Jetsettersblog

(PARK CITY, UTAH)— In anticipation of another great ski season this winter in Park City, groups of friends and families need not look any further than The Sky Lodge’s “Double Black Diamond” package.

The property boasts 33-luxurious suites that range in size from one to three-bedrooms each. The “Double Black Diamond” package includes four nights in a two-bedroom Sky Suite, and lift tickets for everyone in the group to enjoy Park City Mountain Resort or Deer Valley.

Guests can look forward relaxing in their private outdoor hot tub on deck, at the rooftop bar, Sky Blue, for great après-ski and hot winter cocktails, or at the Japanese-inspired Amatsu spa.

The Sky Lodge’s “Double Black Diamond” package is available for $699.99 per night (taxes and fees not included) based on 4-person occupancy, and includes lift tickets for four guests.

The package is available through the end of ski season—April 2012. Some blackout dates apply, and a minimum of four nights is required.

To book the package, please call 435.658.2500 or visit www.theskylodge.com.

Additional nights can be booked.

Please inquire for rate at time of booking.

ABOUT THE SKY LODGE:

The Sky Lodge honors the traditions of the finest boutique resort hotels throughout the world, delivering a highly personalized experience in an intimate yet fun and alternative setting that consistently exceeds the expectations of even the most sophisticated travelers.

With 33 exclusive one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, loaded with traditional craftsmanship and high-tech conveniences, this unique hotel’s unrivalled level of luxury has been recognized by both Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s Hot List, as well as Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” list. Sky Blue, the lodge’s rooftop lounge, has been commended by USA Today’s as “Top 10 Rooftop Bars” and Salt Lake City Weekly’s “Best Rooftop” in its annual Best of Utah edition. The Sky Lodge, managed by Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, offers the finest amenities in Park City, including exceptional dining in the magical setting of the Wasatch Mountains and a Zen-inspired spa, and is located at 201 Heber Ave., in the heart of Park City’s historic Old Town district.

For additional information, or to make hotel reservations, call 435.658.2500 or visit www.theskylodge.com

The mid-century modern Hotel Lautner in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. (Palm Springs area), has introduced the seven-night Desert Hideaway package through August 2012. Included are condominium accommodations; a curated selection of James Bond movies on DVD; a martini kit with premium vodka, vermouth and olives; and car service to and from the Palm Springs Airport on arrival and departure. The package is priced at $2,000, Monday through Sunday, or book all four units for $6,400 for the week.

The Aston Lakeland Village at Lake Tahoe is offering a family ski package that includes a one- or two-bedroom Pinegrove Townhome, and two adult and two child lift tickets for Sierra-At-Tahoe. Nightly rates start at $199, depending on the condominium category and day of the week.

Each townhome includes a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave oven and dishwasher, a fireplace and a private balcony. The offer is valid for the entire ski season (through mid-April 2012).

Three BeautifulPlaces ( http://beautiful-places.com ) California Wine Country Villas will be featured on an upcoming episode of “House Hunters On Vacation” scheduled to air in December on HGTV (Home and Garden Television). For this show, a spin-off of their widely successful “House Hunters,” a family was surprised with a dream vacation in Sonoma, in the heart of California’s wine country, and shown three luxurious villas. At the end of the show they must choose their favorite villa in which to spend their week-long vacation, all expenses paid by HGTV.

“We were thrilled to work with BeautifulPlaces – their villas were perfect, absolutely camera-ready. It was actually hard to settle on just three for the show,” said Carrie Jensen, producer of the show.

“BeautifulPlaces also helped us arrange some wonderful activities for the guests including a private dinner prepared by noted chef Maria Viegas and reserve wine tastings at some of Sonoma’s top vineyards.

” The guests also had the opportunity to explore the town of Sonoma dining in local restaurants and visiting St. Francis Winery and other top vineyards.

The show’s host Taniya Nayak (also featured on HGTV’s “Bang For Your Buck,” “Designed to Sell,” and “Destination Design”) escorted the family as they toured the three villas highlighting the different styles and features. “I never realized that the wine country offered so many different home styles – I truly found something special in each home,” commented Nayak. Featured on the show:

The ultra-contemporary California Dreamin’ with its walls of glass, views of the surrounding vineyards and private wine cave; the Tuscan-style Villa Nel Bosco with fine European details; a sprawling outdoor entertainment area with a bocce ball court and the on property vineyard filled with superior Syrah grapes; and Rosewood, a neo-colonial estate surrounded by manicured gardens including more than 250 rosebushes with views of the majestic Sugarloaf mountains from the many balconies and verandas.

