Forget staying home for the dark, cold days of winter. As temperatures cool down, awe-inspiring events and festivals around the world beckon to cold-weather enthusiasts. From an annual wine festival in Taos, New Mexico, to a snow sculpting competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these thrilling events are worth facing the winter chill. Read on to discover spectacular seasonal festivals across the globe.
Marcus Hotels Press > Press Coverage
01.30.18 |
Hotel Management: Marcus Hotels to manage the newly opened Murieta Inn and Spa
Marcus Hotels & Resorts recently announced it has been selected to manage the Murieta Inn and Spa in Rancho Murieta, Calif., which opened Jan. 23, 2018. An independent, boutique hotel, the Murieta Inn and Spa perfectly complements the company’s portfolio as it expands on the West Coast and establishes a presence in Northern California. Read the full story about the announcement here. |
01.22.18 |
The Pfister Hotel names six finalists for its 10th artist in residence
Instagram Блеск Facebook Блеск check Milwaukee, Wis., January 16, 2018 – The AAA Four-Diamond Pfister® Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced six finalists for the 2018-2019 Artist-in-Residence program. This year’s finalists are Katheryn Corbin, ceramic figure sculpture; Clare Jorgensen, encaustic painter; Heidi Parkes, fiber artist; Kate Schaffer, painter; Stephanie Schultz, fashion designer; and Alice Wilson, living statue performer, costume and makeup designer. Instagram Детейлинг watch Works of the six finalists will be showcased through mid-February at Gallerie M inside the InterContinental® Milwaukee, also owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, to coincide with the Historic Third Ward’s Gallery Night and Day on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20, 2018. At a special Gallery Night reception at Gallerie M, guests and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the finalists and learn more about their work. The event will be held on Friday, January 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with complimentary light snacks, passed champagne and a cash bar, Facebook Автостудия Глянец here The 2018-2019 Artist-in-Residence winner will help celebrate the 10th year of the internationally recognized program, which provides an opportunity for local artists to enjoy a highly visible platform to showcase her work. This includes a year’s worth of creating and displaying their work in the designated artist studio and gallery on the first floor of the 125-year-old Pfister Hotel. Guests and the public can visit the artist during her residency in The Pfister’s studio and watch the evolution of each piece come to life while learning about the Artist in Residence’s unique artform and method. Facebook Детейлинг visit Instagram Автостудия Глянец Public Voting Beginning at noon CST on Friday, January 19, 2018, members of the public will be able to vote online at www.thepfisterhotel.com/vote once per day, or via manual ballot vote at both Gallerie M and the Artist-in-Residence Studio at The Pfister Hotel. Voting will end on Friday, February 16, 2018 at noon CST, and the selection committee will announce the next Artist in Residence soon thereafter. The public voting will comprise of one seat on the selection committee, influencing the final decision. Regardless of who is chosen as Artist in Residence, the winner of the public vote will receive a solo exhibit inside Gallerie M and a $300 Utrecht Art Supplies gift card. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://Media.MarcusHotels.com. About The Pfister Hotel Celebrating its 125th year, The Pfister Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the Midwest and continues to be the premier hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Originally opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. The hotel’s storied elegance had faded following World War II, until 1962, when Ben Marcus, founder of The Marcus Corporation, purchased this grand hotel out of bankruptcy. The Marcus family renovated and restored the hotel to its original glory, adding convention facilities, a parking garage and 23-story guest tower. The Pfister Hotel remains home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, and offers an interactive augmented reality tour of pieces in this impressive collection. Today The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style, and has been recognized by AAA as a Four-Diamond property for 41 consecutive years. In 2017, The Pfister Hotel was ranked the No. 1 Best Milwaukee Hotel by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized as a Top Hotel in the Midwest in Condé Nast Traveler’s 30th annual Reader’s Choice Awards. This exceptional property is a member of two prestigious hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information, please visit www.thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter (@PfisterHotel).
