Category Archives: Healthy Getaway

The Biggest Loser Resort – A Fit and Fun Getaway

24 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by in Diet, Healthy Getaway

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week97When it comes time to book some R&R, the choices are endless. In addition to the typical island and European holidays, there are bicycle tours, family vacations, ski trips, honeymoons, sailing adventures, girls’/guys’ weekends, kayaking excursions, dream destinations, golf outings, spa retreats, tennis resorts, safari expeditions, hiking treks, maiden voyages, ski trips, boot camps … and getaways just for weight loss.

A weight loss vacation might not sound alluring or all that exciting, but for those who are serious but dropping the pounds and need a little assistance to jump start their journey, today’s programs have advanced to have a pampering feel. Now in breathtaking destinations, these luxurious getaways include beautiful four- and five-start accommodations, delicious low-calorie meals from world-class chefs, expert advice from the best, engaging group activities, scenic outdoor excursions, rejuvenating spa treatments, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and more in addition to losing those unwanted pounds – the whole point of this getaway in case one almost forgot.

One popular weight loss escape is the Biggest Loser Resort – yes, as in the TV reality show, and yes, it truly does exit – but minus the cameras, lights, and Hollywood hoopla. But you do get to live out the fantasy! You do still get an attentive crew to help with your transformation and will receive the utmost attention and support from certified trainers, registered dietitians, holistic nutritionists, life coaches, and licensed professional counselors. Participants as young 14 are welcome.

For those who are overweight and are better off losing the weight for multiple reasons, the supportive environment at the Biggest Loser Resort is ideal. The award-winning program (see special note below) is designed to help their guests not only to succeed and become lighter on the scale but improve their aerobic endurance, tone their muscles, increase their flexibility, detoxify, and most of all gain the much needed confidence – a CAN DO attitude – that they CAN lose the weight and they CAN keep it off … for good. They learn which exercises work best for them, the correct forms, how to prepare healthy meals, and more empowering instructions.

Guests receive an outlined itinerary daily that includes seven hours of exercise, educational lectures, and three meals and dessert for 1200 calories. Days start early at 6:00 a.m. and are jam-packed throughout and into the early evening with the various workouts such as stretching classes, toning sessions, circuit training, core work, strength training, yoga, aerobics, water aerobics, Pilates, Zumba®, kickboxing, scenic hikes, indoor cycling, and more plus. The educational classes discuss weight loss strategies, meal planning, emotional eating, cooking demos, and more plus how to continue with the Biggest Loser program once they return home. Nighttime is free downtime where guests can indulge in spa treatments, time with newly discovered friends, or kicking back poolside with a good book.

Also worth mentioning is the spa cuisine, which is a welcome dining experience in itself. Organic vegetable omelets, oatmeal with berries or fruit and granola are just some of the delicious healthy choices for breakfast. Wraps, soups, and salads for lunch. Shakes, hummus and veggies, or homemade granola nut bars for a snack. Guests can choose mouth-watering fresh fish or free-range chicken for dinner and heavenly cinnamon apples or coconut haystacks for dessert. All just delish and will make you forget you are actually dieting.

Accommodations
There are all four all-inclusive Biggest Loser Resort locations in four very different settings – the Spa at Eaglewood in Chicago, IL; the Spa at Fitness in Ridge Ivins, UT; the Spa at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA; and Spa Alexis in Niagara, NY. Pick the destination that suits you best and will inspire you most! Guests may choose private, semi-private, and double occupancy accommodations priced by the number of selected weeks. Two weeks is an ideal minimum stay. All locations, except for Niagara, also offer the “Town Program” to local residents who do not need the overnights. Costs include meals, daily activities, and educational series. Spa treatments are additional. Amenities at each location vary. Review each location before deciding. Financing is offered American Health Care Lending. For reservations, call 877-550-1786 or visit BiggestLoserResort.com.

Nearby Activities
Well, you are on a mission here; to learn new fitness and nutritional ways for a healthier you. Clearly this is your main focus so any nearby activities and attractions may only be distractions and should not be of top of mind on this getway. My advice is put all your eggs into one basket. Maximize your time and attention to achieving your goal at the resort and learning how to best continue the path of success after you return home.

