Jetsettersblog

Connoisseurs Scotland’s Boath House is inviting food enthusiasts to join Chef Charlie Lockley, Scottish Chef of the Year 2010, for an exclusive three-day foraging course that delves into the culinary secrets behind the Georgian mansion’s Michelin star and 4AA rosettes. Guests spend the first day exploring Boath House’s extensive grounds, which includes 20 acres of gardens and wilderness, before getting their first taste of Michelin-starred cuisine with a six-course dinner.

Lockley, a proponent of the U.K.’s slow food movement, leads guests through the local foraging areas and teaches them how to choose the correct plants and harvest in a sustainable manner; provides a demonstration on how to incorporate the foraged foods; and introduces guests to local suppliers, including a cheese maker, pig farmer and garlic grower.

The program leaves free time for guests to indulge in the wide range of treatments available at the in-house spa or take in the castles, distilleries and wildlife in the surrounding countryside. The course is priced at £675 ($1,077) and includes three days (May 8 to 10 or June 5 to 7) bed and breakfast, all tutoring and instruction, tea on arrival, light lunches and three six-course daily changing dinner menus. Additional nights can be added at a rate of £265 to £335 ($418 to $528) per night, based on double occupancy, and include accommodation and breakfast. For reservations or more information, email info@boath-house.com  or visit www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Meldrum House Country Hotel has been named Scotland’s best country house hotel by leading tourism trade body Golf Tourism Scotland. The highly coveted award rounds off an extraordinary season for the Aberdeenshire venue which hosted The Northern Open for the second year running and collected a clutch of plaques at the 2011 Scottish Hotel Awards held earlier this year.

Presented during the glitzy GTS Gold Standard Awards dinner, The Hotel of the Year (country house hotel category) was picked up by Meldrum House’s general manager Peter Walker. “It was a great honour to collect the GTS award on behalf of all the staff at Meldrum House who have all worked tirelessly over what has been a fantastic year,” he said. “This is what we aim for, and when your hard work is recognised like this, you get a great sense of pride.”

This latest honour follows an ambitious re-development plan that has seen £2.5 million spent on a wing of stylish, contemporary rooms and a new, multi-purpose conference facility. Add to that a state-of-the-art green-keeping centre, which was opened last year to the tune of £750,000, and it is clear Meldrum House is going through exciting times.

“The re-development of Meldrum House is a long-term project that has produced significant changes to what was already seen as a premier resort,” explained head of operations and development Andy Burgess. “As well as the physical changes, the idea of continued improvement has been adopted by all the staff which means we can push forward and raise standards even further knowing everyone is on board. The results speak for themselves.”
On the course, Meldrum’s green-keeping staff have been busy rolling out plans to further improve the playing surfaces and conditioning of the 7,010-yard championship course. The work has included rebuilding a number of bunkers and improving drainage across the site. Add to this a world-class practice facility and it’s easy to see why Meldrum House is viewed as one of Scotland’s best country house hotels.

1) Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course is renowned as one of the finest golf clubs in Scotland with its practice facilities and magnificent course situated in secluded grounds adjacent to the Aberdeenshire town of Oldmeldrum.

2) It includes an 18-hole private members golf course, extensive golf academy, 27 hotel bedrooms all of individual character, two conference suites, a marquee that holds weddings and corporate events, unique whisky bar and an award-winning restaurant.

3) Meldrum House was recently awarded a Four-Star rating by VisitScotland as well as an EatScotland Silver Award and a coveted Taste of Grampian Award. It also went through a £2.5 million redevelopment plan which introduced a new conference facility and a wing of stylish, contemporary rooms.

4) The Northern Open was first played at Royal Aberdeen in 1931 and is one of the oldest professional golf championships in Scotland.
5) For more information, please visit www.meldrumhouse.com

Celebrating over 50 years of navigating the West’s wildest rivers, whitewater rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/ ) inaugurates lodge-to-lodge rafting trips on Oregon’s Rogue River this summer, with three and four day trips scheduled weekly June 3 through Aug. 26, 2012. See: http://www.westernriver.com/trips/rogue-river-rafting

“Our lodge-to-lodge itinerary removes the camping equation, leaving guests to play like an otter on the river by day and hibernate like a bear in a private lodge room come twilight,” said Brandon Lake, vice president. He noted that most other Western River Expeditions are all-inclusive camping adventures.

