SALUT FROM SOLDEN!: Exploring Family Ski Travel

Austria’s alps from the top of Obergurgl, Solden’s next door neighbour.

Salut from Sölden! Last March we explored this monstrous ski resort situated in the Ötztal Valley of the Austrian Tirol.

Back home in North America, we know it for the World Cup ski race it stages on its glacier every October. But Sölden is a lot more than just a glacier — it has more than 70 lifts and 186 miles of ski terrain.

This photo was snapped at the tip of Obergurgl, Solden’s next door neighbour, in the midst of the glorious Tirolean alps.

Our adventures in Sölden have been documented (by two 10 year olds) in the latest Winter edition of SNOW Magazine.

For more on exploring Solden, see www.Soelden.com

 

Lori Knowles

 

Lori Knowles is a ski and travel writer/editor based in Toronto, Canada. She is the editor of SNOW Magazine. See past work at LoriKnowles.com or follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring.

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TIME TO START YOUR SKI SEASON: Let’s begin exploring Sun Peaks’ latest expansion…

Lori Knowles

I guess a Tuesday at the start of November is as good a time as any to start planning our 2014/15 ski season–yours and mine. In truth, as someone in the ski biz, it’s been on my mind since July… or earlier. But I’ve waited ’til now to get you revved up, otherwise your engine might burn out.

I hope to tell you the few tidbits I get now and then on new stuff in the European and North American ski markets: new ski lifts, new runs, glades you can’t miss, or an apres-ski experience neither of us can pass up. Let’s see how it evolves. Hopefully the info will help you plan our next ski trips.

I’ll start with some news from a sunny ski area in British Columbia (BC) called Sun Peaks. Here it is, in a photo courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort, taken by Adam Stein:

The Village at Sun Peaks, BC. Photo by Adam Stein, courtesy of Sun Peaks.

Sun Peaks is in idyllic ski spot in near the Canadian city of Kamloops. Its village is auto-free, its runs flow along a consistent and excellent fallline, and its trees are spacious and not too steep, which gives any ski area an A in my playbook.

Tree skiing at Sun Peaks. Photo by Adam Stein, courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort.

All this you can learn by visiting its website. My news is this: For 2015, Sun Peaks has expanded to a point at which it’s now Canada’s second largest ski area. That’s pretty big — Canada’s largest is Whistler. This season Sun Peaks has grown to more than 4,200 acres of in-bound ski terrain with the addition of two new areas: West Morrisey and Gil’s.

“New runs in the West Morrisey area will be expert ability level and utilize the same aspect as the popular Static Cling and Agitator ski runs,” says a recent press release. “The second section, Gil’s—a popular backcountry ski area at the top of Tod Mountain—will see the area’s vertical double with the creation of a lower ski out back the main ski runs.”

A panoramic shot of Sun Peaks taken from Mt Morrisey. Photo by Adam Stein courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort.

In short, this expansion just might move Sun Peaks onto your short list of top spots in Canada to visit. I hope so. As I said, the resort is idyllic.

That’s it for today. More tidbits soon — news to help you explore your ski travel options. Let me know how your planning is progressing. I’m @LoriExploring

Lori Knowles is a ski and travel writer and editor based in Toronto, Canada. She is the editor of SNOW Magazine. See past work at LoriKnowles.com or follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring.

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The Next Best Thing to Skiing: SNOW Magazine Profiles the Luxury Alpine Lifestyle

This week marks the launch of the Winter 2014/15 edition of SNOW Magazine, a sure sign winter is coming. isn’t she a beauty?

SNOW Magazine
Winter 2014/15

On stands now, this edition is focused on all that’s warm and sumptuous and luxurious in the winter ski lifestyle. Lech’s lovely Chalet N–a luscious slopeside retreat for celebs–is profiled. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter David Shribman lends us a peek inside Dartmouth, his alma mater and the world’s only Ivy Ski League. Fashion photographer Daniela Federici has captured the bold colours of 2015 skiwear. Barbara Sanders, SNOW’s publisher, profiles a spa laden with Swarvoski crystals. And I, Lori Knowles, trace the rich history of Idaho’s Sun Valley, where Clarke Gable and Ingrid Bergman and Ernest Hemingway launched the first American Ski Resort, an iconic spot once known as the “American Shangri-la.”

The magazine is on stands now, as well as inside the rooms of the world’s best alpine hotels, in Air Canada lounges, and available for download on Zinio. See www.TheSnowMag.com and @SNOWmagazine for more information.

Once you’ve got it, curl up in front of a warm fire, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy your read. Lech, Park City, the Okanagan, Sun Valley, Courchevel, Aspen… Reading these pages is the next best thing to skiing in one of these fabulous places.

