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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
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ITALY TRAVEL ITALY TOURS, vacation discount travel packages to Rome, Venice, Florence by Cosmic E-mail sales@italy-travel.net 2005-2006 Edition Hotel Special Internet Rates , save up to 70%, select your destination DISCOUNT HOTELS AMALFI,POSITANO ASSISI BARI BERGAMO BOLOGNA CAPRI FLORENCE GENOA-GENOVA ISCHIA MILAN-MILANO NAPLES-NAPOLI PADUA-PADOVA PALERMO PERUGIA PISA RIMINI ROME-ROMA SIENA SORRENTO TAORMINA TURIN-TORINO VENICE-VENEZIA VERONA We accept credit cards online as well as Paypal payments for package tours reservations Travel Contract Cosmic is a company dedicated to offer reliable trips at affordable prices. This is our site dedicated to discover Italy and its wonderful cities: Visit Rome the famous eternal city, Venice th e mysterious city built on 177 islands 150 canals and 400 bridges, Florence and its artistic beauties, Pompeii the famous Roman city destroyed by the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.C., Verona the monumental city setting of Shakespeare's masterpiece "Romeo and Juliet", the leaning tower of Pisa and much more. We offer several cultural trips with fixed departure dates and also some comprehensive tours with daily departures, as well as hotels reservations, car rental, cheap airfares, discount vacation rental and cruises, enjoy ! Escorted Comprehensive Italy Package Tours with fixed departure dates from Rome and Milan Italy Express package tour 5 Days and 4 Nights From US$585 double, US$793 Single Rome-Assisi-Florence-Padua-Venice-Pisa-Siena-Rome Rome Milan package tour 5 days and 4 nights US$585 double, US$793 single Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan Italy One-week package tour 7 days and 6 nights US$905 double, US$165 single Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan-San Marino-Assisi-Rome Italy Classic package tour 8 Days 7 Nights From US$936 Double, US$1339 Single Rome-Assisi-Florence-Padua-Venice-Pisa-Siena-Rome Magic Italy package tour 10 days and 9 nights US$2088 double, US$2770 single Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan-San Marino-Assisi-Rome Italy Classic Plus package tour 12 Days 11 Nights From US$1957 Double, US$2682 Single Rome-Assisi-Florence-Padua-Venice-Pisa-Siena-Rome -Naples - Pompeii- Sorrento-Capri-Rome Italy Legend package tour 11 days and 10 nights From US$1682 double, US$2320 single Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan-San Marino-Assisi- Naples - Pompeii- Sorrento-Capri-Rome Rome Pompeii package tour 12 days and 11 Nights From US$1755 double, US$2405 Single Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan-San Marino-Assisi- Naples - Pompeii- Sorrento-Capri-Rome Wonderful Italy package tour 14 days and 13 nights From US2102 double, US$2900 simple Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan-San Marino-Assisi- Naples - Pompeii- Sorrento-Capri-Rome Milan Pompeii package tour 14 days and 13 Nights From US$2102 double, US$2900 Single Milan-San Marino-Assisi-Rome-Naples - Pompeii- Sorrento-Capri-Rome-Siena-Florence-Pisa-Venice- Verona - Garda Lake - Milan Sicily Classic package tour 8 days and 7 Nights From US$1196 double, US$1450 Single Palermo Segesta -Erice-Trapani-Agrigento-Siracusa Ragusa - Catania-Monte Etna - Taormina - Messina- Reggio Calabria-Capo DOrlando-Cefalu-Palermo Hotels included in our packages First class Hotels Tourist class Hotels Hotel special internet rates Escorted Full Day tours daily departures from Rome Archeological Rome Full day tour US$198 per person tour led by art historians in small group of 15 people maximum include lunch Daily departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays Baroque Rome Full day tour US$182 per person tour led by art historians in small group of 15 people maximum include lunch Daily departures on Mondays, Thursday, Fridays Capri Full Day US$192 per person Rome-Naples-Capri-Rome escorted tour by motor coach. Daily departures Naples Pompeii Full Day US$152 per person Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Rome escorted tour by motor coach. Daily departures Assisi Orvieto Full Day US$118 per person Rome-Orvieto-Assisi-Rome escorted tour by motor coach. Daily departures on on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays Florence Full Day Tour US$192 per person Rome-Florence-Rome escorted tour by motor coach Daily departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Partially Escorted package tours from Rome Florence Express 3 days 3 Days and 2 Nights US$515 double, US$617 Single Florence-Pisa Rome Venice 5 days 5 Days 4 Nights US$1113 Double, US$1429 Single Florence-Pisa-Venice Amalfi Express 3 days US$580 double - US$800 single Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Amalfi-Rome. Daily departures Amalfi Capri 5 days US$1088 Double - US$1400 Single Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Amalfi-Capri-Rome. Daily departures. Pompeii Capri Express 2 days US$373 double - US$424 single Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento-Capri-Rome. Daily departures Hotel Search | Package Tours | Full day Tours | Discount Airfares | Car Rental | Cruises | Destination Guides | Travel Directory Add URL | Contact Us Tours of Italy by Cosmic Discount vacation travel packages and tours to all the exciting destinations in Italy Email : sales@italy-travel.net US Fax Number 480-247-4242 This information is current as of today, Cosmic Worldwide Discount Travel Reservation Top Destinations Europe : London Paris Florence Rome Venice Italy Travel Packages South America: Travel to Peru Galapagos Machu Picchu Cusco Quito La Paz
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide Long Distance Transportation You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide Long Distance Transportation Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Intercity Travel - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Whether you're traveling across borders or from city to city, Russia has transportation options to get there.
