Tours de Sport Ski East Blog

Top Three Hidden Gems for Late Season

2009-02-17T14:16:00.006-05:00

Now that President’s Week has passed us by, we will soon be turning another page on the calendar and heading into March. There are many people (including myself) who believe that March is the best time to plan your vacation, as most resorts we work with will still have nearly every trail open well into the second half of the month. Also, some ski resorts are offering late season rates as early as March 1st, so it is certainly the best time to take advantage of a more upscale property with paying a more upscale price.

Here are the top three upscale properties offering the best value for the late season:

1) Killington Grand Hotel:
Killington's only full-service mountainside hotel is admittedly quite expensive during the weekends and holidays, but if you can manage to escape during the midweek, it is an amazing value. It is just a short ski over to the Snowshed base area and lifts, and the Grand offers all of the amenities one would expect from a 4-star property: valet, room service, convenience store, ski check, game room, and the fabulous 75-foot heated outdoor pool with two hot tubs. Late season rates at Killington kick in on March 22nd, which means you will have at least six weeks of skiing at the resort’s cheapest prices. The best deal at the Killington Grand is to book a studio unit. The room has a queen Murphy bed, queen sleeper sofa and kitchenette, and is as low as $105 per night! If you need more space, the 1-bedroom suite can sleep six for as low as $195 per night!

2) Ermitage du Lac (Mont Tremblant):
Tucked away in the southwest corner of the Pedestrian Village, this boutique-hotel offers deluxe accommodations at an amazing price. This is a perfect spot for families: the Ermitage du Lac is located just a few hundred feet from the Cabriolet, yet far enough away from the bustle of the Tremblant nightlife. It is one of the few properties offering a full hot breakfast all season. Most units have a full kitchen, fireplace, and balcony. Families can take advantage of the 2-bedroom suites, which can sleep six people and are a steal at about $260 US per night (including taxes) after March 15th.

3) Highland House / Rimfire (Snowshoe):
If you don’t have time to travel midweek and need to book your trip over a long weekend, then Snowshoe has some of the best value. Plus, the late-season rates at Snowshoe start March 1st! Highland House and Rimfire are both in the heart of the Snowshoe village, and are both just a few feet from the slopes. Step right out the front door to visit numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. The late-season weekend rates here are unbeatable, with junior studios going for about $180 per night, and 1-bedroom condos for about $260 per night.

Ski Area Dining Options

2009-02-02T10:32:00.012-05:00

Wondering where to eat and have a nice dining experience while at a ski area? The following suggestions may help with your selections:

Stowe - Matterhorn, recommended by my son, ”Where else can you have a choice of pizza, burgers, or sushi?” Offering midweek specials.
Killington - Pizza Jerks, my other son’s favorite restaurant serving NY style pizza.
Killington - Choices Restaurant and Rotisserie, my favorite restaurant, featuring seafood, veal and much more.
Okemo - DJ’s Restaurant, featuring a fantastic and wide variety to choose from on their salad bar. Great seafood and prime rib.
Sugarbush - Flatbread Pizza, featuring their own awesome unique pizza dough.
Loon - Common Man, located in Lincoln and features great American Cuisine.
Sunday River - Foggy Goggle, located at the ski area and had some great food.
Sunday River - Matterhorn, located about 1 mile from the ski area and has a wide variety of food for all ages to enjoy. Burgers to Steaks.

If you have a favorite restaurant, just let me know and I will forward the information on to others. Enjoy!

--Goody Dwyer

Fitting In By Standing Out: Finding the Perfect Crazy Ski Hat

2009-01-23T11:05:00.004-05:00

You get up before the sun, eat a quick breakfast of cereal and fruit, and check the latest snow reports before beginning to get dressed. You put on your Under Armor, your powder pants, your jacket, your boots, your gloves, and then after all your preparation is complete, you don the piece de resistance: your hat. As you take your first run of the day you see other hats whiz by; menageries of animals, court jesters on their way to entertain a king, and more than a few people with fleece dreads who look like they got lost on their way to the Bahamas.

Sure, trends exist when it comes to all types of clothing. Boots and gloves, jackets and pants, all are designed to cater to the customer’s interest in colors and designs, but only a hat can be made into the shape of your favorite animal and still function as it was intended to. Larry Shaw, ski expert and former reservations manager at Mount Snow, VT says that “like all clothing, there is some personality carry-over into what to get.” Clothes directly represent your personality—what makes hats so distinct from other fashions is that in order to fit in, you need to stick out. “It has been a big craze in the past few years,” Larry states, to wear something crazy and unique. It hasn’t always been this way, however. Hats have over the past 20 years literally gone from “practical and knit” to “new age material and wild looks” according to Larry, who’s seen it all out on the slopes.