Getting There
This of course depends of which Biggest Loser Resort location you select. If you are flying to the Spa at Eaglewood in hoping to find time to play on its championship golf course, Chicago has two international airports, O’Hare (ORD), 12.9 miles from the resort, and Midway (MDW), 25 miles. When choosing the Spa at Fitness Ridge Ivins with its glorious location near the Big Red Mountains, your best bet is to fly into St. George Municipal (SGU), only 22 miles away. If the Pacific Ocean is calling your name and you have your heart set on the Spa Fitness Ridge in Malibu, Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) is your closest airport, 34 miles from the resort. You may also chose to fly into Los Angeles (LAX), 46 miles away, or Long Beach (LGB), 55 miles. Book your flight to the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF) if you are headed to the Spa Alexis nestled in a 300-acre outdoor wonderland complete with it’s own private lake. Car rental, taxi, and shuttle service are available from all above airports once you arrive.

Special Note
The Biggest Loser Resort is award-winning! It received Spa Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Silver Sage Award for “Best Weight Loss Spa,” placed second in Spas of America’s Top 50 Spas, and voted Best for Hiking in the SpaFinder Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award competition. The resort also won SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards in multiple categories, including “Best Fitness Program,” “Best for Weight Loss,” “Best for Hiking,” and “Best for Affordability,” and other awards.

So if buddying up and working with a trainer has always produced the best results for you, then pack up your sneakers, workout clothes, and bathing suit and head to the closest airport for the most alluring Biggest Loser Resort. The time is now to get a kick-start on your weight loss program. If you do, you’ll never look back.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Hiking Around Salzburg, Austria – A Fit and Fun Getaway

06 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Exercising, Health and Wellness, Healthy Getaway, Hiking

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week90aIt’s a hiker’s dream. Fields that are alive with absolutely breathtaking endless peaks and valleys in and around enchanting Salzburg, Austria. Known worldwide as once the home of the Von Trapp family and the birthplace to musically talented Mozart, Salzburg is a must visit city! You will fall in love with the charming city as much as you will fall in love with the magnificent countryside. Dreamy spires, rolling green hills, and romantic picturesque gardens, the city and its surrounding landscape is loved by all who spend time here, with millions of visitors each year from around the world.

I had to the opportunity to be one of those millions and traveled to Salzburg to visit my daughter who was studying abroad at Universität Salzburg. I was really making the trip because she was there and had little idea of what I would be seeing or experiencing other than this was where the beloved “The Sound of Music” was filmed. But as soon as my taxi driver drove into the center of town and I got a first hand look, it was love at first sight with Salzburg as well.

The fourth-largest city in Austria, Salzburg sits along the Salzach River and is a very picturesque European town dotted with renowned baroque architecture, quaint shops and boutique, hidden away restaurants, and wonderful historic attractions. The people are warm and engaging and travel mostly around time by foot, bike, or boat. All of this in addition to being right by the Alps and only a few miles from the German (Bavarian) border, which makes exploring both country’s trails and mountainsides very easy to accomplish.

While my daughter attended class during the day, I would venture out to the nearby hills and mountains to hike to my heart’s content. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails around Salzburg; too many to cover in just one trip. Many are reachable by public transportation or tour arrangements so no worries if you didn’t rent a car. Closest are the “house mountains” Untersberg and Gaisberg, both spectacular with well-groomed and well-marked trails.

If you only have one day to hike while in Salzburg, then Untersberg of the Berchtesgaden Alps is your mountain. With an elevation of 6,473 feet, it’s less than 10 miles from Salzburg and is reachable by bus. To get there, take Bus No. 25 from Hauptbanhof, Salzburg’s main railway station, to St. Leonhard. Once there, you can pick from several trails to lead you to the mountaintop or take a cable car for €21, an eight and a half minute journey. Once at the top, you will experience spectacular mountain-peak views and a wonderful birds-eye view of stunning Rositten Valley.

Gaisberg is just east of Salzburg and is part of the Limestone Alps with elevation of 4,226 feet. It’s easily identified by the massive antenna standing on the peak. Bus No. 151 from the Mirabellplatz Square will get you to the base, then catch a second bus through the district of Gnigl to reach the popular Gaisberg Trail. Follow this path to a viewing bridge where you have a clear look of the surrounding farmlands, Untersberg, and Salzburg.

