#Telluride Peaks Resort

[cuveeblog]

4 Spellbinding Colorado Ski Resorts Calling Your Name

As winter sets in across the Rocky Mountains, alpine villages and ski resorts come alive in new and exciting ways. Although many Colorado mountain towns offer year-round experiences, you can enjoy a special atmosphere during the winter as snow blankets the region. It’s almost like stepping into an enchanting snow globe.

The Colorado Rocky Mountains are home to a number of spellbinding winter destinations. Choose the right one, and you’ll enjoy extraordinary experiences that can redefine your idea of a winter getaway. Gather around a rooftop firepit in Aspen for hot cocoa and s’mores, or take advantage of the world-class skiing right outside the doors of your Vail luxury rentals. The possibilities are endless!

Light the Fire in Aspen 

It may seem like a simple detail, but there’s something special about gathering around a firepit during the winter. It’s one of those experiences that’s even more special when you’re on a rooftop in Aspen, surrounded by family or friends, sipping on hot cocoa, and enjoying one another’s company.

From a rooftop vantage point, you can take in the sights and sounds of Aspen—and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. After the sun sets on a winter day, the town is aglow with street and holiday lights. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and captivating.

Hit the Slopes in Beaver Creek 

Beaver Creek is a resort village east of Aspen. If you’re looking for world-class skiing, Beaver Creek is hard to beat—though Aspen, Telluride, and Vail all have exceptional ski resorts. You can absolutely come to Beaver Creek to admire the views from afar, but you’ll likely find yourself longing to get out on the mountain shortly after you arrive.

From your luxury accommodations in Beaver Creek, you’re only a few minutes away from those world-class slopes. You can even select a property with ski-in/ski-out amenities. All you have to do is get suited up, and you’ll be out there in no time.

Indulge in Fine Dining with a View in Telluride

Much like Beaver Creek, you can find luxury accommodations featuring ski-in/ski-out amenities in Telluride. Of course, you can expect many other amenities, too. Not far from the luxury rentals Telluride is known for, you can journey up the mountain in a private, heated snowcat. Your destination? Alpino Vino.

This is a fine dining experience that immerses you in the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. What makes it really special is that it’s a dining experience you’ll only find during winter. After your journey through snow-covered terrain, you can sit down to a relaxing, four-course meal featuring Italian and French dishes.

Snowshoe Through the Colorado Wilderness Near Vail 

Vail is home to picturesque views—many of which you can find right outside the windows of your luxury accommodations. However, you can “get lost” in those picturesque views, too. Once winter arrives and snow blankets the ground around Vail you can go on a snowshoeing adventure—complete with your own private guide. That way, you won’t actually get lost!

This snowshoeing adventure could take you through the Colorado wilderness and to the top of a nearby peak. From there, all that’s left is to take in the views with a serenity you can’t find anywhere else.

About Cuv��e

Are you ready to break away from the ordinary? With enchanting properties in Hawaii, Tuscany, and many other destinations around the globe, Cuvée knows how to curate magical experiences. You can enjoy charm and wonder at every Cuvée destination, thanks to their unmatched selection of luxury villa vacation rentals. Their team of Experience Curators works with you to create a bespoke itinerary to help you feel truly immersed in your destination. At the luxury villas Cabo is known for, your Experience Curators can set up a day of swimming with whale sharks, an evening by a bonfire with tapas and dancing, a morning of sunrise yoga, and so much more. With Cuvée, you can experience the world in new and unexpected ways. How can they make your travel dreams come true?

Your winter getaway in the Colorado Rocky Mountains begins at https://www.cuvee.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3AyUcJ4

[beutlerdesign]

The Peaks Resort & Spa Color Sunday: Telluride

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[vallecitoresort]

The Places For Camping in Southwest Colorado You Will Never Forget

A wonderful way to escape the bustle of daily life and experience nature's tranquility is to go camping. Making enduring memories with a map of Bayfield Colorado and connecting with loved ones is another benefit. Southwest Colorado is a great place to go camping because it offers a variety of landscapes and activities. You can camp in the mountains, the desert, or the forest. There are also many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. If you are looking for a way to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature, camping in Southwest Colorado is a great option.

The Benefits of Camping:

Reduces stress: Camping can help to reduce stress by providing a break from the daily grind and allowing you to relax and rejuvenate in nature. 

Improves physical health: Camping can help to improve physical health by getting you active and outdoors.

Boosts creativity: Camping can help to boost creativity by providing a space to relax and let your mind wander in southwest colorado campgrounds.

Promotes mindfulness: Camping can help to promote mindfulness by helping you to focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Strengthens relationships: Camping can help to strengthen relationships by providing an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.

Visit Vallecito Resort today to experience the best ambience for nature explorers.

Best Places to Camp in Southwest Colorado:

Mesa Verde National Park: This park is home to a number of ancient cliff dwellings, making it a popular destination for history buffs. There are also a variety of hiking trails and camping options in the park. 

San Juan National Forest: This forest offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. There are also many hiking trails and fishing spots in the forest. The tourist attractions in Durango Colorado are just amazing. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: This park is known for its deep and narrow canyon. There are a few campgrounds in the park, but most of the camping is dispersed. 

Telluride National Forest: This forest is located in the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. There are a variety of camping options in the forest, including developed campgrounds and dispersed camping. 

Tips for Camping in Southwest Colorado:

Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Southwest Colorado can change quickly, so be prepared for anything. Pack all woolen clothes, rain gear, and sunscreen to protect your skin.

Be aware of the wildlife. Southwest Colorado is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and elk. Be sure to store your food properly and hike in groups to avoid encounters with wildlife. Leave no trace. When you are camping in Southwest Colorado, be sure to leave no trace. 

Conclusion

RV resorts are a great option for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors and have all the amenities of home. RV resorts offer a variety of features that can make your trip more enjoyable. Vallecito resort's offer a variety of campground amenities, such as swimming pools, laundry facilities, and recreation centers. This can be relaxing and unwind after a long day of exploring and will calm you . If you are planning an RV trip, an RV resort is a great option to consider. RV resorts can make your trip more enjoyable and convenient.

[vancouverislandtotoronto2023]

Day 24, Monday, June 19: Grand Bend to St Marys to Toronto, Ontario.

Today I come back home. I sleep in until 8:00 AM, take advantage of the outdoor shower, and have a small breakfast and coffee with my hosts Dave and Wendy before heading off to St Marys to visit friends there.

It's only when I plop down in a chair at Bruce and Laurie's in St Marys that I realise how exhausted I am. I don't want to get out. Lucky for me, Bruce is a health food aficionado, and he and Laurie have some tonic and chili that pep me back up.

Suitably refreshed, I decide to eschew the scenic route and to take Hwy 8 directly through Stratford and Kitchener to the 401, 407, and home.

I get home around 4:30 PM. It's great to see Janis and home, but I'm both tired and a bit disoriented. Somewhat surprisingly, I realise that it's going to take some time to acclimatize myself back to my real life. I'm in bed by 6:00 PM. I'll worry about it tomorrow. I sleep until 8:00 AM the next morning.

So in hindsight, after 24 days and 12,000 km, what are the primary memories that stick in my mind. Here's my attempt at the list.

1. My decision to avoid interstates, big cities, and franchise restaurants was a good one. I feel that I saw so much more of the real America in her back roads, small towns and local bars, restaurants, and cafes.

2. Colorado is an incredible state - Durango, Telluride, the Million Dollar Highway, Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs. It is just an amazing state.

3. Visiting long-lost friends in Nevada and California and enjoying their hospitality just added such a positive element to the trip. It was like the maraschino cherry on top of the sundae.

4. Traveling the Great Plains across the SW was simply incredible. The history of America's westward expansion and so many of its signature people and places is written on those plains.

5. South Dakota is another amazing state - Custer, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Needles Pkwy, the Black Hills. Simply beautiful and amazing.

6. I stopped in many small cafes on my trip. The people I met, the conversations that I had, the hospitality that I enjoyed, the Baileys in my breakfast coffees. So interesting, enjoyable, and memorable.

7. Death Valley, from 8,000 ft and 48° in Mammoth Lakes in the morning to 200 feet below sea level and 110° in the afternoon, need I say more?

8. Yosemite, this is June, but it took me three tries to find a clear path over Yosemite to Nevada. My first try, the Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 - 10,000 ft) was blocked with snow. My second try, the Sonora Pass ( Hwy 108 - 9,600 ft) was also blocked by snow. I finally made it through on the Carson Pass (State Rte 88 - 8,650 ft). In June.

9. The Utah Salt Flats. Great Salt Lake is a terminal lake, which means three rivers flow in, and none flow out. The only way it loses water is through evaporation. The result is a 4,400 sq km lake that is saltier than the ocean and a huge salt flat running all the way west of Salt Lake City to the Bonneyville Salt Flats and the Nevada border.

10. Route 66, established in 1926, is one of the originals of the US Numbered Highway System and runs for 2,400 miles across two-thirds of America from Chicago to Los Angeles. Much of it now is intertwined with interstates, and my route often took me elsewhere, but none the less, I was finally able to ride at least part of this storied highway.

11. As a Canadian, I have a more than passing acquaintance with lakes Erie, Ontario, Huron, and Superior. Not so with Lake Michigan. My exposure on this trip was when I took the fast ferry across the lake from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Muskegon, Michigan. 80 miles in two and a half hours was quite the experience, as were the beautiful calm waters of Lake Michigan and the incredible sheltered harbour in, and the resort town of Muskegon. And another great breakfast spot.

12. Passing over the Continental Divide through the 12,000 ft Loveland Pass in Colorado and crossing the storied Missouri River (the longest river in the US, it runs 2,341 miles from SW Montana before joining the Mississippi River in Missouri) and the Mississippi River (it starts in northern Minnesota and it runs 2,340 miles to the Mississippi Delta in the Gulf of Mexico).

13. The farms and ranches of the US southwest and the Great Plains. I was astounded how location, altitude, and irrigation had such an impact on agriculture and life style. Generally speaking, it's higher, cooler, wetter, and greener vs. lower, warmer, dryer, and browner. I saw lots and lots of naturally brown areas transformed to green by irrigation along with days without end of hay, straw, wheat, corn, and soybeans along with countless horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, and buffalo.

My conclusions are twofold: there is no substitution for the educational experience of traveling; and notwithstanding the apparently overwhelming sentiment of these days and times, there is much, much more that binds us together than what separates us.

[zerowbook]

[Read Online] The Man Behind The Maps Hardcover BY : James Niehues

(PDF Download) The Man Behind The Maps Hardcover By James Niehues

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Description

Featuring over 200 ski resort trail maps hand-painted by one legendary artist, this beautiful 292-page hardcover coffee table book is the first and definitive compilation of the art created by James Niehues during his 30-year career. Eight geographically themed chapters form the heart of the book, offering you full-page images of the world?s most iconic ski areas including Alta, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen, Breckenridge, Big Sky, Deer Valley, Heavenly, Jackson Hole, Jay Peak, Killington, Kirkwood, Lake Louise, Mammoth, Mont Tremblant, Mt. Bachelor, Park City, Revelstoke, Snowbird, Squaw Valley, Stowe, Sugarloaf, Sun Valley, Taos, Telluride, Whistler Blackcomb and other renowned resorts. In engaging narrative that complements the maps, Niehues reveals his exacting technique, which demands up to six weeks to complete a single painting. He then walks you through the step-by-step process for mapping Breckenridge, sharing everything from aerial photographs, to numerous pencil sketches, to

[brucetommy]

New Chairlifts We’re Looking Forward to Riding This Winter

Snow Ghost Express, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Mont.

The independently owned Northern Montana ski area is finally getting an express six-seater. This season’s Snow Ghost Express will replace Chair 4, which has been hauling skiers since 1978 and will run from the resort’s base area to the summit of Inspiration Ridge. Ride time will be a scant seven minutes, which is no small matter if you’re familiar with a typical Whitefish winter.

Status: Opening in mid-December, conditions permitting

 

Rip’s Ride, Breckenridge Resort, Colo.

Rip’s Ride has been replaced with a high-speed quad, and although it serves beginner terrain, this crucial lift will also help disperse skiers out of the popular Peak 8 base, making it a more important upgrade than it appears on the surface.

Status: The new Rip’s Ride is already up and running.

 

Base-to-Base Gondola and Red Dog Quad, Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

The Base-to-Base Gondola connecting Palisades with sister resort Alpine Meadows finally debuts this season. The 16-minute ride lets people disembark at the KT-22 mid-station, and allows skiers to more easily access both sides of the resort without having to drive or shuttle. Also, the Red Dog quad will be upgraded to a high-speed six-seater.

Status: The Base-to-Base is scheduled to open on Dec. 17; the Red Dog Express is planned for mid-December.

 

Creekside Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

The Creekside Gondola might be delayed, but it will open this season, especially now that the haul rope is off the ship and en route to the resort. The Creekside gondola upgrade will replace the old six-person gondy with eight-person cabins, increasing uphill capacity out of the popular Creekside base by 35 percent.

 

Game Creek Express and Sun Down Express, Vail Mountain, Colo.

Vail Mountain’s two lift upgrades—Game Creek Express and Sun Down Express—help skiers access the resort’s excellent bowl skiing. Game Creek is an upgrade from a quad to a high-speed six-pack, Sun Down is a new lift that connects Sun Up and Sun Down bowls to Wildwood, easing the way to the Back Bowls.

Status: Depending on conditions, early December for Game Creek and mid-to-late December for Sun Down.

 

Colter Lift, Grand Targhee, Wyo.

Targhee’s first new lift and terrain expansion in over 20 years, the Colter Lift will debut on Peaked Mountain and will access 600 acres of former cat skiing or hike-to terrain. The new terrain is mostly intermediate to advanced, with a couple of double-blacks for added challenge. The expansion increased the resort’s skiable acres by a legit 30 percent.

Status: The resort hasn’t shared a date yet.

 

Sundance Express, Mount Snow, Vt.

The lift upgrade at Mount Snow this season will greatly impact skier flow and lift lines. The resort is replacing the Sundance and Tumbleweed fixed-grip lifts with a high-speed six-pack, which will increase uphill capacity by a whopping 70 percent and greatly ease base area congestion.

Status: TBD

 

Chair 9 (Plunge Lift), Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.

The resort’s iconic Plunge lift (Chair 9), an old fixed-grip triple, is getting retired this season, and a new high-speed quad will take its place. The new lift will take nearly half the current ride time, taking it down to a brisk seven minutes.

Status: The chair is scheduled to open in late December.

 

North Bowl Express, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif.

The North Bowl Express replaces the old fixed-grip triple that’s been hauling skiers for decades.  The upgrade will increase uphill capacity by 40 percent and help to ease congestion at the nearby Stagecoach and Olympic lifts, too. Status: The resort is aiming to fire up the new lift in mid-December.

 

Wildwood Quad and Terrain Expansion, Sundance Resort, Utah

Sundance is amplifying its beginner and intermediate terrain for the season, unveiling 40 new acres featuring 10 green and blue trails accessed by the fixed-grip Wildwood Quad. This south-facing terrain pod is higher up on the slopes, thus more snow-sure, and offering beautiful views for skiers still getting their legs under them.

Status: TBD

 

Comstock Express, Northstar Resort, Calif.

This Tahoe resort is zeroing in on improving skier flow on a mountain chokepoint with the upgrade of the Comstock quad to a high-speed six-pack. The improvement will nearly double uphill capacity and greatly ease congestion at this popular mid-mountain spot.

Status: Scheduled to open Nov. 25, conditions permitting.

 

Sunrise Express, Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt.

Replacing a fixed-grip Mountain Triple with the Sunrise high-speed six-seater will likely have a positive effect on queues at the Mansfield base this winter. The resort has also extended the lift down the Mansfield base lodge, eliminating the annoying hike. No complaints there.

[michaelmowery]

#wilson and #Telluride #sunset (at The Peaks Resort and Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF39HNXl7lM/?igshid=7ze62aucknkl

[tsgaspencolorado]

Spring Travel Local Destinations

In the mood for a trip but want to avoid the airport or the hassle of flying somewhere right now? We’re with you this spring season. We asked Kaleigh Kirkpatrick of The Shameless Tourist for some destination inspiration a step above a staycation. All within driving distance of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Pack your bags, load the car, and hit the road to these hot spots.

A Half-Day Drive from Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley

Dunton Hot Springs | This romantic 1800s ghost town has been restored into private cabins, complete with hot springs and an on-site lounge and restaurant. This is mountain luxury at its finest. Prepare to get off the grid and take a step back in time.

Hoodoo Moab | Kaleigh notes that this brand new Hilton hotel is, “such a nice property at a great price.” You can easily visit Arches National Park by day and enjoy the pool and on-site restaurant by night.

The Broadmoor | A Colorado classic, this resort features great amenities and is close to Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Seven Falls. With plenty of room options, a bounty of restaurants to choose from, and activities such as golf, pool, and tennis, this is an easy staycation spot the whole family will enjoy.

Madeline | For a different ski scenery, Kaleigh recommends the Madeline in Telluride. This ski-in/ski-out Auberge property even has a private kids lounge and an ice rink. Bonus: This could easily pair up with a stay at Dunton Hot Springs.

A Full-Day Drive from Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley

Four Seasons Santa Fe | Kaleigh notes that she loves this property, “for families staying a little longer and looking to do more outdoor things.” Located just a bit outside the city, it has more of a resort feel.

Brush Creek Ranch | Head north to Wyoming and settle into a ranch if you’re looking for a place that has a larger feel than Dunton Hot Springs. This all-inclusive 5-star property sits on 30,000 panoramic acres and offers an authentic ranch experience for the whole family.

Lodge at Blue Sky | Park City is just a state away and this Western getaway is easy to call home for a few days. A contemporary, luxury resort, it’s considered an outdoor playground. Make a day of the area with nearby skiing and downtown Park City, which features some of the best local shopping and dining around.

St. Regis Deer Valley | With access to Deer Valley Resort right outside the doors, this mountainside property features fire pits, a Remède spa, and picturesque views of the Wasatch Mountains. The perfect place to be a tourist for a long weekend.

Amangiri | Saving the best for last, Kaleigh notes that this property, “would be the most amazing place.” The longest drive of the staycation round-up, it is worth every minute. This futuristic, luxury resort is set on 600 acres in the heart of Canyon Point in Southern Utah. Close to the historic Grand Canyon and Insta-famous Antelope Canyon, this stunning staycation is a sophisticated desert oasis.

Need help booking your staycation or destination vacation? Kaleigh of The Shameless Tourist is your go-to for all things travel! Contact her for more ideas and itineraries. Check out her list of 20 Destinations for 2020. And you can always consider Salida as an off-season destination.

[fresh--powder]

Planning on a ski trip?

Whether you are planning on a day trip or a week long excursion everyone wants to try the best slopes at least once. Mountains in Europe or Asia might be harder for people to get to so, I have put together a list of the best ski resorts in North America.

10. Big Sky

Weighing in at the second largest ski resort in the United States, just behind Park City, this massive mountain park has a little bit for every skill level. Big sky boasts nearly 6,000 acres of land so there are plenty of blue and green trails along with a bunch of blacks thrown into the bunch. This mountain is also located in Montana with no other resorts near so it will be isolated and quieter than other resorts which is always a positive.

9. Whitewater

Located in Nelson British Columbia Whitewater is the perfect resort if you love powder and backwoods. This mountain is located in the perfect location so that it consistently gets fresh snow but, this can be a bad thing sometimes. Because there is so much snow in this area the resort can be hard to reach sometimes if it snowed the night before.

8. Steamboat

Steamboat is one of the lesser known resorts on the list. It is in Central Colorado with no interstates leading to it but, it is not how quite this resort is that outs it on this list, it is the snow. This mountain receives snowfall more consistently than any other resort in Colorado and there is nothing like waking up in the morning to fresh snow everyday.

7. Whistler-Blackcomb

These twin peaks have been famous for years for offering unbeatable conditions. They also have the advantage of being at a fairly low elevation so elevation sickness is not as common here as other mountains. Blue trails are where this mountain thrives but there is no shortage of more difficult trails as your skills improve.

6. Aspen

Aspen is one of the resorts that everyone has heard of so, of course it had to make this list. Even though it is so well known this resort tends not to get too busy except for holidays. This is probably because this resort is actually made up of four different mountains. there is plenty of space to spread out and you will never run out of trails to explore.

5. Vail

Vail is one of the most prolific resorts when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. It is probably the best maintained and is always striving to improve. this resort is on most peoples bucket list but, that doesn’t help with wait times. This mountain is notorious for its lift lines. This may be worth it for some people but i would try to wait until and off week to visit.

4. Alta

Just like Steamboat, Alta is not known by as many people but it makes this list because of it’s snow. This mountain possibly gets the most snow out of any other resort in North America. Alta is also one of the more family friendly resort that you can visit so its great for kids to learn.

3. Snowbird

Located in Utah Snowbird is actually the sister mountain to Alta. It receives similar snow levels but, this is not a family ski resort. The terrain is steep and difficult, providing the most seasoned boarders a challenge. Snowbird also has the advantage of being near an airport that has flights nationwide.

2. Telluride

Telluride is a massive mountain located in Colorado. You shouldn’t get bored on the mountain but if you do there is not shortage of activities in the town either. the food there is amazing and you won’t be able to go into all of the stores there are so many. It is an extremely well rounded resort.

1. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole tops out the list. It is a must visit if you love back country skiing. this Wyoming mountain is to be known for it’s extreme difficulty and back country slopes. Nothing can beat a wide open mountain that you get to decide how you go down. Even though Jackson Hole is known for its difficulty the resort has done its best to carve out some smoother slopes to try and attract less skilled people as well.

[mtvchallengeblogarchive]

Episode 9 - I have so much to say about this mission.

Shall we start with a nice cheer of, "Sarah sucks?" In unison with me, right now. SARAH SUCKS. Don't kid yourselves. They actually try their absolute best to make me look like less of a loser at times, to no avail. I look at this mission and just hang my head in shame. Aren't Mike and Trishelle cute? I'm glad they allowed her to do some interviewing after the fact so there are at least a couple of shots of her looking less bruised. It really was a bad rap for her. We arrive at the crack of dawn for this mission somewhere up the road from the Windham Peaks Resort. It is freezing cold and we are underdressed. Jonny explains the mission to us and we are asked to create an order of competitors within 2 minutes. I gotta tell ya, this is where my hide gets unbearably chapped. NO ONE SITS OUT IN THIS MISSION. Alton goes three times. He didn't have to, but he chose to go because he is a squirrel and loves to climb things, preferably vertical. I guess they had Coral come in at some point after the fact and say a bunch of crap for story purposes. I actually go somewhere in the middle. Would you believe it? No pressure of going last this time. Allow me to elaborate. Every day in Telluride, roughly around 3:00 in the afternoon, a terrible lightening storm rolls in and the town gets rained out for a few hours. That is why the sunset looks so brilliant every night. It is always appearing right after a rain shower, which is always coupled with these incredible lightening shows. The mission was based around a gigantic lightening rod in the middle of a clearing in a forest. Production couldn't even test this mission more than once the afternoon before because of the eminent storm that followed the contruction of such an enormous electrical conductor. We were told that we needed to keep up the pace, and each person was ready to go 15 minutes before they actually started their climb. Too bad things are always running late in the production department... even though I was scheduled to go in the middle, these storm clouds began coming into the clearing right on schedule, high winds and all. They are debating as to whether or not we're going to continue the mission, and everyone is complaining about the safety risks involved with climbing a giant metal pole in the middle of the woods during a lightening storm. (Cue the Big Fat Duh here.) Lucky me, I am scheduled to be the last person of the day before we quit. The sky is black, winds are high, and it is damn cold slipping on fire-fighter pants that someone else just got sprayed in. You'd think there'd be more than two pairs per team if they brought a whole freaking truck, but there wasn't. Wait a minute... consider the company. You wouldn't think that at all. Shivering, I mount the contraption and the airhorn blows. I feel like I've got a pretty good start, considering I'm going up against a guy. I make it to the 4th rung down and I just get blasted with my own personal Kryptonite: cold water. Ever wonder why fires go out so quickly? Perhaps because they are frozen out of existance with the damn water that comes in blasts from the hose. Once I'm hit with the water, I tense up and can barely move. I'll admit it. You get me near freezing water and I am paralyzed. I don't mind water as a whole, and I actually went swimming almost every day I was in Telluride. I just hate water when it is coooollllddd. That's what eliminated me from the Snake Soup so quickly. Cold. Water. Blows. We are so intent on no one dropping the cat... we figure that the only way anyone is going to screw it up for us as a team is to drop the damned cat, so everyone is given a prep-lecture about that. This is why it is such a big deal.. We were told from the get-go that it was just unacceptable to drop the cat, and that it needed to be secured before you went anywhere. I was having a lot of trouble getting the cat off the carribeaner and finally just said, "Fuck it, I am wasting time, I've gotta get down from here!" This is why I didn't put it in my pocket. I screwed up, plain and simple. I had bruises all over my arms from flailing down the ladder so quickly. God, I watch this and my heart sinks. I really screwed up. After they deem the mission to be unsafe due to weather conditions, we reconviene in the house and are told we will finish the last half of the mission the next day. For, essentially, an entire 24 hours, I already knew I was going to the Gauntlet. Latterian went second to last on the second day. Did you know that Roni was a firefighter? She went through all the training up until about a week from certification and quit, because she wanted to have a job that was her life's passion, and she is a photographer. She didn't want to be doing photography as a hobby. Luckily, she quit a week before 9/11. Neat, huh? Photography probably saved her life. Everyone pretty much rocked on this mission but me and Latterian... Yes, he skipped rungs and got disqualified, and has screwed up in plenty of missions prior to this one. You can see when he totally denies even skipping the rungs, though, what the problem is. He is in total denial about his previous performance, and then says, "I didn't do it intentionally, that's for damned sure." Well, whatever. I didn't drop the cat on purpose, either. No one else skipped any rungs. You screwed up, too. Just admit it! But I am always an easy target. I never said I didn't have a victim complex, but I don't think anyone was doing anything to make it any better, either. Also, the order of that fight with Adam was out of order. He was saying something about how I should be confident about going into the Gauntlet and not bitter, and that's when I told him that he has no right to tell me how I should feel. I mean, when was the last time he even got NOMINATED to go? I get it every damned day, dude. Don't tell ME how I should feel. If I showed you how I REALLY felt, you would wake up hairless with vulgar sayings and gestures in permanent marker all over your face. Breathe, Sarah... I was glad to see that everyone told him he was being an ass. I couldn't actually believe anyone would ever speak the words, "You can't tell me you aren't the weakest person on the team," to my face... it is just inappropriate, considering the time and place... Tell me after we've won, okay? You can think whatever the hell you want after that. Thank you Cara, Theo, and Dave for sticking up for me. Hell, thanks to Darrell, even, for having a little common sense. I really appreciate seeing these things after the fact. I watched it and smiled. Where do all of these mean things about Trishelle come from? I don't remember being so snarky about her... I feel like I was just firing off a bit of steam in everyone's general direction at that point. You'll probably see clips of me saying a lot of mean things about people in the future... I really let a lot of shit fly in those interviews after Steve goes home. Trishlle was talking to me throughout the entire thing and I was pretty annoyed. I like a lot of quiet when I'm in the Gauntlet... I have to get into my zone, you know? You'll see me closing my eyes a lot, and exhaling, and furrowing my brow. I need to concentrate. And then the airhorn blows. We jump into the pool pretty fast, and, being a complete idiot, I do some sort of mini-cannonball into the water wearing a life-jacket. Ever do that? Well, if you have, you may have remembered swallowing a terrifying mouthful of water down the "wrong pipe" and choking yourself to convulsions. Don't remember that? Well, you're one of the lucky ones, because it happened to me! I am throwing those pieces while hacking up a lung, and when you see me struggling out of the pool, you'll hear a, "You're okay, Sarah," from Jonny Mosely, because production almost sent in the EMTs. They thought I was drowning! I was looking around all panicked and grabbing my neck like you're supposed to, praying that they'll call some sort of "re-do" because I go into a belly-up arrest. No one budged, and instead told me to keep going and to just get myself out of the pool. I do... in a beautiful slow-motion. Thirty minutes pass of us trying to fit those damned pieces into the mold. I kept screaming at production, "These pieces don't fit! Did you test this?!? They don't fit!!!" I mean, try watching a couple of chicks scrutinizing over a puzzle for half an hour and tell me you think the pieces actually fit. I thought I'd exhausted every possible combination. To top it all off, Jonny was being such a smug bastard! He's a fun guy to drink with socially, but as a host, he's always yelling a bunch of snide remarks and being an all-around pain in the ass. He was like, "Do the pieces fit, Sarah? I don't think they do, do you? Should you give up? Well, I don't know... they don't seem to be fitting..." At one point, I yelled something like, "SHUT UP, JONNY! FUCK YOU, RHOMBUS!" And Trishelle kind of laughs and says, "Wow, Sayrah, this puhzzle is REALLY hard, huh?" Arg, I was just so frustrated, and it didn't seem like it would ever finish... Finally, I lay the final piece in the right place and I enter a complete state of euphoria. That look on my face when I naturally jump into some sort of Mary Catherine Gallegher pose is it... Terror, surprise, relief, elation. I have had very few purely emotional feelings in my lifetime, where there is very little conscious cerebral activity... I honestly don't remember what the puzzle looks like in its completed form, or who hugged me first, or who didn't hug me at all. It was one of the most overwhelming moments of my life. Thanks, guys? It was sad to see Trishelle go. I really wished they would have shown all of the nice things I was saying about her. I didn't want to lose to her in a puzzle, but Trishelle really wanted to be there. More than a lot of people, actually, I felt that she was playing the game without a lot of malice. No one wants to vote for themselves. Just remember that and don't hold it against her. No one wants to volunteer, because there are no guarantees that you'll come back victorious. It is just a sucky position to be placed in, and very few people want to stick it out and stand up for what they know is right. Okay, I'm done now. I swear, I typed that in 5 minutes. I have to run out for some errands now, but if I happen to remember anything else, I'll let you know. For all the people who e-mail me to say I'm bitter, I prefer the term "disenchanted." All that glimmers is sure to fade. And also, you're right and you get the gold star-- "Slippery When Wet" is Bon Jovi, not Van Halen. Shame on me...

[erikacousland]

Dallas Divide, Colorado, USA © Ronda Kimbrow/Shutterstock

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Today on Bing October 6, 2021

Dallas Divide in Colorado, USA This is the Dallas Divide, but we're not in Texas. The high mountain pass is in the south-west corner of Colorado and gets its name from George M. Dallas, who was the 11th vice president of the United States from 1845 to 1849. With an elevation of about 2,700 metres, the Dallas Divide is saddled between the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre Plateau. The majestic peaks across the valley are part of the Rocky Mountains and home to ski resorts, old mining towns and the Rio Grande headwaters.

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Dallas Divide in southwest Colorado Today on Bing October 6, 2021

A valley view at 9,000 feet This is the Dallas Divide, but we're hundreds of miles from (and 8,500 feet above) North Texas. This saddle amid the southwestern Colorado Rockies cuts a swath just north of the San Juan Mountains. Nestled in those peaks you'll find Telluride, Silverton, and other former mining towns that got a boost from the Rio Grande Southern Railroad when it came to the Dallas Divide in 1890. Nowadays the divide hosts US Highway 62, a less-traveled byway for most Colorado travelers—but worth the detour if you're keen on a sweeping valley vista.

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Today on Bing October 6, 2021

A valley view at 9,000 feet This is the Dallas Divide, but we're hundreds of miles from (and 8,500 feet above) North Texas. This saddle amid the southwestern Colorado Rockies cuts a swath just north of the San Juan Mountains. Nestled in those peaks you'll find Telluride, Silverton, and other former mining towns that got a boost from the Rio Grande Southern Railroad when it came to the Dallas Divide in 1890. Nowadays the divide hosts State Highway 62, a less-traveled byway for most Colorado travelers—but worth the detour if you're keen on a sweeping valley vista.

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Today on Bing 6 October 2021

A valley at 9,000ft This is the Dallas Divide, a high mountain pass in the Colorado Rockies which is hundreds of miles north-west of (and more than 8,500ft above) its namesake city in Texas. This valley amid the mountains cuts a swathe just north of the San Juan Mountains. Nestled in those peaks you'll find former mining towns that got a boost from the Rio Grande Southern Railroad when it came to the Dallas Divide in 1890. Nowadays the divide hosts US Highway 62, a less-travelled road for most Colorado motorists but worth the detour if you're a fan of sweeping valley vistas.

[thevisafly]

Skiing, Anyone? Here Are The 5 Coolest Skiing Destinations In The World!

This winter sport consists of people moving around using thin, long and flat runners called skis. These are attached to the shoes, and are swung back and forth to essentially cut and glide through the snow. Some people may partake in skiing just to get from point A to point B. Some may undertake it competitively as well – there are a variety of types, including cross-country and downhill. And of course, where there is competition there are rankings. We are here to present to you 5 of the coolest (get it?) skiing countries in the world!

