Archives for: December 2009
Top 10 ski destinations in Canada to visit during Winter Olympics
December 29th, 2009The 2010 Winter Olympics, scheduled to be held at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, will start from February 12th, 2010. Canada has some of the best skiing resorts that offer a whole range of skiing activities including glacier skiing and heliskiing. There are several skiing destinations in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta.
1. Whistler or Blackcomb

Whistler/Blackcomb is not only the best skiing destination in Canada but also in the world. It is situated 2 hours from Vancouver at the British Columbia Coast Mountains. A pedestrian mountain joins the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. This village plays the perfect host for the 2 million visitors who come down to Whistler/Blackcomb.
With a skiing area of over 81, 00 acres, one can enjoy as many as 38 types of lifts. The Whistler and Blackcomb mountains witness annual snowfall of 402 inches and has one mile skiable vertical. Visitors can enjoy other activities like rides on horse drawn sledges, snow cat tours, dog sledding, heli skiing, tube trek and zip trek. Whistler/Blackcomb is ideal for beginners and expert skiers with its gentle and steep chutes. This is the dream destination for skiers because of the presence of the Superpipe and five terrain parks.
2. Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse is the second best skiing spot in Canada, with its killer snow and breathtaking terrain. Nestled in the town of Golden further inland in British Columbia, Kicking Horse is considered to be an ideal skiing destination for newbies and those uncomfortable with very challenging steeps. While the lower part of the mountain is for beginners, the upper part is great for experts who want to challenge their skiing skills.
There is a skiing area of 2750 acres and has an annual snowfall of 275 inches at the summit. A vertical height of 4133 feet and 106 terrain type runs, Kicking Horse is a skier’s delight.
3. Lake Louise

A little away from the Sunshine Village lies the second largest resort in Canada, Lake Louise. It has a huge 4200 acre skiing area and a vertical height of 3250 feet. Lake Louise offers wide range terrains, ranging from groomers, steeps and wide open bowls. Lake Louise overlooks huge glaciers and mountain peaks and the alpine groves. A skier can have an adrenaline rush by talking the long run down the vertical height of Lake Louise.
4. Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie is one of the most beautiful towns of Canada allowing skiers to explore their skiing skills. The 2504 acres of skiable area allows a longest run of 5 km. It has 384 inches of annual snowfall and skiers can chose from 5 types of lifts. Skiers are thrilled by the 111 terrain type runs.
5. Red Resort

This place is popular among skiers for its 25 feet deep annual snowfall that allows them more than 83 terrain type runs. Red Resort, located on the Red Mountain and the Granite Mountain, has a halfpipe and skiers can test their abilities by going down the vertical height of 2909 feet.
6. Big White

The title of the biggest ski-in and ski-out village of Canada is given to Big white. This skiing spot is located on the second largest mountain of British Columbia. It has a skiable area of 2765 areas and a skiable vertical height of 2550 feet. It has 5 alpine bowls and provides the longest run for 7.2 km. Big White offers the Superpipe and halfpipe along with 118 terrain type runs.
7. Le Massif

Le Massif is the next most prominent skiing spot in Canada. The best skiing resort in eastern Canada is Le Massif. With a vertical height of 2526 feet and a generous amount of snow, Le Massif is a clear winner above the rest. If one wants to avoid crowd and enjoy tranquility while skiing, Le Massif is the best place to be. It has a massive 410 acres of skiing area and plays a host for beginners, intermediates and expert skiers. The 250 inches of snow per year at Le Massif is enough for satisfying the need of skiers.
8. Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks offers a skiable area of 3678 acres and is the third largest skiing area in Canada and the second largest in British Columbia. The vertical height of 2891 feet and an annual snowfall of 220 inches are quite tempting for skiers. One can enjoy 8 km long run without interruptions and soak in the scenic beauty around.
9. Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant, one of the skiing spots of Quebec, can also be accessed through its nearby airport. With a skiable area of 625.5 acres and a vertical skiable height of 2116 feet, it offers the longest run of 6 km.
10. Mont Sainte Anne

