Montreal
March 13th, 2012
Smitten with Smuggs
Covered bridges. Rolling hills. Tiny white steeples. Grazing cows. The picturesque two-hour drive to Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont, is almost as enjoyable as the time you’ll spend on the slopes. Almost.
stay
There is no hotel per se at Smuggler’s Notch. Instead: A network of ultra-cozy condominiums, all boasting fully stocked kitchens, access to heated pools and an on- demand shuttle service to take you to the slopes or village. Find rates here.do
There are actually three mountains to ski at Smuggs, providing a wide variety of terrain. Beginners are spoiled with Morse Mountain and an awesome ski school program while intermediates and experts will adore Sterling and Madonna Mountains: Think long, winding cruisers (Chilcoot, Rumrummer and Drifters are dreamy) and gorgeous glades. Want an off-slope adventure? Try ziplining, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tube sliding, ice skating, airboarding… and the list goes on! Boredom? Not an option.eat
In the evening, grab your honey/bestie/kiddos and take a seat by the fireplace in Hearth & Candle’s dining room for a culinary trip through Vermont. Ingredients are fresh, delicious, and, best of all, local. Must-have dishes include the plate of cheeses from the Green State (from $10), the Wild Boar Gnocci ($28) and the Hearth and Candle Oscar ($36), a scrumptious take on surf and turf. Finish with the cheesecake of the day ($9) – if you’re lucky, it’ll be Red Velvet. —Christine LarocheSmugglers' Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers' Notch, VT, 1-802-644-8851, www.smuggs.com
February 1st, 2012
Shapely on the slopes
No matter what the groundhog sees or doesn’t see tomorrow, winter is with us for another little while.
The best thing about pulling out of hibernation early? Gearing up with a sweet new jacket to hit the slopes in. We’re especially smitten with the offering from The North Face: Bright colours, tons of technical details and, best of all, fabulous fits that flatter our curves instead of giving them a boyish, boxy look.
The second best thing about pulling out of hibernation early? One word: Après! —Christine Laroche
The North Face, 4927 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-489-1517, www.thenorthface.com
December 23rd, 2010
Winter At Its Peak
Instead of fleeing to the beach this winter, why not face the flurries head on with a stay at the Jay Peak Resort. We recently stopped in for a weekend getaway that combined three of our favourite things: skiing, spa-ing, and sipping wine by the fire.
ski
Even though it is just 6.5 km south of the Quebec border, Jay Peak gets the most snow of any mountain in eastern North America. There’s plenty of adventure to be had if you accept their invitation to head off-piste and into the Glades (you can take a lesson). Just remember to ski between the trees and not into them! 76 trails, lift ticket $69, www.jaypeakresort.com
stay
We bunked into a 1-bedroom suite decorated with pieces by local artisans at the newly built Tram Haus Lodge (rooms start at $129, lift ticket included). With a view of the chairlift from our living room window, a fully stocked kitchenette, two flat-screen TVs, and a cozy overstuffed duvet on the bed, we felt like we were in our own private ski-in chalet, but with housekeeping service! Call 1-800-451-4449 or book online.
spa
Soothe your mogul-marred muscles with a deep tissue massage ($129) at the Taiga spa. We booked with shiatsu –specialist, Aubrey, who taught us the meaning of the phrase “sweet pain” as he kneaded our knots into submission. After adding in an individualized facial using B. Kamins products, we left feeling relaxed, revived, and ready to get back out on the slopes.
sup
The breakfast buffet at Alice’s Table, piled high with pancakes, two kinds of sausage, bacon, fruit smoothies, omelettes and pastries, is all you need to prepare you for a full day on the slopes. Head back at night to dine on locally sourced ingredients, including the grilled porkchop stuffed with caramelized onions, cranberries, pecans and a Vermont maple cumin glaze. Jay Peak, 4850 VT Route 242, Jay, Vermont, 802-988-2611, www.jaypeakresort.comOctober 28th, 2010
In the Mix
First T-Bars gave way to high-speed quads, then skis went from straight to parabolic. But the latest technological development in downhill is happening online.
This year, Vail Resorts is launching EpicMix, a tiny chip hidden in the Vail Epic ski pass that automatically tracks rides, runs, and vertical feet. Skiers can get digital “pins” for fantastic feats, like the Night Rider for riding 3 different lifts in one night, and automatically share their alpine accomplishments on Facebook and Twitter.Like.
January 9th, 2009
ski scamps
If your little ski-wee is already threatening to board out of bounds, you need to know about this.
The new line of kids' body armour from Sweden's PoCito includes these hot orange spine protectors, as well as helmets, gloves and goggles suitable for budding Ross Rebagliati's ages 4 to 10. Just be glad they aren't "budding" anything else—yet!
Available at Advanced Kinetic Systems, 6-1212 Alpha Lake Rd., Fuction Junction, Whistler B.C., 604-905-1223, www.akswhistler.com
Or order online ($20 shipping to Canada) at Peak Ski Shop.