So what are the most common crazy hats out there? According to Mike Jacknan, owner of the Breckenridge Hat Company based in Breckenridge, Colorado, hats made to look like animals, headphone beanies, and those with spikes are the most popular with his customers. Breckenridge offers a new and especially interesting line of hats called Knitwits, which are made to look like sock monkeys and other types of animals. The headphone beanies are a big success with those looking to play music while out on the slopes or while simply sitting in the lodge enjoying a hot chocolate. Mike explains that, “the younger ones want to blend in because it’s important at that age. Others want to match their jackets, and the much younger kids just wanna be wild and crazy. They try the hats on and see what works best for them.” Most of Jacknan’s customers range from ages 15 to 30 and they are sure to be out there on the slopes expressing themselves with their spikes and sock monkeys.

Hat experts and retailers aren’t the only ones noticing this trend—those working at various resorts and ski agencies have noticed different hats becoming more and more popular. Abigail Nelson of Wintergreen Resort sees a lot of jester hats and some interesting knit hats that look like they’re trying to be “old school.” There are also those few unique hats that one only comes across every so often. “My brother has a dragon hat,” Abigail says with a smile, “it’s really cool, it’s green and has multi-colored spikes going down the length of it.” Chad Orton of Tours de Sport, understands the rising trends concerning headgear and personality. “In some cases, sometimes a hat is just a hat—functional—and other times you want other people to see what your likes/dislikes are and how fun you are with an attention-grabbing style,” he explains.

When it comes to deciding what type of hat you want to buy, it all comes down to your own personality and interests. Chances are, if you can think of it, somebody else already has and has turned it into a hat. David Ainsley, a Virginia native, says that his ideal hat would be in the shape of a penguin. Sarah Gunther, a skier from Baltimore, believes that her hat “would be something cool and crazy. Maybe a moose.” One avid skier, Ben Wolfram, has 4 different hats, each reflecting his personal style. His helmet shows he is a risk taker, but one who is still concerned with his well being, while an Alpaca fur hat trimmed with diamond-like studs and his Fargo hat are both concerned with warmth while maintaining the throwback style. His last hat, one from his Alma Mater, Towson University, shows his tiger pride as he makes his way down the mountain.

There are so many options out there now that it can be a daunting task to try to pick out the perfect hat that will make you fit in by making you stand out. The best thing for you to do is to browse and see what is out there before making a final decision. Skihats.com and Breckenridgehatcompany.com have hundreds of hats to choose from, and perhaps most importantly considering today’s economy, they are all modestly priced and extremely affordable to any veteran ski bum or beginner determined to make a statement their first day on skis. “Most of the new lines are pretty costly,” Shaw warns, but there are several places willing to sell you something with personality for a low price. It all comes down to how much you want to stand out against the stark white snow and finding a hat that is both comfortable, functional, and that screams what kind of person you are as you ski on by or make a particularly entertaining face plant into the snow—at least you’ll be face planting in style.

So next time you are preparing to hit the slopes, what will you be wearing? A simple, 20 year old monochromatic piece of fleece that can barely pass as a hat anymore, or something vibrant, exciting, and fitted to match your distinct personality. A hat is a blank template, waiting to be filled, waiting to show everyone exactly what lies beneath. Are you up to the challenge?

-Jocelyn Carver

Jocelyn is a full time student at Randolph-Macon college and an avid skier, when studies permit. Her crazy hat collection includes a crazy penguin and a Canadian maple leaf.

Loon Mountain Happenings

2009-01-22T15:42:00.001-05:00

Big changes are under way at Loon Mountain this year. The South Peak area is in year two of their planned 3 – 5 years expansion project that will include new trails, a new base lodge and direct lift access from down town Lincoln. The Tote Road Quad is in place to take skiers & riders in both directions between the South Ridge area and the main resort. Three trails, about 50 acres of skiing terrain were accessible last winter. Among the new trails this year is Rip Saw, their first double black diamond trail and Escape Route, an intermediate trail. This expansion will make Loon Mountain, already a popular destination, one of the largest ski resorts in New Hampshire.

Also new this year, Tours de Sport has added the Woodward’s Resort to our lodging offerings serving Loon Mountain. Woodward’s is located on Route 3, 5 minutes from the ski area. It offers 85 guest rooms as well as a full service restaurant, bar & lounge, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, racquetball court, and lighted skating pond. Loon is 100% open and in the middle of another spectacular snow year so call your Tours de Sport vacation specialist today or log on to our web site and design your own trip.

Rainy Day? No Problem!