About InterContinental Milwaukee Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or a uniquely refined place for meetings, InterContinental® Milwaukee is your downtown destination. Mixing sophisticated elegance with modern luxury, InterContinental Milwaukee offers a chic, upscale atmosphere with a twist of the unexpected. Adjacent to the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk, InterContinental Milwaukee is centrally located to downtown’s business and theatre districts, parks, restaurants and nightlife. Discover the historic Pabst Theatre, the Milwaukee Public Museum or one of Milwaukee’s many summer festivals. InterContinental Milwaukee is located at 139 E. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. Find the hotel on Facebook (facebook.com/InterContinentalMilwaukee) or follow it on Twitter (@InterConMKE) to learn more about upcoming exhibits, events and specials. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning, including hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, featuring premier brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse and Miller Time Pub & Grill. The company is also growing its experiential restaurant concept, The SafeHouse, with a second location that opened in early 2017 in Chicago, Ill. For more information, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels). |
01.22.18 |
The Pfister Hotel names six finalists for its 10th artist in residence
Milwaukee, Wis., January 16, 2018 – The AAA Four-Diamond Pfister® Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced six finalists for the 2018-2019 Artist-in-Residence program. This year’s finalists are Katheryn Corbin, ceramic figure sculpture; Clare Jorgensen, encaustic painter; Heidi Parkes, fiber artist; Kate Schaffer, painter; Stephanie Schultz, fashion designer; and Alice Wilson, living statue performer, costume and makeup designer. Works of the six finalists will be showcased through mid-February at Gallerie M inside the InterContinental® Milwaukee, also owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, to coincide with the Historic Third Ward’s Gallery Night and Day on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20, 2018. At a special Gallery Night reception at Gallerie M, guests and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the finalists and learn more about their work. The event will be held on Friday, January 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with complimentary light snacks, passed champagne and a cash bar, The 2018-2019 Artist-in-Residence winner will help celebrate the 10th year of the internationally recognized program, which provides an opportunity for local artists to enjoy a highly visible platform to showcase her work. This includes a year’s worth of creating and displaying their work in the designated artist studio and gallery on the first floor of the 125-year-old Pfister Hotel. Guests and the public can visit the artist during her residency in The Pfister’s studio and watch the evolution of each piece come to life while learning about the Artist in Residence’s unique artform and method. Public Voting Beginning at noon CST on Friday, January 19, 2018, members of the public will be able to vote online at www.thepfisterhotel.com/vote once per day, or via manual ballot vote at both Gallerie M and the Artist-in-Residence Studio at The Pfister Hotel. Voting will end on Friday, February 16, 2018 at noon CST, and the selection committee will announce the next Artist in Residence soon thereafter. The public voting will comprise of one seat on the selection committee, influencing the final decision. Regardless of who is chosen as Artist in Residence, the winner of the public vote will receive a solo exhibit inside Gallerie M and a $300 Utrecht Art Supplies gift card. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://Media.MarcusHotels.com. About The Pfister Hotel Celebrating its 125th year, The Pfister Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the Midwest and continues to be the premier hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Originally opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. The hotel’s storied elegance had faded following World War II, until 1962, when Ben Marcus, founder of The Marcus Corporation, purchased this grand hotel out of bankruptcy. The Marcus family renovated and restored the hotel to its original glory, adding convention facilities, a parking garage and 23-story guest tower. The Pfister Hotel remains home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, and offers an interactive augmented reality tour of pieces in this impressive collection. Today The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style, and has been recognized by AAA as a Four-Diamond property for 41 consecutive years. In 2017, The Pfister Hotel was ranked the No. 1 Best Milwaukee Hotel by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized as a Top Hotel in the Midwest in Condé Nast Traveler’s 30th annual Reader’s Choice Awards. This exceptional property is a member of two prestigious hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information, please visit www.thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter (@PfisterHotel).
