ACI – Vancouver

For all those who cherish skiing, this sport has everything to offer from fun, adventure, excitement, to some of the exotic skiing resorts and quite a few thrilling contests. This archaic sport has thus been able to garner worldwide acclaim. Now there are wonderful skiing resorts almost all across the globe to cater to the skiing enthusiasm of people especially visitors. Let us take a look at a few globally recognized or eminent skiing resorts in the world today.

• When we talk about skiing, the foremost spot that figures is Aspen. Aspen Highlands as well as Aspen Mountain cuddled in Colorado, United States, offer around 1400 acres of slopes for all the skiing lovers. These slopes are not just meant for the professionals but even the beginners, young and old, snowboarders and skiers can have a lifetime experience skiing here. But skiing is not the only sport to relish in the breathtaking ambience. Well there are other activities such as hot air balloon tours, snowshoe walks and snowmobile rides. All in all the 7495 feet high Aspen Mountains together with Aspen Highlands leave no stone unturned to gratify the skiing passion of people. You can make your stay comfortable at the accommodations offered by Aspen Alps, Ajax Condominiums and Aspen Meadows Resort.

• Another skiing destination that is swarming with people during the months of November to April is the Big Mountain. Big Mountain standing firm in whitefish, Montana is America’s everlasting attraction. On this approximately 3000 acres of real estate you can enjoy on incredible 91 runs. The proficient ones can ski at a set of 15 separate runs and bask in the glory of wonderful aura and the pleasant game. Other games such as sledding, tubing, sleigh riding, dog sledding tours etc. can even be enjoyed here. But this isn’t all…there are nine different restaurants too! The average low temperature of this place is around 44 degrees but winters at 17 degrees can be icy cold. Once Big Mountain is another big destination on your mind, you can get your reservations done at the beautiful Alpenglow Inn or the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

• Big Sky welcomes all the skiing aficionados. The resort is a construction of the former NBC broadcaster Chet Huntley. This area as later on purchased by Boyne Resorts in USA. The contemporary attraction of Big Sky is its being recognized as one amongst greatest skiing resorts and its amazing accommodations.

• Another big name associated with skiing is that of Deer Valley. Deer Valley, a ground to four mountains is situated in Park City, Utah. These huge mountains- Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, Empire Canyon and Bald Eagle Mountain together make Deer Valley an ideal skiing destination. Horseback riding, swimming, golfing, river rafting are other activities to delight in.

• Colorado presents another great skiing spot- Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain has gained immense recognition because of its incredible 12,313 feet elevation and the huge area 2433 acres of land it conceals, thereby making a perfect skiing spot. Along with these characteristics there are other delightful features too. For instance the West Lake District a home for skating, shopping and bars. The Lazy Lizard and Endo’s Adrenaline Café serve as excellent eating joints to all the visitors.

Besides these for the skiing devotees there are timeless other hot destinations to hit like Whistler Blackcomb, Valle Nevado and Snowmass.

Mansi Gupta
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/guide-to-skiing-101-10438.html

RIDDLE! What is it?

They spend thousands encouraging us to buy it.

We are advised never to go on holiday without it.

But when we want to buy it, they don’t want to sell it to us.

Read on ………..

So after much deliberation we have chosen the holiday destination, sorted out the flights, and already we are picturing ourselves languishing on warm sands with the inviting blue sea stretching before us, and we just have the minor formality of the holiday travel insurance and then all the arrangements will be complete. Did I say MINOR? Well, yes, holiday insurance was once just a minor formality, but now for retired folk or senior citizens it has become a MAJOR, MAJOR problem. (In fact, when talking to friends it appears that holiday insurance has replaced house prices as the after dinner discussion). The problem is not just about how health affects the cost of insurance but it’s about how age affects the cost of insurance. Isn’t it amazing how an insurance company can take your annual holiday insurance payments for years, you have never made a claim, and suddenly because you have just passed a certain birthday you are too risky to consider. Your medical history may be fine, in fact you may be fitter than the 30 year old couch potato on the end of the telephone, but that doesn’t count – the only thing that counts is the date on your birth certificate. And when you do find an insurance company who will cover you, you find that the premium costs more than the holiday.

