Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival
The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival is an annual event held in Whistler, British Columbia. It typically lasts for ten days and celebrates various aspects of sports, music and mountain life in British Columbia. The 2012 event will run from April 13-22. The full calendar of events includes skiing and snowboarding competitions, film screenings, live music on various stages and restaurant specials catering to travellers. Use this guide as a way to plan for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival.
Shown above is a scene from the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival taken in 2010.
Image Courtesy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/30691679@N07/4576046032/
Getting to the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival
The annual event is held at several different locations throughout the resort of Whistler, British Colombia. Many visitors choose to drive to the area in their own vehicles from across North America. It is also possible to fly into the Vancouver International Airport and take a shuttle or bus up to Whistler. The journey from Vancouver to Whistler will take just under two hours.
Costs Involved
There is no entry ticket required for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Several of the events are completely free for anyone interested in participating. The main stage in the centre of Whistler Village will boast dozens of bands and musical performances over the ten day festival and each will be completely free. Other free exhibits include the World Snowboarding Open and the World Skiing Invitational. However, it is important to note that the skiing and snowboarding events will require visitors to buy a lift ticket in order to watch the event. Lift tickets during the event will be $96 per day. There will be some special event-long specials available through hotels and through the Telus Festival organizers. Other costs include accommodation, dining and and necessary equipment rental.
Attractions During the Event
The biggest attractions for the entire event are the skiing and snowboarding competitions. While the largest crowds gather for the World Skiing Invitational and the World Snowboarding Open, other events like the Big Air Contest and the Superpipe Contest are also thrilling to watch. Artists will appreciate the Photographer Showdown and the Filmmaker Showdown which are both showcased in the evenings during the event. The Outdoor Concert Series and the entertaining Dog Parade are two events loved by spectators who are unable to ski or snowboard.
Another scene from the festival taken in 2010.
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30691679@N07/4575419697/
Accommodations in Whistler
Whistler is a very popular tourism destination and it should therefore come as no surprise that there are hundreds of potential lodging options available during the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival. There are dozens of hotels and resorts to choose from offering luxurious accommodations, spas, fitness facilities and onsite dining options. Visitors who plan to stay for a week or longer might want to take advantage of ski apartments that offer a little more privacy and even fully equipped kitchens. For a truly luxurious stay in Whistler, opt for villas that have ski in and out access.
Alternative Activities in Whistler
Most visitors who arrive in Whistler during the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival will want to participate in the various events and exhibits. However, there are a number of alternative attractions and activities for those who want to escape the crowds temporarily. Outdoor pastimes to consider include hiking, cross country skiing, rock climbing, fishing and golf. The dining in Whistler is among the best in Canada and offers everything from casual snacks sold from vendors right on the slope to upscale dining in the village serving up Italian, French and Japanese fare.
The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival is an exciting event that combines the love of outdoor adventure with an appreciation for the arts. It is the ultimate event in the beautiful setting of Whistler, British Colombia.
A Guide to the La Rosiere Ski Resort – French/Italian Border
The La Rosiere Ski Resort is a fascinating and beautiful destination situated along the French and Italian border. Unlike some border destinations which are clearly more on one side than the other, the ski resort of La Rosiere is actually split right down the middle. This gives skiers the incredible opportunity to ski into both France and Italy during a standard run. Two large ski bowls are formed from the landscape and provide great trails for beginners and families. While the focus is certainly on beginner and intermediate skiers, there are also a number of more challenging runs for experienced visitors. Read on for an in-depth guide of the La Rosiere Ski Resort and how to plan your vacation there.
The photo above shows a view from the ski slopes of La Rosiere.
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdga/3205414571/
Travelling to La Rosiere
Visitors to the La Rosiere Ski Resort typically arrive at one of the nearby airports in either France or Switzerland. The Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is just over two hours away by car or private shuttle. The Geneva International Airport in Switzerland is roughly the same distance away. It is possible to drive to La Rosiere Ski Resort, although certain roads can be difficult to navigate during heavy snow. The nearest train station is Bourg Saint-Maurice, which is roughly thirty minutes away by car, taxi or shuttle.
Skiing and Snowboarding Information
The biggest appeal at the La Rosiere Ski Resort is the opportunity to ski or snowboard across international borders. There is over one hundred miles of skiing terrain available in the area. There are also over a dozen stores within La Rosiere that provide guests with equipment rental. Many items are also available for purchase, which can be cheaper if you plan to ski for a week or longer. Ski passes range in price depending on the length of time you want to ski. However, a full one day pass will run €38 per person. Children can expect to pay slightly less. Tuition is available for adults and children in a personalized setting or in a group class. The terrain can be exciting and scenic but will not prove to be a serious challenge for experienced skiers. The resort is geared more toward families in that respect.
Dining and Nightlife in the Resort
There is an abundance of dining establishments located onsite at the La Rosiere Ski Resort. As might be expected in the border town between two countries, the food is a blend of traditional Italian and French cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants include the upscale Italian La Grange, the casual favourite Le Mc. Kinley and Restaurant Le Turia, which serves up hearty pastas dishes in an incredible refurbished barn. There are also several options for an exciting nightlife in La Rosiere. Choose from the dance floors and live music of Moobar Night Club and Le Bar or head to the quieter lounges of Le P’tit Bouchon or Petit Saint-Bernard bar.
Accommodations at La Rosiere Ski Resort
Most visitors who stay at the La Rosiere Ski Resort will find accommodation in one of the six hotels onsite. The hotels are quite unique as many have less than thirty rooms and a very boutique feel with personalized attention for guests. Many travellers opt to stay in the upscale self-catering chalets in the resort. These have convenient access to the slopes and afford guests a level of privacy not found elsewhere. Ski apartments are available for rent but this will need to be done through private owners rather than through the tourism booking office of La Rosiere Ski Resort. Budget travellers can take advantage of more affordable hotels, campsites and guesthouses in the nearby town of Montvalezan if desired.
The photo above shows a snowy scene of some of the accommodation at La Rosiere Ski Resort.
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/good_day/9978542/
How to Pack for a Snowboarding Vacation
A snowboarding vacation can be a fun way to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors, especially during the winter when many people are forced to spend the majority of their day inside at work or school. Whether your snowboarding vacation will take place in Aspen or the Alps, it is important to know what to pack and what to leave behind. Let this serve as your guide for every scenario so you can know what to expect.
Taking a Ski Trip to Cyprus
Cyprus is not normally a destination that one would immediately think of for skiing, but the beauty of this Island is that it is great for both the beach and for skiing. One could feasibly ski in the morning and then hit the beach in the afternoon. The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus get snow from Mid-December until March and Mount Olympus has snow at least 3-4 months of the year.
A Guide to Val d’Isère, Alps, France
Val D’Isere, located in the French Alps, is home to some of the best ski slopes in the region. The blue slopes attract the visitors and are reliable in terms of consistent snow fall. The elevation and location are the primary contributors. The Alpine World Ski Championships were held in this location.