We are now at the age where we are empty nesters. Our youngest child left for college this year. I am the youngest in my family, so each of my sisters are at the same stage in life. This will be our first holiday season without parents. Our father passed away several years ago, and our mom died this summer. We have talked about starting a new tradition for the holiday season. We each like to spend time with each other’s families keeping in touch with nieces and nephews and letting the cousins have time together. This year we talked about waiting until New Years weekend to do a family gathering. My husband suggested going skiing together. My children love snowboarding trips and so do several of their cousins. My sisters usually plan ski trips during the winter months, but not over the holiday season.

I asked my sisters if they would be willing to plan their ski trips along with our childrens snowboarding trips with us and to go close to the holidays. We all agreed that this may be fun. We take both down hill and cross country ski trips, whilst our children go off snowboarding. We knew about a resort that offers both that some friends of ours had bought several years ago. We called them and asked if they could accommodate our large group. All together there would be twenty of us. The couple explained that we were like an answer to a prayer.

They had renovated the main lodge and did not think it would be ready for guests until the middle of January. All of their advertisements stated that they would reopen at that time. The project was completed in advance, but people had made alternative arrangements for the holiday weekend. They agreed to let us have the entire lodge for our family. This included sixteen bedrooms, the dining room, game room and bar area. They were planning on being empty so they reduced the price, if we agreed to purchase our meals in addition to the lodging. Usually on our ski trips and snowboarding trips we make our own meals because of the expense; but the price they were quoting us was very inexpensive.

My sisters and their husbands agreed that this was a great price and we booked the lodge. We arrived on a Friday evening and we were all planning to stay until Sunday late afternoon. The lodge was beautifully decorated for the holidays and the renovation was gorgeous. We skied, ate drank and visited. We have decided that our future ski trips will be family events and two of my neices want to begin snowboarding with my two. I may even begin snowboarding myself!!

John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/ski-trips-versus-snowboarding-trips-for-a-united-family-holiday-97859.html

Looking at all the happy people at Margarettaville was a nice site.  I remember being happy .  There is a nice energy in the air when you witness it.  I got my doggy Chico in with me since he is a service dog.  I had to  pick him up so the dancing crowd would not squash the little cutie pie.  Being Thanksgiving weekend I had family guests with me and we played pool.  I begged out after seeing an entire game went by without me getting one ball in the pocket.  My nephew was smooth with his shots and truly impressed me. We visited the largest growing retirement Village in the United States.  It’s called the Villages.  It closes up aobut 9pm.

All alone here again with you and my typewriter.  What would one do without a computer.  I was in that between ages.  When I retired from teaching I almost was convinced I did not need one until my son in law convinced me to buy one from his friend’s store.  So now I get to play chess everyday with people around the world and trade on eBay.  There’s a whole world out there on the internet and I am an active participant.

 So, my husband picked Central Florida to move to from Long Beach, NY.  Three years later he died at 5am like Tim Russet.  Still in shock.  My world collapsed.  I was the happiest woman on the face of the earth living with the perfect husband.  He was the sexiest man of the face of the earth.  Not only was he a wizard at the stock market, a  great golfer and gourmet cook-he was loving and took such care of me.  After retiring from being a High School Principal his new job was me.  I was a handful.  John provided for me after his death.  I have it all except the most important ingredient-my true love.

So I surfed the internet and saw Tampa has a ski group going to Breckinridge.  I decided to go for it with strangers.  It won’t be like skiing in Vermont by our ski home with a gang of friends-but it will be skiing.   I look forward to great exercise and beauty in the mountains of Colorado.  Maybe I should just book trip after trip.  I am living here in a place my friend’s call “Buttfuck” since they cannot see being North of Boca unless you’re in New York.  I see their point when I pass 3 cow pastures on the way to the Post Office.  I was told not to brag about being surrounded by horses and buffalo here-so I won’t.