With legendary Pacific Northwest appeal stemming from deep roots in river rafting lore, the Rogue River rafting trip blends wildlife (think deer and black bear) wilderness with cabin comforts and family-style meals in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, a region so remote that mail boats still deliver letters to isolated residents on waters running over 200 miles from the Cascade Mountains near Crater Lake to the Pacific.

The all-inclusive rate for three days per adult is $939, $879 for ages 5-16; for four days the rate is $1,245 adult, $1,165 ages 5-16 (plus tax).

Trips begin and end at Morrison’s Lodge near Merlin, 43 miles from Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Medford, OR.

On Day One a rapid named Grave Creek marks the congressionally designated (National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968) Wild & Scenic section of the Rogue River.

Later guests walk around Ranie Falls, a notorious Class V rapid. Afternoons are spent splashing through Class II and Class III rapids before retiring to off-the-grid Black Bar Lodge that shuts down its generators after dinner.

Hikes to historic cabins are interspersed with river adventures on Day Two that ends at Marial Lodge. There’s an optional evening hike through dense conifers to a nearby waterfall.

Day Three brings rafters to Mule Creek Canyon, Blossom Bar and Devils Staircase, all Class IV rapids with an end in sight at Galice Resort. Those who embark on a four-day adventure spend a night at Paradise Lodge and more time exploring the Oregon canopy.

Western River Expeditions
(http://www.westernriver.com/ ) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona.

Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company.

It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, Idaho rafting and now Oregon rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2011 recipient of “Best of State” through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the eighth consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction.

Air-Inclusive 5-Night Vacation Package Deal to Top Turks & Caicos Resort

High-Season Deal Features Roundtrip Airfare from NYC to Providenciales Plus Your 5th Night FREE at The Sands at Grace Bay Resort Situated On World-Famous Grace Bay Beach, From Only $1,245pp!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 5 nights in a Studio Oceanview room category at The Sands at Grace Bay resort

- Roundtrip airfare from New York to Providenciales International Airport (PLS)

- Kids 12 and under stay free

- Hotel taxes and service charges

Travel Dates: This package is valid for travel between January 3, 2012 and February 12, 2012 and has a book-by deadline of December 15, 2011.

Rates & Conditions: Package rates for this air-inclusive travel special are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Suite upgrades at The Sands at Grace Bay resort are available for an additional charge.

The package includes roundtrip airfare from NYC, including fuel surcharges. Additional airfare taxes of approximately $131 per person are not included in the package price.

To Book: For more information or to book this offer, call Liberty Travel at 1-888-LIBERTY and request “The Sands at Grace Bay Package” or visit http://www.libertytravel.com/offerdetail.jsp?offerid=77332.

About The Sands at Grace Bay:

 The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. This gracious, family-friendly resort offers 114 spacious studio and suite accommodations that come equipped with dining areas, living rooms, kitchens appointed with stainless appliances, granite countertops, coffee makers and more.

In addition to enjoying three swimming pools and an idyllic oceanside location, guests also benefit from access to complimentary watersports equipment – including kayaks and windsurfing equipment to snorkel gear and Hobie Cats – plus free bicycle rentals for island exploration. The Sands at Grace Bay is the home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar – a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite – as well as Spa Tropique.

About Liberty Travel: The first Liberty Travel opened its doors in 1951, in a one-desk office in Times Square. There, it introduced American travelers to a new concept, the complete vacation package: Hotel, Airfare, Transfers, Sightseeing, Travel Insurance—every part of a vacation, booked with a knowledgeable expert. Today, Liberty Travel is one of the largest retail travel agencies in the U.S., with over 160 store locations staffed by more than 800 Vacation Experts who provide one-on-one service and planning for travelers booking vacations, cruises, honeymoons, escorted tours, flights and more. Our goal is to offer you the best prices and the best value. Wherever in the world you want to travel, we’re here to make sure your vacation is the best it can be at a great price. To book a Liberty Travel vacation package, contact Liberty Travel at 1-877-LIBERTY or visit www.libertytravel.com

Bali’s Cocoon Beach Club will play host to a New Year’s Eve Masquerade party on December 31st 2011.

BALI, INDONESIA– Bali holidaymakers will be able to celebrate the end of 2011 in style at the New Year’s Eve Masquerade party at the Cocoon Beach Club.

Taking place on the evening of December 31st, the event is billed by organisers as being “one of the hottest tickets” in town, offering attendees the chance to see a variety of international performers.

DJs from around the world will flock to the venue to get the party started, along with dancers and aerial artists, with entertainment promised until the early hours of the morning.

