Hershey Park becomes home to Christmas Candyland, where over one million Christmas lights are put on display. Christmas Candyland typically runs for a month prior to Christmas.

Sweden. Located in the small riverside village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, Sweden's Ice Hotel is famous worldwide for great winter vacations. The hotel is created each winter out of 10,000 tons of ice from the nearby river and 30,000 tons of snow. The hotel features the famous Absolut Ice Bar, a winter favorite for the 21+ crowd.

Yellowstone. During the winter the Yellowstone National Park, a popular summer destination in the United States, offers Lodging and Learning programs where guests of all ages can stay at Yellowstone and participate in educational lessons during the winter. These programs offer a great way for visitors of all ages to learn about the beautiful and fascinating Yellowstone Park.

Wisconsin Dells. This small Wisconsin town offers a great winter vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge, home of huge indoor water parks. Great Wolf Lodge is a popular destination for families. Visitors of Wisconsin Dells get the best of both worlds with summertime perpetually recreated indoors and snow falling outdoors. Wisconsin Dells is located near both Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.

If the most historical areas in the United States, New England is where the country was founded. In addition to the number of historical sites throughout the six states that make up the region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont), you will also find plenty to do in the winter months. Maine offers one of the nicest ski resorts in the country in Sugarloaf USA, or you can try the beautiful White Mountain area of New Hampshire where you will find a plethora of ski resorts and the historical Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Orlando. If skiing is not really your thing and you are looking to get away from the snow for a few weeks then travel to Florida, one of the most frequented states in the US by vacationers each year. Walt Disney World offers discounted rates during specific periods of the winter months, considered the theme park's off-season. Not only will the parks and restaurants be less crowded than during summer or a school vacation week, but you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather during your stay.

Caribbean. Why not take a cruise during the winter months? Like Florida, a Caribbean cruise offers a change of pace from the snowy, cold winter months that you may be used to. Winter is typically a perfect time for a cruise because the weather in the Caribbean has calmed down. Summer is hurricane season, spelling trouble for cruises but winter is perfect for calm seas and a relaxing cruise.

Located in the spectacular Laurentian Mountains of the Canadian province of Quebec, Mont Tremblant offers its visitors over 600 acres of land for skiing and snowboarding. Perhaps the best choice if you are looking to take to the slopes, keep in mind that the US dollar is worth more in Canada and can go further than it would on a vacation in the United States.
Alaska. If you are traveling with children, Alaska may be the perfect vacation choice for you. Offering everything from dog sledding, one of Alaska's most popular sports, to viewing the Northern lights, Alaska is one of the best winter vacation destinations. Although it is notorious for its cold, wintry weather, Alaska also holds a number of entertainment options that are likely to keep the whole family busy.

For decades Lake Tahoe has been one of the top winter vacation destinations in the world. Located on the border of Nevada and California just west of Carson City, Nevada, you will find that Lake Tahoe has plenty of activities for everyone in the family. Lake Tahoe averages 360 inches of snow each year, making for a winter wonderland of fun on your winter vacation. There are a number of high quality resorts around picturesque Lake Tahoe and the Rocky Mountains make a fabulous backdrop for the perfect getaway.

For all your travel information, tips and ideas visit http://www.envisionopportunity.com/travel/travelmain.html
Blissfully snowbound in Canada's Rockies - fun winter vacation spots - includes related article on lodging and logistics
Sunset, Jan, 1997 by Steven Lorton

Offer magnificent scenery, luxurious lodgings, and whiz-bang winter fun
Big, feathery snowflakes float from the sky as we climb into a sleigh for a moonlight ride along the shore of Lake Louise. The powerful draft horses are anxious to get going, shifting from one foot to another, snorting out jets of steamy breath, shaking their heads, and making their bells jingle. In a moment the horses pull in unison, and the 17-passenger sleigh begins gliding over the snow. Silhouettes of massive mountains loom all around us, and in the distance Chateau Lake Louise twinkles like a jewel box filled with diamonds. We are halfway through a winter vacation in the Canadian Rockies, and our dream is coming true.
In search of a memorable trip, my wife, my son, and I had planned an itinerary that included stays at the three grand lodges operated by Canadian Pacific Hotels at Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. Each of these resorts offered a mix of cross-country and downhill skiing as well as a taste of luxury. Though we could have flown into nearby Calgary or Edmonton, we chose to ride to Jasper aboard VIA Rail, Canada's classic transcontinental train.

After boarding the train one evening in Vancouver, British Columbia, we climbed into the bunks in our snug sleeping compartment. The next morning, we lingered over breakfast, staring out the windows at a magical scene: snow covered every inch of the landscape, from the ground to the 12,972-foot summit of Mount Robson. As the train neared Jasper for our 1:45 P.M. arrival, the mood onboard became festive, almost giddy, as if everyone knew a fabulous party was about to start.