“We were delighted to work with the House Hunters team as they truly recognize the value and lifestyle only found in a villa rental….and continue to showcase this growing vacation option to a wide audience,” commented Liza Graves, President of BeautifulPlaces.

About BeautifulPlaces

SAVOR LIFE! BeautifulPlaces has created a new dimension in travel offering guests an authentic lifestyle experience in a variety of prime destinations around the world – the wine regions of Northern California, France and Italy…the resort areas of Mexico, Palm Beach, the Bahamas, Nantucket, and, most recently, The Hamptons, Costa Rica and Aspen/Snowmass. In addition to a select portfolio of villa and estates rentals, BeautifulPlaces’ concierge division handles all personal arrangements; plans custom itineraries; creates exclusive experiences and hands on activities for guests; and provides insider tips about the destination. Unlike hotels, a villa stay ensures the utmost in privacy, security, and a relaxed informality for an ideal vacation. BeautifulPlaces is headquartered in Sonoma, California. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-495-9961 or 707-996-0266. http://beautiful-places.com/

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK – Now that temperatures are cooling, are you ready for some…golf?

Like its counterparts in Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Arizona, the Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley National Park is heading into its high season. While open year-round, this Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary sees most of its individual and tournament play from October through May when temperatures are most comfortable and the elegant Inn at Furnace Creek is open.

The average highs are 92 and 76 Fahrenheit in October and November respectively, for example.

Because of its relative seclusion, the Furnace Creek Golf Course typically is played by overnight guests at the Inn at Furnace Creek or the Ranch at Furnace Creek. The result is that scheduling tee times is easy as long as a tournament is not underway. This winter and spring the resort will hold two tournaments – the Invitational Jan. 6-8 and the Spring Fling April 20 – 22, 2012. Another tournament – the Heatstroke open – is played in June when temperatures can reach 120 degrees.

The Furnace Creek Golf Course traces its history to 1927 when golf enthusiast and area resident Murray Miller set up an informal three-hole golf course near an area of the park called the Greenland Ranch.

Ranch operators expanded the course to nine holes in 1931.

It was the first grass golf course in the California desert region. During the summers, when the resort was closed, the course was irrigated and leased to a rancher who would run about 150 head of cattle on it.

During the winter golf season, a small flock of sheep kept the fairways properly mowed. In 1968, under the direction of golf course architect William F. Bell, nine holes were added to make the course a full-length 18-hole course.

In 1997 architect Perry Dye redesigned the course, and a high-tech irrigation system was installed to ensure the course remains in good playing condition year-round.

Dye’s changes included completely rebuilding five holes, adding fairway bunkers and mounds to better define holes and rebuilding greens and tee boxes.

At 6,236 yards, the Furnace Creek Golf Course is short by today’s standards with the advent of oversized clubs, composite heads and long-flying balls. Mitigating the short yardage is that at the world’s lowest golf course – 214 feet below sea level – golfers simply do not hit the ball as far and must often hit at least an extra club.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that the course features small, undulating greens. Many golfers prefer the tree-lined fairways of the Furnace Creek Golf Course to modern-day courses that wind through housing developments.

The Furnace Creek Golf Course is a par-70 course with the longest hole at 573 yards and the shortest at 152 yards.

Water comes into play on nine of the holes. The fairways are lined with date palm trees and 60-year old tamarisk trees. The surrounding Panamint and Funeral Mountains can be seen from everywhere on the course.

Furnace Creek Resort offers the Stay and Play package for guests wishing to combine overnight accommodations with golf.

The package features accommodations at either the Inn at Furnace Creek or the Ranch at Furnace Creek, unlimited golf per day, 18-hole cart rental and club storage. Rates start at $248 at the Ranch and $412 at the Inn. Rates drop in January and February before rising again in March and April.

Rates are for two people, based on double occupancy in a standard room.

Reserve this package online at www.furnacecreekresort.com  using the promo code “GOLF” or by calling toll-free to 1-800-236-7916 or from outside the U.S. to 1-303-297-2757 and refer to the promo code “GOLF”.