The night’s frivolities will include the option of a special dinner, meaning guests can spend the entire evening at the venue seeing in the new year.

Tickets to the New Year’s Eve Masquerade will cost 180,000 rupiah (GBP12.60) for those booking in advance, or 250,000 rupiah at the door.

Cocoon Beach Club is located on the Blue Ocean Boulevard in Seminyak and has hosted performances from performers such as Louis Vega, Crazy P, Stacey Pullen and Vikki Butterfly since opening last year.

Find out more about the party at http://cocoon-beach.com/upcoming-events/

Our 29 Colorado Dude Ranches were built to cater to families and have activities for ALL ages from little Jimmy to Grandpa Joe. Check out the Children’s Programs and other Activities to see for yourself.

This is one ALL INCLUSIVE vacation that truly lets your clients leave their wallets at home. 3 hearty meals per day, comfortable accommodations, horseback riding, kids & teen programs, and much more are included in one simple rate to make budgeting and booking easy.

Our Colorado ranches have come a long way from the “City Slickers” days. Our dude ranch guests can find fine dining, comfortable and modern log cabins and lodges with daily maid service, country western entertainment, pools, hot tubs, and yes even some ranches have spa services. Check out other amenities here.

Travel to and from the ranch is EASY. By choosing a Colorado Dude Ranch you have many options to help your clients get to/from the ranch without a lot of driving. We have several ranches within 2 hours of Denver International & Colorado Springs Airports. Durango, Steamboat, Montrose, and Gunnison have local regional airports that cater to many larger carriers as well. Many ranches offer ground transportation to and from their closest airport to make life that much easier on their guests.

All 29 Colorado CDGRA ranches offer a commission to travel agents. As an agent, you gain a commission on the entire guest stay, meals included (not just lodging). Your client is virtually guaranteed to be satisfied with any agent who sends them to a Colorado Dude Ranch.
Request a brochure today that has information on all 29 Colorado Dude Ranches. Make sure to check the box that says you are a travel agent and you will receive a handy guide of the most common questions travel agents ask.

PO Box D
Shawnee, CO 80475
vacations@coloradoranch.com
1-866-94-CDGRA (23472)

DUBLIN, IRELAND– The annual Dublin New Year Festival offers visitors the chance to celebrate with a bang in the Irish capital.

Running from Friday December 30th 2011 to Sunday January 1st 2012, the latest edition of this popular event boasts a busy line-up of live entertainment and something to suit revellers of all tastes.

New Year Live at the Guinness Storehouse is the most high-profile item on the festival programme, with live bands and DJs set to perform at the popular visitor attraction on New Year’s Eve.

Ryan Sheridan, Rattle and Hum and the Knights of Leon – a Kings of Leon tribute band – have been confirmed for the event. Tickets are priced at EUR79 (GBP67.60).

Elsewhere, people can enjoy a New Year’s Eve performance by the Dublin Gospel Choir at Christchurch Cathedral as part of the festival’s other flagship event.

Tickets for the concert, which offers the chance to hear beautiful choral music in one of the city’s most exquisite settings, are priced between EUR30 and EUR39.

The Dublin Gospel Choir are also due to perform at the cathedral on New Year’s Day for those who want to kick off 2012 with an evening of soaring vocals and soothing sounds.

For more information about this event, visit http://www.dublinnewyearfestival.com/

Joyful experiences abound during Christmas and New Year’s at these diverse destinations

Holiday traditions are a wonderful thing, as are the comforts of being home for the holidays. Even better? Creating new traditions at one of these spectacular luxury home-away-from-home destinations. One of them is sure to suit the whole family and bring new sparkle to the eyes of kids of all ages.

Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, Ireland – Luxurious Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels, invites guests to celebrate the New Year in grand and joyous style with festive multi-night packages. Available from December 29, 2011 to January 3, 2012, the New Year Three Night Package includes accommodations and attendance at the New Year’s Eve Gala Black Tie Ball, with rates starting at €720.00 per person. For those preferring a quicker trip across the pond, the New Year Two-Night Package, available from December 30, 2011 to January 2, 2012, includes accommodations, breakfast, attendance at the Gala, and a gourmet dinner at famed Earl of Thomond restaurant on the free evening, with rates starting at €530 total per person for two adults sharing. The Post-Christmas Break Two-Night Package, available from December 27 to December 30, 2011, includes accommodations, full Irish breakfast each morning, and dinner for two on one night at Earl of Thomond. Rates start at €295.00 per person total. For reservations call 011.353.61.368144 or visit www.dromoland.ie.

Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork, Ireland – This spectacular Irish resort pampers with an effortless New Year’s celebration ensconced in the elegant intimacy of its restored seventeenth century manor house. The New Year’s Eve Package includes traditional afternoon tea on arrival, cocktails and canapés, a tasting menu dinner in the Bell Tower Restaurant created by Head Chef Kevin Burke, the opportunity to sing in the New Year in Knights Bar with champagne and entertainment, one night’s accommodation in a luxurious guestroom, and a magnificent New Year’s Day brunch. The package is available for the night of December 31, 2011; rates begin at €590 per night, per room, and additional nights may be reserved at rates beginning at €230 per night, per room. The Holiday Home Away from Home package allows guests to enjoy not only the many pleasures of the resort itself but also everything that East Cork has to offer. The package includes five nights’ deluxe accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning served in the Belltower Restaurant (with a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite if available), complimentary tickets to the Old Jameson Distillery or Fota Wildlife Park, 20% off exquisite personalized treatments at the Spa at Castlemartyr, and even the option to stay an extra night at a 20% discount off the best available bed and breakfast rate. Package rates begin at €165 per night. Available from December 27, 2011 to January 10, 2012. For reservations call 011.353.21.4219000 or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie.

Viceroy Bali, Ubud, Bali – For something completely different, intrepid travelers can turn the holidays into an experience never to be forgotten with Viceroy Bali’s Awesome Adventure Package. Located high above Bali’s Valley of the Kings and surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful views, the serene all-villa Viceroy Bali resort and spa is a welcoming retreat for travelers of discernment. Keenly aware that the resort’s guests can be bespelled by the privacy, luxury, and beauty of its 25 bespoke pool-villas, not to mention the resort’s beguiling cuisine and amenities, management has assembled a collection of activities to entice all but the most dedicated of loungers to venture forth for a bit of exhilaration. This carefully assembled package showcases five safe, professionally managed, and uniquely Balinese adventures appropriate for travelers of all ages, including a two hour spa treatment at the serene Lembah Spa; a white water rafting trip; a trek to the fun and quirky nearby village of Ubud; and an elephant ride safari. This package will be available until March 31, 2012. The package rate begins at $1,821 USD for a three-night stay for two guests. The extension rate begins at $467 USD per night. For reservations call 011.62.361.971.777 or visit www.viceroybali.com.

Royal Belize, Hermit Caye, Belize – Talk about an unforgettable experience – how about relaxing in the lap of luxury on a private Caribbean island for the holidays? (And when we say “private”, we mean it: only one party is in residence at the island at a time.) Royal Belize management is offering a package that is perfect for recovering from the festivities back home and recharging for the new year ahead. The Mark the Mayan Millennium Package, available for two guests from December 27, 2011 to January 2, 2012, includes all of the bespoke pleasures of Royal Belize luxury, from awesome accommodations to custom cuisine to stunning seascapes, as well as complimentary transfers, a massage, and, to mark the end of the Mayan calendar’s millennium, a tour of Mayan ruins and the magnificent rainforest. The package rate is $11,250 USD, plus hotel tax, for two people. Additional guests can be accommodated at a rate of $3,950 USD per couple. For reservations call 011.501.610.1701 or visit www.royalbelize.com.

Tilghman Island Inn, Tilghman Island, Maryland – Located on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in Talbot County, The Tilghman Island Inn is truly special … a romantic and relaxing waterside retreat far from the hustle and bustle of the madding world. Guests can enjoy cocktails and a board game by the fire, languish in the soaking tub for two in one of its luxurious guest rooms, or just marvel at the mellow marshland view from the flagstone patio. For those staying elsewhere, the Inn’s kitchen and award-winning wine collection, presided over by executive chef, owner, and sustainability advocate David McCallum, are well worth the scenic drive. The Christmas Weekend Package is a lovely gift; it includes two nights’ accommodation on December 23 and 24, 2011, a wine and cheese reception Friday night, a Christmas Eve three course bistro menu, and a five course Christmas Dinner tasting menu. Rates range from $620 to $720 per room; the rate for Sunday night is $100. For reservations call 1-800-866-2141 or visit www.tilghmanislandinn.com.