About InterContinental Milwaukee Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or a uniquely refined place for meetings, InterContinental® Milwaukee is your downtown destination. Mixing sophisticated elegance with modern luxury, InterContinental Milwaukee offers a chic, upscale atmosphere with a twist of the unexpected. Adjacent to the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk, InterContinental Milwaukee is centrally located to downtown’s business and theatre districts, parks, restaurants and nightlife. Discover the historic Pabst Theatre, the Milwaukee Public Museum or one of Milwaukee’s many summer festivals. InterContinental Milwaukee is located at 139 E. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. Find the hotel on Facebook (facebook.com/InterContinentalMilwaukee) or follow it on Twitter (@InterConMKE) to learn more about upcoming exhibits, events and specials. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning, including hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, featuring premier brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse and Miller Time Pub & Grill. The company is also growing its experiential restaurant concept, The SafeHouse, with a second location that opened in early 2017 in Chicago, Ill. For more information, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels). |
01.17.18 |
WISN-TV (ABC 12): InterContinental Hotel in Milwaukee to be converted to independent arts hotel
WISN-TV (ABC 12) spoke with Greg Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, about the recent announcement to rebrand the InterContinental Milwaukee in downtown Milwaukee. View the full interview on WISN-TV (ABC 12) here. |
01.17.18 |
Milwaukee Business Journal: Marcus Corp. CEO Greg Marcus explains InterContinental artistic rebrand: Exclusive
After the announcement of the InterContinental Milwaukee’s rebranding efforts, Greg Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, sat down with the Milwaukee Business Journal to discuss the impetus for this incredible transformation. Greg talked about The Marcus family’s deep investment in Milwaukee’s fine arts and performance arts scenes, as well as what went into the decision to rebrand one of Milwaukee’s largest downtown hotels. Read the full story here: https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2018/01/17/marcus-corp-ceo-greg-marcus-explains.html. |
01.16.18 |
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Downtown Milwaukee’s InterContinental being rebranded as independent, arts-focused hotel
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently shared Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ announcement that it will undergo a complete rebranding of the InterContinentel Milwaukee, located in the heart of the Milwaukee’s entertainment district. The 221-room redesigned hotel, located at 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., will include curated exhibits, contemporary art installations and live performances. Read the full story at: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/2018/01/16/downtown-milwaukee-intercontinental-being-rebranded-independent-arts-themed-hotel/1036520001/. |
01.02.18 |
U.S. News & World Report
5 Wonderful Winter Festivals Worth Traveling For Embrace cold-weather pursuits and winter fun with snow ice sculpture competitions, concerts and more. By Sheryl Nance-Nash Wintersköl When: Jan. 11-14, 2018 Aspen‘s annual “toast to winter” dates back to January 1951, when locals began celebrating the town’s unique Nordic lifestyle. The four-day fest features a well-rounded mix of activities, including a Soupsköl (a soup cook-off), a canine fashion show, fat-biking competitions and more. Plus, there are plenty of ways to embrace Aspen’s winter paradise. Four ski mountains make up the terrain for the world-renowned Snowmassresort. Aspen Mountain, locally referred to as Ajax, rises up directly from downtown, creating an enchanting winter scene, and Buttermilk Mountain, home of the X Games, is an ideal spot for kids and beginners. Meanwhile, Aspen Highlands is home to the legendary Highland Bowl, and Snowmass offers diverse runs for all skill levels. Aspen’s beautiful scenery also makes it prime spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fly-fishing and even hot-air ballooning. After embracing some outdoor revelry, head out for dinner at one of Aspen’s world-class restaurants. End a perfect day at Belly Up, Aspen’s 500-person live music venue, where you’re likely to hear renowned artists. Aspen’s big-city cultural institutions, well known for their summer programming, also have plenty of events throughout the winter. St. Barts Music Festival When: January 5-21, 2018 The much-loved St. Barts Music Festival is celebrating its 34th season. The island will host a collection of international music stars and dancers to perform in informal and open-air settings around the island. The artists, who perform in the leading cities around the world, will hold classical music concerts, recitals and opera performances. Taos Winter Wine Festival When: February 1-4, 2018 If you’re a wine lover, consider heading to Taos for a four-day tasting experience with wines from nearly 40 participating wineries, a selection of breweries and one-of-a-kind food provided by local northern New Mexico restaurants. The festival features film screenings, daily wine seminars, a night of tastings at top restaurants, a traditional pig roast and après-ski