Airlines
A number of airlines provide international flights to Russia, including the national airline Aeroflot that flies domestically and internationally. Also see this list of airlines of the new independent states of the former USSR.
Airports
There are three airports serving international flights to Moscow. The one you will fly to depends on the airline you use. The main other airports in Russia are also listed below.
Moscow: Sheremetyevo-2 - SVO - is the city's main international airport, located 35 km northwest of the city.
Moscow: Vnukovo -VKO- is an international airport located 11 km from the city.
Moscow: Domodedovo is a modern international airport increasingly attracting travel.
St. Petersburg: Pulkovo - LED.
Ekaterinburg: Koltsovo - SVX.
Kirovsk/Apatity - KVK.
Novosibirsk: Tolmachevo - OVB.
Rostov na Donu
For transportation from the airport to your accommodations, your options are to take a taxi, a shuttle, or public transportation, unless you are fortunate enough to have someone pick you up. While public transportation is the least expensive, luggage makes this choice not always practical. If you want to take a taxi, ignore anyone by the airport doors trying to give you a ride and go to the taxi line outside. You can order a taxi before you arrive with WaytoRussia.net . Many of the larger hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Depending on the city, taxis can cost from $10-$25 to get you to your destination.
Trains
There are several types of long-distance trains in Russia:
High-speed trains (skorostnoj poezd'). These trains, numbered 161-169, travel at about 100 km per hour and have comfortable amenities.
Fast trains (skorry poezd'). These trains, which are reasonably comfortable, are numbered 1-160 and stop only at major stations.
Firm fast trains (firmeny poezd'). These trains are included with the group above but the "firmeny" indication means they have additional service, including cleaner cars, for which you will pay about 10 percent more. These trains include the Rossia that travels from Moscow to Vladivostok and the Krasnaya Strella from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Passenger train (passazhersky poezd'). These trains are numbered 170-870, travel more slowly than the other trains listed above, and make many stops.
For long-distance routes, you can choose from options that approximate first, second and third class seating. Sleeping cars (first class) have two sleeping berths per compartment plus a small washbasin, and the toilets at the ends of the cars are usually clean(er). Kupes (second class) have four berths per compartment and the toilets are less desirable. Bring your own paper and disposable wipes. Platzkart (third class) has 54 berths per car.
For a timetable of trains across Russia and the CIS, see Poezda.net .
To buy your tickets, you can order them before you even leave for Russia by using an online travel service or a travel agent. You can buy your tickets in Russia at the train station, a railway agency office, or a travel agent.
Express Coaches/ Buses
You can get to Russia by bus and you can also get around Russia by bus. Inside Russia, you can travel very cheaply by bus from city to city (and to remote areas not served by trains) but the vehicles are not comfortable and usually are crowded (because they are cheap.) You'll certainly meet Russians this way, but without knowledge of the Russian language, you will face difficulties. You can buy tickets at the bus station but be prepared for a long wait.
The situation is different traveling internationally by bus. A number of private firms have very comfortable coach buses, and fares are usually cheaper than airfare, even when traveling from western Europe. Major coach companies are:
Eurolines . Connects you to 25 European countries.
Berlin Linien Bus - German-language site. This line takes you from western Europe to European Russia.