Jasper Park Lodge was built in 1922 on the shore of Lac Beauvert. Most of the guest rooms are in elegantly rustic cabins and small lodges that dot the grounds (a few rooms are in the main lodge). We settled into a log cabin for three cozy nights on beds with down quilts and feather pillows.

We feasted in the Edith Cavell Dining Room, starting the first evening with chowder made from wild mushrooms, mixed grains, and fireweed honey. The blackened beef tenderloin came with a roasted-tomato compote. The rack of lamb had a Dijon mustard, garlic, and rosemary crust and was served with pear and mint jelly. And the chocolate-praline tart with mango sauce and caramelized bananas was heavenly.

Later, swimming beneath the stars in an enormous heated pool, we watched as a few hardy bathers flopped in the snow before diving back into the steaming water.

The next morning, we skied at Marmot Basin, a 25-minute ride by shuttle bus from Jasper Park Lodge. This alpine ski area boasts a respectable 2,944-foot vertical drop and good intermediate slopes, with large open bowls near the summit and tree-lined runs farther down the mountain. It was refreshing not to have to wait in a lift line - and that was the case everywhere we skied on this trip. The following day, hiking into Maligne Canyon, just 10 minutes from the lodge, we found frozen waterfalls and gigantic icicles cascading from rock walls.

LAKE LOUISE: PUTTING ON THE RITZ
Three nights go fast in paradise. Soon we were on the road, headed 140 miles south to Chateau Lake Louise for a two-night stay. The eight-story chateau, built in 1913, is backed by the icy face of the Victoria Glacier. Exquisitely appointed inside and out, the chateau is as beautiful a hotel as there is.

Chef Dominique Guyot rounds up the freshest ingredients for his dishes in the Edelweiss Dining Room. A buffalo rib-eye steak was lean but succulent, served with a black pepper and red currant sauce. The baked salmon, topped with lime and dill, came with a mango-papaya sauce and mixed beans. The beef Stroganoff was laced with thick noodles, large chunks of Alberta beef, and sour cream. For dessert, the apple tart was baked with maple sugar, then drenched with vanilla sauce.
I'd have been perfectly content to plop into an overstuffed chair and stare out at the snowy wonderland. But the call of the wild came through the windows. We ventured out for a sleigh ride, watched toboggans shooting down a nearby run, and hiked beside the lake. I even strapped on a pair of snowshoes for a while (if you can imagine a duck trying to Charleston, you'll know how graceful I was).

BANFF: REGAL STYLE, SPIRITED SLED DOGS
We spent the final three nights of our trip at the Banff Springs Hotel. Built in 1928 in grand Edwardian style, the 12-story structure with steeply pitched roofs resembles a castle. Inside, ornately carved woodwork and furniture set a scene in which you wouldn't be surprised to encounter King George V and Queen Mary.

The hotel's Rob Roy Dining Room, with an open-beam ceiling and a huge fireplace, looks out on the majestic Bow Valley. Here, the salmon has a deliciously musky flavor, having been first marinated in whiskey and soy sauce, then baked on a cedar plank.
Down the hill from the hotel, the tony village of Banff is cluttered with stylish shops and art galleries. The ski area of Banff/Mt. Norquay is only 10 minutes away by shuttle van, and very quickly the shops give way to herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
After a day of skiing, we headed for the hotel's fitness center, with several pools, dozens of exercise machines, hot tubs, and saunas. I was happy enough to stand under a manmade cascade and let the 104 [degrees] water fall on my sore limbs (I have a tendency to body-surf when I ski).

For our last outdoor adventure, my son and I took a ride on a two-passenger, husky-powered dogsled. The dogs seemed to be deliriously happy, bounding over the snow and wagging their furry plumes as we whizzed through the forest.
Finally, it was time to pack up and board the shuttle from Banff to the Calgary airport. As our Seattle-bound plane climbed higher and higher, the snowy Rockies that had towered over us all week got smaller and smaller. Even before they disappeared, we were planning our return.

RELATED ARTICLE: LODGING and LOGISTICS
There are many good places to stay in the Canadian Rockies, but it's impossible to match the history, grandeur, and service of the old Canadian Pacific hotels. If you don't have a whole week, you can still taste the grandeur by staying at one or two of them. The winter rates listed below are in approximate U.S. currency.

Banff Springs Hotel (403/762-2211), 800 rooms. A standard double costs $188 per night, including breakfast. The hotel offers an exhaustive package for $196 per person per night, including a deluxe room, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, access to the health spa, lift tickets, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating, and equipment rentals.

Chateau Lake Louise (403/522-3511), 511 rooms. A standard double costs $110 per night, including breakfast. Packages are available.

