Japan Travel














Japan Travel Guide, Japanese Popular Culture, History and Japanese Etiquette Japan travel guide, information on Japan and Japanese culture. Japan Store JZ Originals | Books, CDs, DVDs, VHS | Geisha Fans | Folding Screens | Japanese Design | Baseball Goods Japanese Games The Gaming Industry | Game Developers Modern Japan Entertainment Movies | Movie Posters | Anime Movies | Tezuka Osamu | TV Comedy | Yoshimoto | TV Anime | Manga | Pop Music | Takarazuka | Pachinko Famous people Directors | Actors & Actresses | TV Stars | Comedians | Musicians | Sports Stars | Designers | Politicians Japan Inc Economy | Global 500 |Companies A - F | G - L | M | N | O - S | T - Z Cultural Japan Entertainment Kabuki | Noh | Bunraku | Geisha | Instruments Arts Tea Ceremony | Kodo | Ukiyoe | Ikebana | Bonsai | Origami | Literature | Modern Literature Royalty Imperial Family Calendar Festivals | Annual Events | Four Seasons | Cherry Blossoms Costume Kimono | Footwear Food & Drink Basics | Dishes | Alcohol New to Japan General Visas | Accommodation | Health & Welfare | Transport | Local Transport | Mobile Phones | Money | Etiquette | Meeting People Language Alphabets | Kanji | Useful Expressions | New Japanese Employment Working | Teaching | Find a Job Japan Omnibus Geography Facts & Figures | Regions & Cities | Climate Sightseeing Onsen | Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido | Tohoku | Kanto | Chubu | Kinki | Chugoku | Shikoku | Kyushu | Okinawa Sports Baseball | Soccer | Sumo | Martial Arts | Others History Early | Medieval | Modern Religion Shinto | Buddhism | Others | Shrines | Temples | Zen Gardens Politics Government | Parties | Prime Ministers Japan Gallery Landmark | Nature | People | Scenery | Urban | Miscellaneous Japan Job Search Search GaijinPot's database of available jobs JapanBloggers Webring ? Ring Home # Make 100s of thousands of new friends today, FREE! Japan Zone Features: Chat Room | Quizzes | Games | E-cards Street Fashion Our latest poll: "What's the best way to spend New Year in Japan?" Thursday, 29th December 2005 Today's Japan News | Japan Weather | Japan Stocks | Currency Converter | The latest posts on our Japan Forum Join Japan Zone Friends in December - Win a DVD! - Join Now Everyone who joins Japan Zone Friends between now and December 31st will be entered to win a DVD! It's FREE to join, so why not? Welcome to the bizarre world of an American mannequin family who have recently moved toJapan, and cause quite an uproar. Fashionably hip and gut-splitting funny, this feature was first shown on the Japanese late-night show Vermillion Pleasure Night and now has a cult following. Available from ADV Films (the largest producer/distributor for Japanese anime) from December 20 on DVD. Official website Watch a classic clip, "Lady Tutor": High quality | Low quality (Quick Time) The Latest -- Japan Zone is the only site that brings you regular news and gossip in English from the Japanese entertainment world. Noriko's Fashion Choice Talento Kato Noriko (32) is to get married on New Year's Day, according to her agency yesterday. The lucky man is Wakatsuki Yoshio (43), a creative director in the fashion world. The fax announcement of the engagement caught the media by surprise as the two have only been going out since the spring, though they've been living together for the last couple of months. They have known each other for several years, and met when Kato took a break from showbusiness to study in Paris in 2000. Wakatsuki was working on the Paris Collection at the time. • Rock band Mr. Children finished up their first nationwide "dome tour" with a show last night at Tokyo Dome. They played to 45,000 fans, bringing the tour total to about 390,000. Vocalist Sakurai Kazutoshi (35), who battled with serious illness in 2003 that saw the band take a 6-month hiatus, said 2005 was the best year ever. • Kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke died of cancer at a Tokyo hospital on Monday. He was 59. • A survey has shown that people are pretty evenly divided about whether national broadcaster NHK should take legal action against those who refuse to pay their license fee. The number of those refusing to pay has increased to over a million following a series of scandals involving NHK employees. December 28, 2005 Recent Headlines • Noriko's Fashion Choice (December 28) • All Eyes on Women Skaters (December 27) • Ryoko Polishing Her Bridal Skills (December 26) • Boyz of Summer? (December 24) More news available on our News page . (powered by Movable Type 3.15 ) Syndicate this site Content Picks Planning a trip to Japan? ROYALTY : With the marriage of Princess Sayako, the Imperial Family lost one of its members. Will one of her nieces ever ascend to the imperial throne? CULTURE : Aromatherapy may be all the rage these days, but kodo , the art of incense, has been around for centuries and is one of the three major Japanese traditional arts. ROMANCE : Are you looking for a partner in Japan ? We have some useful background info and a list of resources to help you on your way. TOURS : Try our selection of half-day and one-day tours in Japan's most popular destinations SIGHTSEEING GUIDES : Browse our extensive sightseeing guide to the whole country, with information on all the major sights. Tokyo Kyoto Hokkaido Kyushu Mt. Fuji Osaka/Kobe Okinawa More... ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES A must-have item for any student of Japanese or trip to Japan is a pocket dictionary.In our JapanStore, we have chosen some of the best ones around. From the reasonablypriced to the multi-featured, you're sure to find one that suits your study, businessor travel needs. Find out more... We've teamed up with Japan's No.1 online job site for English-speakingprofessionals. Search the Gaijinpot job database now for free. Through our partnership with Amazon.com, we are offering an exclusive JapanZone version of the award winning Alexa Toolbar- FREE! No browser should be without this handy tool! Plus, when you download anduse the toolbar, you'll help support Japan Zone. The Top Sites in Japan -- -- Web Japan Zone The current time in: Hawaii Los Angeles Chicago New York Brasilia London Berlin Paris Milano Israel New Delhi Bangkok Beijing Hong Kong Singapore Tokyo Seoul Canberra Guam Sign up for free & meet... Asia's largest friend finder network. Join FREE today! Sign up for our free newsletter. Keep up with the latest news and gossip from Japan. Cultural Japan | Modern Japan | New to Japan | Japan Omnibus | Japan Gallery | Japan Forum | Japan Store About us | Advertising | Links | Terms of Use | Comments on the site? © 1999-2005 Japan Zone international calling cards, phone cards



Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Open Source Convention - August 1-5, 2005 - Portland, OR ! -- Home Why Attend ! -- Invitation to Attend Registration Speakers Keynotes Sessions Tutorials Schedule Open Source Business Review Events BOFs Wiki Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Convention Coverage Submit a Proposal ! -- Newsletter O'Reilly Conferences ! -- Portland, Oregon! -- Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Directions | Room Sharing | Restaurants | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Event Headquarters Hotel DoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland - Lloyd Center 1000 NE Multnomah Portland, OR 97232 Phone: 503-281-6111 Fax: 503-284-8553 Open Source Convention Room Rate Discounted Room Rate: $129.00 (This rate is for single or double. Triple or quad occupancy is $15.00 per person extra. Looking for a roommate? ) The cutoff date to make your room reservations is Thursday, July 7, 2005 . In order to receive the discounted room rate, you must request the group rate for "O'Reilly Media, Inc." Reservations received after the cutoff date of July 7, 2005 or when the room block is sold out (whichever comes first) will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state & local taxes (currently 12.5%) in effect at time of check-in. Make your hotel reservations by phone. Call: The hotel directly at (503) 281-6111. Make your hotel reservations On-line: Go to the DoubleTree Hotel website . Under "Check Availability", enter your arrival and departure dates and click "go". On the next page - "Select Your Reservation Details", select your room type preference and under "Special Accounts" in Group/Convention Code, type "OMI". Click "continue" and follow the steps to complete your reservation. Alternate Hotel If you are unable to make a room reservation at the OSCON headquarters hotel (DoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center) O'Reilly Media has secured additional rooms. Red Lion Hotel Portland Convention Center 1021 N. E. Grand Avenue Portland OR 97232 Phone: (503) 235-2100 Toll Free: 800-343-1822 Rate: $109.00 plus 12.5% tax (subject to change) Deadline: June 28, 2005 Distance to OSCON: Across the street from the Convention Center more info Getting There Portland International Airport (PDX) The Portland Int'l Airport serves approximately 120 domestic and international cities by 17 commercial airlines. Arrival/Departure Information Direction To/From PDX Gate Locations at PDX Ground Transportation Information at PDX (including car rental info) MAX Light Rail For cheap & convenient transportation from the Portland International Airport (PDX) to the hotels and Convention Center, hop aboard the Airport MAX light rail "Red Line". The Double Tree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center Portland Lloyd Center, the Red Lion Portland Convention Center and the Oregon Convention Center are located on the MAX light rail line with service between the Hotels and Portland International Airport. For a minimal fee, (currently $1.70) MAX will transport guests from the Airport directly to the Hotels doorsteps. Service runs every 15 minutes seven days a week between 4:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Driving Directions Visit the DoubleTree website for customized driving directions from your unique starting point to theDoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland -Lloyd Center. From the North (Seattle) Stay on I-5 South. Take the OMSI/Oregon City exit (#300B), remain in the right lane. Exit onto the Morrison Bridge, remain in the right lane. Take the ramp to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) which makes a sharp loop to the right, going back under the bridge. Head south on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway), the hotel is located 8 blocks on the right. From the South (Salem) Take Rose Quarter-City center exit 302A. At the first light, take a right on Weidler. Go to 9th Avenue and take a right. Go to the second light and the hotel is on the left. From the East (Portland Airport) Follow Airport way to I-205 South. Then take I-84 West, go approximately 5 miles to exit 1 Lloyd Blvd. Go to the second light off of the exit and take a right. Go 1 and 1/2 blocks and Lloyd Center is on the left.. Parking Valet Parking $21.00 per night Self Parking $18.00 per day Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. We have set up a room-share mailing list to facilitate finding a suitable roommate. Please visit the Room Sharing page on the OSCON Wiki to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Email: vivianv@sonic.net Phone: (707) 525-0550, Fax: (707) 525-0560 Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV CV#01XY0025 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. If you or your travel gent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to bookyour reservations, you will recieve a 5% discount off the lowest applicable discountfare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares,purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets arepurchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply onShuttle by United and United Express. Call United Specialized Meeting ReservationsCenter at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Youmust refer to Meeting ID #539GN in order to receive the convention attendee discount. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this convention releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this convention. ! -- Diamond Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Media Sponsors In-Kind Sponsors Sponsors OSCON 2005 Sponsor Opportunities — Call Andrew Calvo at 707-829-0515 or email at Download the OSCON 05 Sponsor/Exhibitor Prospectus OSCON 2005 Media Sponsor Opportunities — Call Margi Levin at 707-827-7184 or email at Press and Media For media-related inquiries, contact Suzanne Axtell at Conference News Want to receive conference news? Sign up for our email newsletter. O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2005, O'Reilly Media, Inc.