drinks, culminating in a Grand Tasting – the cornerstone event that spotlights more than 150 different wines from 36 participating wineries and tastes from the area’s finest restaurants. The fun (and the libations) don’t end there. The Super Sunday Champagne Brunch on Feb. 4, 2018, includes four successive plates with sparkling wines. With events taking place at high-end spas like El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and different resorts throughout the Taos Ski Valley, you’re sure to see plenty of highlights in Taos. Wander to art galleries and museums that dot the streets of the Historic Taos Plaza, follow U.S. Route 64 to explore national sites like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge or hit the slopes and ski or snowboard the snow-capped peaks of the Taos Ski Valley. When you’re ready to call it a day, cozy up at the Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast or treat yourself to a night’s stay at Taos Ski Valley’s newest luxury resort, The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. Winterfest and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition When: January 27-February 4, 2018 Winter meets art in Lake Geneva every year during Winterfest for the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Talented sculptors and artists from across the country create works of art out of 8-foot wide by 9-foot tall snow blocks. Other must-do events and activities during the nine-day festival include the Abominable Snow Race (a 4- to 6-mile course made up of 20-plus obstacles at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa‘s Mountain Top ski area), the Human Dog Sled Race, a wine pairing dinner, live magic and illusion at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, historic tours of Maxwell Mansion, live music and entertainment, a chili cook-off and the Cocoa Crawl in downtown Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva also has many scenic trails and nature areas for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to Grand Geneva’s Mountain Top ski area or nearby Wilmot Mountain. Meanwhile, adventurers turn to Geneva Canopy Tours to zip line through the bare trees that allow clear views of the sky, and ice skaters pick from rinks found at The Abbey Resort, The Ridge Hotel, Lake Lawn Resort and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The best sledding hills are at Big Foot Beach State Park and near the parking lot at Sage and Mill Streets in downtown Lake Geneva. When you’re ready to seek warmth, there are plenty of quaint downtown specialty shops, great restaurants like Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub and Tuscan Tavern & Grill. Hunker down at The Cove of Lake Geneva or a historic hotel like The Baker House. SnowDays When: January 18-28, 2018 Around Lake Louise and Banff in the winter, the annual SnowDays Festival a major event. After all, Lake Louise is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with its beautiful crystal-clear turquoise lakes enveloped by stunning glaciers. It’s also home to the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. SnowDays includes a mix of events, shows and activities. Ice skate on the whimsical frozen surface of Lake Louise, catch the Banff Ice Magic Festival with its jaw-dropping ice sculptures from top ice artists around the globe or spend a day riding on the slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts. At night, join the festivities in town. Watch live music, ski and snowboard competitions or simply sip drinks by the fire. For more cold-weather pastimes, embrace sleigh rides, extreme winter sports, gondola riding, snowshoeing and Banff’s stunning hot springs. |
01.02.18 |
U.S. News & World Report
5 Wonderful Winter Festivals Worth Traveling For Embrace cold-weather pursuits and winter fun with snow ice sculpture competitions, concerts and more. By Sheryl Nance-Nash Forget staying home for the dark, cold days of winter. As temperatures cool down, awe-inspiring events and festivals around the world beckon to cold-weather enthusiasts. From an annual wine festival in Taos, New Mexico, to a snow sculpting competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these thrilling events are worth facing the winter chill. Read on to discover spectacular seasonal festivals across the globe. Wintersköl When: Jan. 11-14, 2018 Aspen‘s annual “toast to winter” dates back to January 1951, when locals began celebrating the town’s unique Nordic lifestyle. The four-day fest features a well-rounded mix of activities, including a Soupsköl (a soup cook-off), a canine fashion show, fat-biking competitions and more. Plus, there are plenty of ways to embrace Aspen’s winter paradise. Four ski mountains make up the terrain for the world-renowned Snowmassresort. Aspen Mountain, locally referred to as Ajax, rises up directly from downtown, creating an enchanting winter scene, and Buttermilk Mountain, home of the X Games, is an ideal spot for kids and beginners. Meanwhile, Aspen Highlands is home to the legendary Highland Bowl, and Snowmass offers diverse runs for all skill levels. Aspen’s beautiful scenery also makes it prime spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fly-fishing and even hot-air ballooning. After embracing some outdoor revelry, head out for dinner at one of Aspen’s world-class restaurants. End a perfect day at Belly Up, Aspen’s 500-person live music venue, where you’re likely to hear renowned artists. Aspen’s big-city