LYRA MAG.

No time LIKE NOW to plan short, snowy jaunts-away from home, the big vacay crowds of recent holidays, and to take advantage of longer daylight hours, the best conditions of the season,  AND meaningful resort values. L.L Bean pillow Be an Olympian ... or act like one . Lake Placid N.Y, in the scenic Adirondacks -offers top notch, powder loaded- on the mountain fun via Whiteface -site of the 1984 Olympics...but even better ( maybe )...unique off the 'hill activities-that will make one feel like a champion. THINK luge/bobsled lessons -rides for true speed demons, skating on the rink where the the USA's hockey Dream Team-clinched gold, cross country trails galore plus lessons for acing biathlons, opportunities to figure out just what is curling (ha ha), and good old fashion tubing opps with meaningful verticals from top to bottom. INFO:  http://www.lakeplacid.com    https://www.whiteface.com BRING a friend ...all ages of snow bunnies/moguls, welcome! Ski V...

Part 2 Besides boasting of a Senator who can still hit a jump (sorta) shot via GIPHY source bostonmagazine.com -the beautiful green state of Vermont offers up outdoor destinations for all budgets and desired experiences (alpine -nordic skiing, ice skating, snow shoe adventures, antiquing,  shopping, reviving spa treatments)  ..and tasty culinary choices too. For going with a crowd of party hearty friends ( Killington Resort ,   Mad River Glen ),  active kids ( Okemo , Sugarbush , Bromley , Smugglers Notch ), independent minded teens ( Mt. Snow , Stratton , Magic Mountain ), going solo-or with a special someone-( Stowe Mountain Resort, The Hermitage Club  Suicide Six Ski Area/ Woodstock Inn )...the variety of mountain resorts packed with serious snow making trails, plus daring or relaxing off trail fun...beckon all- with sweetened up enticements of mid week bargains, learn to ski/ride options, and night-time on slopes activities. Some ideas: ...

WHAT: A press event that introduced (and reaffirmed) the wonders of the great state of Vermont...that serves up a lot of beautifully scenic, fun outdoors, user friendly destinations for snow pursuits, gourmet dining and laid back good times...! From the northern Jay Peak Ski Resort -near the Canadian border-to the more southerly-   Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain -a private forested-mountain oasis with a 90,000 sq foot slope side lodge with numerous facilities-and easy to get to from NYC and Boston,   Mt. Snow.  home to the largest freestyle terrain east of the Rockies...there was plenty of new exciting ventures planned for the upcoming 2016-2017 season-year round. Kudos to Killington's score of the  first WORLD CUP races to touch down on the east coast-Thanksgiving weekend. Very cool. Other top spots that beckon... Stratton,  (major thanks for our 2 bedroom condo+lift tickets-raffle win-CANNOT WAIT)  Okemo  (top rated snowmaking covering...

Though it is SO tempting to put that strong USA$ to work overseas...nearby mainland ski/snow resorts have made outdoor adventures that much more affordable and easier to get to.

The gift of experience---is priceless---and the most appreciated ---imo. Whether last minute. or planned way ahead of departure---a trip anywhere- active or relaxing-is a wonderful. After all, there is probably no one who ever regrets (or regretted) traveling for vacation fun- too much. Ever. To get outdoors and experience nature combined with sporty endeavors,-the website of non-profit Ski and Snow Board Month is an easy way to plan and save plenty during the month of January-with an easy to use interactive planner----that helps one learn and save. Two web portals that combine the latest deals/travel savings and tips for planning snow adventures- SkiVermont  -and ColoradoSki with the latest snow conditions and travel/stay packages in beautiful Vermont and Colorado respectively-from resorts embracing -challenging- beginners-to-experts  that will please families+sophisticates, spa loving goers, rustic outdoors persons ready to ride straight outta a helicopter, and/or gourma...