Jetsettersblog

PARK CITY, UT - Following up one of its most successful seasons in 25 years isn’t the easiest of milestones to beat. But the 2009 U.S. Cross Country Ski team is four competitions into its World Cup season and ready to hit its stride to compete for another page in the annals of history.

“We had our best winter in 25 years of U.S. cross country skiing, and this past summer was even better than the summer before for training. We had great camps, great head-to-head training sessions, and all of our athletes were obviously at a higher level than before,” said Cross Country Head Coach Pete Vordenberg. “So, we have higher expectations this season to have some podium results on the World Cup and a podium at World Championships.”

The Team, which experienced a good amount of World Cup podium success in the 2008 season, has focused on training throughout the summer months to prepare for what it feels can be another monumental season.

“Our World Cup skiers have had tremendous off season training, they are fit, healthy and fired up to test themselves against the rest of the World Cup athletes,” Nordic Program Director John Farra said. “While training can be perfect and testing results point to improved results, the only true measure is the weekly battles with the rest of the world’s best.”

According to Vordenberg, on the whole, the focus for the Team is to pace itself for success.

“This year we are looking at being in Europe, adjusting, training well, and hitting the World Cups with performance at the forefront of our minds. It’s the same for World Championships,” Vordenberg said. “Our preparation has been focused on achieving great results at specific events mostly because looking toward the Olympics, it’s one race on one day and we have to learn to peak for specific events.”

Among the athletes to watch are World Cup performers Kris Freeman (Andover, NH), Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT), Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA), Chris Cook (Rhinelander, WI) and Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, AK).

Geared up and ready to put on a show for the women is Randall who, last season, became the first woman to win a modern day FIS World Cup in a sprint at Rybinsk, Russia December 2007. It also was the first U.S. victory in cross country since Bill Koch in 1983. American Allison Owen-Spencer last won in 1978, before the FIS established the permanent World Cup series.

“I’m looking forward to making sure I am prepared for all the sprints on the schedule this year. Last year there were three skate sprints and this year there are six and one at World Championships,” Randall said. “The fact that I did well in the skate sprints and won makes me feel strongly that I can win. I’m looking forward to winning some more World Cups this year.”

Randall began her World Cup season in Kuusamo, Finland, finishing 33rd in her first sprint and 23rd in a 10K. Her competition travels then took her to Davos, Switzerland, where, after an unlucky tangle with another athlete, she was 26th. She will be one of the favorites in this weekend’s Dusseldorf sprints.

Another athlete who has been preparing heavily after landing on the World Cup podium in Finland last March is Newell who aims for the top of the podium each weekend.

“Last year’s second place finish has motivated me a lot because I know I have what it takes, but this year I’m going for a win,” Newell said. “It’s hard to say how I will stack up in the overall, but I’m going to try to take it one World Cup at a time and see what I can do. If it’s classic or skate, I’m going to try to win each weekend.”

Newell kicked off the season with some good momentum, finishing 11th in a sprint in Kuusamo, but an unexpected slip as he was in the lead at the top of the race hill in Davos, Switzerland, pushed him back to 26th.

With World Championships coming over the horizon, Newell also says that part of his plan is to hit a stride that has him at his best for the title event - a competition he has spent his whole training period focusing on.

“My preparation for this season has been more focused than ever before. My coaches and I have tried to simplify our training a little bit to try and figure out what kind of intervals work best for me and how to peak best for World Champs,” Newell said. “That’s the main focus for the year - the sprint at World Champs.”

Backing up the World Cup Team in its pursuit of success is the Continental Cup Team, which features athletes Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT), who took the bronze medal at the U23 World Championships, marking her first international medal, and Garrott Kuzzy (Hayward, WI), who had back-to-back wins during the Madison, WI, SuperTour.

For now, however, the athletes plan to take it one day at a time as a Team.

“This is going to be an exciting year. I think our team has come a long way as a whole.” Randall said. “As well as my individual World Cup, I’m just excited for a year as a team because I think we’re going to have a lot of success on all levels. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Vail Resorts Inc. announced that the company’s five mountain resorts — Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly in California and Nevada — are rolling back multi-day lift tickets to 2007-2008 prices as a way to make it easier for skiers and snowboarders to take their winter mountain vacation this season. “We recognize these are challenging times for many of our guests and we have taken numerous steps to make it easier for them to visit our world-class mountain resorts this season by addressing various components of a ski and snowboard vacation,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer for Vail Resorts. “We are offering our best lift ticket and season pass products to our most loyal guests. We began last spring by introducing the new Epic Season Pass at $579 for adults, for unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding all season long at a fraction of the price of a previous season pass. We’re now offering our best lift ticket prices this season to accommodate those who weren’t able to take advantage of the Epic Season Pass.”

