Golf Vacation

Sandals Dunn's River Golf Resort & Spa - All Inclusive Vacation The All-Inclusive Package For Couples Only Luxurious Accommodations Personal Butler Fine Dining Nightly Entertainment Red Lane Spas Scuba Diving & Watersports Golf & Landsports Weddings & Honeymoons Sandals Antigua Sandals Dunn's River Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia Sandals Inn Sandals Montego Bay Sandals Negril Sandals Regency St. Lucia Sandals Royal Bahamian Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Whitehouse About Jamaica About St. Lucia About Antigua About the Bahamas Sandals Resorts in Jamaica Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia Sandals Resorts in Antigua Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas Rates & Availability Specials Balance Payment Online Reservations Brochure Awards News Gift Shop Specials Photos 360º Video Map What's Included? The Resorts Select a Sandals Resort ----------------------- Sandals Antigua Sandals Dunn's River Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halcyon Sandals Inn Sandals Montego Bay Sandals Negril Sandals Regency St. Lucia Sandals Royal Bahamian Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Whitehouse Dunn's River Overview Details About This Resort Rooms & Suites Restaurants Amenities Activities & Tours Spa Treatments & Services For Couples Only Luxurious Accommodations Fine Restaurants Red Lane Spas Scuba Diving Golf Weddings & Honeymoons $ 398 pp Quick Links Visit the Sandals Gift Shop Download Sandals Screen Saver Download Wallpapers Weddings are Included! Hurricane Guarantee Local Adventure Tours & Sightseeing In Jamaica, Stay at One, Play at Seven Introducing Sandals SnapShots Find a Travel Agent Attend a Sandals Event Near You Green Globe Certified At Sandals we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. All our resorts are Green Globe Certified . Inspired by the great Italian Renaissance period...and named after the world-famous waterfall located minutes away...this breathtaking resort combines Mediterranean elegance with Jamaican charm, creating Caribbean luxury on a grand scale. From a stunning lobby with soaring columns and winding staircase reminiscent of an Italian palazzo...to the rippling waters of Jamaica's largest freshwater pool, highlighted by a cascading waterfall that mirrors the image of its famous namesake. ( More ) Set on Ocho Rios' nicest beach 2 pools and 2 swim-up pool bars 5 bars serving unlimited premium drinks 9 hole "executive" golf course on site 4 gourmet dining options on property Complimentary golf, including transfers All meals and gourmet dining Unlimited premium drinks & cocktails All tips & hotel taxes Watersports, scuba diving, equipment Roundtrip airport transfers (from MBJ) So much more! With Sandals Golf and Country Club nearby, and the Pitch N' Putt Golf Course directly at the resort, Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort and Spa is a golf fanatic's fantasy. With our "Dine Around Ocho Rios " program, you get 9 additional dining choices at nearby Sandals Grande Ocho Rios . It's all included -- even the roundtrip transfers. For the ultimate in personalized indulgence, select suites include the intuitive services of a personal butler who will attend to your every whim and handle your every possible request. More about butler service Suites with butler service List of butler duties Personalize your butler service Relax, unwind and pamper yourself. Step into the calm haven of a Red Lane Spa™, with its rich marbles and deep red mahogany, and you can leave every care behind. About Red Lane Spas™ Treatment Prices New! Book Spa Treatments Online Say "Aah" to Spa ENTER YOUR EMAIL HERE TO RECEIVE OUR LATEST OFFERS Home | The Inclusions | The Resorts | The Locations | The Spas SSG Members | For Travel Agents | Press | Employment | Groups | Affiliates | FAQ's | Contact Us Site Map | Terms of Usage | Privacy Policy Visit -Our All-Inclusive Resorts for Families

Switzerland Travel Guide, climate:

Switzerland Travel Guide - Information and Advice Switzerland Travel Guide Information and Advice Switzerland Pictures | Switzerland Map Guerba can take you walking in the very best parts of Switzerland with three itineraries ranging from 8 to 13 days. Guerba Tours | Swiss Alpine Trails | High Trails of Mont Blanc | Swiss Walking and Montreux Jazz | Free Brochure Switzerland Travel Guide, climate: Best: June-Sept for summer activities and Dec-March for winter sports. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Zurich or Lucerne for a romantic weekend, or Zermatt for a sports break. Recommended: 10 days to get totally knackered at your choice of activity. Switzerland Festivals Guide: Snow freaks have plenty of wacky winter festivals to attend, such as: pop festivals at 1,800m in deep snow [Fuchstival, mid March or Kleine Scheidegg early April]; dog sled racing [Zinal, mid March or Chandolin early April]; Waterslide Contest [Bettmeralp, late March or Valais, April]; downhill mountain bike races [on snow] from 3,600m [Allalin, early April]... Feb/March, Fasnacht [carnival] - especially colourful in Basel, but makes an appearance elsewhere too. July, Montreux Jazz Festival. August 1, Swiss National Day - with various activities including fireworks. For some precise dates see: European Festivals or Arts Festiva ls . Activities Guide: Hiking: With magnificent views of mountains, flower-carpeted alpine valleys, waterfalls and superbly organised and supported trails, this is a must-trek destination. Possibilities are too many to list with 50,000 kms of footpaths out there! Biking: There are over 150 well designed mountain bike routes in Switzerland, ranging from the easy to the insane, and all with staggering views. For regular bikes there are over 3,000 kms of track. Inline Skating: Around 600 kms of specially asphalted, reasonably flat, scenic routes , such as the Rhine, the Rhone and the Mittelland, make this possibly the world's best skating destination. Windsurfing: Wind can be erratic due to altitude or rock interference, but some popular spots are these lakes: Leman, Bieler, Urner, Alpenmacher, Maggiore [north], Lugano. Canoeing: The Muota River [Schwyz] and the Doubs [Jura] are most wanted. White-water rafting: The Rhine and Saane rivers are well known but the Alps provides many more possibilities. Mountaineering: Zermatt, Pontresina and Meiringen are areas favoured by serious climbers. Gliding: yet another use for those huge hunks of rock...hang and paragliding are well provided for in most larger resorts. Snow sports: Vast quantities of the white stuff are just about everywhere of course, but what makes this country a bit special is a] doing the white thing in the shadow of a truly awesome mountain, like Zermatt/Matterhorn, and b] that in some places the snow is around nearly all year. Zermatt and Verbier are best targets for skiing and nightlife. Wellness: With pure alpine air and a teutonic attitude to health, Switzerland offers a mass of spas, saunas and therapy centres in stunning locations. More unusual activities: Switzerland goes in for some off-the-wall sports too, such as canyoning , zorbing [rolling down a mountainside in huge transparent ball] or house running [abseiling down tall buildings at high speed]. Interlaken and Lucerne are centres for these mad moments. Switzerland Star Guide: Monuments * Shopping and souvenirs *** Walkability ***** Food Quality and Variety **** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches lakes Wildlife *** Landscape ***** Local People ** Architecture **** Safety ***** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums **** Accommodation Guide: Tourist offices are efficient in listing local rooms/hotels available, often with boards placed outside rail stations. They also hand out 'guest cards' that secure various discounts. Hotels are not necessarily expensive but hostels are, of course, the cheapest option , though still good quality. Campsites are good too, mostly open only in summertime. Free camping is not permitted. Cuisine Guide: If you're a non-dairy eater then you'll have a big problem if you travel in Switzerland, though vegetarians will be unusually fulfilled. Cheese appears frequently and is the star of Swiss specialities like fondue [dipping bread or potato into melted cheese], raclette [similar] and rosti [cheese-topped grated potatoes]. Lake fish are a popular dish and vegetarian restaurants common. Those on a budget can find good value set lunch menus or self-service restaurants in department stores. Why Travel to Switzerland? Yet another quirky little European country, Switzerland is unique, spectacular and well worth a trip or two. Clichés perhaps, but some of the best Swiss experiences involve incredible mountains and lakes, stunning sports - summer or winter, stylish, lively towns, quaint hillside villages , and all tied together with a supremely efficient transport system . In addition it's super-safe , just about everyone speaks two or three languages , including English, and it's loaded with terrific beers, rich food and amazing pastries and chocolate . Is that a good thing? You choose. Downside: - this not a cheap destination . - don't try anything remotely illegal , [such as crossing the road when the little man is red], this is a very law-abiding state. - Swiss people - about 65% Germanic - though extremely polite, are, like their climate, cool towards foreigners. Where