I joined a club unwittingly.  The sisterhood of widows.  Never thought I’d be one.  I imagined we die in some disaster together.  Maybe a plane crash or hitting a tree skiing together.  No such luck.  I am here and my Johnny is not.  Should I pair up with another man.  I look around and see nice folk that are not like me.  They are mostly from the central states in my golf community.  When you leave my gated country club you run into men with piercings, tattoo’s and backwards hat.  Some of them have all their teeth.  So maybe I will not meet another and I am too frozen to move further South at this time.

My girlfriend has been widowed 15 years and prefers a solo life.  She told me you have to kiss a lot of frogs and then you still do not find Mr. Right.  I lived with Mr. Perfect so what to do-watch TV, golf and surf the internet and fast forward commercials.  It’s a life of sorts.

I attended a grievance group here that depressed me even more than I was before going.  It had parents that lost their children.  I could not bear their pain and then I was told I could not truly grieve if I did not take Jesus Christ into my life.  So I am about the only Jew in this area and there were no Jewish grievance groups-so at my age I should be able to handle my pain with my brain.  I have had years of education and taught high school health and PE-so to my own self be true.

Thanks for listening to my woe.  I am a work in progress and know not where I am going so I’ll golf, ski and play Mah jongg.

marcy may

My wife and I have always tried to take time off in the summer as well as the winter. We plan our vacations around our children’s school schedule. The summer months are generally easier to arrange due to the extended length of time that school is not in session, however the holiday breaks and spring breaks are generally harder to plan for. Several years ago we decided that we would look into ski vacations to take over the holiday break. Our children were ten and twelve years old at the time and they enjoy skiing and last year wanted to begin snowboarding.

My wife found a good deal on two ski vacations which also accommodated my childrens wish to begin snowboarding. The only problem was that the flight was on Christmas day evening. That year Christmas fell on a Monday so we celebrated with my side of the family on Saturday evening, his side of the family on Sunday and we had our own family Christmas Monday morning prior to heading out to the airport. We bought each of the kids a portable CD player that year so that occupied their time during the flight. The ski package that we purchased included a two bedroom chalet with a kitchen and living room area. There was a hot tub that fit six people on a raised platform area in the living room. The hot tub over looked the mountains and one of the skiing runs. The chalet was a short walk to the main lodge. The lodge had a dining area, bar and large game room with pool tables, arcade games and tables to play board games. Their selection of board games was huge.

The lodge was beautifully decorated for the holidays. We arrived at the lodge at 5:00PM. We unpacked our bags and then went to have dinner together. We played a board game after dinner then went back to our chalet and spent time in the hot tub. The next day we skied and went into town for groceries. It was a magical week that I know my children will remember for the rest of their lives. We have never laughed so much at my antics on a snowboard because as they wanted to begin snowboarding I decided that I woud also begin snowboarding. Now I am not so sure!

This year my wife is again checking out ski vacations. Our oldest child is a senior in high school this year, so this may be our last family trip during the holiday time. We have not gone back to that first lodge again; partly because of the expense and partly because the time was so perfect that I doubt that it can be duplicated. This year Christmas falls on a Monday again. My wife feels that this is a sign that we should repeat the skiing package. Our children are excited about doing this also. That had been their favorite time out of the ski vacations we have taken. The price has gone up considerably, but we have decided that this will be our Christmas present. I am looking forward to a special time with my family.

John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/we-have-made-ski-vacations-a-family-get-together-97954.html

Andorra has transformed her ski holiday image over the last 20 years from a ‘poor man’s Switzerland’ to a fully functional ski country able to compete with other European countries during the December to April European ski season.

So successful has the transformation been that nearly ten million tourists visit the country each year.

And for this year’s ski season Andorra opened a new family friendly ski park in Arinsal, moving away further still from her old image of a cheap and cheerful ski holiday for 18-30 year olds to one that caters well for all.

The snow park includes a conveyor belt and a game zone, designed to give children confidence before they ski and use the chair lifts.

Well known ski villages in Andorra include Soldeu and Ordino as well as Arinsal.

Other new developments in Andorra for the 2007 ski season include a 540 space underground car park in La Massana close to the cable car, and an extension of the beginners area in Arinsal.