And there are more hiking musts! Also close by is the Gerlospass, a mountain pass in the Alps between the Oberpinzgau region and Zillertal Valley. Once you reach the top, an elevation of 4,921 feet, you will see amazing views of parts of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The park itself has 700 square miles and home to Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner at a whopping 12,460 feet! West of Salzburg is the Salzkammergut Lake District, a hiker’s paradise that sprawls from Salzburg along the Austrian Alpine Foreland and the Northern Limestone Alps to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. From the village of Fuschl, hike around Lake Fuschlsee or ascend Mont Schober for most beautiful views of the Alps. And just an hour south of Salzburg and right over the German boarder, is Königssee (King’s Lake) for a wonderful hike plus the Obersalzberg uplands in Berchtesgaden National Park. Looming cliffs and soaring mountains enclose the area.

Other nearby popular destinations to hike include: Mount Kehlstien, home to the renowned Eagle’s Nest; the Hochkogel mountain in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps, home to the Eisriesenwelt Werfen, the world’s large limestone ice cave; and for the diehard hiker, the Salzburger Almenweg, a one-of-a kind 217-mile-long trek through the mountain region of Pongau rwith over 120 alpine huts to stay overnight along your journey.

The choices are endless when it comes to hiking in Salzburg. All you just need to do is get on a plane and get there to enjoy!

Getting There: Salzburg has it’s own airport, Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport (SZG), the second largest international airport in Austria, located only two miles from the center of town. Once you land, your best bet is to take a taxi to your hotel. Another option is the bus from the airport, which is excellent in Salzburg, but can be lengthy in time with all the stops. Another option is to fly into Munich, Germany and take the Euro Rail to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof Train Station or rent a car and drive 89 miles to Salzburg.

Accommodations: Best Western Hotel Elefant, Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse 4, Altstadt, Salzburg, Austria reception@elefant.at www.elefant.at Phone: +43 0662 84 33 97. I loved staying here! This is a very quaint, boutique-like hotel housed in a historic 700-year-old building in the heart of old Salzburg and directly off Getreidegasse, a street known for shopping and fine dining. It’s also easy walking distance to all of Salzburg’s major attractions. The non-smoking hotel offers state-of-the art accommodations, free Internet access, and a complimentary full breakfast that is simply delicious. Adjoining the hotel is one of their two restaurants in town, Restaurant Elefant, serving both Austrian and international specialties, fine wines, and the famous Salzburg Stiegl beer.

Nearby Activities: Sightseeing! Pick up a Salzburg Card from the Tourist Information Center and hop around to numerous attractions for just one price. Public transportation is also included! Admissions include Festung Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress), Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains, Marionette Museum, Mozart’s Birthplace and Residency, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and Technology, Salzach Cruise, Salzburg Zoo, plus many more attractions. Or book a day trip through Viator (coach bus) or Bob’s Special Tours (mini van). I toured with both and enjoyed both equally. There are several excursions to choose from the salt mines and Bavarian Mountains to the Sound of Music Tour and Hohenwerfen Fortress, and many more.

Special Note: After a great day of hiking, dine at L’Osteria located right in the heart of the “new town” section Salzburg. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the Bridge of Locks of Love. Hands down now one of my favorite pizza places in town. We ate there a couple times. With a setting full of energy and good music flowing, this chic must-eat-at Italian restaurant serves timeless Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. Delicious platters include oversized pizzas baked in hearth oven, homemade pasta specialties, fresh crisp salads, and Tiramisu, Panna Cotta or Crema di Fragola for dessert. Fast and professional waiters serve. Make advance reservations as it’s always packed! L’Osteria Pizza E Pasta, Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 10, Salzburg 5020, Austria. salzburg@losteria.eu http://www.losteria.de Phone: +43 0662 87 06 58 10.

If you do have the chance to travel and hike in Salzburg, or already have, please leave a note below with more recommendations for all us to learn. My trip to Salzburg was so amazing and memorable; I know I will definitely return. And with this next trip, I will try some of your suggested posts!

