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Travel Russia | Russia.com About Russia Russia Tourism Russia Visa Russia History Russia Flag Russia News Russia Info Photo Gallery Advertise With Us Destinations North West Russia Central Russia South Ural Siberia Far East Kamchatka Peninsula Golden Ring Karelia Caucasus Mountains Yakutia Altai Russian Cities Moscow St Petersburg Vladivostok Chelyabinsk Kazan Nizhny Novgorod Perm Vladimir Pskov Kalingrad Russian Lakes Lake Baikal Caspian Sea Ladoga Onega Uvs Nuur Lake Brosno Lake Plescheyevo Travel Russia Hotels Moscow Hotels St Petersburg Hotels Flights to Russia Flights to Moscow Weather in Russia Map of Russia Activities in Russia Russia Tour Wildlife Tours Moscow Tours St Petersburg Tours Adventure Sports Skiing in Russia Snowboarding in Russia Hunting & Fishing Aerobatic Tours Jeep Tours River Rafting Ice Diving Sport in Russia Business Travel Russia Business Shopping in Russia Culture Art in Russia Art Galleries Moscow Galleries St Petersburg Galleries Russian Theatres Moscow Theatres St Petersburg Theatres Languages Newspapers Flowers in Russia Community Meet Russians Russian Men Russian Woman Join Discussions Guest Book Moderators F A Q Discussion Policies Privacy Policies Travel Russia Visit our Online Community Travel Russia Plan your Russian Travel Experience now If you have considered to travel to another country, you might as wellconsider Russia as the ideal destination. Flights are constant andvery accessible, car hire and accommodation is plenteous and there aremany vacation packages that cater for various needs. Although many people would think of Russia as just another big boringcity in Europe, the fact is that it has much to offer. Russia isdivided into some very exciting cities and many small picturesquecountryside towns, each with its own special attractions. You can plan a day of fun and adventure by exploring Russia'slandscape through some of the most beautiful waterways to be found inthis country on a river rafting tour. If you are amongst the ones thatprefer the wildlife tours, then why not go on a exciting jeep tour tothe Republic of Sakha in Yakutia, which has the largest huntinggrounds in Russia. This region has a high population of Brown Bears soyou can almost be sure of a 100% trophy warranty in this region. If its history that excites you, Russia offers a good measure of thistoo. Moscow and St. Petersburg has an abundance of museums, artgalleries and guided tours through the older parts of the cities thatfeatures some sightseeing activities of monuments and old Russianarchitecture. Russia is also home to some of the oldest lakes in the world, such asLake Baikal - an estimated 25-30 million years old. When visiting inwinter, Russia is covered in snow and the lakes are covered with adense layer of ice, these conditions are very favorable for those whofascinate the winter adventures, such as skiing, snowboarding,ice-diving and ice-skating. Russia is a country that has something to cater for everyone's taste,and when the sun sets, you can spoil yourself to some lip-smackingRussian cuisine in one of the many delightful restaurants. Make Russiayour next holiday destination you wont regret it! Featured Hotels in Russia Pulkovskaya Hotel On Moscow's main avenue, perfect venue for business or pleasure. From €41 pp. Close to the airport, the Pulkovskaya Hotel is surrounded by historic buildings and more. Radisson SAS Slavjanskaya Hotel Centrally located next to Europe Square on the bank of the Moscow River. From €110 pp. This hotel is only 3km from Red Square and the Kremlin and offers extensive facilities. Superb! Radisson SAS Royal Hotel St Petersburg The Hotel Radisson SAS Royal is located in the very heart of the city. From €104 pp. Bedrooms are decorated in a classical decor and equipped with modern amenities. Travel Information Russian Visa Info Russia.com Supporters Russia.com is supported by the following advertisers below. Russia.com advertisers enjoy qualified traffic and great returns on their investment. Contact us , if you would like to advertise here. Prague Hotels Hotel Reservations Russia Visa Russia Calling Card Russian visa Travel in Russia About | Advertising | Affiliates | Contact Us | Privacy | Use Policy | Sitemap All Rights Reserved © 1995 - 2005 | NewMedia Holdings, Inc. This site is operated under license to Paley Media, Inc. which is solely responsible for its content. This site is not affiliated with any government entity associated with a name similar to the site domain name. Visit: airplanes.com | algeria.com | autoracing.com | bangladesh.com | birds.com | horseracing.com | morocco.com | nepal.com | nicaragua.com | puertorico.com | scotland.com | snowskiing.com | southafrica.com | stockmarkets.com | ukraine.com | AIDS in Africa - Charity Fundraising Russia.com - The Guide to Russia
Cheap Travel
Cheap Travel Insurance, Cheap Uk Travel Insurance, Cheap Annual Travel Insurance, Cheap Holiday Travel Insurance, Cheap Annual Holiday Travel Insurance Uk Why Buy? There are many reasons to purchase travel insurance, ranging from the personal to the practical: To protect your travel investment. To protect your health and belongings. To have assistance anytime and anywhere. To achieve greater peace of mind. Real-life Stories "My husband and I went on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda. On the fourth day of our cruise, my... Read What Happened > "As a travel agent, I helped a woman and her three teenage sons book a cruise to Alaska departing... Read What Happened > When Kirsten Casey, a travel agent at Cruise Holidays of Silverdale, WA, was asked to escort a... Read What Happened > Awards Top 50 Service Agencies Customer Interaction Solutions Magazine - 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 This award recognizes the largest inbound call centers in the country. Rising Star Award Customer Interaction Solutions Magazine - 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 This award recognizes the industry's fastest growing teleservicing companies. Medallion of Excellence - 1998 Plaque for Outstanding Achievement - 1997, 