The company’s five mountain resorts are offering last season’s prices for both PEAKS advance ticket purchases and PEAKS window ticket purchase for all multi-day lift tickets for three or more days of skiing and riding. This season’s best pricing is available when guests purchase a three or more day PEAKS advance ticket seven days in advance. Three-day adult rates include $249 ($83 per day) for Breckenridge and Keystone, $267 ($89 per day) for Vail and Beaver Creek and $228 ($76 per day) for Heavenly. These rates represent up to $27 off of the lead single-day window rate which is $92 for Breckenridge and Keystone, $97 for Vail and Beaver Creek and $82 for Heavenly.

Guests can purchase the discounted multi-day rate online at www.snow.com  through Vail Resorts Central Reservations, or at the resort ticket window. Advance lift ticket purchases are automatically enrolled in PEAKS Rewards, the free loyalty program for Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly.

Tickets will be loaded onto a PEAKS Reward Pass and guests can go direct to the lift when they arrive at a resort. Plus, they earn and redeem points on lift ticket purchases.

For more information, go to www.snow.com/peaks. For more details on all Vail Resorts mountain vacation packages and snow reports, call 800-404-3535 or visit www.snow.com

The 320 Guest Ranch has announced Exceptional Value Meeting Rates for 2009, from $59 per person, per night. The rate includes a hot breakfast each morning and basic meeting facilities and amenities.

The rate is available for meetings and events booked through April 15 with a 10-room minimum purchase. Accompanying the 320’s Exceptional Value Meeting Rate is the complimentary use of the ranch conference center, a 2,409-square-foot meeting facility located at the center of the property. Wireless Internet access and basic meeting support, including pencils, pads and flip charts, as well as conference service support, are also included. Audiovisual equipment costs extra.

For more information, call 800-243-0320 or visit www.320ranch.com

Skiers and snowboarders booking flights to Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), serving the Kootenay Rockies “Powder Highway,” who book before Jan.15, 2009, will receive deep savings on airfare. One-way tickets from many major U.S. cities are priced from $139 to $159. “These are great savings for those who want to experience all our area has to offer,” said Laurie Reed, coordinator of Air Partner Programs. “Travelers booking flights now will save on airfare into 2009 and find numerous other ‘Delta Deals’ upon arrival.” To take advantage of great seat sale rates, book tickets through Delta’s website at www.delta.com. Travel agents can also access great rates. Flights to Canadian Rockies International Airport are available through April 5, 2009. All flights go non-stop through Salt Lake City (SLC) and flight time from SLC to YXC is just under two hours.

The Kootenay Rockies’ “Powder Highway” is home to eight world class lift-serviced ski resorts including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Village, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Whitewater Winter Resort, Red Mountain Resort and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Additionally, the region is home to a multitude of helicopter and cat-skiing operators and has been a favorite powder-skiing destination for years. Other great non-ski activities in the region include dog sledding, snow shoeing and snowmobiling and or soaking in one of the regions many natural hot springs.

For more information, visit www.KootenayRockies.com/deltadeals

Open Jan. 2

PIERRE, S.D. – The New Year finds many people making plans for their 2009 camping trips. Beginning January 2, visitors will be able to make reservations for campsites in Custer State Park for the upcoming camping season.

Campsite reservations at Custer are accepted beginning at 6 a.m. on Jan. 2 for all arrival dates between May 15 and Oct. 12, 2009. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-710- 2267 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. (MT). Once open, online reservations can be made 24 hours a day at www.CampSD.com. On the website, visitors can also view details about each site, such as pad length and amount of shade.

The reservation center is currently accepting reservations for group campsites, lodge facilities and camping cabins for some 2009 arrivals. The six group lodge facilities, found at Lake Thompson, Mina Lake, Oahe Downstream and Shadehill Recreation Areas, and Palisades and Newton Hills State Parks can currently be reserved for all arrival dates in 2009. The call center is taking group camping reservations in 9 parks for the 2009 camping season. Reservations for camping cabins can be made year-round, within 90 days of arrival.

