Editors Note: A guest shares how skiing in Idaho became a family tradition

My husband and I were both raised in the very deep south and had limited exposure to snow, and literally no experience with snow deep enough to ski in. One day, several years ago, our close friends decided they wanted to go skiing and invited us along for the trip. They have been skiing most of their lives, as they both grew up in Colorado and had only been in our area for a handful of years. Even those of us way down south know there is skiing in Colorado, but they wanted to ski in Idaho.

My husband and I made quite a few jokes about skiing on hills of mashed potatoes, not realizing there were ski areas in Idaho. We have now taken many Idaho ski trips together and I can confidently say there are numerous ski resorts, none of which makes their snow out of mashed potatoes.

The Brundage Mountain Resort has become one of our absolute favorite ski areas in Idaho. One of the great things, especially as our families have expanded, is the amazing room rates that are so close by. The town of McCall has several nationally recognized hotel chains that have very reasonable prices. Compared to many ski towns we have visited, the rates are unbelievable. The great rates have been one reason we have been able to continue our skiing traditions even in a less than perfect economy. Not only are the rooms affordable, but Brundage also has several ways to save on skiing as well. We can definitely afford this Idaho ski resort.

The important parts for those who are interested in Idaho ski resorts, however, are the mountain specifics of Brundage. After all what good are deals if it isn’t fun to ski in Idaho, right? The base elevation is about 5,800 feet and the summit elevation is just over 7,600 feet. There is a vertical drop of 1,800 feet and more than 40 trails and about 1,500 acres just perfect for skiing. There is plenty of room at Brundage for the entire family to have a great time.

As we have collectively moved from beginner status to skiers who are pretty good we have taken advantage of several of the ski classes the resort has to offer. Of course, at first, my husband and I took the very basic getting to know snow classes but later we moved on to some of the more advanced lessons for the more difficult runs and have even consulted with professional skiers for personalized tips. As our children have grown, we have used the daycare center available at the resort, and our son just recently decided he wanted to take a few snowboarding lessons. The husband and I are still trying to decide if that is something we should tackle for ourselves, but it is definitely an opportunity I’m happy our son wants to take advantage of.

We are certainly looking forward to another great annual Idaho family ski vacation!

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If you find yourself dreaming about snow and waiting for opening day at the mountain, then here’s a great place to check out.  Sunriver, Oregon is at the heart of Central Oregon’s resort community and nature’s playground can be yours.

Playing in the snow makes me happy, and if you like it just a little bit, then this may be the ideal place for your next winter vacation.  Yes, some people really do plan vacations to be where there is snow and sun at the same time.  Not only is Oregon beautiful country, but there you’ll find snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding including cross country trials and all the shopping, restaurants and activities to fill the time in between.

Just so happens that just a short drive from Sunriver is one of North America’s largest ski resorts.  Mt. Bachelor Resort is home to some 3700 acres of boarding and skiing fun.  For a reasonable value snow nuts will enjoy some varied terrain that is sure to please all levels of competence.  There are 71 groomed trails and 13 lift facilities with current plans to expand both lift operations and trails in the near future.  Fifteen percent of the terrain is graded as Novice, 25% Intermediate and the other 60% is Advanced or Expert terrain.  What a great place to bring the whole family for sun and ski!  And did I happen to mention that on average the snow base is some 150-200 inches and that there’s 3,365 feet of vertical drop?

Feel like a totally new experience?  How about a dog sled ride?  Just imagine, riding in an Iditarod Dog Sled taking in the breathtaking views of the local mountain scenery. You could even plan for an overnight expedition.  Sledding and snowtubing sound like fun too?  Take some slides down the 800 foot ride in the Snowblast Tubing Park on the Mountain.

After all the fun, there are plenty of options for shopping or just hanging out.  But dining in the area leaves nothing to be desired.  There are many restaurants to choose from and something to satisfy the most discerning of palates.  Or if you want to stay in the privacy of your vacation rental in Sunriver Oregon, you can find groceries and goodies in town.

Not only is the area good for winter fun, sounds like it may be just as amazing in the summer.  Everything from biking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, golfing and so much more in the high desert of Oregon.   Sounds like a great place for the next family vacation whether it’s summer or winter.

Cabo San Lucas is the most popular Baja getaway for tourists from the United States. As a result, it is very Americanized and commercialized. Depending on what you are looking for in a Mexican vacation, that may be either a good thing or a bad one.

The best thing about Cabo is the frequent, direct – and often cheap – airline service from several major hubs in the Western states, like Denver and LA. So getting there can be quick and easy, making it perfect for a long weekend or last minute sanity break.

Golf? Cabo has plenty of it, although the greens plopped down in the desert landscape often seem surreal or even arrogant.

Fishing? This is the place! Perched on the tip of Baja, Cabo is perfectly situated to take advantage of the superb sportfishing offered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. This is where the big boys go for the big fish.

Beaches? Aaaaah, the beaches. That’s what most of want from a Baja vacation, isn’t it? Sun, sand, surf, rest and relaxation. Beaches are where Cabo shines and luckily they are only a short stroll from wherever you happen to be when you’re in Cabo San Lucas.

Step back in time a bit and consider taking the train to your next ski vacation. RMA Tours is offering great deals from Minneapolis or Chicago to ski destinations in Colorado and Montana – other departure cities are available, just give them a call or visit their website for details.

Enjoy a change of pace with RMA Tours’ Throw Momma on the Train mid-Season Amtrak ski train vacation special to Whitefish, Montana, home of Big Mountain Ski Resort. Starting at $669 per person (based on double occupancy) you will receive round trip coach rail fare to Whitefish, MT from Minneapolis or Chicago, transfers; 5 nights lodging, a 4 day lift ticket taxes ARE included in this price. Rates are good through March 25, 2007.

If you’ve always dreamed of taking a train trip but haven’t known how to approach booking one, let RMA Tours help you. Call them at 800-841-9800 or contact your travel agent.

The white sand cresents and crystal clear waters of Baja area are a beach lovers dream. Unlike in some other Mexican coastal areas, the natives of this region prize and protect their environment. The beaches are clean and the plant and wildlife are appreciated and respected.

While it’s at first startling to see cactus forests growing along the beach, you soon get used to the unsual flora and fauna of the Baja peninsula. The best beaches boast fine white sand perfect for barefoot beachcombing. Others consist of shell shards and rocks and require foot protection. However, even on beaches where shoes are a must, the privacy and scenery are well worth it.

Some of the best beaches are not on the tourists’ radar and can only be reached by boat. Camping is permitted in most places and requires toting along an approved portapotty.Whichever you choose, be certain, when wading in the water, to wear water sandals and to shuffle your feet along the bottom to prevent painful encounters with lurking sting rays. This Baja Shuffle will soon become a habit.

Info about La Paz, Baja’s largest city.