Commenting on the new facilities, a travel guide for Andorra claims that the investment in Andorra’s infrastructure is ongoing, and will allow Andorra to compete with other ski areas in Europe for years to come.

Property In Andorra

As well as being a top ski destination, Andorra is also a tax haven, with many people moving to the country to benefit from her income tax free status.

Property prices have risen dramatically over the last ten years, and according to Andorra real estate agents two bedroom apartments now start from around 250,000 Euros.

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. Residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn’t policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have in the future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

‘Given the tax advantages Andorra has’, note the guide, ‘A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come, and for those who like skiing it’s a holiday and tax paradise in one!’

Roger Munns
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/andorra-ski-resort-opens-new-family-friendly-park-128905.html

When it’s time to take a ski vacation, or any vacation for that matter, it’s important to go somewhere that will accommodate everyone’s interests, needs, and athletic skill levels. When you don’t want anyone to feel left behind, consider visiting a place like Keystone, Colorado. Here, no one will be too overwhelmed by the mountain’s offerings, and even the pros will find a slope to put them to the test. Keystone is all about variety, so check it out for a vacation during any season of the year.

Winter travelers will be wow-ed by Keystone’s seemingly limitless snow-related activities. Eight months out of the year find the majestic mountains covered in the powdery stuff, and with four different peaks to choose from there’s enough room for everyone to enjoy themselves. Novices will find a place to learn the ropes without fearing for their lives, as instruction is readily available and newcomers are hardly a rare sight. Seasoned skiers will be properly challenged by the thrill rides contained within Arapahoe Basin, so no matter who you are you’ll meet your match in Keystone.

For something different and perfect for all the night owls out there, be aware that Keystone hardly shuts down when darkness falls. Thanks to lots of lights and an omnipresent spirit of adventure, it’s possible to keep the ski fun going long into the evening. This is the largest night park in the state, and it offers skiing, snowshoeing and tubing beneath the gleam of the moon. Nothing compares to speeding through the darkness as the snow takes on an otherworldly sparkle, and this experience cannot be missed.

After a good night’s rest and lots of moonbeam-lit dreams, head back outside for another round. Ice skating and winter hiking make great pastimes, so don’t think it’s all about the skis. If you need some time indoors to stay warm, shop for souvenirs or hit the arcade. Keystone is perfect for families who sometimes find it necessary to split up in order to stay sane and have a great day, so while mom gets a pedicure or a massage, the kids will be entertained by one of the many organized activities going on. Meet back up for hot cocoa and compare stories; everyone is sure to think they’ve had the most fun.

Don’t forget that the warm weather months are also jam-packed with laughs and possibilities, making summer vacations just as eventful as winter ones. Hikes and nature walks are of course must-sees, but don’t forget about mini-golf, hot air balloon rides, canoeing, fly fishing or any of the other balmy, wildflower-accented scenarios you may find yourself living within after the ice has melted. Making your way to a higher altitude this June, July or August could be an excellent way to achieve the summer vacation you’ve always wanted to brag about come September.

After working up a sweat mountain biking or horseback riding, you’ll certainly want to investigate Keystone’s culinary offerings. Several noteworthy restaurants along with a healthy nightlife scene will rev up your après-ski or hot summer night situation, and grocery stores will allow you to pick up a few necessities if you’re interested in creating a few happy hours or dinners of your own design. These will be especially likely if you’re lucky enough to have reserved a vacation property, which will take care of the needs you never even knew you had.

Keystone, more than lots of other destinations, has many vacation rentals to choose from. They range in size, style and price, and will duly allow you and your companions to enjoy yourselves to the fullest extent. Having certain things at your disposal, like a kitchen, master suite, game room and super-cozy fireplace, will make this trip far better than your last.

Cabins, lodges and spacious log town homes have undeniable appeal, especially when nestled before the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, so see what you’ve been missing and go online today. Your Keystone Vacation Rental awaits you, as does a vacation that will truly take you away.

