Jetsettersblog

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has announced a new, permanent U.S. Armed Services program as part of its Choice Privileges rewards program. Effective immediately, active duty or reserve military members, retired military, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and eligible spouses and dependents can join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Elite Gold level, a level that normally requires stays totaling 10 hotel nights per year. As part of the new program, members receive a 10 percent point bonus on qualifying stays at more than 5,000 locations across the 10 Choice Hotels brands, Elite customer service and reservations phone numbers, and Elite member offers.

For more information, visit www.choiceprivileges.com/armedservices

JACKSON, Wyo.—Warm up this winter with a cozy stay at The Bentwood Inn and dine on gourmet food while enjoying the ambiance of a luxurious log cabin. The Bentwood Inn, long touted for sumptuous breakfast offerings is pleased to announce their latest culinary venture- The Bentwood Bistro. Offering unparalleled dining experience, with a professional Chef-in-Residence, and featuring fresh, organic and locally raised ingredients in season. Each week on Tuesday and Saturday guests are invited to partake in a fresh, seasonal dinners. Menus will feature three to four courses and will be served family style. Winter offerings will begin with a light appetizer, followed by hearty soups, stews and pasta dishes served with fresh greens and vegetables in season, artisan bread and dessert.

www.bentwoodinn.com

Jackson, WY— The Grand Tetons are a stunning backdrop to the warm and charming Wort Hotel, a historic icon of Jackson and the Old West that offers a perfect holiday getaway. Jackson Hole literally turns into a winter fantasyland as snow blankets the terrain and paves the way for winter sports enthusiasts, and the Wort puts travelers in the middle of it all. The hotel, an elegant nod to America’s rich Western history, is only minutes away from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson Hole Ski Resort, and Grand Teton National park, which easily affords guests access to outdoor winter sport activities.

 Providing a mixture of the charm and intimacy of a world class country inn and the exceptional, individualized service of a grand hotel, the Wort offers comforting and luxurious lodging to guests after exhilarating days on the slopes. Best of all, guests can be shuttled back and forth from the Jackson Hole Ski Resort so they can take advantage of the world-class skiing while staying away from the masses.

The hotels’ 59 guest rooms are impeccably and tastefully decorated with leather, wood, and stone materials to reflect the hotel’s connection to the Old West. Inside the hotel, guests will find a virtual western art gallery—an original collection of sculptures, paintings, and artistry that rotates on a regular basis.

The Wort offers the very best in guest lodging, beautiful and welcoming common areas, and the kind of friendly, relaxed, polished, and individualized service that will make winter travelers want to pull up a chair and take a permanent seat next to the grand roaring fireplace while gazing at the lovely holiday lights.

A visit to the infamous Silver Dollar Bar (the bar is lined with real silver dollars and is a favorite with both locals and tourists) for live music, locally brewed beer, or a hot toddy, tops off the winter experience. Winter packages available.

www.worthotel.com

Viking Horns, Frying Pans and Loads of Snow

Breckenridge Resort Chamber
CONTACT: Carly Grimes
TEL: 970-453-5064
E-MAIL: cgrimes@gobreck.com
WEB: http://www.gobreck.com

Celebrate almost 50 years of Ullr Fest and 150 years of Breckenridge

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.—Since 1963, the town of Breckenridge has credited its epic winter conditions to the powers of Ullr, the Norse god of snow. Each year, snow-worshipers dust off their Viking horns and line the streets of Breckenridge to pay homage to Ullr - and every year he rewards the 150-year-old town and the nation’s most popular ski resort with nearly 300 inches of powder.

Ullr Fest is an annual wacky winter festival like no other, and it is taking place January 4-9, 2009. During Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, don’t be surprised to see horned Viking hats adorning the heads of skiers and snowboarders, Ullympic competitors flinging frying pans for prizes, more than 12,000 Ullr enthusiasts filling the streets for the Ullr Parade and crazy float participants skiing off jumps on Main Street or gliding along town in a hot tub.