Lori Knowles is Editor-in-Chief of SNOW Magazine @LoriExploring

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Quick Trips to Whistler

The Olympic Rings in Whistler Village.

“If you’ve ever dreamed about blasting off to Whistler, B.C., for a three-day blow-out winter visit complete with hard skiing, sumptuous lodging, arts, culture, tasty food and a spa experience that will soothe your screaming muscles, here’s how to do it…”

And so began my 2012 Toronto Sun travel story on Whistler–the one that gives you the goods on skiing hard and playing softly in the soothing arms of the Four Seasons Whistler.

With Whistler’s recent bountiful snowfall and my pending “big family trip” to BC’s most gigantico ski resort commencing in just one week, I thought it might be fun to replay this Sun article. Consider it an enticement to join us in Whistler this season…

LINK: Toronto Sun: High On Luxury in Whistler

 

Lori Knowles is editor of SNOW Magazine and a ski travel columnist for the Toronto Sun. You can read more of her work at www.loriknowles.com

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All is Quiet at Hotel Q

The lobby of Mont Tremblant’s Hotel Quintessence offers a portal to Lac Tremblant and its surrounding forest.

Believe me or not, there are times when my position as a travel editor is not all wellness and fine wine, though I’ll admit this moment is not one of them.

On assignment in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, I am ensconced in Hotel Quintessence, a boutique hotel on the edge of Lac Tremblant with the resort’s slopes only steps away. Of course, I would not know the great trembling mountain is within shouting distance, as this hotel is shrouded so entirely by trees and rock. My writing desk today offers a view of green pine and yellow maple, with the black lake and a little wooden bridge on a winding path below.

I am here to review the wellness aspects of Hotel Q for SNOW Magazine—the results of which you’ll read, I hope, in our High Season 2013-14 (December) edition. I won’t reveal the story’s secrets now, but I’m more than willing to share my views with you through a series of photos I’ve just shot—of pine, and stone, and stained glass, and wrought iron, and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, all of which warm the soul on this cold, snowy October forest.

This grand soaker tub is inside every suite at Hotel Quintessence.

Inside view of a typical suite at Hotel Q.

The jacuzzi and infinity pool at Hotel Q, overlooking Lac Tremblant.

Hotel Q’s Winebar, Tremblant’s most sophisticated apres-ski stop.

My writing desk, where I’m hoping this story will be inspired.

www.hotelQuintessence.com

Lori Knowles is the editor of SNOW Magazine, and a contributor to several Canadian travel publications. View her work at www.LoriKnowles.com. Follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring

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Scenes from a Snow Show

I spent Thursday afternoon and evening touring the new Toronto Snow Show. It’s in a new location, with a new name, and a re-energized vibe.

I met more than one person who’d headed toward Exhibition Place before realizing The Toronto Snow Show is now at the International Centre, close to Pearson International Airport. For a downtowner, the show is far… but the location’s not bad for skiers in the GTA. Plus parking is free.  The show is on now through Sunday, October 20. Download the handy iPhone app for directions and hours.

Now for scenes from this year’s show:

1) Toronto graffiti artist SKAM is creating art on site; stop by and watch. Also enter to win one of his pieces.

Graffiti artist SKAM at the Toronto Snow Show

2) Vail Resorts’ new Epic Mix app is very cool. Track your runs, earn icons, calculate your vertical. Stop by the Vail booth for a demonstration. And don’t forget to ask about the new Epic pass… $729 US for skiing all season at Vail resorts in Colorado, Utah, California… even Europe!

Vail’s new Epix Mix App

3) The women of SNOW Magazine stopped by Quebec’s booth to snap a Quebec Original postcard. You can too… with or without the boas and Elton John sunglasses!

Bonjour Quebec!

4) Only in Aspen! The Colorado ski destination gets creative with funky art on its lift passes. Here’s a sample… so much fun. Check them out at Aspen’s booth, and find out more about skiing Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk and The Highlands.

Ski Pass Art

5) Blue Mountain’s gone high tech with iPads in its booth. Stop by to browse.

Blue Mountain booth

6) A parting shot from the Pro Am Rail Jam:

Pro Am Rail Jam, photo courtesy of Toronto Snow Show

For more on the Toronto Snow Show, follow my tweets @LoriExploring.

Lori Knowles is the editor of SNOW Magazine. View her work at www.LoriKnowles.com. Follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring

All photos copyright Lori Knowles.

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Toronto Snow Show: Why You Should Go

SKAM, a Toronto graffiti artist, will be demonstrating snow art at the Toronto Snow Show

Toronto skiers, it’s time for the Toronto Snow Show.