Jasper Park Lodge (403/852-3301), 442 rooms. A standard room for two costs $87.50 per night. Packages are available.
GETTING to the CANADIAN ROCKIES By air. Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Horizon Airlines, and United Airlines serve Calgary and Edmonton from various Western cities. Because of hazardous winter road conditions, you'll feel safer using public transportation than trying to drive on snow and ice.
By train. VIA Rail; (800) 561-8630 in Canada, (800) 561-3949 from the United States.

Winter Family Getaway Spots
By Alice Cary, GORP.com Family Expert, and Elyse Green

Sometimes families need winter vacations even more than summer vacations. In summer, after all, everyone can go outside and run off energy. But at home in winter, everyone's tempers are often as short as a dark winter day.

We've picked 10 family-friendly spots across the country that offer a wide range of temperatures and activities.

What suits your family's fancy? Do you want to do some backwoods exploring on snowshoes or skis in New England? Or would you rather have a Rocky Mountain adventure? Don't forget the pleasures of warm ocean water or the fascination of the desert ecosystem.

The Winter Beach
http://www.gma.org/Tidings/winter.html
Students of the history of the earth are resigned to the fact that geologic events like mountain-building and sea-floor spreading take millions of years to happen. During a lifetime, earth scientists rarely witness significant changes in mountains, seas or climates. Small wonder that they flock to any scientific arena where dramatic action is guaranteed. Where do some scientists go to study a rapidly-changing ecosystem? They go to the beach!

The beach is constantly in motion. Tides, surf and winds change its appearance daily. Erosive storm waves in winter and gentle waves in summer account for seasonal variations. In addition, longshore currents, negligible but persistent, can alter the beach over a period of several years.

On a summer beach, it is pleasant to speculate about the origin of the sand that squishes between one's toes. It is rather awesome to contemplate the same thought after a winter storm, for the entire summer beach may have disappeared. A stark, narrow ridge of sand and rocks has replaced the broad, flat beach. High on the beach, like stranded whales, lie rounded boulders too heavy to be lifted by surf and tides. Storm waves have carried away the sand of summer and deposited it on offshore sand bars. While breakers pound the coast, the summer beach rests a few hundred feet from shore.
In the spring, small constructive waves begin to rebuild the beach. They are strong enough to lift the sand grains onto the shore, but too weak to haul them back out to sea again.

If the seasonal movement of sand on and off shore were the only force acting on the coastline, beaches would stay the same from one year to the next. As anyone who owns beachfront property will tell you, this is not the case! Over the years, alongshore movement of sand removes sand from one area, typically where it is wanted, and deposits it in another, usually where it is not wanted. This sand shift is generated by storm waves that strike the beach at an angle, bounce back at an angle, and pick up sand grains as they rebound. The zigzag action of waves hitting the shore has the overall effect of moving large quantities of sand parallel to the beach just beyond the breakers.

Visiting the sandy shore in winter provides a new perspective on the beach. It vividly portrays how harsh this habitat is for the plants and animals that must withstand the drying wind, salt spray, storms, freezing temperatures and constantly shifting sands. These ever-changing conditions prohibit intertidal plants and animals from establishing permanent residence on the beach. Because they have no place to anchor themselves on the shifting sands, no seaweeds except microscopic algae live on the wave-washed portion of the beach. Crabs, worms and mollusks are noticeably less evident, as they must burrow into what little sand there is to escape waves, wind, cold temperatures and predators. Except for the lines of debris, seaweed and dead organisms stranded at the high tide mark, the winter beach appears desolate and lifeless.

If you look closely, though, you will find numerous examples of adaptation to winter conditions. As winter progresses, periwinkles migrate down the shore to reduce their air exposure time to only a few hours. You'll also find snails and crabs who have sought shelter under seaweeds or rocks to avoid the freezing winds. Intertidal organisms will also relocate to high salinity tide pools, as a higher percentage of salt results in a lower-temperature freezing point. Like cats, some dark-pigmented seaweeds and mobile animals can also expose themselves to the winter sun to absorb solar radiation, which will help raise body temperature and prevent freezing.

Many organisms also benefit from metabolic or biochemical changes in cold weather. Some animals produce glycerol, an alcohol compound that works as an antifreeze. Seaweeds, mussels and fish are known to increase the salt content of their body fluids by either losing water or taking in salt. Again, this higher salt content helps to prevent freezing.

As foreboding as the winter beach appears, it is teeming with life. Some would say that there is no greater pleasure than to walk a deserted beach on a cold, sunny day in winter.

The Winter Beach was written by Mary Cerullo, who has authored a number of articles, curricula and special projects the Gulf of Maine Aquarium. Special thanks to Ray Gerber, professor at St. Josephs College in Windham, for his writing on animal adaptations.