This year’s Ullr Fest will be bigger and better than ever as it coincides with the celebration of Breckenridge’s 150th anniversary. Ullr festivities include:

The Bud Light Ullr Fest Bar Series – January 4-9

Budweiser presents Breckenridge’s largest bar series with fabulous specials at bars and restaurants around town during Ullr Week.

Ullr Skating Party – Sunday, January 4

Skate with Ullr himself at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. This is a family favorite even among Ullr enthusiasts and includes food, fun and the man about town – Ullr!

Ullr Fest Nordic Event and Bonfire – Monday, January 5

The Ullr party is complete with the crowning of the King and Queen of Ullr, socializing, food and beverages. The evening commences with a short cross-country ski or snowshoe out to the Ullr Fest Bonfire.

Ullr Dating Game – Tuesday, January 6

Calling all Ullr bachelors and bachelorettes! Join local radio station KSMT The Mountain and all the great singles in town for Breckenridge’s version of the Dating Game. Even Ullr himself will be on hand looking for love. Great times, great prizes and a great chance to meet your soul mate!

The Ullympics – Wednesday, January 7

Watch as co-ed teams of four compete in zany events such as the frying pan toss and group ski racing. Prizes will be awarded and a party will follow the event.

Ullr Fest Parade down Main Street - Thursday, January 8

Join the Breckenridge locals as they show off their fabulous floats in unofficially, the world’s craziest parade, honoring the Norse God of Snow – Ullr! Get ready for everything from hot tubs cruising down Main Street to skiers riding off jumps.

Ullr Comedy Night – Friday, January 9

Enjoy an evening of comedy. Laugh the night away and participate in a silent auction, all in the name of raising money for local child care. Appetizers and cash bar available.

The 46th Annual Ullr Fest is produced by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber. Call 877-593-5260 or visit www.gobreck.com for the latest event details and lodging information.

Breckenridge Resort Chamber
CONTACT: Carly Grimes
TEL: 970-453-5064
E-MAIL: cgrimes@gobreck.com
WEB: http://www.gobreck.com

Celebrate winter during the 19th Annual Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.—Experience the visual grace of the creation and exhibition of fleeting art. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breckenridge for the 19th year from January 20-25, 2009 at the Riverwalk Center, located in the heart of Breckenridge between Main Street and Park Avenue.

For the 2009 event, 16 teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from nine countries including Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. Snow Sculpting is attended annually by more than 30,000 people of all ages from across America and the world and has been named by USA Today as “one of the top 10 ways to celebrate winter.”

Each year, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made snow. These teams work within a five-day period to create sensational sculptures. From these blocks of snow, the teams often create enormous pieces of whimsy, although some deliver powerful political or social commentary. Some sculptures are even interactive and allow spectators to experience the tactile as well as visual grace of the fleeting exhibit.

The finished pieces are achieved after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants – just the ingenuity of man and a medium that lends itself, if only temporarily, to the persuasion of chisels, saws, chicken wire and even carrot scrapers.

When the sculptures are finished, a panel of well-known artists and patrons of the arts serve as judges and present awards to the first, second and third place sculptures. Awards are also given for People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. There are no cash prizes; the artists instead revel in the reward of hard work, forged friendships, freedom of artistic expression and the satisfaction of long hours of preparation that lead to the event.

Those coming to Breckenridge during Snow Sculpture week should be sure to check-out Breckenridge’s world-class ski resort. Book three nights of lodging and three days of adult lift tickets and receive FREE an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing. Participation may vary. Package valid January 11 through March 14, 2009.

Call Breckenridge Central Reservations at 877-593-5260 or visit www.gobreck.com for more information on the Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships and January lodging packages. Editor’s Note:

With the first signs of snow dusting the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, skiers and boarders the world over are chomping at the bit to hit the slopes. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation of the pending winter season with more excitement in the fresh alpine air, more buzz in the pedestrian village and more savvy visitors taking advantage of the simply amazing value with Whistler stay and ski packages. Don’t miss out!