Quebec’s Mont Sainte Anne has an XL terrain park offering wall rides, box downs, down flat downs, kinks, picnic tables and rainbows. The 160 inches of annual snowfall allows activities like ice skating, dog sledding, ice canyoning and paragliding besides skiing. One can ski around the 465 acres of skiable area and enjoy a vertical height of 2050 feet. Military Boots Walk the Runways with Fashion Trends.
Top Tourist destinations in Europe
December 17th, 2009Travelling to Europe is a dream nurtured by millions of people all over the world and only a few can actually fulfil this dream in reality. Europe has been the most favoured destination for most of the tourists for a long time. This continent is blessed with some of the most exotic destinations tempting people to come and visit them now and again. The introduction of cheap and budget airlines has come across as a big boost and now common man too can realize their dream of visiting Europe.
There are several tourist attractions in Europe and the list is endless. Nonetheless, here is a list of ten top widely appreciated tourist destinations which has been made keeping in view the tastes of a wide spectrum of people worldwide.
The Millennium Wheel and the Tower of London, London (U.K)

London is one of the most sought after destinations in Europe. With its rich history it is surely a hot spot for one and all. The best places to visit while in London are the Millennium Wheel and the Tower of London. The millennium wheel also known as the London Eye has a striking height of 135 meters and is the most popular tourist spot. The Tower of London is actually the Royal palace of the Queen. This monument by the Thames has a lot of historical significance.
The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, Paris (France)

Paris too has plenty of tourist attractions and the beauty and significance of each surpasses the other making all of them a must visit for the tourists. But if I have to choose among the best for tourists, then it will have to be the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. A landmark guarding the richness and beauty of Paris is the Eiffel Tower which is the tallest tower in France. The beautiful lighting of this Tower creates an enchanting atmosphere and mesmerizes one and all.
Art lovers should never miss the Louvre museum in Paris which is arguably one of its kinds and the best art museum in the world. There is an awesome collection of precious masterpieces of art which dates back to 19th century AD. I am sure one can never stop admiring them but just getting an opportunity to have a look is surely a lifetime experience!
The Roman Colosseum and Milan, Italy (Rome)

Rome is another country which has a rich history to captivate the world. People visiting Italy must make it a point to visit the Roman Colosseum. It is a huge and marvellous wonder with brilliant architecture in the Roman style. It was the amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 50,000 people in the ancient times! It still stands tall and firm bearing testimony to the European history through ages.
If you are a diehard fashion freak then I would suggest you make Milan your next stop in Italy. Shopping is a great fun and there are loads of options to enjoy quality entertainment mediums like theatre and cinemas. Great for foodies too!
The House of Anne Frank, Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Who doesn’t know Anne Frank! The story of this Jewish young girl and writer whose war-time diaries have revealed various facts of that time are looked upon as masterpieces of literature as well. Her house has been renovated to a museum with a bookshop and a cafe and attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world.
Granada (Spain)

Spain is another beautiful country with lovely beaches that soaks in the sun. In my view beaches are found everywhere and wouldn’t be of much significance as compared to your visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada. This palace was the official residence of Granada’s Islamic rulers. Here, one can witness some of the supreme illustrations of Islamic art and architecture.
Tivoli Garden, Copenhagen (Denmark)

If you are planning a trip to Denmark, then I will surely recommend that you visit the Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen. With a history which dates back to 150 years this is a joy garden which has acquired world fame over the years. It is perhaps one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe and offers a host of activities making it one of the top tourist destinations Europe has to offer. There are theatres, restaurants, musical bands, lake, all in a beautifully landscaped area which illuminates in the night with a heavenly bliss.
Skiing and adventure spot, Switzerland

If you are an adventure freak and an avid admirer of natural beauty then your Switzerland must be on your travel agenda. This beautiful country has mountain ranges which are by far the best in entire Europe offering the best natural skiing tracks. The country is famous worldwide for its clean and fresh environment and with a picture perfect beauty it stands out as one of the most sought after destinations in more ways than one!
The list of fascinating tourist destinations in Europe is endless and for a tourist to choose the top destinations to suit his priority is definitely a tricky task!! Will be waiting for the views from my readers!