Caitlin Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/keystone-vacations-for-everyone-64125.html

Every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance, fascination and charm, whether it is snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes or cool forests carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit. In these natural surroundings, quick-flowing rivers lead into crystal-clear blue lakes, re-emerging in mineral springs and nourishing the country’s protected bio-reserves, with their rare plants and game. It is within this kind of setting that you will find Bulgaria’s large, lively ski resorts and its small, picturesque villages, where tradition and folklore still abound.

The Pirin Mountain

Pirin is the country’s second highest mountain, home to 176 mountain lakes and around 100 varieties of rare plants – including the edelweiss and the famous Baikousheva fir. It is also the home of the well-known Bansko ski resort.

The town of Bansko is situated in south-western Bulgaria, in the foothills of the beautiful Pirin Mountains. It is a national reserve listed on the World natural Heritage list. Although a thriving ski resorts in winter, it is also popular in summer as a starting point for excursions into the mountains.

Bansko can be reached either by flying into Sofia Airport and driving south, or by flying into Thessalonica ( Salonica) in Greece. From here, it’s a three-hour drive to the north. One of Bulgaria’s newest winter and summer resorts, it has recently been discovered by international tourists, with its unique combination of virgin nature and the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town.

Summers in Bansko are short and hot, with long, mild winters. The average temperature during January, the coldest month, is – 1.9 ºC and snowfall is abundant, providing a constant winter cover of up to 2m deep. The skiing season on the Pirin slopes starts in the middle of December and end in mid-April, with excellent conditions throughout. With a predominantly Alpine character and two peaks towering above 2900m, the slopes offer runs and tracks foe all types of skiing that suit both beginners and experts alike.

Snowboarders come from all over the world to try out the first attraction park in the Balkans where they can build jumps suited to their taste and abilities, while the town itself attracts cultural visitors to its monuments, museums and permanent ethnographic exhibitions.

Only 18 months after the resort’s renovation, property sales are booming in Bansko. According to experts, we should see very strong capital growth over the next few years and investment opportunities continue to improve as more and more capital flows into the development of this unique blend of natural beauty and excellent holiday facilities. Rental demand is extremely high and the planned construction of new golf courses will attract a lot more visitors to the area. There is also talk of a private airstrip being added in the near future.

The Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodopes are the greenest and most picturesque of the Bulgarian mountains, linked with the legend of the mythical singer Orpheus. Snow and sun , clean air and a mild climate with a Mediterranean feel combine with an original folklore and superb cuisine, cordial and hospitable people and last but not least one of the country’s largest ski resort, Pamporovo, to attract many a tourist to this area.

The Pamporovo ski resort is situated 1650m above sea level, at the foot of the Snejanka peak (1926m), a region famous for its old folkloric tradition. Only 260km from Sofia and 85km from Bulgaria’s third-largest city, Plovdiv, Pamporovo is said to be the sunniest winter resort in Europe. The winters are gentle with lots of snow, and the number of sunny days during the season, from December to May, reaches 120. The average temperature in January is around -2ºC.

Pamporovo enjoys an international reputation for its healthy climate, so it’s no surprise that the majority of Bulgaria’s centenarians are from this region. A ski-centre for all levels of enthusiasts, it has excellent runs including a competition run for giant slalom, a first class lift system and a ski-school of international standard with more than 100 highly qualified instructors.

Several European and American aid programmes are working to help small hoteliers turn the unspoiled Rhodope Mountains into a year-round tourist attraction, as the terrain shelters numerous natural wonders such as caves, mineral springs and landscapes that embody the country’s unique charm.

Pamporovo is undergoing an exciting period of growth with the construction of five new ski runs this season alone. The total length of the runs in the resort now reaches over 31km and official estimates project a 40% increase in tourist numbers for the coming season. However, Pamporovo does not stop its lift for the summer, allowing visitors to view spectacular vistas from the peaks. The only Olympic size half pipe for snowboarding in Bulgaria will also be completed by next season. Pamporovo, together with the nearby village of Chepelare, will soon boast over 59km of ski runs.

All of the above, without a doubt, means that new development will attract more buyers and tourists, and the area will see extremely high capital appreciation on investments for years to come.

Jolis Eltilib
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/bulgarian-mountain-111686.html