There’s no question ski bunnies will be taking to the slopes this weekend, especially in California where last week’s massive storm dumped a few feet of fresh snow on the mountain ranges. There’s about three feet of snow sitting on my aunt and uncle’s lawn in Lake Tahoe. They report that there is no shortage of the white stuff and certainly no shortage of skiers who are looking to tear down the snow covered hills.
Ski resorts are having a field day and not just in California. Mother Nature has been generous to resort owners around the world and in turn you stand to gain. Various ski resorts from California to Austria are offering big winter savings just in time for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day long holiday weekend.
Take a look:
LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village is known as one of the most picturesque skiing destinations in the United States. It straddles California and Nevada and offers visitors a taste of Europe with its cobblestone streets and wooden archways. The lakeside resort also features unique shops, dining, and entertainment venues for the members of your group (like me) who don’t want to be on the slopes the entire trip. In addition, the resort offers gondola rides, helicopter tours, and dog sledding rides. If you are feeling especially adventurous you can board the Heavenly Rider, an elevated zip-line that provides breathtaking views and reaches speeds of 50 mph. The all-suite Tahoe Seasons Resort is currently offering a winter rate that starts at $180 per night.
LAKE PLACID
The popular New York ski resort hosted two Winter Olympics, in 1932 and 1980 and is situated in the picturesque Adirondacks. When you aren’t shooshing down the snow-covered slopes the resort offers other winter activities including ice fishing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. Plan to stay a few extra days so you can supplement your skiing with a tour of the areas legendary forts from the Revolutionary Wars. Lake Placid is also home to charming 19th-century villages, historic museums, and first rate shopping and dining venues. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa reduced their Sunday to Thursday stays by 50 percent–you’ll pay just $160 per night, with breakfast, through February 29th.
AUSTRIA
Bad Gastein, Austria is known the world over as having one of the most picture-perfect alpine settings. The resort town also features healing thermal waters in addition to the magnificently groomed slopes on Radhausberg mountain that attract skiers from around the globe. Other activities include waterfall climbing and snow-biking as well as horse-drawn sleigh rides. Right now Ski Europe is offering a seven-night package starting at $1,029 ($147 per night), with airfare from New York, hotel, and daily breakfast.
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