Greens fees for the Furnace Creek Golf Course are $55, and cart rentals are $12.50 for 18 holes. Rates drop to $30 including the cart in the summer.

For more information about the Furnace Creek Golf Course, call the golf shop at 1-760-786-3373 or visit

www.furnacecreekresort.com 

Furnace Creek Resort is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Xanterra’s year-round operations include the 224-room Ranch at Furnace Creek; 18-hole Furnace Creek Golf Course, the world’s lowest course at 214 feet below sea level; two restaurants; a saloon; general store; spring-fed swimming pool; tennis courts; the Borax Museum and a service station. In addition, there is a 3,000-square-foot airstrip adjacent to the property.

Xanterra also operates the AAA Four-Diamond-rated Inn at Furnace Creek, open mid-October through mid-May. The Inn includes a restaurant, gift shop, spring-fed swimming pool, tennis courts, lush gardens and conference and banquet facilities. The Inn provides a stunning and lush oasis in a harsh climate thanks to water flowing from nearby natural springs.

For more information about facilities in Death Valley National Park or to make reservations, call toll free at 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757 or go to www.furnacecreekresort.com

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Signs of the holiday season are already evident in New Mexico. Seasonal art and shopping events begin this weekend in Albuquerque. During December, visitors enjoy events throughout the region, which is magical during the holidays.

Albuquerque offers true Southwestern flavor during the season: from traditional cuisine to festive, flickering luminarias lighting the way throughout the city.

The holiday website, www.ItsATrip.org/holiday
showcases diverse holiday shopping options, tasty holiday cuisine and events to celebrate the season. The website also offers hotel discounts, coupons, seasonal recipes and more. Plan your visit today!

Notable Holiday Season Events

Dec 1: 16th Annual Nob Hill Shop & Stroll
Historic Nob Hill features a cheerful holiday tradition of shopping with extended hours, luminaria decorations, music and fun along historic Route 66. www.rt66central.com

Dec 2: Old Town Holiday Stroll

Enjoy shopping, live entertainment, luminarias, family activities, Santa Claus and lighting a giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis during this annual tradition.

http://albuquerqueoldtown.com/index.php?page=holiday-stroll

Dec 2-24: “A Christmas Story”

The Albuquerque Little Theatre presents the beloved 1983 film classic on stage. http://albuquerquelittletheatre.org/see-a-show/2011-2012-season/main-stage-series/

Dec 3: Twinkle Light Parade & Holiday Arts Festival

A local artisans market, pictures with Santa, holiday music, dance performances, food vendors, face painting, and the “Official Lighting” of Civic Plaza all lead up to a lit parade through Downtown Albuquerque. www.cabq.gov/crs/twinklelight.html

Dec 10-11: Winter Arts & Crafts Fair

Buy direct from Native American artists at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. www.indianpueblo.org

Dec 12: Christmas at Kuana

The annual luminaria lighting event includes pueblo dancers, music and traditional Native American storytelling. http://www.nmmonuments.org/coronado-state-monument

Dec 16: Las Posadas

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm will be hosting Las Posadas, a traditional holiday event that has been celebrated in Mexico for centuries. The evening will include a traditional New Mexican feast featuring fresh organic ingredients from the farm. http://www.lospoblanos.com/events-calendar/dining-events/

Dec 17: Gildan New Mexico Bowl

College football post-season bowl game pits the Mountain West Conference against the Pac-12. This event will be nationally televised on ESPN. www.newmexicobowl.com

Dec 24: Luminaria Tour

Drive through beautifully lit neighborhoods with thousands of luminarias lighting the way. The Albuquerque holiday tradition involves paper sacks filled with sand and a single candle to light up rooftops and walkways. www.itsatrip.org/events/details/luminaria-tour-16184/

Holiday Resources

For a complete list of events, visit www.ItsATrip.org/Holiday.

The tastes of the season are distinctive in the region. Traditional New Mexican holiday recipes including biscochitos, tamales, posole and empanadas are available online.

To put yourself in the holiday spirit, check out the “The Life of a Brown Paper Bag” video.