1996 U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Award This recognition is awarded to companies that demonstrate commitment to and practice of quality principles. MVP Quality Award - Gold Award Customer Interaction Solutions Magazine - 1999, 1997 This quality award is among the highest honors attainable in the telemarketing industry. Award for Call Center Excellence (ACCE) - Gold Level Zenith Award for Highest Overall Rated Program TeleProfessional Magazine - 1998 These awards judge the effectiveness and overall standards of excellence of call center programs. Top 10 Inbound Call Centers - Credit Card Issuers Credit Card Management Magazine - 1996 This national distinction is given to the leading call center companies who provide inbound telemarketing services to the credit card industry. The Rising 25 KPMG Peat Marwick/Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce - 1996 This award recognizes the fastest-growing privately held companies in Virginia's capital region. Inc./MCI Positive Performer Award Finalist 1996 and 1994 This award recognizes companies that are innovators and pioneers in meeting customers' needs. Testimonial "Access America is to be commended for being so professional, caring and swift in their handling of our claim. Bravo to Access America!" Insured Customer Ready to Browse Our Products? Need Help Finding the Right Product? 2004 World Access Service Corp. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us : Privacy : Security : Satisfaction Guarantee : Site Map Home | About Us | Contact Us | News | Site Map | Help Our Products | Get a Recommendation | Get a Quote | Why Buy? | File A Claim | Travel Agents | Travel Suppliers Covered Suppliers | Privacy | Security | Satisfaction Guaranteed
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London Vacation Package, Travel to London, London Tours Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises 5 Day Weekend in London London -- from $ 479 Independent Package Includes: Round trip flights NYC-London Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices. Airline fuel surcharges 3 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels: Bayswater Inn Park Inn Hyde Park Central Park Thistle Kensington Gardens Holiday Inn Kings Cross/ Bloomsbury Thistle Kensington Park Swissotel the Howard Breakfast daily Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee , & optional tours When flying with United Airlines, a $200 per person non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking. Additional nights , sightseeing , transfers Transportation Options to/ from Central London Changing of the Guard 5 Day Weekend in London - Bayswater Inn These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $549 $565.47 Dec 15 659 678.77 Dec 22 789 812.67 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 479 493.37 Feb 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 549 565.47 5 Day Weekend in London - Central Park Hotel These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $569 $586.07 Dec 15 669 689.07 Dec 22 769 792.07 Dec 29 539 555.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 569 586.07 5 Day Weekend in London - Park Inn Hyde Park These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $499 $513.97 Dec 15 599 616.97 Dec 22 749 771.47 Dec 29 499 513.97 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 499 513.97 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 5 Day Weekend in London - Thistle Kensington Gardens These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $579 $596.37 Dec 15 649 668.47 Dec 22 779 802.37 Dec 29 539 555.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 5 Day Weekend in London - Holiday Inn Kings Cross/ Bloomsbury These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $599 $616.97 Dec 15 659 678.77 Dec 22 789 812.67 Dec 29 549 565.47 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 549 565.47 Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 569 586.07 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 599 616.97 5 Day Weekend in London - Thistle Kensington Park These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $639 $658.17 Dec 15 689 709.67 Dec 22 829 853.87 Dec 29 579 596.37 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 579 596.37 5 Day Weekend in London - Swisstel The Howard These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $739 $761.17 Dec 15 849 874.47 Dec 22 979 1008.37 Dec 29 739 761.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 739 761.17 Day 1, Thurs Depart USA for England. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey Day 2, Fri Welcome to London. An arrival transfer from London's Heathrow Airport to your hotel is available for $33 (or from London Gatwick for $42). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure: LONDON Day 3, Sat This morning, we offer an optional morning tour of London including Parliament, Big Ben and a visit to Westminster Abbey. Continue to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the color, movement, and music of Her Majesty's Royal Household Troops. When there is no Guard, the tour will visit Horseguards Parade ($52). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure (B): LONDON Day 4, Sun This afternoon, enjoy an optional cruise on the River Thames through the heart of London and enjoy superb views of majestic London buildings. Visit the Tower of London, an awesome Medieval fortress dating back over 900 years and view the breathtaking Crown Jewels and the traditional Beefeater ($72). This evening, enjoy our optional Jack the Ripper tour. Tread in the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper down the gas-lit alleyways immortalized in books and films. Led by one of the renowned London Blue Badge Guides, you will visit four murder sights and learn about the suspects. The tour is followed by a traditional fish and chip supper in one of London's most historic pubs ($52) (B): LONDON Day 5, Mon Should you choose, we offer a transfer to London's Heathrow Airport for $33 (or to London Gatwick for $42). Return to USA (B). Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.