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. This form is available here: subscription form mapXchange Free maps to use with TOPO! CD-ROMs Select U.S. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mid-Atlantic:   DC, DE,   MD, VA, WV Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Northeast:   CT, MA, ME, NJ   NH, NY, RI, VT Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Washington Wisconsin Wyoming Adventurer's Handbook How to beach a kayak Select an Outdoor Tip Avoid an Avalanche Beach a Kayak Bike Up Steep   Trails Fight Altitude   Sickness Hike Lighter How to Swing   a Machete Keep Warm on   Frigid Hikes Leave No Trace Make Tastier Grub Paddle With Power Put on Your Skis Run Off-Road See More Fish   When Diving Stick to the Rock Ski Faster Swim Rapids Take Better Photos Telemark for Real Wipe Out on a Bike Survival Tips: Start a Fire Find Water Build Shelter Gather Food Signal for Help Pack a Survival   Bag Outdoor GearStore Buy the right gear right now Select Outdoor Gear Departments Men's Women's Shoes Backpacks Camping Climbing Gear Hiking Boots Ski Equipment Snowboards Snowshoes Adidas Arc'teryx Billabong Dakine Keen Merrell Shoes Mountain Hardwear Nike The North Face NRS Oakley Sunglasses Osprey Outdoor Research Patagonia Quiksilver Salomon More Brands Departments Men's Women's Shoes Backpacks Camping Climbing Gear Hiking Boots Ski Equipment Snowboards Snowshoes Adidas Arc'teryx Billabong Dakine Keen Merrell Shoes Mountain Hardwear Nike The North Face NRS Oakley Sunglasses Osprey Outdoor Research Patagonia Quiksilver Salomon More Brands