cultural institutions, well known for their summer programming, also have plenty of events throughout the winter. St. Barts Music Festival When: January 5-21, 2018 The much-loved St. Barts Music Festival is celebrating its 34th season. The island will host a collection of international music stars and dancers to perform in informal and open-air settings around the island. The artists, who perform in the leading cities around the world, will hold classical music concerts, recitals and opera performances. Taos Winter Wine Festival When: February 1-4, 2018 If you’re a wine lover, consider heading to Taos for a four-day tasting experience with wines from nearly 40 participating wineries, a selection of breweries and one-of-a-kind food provided by local northern New Mexico restaurants. The festival features film screenings, daily wine seminars, a night of tastings at top restaurants, a traditional pig roast and après-ski drinks, culminating in a Grand Tasting – the cornerstone event that spotlights more than 150 different wines from 36 participating wineries and tastes from the area’s finest restaurants. The fun (and the libations) don’t end there. The Super Sunday Champagne Brunch on Feb. 4, 2018, includes four successive plates with sparkling wines. With events taking place at high-end spas like El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and different resorts throughout the Taos Ski Valley, you’re sure to see plenty of highlights in Taos. Wander to art galleries and museums that dot the streets of the Historic Taos Plaza, follow U.S. Route 64 to explore national sites like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge or hit the slopes and ski or snowboard the snow-capped peaks of the Taos Ski Valley. When you’re ready to call it a day, cozy up at the Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast or treat yourself to a night’s stay at Taos Ski Valley’s newest luxury resort, The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. Winterfest and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition When: January 27-February 4, 2018 Winter meets art in Lake Geneva every year during Winterfest for the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Talented sculptors and artists from across the country create works of art out of 8-foot wide by 9-foot tall snow blocks. Other must-do events and activities during the nine-day festival include the Abominable Snow Race (a 4- to 6-mile course made up of 20-plus obstacles at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa‘s Mountain Top ski area), the Human Dog Sled Race, a wine pairing dinner, live magic and illusion at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, historic tours of Maxwell Mansion, live music and entertainment, a chili cook-off and the Cocoa Crawl in downtown Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva also has many scenic trails and nature areas for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to Grand Geneva’s Mountain Top ski area or nearby Wilmot Mountain. Meanwhile, adventurers turn to Geneva Canopy Tours to zip line through the bare trees that allow clear views of the sky, and ice skaters pick from rinks found at The Abbey Resort, The Ridge Hotel, Lake Lawn Resort and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The best sledding hills are at Big Foot Beach State Park and near the parking lot at Sage and Mill Streets in downtown Lake Geneva. When you’re ready to seek warmth, there are plenty of quaint downtown specialty shops, great restaurants like Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub and Tuscan Tavern & Grill. Hunker down at The Cove of Lake Geneva or a historic hotel like The Baker House. SnowDays When: January 18-28, 2018 Around Lake Louise and Banff in the winter, the annual SnowDays Festival a major event. After all, Lake Louise is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with its beautiful crystal-clear turquoise lakes enveloped by stunning glaciers. It’s also home to the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. SnowDays includes a mix of events, shows and activities. Ice skate on the whimsical frozen surface of Lake Louise, catch the Banff Ice Magic Festival with its jaw-dropping ice sculptures from top ice artists around the globe or spend a day riding on the slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts. At night, join the festivities in town. Watch live music, ski and snowboard competitions or simply sip drinks by the fire. For more cold-weather pastimes, embrace sleigh rides, extreme winter sports, gondola riding, snowshoeing and Banff’s stunning hot springs. |
12.19.17 |
Money Magazine
The 10 Best Ski and Snowboard Destinations for Your Money By Allana Akhtar Now that winter’s in full swing and the snow’s piling up, it’s time to get your snow pants out for a ski or snowboard trip with family, friends or a significant other. Whether you’re a casual skier or experienced racer, there are plenty of mountains with extraordinary views and challenging summits to try all over the country. MONEY dug into its Best in Travel database to put together the following list of 10 snow-friendly cities that offer the greatest value. Each offers a variety of nearby ski resorts, a nice mix of other apres-ski attractions, and good values on travel, food and lodging for the perfect winter vacation. 