to travel in Switzerland: South-west [Lake Geneva]: ** Geneva , attractively situated at the southwest tip of Lake Geneva and near France, is cultured and metropolitan, but more of a business and diplomatic centre than party place. It does, however, offer a great selection of museums and some decent architecture including the ubiquitous old town. ***Lausanne, on the other hand and the other side of the lake, really knows how to play, due partly to the university's youth contribution. Steeply tiered, it 's stylish and pleasantly walkable [going down or along the waterfront] and alive with varied street action and nutty cafés. On the east side of Lake Geneva lie three smaller locations of interest: *Vevey is a small, appealing market town with a lively Street Artist's Festival in late August; *Montreux , 6km down the road is bijou but wealth-oriented and not particularly hospitable apart from July's Jazz Festival; the 13thC ***Chateau de Chillon is the star attraction in this area, a beautifully located and well-preserved castle popularised by Lord Byron's ' Prisoner of Chillon .' The middle [Mittelland ]: **Bern's tiny, quiet, riverside elegance is not at all what you would expect of Switzerland's capital. The old town's cobbled streets and arcaded buildings date from the 11thC to the 18thC, and there is life there still... Just south of Bern the Lake Thun area affords castle freaks the opportunity to pleasure themselves repeatedly on fine 12th and 13thC fortifications. ***Lucerne [Luzern] is more than just another gorgeous Swiss city. Mix lake with river with mountain with alpine meadows with well-preserved old town, throw in some stunning new architecture, a lively youth-oriented street culture, plenty of adventure sports [mostly 1 hour by train uphill to Engelberg ], simmer gently and you've got the young traveller's #1 Swiss role model. The area also provides the country's most spectacular ferry rides. *Basel is wealthy, cultured and convenient, with a pleasant old town and fine museums, but too preoccupied with business to be much fun. ***Zurich, up north, is a far, gnomic cry from it's stuffy banking image these days. Gorgeously located astride a river and boxed in by Lake Zurich and distant snowy mountains, the city is a buzzing hive of creativity and charm, with a lovely medieval old town and a huge variety of imaginative new establishments to relieve you of your wad. The miniscule principality of Liechtenstein is two hours away but offers little of interest. The Alps mountains [south] : *** The Jungfrau Region towards the country's centre offers the highest and most scenic rail trip, connecting three peaks, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, though some argue that the Schilthorn cable-car is cheaper, quicker and more scenic. **Murren and **Grindelwald towns are good bases for both winter and summer sports, but Interlaken is too busy to be enjoyable for those who value tranquility. ***The Matterhorn is a Swiss icon and the original model for Toblerone chocolate, while traffic-free *** Zermatt - at it's foot - is the place to stay and base for any number of staggering view experiences, including year-round snow sports and the day-long, panoramic Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St Moritz. **St Moritz. Very posh, very beautiful, and very expensive, though St Moritz-Bad would be less bad for your wallet than snooty St Moritz-Dorf. Ticino, the Italian region, south of the Alps: Warmer and culturally very different from the rest of Switzerland , Ticino sports palm trees, piazzas and pizzas along with the usual lakes, woody hills and medieval old towns. Prime targets are **Locarno and ***Lugano, both on lakes, with the latter offering more views, style and sights. Switzerland Tours Tour operators offering travel around Switzerland can be found in our listings here: Switzerland Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Europe Map Visas: EU citizens and nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to 3 months, though you should carry your passport. Electricity Guide: Electric sockets are 230v and are built for three round pin plugs but will accept the usual 2 round pin plugs , fortunately. Safety Guide: Switzerland is just about the safest place on the planet. Apart from overeating and snow accidents the biggest dangers are likely to be altitude sickness [AMS] or hypothermia if you overestimate your climbing/hiking ability . Language: Not a problem in this country which has more multi-lingual ability than any other on earth . A twisted German is the dominant tongue and French second, but everyone can handle English. Local Transport: Swiss transport is brilliant and trains are the way to go if