EUROPE TRAVEL FEATURES Tasting

MSNBC - Europe Front Page Skip navigation Travel Active Travel Holiday Travel Luxury Travel Winter Travel Business Travel Family Travel Travel Tips Destinations Cultural Travel Golf Travel Your World Photos U.S. News World News Business Sports Entertainment Tech / Science Health Weather Travel Blogs Etc. Local News Newsweek Multimedia News Video Most Popular NBC NEWS MSNBC TV Today Show Nightly News Meet the Press Dateline NBC MSNBC Home Travel Europe Tourists visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral in the "Square of Miracle" August 24, 2002 in Pisa, Italy. The tower reopened in December 2001 after 10 years of stabilization work. Italian Dreams History, architecture, art and more - great Italian destinations in the hosting country of the 2006 Winter Olympics. SLIDE SHOW Franco Origlia / Getty Images Cross-border skiing in Europe Italy readying security for Turin Olympics Slide show: European Escapes Italian golf - at its most Italian! MORE EUROPE TRAVEL FEATURES Tasting Italy: Indulge in Piedmont Get away for some great Euro-shopping Spotlight on: Dubrovnik Austria's alive with action Spotlight on: Florence The village resorts of Austria that aren't Valencia's medieval center Low-fare airlines boom in Europe Magnificent London Italy's jaw-dropping Dolomites Go to Porto for the port, stay for more! Visiting Avebury henge Hungary for luxury? Find it here! The shopping capital of Scotland Visit Germany's rebuilt capital Pamplona: Spain's morning run Bullish on Pamplona, Spain Europe-bound? Pack these guides Live like a king in Spain's paradors Chur: Charm in the Swiss Alps The grandest places to visit in Scotland 10 great European drives Southern Spain escapes EU's new passenger rights Three days in Rome Video: Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa Travel Forecasts Weather.com Forecasts and Conditions Business Traveler Forecasts Plan your Vacation: Destination Finder Check your flight status, airport conditions MSNBC's Weekly Travel Newsletter TRAVEL TOOLS Currency converter Traveler's health warnings from the CDC Travel warnings from the State Department Airport status map from the FAA Cover | U.S. News | World News | Business | Sports | Tech/Science | Entertainment | Travel | Health | Blogs Etc. | Weather | Local News Newsweek | Today Show | Nightly News | Dateline NBC | Meet the Press | MSNBC TV About MSNBC.com | Newsletters | RSS | Podcasts | Help | News Tools | Jobs at MSNBC.com | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy © 2005 MSNBC.com MSN Privacy | Legal Feedback | Help