Reservations for campsites at other South Dakota state parks and recreation areas can be made 90 days before arrival for the summer and fall camping seasons. February 14 is the first day to make reservations for Friday, May 15, which is Open House Weekend at South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. Reservations for arrivals on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend open February 21.

For the first time, State Park gift cards are available for purchase.

The cards can be used for payment of State Parks fees, merchandise and services. Shoppers can purchase the cards in any amount by calling 1-800-710-2267 or order online at http://www.campsd.com

Starting January 1, gift cards will also be for sale at your local park.

For more information on reservations, visit South Dakota state parks online at http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/General/Reservations.htm

Hunters can start submitting applications now

PHOENIX — The 2009 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet is available online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters interested in obtaining a hunt permit-tag via the draw process can start applying now.

All applications must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to a department office – no online application process is available. Applications are due by 7 p.m. (MST) Feb. 10, 2009 – postmarks do not count.

To assist customers and reduce errors, a PDF application form can be filled out using a computer and keyboard, but must be printed, signed and submitted (along with the correct fees by check or money order) by mail, or by delivery to any department office. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

Early applicants can take advantage of the “grace period” – those who submit an application by Jan. 22, 2009 will receive up to three calls from the department in a 24-hour period if an error is found on the application. If the applicant is reached by phone, the department will help fix the error to ensure a completed application.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials said printed copies of the regulations should be available at license dealers across the state by mid-January.

For 2009, there are 26,474 elk tags available, a slight increase of 385 tags from last year, and 1,007 pronghorn-antelope tags available, a 1-permit increase from last year.

The elk over-the-counter nonpermit-tags (for limited areas) will continue to be offered in 2009. These tags are akin to a “limited opportunity” hunt in areas with very low elk populations. Hunters interested should thoroughly review the regulations and visit www.azgfd.gov/otc to download the “2009 Elk OTC Informational Handout” PDF for frequently asked questions, hunt area boundary descriptions and area maps before purchasing.

A 2009 hunting license is required to apply. Department officials encourage hunters to get their license before applying for an elk or antelope hunt permit-tag if they wish to do any other hunting in early 2009. Licenses purchased through the draw process will not be mailed out until April 24, 2009, regardless of application success.

The big game draw is a lottery-style process for allocating the limited number of Arizona big game hunting permits to applicants.

The department typically receives far more applications than there are available permits for the elk and antelope draw. Wildlife conservation and management of game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities.

 If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

PHOENIX – Just in time to be stocking stuffers for your favorite outdoor enthusiast, the newly printed 2009-10 Arizona Fishing Regulations are now available for free at all fishing license dealers in the state, including all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

The theme of this year’s fishing regulations also dovetail well with the seasonal spirit of the holidays: “Kids don’t remember their best day of watching television.”

“Whether it is from a child’s Christmas wish or your own New Year’s vow, take your children fishing this coming year. I guarantee the memories you make will outlast the video game he or she wants,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Don’t forget that the 2009 fishing licenses are also available – a license is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving all year long. There are even family licenses and youth combination licenses available. Just check them out in the easy-to-use regulation booklet.

“Thanks to Arizona’s abundant snowpack and superb runoff that filled our lakes to overflowing last year, the fishing prognosis going into 2009 is very good. The recent winter storms also provide the hopeful promise of good things headed our way this coming year,” Young said.

Keep in mind that there are some regulation changes also heading your way for 2009-10.

The Game and Fish Department has instituted a protective slot limit at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes, where you may have six bass in possession (combination largemouth and smallmouth), of which no more than one may be between 13 and 16 inches. The slot limit at Roosevelt is also the same as the ones at the other Salt River lakes – one bass between 13 and 16 inches may be possessed.

The Game and Fish Commission also took off the bag limits for bass (all species) and catfish (all species) at Mogollon Rim area trout waters, specifically Willow Springs, Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge), Knoll Lake and Long Tom Lake.

This coming year also you can experience something new in the state – the first-ever seasonal, blue ribbon roundtail chub fishery. A 4.5-mile segment of Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley will be a catch-and-release-only, artificial fly and lure only, single barbless hook fishery with a seven-month season commencing Oct. 3, 2009.