1. Reno, Nevada Total cost of a week for two: $1,625 Reno has the perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and a lively nightlife scene for after you quit the slopes. It’s only a modest drive from the scenic summits of Lake Tahoe, yet flights to Reno for a winter trip are still a bargain. Average flight prices begin at $312, according to the flight booking app Hopper. You can even ditch overpriced resort stays for a nearby hotel, which will cost around $100 per night, according to Hotels.com. Make sure you hit the runs at local favorite Mt. Rose, the only mountain offering views over both Lake Tahoe and Reno, according to the website Ski Lake Tahoe. Plus, you won’t have a long trip after you fly in—the resort is just 25 miles from the Reno Airport. Lift tickets are $125 for an adult day pass and $75 a day for children, but booking in advance can score you some discounted tickets. 2. Salt Lake City, Utah Total cost of a week for two: $2,295 For another ski excursion with truly remarkable views, consider the West Coast’s other great lake. Salt Lake City gets plenty of snowfall, which you can enjoy at any of the eight nearby ski resorts. Flights from U.S. destinations are $258 round-trip on average, according to Hopper, while Hotels.com finds rooms cost about $122 per night. If you’re a regular skier looking for a new challenge or views unlike any other, hit up Alta, one of the oldest—and one of the rare skiing-only—resorts in the U.S. The top elevation reaches 10,550 feet and the mountain drops about 2,000 feet, with five lifts. An adult single-day lift ticket is about $99, but prices vary depending on age and at what time you purchase. If you’re a snowboarder or looking for more outdoor options, Snowbird is another great option. During the winter months, the resort offers activities like snowshoeing, mountain tours, “cat skiing” tours and even heli-skiing, for one-of-a-kind views of the 11,000-foot mountain. Snowbird day tickets start at $119. 3. South Lake Tahoe, California Total cost of a week for two: $3,249 Just across the state line from Nevada, South Lake Tahoe can deliver an adrenaline rush both on and off the slopes. Heavenly Mountain Resort boasts almost 100 runs across 4,800 acres of terrain; you can feast your eyes on celestial views of Lake Tahoe while skiing the mountain’s 3,500-foot vertical drop. In the evening, warm up with some drinks and dancing at Unbuckle at Tamarack Lodge, a nightclub located 9,150 feet above sea level, at the top of the resort’s gondola. Flights to South Lake Tahoe cost $312 on average, Hopper finds, and hotel rooms are about $155 a night, according to Hotels.com. Buying online and advance will land you the best lift ticket deals at Heavenly, but window prices for adults are $126 per day each, while children can enter for $69. Mt. Brighton in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts
4. Ann Arbor, Michigan Total cost of a week for two: $1,293 Ann Arbor is known more as a college town than a ski town, but the city has easy access to nearby ski resorts, and its historic landmarks and renowned restaurants make it a lovely winter destination. Flights to Ann Arbor are the cheapest on this list, at $245 on average, according to Hopper, and renting a car costs just $32.50 per day, according to data from CheapCarRental.net. Drive up to Mt. Brighton and hit one of the 24 trails sprawled along the 130-acre resort. More appropriate for family outings than for mogul jumping, the resort is packed with beginner and intermediate runs; it also has some of the least expensive child lift tickets on the list, starting at $35. (And if the family gets bored, there’s also the University of Michigan campus to explore, and obligatory tours of the country’s largest stadium, The Big House.) 5. Taos, New Mexico
Total cost of a week for two: $1,919 You won’t have to drive far from Taos Pueblo to hit the slopes at the nearest ski resort, Taos Ski Valley. Only 18 miles from town, the resort offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. There’s also a nearby hot springs destination, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, that offers sulfur-free mineral waters, mud pools, massages, yoga, and hiking trails. Single-day lift tickets at Taos start at $105 for adults, $85 for teens and seniors, and $65 for children.
6. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Total cost of a week for two: $1,903
Number of nearby resorts: 2 Don’t forget the South. Gatlinburg’s proximity to the Smoky Mountains situates it as a perfect ski destination south of the Mason-Dixon line. One of the best known ski resorts in the area is Ober Gatlinburg. Ober’s 600-foot mountain might draw sneers from purists, but families will love one of its most unusual features: an outdoor, year-round roller coaster. Airfare to Gatlinburg is about $323, and snag adult single-day lift tickets starting at $36. 7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total cost of a week for two: $3,214
Number of nearby resorts: 3 Beer and ski hills—what more could anyone want in the wintertime? Flights to Milwaukee are under $300 right now according to Hopper, and the city is about 50 miles away from the scenic Lake Geneva. The Grand Geneva resort gives you gorgeous views while offering cheap lift tickets—just $20 a day. On your drive back, stop to tour some of the best breweries in the state (according to Thrillist), including the Milwaukee Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewery. 8. Burlington, Vermont Total cost of a week for two: $1,934