Russia Travel

Russia Hotels, Tourism, and Travel Information | 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 The Russia Getaway Site The Complete Guide to Discover Russia Few places can conjure up vivid images such as Russia with its rich history and unsurpassed beauty. Russia.com is pleased to have created the best online resource for information about Russia. Here we provide community features, Russian city guides and interactive marketplaces where Russians and those interested in Russia can exchange information, obtain news , and have access to virtually every topic or subject having to do with Russia. Visit our history section for background on this extremely diverse and often misunderstood country. Try us for competitve prices on hotels in Moscow or St Petersburg , as well as flights to Moscow . Our tours of Russia are conducted by travel professionals, possessing years of valuable experience in Russian travel and tourism. Explore Moscow Every visitor to Moscow is irresistibly drawn to the Red Square, the historical and spiritual heart of the city, so loaded with associations and drama that it seems to embody all of Russia's truimphs and tragedies. more on moscow... Russian Culture Russia is a large and extremely culturally diverse country, with dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music, languages and religions. Although the majority of Russians consider themselves as Christians, and belong to Russian Orthodox Churches. It's a great achievement for the country where atheism was theofficial state religion for more than 70 years. more on culture... 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




 Home

 Travel And Vacations

 Travel Help Worldwide Call

 Travel Guides | Hotels

 Travelers (Children or seniors?)

 Travelers' Health Destinations Health

 Travel Education Special Reports

 Travel Guides Hotels Flights

 TRAVEL SERVICES TRAVEL TICKER

 Travel Education Special Reports

 Travel World

 Travel Planning Survey. Home

 Travel Advice UK Embassies

 TravelGuide.com All material herein

 Travelers (Children or seniors?)

 Traveler? Take a quiz

 Travel Business Travel Family

 TravelGuide.com All material herein

 Travel Guard | AgentLink:

 Worldwide Travel

 travel counselors love their

 travel services, discounts, information

 Travel > Global Style

 Travel

 Travel gift card today

 TRAVEL Welcome - Already

 Travel photography, travelogues and

 travel to and in

 Travel Guides Community Special

 Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget

 Travel

 travel counselors love their

 Travel Company (AMEX:OTV) Home

 travel books | camera

 Travelers Trust City: Check-in:

 Travel Cruise Visits For

 Travel Plan My Travel

 Travel Industry Association (ATIA).

 Travel | Destination |

 Vacation Homes Contact Owners

 vacation ever in beautiful

 vacations Sign in •

 Vacation Club (AFVC) ,

 VACATION West Middle East

 vacation is only a

 Vacation Work Information Exchange

 Vacation Rental Home here!

 vacation stories Win a

 vacation response? Going on

 vacation ever in beautiful

 Vacation Rentals Villas, Condos,

 Vacation Guides Free Brochures

 Vacation Rentals Take your

 VACATION FEATURES & EXTRAS

 vacation from the life

 Vacations Aruba | Bahama

 Vacation Rentals!! "Vacation Rentals,

 Vacation Rentals, Homes Vacation

 Vacations specialist. You need

 Vacations or Business Travel

 VACATION RENTALS Africa Asia

 Vacation homes, condos, villas,

 Vacation Guide: Sign up

 vacations : rental cars

 vacation rentals, bed and

 Vacation Club Check-in date

 Vacation Rentals and Vacation

 Vacation! BY DESTINATION BY

 Vacation Outlet Home Page

 Vacation Rentals RV Parks/Campgrounds

 Vacation Rentals at your

 Vacation Inn of Victoria

 vacation ideas from around

 Vacation® Inc. is a

 Vacation Information "The beauty

 Vacation Travel and Outdoor

 Vacation Rentals, Holiday Rentals,

 VACATION FEATURES & EXTRAS

 vacationing in Florida. Here

 vacation guide to Honduras

 Vacation Rentals - USA

 Vacation Rentals Hotels Real

 Vacation Rentals Hotels Real

 vacation rental, is available

 Vacations | Flight Schedule

 Asia Travel || Malaysia

 Asia Travel Tips ,

 Asia Travel || Hong

 Asia Travel

 Asia Travel Newsletter :

 Asia Travel || Laos

 Asia travel, Deluxe travel

 Asia Travel SINGAPORE HOTELS

 Asia Travel || Cambodia

 Asia Travel to assist

 Asia Travel Office Hours

 Asia Travel || Malaysia

 Asia Travel according to

 Asia Travel || Indonesia

 Asia Travel (65) 6235

 Asia Travel || Indonesia