Extreme Sports

Although we are only just nearing the end of summer, it’s never too early to start thinking about those colder temperatures. I am, of course, talking about winter. Although it might seem ages away, we really aren’t all that far away from snow. So why not start thinking about some winter destinations now? MetroFlats.com, a new vacation rental website I represent, doesn’t necessarily have properties in the five destinations I will list below, but we will have winter vacation rentals very soon. So without further ado, here are the top five winter destinations in the United States!

1. Aspen, Colorado: If you’ve ever seen Dumb and Dumber you’ve probably seen bits of Aspen before. Aspen is a perfect choice for any winter vacation. Enjoy the wonderful ski slopes or maybe take a ride in a ski lift–just don’t get your tongue stuck on the pole! And when you’re done with all the activities of the day, you can relax in one of Aspen’s beautiful lodges. And while we have no listings in Aspen at the moment, by the time winter comes along we should have plenty. So be sure to keep an eye on our site!

2. New York City, New York: At this point you’re probably thinking, “wait a minute, are you actually suggesting New York City for a winter vacation?” Why yes, I am. I know an urban jungle might not necessarily seem like the ideal place to spend the cold days of winter, but there are actually some beautiful attractions in the big city during that season. For one thing, there are plenty of ice skating opportunities, such as the famous rink in Rockefeller Center. Speaking of Rockefeller Center, you can also visit the equally famous Christmas Tree there. I’m sure you saw that one in Home Alone 2 if nothing else…I’m really packing in the movie references today! And if you want a place to warm up, visit some of the museums! Or you can warm up at a New York vacation rental!  Read more...

For many people, the idea of a vacation spent lazing around isn’t particularly appealing; these people want something more out of their vacation time than just a suntan and a hangover, they want excitement! The appeal of an adventure vacation makes a lot of sense when you consider that many people work long hours in jobs that often leave much to be desired in the realm of being mentally stimulating or physically active.

There are many kinds of adventure vacations and tours in Alberta, depending on your interests and abilities. Even if you are moderately fit, there are many places that offer walking, hiking or horseback riding tours; for those with a higher level of fitness, winter snow shoeing might be an appealing option.

There are many places in Alberta that you can travel to for a variety of experiences. Alberta has many mountains, working farms, historical sites, and rivers where you can find interesting and exciting vacation destinations.

For those who enjoy a mountain holiday, there are many mountain destinations in Alberta such as Lake Louise and the Canada Olympic Park.

Lake Louise is Canada’s largest ski and snowboarding area and averages 380 cm of snow annually; the resort is also situated within Banff National Park, a World Heritage Site. The Chateau Lake Louise was originally built in the late 19th and early 20th century and is a jewel of a destination in the Canadian Rockies. The resort plays host to skiing, snowboarding, and skating activities as well as sleigh rides.

Canada Olympic Park is the site of the Calgary Olympic Winter Games in 1988. They offer many instructional programs in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, bobsled, and mountain biking. The Park also has a new zip-line adventure for the adventurous visitor. The Olympic Park also has the benefit of being only ten minutes from Calgary’s downtown core.  Read more...

Even though it’s January and half the winter sports season is over you still have time to explore new territories. Since it’s a new year, we here at Colorado Ski Shop have culled our knowledge and experience and we want to share this year’s top five snowboarding destinations with you!
Check out the list below, did your favorite spots make it?

SNOWBIRD

Utah is one of those states with so many potential snowboarding and skiing venues that it’s an absolute dream to any winter sport enthusiast. We picked Snowbird for its unique attributes and extensive network of runs and lifts. The tram will get you to the top of its 11,000 feet (Hidden Peak) in a mere 8 minutes so you can begin exploring one of its 85 runs. With the highest altitude of any Utah resort and about 500 inches of annual snowfall, Snowbird offers a longer season of use than many other resorts – in 2005, skiers were in full swing until July 4th! In addition, Snowbird is only 29 miles from Salt Lake City, allowing visitors the opportunity to explore nightlife, culture and cuisine with a short drive. Snowbird is great for both skiing and snowboarding, so grab your gear and go!