available. InterRail or Eurail passes offer well-discounted travel, though not on a few spectacular mountain routes. Lake ferries are famously scenic [only June-Sept]. International Transport: Roads and railways from the rest of Europe are superb , while boating from Germany, France and Italy is also possible . Buses are a less comfortable option. Money: Contrary to expectations, the local currency is the Swiss Franc [also used by their little brother Liechtenstein], but most places in tourist areas will accept the Euro. Tipping is not necessary anywhere as 15% service charge is applied to just about everything including taxis. Costs are on the high side, though cheapish travel in Switzerland is possible if you eat fast food, use a railpass and stay in hostels. Pictures are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. If you plan to travel Switzerland you may find these other Bugbog guides useful: Germany Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide France Travel Guide Italy Travel Guide Czech Republic Guide Hungary Travel Guide Belgium Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog

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Go Travel Insurance - Cheap Annual Travel and Holiday Insurance on the web       Buy Cheap Online Annual Travel Insurance for Immediate Cover     Call 0870 421 1521  Call Agents available today 8:00am to 9:00pm Home ¦ About ¦ Benefits ¦ Claim Information ¦ Contact ¦ Policy Documents ¦ Quote Me ¦ Support ¦ Travel Extras Backpackers Read our GoGapper guide to the Global Galaxy. Travel News News exclusive to Go Travel Insurance. Click HERE for latest headlines Feedback Click HERE for feedback from our customers Affiliate Program Click HERE to find out more. Short Breaks Our worldwide hotel portal provides online access to over 15,000 hotels. Click HERE Airport Car Parking Online booking available by clicking HERE Great Value Single Trip and Annual Travel Insurance Holiday Insurance For Residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland Buy with Confidence Vaccination Go Travel Insurance has teamed up with MediCentre to offer advice on vaccinations. Click HERE We accept the following cards in payment Regulation Authorised and regulated in the UK by the FSA. Click Here for more information Emergency Medical Assistance In the event of an emergency whilst overseas call +44 (0) 870 112 8203 Make a Claim Please call us during office hours on: - +44 (0) 870 421 5224 US Citizens Click HERE Travel Directory Car Parking, Airport Lounges, Hotels and Car Hire. Click HERE for more information. Know Before You Go Check where you are travelling to get the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Cheap Travel Insurance Information Annual Holiday l Annual Travel l Backpacker l Business l Cruise Holiday Insurance l Cruise Travel Insurance l Golf l Group Travel l Family Holiday Insurance l Multi Trip l Single Trip l Winter Sports l Ski Holiday l Student l Worldwide Travel Go Travel Insurance® is a division of Drakefield Insurance Services Limited Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority >© 2004 Drakefield Insurance Services Limited > Disclaimer > Privacy > Sitemap Tourists follow in Katrina`s wake Nepal gets the nod from London Great Christmas getaway gets underway P&O cruise promises best of Asia and Africa Top actresses try out backpacking Winter break travellers widening their horizons Check out Chile on Saint Sebastian day Banff takes to the ice Japan`s Wakakusa gives warm welcome to the New Year

Ski Vacation Almanac Adventure

Ski Vacations - National Geographic Adventure Magazine Ski Preview 2006 Select Past Sports 20 Sports Trips Swap Slogging the Fakahatchee Preseason Ski Trips Yoga Vs. Pilates Rafting Baja Trekking New Zealand Performance Candy Rock Climbing the Gunks Paddling Big Sur U.S. Climbing Spots Biking Across Alaska Latin American Surf Spots Paddling the Altiplano Skiing Tahoe's Backcountry The Grail Trails Climbing the Black Hills Biking the Inside Passage /0512/resources/sports_resources.html Gear of the Year: Gift Ideas Here are all the gotta-get-it items for savvy outdoor fanatics this holiday season. Gear gift ideas Audio Exclusive: Listen to Ed Viesturs Download an interview with our Adventurer of the Year, Ed Viesturs. Then read about ten other incredible athletes. Hear Ed Viesturs World-Class Outfitters Adventure -approved excursions for right now. Find a base camp, eco trip, or guided tour Video Exclusive : Climbing Icebergs Watch Will Gadd climb a crumbling iceberg off the coast of Labrador. See the ice climbing video King Kong in Rwanda To get into character, actor Andy Serkis, a.k.a. King Kong, sought out some ideal coaches: the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Read the King Kong interview This Month's Stories Big-Cat Biologist Alan Rabinowitz Photo Gallery: Mongolia Road Trip: Puerto Rico Winter Weekend Getaways Ski Vacation Almanac Adventure Videos Paddling Croatia Climbing Icebergs Jaguars in Belize Ski Vacation Almanac: How to Ski All Year Long Text by Porter Fox Photograph by Aaron Black/Outdoor Collection/Aurora BOARD GAMES: Cutting through perfect powder on British Columbia's Blackcomb Mountain "Ski season" may be one of the great misnomers in winter sports, followed closely by "winter sports." If you have a yen for locking into your bindings and owning the slopes whenever the mood strikes (and vacation days permit), there's no time like the present, no matter the time of year. So tear out these pages and tuck them in your boot bag. Because somewhere, right now, the slopes are calling, and our perennial ski guide is the only answer you need. DECEMBER-FEBRUARY JANUARY-FEBRUARY MARCH-MAY JUNE-SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER-DECEMBER DECEMBER-FEBRUARY 1. Sestriere, Italy There's nothing like 100,000 cheering, gesticulating Italians on skis, but that's what you'll see when the 2006 Winter Olympics hit the slopes where Alberto Tomba won his first World Cup race in 1987. Sestriere, one of the highest and snowiest resorts in the Italian Alps, topping out at 9,262 feet (2,823 meters), will host the alpine skiing events from February 12 through February 25. Visit before, after, or during, and ski 248 miles (399 kilometers) of trails across six interconnected resorts. Test your limits on the renowned Kandahar downhill run, where Jean-Claude Killy and Ingemar Stenmark raced, or get a natural high watching the Olympic ski-jumping competition ( www.torino2006.com ). The Bargain : The Milky Way Ski Pass ($35 a day) offers entrée to six resorts, 66 lifts, and 5,000 vertical feet (1,524 vertical meters). The Digs : Most hotels are already full or raising rates, so pre-rent an apartment through Interhome ($330 a week; www.interhome.us ). The Eats : Agnolotti (meat dumplings) at nearby Tre Rubinetti , which serves up genuine northern Italian fare that isn't watered down (or priced up) for tourists. Start Here : www.comune.sestriere.to.it/e_index.htm 2. Silverton Mountain Ski Area, Colorado The canvas-tent base lodge is your first indication that Silverton Mountain is unlike any resort you've ever skied. Surely the grittiest and only completely backcountry-style ski mountain in the United States, Silverton requires guides for every skier ($99 a day) on its 1,600 acres (648 hectares) of prime San Juan Mountain wilds. With 400 inches (1,016 centimeters) of annual snowfall and a cap of 80 skiers a day, first tracks, even during holidays, are virtually guaranteed. A lone double chair, opened by resort visionary Aaron Brill in 2002, provides access to runs like the largely treeless Riff and the chute-to-bowl Ropedee-Dope. The Package : The three-day New Year's Party and Big Mountain Ski Camp ($750) puts you on the hill with the top freeskiers in the world. The Digs : Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House ($79; www.innoftherockies.com ) is a peaceful Victorian hideaway with a hearty breakfast spread. The Hang : You will find Angus steaks, a Laundromat, and showers at the Explorer's Club Pub and Grille ( www.explorersclubsw.com ). Start Here : www.silvertonmountain.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming The annual last-tram shivaree will be frantic this season: Jackson is decommissioning its iconic Rocky Mountain conveyance. For nearly 40 years the tram has transported skiers up one of the greatest continuous rises (4,139 feet) (1,262 meters) of any ski resort in the U.S. The granite-lined Corbet's Couloir and Rendezvous Bowl, plus thousands of acres of backcountry, will still be accessible next season, just check back for alternative transport info. The Thunder and Sublette quads will continue to access famous Jackson stashes like Paintbrush and Tower Three. Visit in January or February for "The Big One's" deepest snowfall. The Final Tram Run : Corbet's to Paintbrush to Lower Sublette Ridge gets you the most turns for your vertical. The Digs : Stay with former Olympians and local Jackson Holers Hans and Nancy Johnstone in one of the Alpine House's 22 pastel and Scandinavian-pine rooms ($120; www.alpinehouse.com ). The Freebie : You could almost eat for a week off the copious samples at Albertson's supermarket at the intersection of Route 191 and Highway 22. Start Here : www.jacksonhole.com 4. Jay Peak Resort, Vermont Where can you get 2,153 vertical feet (656 meters) of skiing, Powder 8 competitions, 355 inches (901 centimeters) of annual