Here are five reasons why you should go:

1. The Toronto Snow Show (October 17-20) has a new name, a new location, and a new vibe. Once known as the Toronto Ski Show, it’s joined this latest century with a name that encompasses all you can do at a ski resort besides simply skiing–namely, snowboarding, tubing, skating, XC skiing, spa-ing, shopping, eating. All stuff you can do in an environment of snow. The show has moved from Exhibition Place to the International Centre–free parking, and closer to those of you living and skiing outside metro Toronto. And organizers have promised a new vibe–graffiti artists, a rail jam, a snow park. I’m hoping they’ll rev us up for the coming of snow.

2. Art and snow are two of my favourite things and this season the Toronto Snow Show promises them both. SKAM, a Toronto graffiti artist, will be onsite with six demonstrations throughout the weekend. This guy’s work is pretty cool. I’m keen to see what he creates in the theme of snow. For a schedule of live demonstration times, visit http://tssts.sportshows.ca/skam_grafitti_demonstrations/.

3. There are $10,000 in cash giveaways to pro and amateur skiers and riders competing in the Pro-AM Rail Jam during the show. Admission is free… at least, it’s included in the cost of Snow Show Admission. Plus, new this year is an area in which you can try your own tricks. The Burton Riglet Park is a mini terrain park with features that will help you get the sensation of snowboarding.

4. Two-for-One lift passes are on sale at the Snow Show with the price of admission. Participating Ontario resorts include Blue Mountain, Horseshoe, Mount St. Louis, Brimacomb and Snow Valley.

Exploring the floor for new ski fashion.

5. My favourite: browsing. That’s right, browsing. At the Toronto Snow Show you can shop for jackets, pants, equipment, goggles and helmets. You can swap or purchase inexpensive equipment at Canada’s largest ski and snowboard Swap, organized by the Canadian Ski Patrol. And best yet, you can visit ski areas booths from all over Canada, the US and Europe… all to plan your next ski vacation.

For more info on the Toronto Snow Show, see www.TorontoSnowShow.com

Follow my #SnowShow tweets @LoriExploring

Lori Knowles is the editor of SNOW Magazine. View her work at www.LoriKnowles.com. Follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring

Photos supplied by the Toronto Snow Show.

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Introducing SNOW

Hello, and welcome to SNOW.

Snow Magazine, Winter 2014

This is the first edition of SNOW Magazine for the 2014 ski season… and the very first created by our new team:

1) Barbara Sanders, Publisher/Founder

2) Anne-Marie Boissonnault, Creative Director (YQB Media)

3) Laura Doherty, Graphic Designer (YQB Media)

4) & Me… Lori Knowles, Editor.

Inside, there are features on Banff, Lech, the sexy Sachs ski dynasty of St. Moritz, and Tremblant, which is turning a tenacious 75 this ski season. And don’t miss our 007-inspired Fashion Feature: For Your Eyes Only–2014 Ski Fashion is Shaken, Not Stirred!

SNOW Winter 2014 is available on newsstands and Zineo.com. Visit www.TheSnowMag.com for more info, and the latest on life, lifts & luxury.

—

Lori Knowles is the editor of SNOW Magazine. View her work at www.LoriKnowles.com. Follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring

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It’s Time for the Toronto Snow Show

Toronto’s Snow Show, October 17-20, 2013

Canada’s Thanksgiving Weekend has always been a turning point for me. It’s the point in the year at which I leave my beloved Muskoka cottage behind and start thinking seriously about my second great love: skiing.

Why Canadian Thanksgiving? Because one week later, October 17-20, 2013, is the event that marks Ontario’s official start of the ski season:  The Toronto Snow Show.

Exploring the floor for new ski fashion.

I doubt I’ve missed a Snow Show since, say, I was 17. It’s been a tradition to head there after work or school on a Friday evening, link up with great friends in the ski industry, and explore the floor. I’ve planned many a ski trip at the ski show. I’ve purchased skivvies and ski jackets and goggles and hats at bargain prices from Toronto ski retailers. I’ve spotted the skis and boots I simply must sample. I’ve watched aerialists and ice sculptors and ski fashion models do their thing. Once, way back, I even interviewed for my first job as a ski pro at Whistler-Blackcomb. But mostly at the annual ski show, I’ve revved myself up for an eventful ski season—one that, in about six weeks, will be in full swing.

Why am I telling you this?

Snow Magazine, Winter 2014

As the new editor of SNOW Magazine (www.TheSnowMag.com), I think a lot about skiing. I think about it all spring and summer and autumn long… yet I have few people with which I can chat skiing. Fair enough, most people want to avoid winter in summer. So this is my first opportunity of the season to get you thinking what I’m thinking.