The mission of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For more information, please call 505.842.9918, visit our web site at www.ItsATrip.org, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/visitAlbuquerque or Twitter http://twitter.com/see_albuquerque  pages

Two major parade weekends and a variety of neighborhood parades will welcome visitors

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – With Mardi Gras season fast approaching, preparations are being made for countless parades, parties, balls, festivals, and neighborhood celebrations in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side. Carnival festivities begin with the 12th Night Celebration Saturday, Jan. 7, and continue until the midnight Texas Street Bridge Closing Ceremony on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21. Shreveport-Bossier’s major parade weekends will feature the Krewe of Centaur, which will roll on Feb. 11, and the Krewe of Gemini, which will roll on Feb. 18. These two parades typically draw some 400,000 people to experience the fun and pageantry of Mardi Gras. Both parades commence at 4 p.m., starting at East King’s Highway Park in the Broadmoor neighborhood and ending on Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport.

One aspect of Shreveport-Bossier’s Mardi Gras season which sets it apart from many is the variety of parades and celebrations held annually.
The Krewe of Harambee MLK Day Parade, celebrating African American culture and heritage, will march on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 16. The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux, known locally as “the Animal Krewe,” provides a chance for festive pets to celebrate Mardi Gras in their own parade.

The Krewe of Highland Parade, a family-oriented daylight parade, follows a route through Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood, and is known for unusual throws ranging from grilled hot dogs to cans of SPAM. The Krewe of Aesclepius Children’s Parade marks the finale of Mardi Gras celebrations and is held on the same evening as the Texas Street Bridge Closing Ceremony.

Along with the parades, Shreveport-Bossier has a unique population of Mardi Gras fanatics who do more than just participate in the festivities. Individuals like Matthew Linn, founder of the Krewe of Highland and Robert Trudeau, a local Mardi Gras expert, play a huge part in making Carnival season not only fun but enriching for the community.

Trudeau, who is also very active in Mardi Gras activities, has written a popular handbook called How to Mardi Gras, a comprehensive 36-page guide to Carnival in Louisiana with 36 illustrations. He is also the co-founder of the Blanc et Noir Marching Society, a Second Line that marches in the Krewe of Highland parade.

For more information about Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org

Miami, FL – One does not need to journey to faraway lands to experience a realm of the exotic. At The Betsy South Beach, you can dig your toes in warm sand, swim in cerulean-hued waters, and unwind to wellness rituals which have drawn upon ancient methods and pure ingredients from cultures around the world. Making use of such ingredients indigenous to their regions such as mineral rich sea salts from the Middle East and all natural botanical oils from Peru, The Betsy’s Wellness Garden carries on the tradition of massage techniques and therapies which have been practiced for thousands of years.

You can experience not only the sun and sand, but immerse yourself in a number of new rituals designed to remedy stress while rebalancing the body, mind, and spirit in a serene scene.

The Inca Treatment ($225) sources Omega 3 from Peruvian Inchi for a facial where the essential oil works to awaken your pysche, renew cells and quench dehydrated skin.

Peruvian coco scrub exfoliates away dead skin and draws out impurities.

The Dead Sea has been an acclaimed wellness destination for thousands of years, and The Dead Sea Salts, Body Treatment ($200) revitalizes, as salts and a fusion of seven oils stimulate circulation, exfoliate and restore the skin to its natural pH balance.

This treatment contributes to the FoEME’s (Friends of Earth Middle East) Dead Sea preservation efforts, which promotes drinking water accessibility in the region.

From the Far East, Wei’s Facial (China) $160 Chinese Traditional Medicine has a 5,000-year history, and Gingko Leaf has long been used for its age-repairing ability.

As the core ingredient in this reparative facial, the Gingko’s amino acids will brighten your skin, provide an instant tightening effect, bringing back moisture and improving elasticity.

A Padabhyanga foot massage from Sweet Dreams (India) $120 is the ultimate in “soul” therapy. Performed in the comfort of your room you can be drawn into a deep sleep, and be invigorated with a feeling of overall wellness as you awake the next day.

For more information about The Betsy’s wellness garden and for a full list of treatments please visithttp://www.thebetsyhotel.com/amenities/spa-and-wellness-garden

To book a wellness ritual, or inquire on rooms and rates, please call 1.305.531. 6100.