2009-01-22T13:30:00.001-05:00

Vacation is vacation no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. While any avid skier will tell you a little rain won't stop a day on the slopes sometimes you just want to stay dry. Don't feel trapped in your hotel room sadly staring at the sky - go out and have some fun!

Ski Resorts like Smugglers' Notch, VT caters to families; replacing kids' daylong ski lessons with other activities when skiing is not an option. Families can also frolic in an indoor play area with an inflatable obstacle course, a miniature golf course and table tennis. It also offers baby-sitting, and puts on family entertainment every night.

At Okemo Mountain, there's no shortage of options for days without skiing. Visitors can swim, skate or play racquetball, or tune up their summer games at a nine-hole putting green or virtual golf.

When there's rain or little snow in Stowe, VT, many skiers and snowboarders head to the shops and restaurants. What trip to Vermont isn't complete with a souvenir bottle of fresh Maple syrup!

In Maine's Sugarloaf USA , visitors can head to the Antigravity Complex owned by the Carrabassett Valley Academy and the town of Carrabassett Valley, which has a climbing wall, skate park and bowl, Olympic-quality trampolines, weight room and aerobics room.

And, of course, there's always the bar. Killington, VT, known for not only being the "Beast of the East", is also a popular spot for the ski hard - play hard crowds!

Happy hours at bars and restaurants up and down the Killington Access Road take place rain, snow or shine!

So book a spa day, chill with friends or hit the gym. Enjoy your vacation - you've earned it! And remember, the lifts will run tomorrow!

-Sam Norberg

Kite Skiing Takes Flight at Killington

2008-12-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

Winter kite skiing appears to be a new sport and it’s happening in my own backyard at Killington. While harnessed into a 6 foot wing-spanned kite and wearing skis, I cannot wait to watch individuals catch the wind and sail across Kent Pond. This pristine area, especially in the summer, is fantastic for hiking and kayaking which are my favorite hobbies.

Mike Miller, area resident and storeowner, offers a great website for you to view his kite school, backcountry store and Telemark equipment. www.basecampvt.com. Sounds like he will be available during the winter weekends to take you out on the pond via snowmobile to his designated instructing area and start you off on the right track. Base Camp Outfitters is conveniently located on Route 4 in Killington, just at the bottom of the Killington Road and near Kent Pond.

So be sure to stop by Kent Pond and watch this exciting sport and maybe one day you’ll give it a try. Seems like another fun option for things to do in Killington during the winter season. Let’s go fly a kite!

Goody Dwyer / Tours de Sport Vermont Sales Office

Don’t Let Family Burdens Burn Out Your Family Fun!

2008-12-10T12:40:00.004-05:00

As Old Man Winter approaches, the endless parade of gray days and frigid temperatures can be mind-numbing. If your family is in need of a vacation to cure the winter blues, why not load up the car and head for a fun-filled weekend on the slopes!

Weekend ski trips with your family can be fun and inexpensive if you choose the right destination and resort property. Here at Tours de Sport we know that everyone feeling the pinch of a tight economy. Big fun doesn’t have to mean Big Bucks!

The Northeast is scattered with great ski resorts that offer enough terrain for a weekend trip and most of these resorts are all within 3 hours of most major cities like DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia & NY. You can find great deals for a Ski & Stay packages at places like Seven Springs, PA , Sno Mountain, PA and Hunter Mountain , NY .

As any snow lover would tell you any day on the slopes is better then none!

Winter is officially near!

2008-10-29T15:17:00.002-04:00

Well, it’s that time of year again. Where did the summer go? You have probably noticed the days getting shorter, the kids are back in school, and you may have seen notices of ski shop sales. It’s time to start thinking about your ski trips for the coming winter. There has already been snow in parts of New England any many of the major resorts in New England & Eastern Canada plan to open in mid November. That’s only about two weeks away!

There have been quite a few changes at various areas. To highlight a couple, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire is in the second year of their South Peak expansion with more trails coming on line this year. Sunday River in Maine has installed their Chondola that will take you up the mountain in a 6 person chair or an enclosed gondola cabin. Tours De Sport has added Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks of New York to our list of resorts this year.

Tours de Sport has been offering ski & snowboard vacations throughout the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada for 26 years so we have a bit of experience in trip planning. There is still plenty of availability for the Christmas holiday, some great deals for early season getaways, and don’t forget about Presidents’ Week. We can help with your family vacation, a couples’ weekend or group trip and it’s never too early to start the planning.

And, by the way, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a colder and snowier than normal winter which is always good news. So go on line and design your vacation or give us a call and speak with one of our vacation specialists and get going on that ski vacation today.

Visit Tours de Sport and Snow East Magazine at the Boston Ski Show!!!