snowfall, open backcountry gates, a tram, and hair-raising terrain? Three and a half hours northwest of Boston, the unlikely powder Canaan of Jay Peak, Vermont, is the greatest anomaly in lower 48 skiing. Midwinter storms converge from the Champlain Valley, Great Lakes region, and St. Lawrence Valley to bestow seasons like 2001, when Jay Peak received 581 inches (1,476 centimeters). Eight lifts, including a 60-person tram and one detachable quad, rarely have lines and access 76 trails over 385 acres (156 hectares) of northern Vermont steeps. The Backcountry: Take Northway gate over to Big Jay for the steepest powder lines around. (Bring a guide.) The Powder Stash : Andre's Paradise Glade holds fresh tracks for days after a dump. The Digs : Get free lift tickets and ski to your private balcony at the no-frills Hotel Jay ($99; www.jaypeakresort.com ). Start Here : www.jaypeakresort.com MARCH-MAY 5. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, California There are two distinct advantages to spring skiing in a casino town. One: You can pay for your trip with a face card and an ace. Two: The early a.m. slopes are empty while the high rollers sleep it off. Overshadowed by its neighbors, Kirkwood and Squaw Valley, Heavenly's 3,500 vertical feet (1,067 vertical meters) of corned-up glades, bowls, and granite-slotted backcountry make it one of the best and least crowded spring destinations in the Golden State. After a night of blackjack at Harrah's, hit the Mott and Killebrew Canyon backcountry gates at their 9 a.m. opening for some of the steepest skiing in the Sierras. And you can experience the area's legendary melt-freeze cycle when the expansive Milky Way bowl softens up—just about the time the card sharks are rolling out of bed. The Spring-Break Moment: Slush Pond Mania during the first week of May is like a Warren Miller blooper clip gone hideously awry. The Digs : Harrah's Lake Tahoe ($89; www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/tah ) lures potential gamers with fair deals and big, clean rooms. The Skier's Fuel-Up : The eggs benedict at the Driftwood Café (+1 530 544 6545) are an edifying start to your day. Start Here : www.skiheavenly.com 6. Alyeska Resort, Alaska You know you've reached the big time when your chief dilemma is choosing between a heli, a snowcat, or a high-speed quad to reap the spoils of an Alaska blizzard. Or, you've simply arrived at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, without a doubt the greatest spring skiing triple threat in the U.S. Plan A : Take the tram up 2,300 feet (701 meters) and shred the North Face, which receives up to 742 inches (1,885 centimeters) of snow a year. Plan B : Fly with Chugach Powder Guides ($775 a day; www.chugachpowderguides.com ) to access 750 square miles (1,207 square kilometers) of 50-degree couloirs, bowls, and Chugach fins. Plan C : Ride CPG's Bombardier snowcat ($225) during whiteout days for tree skiing in the upper Girdwood Valley. The Local Secret : The Sitzmark Bar and Grill at the base of Chair 3 is one of the few places where native Alaskans can be found at the resort. The Digs : Make your final run a quadruple-diamond with a night at the lavish, slopeside Alyeska Prince Hotel ($175; www.princehotels.co.jp/alyeska-e ). Start Here : www.alyeskaresort.com JUNE-SEPTEMBER 7. Portillo, Chile Don't expect nightlife, a base village, heated sidewalks, or ski caddies at South America's oldest ski resort, just 1,235 skiable acres (500 hectares) and 2,743 vertical feet (836 vertical meters) of treeless Andes smoke. The incarnation of skiers' summer dreams, runs like Roca Jack's wide-open apron are carved into the granite face of the mountain. Nearly limitless backcountry (powder-filled Primavera, for example) sits a boot pack away from the Roca Jack and Condor lifts and funnels back to the iconic Hotel Portillo ($1,100 a week). While the resort averages a mediocre 240 inches (610 centimeters) a year, big storms in August and September almost always dump powder. The Backcountry Must : 7,000-vertical-foot (2,134-vertical-meter) Super C couloir is the preeminent Portillo backcountry run. The Package : Sparse but convenient Inca Lodge ($450 a week; www.skiportillo.com ), where food and lift tickets are included. Start Here : www.skiportillo.com 8. Blackcomb, British Columbia The Ice Age is alive and well on Whistler Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier. The largest summer ski slope in North America stretches over 112 acres (45 hectares) and 685 vertical feet (209 vertical meters) of mogul lanes and groomers. From June 5 through July 30, skiers leapfrog Whistler's lower lifts then ride the Horstman and Showcase T-bars ($47 a day). The coaches, pros, and aficionados at Camp of Champions ($968 for five days; www.campofchampions.com ) preside over the new age of skiing and snowboarding in this halfpipe and terrain park. The Freebie : A 160-foot (49-meter) bungee jump is included with Camp of Champions entry. The Ski Break : The Mountain Bike Park boasts 124 miles (200 kilometers) of lift- serviced downhill trails, three skill centers, and a BikerCross course ($35 a day). The Digs : While the Hearthstone Lodge's studio rooms ($129; 800 663 7711) in the heart of Whistler Village are simply appointed, it's all about location. Start Here : www.whistlerblackcomb.com NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 9. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado An odd phenomenon takes place each November at Wolf Creek Ski Area: It snows like mad. Powder-starved skiers from New Mexico to Texas converge on the 1,600-vertical-foot (488-vertical-meter) ma-and-pa hill—85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Durango and 10,300 feet (3,139 meters) above sea level—to partake in the largest annual snowfall in Colorado. When CEO Davey Pitcher opened the hill on October 29, 2004, there was a 30-inch (76-centimeter) base at the summit, and he charged $38 a day for a lift ticket, versus the standard $43. Early birds should point their boards to the right side of the trail map for 500 acres (202 hectares) of open bowls, gullies, and glades served by six lifts. The First Run of the Season : Alberta Face, off the Treasure Chair, is the steepest shot with consistently ample coverage. The Digs : The western-style rooms at High Country Lodge ($75; www.highcountrylodge.com ); they're close to the hill, and breakfast is included. The Local Brew : Lizard Head Red Ale at the Bear Creek Saloon and Grill (+1 970 264 5611). Start Here : www.wolfcreekski.com 10. Mammoth Mountain, California Despite its stature as the big-draw slope for tens of thousands of California skiers, Mammoth still holds first tracks for half the day after an early season storm. Thanks to 477 acres (193 hectares) of snowmaking and a benevolent Mother Nature, the fourth largest resort in the U.S. is a sure bet for November turns. Follow the high traverse off the Face Lift Express chair to access some of the best early season runs on the lower half of Drop Out and Wipe Out. As the chutes fill in with snow, branch out to wide-open Scotty's and supersteep Huevos Grande. The Digs : You can't do better than one night and two free lift tickets at the Mammoth Mountain Inn ($92; www.mammothmountain.com/plan/lodging/mmi ), one of the cheapest, plushest ski packages in the eastern Sierra. The Après Soak : Plastic cups overfloweth at the gently burbling Hot Creek hot springs (+1 760 924 5500), off Highway 203, south of town. Start Here : www.mammothmountain.com Pick up the December 2005/January 2006 issue for our annual coverage of the best of adventure, your guide to everything cool with 15 sports trends, 14 astonishing adventurers, and 45 gear picks that rock. Subscribe to Adventure today and save 70 percent off the cover price! Sorry, your browser does not support iframes. 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Family Vacation Spots  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Top Vacation Spots > Family Vacation Spots Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Family Vacation Spots: a "personal best" list of family vacation spots... They say one man'spizza is another man's poison, and the same is true for "best" family vacation spots: we allhave preferences. I admit leanings toward history and the dread word "scenery"... Nonetheless, we've had super trips of many different styles-- Disney, Caribbean beaches, Tuscan hill towns, Utah skiing -- that I hope you'll enjoy too. Scroll down below, or take these shortcuts: Paris | Walt Disney World | Yellowstone | Jamaica Resort | US Virgin Islands | Amelia Island | Whistler, BC | Europe family resorts | Mayan Riviera | Tuscany | NYC | Brazil all-inclusive | Oahu | Quebec Carnival | Utah skiing 1) Best Family Vacation Spots: ParisWith Kids Ah, the City of Light: not to mention famous (free for kids) museums; the Eiffel Tower, my kids' top attraction ever; the river Seine with its wide walkways so perfect for strollers; and heavenly patisseries . (More Europe destinations are found below.) 2) WaltDisney World Orlando, Florida was merely a swampy spot and a gleam in Walt Disney's eye in 1966, but is now the planet's most powerful magnet for families. Many attractions have joined Walt Disney World, but it's still the colossus, with four huge theme parks and an area the size of Boston, and probably ranks as "best family vacation spot" for millions. 