Book a Whistler vacation package before November 15 and save up to 35 per cent on accommodation and lift tickets. Plus, families can save even more with the Kids Ski & Rent Free promotion, where kids 12 and under can ski and rent for free!
www.whistler.com  or 1.800.WHISTLER

Whistler Spa Escapes

Until October 31, 2008
Use your Visa card at select Whistler spas and be rewarded with big savings and special offers. Indulge with a relaxing massage, aromatherapy or rejuvenating facial and feel like the million dollar view surrounding you. Full details of offers and participating spas www.whistler.com/spa_escapes

Whistler Creekside Fashion and Lifestyle Market
Until November 14-16, 2008

This market highlights locally made, unique, original clothing and accessories, for men, women, kids and your pets. There is a diverse selection of products from High Fashion clothing, cool T-shirts and hoodies to skateboards, long boards, snowboards, jewelry, hats, belts, glass products, handmade cards, eco products and pet products. All products sold are made in British Columbia!
November 1, 2008

With the children’s Halloween costumes packed away for another year, next it’s time for the adults to play! The Rotary Club of Whistler presents an adult only costume and dance party, with live DJ, door prizes, raffles, silent auction and carnival games. Proceeds go to a number of deserving charities and rotary projects. The party will take place at TELUS Whistler Conference Centre; to buy tickets call 604.932.9598.

Cornucopia - Whistler’s Annual Celebration of Wine and Food
November 6 - 10, 2008

Last year the festival was extended to five days, paving the way for an expanded lineup of delectable wine and food grazing, tasting events, an exciting array of educational and entertaining culinary seminars and chef demonstrations, renowned after-parties, plus Cornucopia’s ever-popular signature tasting event, Crush! - ran on two evenings. The huge demand for Crush! tickets was evident with a sell-out event on Saturday and close to sold-out on Friday. Returning for the twelfth year, Cornucopia celebrates the good things in life and promises not to disappoint.

Two-night accommodation packages include a ticket to Cornucopia’s famous Crush! Gala Grand Tasting and start at just $189 CDN per person through 1.800.WHISTLER.
www.whistlercornucopia.com

ARTrageous
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Whistler’s original art party returns for its 13th year, as part of Cornucopia 2008. Featuring a showcase of emerging and established artists, ARTrageous is a blend of self-expression, interactive artwork and photography, dance, hot funk music, a little food, wine and silk.
www.whistlercornucopia.com  or www.whistlerartscouncil.com

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains Official Opening Day
November 27, 2008

The day we’ve all been waiting for… Skiers and snowboarders are raring to go, anxious to hit the slopes and dreaming of the perfectly-groomed cruisers, powder-filled bowls and seemingly endless mountain terrain and alpine adventures.

The Whistler Blackcomb Snow Report is your source for snow, weather and operations information leading up to opening day. Any new snow updates or early opening possibilities can be obtained by calling 604.932.4211 or by checking out the website. Once Whistler Blackcomb opens, the Snow Report is updated five times a day providing guests the most accurate, up to date information about weather and snow conditions on the mountains.
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Update
(Ongoing)

Construction is nearing completion on this world-record breaking gondola. Leading up to the grand opening, crews will be in the final stages of preparation. All 28 Sky Cabins are on the line and are being housed in the terminal buildings. Keep your eyes to the sky to see the cabins travelling across the valley.

newsletter and receive regular updates. www.whistlerblackcomb.com/peak2peak

Bizarre Bazaar
November 28 - 29, 2008
Whistler’s original artisan market, offering enough goodies, treats and treasures to complete everyone’s holiday shopping list. Featuring 100 artisans from the Sea to Sky Corridor, Lower Mainland and beyond, the 20th annual holiday fair boasts an array of ceramics, clothing, fine art, wood, glass, metal, jewelry, candles and aromatherapy products as well as Christmas decorations.
www.whistlerartscouncil.com

Feature Vacation Package

Book Early and Save
Book your Whistler vacation package before November 15 and save up to 35 per cent on accommodation and lift tickets. Plus, families can save even more with the Kids Ski & Rent Free promotion, where kids 12 and under can ski and rent for free!

www.whistler.com  or 1.800.WHISTLER

Coming soon….