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

A Ski Trip to Wintery Breckenridge, Colorado – A Fit and Fun Getaway

07 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in Healthy Getaway, Skiing

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Breckenridge. Simply saying this one single word brings a flood of good memories of great times. The mountain. The trails. The hotel where I always stay. The town. The snow. City Market. Giampietro’s. Wow. Just writing about this makes me want to fly out there right now.

I love and miss “Breck” dearly, as it’s affectionately known by the locals. Outdoor enthusiasts like me are drawn year round to Breck for its quiet tranquil beauty and abundant activities. Yes, Break has it all with its many hiking and biking trails, fly-fishing in the Blue River, boating in nearby Lake Dillon, and of course for its excellent skiing.

Now entering its 51st season, the Breckenridge ski resort boasts a summit elevation of 12,998 feet and offers over 2,350 acres of ski and snowboarding trails across four peaks on the Ten Mile Range of the Rocky Mountains. Groomed daily, there are 155 trails with Four O’Clock trail the longest at 3.5 miles, 772 skiable acres in the back bowls, and 25 acres in the terrain parks for borders. The total lift capacity is 37,880 skiers per hour with 31 total lifts, including two high-speed 6-passenger SuperChairs, seven high-speed quad lifts, one triple lift, six double lifts, one 8-passenger gondola, five surface lifts, and nine carpet lifts. Lift hours of operation on the mountain is typically from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the BreckConnect gondola (named by a friend of mine in a naming contest!) open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Breck already has snow as I write this, with opening day just over a month away on Friday, November 9, 2012. If you buy your lift tickets now and before November 16, you can get the 2011/2012 season prices. An adult one-day pass is $67, going up to $76 in mid-November to even increasingly higher costs in late November, December and January when it finally peaks in price. Seasonal passes are available with deep discounts given to those living in Colorado. The 2012/2013 ski season for Breckenridge will close after April 14, 2013, weather permitting.

Now let’s not forget the town of Breckenridge! Named after former Vice President of the United States, John C. Breckinridge, this charming town offers its residents and visitors many restaurants and shops to explore, in addition to theatre, comedy clubs, and hands-on crafts such as pottery painting. There are festivals held year round, such as the Snow Sculpture Championships and the Ullr Fest parade in the winter and the Breckenridge Festival of Film and Jazz Festival in the summer. Plus historical tours, train and boat rides, cycling races, and more. The charming old mining town is also the county seat of Summit County, home of several other excellent ski resorts, including Keystone, Copper and A-Basin, only a short drive away.

So if you are thinking of taking a winter ski trip this year, may it be a romantic getaway for two or a fun family vacation, escape to Breckenridge in Colorado and discover world-class skiing, breathtaking surroundings and an authentic Old West town rich in history. Your adventure awaits you!

Accommodations: Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center, Breckenridge, 620 Village Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 453-6000 http://www.beaverrun.com/ for ski-in ski-out access to the Beaver Run Super Chair and the Quicksilver Six chairlifts. Mountain Thunder Lodge, 50 Mountain Thunder Drive, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 547-5650 http://www.breckresorts.com/mountain-thunder-lodge.aspx for cosmopolitan luxury, in a rustic mountain setting. Book early!

Onsite Activities: Beaver Run Resort: ski-in ski-out for downhill skiing and snowboarding, spa, gym, swimming, dinning. Mountain Thunder Lodge: Ski-in / Gondola-out for downhill skiing and snowboarding, gym, swimming, bowling alley, movie lounges, game room, dinning.

Nearby Activities: WINTER – carriage rides, cross-country skiing, ice skating, Nordic skiing, skiing, sledding, snow sculpture contests, snow kiting, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, tubing; SUMMER – whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, horseback hiding, biking, triathlons, golf, boat rentals and tours, hot air balloon rides, jeep adventure rides, music festivals, fun park.

Getting There: Breckenridge is located two hours (104 miles) from the Denver International Airport (DEN) with easy access from I-70. All major car rentals are available at the airport as well as shuttle service to Breckenridge. Additional airport options include Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 63 miles away, and Colorado Springs Airport (COS), 110 miles from Breckenridge.