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Switzerland Travel Community: Free Travel Reviews, Journals, Photos, and Special Deals Home Browse: -- ---Destination--- Adelboden Airolo Aletsch Andermatt Anzre Appenzellerland Arosa Ascona Bad Ragaz Baden Basel Belinzona Bern Berner Oberland Bettmeralp Biel Braunwald Brienz-Meiringen Brig Brissago Celerina Centovalli Charmey Chteau-d'Oex Chur Crans-Montana Davos Disentis-Sedrun Einsiendeln Emmental Engelberg Estavayer-le-Lac Flims Laax Falera Fribourg Geneva Gimmelwald Glarus Grchen Grindelwald Gruyres Gstaad Interlaken Jungfrau Region Kandersteg Klosters La Chaux-de-Fonds Lago Maggiore Lausanne Lauterbrunnen Lenzerheide-Valbella Les Diablerets Leuk Leukerbaad Leysin Liestal Locarno Ltschberg Lucerne Lugano Martigny Mendrisio Montreux Morges Mount Pilatus Mt. Rigi Murren Murten Nendaz Neuchatel Nyon Pays du Grand-St-Bernard Pontresina Rapperswil Rheinfelden Riederalp Romont Saanen Saas-Fee Sainte-Croix Samedan Samnaun San Bernardino Sntis Savognin Schaffhausen Schwyz Scuol Sierre Sils-maria Silvaplana Sion Soglio Solothurn Splgen St. Gallen St. Moritz Thun Thurgau Thusis Ticino Toggenburg Torgon Vaduz Val de Illiez Verbier Villars Visp Region Weggis Wengen Winterthur Yverdon Zermatt Zug Zurich ---Region--- Basel Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Fribourg Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Switzerland Game Log in Email Address: Password: Remember Me Problems logging in? Not a Member? What is the Switzerland Travel Community? Join the community to discover Switzerland through firsthand travel reviews and photos, to meet other Swiss travelers, earn valuable rewards, and much more! Welcome! With its unparalleled mix of pristine scenery and rich culture, Switzerland offers visitors a wealth of exciting possibilities, whether it's skiing the Alps, soaking in Zurich's vibrant arts scene, or relaxing in Geneva's unique lakeside setting. Now, the Switzerland Travel Community lets you share the experiences you've had in this magnificent country, and read about what others have to say, too! Destination: Visp Region An incredibly diverse holiday region known as "the pocket version of the Valais," the area around Visp offers wonderful holiday opportunities in 24 original Valais villages, plus five ski areas. Some of them are in the mountains, some in the valley, but all of them will charm you with their… read more Read Visp Region reviews See Visp Region photos Swiss Regions Basel -- Bernese Oberland -- Central Switzerland -- Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein -- Fribourg -- Geneva -- Graubnden -- Lake Geneva (Vaud) -- Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois -- Schweizer Mittelland -- Ticino -- Valais -- Zurich -- Sign Up Now! Write your own travel reviews Share your travel photos Send messages to other members Earn rewards with GO Points And much more! Join the Switzerland Travel Community What's a Travel Journal? Travel journals are a collection of reviews and photos about any Swiss destination. In a journal about Zurich, for instance, you'll find individual reviews for restaurants, attractions, activities, accommodations, and more. Featured Member Member Ozzy-Dave writes: "Northern Switzerland may face-off with France and Germany but pays scan..." read more Community Interlaken Members Who Live in Interlaken 1AAA RalphVSr paradisewhydah chrigu Swizzly See All Members With Interlaken Journals Haifa jemery Calypso dfrb Rainy Interlaken Photos See All Most Recent Interlaken Journals 1 Week in Interlaken Interlaken Trip Interlaken - Alps Country! Switzerland takes your breath away The Bernese Oberland - Switzerland See All Return to Home Information about Swiss Quality Switzerland Tourism : About Us : Privacy Statement
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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