Skiing South America

Just back from a ski trip of a lifetime to Chile thanks to LAN Airlines, Valle Nevado, Portillo , Termas de Chillan and the Ritz Carlton Santiago! I am not sure what to do first, blog about the trip or book my flights for next year. Fantastic skiing , incredible views, extraordinary food, world class wines, and mesmorizing Latin culture all make for more more than just a ski vacation. Each resort offers a unique experience with too much to talk about in this post. Call or email me for the mouth watering details.

Anne Courcier

Anne@Snowventures.com

Fun Fiji Water Photos from the Aspen Food and Wine

Fiji Water is one of the wonderful sponsors at the Aspen Food and Wine 2010

Early Snow in Valle Nevado, Chile!

Today Valle Nevado, Chile reported the first snowfall of the upcoming ski season! 10 cm fell at the resort, providing beautiful views and what we hope is an auspicious start to the South American ski season.

Think you've skied it all? How about hitting some fresh powder in July or August? Head down to South America for some amazing summer skiing at great rates!! Expert skiers from all over the world head down to Chile's Valle Nevado to kill those cravings for snow and experience the mountain life from a different perspective from June through October.

Valle Nevado is gorgeous resort located in the Andes Mountains. At 9,925 feet, guests will feel miles away from everyday life, even though you you are less then 40 miles from Chile's Santiago Airport. Guests can choose from 3 hotel amidst a variety of entertainment, outdoor adventure, and nightlife. With ski packages including ground transportation, lodging, and 2 meals a day, Valle Nevado is an ideal summer ski destination!!

Experience skiers will love the variety offered at Valle Nevado. From sweeping groomers to extreme heli-skiing, the mountain offers a little something for everyone. Lesson packages are also available for novice skiers or those looking to polish their skills a bit.

What are you waiting from?? Check out Valle Nevado Ski Vacation page, and start planning the summer getaway of your dreams!!

Epic Summer in Colorado

If you have been to Colorado in the Winter then wait until you see how wonderful it is in the Summer.
Epic Summer in Colorado. It's the ultimate guided vacation.
An all inclusive way for your family to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with a local guide. Scenic gondola rides at Keystone and Vail. White water rafting in the rockies, Horse back riding in Beaver Creek. Panning for gold in Breckenridge. Cowboy dinner and gazing at stars in Keystone and hiking and picnic in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can do it all.
This is a trip unlike any other because we have taken care of the planning and details. Your family and friends will be paired up with a local guide well acquainted with the area. You can choose a 4 day or 7 day adventure. We have the itineraries for both. Your guide will drive you and be on each of your adventures. If you are looking to have a family vacation to remember then email me today

Mar. 24, 2010 snow report

For all you snow fans there's still time to book a ski vacation especially in Colorado. Here's the new snow totals this morning for the last 24 hrs. Spring Massive is going to be a blast. Email me at Lilly@snowventures.com
Breckenridge-8 inches
Snowmass-7 inches
Aspen-6 inches
Copper-6 inches
Vail-5 inches
Beaver Creek-5 inches
Keystone-5 inches
A-Basin-5 inches
Winter Park-5 inches
Telluride-3 inches
Steamboat-2 inches
Crested Butte-1 inch

Crested Butte Weekend

It started out with a 3 hour drive to Crested Butte with kids asking are we there yet on Mar. 5, 2010. I was happy when I was able to say yes we are. The snow gods must have known we were coming because it was snowing when we arrived which made for some great skiing. I love skiing Crested Butte not only for the great mountain it is but because theirs no lift lines not even on Saturday and Sunday. They have a kids terrain park which my two kids loved being able to do some jumps and tricks on their skis. The runs that were groomed were my favorite of course and Crested Butte does a beautiful job of grooming. Most people think Crested Butte is for experts only but they have many runs that are beginner and intermediate and yes they have plenty of expert runs.
We stayed at The Lodge At Mountaineer Square which is slopeside and has condos with a nice pool and hot tub. It's a great place for families because youc an cook complete meals with it's full kiitchen. It's nice and new and sits right at the Village. We enjoyed our stay very much. We looked at The Grand Lodge which is a good value and is a short 100 yard walk to slopes. We also looked at the Elevation Hotel which I highly recommend especially for couples or for families who are not interested in cooking in. (It is a vacation-take mom out to eat). Downstairs at the Elevation at the restaurant 9380 I would recommend the crab macaroni and cheese. It's to die for.
Saturday evening we put the kids in kids night out and they got to enjoy time without mom and dad while tubing and having some great fun. We took this time to do a sleigh ride dinner to Uley's Cabin for a fantastic gourmet dinner. I highly suggest letting me arrange this for you. It's a wonderful experience.
Crested Butte is a fun, family friendly and very affordable ski resort. Contact me and I can help with your Crested Butte Ski Vacation.

Beaver Creek Weekend

We went to Beaver Creek the weekend of Feb. 26, 2010 for some family skiing and tubing fun. We stayed at Bear Paw which is ski in/out. Bear Paw was very convenient and would recommend for families looking for easy access and wanting to get away from it all.
The skiing was great! They have something for everyone and it was not crowded. I personally loved the blue groomed runs. My 9 year old daughter loved the black double diamond runs. My 5 year old son was happy skiing in the trees and my husband along side him. Like I said-something for everyone.
We went to Beaver Creek Village and went tubing. The kids loved it and yes Mom even tried it out. I must say I really enjoyed tubing. It was like being a kid all over again especially with my daughter yelling spin her fast to the gentleman sending us down the run.
Beaver Creek Village has some great shopping, ice rink, tubing, restaurants and I really like the firepits they had by the ice rink. You can sit by the fire and have something to drink while watching the kids ice skate.
Beaver Creek is a great destination for families. I would love to help you with your next Beaver Creek

Valle Nevado Update after the earthquake

Valle Nevado is on schedule for the 2010 ski season!
(dates are June 11 to September 24, 2010)

In our close-knit ski industry community, there has been obvious concern about the impacts of the massive Chile earthquake on the resort community. Fortunately, there is good news - most resorts have been minimally affected.
In Valle Nevado, damage is reported to be only cosmetic or incidental ~ things like broken windows and lamps.
Tourism is a key component of Chile's recovery and we know our partners and friends at all the Chile ski resorts are working hard to make the necessary repairs before the start of the South American ski season. We're hard at work, too, to bring you a great Chile ski experience.

Heavenly skiing

I went on a trip to Tahoe and had a great time skiing Heavenly. The conditions were great and the views were amazing. I have some great deals for a hotel room at Montbleu with lift tickets and ski rentals. Email me today at Lilly@snowventures.com While you're there you have to eat at the Gunbarrel Grill. It has the best views and great lobster baguette with champagne, of course.

Chris Klug is back in pursuit of Olympic Gold after receiving a life saving liver transplant that kept him out of the 2006 games. Congratulations and good luck Chris!
Chris and I share a common bond. I dontaed a portion of my liver to my brother, Jim the same month and at the same hospital where Chris recieved his transplant. Here we are sharing a moment after the 2nd annual Aspen Summit for life race on Aspen Mountain.

We love to hear from our clients!

Here's a great client response we received:

"Well it was another Great ski trip in the Beautiful state of Colorado thanks to Mrs. Lilly Howard and Snow Ventures. With 2 trips under our belt using Lilly we have been to Copper Mountain and Winter Park and the experiences have both been nothing short of spectacular. The room, rentals, and travel accommodations were excellent along with the professionalism that went along with it. Lilly worked with me in every aspect of my family trip from price to departure and arrival times. The ease of using her services made my job planning a family vacation a breeze. I would highly recommend Snow Ventures and Lilly for any vacation fun and I will be using her for my next winter vacation which I hope will be soon.
Thanks Lilly and Snow Ventures,
The Biggs Family"