Special Note: Hands down the BEST PIZZA EVER is served at Giampietro Pasta and Pizzeria! Voted by the locals as the “Best Pizza in Summit County” for the past eight years, Giampietro’s has been making its popular New York and Sicilian-style pizzas and Italian dishes for well over 10 years. Everything is homemade and incredibly delicious from their classic baked ziti to spaghetti with shrimp and pesto. You can also build your own calzone or pizza from their huge list of ingredients. Get there early to get a table or be prepared to wait! Giampietro Pasta and Pizzeria, 100 N Main Street, # 212, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 453-3838 http://giampietropizza.com/.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Back to Nature at Ricketts Glenn – A Fit and Fun Getaway

26 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by in Cardio, Healthy Getaway, Hiking

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One of my favorite types of hike is one that includes water views – creeks, ponds, lakes and best of all, waterfalls. So when close friends of mine started discussing a possible trip to Ricketts Glen State Park last summer, I immediately jumped at the chance to go!

What hiker wouldn’t want to explore the National Natural Landmark known best for its old growth timber and 22 wild, free-flowing waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, along Kitchen Creek which flows down the Allegheny Front escarpment from the Allegheny Plateau to the Ridge and Valley Appalachians? Yes, Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania, a breathtaking park comprised of 13,050 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties.

Before grabbing your gear, packing up and heading out to Ricketts Glen, you should first reserve a campsite as far in advance as possible if you are planning to stay in the park. Both tent and trailer sites are available plus cabins with the waterfront locations along the 245-acre Lake Jean the first to go. The park also offers all the necessary amenities needed for your home away from home – such as fire pits, picnic tables, warm showers, rest rooms, and wash tubs to clean your dishes – all including in your nightly cost. Please be aware that Ricketts Glen has limited cell phone coverage which actually can be an added plus!

Now that you are there, venture out to explore 26 miles of trails, from fairly level to very steep. My favorite is the 7.2 mile Falls Trail which takes you by 22 beautiful waterfalls ranging in heights from 11 feet to 94 feet. While the terrain is rocky and can be slippery as you descend and ascend the winding path, the scenery is well worth the endeavor! Be certain to wear proper footwear and bring your hydration pack.Other hiking trails include the Beach Trail, Cherry Run Trail, Evergreen Trail, Ganoga View Trail, Grand View Trail, Highland Trail, Mountain Springs Trail, Old Beaver Dam Road Trail, Old Bulldozer Road Trail, and the Bear Walk Trail.

After hiking, you can relax on the 600-foot beach on Lake Jean or take a swim. Pack a bite to eat or grab a snack from the food and refreshment concession. Rent a canoe, kayak, row boat, and paddle boat at the beach if you didn’t bring your own. Fishing is allowed with panfish, trout and bass ready to be caught. There is also a 12.5-mile equine trail for those who bring their horse.

What is especially nice are the nights at Ricketts Glen. All who have traveled together join together to grill a scrumptious meal as they gather around the fire pit and give a toast to the enjoyable day!

Getting out into the woods and being close to nature is a wonderful experience. Turning off your cell while camping under the stars, gliding on a lake, and hiking by breathtaking waterfalls is rejuvenating. If the opportunity arises, I recommend taking action for a fit and fun getaway.

Accommodations:There are 120 tent and trailer campsites, some available year-round – all inexpensive. The campground features hot showers, flush toilets, shaded sites, gravel parking spurs and a sanitary dump station if you are planning to pitch a tent. Six campsites are ADA accessible. Pets are permitted on several designated sites. Book early to get a pet site or waterfront with lake access!

Onsite Activities: Camping, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, boating (electric motors only), beach access, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and park activities such as scavenger hunts plus presentations and shows  in the onsite amphitheatre.

Nearby Activities:  SUMMER – Adventure courses, air tours, boating, ATVs, bird watching, canoeing, casino, concerts, cycling, fairs and festivals, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, miniature golf, mountain biking, museums, paintball, race car experience, racetracks, river rafting, rock climbing, sailing, shooting range, shopping, skydiving, spas, tennis, train tours, trolley tours, tubing, water parks, waterskiing, wildlife viewing, winery tours and zip-lining. WINTER – Casino, concerts, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, downhill skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides, horseback riding, ice climbing, ice fishing, ice skating, museums, shopping, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and spas.