There is another reason. Organizers of the Toronto Snow Show have asked me to spread the word, and I’ve agreed. There’s been an effort afoot to revitalize this annual event—a new location, new features, a palpable new energy. The Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows have partnered with the Canadian Ski Council to rethink the whole thing, and I applaud their efforts. Change is a good thing.

And so, here we go. A series of blogs from LoriExploring enticing you to rev up for the ski season right along with me… the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving.

Below are some essential details and my take on why I think they’re exciting. Stay tuned, there’s more to come in the next two weeks. Also, follow my #SnowShow tweets @Lori Exploring

New Location: The Toronto Snow Show, October 17-20, will be held for the first time at Toronto’s International Centre, not far from the airport. Why is this a big deal? Two words: free parking. www.TorontoSnowShow.com

Best Deal: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Lift Ticket. Buy a lift pass at an Ontario ski resort and get another one free, with the price of a Snow Show admission. Why is this a big deal? You get 50% off your ski day.

Into The Mind by Sherpas Cinema

Best Show: Sherpas Cinema will present their latest film, Into the Mind, at the Toronto Snow Show. Why is this a big deal? Another two words: Kye Petersen. (He’s one of Canada’s top freeskiers. He’ll be there.)

Best Buzz: Quebec’s ski areas are gathering themselves into one section of the show and giving it a traditional ski-chalet-atmosphere. Why is this a big deal? Wine and cheese are included.

As I said: stay tuned. More to come, here, at www.LoriKnowles.com and @LoriExploring

Lori Knowles is the editor of SNOW Magazine. Lori’s ski features also appear regularly in Ski Canada, Up! by Westjet, and the Toronto Sun. View her work at www.LoriKnowles.com. Follow Lori on Twitter @LoriExploring

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The Sweet Life of Skiing Portillo

My ski days are sweet here in Portillo, and not just because of the sweets they serve at afternoon tea daily.

We pushed away from the all-yellow Hotel Portillo at the awesomely early hour of 10 am. Our first ride up dropped us at the training point of the Austrian ski team. These enormous species were picking up speeds of about 70 kph as they passed by, all duded out in their helmets and speed suits, bibs sporting names like Franz, Hans and Josef. When we stopped to watch for a mo, Peter asked an Austrian coach where they’d be training this afternoon. “I hope ve don’t train this afternoon,” he said in perfect Austrian English. “Ve have been verking since vile you vere sleeping. Ve are wery tired.”

The Austrians

At that we hung our heads and skied on, trying to rack up some kilometres of our own before we were totally embarrassed. The pistes of Juncalillo (YUNK-a-LEE-lo) catch the most sun in the am, so that’s where most of Portillo’s skiers ride in the mornings. We snaked down the groomed track first. In subsequent runs we got off-piste to ski the crud and small bumps—it’s quieter there. As in most places, the bulk of skiers ride the groomed tracks, leaving the good stuff untouched and uncrowded.

Portillo View

By noon we’d made our way to the Plateau—the side of Portillo that catches the afternoon rays. The terrain here is so vast, you’d need a fisheye lens to capture it on camera. We rode the El Plateau lift, then the slingshot Condor (more on this bizarre lift later), and traversed over to the off-piste of Plateau Superior, largely avoided by the masses.

Not that there are any masses at Portillo. There are very few day skiers here, most are vacationing on ski weeks at Hotel Portillo, and the hotel’s capacity is capped off at about 400. So there’s never a line-up. And if you like to ski off-piste, you encounter little traffic.

Lunch was at the mid-mountain Tio Bob’s, a.k.a. Uncle Bob’s. Bob Purcell was Portillo’s original owner; his nephew Henry Purcell now runs it. Tio Bob’s is a little slopeside hut, much like alms of Europe. From here, there’s an hypnotic view of Laguna Del Inca (Inca Lake) and the surrounding snowcapped Andes. Skiers throw off their gear and take up residence at picnic tables. Food is off the grill—chicken, salmon, sausage, soup and enormous salads.

Lunch at Tio Bob's

I didn’t want to leave my perch, but I had a date with some Mexican tour operators who promised to guide me through Garganta (translation: throat), akin to the Couloir at Blackcomb. The sun-softened snow on Garganta was perfect, as is its pitch: steep and slightly bumpy, just the way I like it.

Our ski day ended with zip along the Austrians’ closed downhill training course courtesy of Robin, Portillo’s ski school director. It was all part of Portillo’s daily ‘ski with ambassadors’ program, during which you’re toured around for free by the area’s experts.

By 5 pm it was time for tea in the dining room—a sweet cap on an extremely sweet day of skiing.

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