Skiing Destination No.1: Austria There are myriad reasons to choose Austria as your skiing destination. For starters, the Austrian Alps remain topped with a thick layer of snow throughout most of the year, which guarantees you a large window to visit – oftentimes, the snow season runs well into spring. And there are even areas like the Hintertux Glacier, that have snow all year round! And if that’s not all, most ski resorts have top-class snow-making facilities, so that’s an added bonus to make sure you have an enjoyable trip. Austria is also home to 7,213 kilometres’ worth of ski slopes. This means that there’s truly quantity along with that quality they bring! Millions of Euros per year go into maintaining and upgrading these ski slopes. So much so that there are more than 2,500 ski lifts across the country! They also have some of the very best Winter Sport infrastructure because of this, and the added connectivity ensures professionalism and safety. Austria has large ski resorts and areas such as Skicircus (one of the top 10 biggest ski resorts in the world!) and Arlberg. These bring forth the luxury of skiing on a different slope every day, without losing the charm of variety. Alternatively, cosier and smaller slopes such as Salzberg’s Sankt Johann may be more up your alley. Either way, Austria’s ski sloped are sure to excite!

Our Second Pick: Canada Canadian weather is known to be cold, while the folks’ warmth and hospitality bring the homely heat. The kind of pleasant experience you have in Canada may largely be due to the politeness and overall experienced touch that Canadian ski instructors bring. The country’s long winters and picture-perfect surroundings also help to earn it a spot on many a tourist’s snow-clad adventure. Apart from these open spaces being a treat to the eyes, Canada has also been host to two separate Winter Olympic games. British Columbia also has the largest ski resort in the whole North American region, Whistler Blackcomb. Much of the nation is filled with mountains, and the most accessible (and also most famous) ones are located in the western states of British Columbia and Alberta, as well as the Eastern states of Quebec and Ontario. Some of Alberta’s ski slopes are located in a national park – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay are all located in Banff National Park, and are quite well-known with the crowd. This means that along with a good ski session, the view of a luscious, woodsy surrounding is inevitable!

The Third Skiing Paradise: Switzerland ‘Switzerland’ and ‘snow’ seem to be synonymous in our heads. The country is prided on its vast expanse of cushiony, white snow. It is well taken-care of, and its services are professionally renowned. Most of the Swiss resorts have beginner-friendly courses that are managed on special easy-cruising slopes. Whether you’re a newbie or an expert, the Swiss Alps are beautiful and welcoming enough to call home. Swiss mountains are aplenty, with variations in snow depth and mountain height. Whilst there are some who prefer their own feet being the ones to cut through freshly fallen snow, others enjoy seasoned tracks that have been worked and treaded on. Resorts such as Zermatt (which contains the world’s highest 3S cableway, and is open 365 days a year) and St. Moritz (which is so professionally acclaimed that it’s hosted the Winter Olympics twice!) are crowd favourites, and are also the two best Swiss skiing (and winter sporting in general) picks.

Snow Wonderland No. 4: France France is one of Europe’s most prized skiing destinations. The French-Italian border is home to The Alps’ highest peak – Mont Blanc. Skiing on this part of the Alps is widely encouraged, and the northernmost area of Les Portes du Soleil is home to more than 11 resorts. Out of these, Avorias (“the capital of snowboarding”) and resorts in Morzine are said to be some of the best. Moving down south to the base of Mont Blanc, you can find the commune of Chamonix, an age-old original skiing favourite of Europeans. This then begs the question – when do we actually visit France if we want to ski? Well, it’s really quite unpredictable, but many recommend avoiding the Christmas-New Year rush, as this time entails both French and foreign crowds.  Early January to February is a good time to visit, yet the days are relatively shorter and the weather is much colder – however, the human traffic and expenses are both relatively lesser. Although the French Alps offer the widest range of skiing facilities in the whole of Europe, there are also other mountain ranges in France that may be worth the visit: Vosges, the Massif Central and the Jura are three such areas with fully equipped (cross-country and downhill) ski slopes.

5th But Not Least: USA With how huge the USA is, it’s hard not to find ski paradise. Many of the World’s best ski resorts lie in this country, with Colorado and Utah being major hotspots. Sundance Mountain Resort and Snowbasin in Utah, as well as Colorado’s Telluride and Buttermilk are the cream of USA’s skiing cake. The resorts on the Rocky Mountains (closer to the West Coast) are also reckoned to be world-class. The high altitude of these mountains (and most US slopes) are great for skiing. This is because they are usually covered with finer, powdery snow rather than the concentrated clumps, which are found at the foot of the mountain ranges. The slopes are also usually sunny, and at these high altitudes, a tan is guaranteed. Make sure you apply a freakishly large amount of sunscreen if you want to look recognisable at the end! The plus-side to this is that the weather is largely pleasant, as compared to Europe’s much harsher cold air. Here in the USA, over 300 days of sunshine are here to greet you. And as with everything in this nation, food and drink portions are largely-sized as well. Of course,especially after a good ski workout which is quite inviting.

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[michaelmowery]

Once I start #dating , at the #peaks is a #romantic place for #dinner and #drinks . For me one of top 5 place for #sunset photos in #Telluride #colorado (at The Peaks Resort and Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEvP9TojN2T/?igshid=3w3409hld2ib