Getting There:Your best bet is driving. The park is 30 miles north of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania on PA 487 in Benton; a three hour drive from Philadelphia or New York City and a four hour drive from Pittsburgh. Flying in from across the country? Car rentals are readily available at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International and Williamsport Regional Airports, each an hour from the park, and Lehigh Valley International and University Park Airports, both a two hour drive away.

Special Note: A must place to eat breakfast is the Red Rooster Pancake House and Family Restaurant, only a short drive from the park. With a homey atmosphere, everything on the menu is very reasonably priced, service is great, and the menu is extensive. Try the pumpkin nut pancakes. They are out of this world!

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Snow Skiing in Mont-Tremblant, Canada – A Fit and Fun Getaway

28 Wednesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Healthy Getaway, Skiing

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I have written before about my passion for downhill snow skiing. It’s a wonderful exhilarating sport that can be enjoyed by all – from the very inexperienced young to the skillful old. I try to make a least one trip to the east and one to the north every year as the snowy multiple peaks with hundreds to thousands of miles of trails calls my name every season. Yes, skiing is in my blood and that fact there is so many physical benefits to the sport is only an additional perk.

Mont-Tremblant in Canada is an internationally-renowned and multi-award winning ski destination, touted as the number one ski resort destination in all of Eastern North America. It is situated about 80 miles north of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains, in the province of Quebec, and attracts tourists from all over the world, both skiers and non-skiers alike. It is most famous for its ski resorts that sit at the foot of a mountain and postcard picturesque architecture that will make you look in awe when you arrive. Cars are strictly prohibited in town, so be prepared to walk, but there is an open gondola-style lift, called The Cabriolet, which connects the upper and lower parts of the village together. There is also a ski trail running through the village for skiers to access the lower level of the village and gondola.

Ski season begins in November lasts through April with the basic day pass costing $70/day, plus possible high season surcharges. The main resort has more than 650 acres of ski and snowboarding trails in four distinct areas: North Side (Versant Nord), South Side (Versant Sud), Sunny Side (Versant Soleil) and The Edge (Versant Edge). There are over 90 marked downhill trails, including the longest 6 at3.73 miles), 19 designated easy, 31 intermediate, 37 difficult and 10 expert. The total lift capacity is 27,230 skiers per hour with 13 ski lifts, including a gondola, five detachable chairlifts, three regular chairlifts and three magic carpets.

In addition to skiing, the area offers a myriad of outdoor snow activities, such as snowshoeing, horseback riding, dog sledding and ice climbing during the winter and hiking trails, mountain bike races and beach activities through the summer months.  Need something that’s unwinding? There are also plenty of spas, a new casino, Casino de Mont-Tremblant, and plenty of shops to explore in town. When it comes to dining, there are plenty of delicious places to eat in Mont Tremblant. From international dishes to rich fondue, there is something for everyone’s taste bud including a restaurant at the top of the mountain, Le Grand Manitou that is opened in both winter and summer.

Accommodations:Le Westin Resort and Spa, Tremblant, Quebec, 100 Chemin Kandahar, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, J8E 1E2, Canada (819) 681-8000 http://www.Westin.com. Book early!

Onsite Activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, driving range, miniature golf, bicycles, swimming, kayak, beach access, spa, gym.

Nearby Activities:WINTER – cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, ice climbing, ice fishing, horse drawn sleigh rides, horseback riding, and paintball. SUMMER – golf, tennis, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, helicopter tours, paintball, airplane tours, all-terrain vehicle tours, croisieres, boating, caleche rides, canoeing trips, cycling, dune buggy tours, fishing tours, lake cruises, rafting, rock, via-ferratta, waterskiing and wakeboarding, white-water rafting, and adventure courses (zip lines, suspended bridges and tarzan ropes).

Getting There:The Mont-Tremblant International Airport has seasonal direct flights to and from several U.S. cities. The next nearest airport is the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, about 90 minutes away. Taxis, shuttles and buses are available from both airports. There’s also the option of driving as major roads and highways will get you there. Remember your passport!