“We are excited about this unique fishery for one of our impressive native fish, the roundtail chub, which has historically been referred to as ‘Verde trout’ by many anglers,” Young said. “Keep an eye out for information on activities planned for opening day at Fossil Creek in October.”

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT

Providing access to an unrivalled world of privileges, benefits, expert knowledge and a global network of insider information, a Quintessentially membership offers the perfect present this Christmas.

Quintessentially is a unique private members’ club and global luxury lifestyle group committed to delivering nothing but the best in high quality services. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, by telephone or email, Quintessentially provides unlimited access to an unrivalled package of privileges, preferential rates and bespoke services, and acts as your very own PA – any time, anywhere.

With three tiers of membership available, starting from $1500 per year Quintessentially provides an affordable and long-lasting support to help guide you through to 2009. From securing last minute hotel reservations and travel deals, to restaurant bookings and access to events and galas around the world, Quintessentially is here to help. Offering an excellent benchmark of service and a unique network of insider information and benefits, Quintessentially aims to bring you nothing but the best, making it not only an invaluable resource but, more importantly, an easily accessible time and money saving solution.

Membership also includes access to the growing number of expert Quintessentially sister companies which can cater to all your needs including the dedicated personal shopping service Quintessentially Gifts, the bespoke experience company Quintessentially Escape, the bespoke wine service Quintessentially Wine and many more including Quintessentially Art, Quintessentially Events, Quintessentially Estates and Quintessentially Flowers. Members are also sent a weekly Quintessentially newsletter, packed full of the latest news, views, events and benefits, as well as the Quintessentially Magazine, published quarterly.

Quintessentially now encompasses a staggering 44 offices in a host of major cities worldwide, in destinations as diverse as Hong Kong, Cape Town, Istanbul, Mozambique, Cairo, Panama, Los Angeles and Sydney with a number of new office launches planned in the coming months, including those in Amsterdam, Auckland, Chicago, Luxemburg and Kuala Lumpur.

Sweetwater County Tourism
CONTACT: Jenissa Bartlett
TEL: 307-382-2538
E-MAIL: jbartlett@tourwyoming.com
WEB www.tourwyoming.com

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyoming—What’s it like to explore a place where man-made barriers are rare and private land is almost non-existent? Discover for yourself in Sweetwater County, considered one of the last wild frontiers of the continental United States. Here, tourism officials don’t need to lure tourists with man-made attractions. Instead, some of Mother Nature’s best work draws visitors to the high desert. The bonus? Most of them have a minimal charge or are free. And, while temperatures vary by season, Sweetwater County is under sunny skies on average 300 days per year making it an even more desireable four-season outdoor playground.

It seems fitting many a wild horse-long a symbol of the American West- are found roaming throughout Sweetwater County. More than 2,000 of the creatures thought to be ancestors of horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 1500’s, can be observed from a vehicle in their natural habitat. Local guides are available for hire, although the county makes it easy to take your own tour by providing printed directions and a map for the “Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour” starting and ending from the largest metro areas-either Rock Springs or Green River.

The wild horse is just one of more than 600 species living in Wyoming, with some of the rarest animals found in Sweetwater County’s Red Desert, one of the last high-desert ecosystems in North America. The rich landscape supports the only herd of desert elk in the world. It’s also a refuge for the largest migratory herd of pronghorn antelope in the lower 48. Some of the choicest areas to see wildlife are near bodies of water, and there’s no shortage of water (or sand) in Sweetwater County.

North of Rock Springs and Green River, stretching 91 miles into Utah is The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir was formed by damming the Green River. A bonus for boaters, anglers, and rafters of the gorge is the scenery. Multi-hued cliffs, some reaching as high as 1,500 feet tower above the waterway. The cliffs are spectacles in their own right, but seeing them reflected in the calm waters below adds to the pleasure. Also to the north and west of the cities is the nation’s largest sandbox. The Killpecker Sand Dunes are the largest living system of sand dunes in the U.S. and the second largest in the world. (This is where one has the best chance to spot the rare desert elk.) Easily accessible and lots of fun to explore by foot, horseback or low-impact recreational vehicles, the dunes are another wonder of nature found only in Sweetwater County.

Yet another nature attraction to the north of I-80 is managed just enough to make it accessible and enjoyable for visitors. The Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birds and the many hobbyists who like to observe them in the wild.