Beetroot Backpackers . Backpackers will enjoy the prices and fun with this low-priced bus option. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
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Travel Insurance - so
Travel Insurance New Zealand : International Travel Insurance Travel insurance covering world wide travel in 44 countries including NZ at discounted rates using World Nomads Travel Insurance - so obtain a travel insurance quote today. View more information on New Zealand travel insurance below. New Zealand Tourism Online Visitor Info Transport Tours Attractions Accommodation New Zealand Time: 11:48 AM, Thu 29 Dec, 2005 Home Home » Travel Insurance New Zealand Travel Insurance Underwritten by Allianz, World Nomads offers low cost travel insurance in over 44 countries. With genuine 24/7 assistance anywhere on the planet provided by Mondial Assistance, the world's largest travel insurance and assistance company, and online claims and extensions from anywhere in the world while you are still away, World Nomads offers some of the best travel insurance in the world today. It's Simple You simply buy one travel insurance policy and it doesn't matter where in the World you travel - you're covered! This means you can travel to New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and as many other countries as you like and it's all under a single travel insurance policy. Low Cost. Great Value. World Nomads offers some of the best value online travel insurance available. The prices reflect both the efficiencies of the internet and the level of cover, which has been designed to meet the needs of both the young, adventurous, independent and long-term travellers. Great Prices Here's a few great value travel insurance price examples. Obtain a Travel Insurance Quote To obtain a travel insurance quote please select your country of permanent residence. Australia Germany Ireland Netherlands Singapore Thailand Canada Hong Kong Malaysia NZ South Africa UK Denmark India Mexico Russia Spain USA From Another Country? World Nomads Travel Insurance. More than you expect. With Nomads travel insurance you're covered for a lot more. Worldwide Cover The level of worldwide cover in our travel insurance policy recognises the needs of young, independent and adventurous travellers. So there is cover for skiing and diving rather than for travel delays and missed connections, which most world nomads take in their stride as part of the trip. And of course, everything is online. From changing your details to making a claim, you can do it all online. Cover your Adventure World Nomads travel insurance covers every country in the world, and from Bungee Jumping in New Zealand to white-water rafting in Nepal or skiing in Colarado, we also cover most adventure sports. Find out if what you want too do is covered with our simple guide to adventure. Extend and Claim Online, While you are still away Travel plans often change. That is what's exciting. Unlike other insurers, who don't allow you to extend or purchase again outside your country of residence, World Nomads allows you to extend your policy indefinitely. And since you will probably be away for a while we recognised that you can't wait until you get home to make a claim, so we put it all online. You can submit claims, but more importantly also liaise with the claims department until it is settled. And you can do so 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Digital Camera's, iPod's and Computers The level of worldwide cover in our travel insurance policy recognises the needs of young, independent and adventurous travellers. So there is cover for skiing and diving rather than for travel delays and missed connections, which most world nomads take in their stride as part of the trip. 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance is provided by Mondial Assistance, the largest travel assistance company in the world, with over 35 call centres in 28 countries. Underwritten by Allianz For peace of mind, World Nomads travel insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN52097227177. AFS Licence No.245631). Travel Insurance (Other Countries) Australia Travel Insurance USA Travel Insurance Canada Travel Insurance United Kingdom Travel Insurance Pacific Islands Travel Insurance Malaysia Travel Insurance Singapore Travel Insurance Policy Downloads Feel free to check out the latest brochure and policy wording. Latest Brochure Policy Wording Back to top of page Locations Select a Region New Zealand Maps New Zealand Wide North Island Wide - Northland - Bay Of Islands - Auckland - Coromandel - Bay Of Plenty - Waikato - Rotorua - Eastland - Taupo - Ruapehu - Taranaki - Hawke's Bay - Wanganui - Manawatu - Wairarapa - Wellington South Island Wide - Nelson - Marlborough - West Coast - Kaikoura - Christchurch - Canterbury - Mt Cook - Wanaka - Queenstown - Otago - Dunedin - Fiordland - Southland Search Advanced Search Useful Links NZ Travel NZ Maps NZ on CD NZ on Video NZ Products NZ Hotels Holiday Deals Discount Card Tourism Jobs Travel Prizes Travel Enquiries Travel Insurance Māori Tourism NZ Books Postcards Air New Zealand -- World Links Site Map Travel Trade Advertise Add a Site About Us Newsletter Link to Us Site Awards Business Centre Advertise Staff -- Highlights NZ Lions Tour -- NZ Ski Areas -- NZ Highlights NZ Middle Earth NZ Wine & Dine Featured Sites Travel Trade Advertise Add a Site About Us Business for Sale Newsletter Link to Us Site Awards Business Centre Advertise Staff Contact Us New Zealand Tourism Online Ltd 208 Cashel Street / PO Box 13300, Christchurch, New Zealand Advertising & Travel Enquiries. ©2003. 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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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