Whistler Film Festival - December 3-7

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opening - December 12

Fire and Ice shows - special show December 12 to coincide with PEAK 2 PEAK opening, then every Sunday from December 21 to April 5, 2009

First Night - December 31

Celebration 2010 - the one-year countdown to the Winter Games - February 1-28, 2009

Southwest Ed-Ventures
CONTACT: Janet Ross
TEL: 800-525-4456
jross@fourcornersschool.org
www.sw-adventures.org

MONTICELLO, Utah—Join Utah-based Southwest Ed-Ventures on a six day, five night solstice learning adventure with “Archaeoastronomy—Winter Solstice on Cedar Mesa” December 15th-20th, 2008. Beginning and ending in Cortez, Co, participants will learn about Archaeoastronomy; techniques developed by prehistoric cultures to determine the summer and winter solstices and equinoxes.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see prehistoric solstice sites in action. Participants will learn through hands on exploration and outdoor classroom activities to better understand how the ancient Puebloan people determined the significant dates of the solstices. Enjoy hikes to seldom seen ruins and real solstice sites. Go behind the scenes at Edge of the Cedars Museum to view collections and a replica of a solstice site. Learn about and observe some unusual shadow and sunlight interactions that prehistoric farmers relied on for ceremonies. Let our experts guide you through this unique and unforgettable winter solstice experience.

This program requires good health and fitness adequate for hikes up to three miles round trip. Daily activities require willingness to hike in cold weather; temperatures vary from 15 to 45 degrees farenheight. Cost is $837 per person ($812 for members of Four Corners School of Outdoor Education) with a single supplement fee of $120. If you request a roommate every effort will be made to find you one. If none are available you will be charged the single supplement fee. Price includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, transportation to/from Cortez, Co, five night lodging in Blanding, Ut, expert staff and guides, and entrance fees. Airfare and personal items are not included. This trip is co-sponsored by Elderhostel and Edge of the Cedars State Park.

Southwest Ed-Ventures is the earned income program of Four Corners School of Outdoor Education (FCS) and helps fund its conservation education activities. It is this non-profit’s purpose to create lifelong learning experiences on the Colorado Plateau (consisting of Southern Utah, Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico, and Northern Arizona) through education, service, conservation, and adventure programs.

 The vision of FCS is to build a diverse community of people committed to conserving the natural and cultural treasures of this bioregion.

To learn more about Southwest Ed-Ventures visit them on the web at www.sw-adventures.org

Baobab Expeditions
CONTACT: Richard Pfaeffli
TEL: 303 260 6489
: enquiries@baobabexpeditions.com
www.baobabexpeditions.com

DENVER, Colo.—Skiing season is approaching and Baobab Expeditions, a company that specializes in taking modern-day explorers on expeditions around the world, offers customized skiing and snowboarding vacations for winter sport enthusiasts of all skill levels. In addition to offering hassle-free trip planning with seamless high-end service, Baobab offers private multi-country winter sport journeys that can include private air transportation and luxury accommodation in destinations throughout Europe, Canada, and the US.

These ski expeditions take visitors to some of the most renowned winter sport destinations in Europe, Canada, and the US such as St. Anton, Lech Zürs, Kitzbühel, Chamonix, Megève, Alta Badia, Bormio, Cortina, Grindelwald, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Banff, Tremblant, Whistler, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Telluride, and Vail. Visitors can choose from a selection of notable luxury hotels while enjoying the distinctive après-ski cultures. Ideal snow, lots of sunshine, and an extensive selection of terrain make these vacations ideal for both beginners and expert skiers alike. People can also choose from a wide range of activities including ski-tours, parapenting, ski-doos, cross-country skiing, heliskiing, and sky diving. Baobab offers several different types of expeditions: Traditional, Multi-Resort, Guided, Specialist, and Eco-Camp.

Traditional

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders are always on the lookout for new and undiscovered terrain, and the traditional trips give them the opportunity to discover everything from extreme vertical powder, or gentle rolling slopes. Whatever the ability level, there is a traditional ski holiday available.

Multi-Resort

Baobab’s expert guides escort skiers from resort to resort by plane, helicopter, train, or 4×4 people carriers. This option is ideal for vacationers who crave the diversity of visiting several world-renowned ski destinations in a period of a week or two. Baobab ensures that transfers are as comfortable and as speedy as possible, so that visitors can spend more time on the slopes.

