A WORLD OF WINTER WONDER
Slopes, sand, surf and more
It’s a big, beautiful planet, and some wondrous ways of wintering are just a plane trip away. From the white slopes of Whistler to the stunning coastline of Tasmania, here are some active adventures to work the body, free the mind and exhilarate the senses.
LAKE TAHOE
Treat your SoCal kids to the joys of snow and rekindle your own love of winter sports at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in Tahoe. There’s great skiing and snowboarding for everyone from snow bunnies to shredders, along with special events and activities that will delight the whole family.
For the holidays, The Village at Squaw Valley is transformed into an “Olde World Christmas,” with carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, fireworks and storytelling with Santa. February brings Kid-O-Rama, days of street parties, crafts, games and a whole lot more. And on those special nights when the winter moon rises and the mountains regain their majestic silence, enjoy a magical evening under the stars on the Moonlit Snowshoe Tour and Dinner.
WHISTLER
The magnificent mountains of British Columbia provide a glorious backdrop for cross-country skiing. It’s an invigorating workout for adults, but also great for children, who quickly adapt to walking on skis.
Ski Callahan and Whistler Olympic Park, site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games, is the largest Nordic ski center in North America, with more than 80 miles of trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing — some so family friendly even your dog can join you. And if you want to really immerse yourself in the Canadian wilderness, back country tours will take you deep into pristine territory.
COSTA RICA
Whether you want to share your own love of surfing with your little groms or you’re just a newbie who’s dreamed of riding giants, pack your boards and head to the little surfer town of Dominical, Costa Rica.
At Sunset Surf, one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf camps, they take a personal approach to teaching the whole family to surf. They also offer some awesome side trips, exploring the rainforest canopy, sea caves and waterfalls. For even more of a challenge, they’ll take you scuba diving, kayaking and white water rafting.
ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
Winter is the perfect time of year for a Wild West vacation at one of the many dude ranches in Arizona or New Mexico. Saddle up and gallop across these historic lands just as Wyatt Earp, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once did.
Take part in a cattle drive, pan for gold and ride out into the sunset. You’ll rough it like a cowpoke in those thrilling days of yesteryear — then indulge in millennial comforts Billy the Kid never dreamed of, like wine and cheese rides or even a spa massage.