However, one thing is certain, WE MUST HAVE HOLIDAY TRAVEL INSURANCE (you realize how essential it is when you consider that an air ambulance from the USA will set you back approx £35,000), and another important point is to be honest when declaring your medical history, because Insurance Companies are not charities and will possibly look into your medical history hoping to find some information (however slight you may have considered it at the time it was recorded) to avoid paying for example that air ambulance cost from the USA.

A timely reminder that the E111 was discontinued on 31 December 05 and was replaced by the EHIC (the European Health Insurance Card), which you can obtain from the Post Office or www.dh.gov.uk. It is useful to take this, but it is definitely not a substitute for personal holiday insurance.

And whilst on the subject of European holidays; a couple of years back we met a group of Spanish pensioners having a great time on the Costa del Sol. We found out why it was such a joyous occasion, it came courtesy of the Spanish Government – the Government treats senior citizens to a week’s free holiday. On reflection, it could possibly work out cheaper for the National Health if our senior citizens were sent to warmer climes during the winter when bronchitis and respiratory problems abound. Mr Brown, it’s food for thought. After all, he informs us that in 2008 we shall be receiving free bus travel throughout the country, so perhaps we can but dream that the boundaries be extended somewhat. However, there is still the problem of the necessary holiday travel insurance.

A recent survey found that 9 out of 10 annual travel policies impose an upper age limit. It is slightly easier to obtain single trip policies: but this can work out expensive is you plan to take more than a couple of holidays a year. Here are a few worth contacting, but do shop around as prices vary enormously -

All Clear of Brentwood – www.allcleartravel.co.uk

Citybond – www.citybond.co.uk

Churchill – www.churchill.com)

Age Concern ) will insure the over 80s

Help the Aged ) will insure the over 80s

Saga ) will insure the over 80s

Norwich & Peterborough – www.npbs.co.uk

Flexicover – www.flexicover.co.uk

Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ – You will learn about the best tips to improve your health, fitness, finances, & helpful organisations to make the most out of life.

Jo Godden
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/travel-insurance-tips-advice-resources-for-seniors-222504.html

I live in Vancouver, and I’m wondering about what the Olympics are going to do to our economy. Is it true, that they will be spending immense amounts of money for this? Are British Colombians going to have to pay for it with raised taxes?

See, I’ve only just turned 14 in September, and when I attempt to ask teachers they say, "The Olympics are great! Be proud of the Olympics! Be a proud Canadian!"

But I’d like some honest answers that I would understand.

Thank you :].

Vanoc has already been assured (by the IOC) at least breaking even for the games budget. That’s one big risk factor taken out since the governement was required to cover any losses from actually operating the games. The immense amounts of money spent are talking about mainly infrastructure costs. Depending on your opinion, those should have been done anyways. Such as the upgrades to the Sea to Sky highway which gets a lot of traffic and has a lot of accidents. The upgrade was needed anyways, but that $600 million is counted by some as an expense related to the games. Same for the Canada Line for the Skytrain. A similar amount was spent on that. We had no good way to get from the airport to downtown so it was needed, but many have considered it a games related expense. Same again for the close to $1 Billion convention center upgrade that may or may not have happened if not for the Olympics. Lastly is the Olympic village. The city has a huge amount that it spent on the village. It’s yet to be seen how much of that they can recoup when they sell off the units there but speculation at this point is that they will lose money.

Hopefully the above shows that losing money on the Olympics is not a straight forward question. Two completely honest people will give opposite answers just based on their opinion of what is an "Olympic Expense" and what was needed regardless of the Olympics. My opinion is that these projects were all long overdue and so if it took an Olympics to get them done – great!

As for the economic benefit, the predictions vary widely but it will be very substantial. A lot of entra money will be coming in over the years due to the new infrastructure and the new exposure that the Olympics brings. Definitely in the hundreds of millions over time.

How does Whistler/Blackcomb compare to a top European ski resort like Lech am Arlberg in Austria or Verbier in Switzerland?

Has anyone skied both?