The 26,000 acre haven supports more than 200 species of birds.

Here, the birds’ native habitat is protected too, making it the preferred nesting area for owls, hawks, waterfowl and peregrine falcons. The refuge also has historic and cultural significance as nomadic Indians, fur trappers and pioneers all crossed this fertile plain. Within its boundaries lie sections of the once heavily traveled Pony Express and California National Historic Trails. Today, 10,000 visitors enter the refuge each year to enjoy nature as it is and was meant to be.

Travelers can learn more about Wyoming’s Sweetwater County by visiting the Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism Board interactive website where one can watch a video and plan their itinerary in just a few steps or by calling the organization at 307-382-2538.

Why it’s Wise to Make Summer 2009 Reservations ASAP.

THE DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: Colleen Hodson
TEL: 307-587-2339
E-MAIL: info@duderanch.org
WEBSITE: http://www.duderanch.org

CODY, Wyoming—Despite the economic downturn, summer bookings are strong at dude ranches in the American West and Canada. This is especially the case during the peak summer season- mid-June through mid-August. Those with their hearts set on a specific ranch or particular week are urged to book now to lock in their top choice.

Heavy summer 2009 reservations may be a result of the tendency for dude ranches to draw repeat visitors. (More than one-third of visitors each season are repeat guests according to statistics from the Dude Ranchers’ Association or DRA.) Many guests are so satisfied with their initial stay they make and keep their vow to meet at the same place, same time next year, citing a sense of camaraderie and excellent value as the chief reasons for returning. It may also be due to the folks who so fancy a dude ranch vacation they go to a different ranch each summer. Dude-ranch “junkies” (an endearing reference,) tend to research and reserve early via a website or by relying on referrals made by ranch-going friends.

For first-time dude ranch vacationers, there are a few things to remember when reserving a ranch getaway during the height of the 2009 season.
(Note: Assistance is just a click away by going to the DRA website, or by phoning the organization to request a free catalog at 866-399-2339.)

First- choose a general ranch category, with the understanding it’s difficult to pigeonhole a ranch as each is different, often a reflection of the tastes and preferences of the owner. Understand also, ranches vary within each broad category. Some provide simple amenities and rustic accommodations. Others are designed for those who prefer to be surrounded in luxury, and wish to be pampered while on vacation. Most are found somewhere in between.

The first category is the Working dude ranches. These are active cattle or sheep operations. (Remember Billy Crystal in the film “City Slicker?”) Sure, the movie got the heavy-handed \Hollywood treatment but working ranch guests do experience first-hand the jobs required to operate a cattle or sheep ranch, including those tasks accomplished on the back of a horse.

The Dude ranch category is probably what most imagine a dude ranch vacation to be like. Western pleasure horse-back riding is the central focus where guests do ride with true cowboys and wranglers and maybe learn a riding tip or two.

In addition to fine riding, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy at the dude ranch. Finally, there’s the Resort dude ranch. These ranches tend to be the largest spreads, accommodating more guests at one time than the aforementioned. While Western riding is still a central activity, these ranches offer a wide range of activities and sports similar to ones found at an American resort.

With over 100 DRA ranches to choose from, perhaps narrowing them down by whether they offer a families preferred activities makes sense. Bird watching, painting, hiking, spa treatments, golfing, rafting, canoeing, skeet shooting, cycling, tennis, even rock climbing and hot air ballooning are just some of the choices on ranch activity menus.

After choosing a preferred category, narrow in on a destination. There are more than 100 member ranches in the Western US and Canada from Alberta to Arizona from California to Arkansas. One can search, of course for a ranch by category and location on the DRA website.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure your summer ranch destination is a member of the DRA. As described here, there are a range of ranch experiences to choose from. But one thing is certain. DRA ranches meet the highest quality standards in the industry and are guaranteed to portray themselves accurately to prospective guests. So, do the research now to confirm a place for family and friends on a ranch next summer.

 
Then, rest easily knowing there won’t be any surprises upon arrival, a comforting notion for any summer vacation planner

*Since 1926 the Dude Ranchers’ Association has been helping folks find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its members. The association’s original membership of 35 ranches from the Yellowstone area has now grown to 100-plus member ranches in 12 western states and two Canadian provinces. Despite this growth, the association remains dedicated to preserving the beauty, natural resources, and the original western ranch experiences that attracted the first visitors.