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

Sunny California has its own winter sport havens, many of which are causing quite a stir on the international snowboarding scene. Mammoth Mountain is one of those resorts whose reputation is known far and wide – even Shaun White, Olympic snowboarder, has a season pass! From October to June, this place is a snowboarder’s dream. The summit rises 11,000 feet and includes a 3,000 foot vertical drop. For the experienced rider, we recommend Hangman’s Hollow – a narrow chute bordered by rocks and positioned at a steep incline. Beginners need not apply (just stick to the Panoramic Gondola – enjoy scenic vistas on your way up to the top of the mountain!). No gear? No problem – Mammoth Mountain rents out everything you need, from ski equipment to snowboards!  Read more...

Hawaii is home to perfectly breaking waves and warm water that makes it a tropical paradise for all; this is especially true for surfers. Surfing is a hug part of the traditions and culture of the all the Hawaiian Islands. This sport goes back to ancient times. It is embedded in the hearts and minds of the residents of Hawaii.

Bonzai Pipeline
This is an infamous surf destination and has been for many years. The foremost surfers from all around the world travel to this spot to surf. They have good reason too! On any given day there are often large glassy waves that create perfect tubes. Being the most popular surf destination on the globe, it attracts many championship surf contest every year.

Waimea Bay
This is one of the oldest surfing areas in Hawaii. It is best known for large monster waves that swell and manifest at its point and shore breaks. Its shore breaks are notorious throughout the surfing world. Waves break really close to the shore which makes for high impact surfing.

Sandy Beach
This is another well known surf area. It is located on the southeast side of the main island, Hawaii, with a famous shore breaks. This beach is best known for featuring shallow waters and critical fast surf. While these conditions may spell danger for some surfers, the more experienced surfers know that it is one of the best spots around. Even on a day where the waves are not large, Sandy Beach is still almost guaranteed to barrel and have many fun waves for anyone to enjoy.

Sunset Beach
This famous surfing destination, on Oahu’s North Shore, is a favorite hot spot for professional surfers to go. The long nice waves make it a great place to hold surfing contests. It is centrally located along the drive to the North Shore. Giving the beach its well deserved name, it’s the perfect destination to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.  Read more...

Here, I have researched top 10 surf camp destinations. It is just a short description of the voted surfing destinations. The research is taken from other research sites and from the research made by most of the travel websites.

The following are the list of the 10 surfing areas in the world voted by surfers and travelers.

1. California surf camps – The Pacific Coast Highway that runs the length of California’s coast provides easy access to hundreds of surfing spots and waves for everyone, from beginners to professionals.

2. France’s West Coast surf camps- France is blessed with two beautiful coasts but it’s the West coast that surfers love for its quality waves and stunning beaches.

3. Costa Rica Surf camps – Costa Rica’s more popular beaches have been surfing destinations for decades. However for the opportunity to catch rides that will make your legs ache it is well worth the journey.

4. Mexico surf camps – The locals are friendly & generous, the vibe seriously laid back, the water is warm and crystal clear and the waves are sweet.

5. Madeira camps- This picturesque island sits alone west of Casablanca and is able to capture the powerful swells coming out of the North Atlantic.

6. Australia camps – Australia’s Sunshine Coast, along the Pacific Ocean, attracts surfers from around the world for its different types of waves and secluded beaches.

7. Bali surf camps – Surfers who travel to this exotic destination enjoy surf created by the southeast trade winds from March through November.

8. Florida camps- Cocoa Beach sits on the Sunshine State’s Atlantic Coast and offers surfers great waves as well as a more cosmopolitan lifestyle than other surfing destinations. . If magnificence vacations are your worry along with great surfing then the beaches of Florida are just true, particularly the Cocoa beach.  Read more...