About The Betsy

Dramatically poised alongside its Art Deco neighbors, The Betsy is a distinguished landmark hotel on Ocean Drive. Believing that public spaces can be more than waiting areas, the recently transformed hotel has been uniquely recognized by global patrons and media for programs that champion the power of community by cultivating the sights and sounds of art, music and literature.

The Betsy’s 61 rooms and suites are private, beachside havens where sensory details, imaginative amenities, and inspirational design coalesce to produce an unparalleled experience in South Beach. Relaxed, tropical interiors are elegant yet maintain an aura that is passionately low-key.

A courtyard pool sits off of the airy lobby, and provides a more intimate retreat from the coastline. The Deck at The Betsy, an expansive rooftop with sweeping views of the Atlantic offers a Wellness Garden with a range of treatments and massage therapies. Specialty cocktails and light fare are offered at the exquisite lobby bar, or one may prefer fine dining at Laurent Tourondel’s new take on the modern American steakhouse, BLT Steak. The Betsy is a member of Small Luxury Hotels. The Betsy 1440 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 Reservations: Tel: 305-531-6100 / 866-792-3879 Fax: 305-531-9009 / www.thebetsyhotel.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises brings its all-inclusive luxury experience to the tropics with 10- and 11-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, many with convenient roundtrip departures from Fort Lauderdale.

The 10 “Tropical Escapes” aboard the line’s all-suite Seven Seas Navigator are offered from January through April 2012. Two-for-one fares start at $4,999 per guest and include free round-trip air and bonus savings of up to $2,000 per suite on select sailings when booked by December 30, 2011.

As part of the all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas’ experience, guests enjoy a free one-night luxury hotel package before sailing and choose from as many as 51 complimentary shore excursions. Depending on the port of call, guests can learn to scuba dive on the world-renown reefs of Cozumel or discover the secret Mayan underworld by trekking and rappelling through a maze of caves in Belize.

“Tropical Escapes are a terrific way for new Regent Seven Seas’ guests to sample our all-inclusive brand of luxury,” said Mark Conroy, the line’s president. “Additionally, these cruises are extremely popular with our repeat guests who appreciate our ideal blend of inspiring shore experiences and personalized service, luxurious accommodations and world-class cuisine.”

Tropical Escapes Highlights

• Caribbean Tapestry, departing Jan. 6, 2012, is a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise with calls at San Juan, Tortola and St. Barts, where a midnight departure lets guests enjoy dinner and drinks ashore. Special offers include an additional $1,000 bonus savings per suite.

• Tropical Hideaways departs Jan. 26 and March 8, 2012, and includes midnight departures from San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Barts, allowing time to explore each destination in depth. The 11-night cruise includes up to $1,500 additional bonus savings per suite.

• Realm of the Maya – departing Jan. 16, Feb. 6, 27 and March 19, 2012 – The Western Caribbean is explored on this 10-night voyage that includes Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya. Extra bonus savings of up to $1,500 per suite are offered.

• The Essential Caribbean – departing Feb. 16, 2012 – Spend 11 nights visiting the best of the Eastern Caribbean including Eleuthera, San Juan, St. Barts and Cayo Levantado. Additional bonus savings of up to $1,000 per suite are offered.

• Sun-Splashed Sea Breezes – departing April 3, 2012 – This 11-night sailing combines the islands of the Caribbean with the charm of the South. Visit Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington, plus Bermuda for an overnight stay. Enjoy bonus savings of up to $1,000 per suite.

• Panama Canal, departing April 14, 2012, sails from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. The 17-night itinerary includes visits to the Cayman Islands and Cartagena, Colombia, before transiting the Panama Canal to ports of call in Costa Rica, plus Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and San Diego. An additional bonus savings of up to $2,000 per suite are available.

With one of the highest space and service ratios in the cruise industry, the intimate 490-guest, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator is considered to be one of the most luxurious cruise ships afloat.

All suites include ocean views, 90 percent with private balconies, and range in size from 301 to 1,173 square feet. Cruise fares are the most inclusive at sea and include all gourmet dining venues without any surcharges, fine wines and premium spirits, a selection of shore excursions in all ports, onboard gratuities and air transportation from more than 25 gateway cities.