Special Note: There are probably more than a hundred restaurants in and around Mont-Tremblant, at all different price points and styles. Two recommendations included the Aux Truffes, a consistent AAA Four Diamond Award winner featuring local game and fish and is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellent recipient, and the Plus/Minus, serving avant garde cuisine described in the menu in the most over-the-top prose imaginable in a rustic but historic country ski cottage. Also, Mont-Tremblant offers “First Tracks,” which is the opportunity to be on the slopes 30 minutes before anyone else.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Rafting in West Virginia – A Fit and Fun Getaway

18 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by in Healthy Getaway, Sports

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Coming up, a group of friends and I will be going on a whitewater rafting day trip down the Lehigh River Gorge in Pennsylvania. After a brief crash course in river safety, we’ll climb into a group raft, wearing helmets and life-jackets, and then paddle down the feisty river on a dam-release day, which will hopefully mean Class II and III rapids. We’re promised a great ride on waves and bends in a steep-walled canyon where thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and stunning waterfalls is to become the perfect backdrop to our tumbling rapids.

This will not be my first trip paddling, screaming, and splashing my way down rocking rapids. My very first run was on one of the top 10 world-class white water rivers in the world, the upper section of the Gauley River in West Virginia. Located about 60 miles southeast of Charleston, the Gauley is over 100 miles long with more than 668 feet of vertical drops and over 100 rapids. Wow! The river is generally rafted in two sections by most outfitters and in three sections by others with both single day and two day trips offered.

The most intense white water of the Gauley River is found on the upper section, which is the part I rafted. Your rafting experience will start at the base of the Summersville Dam where you’ll watch the release of the hydro-electric water, transforming the Gauley from a trickling creek to a raging river. (And, yes, it looks intimidating!) Once on your raft with paddle in hand, you’ll navigate through dozens of rapids. The most notable will be the “Big Five” Class V+ rapids: Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweet’s Falls, a 13-foot-waterfall. The Middle/Lower Gauley has fewer rapids that are more spread out, but also have a few big dramatic rapids that can pose challenges.

The Upper Gauley rafting season is limited and runs every Friday through Monday after Labor Day and concludes on the third weekend of October in conjunction with the Bridge Day Festival—the world’s largest BASE-jumping event where jumpers jump off the 876-foot high New River Gorge Bridge.

The following are the 2011 release dates:

  • Friday, September 9 – Monday, September 12
  • Friday, September 16 – Monday, September 19
  • Friday, September 23 – Monday, September 26
  • Friday, September 30 – Monday, October 3
  • Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10
  • Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16

Here are some recommendations to jot down…

Outfitter: Rivers Expeditions, 900 Broadway Avenue, Oak Hill, WV  25901 (800) 463-9873 http://www.raftinginfo.com/

Accommodations:The Resort at Glade Springs, 255 Resort Drive, Daniels, WV 25832 (866) 504-9849 http://www.gladesprings.com

Onsite Activities: Two championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, equestrian center, full-service spa and nautilus fitness center, and more than 40 other activities on a private, 4,100-acre estate, including biking, rafting, guided fly-fishing, sporting clays, and more.

Nearby Activities:Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, bungee jumping, fishing trips, jet boats and ATV tours.

Getting There:The closest major airport is the Yeager Regional Airport (CRW), 52 miles away in Charleston, WV. Amtrak also has a route, the Cardinal/Hoosier State line, that travels to Charleston. Taxis and car rentals are available in Charleston. Otherwise, major roads and highways will get you there.

Special Note: If you are a coffee drinker try Mattie’s Mountain Mud, a fresh-roasted organic coffee served by many restaurants in the area. The Secret Sandwich Society in nearby Fayetteville is a great place for breakfast and lunch with their incredible homemade sandwiches, chips, soups and pickles. Try the Jefferson, my favorite!

The rafting season in West Virginia is short, so book early if you are planning to raft the Gauley! There are plenty of other fit and fun activities to participate while there, so be sure to pack your sneakers, sunscreen, and hat. You’ll love staying at the Resort at Glade Springs, wishing you had discovered this place and rafting experience sooner. So gather your loved ones or friends and grab your bags, then head toward West Virginia for a wet and wild time.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Riding Horses in Vermont – A Fit and Fun Getaway

28 Tuesday Jun 2011

Posted by in Health and Wellness, Healthy Getaway, Sports

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One of my favorite types of vacations is one that includes athletic endeavors. It brings out the tomboy in me and places my endorphins into overdrive. May it be barreling down a snowy steep mountain, zipping  through trees in a hot dense jungle or snorkeling in cool clear water  among colorful tropical fish, there’s almost nothing better than getting that rush and workout.

