The Winter Olympics are officially over – and, hopefully, the chilliest days of winter are, too. Inspired by all that snow-carving, high-flying action, why not hit the slopes yourself? This spring, a bevy of resorts are offering enticing deals to let you channel your inner Lindsey Vonn and Shaun White. The weather has cooperated, too, especially in the Northeast, where several fierce storms have dumped snow on the slopes and amped up the powder potential. In addition, according to industry reports, visits are down 15 percent this March, which is typically high season – giving customers extra leverage. Still, you’ll find the best deals mid- to late April, when the skies are blue, temps are warmer, and slopes are less crowded – all sweet conditions. Here, just a few of the deals you can snap up before snapping on your boots:

Eat and Ski Free at The Canyons, Park City, Utah: Snag a one- to four-bedroom suite plus free lift tickets and a breakfast buffet for each paid night at several resorts, including Silverado Lodge and Vintage on the Strand. Packages start at $343 per night and the deal runs through April 11. Read the rest of this post »

After severe flooding damaged the sole railroad to Machu Picchu in late January, shutting off access and stranding 4,000 tourists, tourism officials (and our savvy sources on the ground) are announcing the ancient site will reopen April 1. Fortunately, the citadel itself, perched high on a ridge in the Andean Mountains, was not damaged in the storm. While the train is not the only way to enter (you can fly in via helicopter or hike 28 miles through the jungle), it is the most convenient. Repairs to the railway are estimated to be complete early next month, with an alternative road-to-train route slated to open by the end of March. Though, be advised the latter will involve a bumpy, 12 hour drive from Cusco, located 50 miles south, to the station nearest the mountain (an additional 6 miles away). Read the rest of this post »

When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around ever year, it’s hard not to cringe at the contrast between the obnoxious stateside celebrations (I mean, really – green beer?) and the rugged, raw beauty of Ireland, where the holiday originates. But Ireland’s craggy cliffs, sheep-dotted countryside, and 3,000 miles of coastline provide more than just stunning photo opps – the geography is tailor-made for adventure. Plus, the country’s glorious pub culture offers endless opportunities to raise a pint to the day’s activity and share in the craic – pronounced “crack” and loosely translated as a rollicking good time – with the locals. 

Need more incentive? Flights and accommodations are usually cheaper in the off-season of late winter/early spring. (I visited in February, a usually cold, rainy month, but I enjoyed a week of sunny skies. The Irish eyes must have been smiling on me.) Here, some highlights you can easily recreate during your own trip: Read the rest of this post »

Remember how glorious Spring Break was during school days? The escape from the daily grind was the perfect boost through the remnants of winter. Well, there’s no reason not to experience a Spring Break-esque getaway as an adult – and add a dash of adrenaline, to boot. Here, a few of our favorite picks.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival, British Columbia, March 6-14: Forget the madness of the Olympics and opt for a more chill way to enjoy the rugged beauty of British Columbia – and its majestic sea mammals. Each spring, Pacific Grey whales migrate north along the coast of Vancouver Island to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Take advantage of free viewing stations in Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park, with other viewing spots along the rocky headlands between Ucluelet and Tofino. Or book a whale-watching trip with a local charter boat or float plane for a more up-close look.

Read the rest of this post »

In the dead of winter, the siren song of a tropical destination beckons especially strong. So it’s no surprise that the high season for many Caribbean hot spots — including diving destinations — peaks in the winter. That’s great for getting away from the cold, but how does a desperate diver get away from the crowds, too? Consider an increasingly popular way to experience the sport: technical diving.

The more common form, recreational diving, refers to depths up to 130 feet, while technical diving — or tec diving, as it’s often called — spans depths from that point and deeper (although 150 feet is generally considered the minimum depth). The greater depths mean divers need more equipment, specific training and, frankly, stronger nerves, because you can’t just swim to the surface if a problem arises. Read the rest of this post »

When I told family and friends I was traveling to Wyoming in the dead of winter, some were overtly envious, and others thought I needed to have my head examined. But, I went prepared with hand and toe warmers, sweatshirts, multiple pairs of gloves, a winter hat, Under Armour, and my bathing suit. (Wait, bathing suit?)

I landed in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and was immediately met by my driver, Bill, who chauffeured me to Togwotee Mountain Lodge, located in the midst of the scenic Bridger-Teton National Forest. After settling into my rustic one-bedroom cabin, I decided to get some shut-eye because I had a long (but incredibly fun) two days of snowmobiling through the Wyoming wilderness ahead of me.

Read the rest of this post »

Contemporary travel has become so ubiquitous and accessible that what once seemed like a lifetime dream – sailing the remote islands of the Pacific, for example – is not only do-able, it’s overdone. In addition, many of today’s travelers are looking for a more active experience than sunbathing or shopping while making the most of their coveted days off.

Which brings us to a growing trend in the industry: a term loosely described as “experience” or “gift” travel, which is based on an activity or skill, such as driving a professional race car or learning to fence. The possibilities are endless – if you can dream it, there’s an outfitter ready to help you do it. Here are four experiences sure make you say, “Hey, I’ve always wanted to try that…”

Dust Off Your Nunchucks: You won’t be mistaken for Chuck Norris after one lesson – but perhaps you’ll know how better to handle those nunchucks without whacking yourself in the face. These private ninja classes, available through Cloud 9 Living, are held at one of New York’s oldest Ninja training schools. Read the rest of this post »

The Caribbean, home to excellent sailing, surfing, snorkeling – and mountain climbing? Indeed. Even the most active traveler can get waterlogged by water sports – then, it’s time to grab the Camelbak and head for the hills. Some islands, like the Dominican Republic, require a guide to summit; on others, like Curaçao, you can get by with a pair of sturdy hiking shoes and a water bottle. 

Nevis – Mt. Nevis
This sombrero-shaped island (pictured) is named for the snow-like clouds capping its 3,232-foot peak, which, unfortunately, impinge the view about half the time. Hike it anyway – the muddy slog, which requires affixed ropes in places, will earn you plenty of bragging rights (and sore muscles). Guides available through www.nevisnaturetours.com. Read the rest of this post »

Admit it: Your inner speed demon has always been just a tad curious about the skeleton, the lightning-fast Olympic sport in which sled racers barrel headfirst down an ice track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour.

Thanks to a slew of winter sports programs offered in Park City, Utah, you can now find out. With the 2010 Winter Olympics right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to indulge your inner Olympian: At the popular ski town, athletes of all skill levels can try their hand (or, rather, sled or skiis) on the skeleton, bobsled, Nordic jumping or the luge. Various classes and instructional activities, many taught by former Olympic coaches, start at $50 for a skeleton ride (following professional instruction, of course).  Read the rest of this post »

Mix rock climbing and cliff jumping with a strong ocean current and what do you get? The recipe for coasteering, a relatively new activity that’s been serving up plenty of thrills to rush-seekers in the UK.

Invented by a group of Welsh surfers in the mid-1980s, coasteering is all about navigating the coastline through a combination of swimming, climbing, and jumping. In recent years, the pastime has exploded in popularity beyond Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland, whose rocky coastlines beckon to adrenaline junkies.

Coasteering hasn’t made its way across the pond just yet, but there are plenty of reputable outfitters and guides scattered across the UK. Among them are TYF Adventure, Coasteering.org, and Outdoor NI.

“We have 37 activities on our website, and coasteering is in our top five,” says Chris Scott, of Outdoor NI, which markets outdoor activities in Northern Ireland. “It’s a risk activity that people can do quite easily. You don’t have to be incredibly physically fit or an absolute expert. All you have to do is be able to put one foot and one hand in front of the other.” Read the rest of this post »