To receive a brochure or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, see a professional travel agent, visit www.RSSC.com  or call toll-free 800-285-1835.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line. Fares include all-suite accommodations, round-trip air, highly personalized service, acclaimed cuisine, fine wines and spirits, sightseeing excursions in every port, a pre-cruise luxury hotel package and gratuities. Three award-winning, all-suite vessels, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Voyager, are among the most spacious at sea and visit more than 300 destinations around the globe.

Discover Backcountry Ski-In, Ski-Out Lodges

I dig my ski poles into the icy crust on frozen Ptarmigan Lake and lean forward, the wind howling and little eddies of snow skirting the tips of my rented touring skis. Pushing deep into the backcountry on this winter journey to Skoki Lodge in Banff National Park, I glide near Yvonne, another first-timer in our tour group. Like me, she is gamely seeing how far we can push ourselves.

As I start to move past her, she turns her head and smiles. This moment of camaraderie is the spark I need to keep going. The sky is slate grey but her brief glance cracks it open, revealing a glowing moment that years later, stays with me. A half-second like that can endure throughout a lifetime, lighting up in memory like a firefly.

Backcountry skiing in Alberta is an iconic experience. The vibrant images I experienced during the 11-km ski from the backside of the Lake Louise Ski Area to Skoki Lodge linger still. Glimpses of breathtaking backcountry winter scenery can burn into the mind and never fade.

Great moments from that trip include looking backwards to Temple Lodge at Lake Louise Ski Area as we begin the tour; staring upwards into the snowy maw of Deception Pass once past Ptarmigan Lake; and finally, the warm, lamp-lit glow of the lodge when descending from the deep powdery woods at the end of the journey.

And by the way, we are in good company. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (otherwise known as Will and Kate) visited Skoki lodge in July, 2011 during their royal tour of Alberta. They enjoyed remarkable summer scenery.

Had they come in winter, they would have experienced crisp winter air, snow-laden trees and the utter stillness of woods when snowflakes are falling.

The ski tour to the lodge was for me, and others like Yvonne, a personal challenge that required fortitude, because we were trying something new. It was fun, it was adventurous, it was social and, hey, the gourmet food the lodge provided at the end of the trail was a welcome perk.

Once inside the lodge, you can raise a glass of wine (you can buy it at Skoki instead of having to carry it in) and sample the cheeses, fresh fruits, soups, home made breads, herbal teas and hearty stews. For some, digging into thick French toast for breakfast is a highlight they won’t forget.

This comfy lodge was built in 1931. In the living room there’s a fireplace, and a guitar leans against a wall. There’s an old piano and plenty of board games.

Climb the wooden stairs to the lodge’s upstairs rooms (there are cabins, too) and you pass white and black photos. In one of the frames, a happy skier from more than 50 years ago is seen in mid-air, jumping eternally over a snowy precipice. Every step you take at Skoki provides a little shiver of history.

To contact Skoki Lodge call toll free, 1-888-99-SKOKI (1-888-997-5654) or visit www.Skoki.com.

Find Alberta Backcountry Lodges

Here are some choices available for ski-in, ski-out backcountry lodges in Alberta.

Sundance Lodge: This lodge is nestled in pine below sheer mountains. The hush in the woods as you ski in on an old fire road is inspiring.

The cozy lodge features 10 sleeping rooms, a fireplace, a living room with couches and chairs and hot, solar powered showers. It’s an easy to moderate 16-km ski from Banff or 10-km from the Sunshine turnoff. To contact Sundance Lodge call toll free, 1-800-661-8352 or visit www.Horseback.com

Brewster’s Shadow Lake Lodge: Set at spectacular Ball Mountain in Banff National Park, the 12-cabin lodge is a popular winter backcountry destination. Cabins are propane heated with solar powered lighting and there is a central shower.

The trailhead is 19 km west of Banff on the Trans Canada Highway and it is a 14-km ski on a marked trail. To contact Shadow Lake Lodge call toll free, 1-866-762-0114 or visit www.Shadowlakelodge.com.

Aside from lodges, there are backcountry huts dotted throughout Alberta including some in Jasper National Park as well as Banff National Park. The Alpine Club of Canada (www.AlpineClubofCanada.ca) is a great resource for trips and trails.

For an elegant option that’s a bit less backcountry, try The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you can ski on a variety of cross-country trails. Or visit the renovated Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village, the Bow Valley’s only ski-in, ski-out alpine lodge, where you can also snowshoe.