I haven’t skiied both – but the fact that the IOC endorsed Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics should tell you something about it. You could google up Whistler and compare it with your own knowledge of Lech am Arlberg, Austria.

Any feedback on economical flights going from Vancouver to Hong Kong ?
I recently booked with Oasis but am now awaiting the outcome of their liquidation. I know Air Canada has direct flights; I am looking for other choices (either direct or one stop).
Any readers experienced with this route ?

- cathay pacific CX has direct flight.
- Eva, Asiana, Air China should have 1 stop flight.

I took CX888/889 before. CX888 flys from NY to HK, stops at Vancouver for refuel and extra passenager. I am sure CX has multiple direct fly from Vancouver to HK everyday. It is my favor for safty record and service.

I am really wondering if there will be any favor outcome of Oasis liquidation with the even higher fuel price. Oasis has layed off most of their employees already. If your flight is coming soon, you better book for another airline now.

I’m going to be departing on a cruise out of Vancouver but wanted to tour Victoria first, and probably stay overnight there. What’s the cheapest option?

Not necessarily the cheapest but the best, in terms of value, simplicity and time, is to take Pacific Coach Lines from the airport. The bus will drive onto the ferry, you get off for the ferry ride, then you get back on the bus when the ferry arrives and the bus takes you into downtown Victoria. When you need to come back to Vancouver, do the same but take the bus right to the cruise terminal or into downtown Vancouver. The city bus is cheaper but will take much longer and is more of a nuisance especially with luggage. Check the PCL website for schedules and fares.

My son is getting married in Los Vegas in June 2010, i’m asthmatic and need travel/health insurance, i need to know which insurance company is the most accepted in United States hospitals. Thanks, Vivian.

not sure… maybe http://medicaltravelinsuranceinfo.com/ could help.

i wanted to know if it’s expensive to eat at The Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco?? please let me know if you have been there.thanks

It is expensive, but if you go during happy hour, you get a free drink if you order an appetizer. Unfortunately, most of their offerings during happy hour are not full courses, but they have a buffet. Go at the end of happy hour so you get a free drink and then when they switch to dinner you get full courses.

Will my american driver’s license be accepted to rent a car or do I have to obtain some other license to drive a rental car in a foreign country like Canada? Vancouver to be exact.

A valid US driver’s licence is all you need – that, plus a credit card. Road speeds are given in kph – kilometers per hour – so you will have to be aware of the difference and watch the speedometer. Because most cars in Canada were made in the US, they have both miles and kilometers on the speedometer. 60mph is the same as 100 kph. And gas is more expensive in Canada, although it seems to keep creeping up on both sides of the border, doesn’t it?
Enjoy your visit to Vancouver.

Anyone got any itinerary/accomodation/campground suggestions? Late June; camping/b&b mix, start and finish in Vancouver and want to see Banff, Jasper naturally. Thanks.

A nice place to sight see & possibly stay is around Valemount BC & Mount Robson (largest peak in the Canadian Rockies). Robson Shadows Campground is a nice base to see the Mtn. You can rent cabins if you prefer that to a tent, also good to go whitewater rafting or even on a gentle float tour from here. Helicopter tours & heli-hiking are also available if that is in your budget. Awesome views! It can be a little cheaper staying in the Valemount area & is about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs drive to Jasper from there depending on how fast you like to drive . A pretty campground pretty much right in Valemount is called Swift Creek campground. There are also many hotel/motels & B & Bs available in that area too. Rear Guard Falls is a pretty walk. Between Jasper & Banff some nice little rest stop areas to check out are Honeymoon Lake, the water seems to be a little warmer than all the other glacier fed lakes & is even nice to swim in. You can camp here too. Bubbling Springs is a good place to stretch your legs & take a bathroom break. It is right beside the roadway – the water bubbles up from the ground & the sand is kind of pink – just a small spring. Horseshoe Lake is worth the little walk to find it. Very pretty & the water is so clear that from up on the rocky cliffside you can see the fish. The Columbia Ice Fields are worth a look & you can tour in an ice buggy if you want – there are some pretty campsites close by too. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on Bow Lake is beautiful. I often stop there but have yet to spend a night. You can hike up on the glacier but may need to go with a group.