Number of nearby resorts: 5 Vermont’s stunning natural beauty shines from atop the many summits near Burlington. One of the most popular destinations here is Stowe Mountain Resort, and for good reason—the 485 acre land has more mile-long lifts than any other resort in the East, and you can choose from 116 trails, with the highest skiing elevation reaching 3,625 feet. Adult lift tickets are $99 per day in peak periods (and $94 off-peak). You can also check out the historic Mad River Glen resort, home to the famous ‘Single Chair’—one of just two single-person lifts in the country. It’s also the only skier-owned mountain in America: If you buy a share in the cooperative ($2,000 per share), you can vote on issues surrounding the mountain. 9. Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota Total cost of a week for two: $2,848 Midwesterner ski fans shouldn’t write off the Twin Cities: Low-key local resort Buck Hill has launched the careers of World Cup ski racers Kristina Koznick and Lindsey Vonn. The resort’s low prices—lift rates start at $16 some nights—and mix of skiing, snowboarding and tubing trails make this a great family destination. After the slopes, your family can also hit the Mall of America and other local attractions. Flights from the U.S. cost just $248 on average, according to Hopper. 10. Boise, Idaho Total cost of a week for two: $2,243 The last city on our list is Boise, which gets a boost from its affordable average hotel costs ($110 on average, according to Hotels.com.) You’ll need to drive a couple of hours to reach the famed Sun Valley resort or its newish rival, Tamarack, but Boise has its own historic hill much closer at hand: Bogus Basin, which features 78 runs across 2,600 acres, plus snowshoe trails, a tubing hill and night skiing. Methodology To make the preceding selections, we used MONEY’s Best in Travel database to analyze roughly three dozen of the most popular winter sports destinations nationwide. Then we ranked the cities, identifying the 10 that scored highest for value delivered. Among cost factors, we gave the most weight to the price of airfare, lodging, and food, as well as the biggest year-over-year price drops. We also considered the number of ski resorts each city offered, tourist activities, and experience factors like low crime rates, pleasant weather, and ease of access to public transportation. |
12.19.17 |
Money Magazine
The 10 Best Ski and Snowboard Destinations for Your Money By Allana Akhtar Now that winter’s in full swing and the snow’s piling up, it’s time to get your snow pants out for a ski or snowboard trip with family, friends or a significant other. Whether you’re a casual skier or experienced racer, there are plenty of mountains with extraordinary views and challenging summits to try all over the country. MONEY dug into its Best in Travel database to put together the following list of 10 snow-friendly cities that offer the greatest value. Each offers a variety of nearby ski resorts, a nice mix of other apres-ski attractions, and good values on travel, food and lodging for the perfect winter vacation. 1. Reno, Nevada Total cost of a week for two: $1,625 Reno has the perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and a lively nightlife scene for after you quit the slopes. It’s only a modest drive from the scenic summits of Lake Tahoe, yet flights to Reno for a winter trip are still a bargain. Average flight prices begin at $312, according to the flight booking app Hopper. You can even ditch overpriced resort stays for a nearby hotel, which will cost around $100 per night, according to Hotels.com. Make sure you hit the runs at local favorite Mt. Rose, the only mountain offering views over both Lake Tahoe and Reno, according to the website Ski Lake Tahoe. Plus, you won’t have a long trip after you fly in—the resort is just 25 miles from the Reno Airport. Lift tickets are $125 for an adult day pass and $75 a day for children, but booking in advance can score you some discounted tickets. 2. Salt Lake City, Utah Total cost of a week for two: $2,295 For another ski excursion with truly remarkable views, consider the West Coast’s other great lake. Salt Lake City gets plenty of snowfall, which you can enjoy at any of the eight nearby ski resorts. Flights from U.S. destinations are $258 round-trip on average, according to Hopper, while Hotels.com finds rooms cost about $122 per night. If you’re a regular skier looking for a new challenge or views unlike any other, hit up Alta, one of the oldest—and one of the rare skiing-only—resorts in the U.S. The top elevation reaches 10,550 feet and the mountain drops about 2,000 feet, with five lifts. An adult single-day lift ticket is about $99, but prices vary depending on age and at what time you purchase. If you’re a snowboarder or looking for more outdoor options, Snowbird is another great option. During the winter months, the resort offers activities like snowshoeing, mountain tours, “cat skiing” tours and even heli-skiing, for one-of-a-kind views of the 11,000-foot mountain. Snowbird day tickets start at $119. 3. South Lake Tahoe, California Total cost of a week for two: $3,249 Just across the state line from Nevada, South Lake Tahoe can deliver an adrenaline rush both on and off the slopes. Heavenly Mountain Resort boasts almost 100 runs across 4,800 acres of terrain; you can feast your eyes on celestial views of Lake Tahoe while skiing the mountain’s 3,500-foot vertical drop. In the evening, warm up with some drinks and dancing at Unbuckle at Tamarack Lodge, a nightclub located 9,150 feet above sea level, at the top of the resort’s gondola. Flights to South Lake Tahoe cost $312 on average, Hopper finds, and hotel rooms are about $155 a night, according to Hotels.com. Buying online and advance will land you the best lift ticket deals at Heavenly, but window prices for adults are $126 per day each, while children can enter for $69. Mt. Brighton in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts
4. Ann Arbor, Michigan Total cost of a week for two: $1,293 Ann Arbor is known more as a college town than a ski town, but the city has easy access to nearby ski resorts, and its historic landmarks and renowned restaurants make it a lovely winter destination. Flights to Ann Arbor are the cheapest on this list, at $245 on average, according to Hopper, and renting a car costs just $32.50 per day, according to data from CheapCarRental.net. Drive up to Mt. Brighton and hit one of the 24 trails sprawled along the 130-acre resort. More appropriate for family outings than for mogul jumping, the resort is packed with beginner and intermediate runs; it also has some of the least expensive child lift tickets on the list, starting at $35. (And if the family gets bored, there’s also the University of Michigan campus to explore, and obligatory tours of the country’s largest stadium, The Big House.) 5. Taos, New Mexico
Total cost of a week for two: $1,919 You won’t have to drive far from Taos Pueblo to hit the slopes at the nearest ski resort, Taos Ski Valley. Only 18 miles from town, the resort offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. There’s also a nearby hot springs destination, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, that offers sulfur-free mineral waters, mud pools, massages, yoga, and hiking trails. Single-day lift tickets at Taos start at $105 for adults, $85 for teens and seniors, and $65 for children.
6. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Total cost of a week for two: $1,903
Number of nearby resorts: 2 Don’t forget the South. Gatlinburg’s proximity to the Smoky Mountains situates it as a perfect ski destination south of the Mason-Dixon line. One of the best known ski resorts in the area is Ober Gatlinburg. Ober’s 600-foot mountain might draw sneers from purists, but families will love one of its most unusual features: an outdoor, year-round roller coaster. Airfare to Gatlinburg is about $323, and snag adult single-day lift tickets starting at $36. 7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total cost of a week for two: $3,214
Number of nearby resorts: 3 Beer and ski hills—what more could anyone want in the wintertime? Flights to Milwaukee are under $300 right now according to Hopper, and the city is about 50 miles away from the scenic Lake Geneva. The Grand Geneva resort gives you gorgeous views while offering cheap lift tickets—just $20 a day. On your drive back, stop to tour some of the best breweries in the state (according to Thrillist), including the Milwaukee Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewery. 8. Burlington, Vermont Total cost of a week for two: $1,934
Number of nearby resorts: 5 Vermont’s stunning natural beauty shines from atop the many summits near Burlington. One of the most popular destinations here is Stowe Mountain Resort, and for good reason—the 485 acre land has more mile-long lifts than any other resort in the East, and you can choose from 116 trails, with the highest skiing elevation reaching 3,625 feet. Adult lift tickets are $99 per day in peak periods (and $94 off-peak). You can also check out the historic Mad River Glen resort, home to the famous ‘Single Chair’—one of just two single-person lifts in the country. It’s also the only skier-owned mountain in America: If you buy a share in the cooperative ($2,000 per share), you can vote on issues surrounding the mountain. 9. Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota Total cost of a week for two: $2,848 Midwesterner ski fans shouldn’t write off the Twin Cities: Low-key local resort Buck Hill has launched the careers of World Cup ski racers Kristina Koznick and Lindsey Vonn. The resort’s low prices—lift rates start at $16 some nights—and mix of skiing, snowboarding and tubing trails make this a great family destination. After the slopes, your family can also hit the Mall of America and other local attractions. Flights from the U.S. cost just $248 on average, according to Hopper. 10. Boise, Idaho Total cost of a week for two: $2,243 The last city on our list is Boise, which gets a boost from its affordable average hotel costs ($110 on average, according to Hotels.com.) You’ll need to drive a couple of hours to reach the famed Sun Valley resort or its newish rival, Tamarack, but Boise has its own historic hill much closer at hand: Bogus Basin, which features 78 runs across 2,600 acres, plus snowshoe trails, a tubing hill and night skiing. Methodology To make the preceding selections, we used MONEY’s Best in Travel database to analyze roughly three dozen of the most popular winter sports destinations nationwide. Then we ranked the cities, identifying the 10 that scored highest for value delivered. Among cost factors, we gave the most weight to the price of airfare, lodging, and food, as well as the biggest year-over-year price drops. We also considered the number of ski resorts each city offered, tourist activities, and experience factors like low crime rates, pleasant weather, and ease of access to public transportation. |