Combsberry Inn Bed & Breakfast, Oxford, Maryland– An extraordinary Eastern Shore experience awaits at this historic 1730 English country manor home with a carriage house and cottage. The thirty acre estate, nestled on a tributary to the Choptank River near the historic town of Oxford in Talbot County, Maryland, is a family playground come holiday time with its seamless fusion of traditional and modern décor and conveniences. From the spacious yet cozy library to the formal dining room to the enormous kitchen/breakfast nook, each living area is filled with light from the many windows, while the guestrooms feature in-room fireplaces and bathrooms, decks, and country chic adornments. The best plan: rent the whole inn and welcome extended family and friends to enjoy the holidays – complete with gourmet breakfasts prepared by innkeeper Abigail Rose. The Christmas at Combsberry Package is a fine way to celebrate the season. It includes accommodations (in the Main House, Carriage House, or Cottage), materials for wreath making and cookie baking, a centerpiece for the holiday table, and a larder and refrigerator stocked to order. Rates begin at $300 a night, and there is a three night minimum stay. For reservations call 410-226-5353 or visit www.combsberryinn.com

Barceló Hotels & Resorts offers up to 35 percent off all-inclusive stays ?at beachfront properties for ideal winter weather escapes Fairfax, Va. (Nov. 22, 2011) – Skip the retail rush this season and give a gift that’s perfect for everyone on your list – a retreat to the warm, white-sand beaches of Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic at Barceló Hotels & Resorts. Get up to 35 percent off early reservations at luxurious all-inclusive destinations through April 2012. Unlike typical “book by this date” promotions that limit the discount to a particular booking window, Barceló is giving shoppers the freedom to make reservations on their own schedule. Vacations can now be booked to any all-inclusive resort in Mexico and the Dominican Republic for travel now through April 30, 2012, or Costa Rica for travel between Dec. 24, 2011 and April 30, 2012; and receive a percentage off based on how early it’s booked. The earlier the reservation is made – the greater the value. Guests will receive the following discounts when reservations are made:• More than 120 days in advance – 35 percent off• Between 90 and 119 days in advance – 30 percent off• Between 60 and 89 days in advance – 20 percent off • Between 31 and 59 days in advance – 15 percent off Gift-givers can avoid the seasonal swell of shoppers by booking an unforgettable getaway for a much-needed escape during the holidays or plan ahead for next year’s spring vacation. From Central America to Mexico and the Caribbean, the best way to guarantee an incredible all-inclusive retreat is by making an early reservation. Thanks to year-round warm weather, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic offer ideal conditions for a quintessential tropical getaway at any time. More than a dozen Barceló resorts line the world’s most beautiful beaches including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Punta Cana. Barceló provides a perfect escape to suit any traveler’s taste – from plush guestrooms and indulgent spas to world-class recreation and renowned fine dining – providing an unparalleled all-inclusive value. Best of all, each Barceló property reflects the unique characteristics and culture of its destination in the resort’s architecture, design and amenities allowing guests to truly experience a “world away” escape. “Take the stress out of holiday shopping by booking a getaway to one of our luxurious all-inclusive resorts,” said Claudio A. Zboznovits, Barceló’s vice president of sales and marketing in the U.S. “By extending the early booking discount through next spring, we’re giving consumers any opportunity to take advantage of a great value for a gift that everyone will truly enjoy.” Participating resorts in the early booking promotion include: Mexico• Barceló Costa Cancun – Cancun• Barceló Tucancun Beach – Cancun• Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe – Riviera Maya• Barceló Maya Tropical & Colonial – Riviera Maya• Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe – Riviera Maya• Barceló Huatulco Beach – Huatulco• Barceló Ixtapa Beach – Ixtapa• Barceló Karmina Palace Deluxe – Manzanillo• Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe – Los Cabos • Barceló Puerta Vallarta – Puerto Vallarta Costa Rica• Barceló Langosta Beach – Tamarindo• Barceló Tambor Beach – Puntarenas Dominican Republic• Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe – Punta Cana• Barceló Bávaro Beach (adults only) – Punta Cana• Barceló Punta Cana – Punta Cana• Barceló Dominican Beach – Punta Cana• Barceló Puerto Plata – Puerto Plata• Barceló Capella Beach – Juan Dolio The early booking promotion is only valid for U.S. residents and requires no minimum-night stay and cannot be combined with all other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Make a reservation now at http://www.barcelo.com, 1-800-BARCELO or contact the preferred travel agent. About Barceló Hotels & Resorts?Barceló Hotels & Resorts is among the world’s top 25 largest hospitality and travel companies. Barceló was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931, first as a transportation provider and then as a hotel and travel company. The family-owned, privately held company has been world-renowned for more than 80 years for its excellence in service and its innovation within the tourism industry. ??The hotel company owns or manages more than 160 properties in 16 countries. Barceló’s hotels and resorts are found in key destinations and cities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company offers a large variety of hotels and resort types to accommodate all travelers, from budget-minded to upscale guests seeking luxurious accommodations. Barceló specializes in all-inclusive resorts that make vacation planning both convenient and affordable, offering one upfront, all-encompassing price. For more information or reservations, visit http://www.barcelo.com