2008-10-13T09:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, Tours de Sport will be hitting the road in November and paying another visit to Boston, to attend the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo during the weekend of November 20-23 (see below for show information). This big event draws more than 40,000 winter sports enthusiasts every year, and to many people, marks the official start to the ski season. Anchored by the huge equipment, clothing, and accessory sale that Ski Market keeps making better and better every year, this 4 day celebration of all things skiing and snowboarding is not to be missed.

Make sure to stop by our booth and meet our staff. We have several giveaways planned (including free trips), and many of our resort partners have given us some extra great deals that we will be passing on as Show Specials that will only be available to show attendees. We will be able to directly access our reservation system, and take live reservations during the show.

Tours de Sport is pleased to announce we will be joined at the show by our friends at Snow East magazine, who will be bringing plenty of sample issues for you to check out. As an added bonus, we will be giving a FREE one year subscription to Snow East to anyone who makes a new reservation with us at the show or within one week of getting a price quote from us at our show booth. Once you read your first issue, we are sure you will agree that Snow East is truly THE magazine for the Eastern skier/rider.

Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo details:

Bayside
Expo Center - Halls A & B
200 Mt Vernon Street
Boston, MA
617-474-6000

November 23-23, 2008

Show Hours:
Thursday, Nov. 20 4 - 10 PM
Friday, Nov. 21 4 - 10 PM
Saturday, Nov 22 10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 23 10 AM - 6 PM

Tours de Sport's Top Ten Ski Vacation Money Savers

2008-10-08T09:46:00.006-04:00

Hello out there in ski country! We have received many, many requests from skiers and riders out there asking us to clue them in on how they can save money on their ski vacation without sacrificing the quality of the experience. We understand that totally. Both your time off and the dollars that you can allocate to a ski trip are precious, so you want to make sure you are getting the best value you can.

Our staff here at Tours de Sport have put our heads together and come up with what we believe to be the best advise we can offer regarding getting the most bang for your ski buck. So with apologies to David Letterman, behold, The Tours de Sport "Top Ten" Ski Vacation Moneysavers.

...click here to read more.

Get Ready For Ski Season! Courtesy of Fundamental Fitness

2008-09-19T10:12:00.000-04:00

If you have a passion for skiing you spend money on quality skis, boots, poles and goggles. You also spend time and money planning the perfect ski getway. With all of this preparation, do you also take the time to prepare your body for the demands of a day spent on the slopes?

Here are some practical tips to increase balance, strength and muscular endurance. Specific exercises are provided with the goal of improving performance on skis.

Single Leg Drop and Stick -
• Find single leg standing balance.
• Quickly drop into a squat position (depth with which they are comfortable) and then maintain balance in that position for five seconds.
• Keep one foot off the floor throughout the entire set.

The Skier Crunch
• Start extended with your body straight, toes on the ball, hands straight below your chest.
• Maintaining perfect abdominal squeeze, roll the ball up under your hips, so you’re balancing on the top of your toes. Hold for two seconds and extend. Maintain that squeeze!
• Work up to two sets of 15 with perfect form, and then try it with only one leg.

Single Leg Ball Squat -
• Keep proper alignment through the hip, knee and ankle.
• Reach back with buttocks as you descend into a comfortable squat.
• Gradually try to squat lower.
• Complete two to four sets of 4-8 reps for muscular strength or 10 to 15 reps for muscular endurance.
• A beginner can start with both feet on the floor
• Advanced Progression 1: Keep tension on the quadriceps, gluteals and hamstrings by working in the lower range of the movement. Rather than returning to a full standing position, only extend the knee to 30 degrees

Eva Rosvold is the owner of Fundamental Fitness a personal training and coaching company in Frederick, MD. Check out the website for more information at www.fundamentalfitness.biz.

Killington Celebrates 50 Years This December

2008-09-11T09:34:00.000-04:00

Killington invites visitors old and new to join the resort in celebrating it's 50th year during the weekend of Dec. 11-14. There with be numerous events and activities, plus deals on lodging, lift tickets, dining and shopping throughout the resort and the community, as the Big K turns 50!

The resort plans to announce more details in the coming weeks, but the word is that they are planning a community-wide celebration that will include on and off-snow activities, the world’s largest torchlight parade and a 50th Birthday Party on Saturday night, Dec. 13 at the Snowshed Lodge.

We'll have our ears open on this, and provide more details when we get them.

Skiing 2009 from the Farmer's Almanac Forecast

2008-08-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

“Numb's the word!” This is how the world-famous Old Farmer’s Almanac describes the upcoming 2008-2009 winter season, contrary to what the majority of Americans might be praying for. The forecast says, at least 75% of the country will have a colder winter with numbingly below-average temperatures.

And what else could be better way to spend this snowy season other than skiing and snowboarding? Start packing up your things now for the much-awaited season will soon be at hand! Beginning in late November through the middle of February above-normal snowfalls are predicted, the Almanac said.

The Northeast could be your best skiing escape this year, as this is the area most likely to experience drier than usual snowfalls. Dry snowfalls equal fine and powdery snow, and how often do we get to experience "powder days" here in the east. So if your sitting there staring at a thermometer that is still pushing 90, cheer up.

Check it our yourself at the Old Farmer's Almanac website, and let those dreams of effortless turns in the white stuff begin!

And for a stress free winter vacation plan, visit Toursdesport.com. Get the latest hot deals and customize a package of your choice. For helpful tips and additional ideas, listen to our vacation experts’ advice on how to have a spectacular ski vacation. Call anytime, at 1-888-4SKIEAST.

New Lake Placid Hotels on Board for 2007 – 2008 Ski Season!

2007-09-12T14:50:00.000-04:00

Tours de Sport is happy to welcome two new lodging partners in Lake Placid for the upcoming ski season: the Courtyard by Marriott and the Comfort Inn. Both are centrally located in Lake Placid, and are convenient to all the attractions that the town has to offer. Guests at both properties will be able to take advantage of the FREE shuttle to Whiteface Mountain.

The Courtyard by Marriott was recently constructed, and has been open only a few months. This hotel offers deluxe accommodations at a very moderate price, and guests will enjoy the high level of service and quality associated with the Marriott name. The on-site amenities are equal to that of more upscale properties in Lake Placid such as the Hilton or Golden Arrow Hotel. The greatest benefit to the addition of the Courtyard is that Tours de Sport will be able to book rooms for every non-holiday weekend throughout the entire season.

The Comfort Inn offers some of the lowest rates of any lodging property in Lake Placid, and has an optimal location next to many restaurants and boutiques. Tours de Sport is fortunate that the Comfort Inn is one of only two hotels in Lake Placid that has available space during Martin Luther King and President’s Weekend.

Go online today or call your Tours de Sport sales representative to price your next Lake Placid ski vacation!

It's That Time of Year!

2007-08-20T16:23:00.000-04:00

Well, it’s that time of year again. Where did the summer go? You have probably noticed the days getting shorter, the kids are getting ready for school, and you may have seen notices of ski shop sales. It’s time to start thinking about your ski trips for the coming winter. Many of the major resorts in New England & Eastern Canada open in mid November. That’s less than three months away.

Tours de Sport has been offering ski & snowboard vacations throughout the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada for 26 years so we have a bit of experience in trip planning. There is still plenty of availability for the Christmas holiday, some great deals for early season getaways, and don’t forget about Presidents’ Week. We can help with your family vacation, a couples’ weekend or group trip and it’s never too early to start the planning.

And, by the way, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a colder and snowier than normal winter which should be great news after last year. So go on line and design your vacation or give us a call and speak with one of our vacation specialists and get going on that ski vacation today.

"The Big Breakup" or "Ski Life After ASC"

2007-08-20T08:13:00.000-04:00

If your attention strayed early this Spring from skiing to tennis or golf or maybe your long neglected garden, you might have missed one of the biggest events to affect Eastern skiing since the heated gondola cabin.

The American Skiing Company, or ASC, as it was known with either grudging admiration or outright loathing depending on your point of view, basically ceased to exist late this Spring, as each resort in the ASC family was sold off to complete the dissolution of the company. For those of you may have come in late, here is a brief synopsis of what transpired.

It all began with the December announcement that ASC was selling Steamboat Resort in Colorado for $265 million to Intrawest, that other giant of resort ownership.

On February 16th, it was announced that Mount Snow and Attitash were being sold for $73.5 million to Peak Resorts, Inc., a resort operator with ski resorts in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Ohio. Included in the sale were the commercial cores of the Grand Summit hotels located at each resort. What is interesting here, is that this will be Peaks first foray into managing resort lodging. The sale was completed in late April.

Just four days later came the news that the big enchilada, Killington/Pico, was being sold for $83.5 million to a joint venture between SP Land Co., a Killington-based real estate development company, and Powdr Corp., a Utah ski resort company that owns several Western resorts, including Park City. The sale was completed in mid-May.

This left Sunday River and Sugarloaf as ASC's only remaining East Coast resorts, and for a good little while rumors were flying about what might happen, including Les Otten's possible interest in getting back into the ski game. Talk about things coming full circle! Les was, after all, the father of ASC back in the 1980's when he purchased Sunday River. When the dust finally settled, Sunday River and the Loaf were sold in early June to Boyne USA, Inc. for $77 million in cash. Boyne operates or has interests in seven other resorts in North America.

The final shoe dropped in late July with the sale of ASC's lone remaining resort, the Canyons, in Utah to the Toronto-based Talisker Corp. For the purchase price of $100 million, Talisker, which is developing a luxury residential community at nearby Deer Valley, will also assume about $600,000 in ASC debt. The sale is expected to close before the end of September. ASC has notified the SEC of its intention to dissolve the company and delist its stock.

Out of the ashes of ASC we now have the rebirth of six major resorts in New England under new management this winter. Interestingly, all of them were acquired by companies that have experience in ski resort operations elsewhere in the US and Canada. So what does this mean to you, the skier? We'll take that up on a resort-by-resort basis in a series of posts that will begin in early September. First up, will be, Putting the "snow" back in Mount Snow.

Holiday’s in the Northeast – A true Norman Rockwell moment!

2007-08-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

The majestic mountains bustle with excitement as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and the golden colors of the fall foliage turn to the crystal white of the season’s first snowfall! It’s the start of not only the Northeast Ski season but also the beginning of the American holiday season.

If you are one of the many people that have not ventured to such areas as Stowe, VT, Bethel, ME or Lake Placid, NY during this festive time, you are indeed, missing out! Children partake in numerous winter activities as skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and more! While quiet moments are enjoyed on a romantic sleigh ride or scenic gondola ride. Tis truly a sight to behold!

Norman Rockwell graced us for 40 years of painting Post Christmas covers, from 1916 to 1956. Rockwell may have captured better than any other artist the beauty, joy, and spirit of our favorite American holiday.

With the hustle and bustle of today’s lifestyle why not consider stepping back in time this winter season and taking you, your family or friends on a trip they will treasure for years to come!

Tremblant to get direct air service from Newark

2007-07-31T10:49:00.000-04:00

Check it out. Just another good reason to visit Mont Tremblant this winter!

Continental Airlines has announced that it will begin non-stop service from its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Mont-Tremblant, Canada (YTM), the airline’s 10th Canadian destination, on December 14, 2007. Continental offers more non-stop destinations from New York to Canada than any other airline.

Mont-Tremblant is located in the beautiful Laurentian mountains of Quebec. Voted #1 Ski Resort in the East by the readers of SKI Magazine over the last 10 years, it is a year-round resort community with a European feel offering 620 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, a picturesque village featuring some 1900 lodging units and some of the best public golf courses in Quebec, Le Diable, a Raven course, and Le Géant. All year long, Tremblant offers a variety of activities and events that keep the mountain and pedestrian village busy with animation. Tremblant is also well-know for its legendary “Joie de vivre” and it is the best place to enjoy winter sports on and around the mountain, discover the many summer activities and beautiful Lake Tremblant and see the Quebec’s magnificent fall colours.

The seasonal service will operate from December 14, 2007 through April 5, 2008, departing New York at 11:00 a.m., and arriving at Mont-Tremblant at 12:32 p.m. The return flight will depart Mont-Tremblant at 1:15 p.m. and arrive in New York at 2:44 p.m. Service is daily, except during the period of January 8, 2008 through February 13, 2008, when flights will operate every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The new service, utilizing a 50-seat Embraer-145 regional jet, will operate from Continental’s New York hub which offers more than 400 daily departures to 155 non-stop destinations world-wide.

The Raven Golf Course at Snowshoe: A Closer Look

2007-06-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

I had the chance to play the Raven Golf Course at Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia last week, and it was a splendid round on a challenging and unique course. It was typical mountain golf: lots of blind shots and plenty of elevation changes. Fortunately, there were much more downhill holes than uphill holes, with most of the elevation changes upward going from one green to the next tee. When starting your round here, the first thing you notice is the grass. In most of the area away from the fairway the grass has grown to over 18 inches high, resembling something you may see at a links course. This tall grass consumes golf balls at an alarming rate. If a shot manages to find this grass, you definitely need to keep an eye on the exact spot, or your ball will be gone. Accuracy is much more important than distance. Here are two of my favorite holes:

4th hole: The par-4 fourth hole has one of the largest elevation changes from tee to fairway I have ever seen: it is about a 200-foot dropoff. This makes club selection next to impossible for a first-time player. Needless to say, driver is NOT the club of choice for your tee shot, despite the 433-yard length of the hole. The hole has a large landing area which extends into a very narrow fairway guarded by hazards on either side further down. A driver will go well past the landing area and almost certainly into the hazard if not kept straight.

13th hole: This par-5 is a fantastic risk-reward hole. It is certainly reachable in two shots, and the drive is quite easy. But even in prime position, the second shot that cuts the corner is between two rows of trees AND over water to a shallow green, making it nearly impossible to hold the green for a possible eagle. The fairway continues down the right-hand side and a decent second shot can still leave a fairly easy up-and-down for birdie.

Vermont's Route 100 Golf Trail

2007-05-18T11:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, I took a bit of liberty with the name but Vermont, and the resorts Tours de Sport / Golf Zoo work with, affords the opportunity for a great golf trip with resort lodging available and many great courses at or near these resorts. A typical trip may begin at Mount Snow, the southern most resort in Vermont. While there you can play the Mount Snow Golf Course as well as the Haystack Golf Club. The next stop on your way north could be Okemo which owns the heathland-style Okemo Valley Golf Course and the newly renovated Tater Hill Golf Club. You can also try the nearby Crown Point Country Club. The next stop on your journey can be Killington including the Killington Golf Course and the Green Mountain National course. Continuing north on Route 100 you will arrive at The Sugarbush / Stowe area. You can stay at either resort & play Stowe Country Club and the Sugarbush Golf Club.

Let us help you design your trip. South to north, north to south or somewhere in between. There is plenty of lodging options, plenty of night life and, of course, plenty of great golf. Give us a call or go to our web sites www.toursdesport.com ; www.golfzoo.com & design your trip on line and take a look at our other offerings.

Summer Vacations in Vermont

2007-04-30T17:09:00.000-04:00

With the exception of a couple of trips to see "Mickey" and of course, the essential three week road trip out West (which I will elaborate more on in a separate post), Wendy & I have been packing up the kids and heading north to Vermont almost every Summer since they were little.

I get asked quite a bit why we frequently take summer vacations in Vermont, so I thought I would share a few reasons why.

1) It's hard to beat Vermont mountain weather in the summer. We have traveled as early as the 3rd week of June, and as late as the 4th week in August, and have found the weather to be fantastic. Sure, there is always the chance of a day or two of rain, but for a shot at beating the city heat and humidity, it's a no-brainer. Here we are a few summers ago at the top of Killington Peak doing just that. It was about 60 degrees on top that day. In July!

2) There are almost to many activities to choose from, and the nice thing is you can be as active or sedentary as you want to be. We've had times when all we wanted to do was lay around our lakefront cabin on Lake Hortonia in Hubbardton and immerse ourselves in a good book. Other summer weeks have found us at Killington and Pico doing some hiking, mountain biking, riding alpine slide and water slides. A camping trip on the White River, featuring campfires, tubing, and marauding raccoons is my kids' favorite memory.

Also, I usually manage to sneak the golf clubs and/or fishing rods in the back of the van, as there are endless golfing and fishing opportunities available throughout Vermont in the summer. I especially recommend the Green Mountain National golf course, and fishing on Lakes Bomoseen, St. Catherine, and Hortonia. If you are into bass fishing, as I am, these Vermont lakes get very little fishing pressure, and the bites are frequent and fun. This is especially nice when you have young kids that you may be introducing to fishing.

3) Speaking of little ones, you can find plenty of things to keep their imaginations engaged. We found when our brood were small, that they particularly enjoyed day trips to places like Ben & Jerry's, the New England Maple Museum, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and Story Land (I know, this one is in New Hampshire, but well worth the drive).

4) Not to be overlooked is how genuinely friendly the people are. Tourism is a pretty big deal in Vermont these days, and not just during ski season. Folks seem to appreciate that you have chosen to spend your hard-earned time off in their verdant corner of the country. From giving directions to recommending a restaurant to giving a bit of local history, Vermonters are eager to please.

5) Your choice of lodging options is pretty much unlimited. From cozy inns (straight out of Newhart), to luxury hotels and spas, to remote backcountry cabins, to well-appointed condos, the choice is yours and there is something to fit every budget. If you are planning a summer vacation in Vermont around a family reunion, there are even large individual homes and farms for rent that can accommodate 20-50 people.

I think that's a pretty good list of reasons to give Vermont a try this summer. I'll be happy to field any questions anyone may have regarding logistics, scenic driving routes, and where to stay and what to do. Just ask!

And yes, for the record I do believe Champ is real. Haven't seen him yet, but we'll take another look when we are up on Lake Champlain this summer!

Experience "Old Country" Golf this Summer at Okemo

2007-04-30T14:46:00.000-04:00

You don't have to fly across the Big Pond the summer, to get a taste of the 15th century roots of our favorite game. The Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow is Vermont's only heathland-style course, and a round here will make you swear that you have been cart-napped to somewhere in the British Isles.

The rolling terrain of the meticulously manicured fairways will test every club in your bag, and like any good heathland course, the rolling doesn't stop on the fairways. The undulating greens will test your nerve as well as your eye.

After your round you will want to linger in the club's state-of-the-art clubhouse modeled after an 18th century farmhouse and barn. The club offers a full-service Pro Shop, indoor practice facility, and men's and women's locker rooms. Willie Dunn's Grill, the on-site restaurant and pub, is just the 19th hole reward you will be looking for, and make sure you try the sweet potato fries (wow!).

Contact your golf buddies at Tours de Sport to set up a visit this Summer. In fact make a weekend of it by getting a round at Okemo's sister course, the Tater Hill Golf Club in nearby North Windham. Just refurbished a year ago, this championship layout provides the perfect compliment to the Okemo Valley layout. A round at each course and a night or two at Okemo's fabulous Jackson Gore Inn and all of its amenities makes for the perfect golf getaway or even a family summer vacation. The Okemo/Ludlow area has plenty of other outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy.

Insider's Tip: Come up during the middle of the week, and you feel like you are playing at your own private club.

New Summer Activities at Sugarbush, Vermont

2007-04-26T11:44:00.000-04:00

Our friend Jen from Sugarbush in northern Vermont has recently informed us that the resort has added some new exciting activities for this summer! Here is a brief rundown of the recent additions and improvements:

“This summer, Sugarbush Resort will re-open its network of legendary mountain bike trails! Whether you prefer high-speed downhill runs, long technical descents on your cross-county bike, or leisurely loop rides, Sugarbush Resort is the place for your next mountain bike adventure.

Another great addition is the new Zip Line. Located at Lincoln Peak, the Zip Line will start above the Valley House Lodge and take riders over 600’ through the air to the landing pad behind the Gate House.

Finally, Sugarbush has added disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, to the list of warm weather activities. Players start from a tee and make their way to a pin; only in this sport the “hole” is a standardized chain-and-basket disc-catching assembly mounted in the ground.”

These great new activities add a great deal of variety to an already wonderful family vacation in northern Vermont. Don’t forget about the fabulous Sugarbush Golf Course and the natural wonder of the Mad River Valley! Sugarbush is just a 6-hour drive from New York City and 3 hours from Boston.

Golf at "The Loaf"

2007-04-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

Here’s a suggestion for a golf destination you may not have thought about: Sugarloaf/USA. One of the most enjoyable ski resorts in New England is also home to one of the most spectacular golf courses in the region. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr & built in 1985, Sugarloaf golf course is a classic Mountain course with many elevation changes and some great views. Seeing wildlife, including moose, during your round is not uncommon. Sugarloaf golf course has received several honors over the years including Maine’s #1 public course by Golf Week.

Sugarloaf/USA is a full service resort with lodging options including hotel rooms and condominiums. There are several dining & entertainment options at the resort including the Shipyard Brewhaus. You can also take advantage of some of the area activities which include hiking, watersports & fishing.

Tours De Sport is partnering with Sugarloaf/USA to provide you with a single stop for your summer golf and/or family vacation. It’s a bit of a drive to get there but well worth the trip. Call one of our vacation specialists today or log on to www.toursdesport.com or www.golfzoo.com & let us plan a summer trip you won’t soon forget.

Mountain Golf

2007-04-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

Do you like the mountains of the northeast in winter? If so you should see them in the summer!

As you know, ski season in the northeast usually lasts four to five months on a good year. Some years ago many of those who operate eastern ski resorts decided to try to attract visitors during the other seven months of the year. These resorts have lift rides and on-mountain activities as well as some great golf. Many of the resort golf courses were designed by such noted architects as Robert Trent Jones JR, Geoffrey Cornish & Graham Cooke.

As you would imagine, given the terrain surrounding ski resorts, most of these tracks are mountain courses. What you will find are championship courses with many blind shots, undulating (ok, hilly) terrain and some great views. For many golfers, used to southern, flatter courses, this will be a new experience.

Tours De Sport / Golf Zoo is now working with many of our partners in the northeast United States and eastern Canada in designing golf and family activity trips for the coming spring, summer & autumn seasons. Go to our web sites & check out the offerings: www.toursdesport.com ; www.golfzoo.com.

If blind shots, varying fairway lies & undulating greens sound interesting to you, you’ll find that and more at the mountain courses. If flatter, more traditional tracks suit you better we have that also. We have partnered with courses within short drives of the resorts and the lodging properties we work with to give you several golf options at each resort.The ski season has ended, golf season has begun and we have some great early season packages available. Or get a jump on that summer vacation planning. Log on or call one our vacation specialists and we’ll take it from there.