Guided

This option insures that an expert guide goes along for the ride to make skiers as comfortable as possible. Not only are the experts on the snow with specific knowledge about skiing in the destinations, but they can tell travelers where to go, eat, sleep, sightsee, and they will even help with equipment rentals.

Specialist

More travelers are looking to fulfill dreams and experience the remoteness and beauty of the mountains; coupled with the thrill of carving out original tracks across fresh, virgin expanses of mountainside. Baobab offers exhilarating heliskiing, freeride/backcountry, ski touring, or snowshoeing expeditions. There is nothing more exciting than pushing past personal boundaries.

Eco-Camp

Winner of the 2005 Responsible Tourism Awards for Innovation, the eco-camp Whitepod is not just another hotel, but an unforgettable mountain experience. These distinctive pods are pitched around a central chalet, offering all of the services of a hotel in an unprecedented atmosphere. Far from the crowds and boasting the highest standard of style, comfort, and service, Whitepod offers a truly unique accommodation experience. Inspired by the desire to create a haven of beauty and tranquillity, Whitepod is ideal for those seeking to restore tired bodies and jaded spirits. Dine on delicious, yet traditional foods carefully prepared by the resident chef; playfully engage in the myriad activities on offer with the experienced guides; luxuriate to a deep tissue massage at the on-site Spa; and rejuvenate with a peaceful night’s sleep in your very own white pod.

For more information about Baobab Expeditions ski vacations, visit the website at www.baobabexpeditions,com  or contact Richard Pfaeffli at 303 260 6489.

Clients will save up to 35 percent when they book a 2009 winter getaway with Spirit Vacations to a Couples Resort in Jamaica. Clients enjoy free value-added inclusions such as off-site excursions, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours and more. Sample deals to the all-inclusive Couples Resorts with Spirit Vacations include Couples Tower Isle, where guests receive 35 percent off all-inclusive rates in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, March 16 through 30. A three-night stay is priced at $991 from Fort Lauderdale; $1,009 from Orlando or Tampa; and $1,048 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Couples Negril guests will get 25 percent off in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb 23 through March 30, on three-night stays of $1,016 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,034 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,073 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

At Couples Sans Souci, guests will receive 25 percent off an ocean suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,046 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,064 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,099 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National. At Couples Swept Away, guests will receive 20 percent off a garden suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,098 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,116 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,155 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Spirit Vacations offers complete vacation packages to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Central and South America, Mexico and the United States.

Delta Air Lines customers flying business class between the U.S. and London’s Heathrow Airport will enjoy the comfort of a 180-degree full flat bed on every flight beginning summer 2009. Delta customers also will have the convenience of a third daily nonstop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London-Heathrow, operated by joint venture partner Air France. The service will complement Delta’s two existing flights between New York and Heathrow and one flight between Atlanta and Heathrow and will give customers the scheduling flexibility of a morning, early evening or late evening departure. “The introduction of full-flat service onboard the Delta 767 fleet will enhance our position in the highly competitive U.S.-to-Heathrow market,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president-network planning and revenue management.

Effective summer 2009, Delta’s flights between the United States and Heathrow will be upgraded to feature Boeing 767-400ER aircraft with 40 new 180-degree full flat beds in the aircraft’s BusinessElite cabin. The seats, designed by Thompson Aerospace and engineered and manufactured by Contour Premium Aircraft Seating, recline to 77-inch-long beds in a one-two-one configuration giving every BusinessElite customer direct aisle access.

Delta is reconfiguring seven of its 767-400 aircraft with the full-flat beds.

In total, Delta and Air France plan to offer customers four daily nonstop flights between the United States and London-Heathrow next summer – one from Atlanta and three from New York-JFK. Delta also currently offers service between London’s Gatwick Airport and Atlanta twice daily and between London-Gatwick and Cincinnati once daily. Air France has announced that it intends to discontinue service between Los Angeles and Heathrow as it adds the new nonstop Heathrow flight from New York.