Nature Valley to host Thanksgiving weekend classic

ASPEN, CO – After winning the opening race of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season on Oct. 22, Olympic gold medalist and World Champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) will enter the Nov. 26-27 Nature Valley Aspen Winternational wearing the giant slalom leader bib.

Vonn’s victory in Soelden, Austria etched a new line in alpine history as she became the first American woman (fifth international) to win in all five World Cup disciplines. Vonn now leads all Americans (male and female) with 42 World Cup victories, which ties her for fourth of all-time amongst women with Swede Anja Paerson.

“Aspen is a very difficult race hill, a podium there is big, but a win is huge,” said Vonn, who has been prepping on her home slope in nearby Vail. “Winning in Soelden was a huge boost for my confidence and I’d love to keep things rolling in Aspen.”

Vonn’s first GS podium came near the close of the 2011 season and put her soundly in position for a down-to-the-wire fight for the overall crown. A battle she had to forfeit by a mere three points when the final races of the season, a giant slalom, was canceled due to snow conditions.

Aspen resets the stage for what could be another season-long fight. Following the weather cancelation of the Nov. 12 slalom in Levi, Finland, the Thanksgiving weekend races mark the open to the North American World Cup swing and jump start the every weekend sprint to World Cup Finals.

The Nature Valley Aspen Winternational airs on nationwide on NBC Sunday, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. ET.

In addition to Vonn, the U.S. Ski Team will be represented at Aspen by three-time Olympic medalist Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA), four-time Olympian Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), Resi Stiegler (Jackson Hole, WY), NorAm overall champion Kiley Staples (Park City, UT) and 16-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO). Olympian Hailey Duke (Boise, ID) will join the group with a slalom start.

“The snow in Colorado has been awesome,” said Mancuso, who was top 10 in the opening race at Soelden. “We’ve had some of the best training of all time leading up to Aspen and hopefully we can put on a show for the home crowd.”

In addition to preparation at Vail’s Golden Peak and the newly opened U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain, U.S. women were also able to train two days on the race hill at Aspen.

“It’s an insane course. It’s so steep and challenging, and we actually have a big advantage because we get to ski on it for a couple days,” said Schleper during a Nov. 18 visit to Aspen Middle School following a training session. “We love this race and we love being here in Colorado.”

“Aspen is ready to rock,” said John Rigney, Aspen Skiing Company VP. “Our snow is fantastic, we’re opening Snowmass early, and the race course is buffed out. Hosting the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational and the amazing U.S. women will cap off a special week in Aspen/Snowmass.”

The event opens Friday, Nov. 25 with a U.S. Ski Team autograph session followed by a World Cup kick-off party and public bib draw. Racing kicks in to gear Saturday with a giant slalom, followed by a slalom on Sunday.

For complete details, visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com/.

Nature Valley Aspen Winternational (all times local)

Friday, Nov. 25
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Public Wax Room Tours – Mountain Chalet Parking Garage
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. U.S. Ski Team Autograph Signing – Limelight Lodge
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. World Cup Kick-Off Party – Limelight Lodge
6:30 – 6:45 p.m. Public Bib Draw Featuring Top 15 Racers – Limelight Lodge

Saturday, November 26
10:15 a.m. Women’s giant slalom first run – Strawpile
11:45 a.m. Taste of Winternational featuring complimentary food tastings and beverages
1:15 p.m. Women’s Giant Slalom Final – Strawpile
6:30 – 8 p.m. Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series Featuring Cowboy Mouth – Upper Gondola Plaza
8 p.m. Public Awards Ceremony & Fireworks Extravaganza – Upper Gondola Plaza

Sunday, November 27
10:15 a.m. Women’s slalom first run – Strawpile
11:45 a.m. Taste of Winternational featuring complimentary food tastings and beverages
1:00 p.m. Women’s Slalom Final – Strawpile