3) Family Adventure in Yellowstone National Park "Family Adventures" are all-inclusive escorted tours in a great outdoors area, with "multisports" like hiking, rafting, and horse-riding. Yellowstone was far better than I'd dreamed-- as was the "family adventure" concept. Think: no hassles, check-in line-ups, or "where'll we eat?" Think: a small group of fellow travelers who turn out to be great company, and guides who go all out to make your trip wonderful. 4) Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica The phrase "all-inclusive family resort" is common in the Caribbean, but only FDR and its sister resort include a "vacation nanny" throughout your stay. Fun includes biking, water-sliding, scuba diving (for ages 12 and up), walking up a waterfall. Feeding kids is a piece of cake, whether you choose kiddie buffets or a five-course dinner on the boardwalk. Suites are huge. More Great Caribbean Resorts 5) Best Family Vacation Spots: US Virgin Islands Three distinct islands in "American's Caribbean" offer family-friendly resorts, a land-and-sea National Park, super snorkeling, colonial towns and forts, duty-free shops, and some novel ways to explore the underseas. Personal favorite activities: snorkeling and sea-trekking. 6) Amelia Island, Florida Still relatively unknown, Amelia Island-- in northern Florida near Jacksonville-- has lovely beaches; a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters; a quaint town with wonderful old buildings; delicious sea-food; and two fine resorts, the Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz-Carleton, both of which welcome kids. 7) Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort (BC, Canada) Whistler-Blackcomb is a hip place forx-treme skiers and partiers: yet this dual resort welcomes thousands of families, with a Children's Adventure Park, a family-friendly zone of green runs, popular ski camps for kids, Ride Tribe for teens. Stay in an attractive townhome with full kitchen; hop on free shuttle buses to the slopes. 8) Europe: Center Parcs Family Resorts Center Parcs has 13 family resorts in northern Europe: each with a huge domed area that houses a tropical pool (slides, waves, etc.), restaurants, shops, etc. Large cottages; country settings; many outdoors activities-- and affordable. 9) Family Vacation Spot, Mexico: Mayan Riviera A top family vacation spot, that combines beach fun with interesting (and even educational!) outings in the area. Just south of busy Cancun is a very different Mexico, with sleepy beach towns, beautiful coral reef, a unique eco-archeological theme park, lagoons for snorkeling, and Mayan ruins. 10) Tuscany & Unbria Kids are natural-born medievalists: they love knights and castles and tales of old-- and the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria are super places to let their imaginations go. The old sections of these towns are picture-perfect, with centuries-old stone buildings and no plastic ticky-tack. If you're willing to try alternative-type lodgings, the adventure can even be affordable. 11) New York with a Teen New York is exciting for any age but theres an extra thrill in visiting with a child old enough to know they're in one of the world's great cities. Click to see highlights of a visit with a 13-year-old: and as a bonus, many of these activities are low-cost or even free. 12) Breezes Costa do Sauipe, Brazil Yes, it's far to go; but, ah, once you're there... Award-winning Breezes Costa do Sauipe has five miles of unspoiled beach; multi-resort complex with shared equestrian, golf, and lake activities; nearby outings; tour of historic Salvador; kids' program and infant care; fabulous seafood; a very fun and Brazilian ambiance. And your dollar goes a long way. 13) Oahu, Hawaii One small island, so much to do: from famous Waikiki Beach to north shore surfing, eco-tours, Pearl Harbor, luaus, and High Tea in British colonial style (with kids' tea also), Hawaii's island of Oahu has an amazing range of fun for family vacations. 14) Quebec Winter Carnival Ice Palaces, ice sculptures, snow sculptures (left), giant slides for sleds... the Quebecois people know how to celebrate winter. Quebec City is easily reached from northeast cities, and its 2-week carnival in February is a joyous and friendly good-time-for-all, especially kids. (If you don't parlez , don't worry; people in the tourist industry speak English.) 15) Salt Lake City Skiing There are seven very different ski areas, under an hour's drive from Salt Lake City. We had a great time sampling three of them: Alta (skiers only), Solitude, and Park City. A top family vacation spot for skiing! 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Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...