I decided to share this passion of mine and some of the fine getaways that allow tapping into the inner athletic side in all of us. Stay tune for future fit and fun travel blogs such as skiing in Utah, sailing in the Virgin Islands, rafting in West Virginia, ziplining in Maui, mountain biking in Pennsylvania, hiking in Colorado, snorkeling in the Cayman Islands and European adventures. This edition features jumping horses in sunny outdoor rings, riding through endless wooded trails and cantering across wide open cross-country courses in lovely Vermont. This is not all that is available in this New England state. Read on to learn more.

Two hours north of Albany, New York in central Vermont sits Mountain Top Inn and Resort in scenic Chittenden, a hidden haven for riding horses, enjoying an assortment of outdoor activities or just kicking back lakeside with spectacular mountain views. Just 11 miles from ski magnet Killington, Mountain Top Inn sits on 350 acres of spectacular property with sweeping views of a mountain lake and the Green Mountain National Forest and creates a comfortable respite from day-to-day stress and pressure. Here you will find over 37 miles of trails right on the property for riding, running, biking and cross-country skiing … a private lake for swimming, canoeing and kayaking … and a first-rate equestrian center for riders of all ages and experience levels.

Mountain Top Inn is one of only a few resorts in the Northeast to offer horseback riding getaways for the experienced horseman to the novice rider. Guests can board their own horse or use one of the Inn’s many horses and can choose from lessons in English or Western, guided trail rides with breathtaking views, dressage, stadium jumping, cross-country jumping and more. There is also a summer horsemanship camp for children six years and older.

For those traveling who would like to do more than just ride, the Inn’s private beach on the lake offers kayaking, canoeing, scenic pontoon boat rides and swimming. Also available onsite is clay bird shooting, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, volleyball, croquet and more. Right next door to the property is the Green Mountain National Forest with 400,000 acres that stretch across nearly two-thirds the length of Vermont.

The Main Lodge has 33 comfy guest rooms and five classic mountain cabins that are also pet friendly. There are three restaurants onsite covering all three meals; the Dining Room serving New American cuisine with a world-class wine list while the Tavern and Terrace serve casual bistro style fare. Picnic lunchesare also available. When playing is done for the day, you can relax by receiving one of their many massages, including Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue or hot stone.

Whether you are in search of a riding adventure, romantic hideaway or a fit and fun get away, Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden has something for everyone. So pack up your bags, jump in your car and head toward Vermont and get ready for a wonderful fun and healthy vaca.

Here are some notes to jot down…

Accommodations:Mountain Top Inn and Resort, 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, VT 05737 (802) 483-2311 http://mountaintopinn.com

Onsite Activities: Riding, swimming, tennis, badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, lawn croquet, shuffle board, clay bird shooting, lake activities, summer camp for children, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, horse drawn sleigh rides, dog sled rides. (seasonal)

Nearby Activities: Golf, fly-fishing, water tubing, boating, hiking, hot air ballooning, alpine slide, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing. (seasonal)

Getting There:The closest major airport is the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT/KRUT), 16 miles away. Amtrak also has a direct train line from Washington, DC to Rutland. Both taxis and car rentals are available in Rutland. A second major airport is the Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB/KLEB) in New Hampshire, 49 miles away. Otherwise, major roads and highways will get you there.

Special Note: A must place to eat breakfast is the Maple Sugar and Vermont Spice Restaurant in neighboringMendon, VT. Not only do they make their own maple syrup, this simple eatery also serves scrumptious homemade waffles, pancakes and other breakfast items and has a country store filled with Vermont goodies. Try the pumpkin pancakes, my favorite!

Whether you are in search of a riding adventure, romantic hideaway or a fit and fun get away, Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden has something for everyone. It’s a great choice. So pack up your bags, jump in your car and head toward Vermont and get ready for a wonderful fun and healthy vaca.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana