Tours de Sport Ski East Blog

Bunny Tracks in the Snow!

2008-03-07T12:19:00.005-05:00

As Mother Nature continues to dump snow on the North East, ski conditions remain prime! Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of an extended ski season this year as well as some great spring deals. This is a great time to take advantage of the long Easter Weekend and get some last runs in before it’s all gone! Add a little challenge to your annual Easter egg hunt by adding a pair of skis to the mix. And don’t think you will miss your Easter Sunday services; many of the resorts offer a sunrise service at the top of the mountain. If you have never been, that is a site to behold! There are still great lodging deals at resorts such as Killington VT, Mt. Snow VT & Loon New Hampshire. Although it’s a holiday weekend the crowds will not overtake the resort leaving you with fresh powder and plenty of room to play! So don’t pack up the winter gear just yet and head for the hills, the Easter Bunny will be waiting for you!

Guest Blogger: Tips from John Egan, from Sugarbush Resort

2008-02-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

In the morning I like to awaken my awareness of balance, and I do this by skiing with my boots unbuckled. Without the advantage of leverage, you can really feel the reaction from the ski when you pressure it. This way, you get a great feel for what the ski can do and how balance, not leverage, will work for you. Most days my boots stay unbuckled all day!

- Tips from John Egan, Sugarbush Resort

Tours de Sport Survey Winner for January!

2008-02-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

As anyone who has traveled with us know, our clients receive a survey from us via email shortly after their trip with us asking how was the ski vacation, from booking the trip to the trip itself. The purpose of the survey is to help give us insight as to how we are doing as a company and to help improve upon future trips. For a few minutes of your time you get entered in our monthly drawing to win a $100 Travel Certificate that can be used on any ski vacation booked through Tours de Sport over the next 12 months to any of our many ski destinations. We will announce the winners at the beginning of each month here at our blog.

We would like to congratulate Anna D. for being chosen as the winner of our survey drawing for the month of January!

So be sure to fill out our survey when you receive it for a chance to win! Also, don't forget you can send us your pictures from your ski vacation and we will also put them up on our website as well! Even if you have traveled with us a long time ago, you can still send us your pictures for review!

Tours de Sport's New Website Design!

2008-01-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

We have officially launched our new website design on ToursdeSport.com and have added site search! Please take it for a test drive and be sure to let us now what you think about it in the comments below.

We've given the site a fresh new look for 2008 while also adding site search, which will help you navigate the site that much easier - you can find the new search box at the top of every page at ToursdeSport.com. We have also made it easier for you to join our email list to receive out Hot Deals directly to your inbox (we typically send our hot deals out once or twice a month so don't worry about getting bombarded with unwanted email - we also do NOT sell our lists - we respect your privacy!).

We certainly hope we have made your visit to Tours de Sport a more pleasant experience with our new menu and new pages, but as always, we welcome any feedback. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay!

Guest Blogger: Tips from John Egan, from Sugarbush Resort

2008-01-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

Pre-season conditioning tip – move your road run to the trails!

As many already know, running is a great way to get in shape for the ski season. It not only improves your cardio, but it also wakes up those skier thighs!

However, no matter how hard you train on pavement, it never seems to be enough. Day 2 soreness seems inevitable. It’s true – there is no better prep for skiing and riding than skiing and riding.

Whether you like bumps, trees, or groomers, snow sports require both an agile mind and body. You are required to constantly react to variable pitches, surfaces, and conditions. Your typical road run on the same route at the same time of day, cannot fully simulate and prepare you for the variable and dynamic nature of skiing and riding.

The good news… you can enhance the effectiveness of your pre-season runs simply by moving them to the trails. The uneven surfaces, hills and elevation better address the mind body dynamics of skiing than a road run. Here are some things to keep in mind to make your trial run fun, effective and safe:

Look for uneven surfaces and terrain (hiking trails are great, even the side of the road right off the pavement can be good)
Start out on trails with lesser elevation gain and gradually build up
When running, place your feet on the bigger, stable surfaces and avoid plants and wobbly things – this really works your eye/foot coordination
Watch your feet and each step, but also don’t forget to frequently look ahead to see what’s next
Run with a friend and follow all safety and environmental rules as any hike or run

- Tips from John Egan, Sugarbush Resort

Boyne USA has Big Plans for their Maine Resorts

2007-12-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

Both Sugarloaf and Sunday River have had an interesting year with the sale of the resorts from the American Skiing Company to Boyne USA and so far both resorts have been embracing this sale and encouraging skiers everywhere because they are now able to invest in some top notch improvements that will raise the bar for skiing in Maine.

Many skiers are anxious to see just what Boyne USA will do for these resorts. Both resorts already have very competitive snowmaking capabilities within the market and significant investments are being made which will result in more and better quality snow at a more energy efficient price as well at higher temperatures than before. Already improvements have been made in the areas of snowmaking and grooming equipment for the upcoming season.

Sugarloaf intends to provide a fresh updated look and feel to the base village, remove the gondola midstation and repave the arrival entrance - many small improvements are being made weekly that will make a difference. They will soon be outlining the almost $3.8 m investment and almost 1.5m will be on mountain improvements such as snowmaking and grooming.

Sunday River has already made a number of improvements that will be noticed by returning guests - and besides having investments in snowmaking and grooming equipment will also be spending some time looking at the lodging at the resort. Upgrades and improvements will be suggested to condo associations and will be worked on throughout the ski season.

Early Season Ideas to Keep Your Feet Happy and Have a Fun First Day on the Slopes.

2007-12-10T11:39:00.001-05:00

Just a few simple early season suggestions to ease back into your ski boots makes a world of difference for any level skier.

First remove the ski boot liners to check for any old boot warmers or signs of a mouse nest that may have developed during the fall.
Put on only one pair of thin ski socks. Wearing two pairs of socks does not help at all and may even cause your feet to become colder from lack of circulation.
Be sure to wear your boots around the house a few times before you actually go skiing.
Make sure that you boots fit properly. They should not be too big or feel loose.
Shin problems are a major issue for an uncomfortable feeling. This could be from your long underwear ending midway in the boot causing shin pressure. Make sure that you have no wrinkles in the boot from socks or under garments.
A good boot fitter can easily suggest ways to help with your boot problems once you have skied a few times. You may want to try a foot bed to help naturalize your foot balance.
Next, make sure that you have your ski bindings checked by a certified technician. This is very important for your safety and may help prevent serious injury.
Have your skis waxed and tuned, especially if rust has developed.

You should be ready to head to the slopes and make a few turns. Have fun and enjoy the ski season.

Before you hit the slopes be sure to give Tours de Sport a call.

By: Goody Dwyer

Loon's South Peak Expansion Set to Debut in December

2007-11-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

After over 15 years of planning, court fights and bureaucratic red tape the South Peak area of Loon Mountain is set to open. The trails have been cut and made ready, the lift towers for the Lincoln Express high speed quad are in and the new terrain is expected to open this December. Also in place are the towers for the Tote Road Quad which will take skiers & riders in both directions between the South Ridge area and the main resort. Three trails, about 50 acres of skiing terrain will be accessible this winter. This represents about 35% of the eventual terrain which will come on line over the course of the 3 – 5 year project. 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 Nordic Inn to our lodging offerings serving Loon. The Nordic Inn is located between down town Lincoln and Loon. It offers affordable condominiums from 1 to 3 bedrooms as well as access to an indoor pool & fitness center and a free shuttle to and from the mountain. Call your Tours De Sport vacation specialist today or log on to our web site and design your own trip.

-This update brought to you by John Calderwood in our New Hampshire office.

Dear Santa, I Need New Skis!

2007-11-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa, I need new skis!!!

Ok, so some of us may be to old to believe that Santa will leave us new shiny skis under the tree this year, however it can’t hurt to send him a letter anyway, right?

So, if you are stuck on what exactly to ask him for this holiday, here is a quick list of recommendations to get you started!

1 – Fierce for the Ladies- Salomon Jewel Origin Skis! Don’t let the flowers fool you! A real performance ski for skilled Ladies that ski everywhere. Nice flex pattern and Women specific sidecut, combined with torsional rigidity for grip and versatile geometry. A winner for advanced women.

2 – For the All Mountain Ripper in you! Atomic Nomad Crimson Skis! This ski features Atomics Torsion and Flex Control (TFC). The innovation of TFC shaves excess weight in the tip and tail, and creates forgiving flex zones. On today’s Nomads, you’ll ski longer without getting tired, turn easier and feel more confident. The sidecut represents an ideal compromise between turning and stability.

3 – Best bet for the Boarder - Burton T-6 Snowboard! For the Freestyler in you or the need for speed this board is top of the heap. Burton’s exclusive NEW Smooth Ride Technology harnesses the power of the T6, filtering out noise and taking the bite off so you can ride faster and go bigger with less impact on the body.

And that’s just to name a few! With so much new technology and hundreds of choices there is sure to be something to fit everyone’s taste as well as budget. Check our your local ski shop for even more cool stuff as well as lists of demo days in your area!

Still can’t decide? Try it before you buy it at some of our popular ski destinations this season. Demo equipment available at ski resorts such as Killington, VT, Okemo, VT, Snowshoe, WV & Mont Tremblant, CA!

So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, I hope your “Santa” brings you a little gift from the Snow Gods this season!

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

2007-11-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, Tours de Sport will be hitting the road in November and paying a visit to Boston, to attend the Boston Ski Show during the weekend of November 15-18 (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, 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 SnowSports Expo details:

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

November 15-18, 2007

Show Hours:
Thursday, Nov. 15    4 - 10 PM
Friday, Nov. 16         4 - 10 PM
Saturday, Nov 17     10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18      10 AM - 6 PM

The Guns of Killington Start Laying Down the White Carpet

2007-11-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

The snow guns have been turned on and are being tested for the 49^th ski season at Killington. On October 28^th the snow guns blew snow in the high elevation, Glades area, and covered the upper half of the Rime, Reason and Double Dipper trails.

Nice to see a few of the high elevation ski trails were covered with a fresh blanket of machine made snow and even a few flurries were in the mountains. It is time once again to start thinking about your skiing or riding plans for this winter.

The Killington area is full of activity at the local restaurants and ski shops again this year. New skis, snowboards, boots, clothing are being displayed at the local ski shops. For those who would like to come to the area for Thanksgiving, it would be just nice to sit back and relax in the Mountains. Do some hiking, have a few local brews at your favorite bar, enjoy great food and shopping for some great Christmas presents. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we may have a early season snowstorm for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

While walking near the Snowshed area it was nice to see that the new company has been making changes at Killington. They are focused on starting the process of how to make this ski area the best mountain for its customers. Changes in base lodge openings dates and early season trails and lifts operating will be made. They are looking to have only the upper mountain open for the early season this year, maybe around mid-November. After mid-December the opening of Snowshed and Ramshead areas which service the beginner and family skier.

The freshly painted chair lifts were being serviced and running smoothly. The ski trails have been mowed and are waiting for the snow to fall. The snowmaking ponds are full of water this season to make tons of snow. One thing Killington has is huge amounts of water. Carpenters and painters were busy inside the base lodges making lots of changes. New coffee stations are being designed for the customer’s convenience this year.

Well I hope you will check out the hot deals and I am looking forward to your return or first time ski trip to Killington this winter season.

.... brought to you by Goody Dwyer in our Vermont sales office. Email Goody at goody@tourdsdeport.com

Get Ready For Ski Season! Courtesy of Fundamental Fitness

2007-10-28T22:12:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

Favorite Evening Spots at Mont-Tremblant

2007-04-10T15:53:00.000-04:00

The one amenity that separates Mont-Tremblant from all other Eastern resorts is the pedestrian village at the base of the mountain. Over a dozen hotels and condo properties are scattered throughout the village, which is no more than a half-mile in length, making it just a five-minute walk from one end to the other. Those preferring not to walk the gentle upslope can hop a free ride on the Cabriolet, a small lift that takes guests directly over the village for an amazing view. The foremost benefit of staying in the village is that a vehicle is not necessary to do virtually any activity. Furthermore, there are numerous restaurants and evening hang-outs just outside your hotel's front door. Here’s a look at some of the best spots to enjoy a cool summer evening and a great meal or beverage:

Le Shack:
Located near the top of the village in the Plaza Saint-Bernard, Le Shack offers casual family dining and sports bar atmosphere in the evening with two big screen TVs. An outdoor patio is a great pot to enjoy the night sky.

Casey’s:
Adjacent to the Country Inn and Suites, Casey’s offers all the traditional family favorites: ribs, steaks, fajitas, chicken. Of course, a large terrace and a lively bar add to the fantastic atmosphere.

Spag & Co:
This romantic nightspot is tucked away near La Tour des Voyageurs at the base of the village, and offers authentic Italian cuisine, and the largest selection of fine wines in the village.

Lounge du Westin:
A modern lounge bar in the lobby of the village’s most upscale property: The Westin. It offers a low-key, relaxed atmosphere. A great selection of wines by the glass and contemporary cocktails are featured, and a small menu of tasty delicacies is offered for guests looking for an upscale alternative.