Skiers’ Escape to Colorado: Fourth Night Free at Capella Telluride

Now's your chance to usher in the winter season and stay at the Telluride luxury hotel that everyone's talking about. Escape to Capella Telluride for ski-in/ski-out access to some of the best terrain in the Rockies and take advantage of a package that throws in lift tickets, full breakfast for two each day, a $100 spa credit, and a fourth night free. (The "Skiers' Escape" is available from December 19, 2009- April 4, 2010.) Hit up Telluride's 84 ski trails then warm up in the hotel's Nordic Lounge, where a staffer will remove, warm and store your ski boots. At the Spa at Capella, you can indulge in a massage after a day on the mountain; the resort features two couples' mountain view treatment suites, where you can enjoy treatments for two, followed by a hydrotherapy soak, steam shower and a romantic fireside spa meal. While you're staying at Capella Telluride, don't miss a meal at The Onyx Restaurant, where decadent meals are prepared with locally sourced produce and meats.

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Winter in the Adirondacks at The Point, Saranac Lake

Planning a winter vacay in the Adirondacks? Do it right and stay at The Point, the exclusive, 11-room property that was a Rockefeller Adirondack Great Camp back in the day. Now, it's racked up the awards for providing guests with the ultimate civilized wilderness experience. Head off on an invigorating outdoor adventure-- perhaps cross-country skiing on snow-covered Upper Saranac Lake or on the nearby trails-- then cozy up by the fire with a good book. Or retreat to The Point's Adirondack pub for a game of pool or darts. The list of winter activities is endless: downhill skiing on Whiteface Mountain (the 3,216-foot vertical drop is the highest in the East), ice skating on the lake or on the indoor rink in Lake Placid, snowshoeing through the magical wintry landscape, even ice fishing. The chef at The Point will prepare your catch for you. Most fun of all: the snow barbecues out on the point. Wear warm clothes and get geared up for an unforgettable lunch. The best part of all? The Point is all-inclusive (meaning all meals and activities are included in your room rates).

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Winter in the Alps at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Craving an alpine adventure this winter season? For exceptional skiing, it's hard to beat Zermatt-- where three ski areas are easily accessible from the charming, car-free village with the Matterhorn as the dramatic backdrop. The après-ski scene is hopping, and you can bed down at a noble hotel like the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof for a dose of luxury and elegant hospitality. Excellent snow conditions make for the longest ski season in the Alps, and in this white wonderland you can explore some 313 kilometers of ski runs. With a long tradition of attracting well-known personalities, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has a number of ski packages available for the winter season. For the ultimate ski experience, book the Matterhorn Skiweek 2009/2010 which includes 7 overnights from Saturday to Saturday, generous buffet breakfast, a 5-course dinner, ski lessons for 6 days and ski passes for 7 days (for all ski areas in Zermatt and the Italian ski area, Cervinia), free access to the indoor swimming-pool, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and to the fitness room. Priced from CHF 2289 per person in a double room (7 nights) from November 28-December 19, 2009.

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Hotel Specials: Eleventh Hour Escape Package at Nemacolin Woodlands, Pennsylvania

This just in. Nemacolin Woodlands, the ever popular resort situated on 3,000 acres outside Pittsburgh, is giving away $200 in resort credit with the Eleventh Hour Escape Package. The facilities are extensive at this four-season vacation spot, so imagine all the ways you could spend that $200: dining, shopping, golf, spa treatments, and more. Room rates for this special package start at $339, which is $100 less than normal room rates.

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Learn How to Heli-Ski with the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

Itching to try some heli-skiing in Wyoming's spectacular Teton Mountains? The ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole-- described by Elite Traveler Magazine as "arguably the top slopeside hotel in the nation"-- has put together a four-night package so you can learn how. You'll get expert instruction on premier training grounds, where you'll learn techniques, survival skills, and route-finding. Then, on the final day, you'll test your new skills on a private heli-skiing adventure with High Mountain Heli-Skiing. Participation is limited to alpine skiers only. Priced from $1206 per night, the package includes:

* Two days of instruction, including lunch and lift tickets

* One day of heli-skiing, including transportation and lunch

* Welcome reception, including cocktails and appetizers

* Closing dinner

* Luxurious accommodations for four nights

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Christmas Rooms Available at The Post Hotel in Banff National Park, Canada’s Largest Ski Area

We've just learned that there are still a few rooms available for Christmas at The Post Hotel & Spa, voted No. 1 ski hotel in North American by Condé Nast Traveler. Experience the warmth of the festive season at of one of Banff National Park's remaining historic log lodges. After a day on the slopes (the Lake Louise Ski area, offering 4000 acres of unsurpassed ski terrain, is just minutes away), cozy up by the fire at this Alpine chalet, perched high above the natural wonders of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The Post Hotel has racked up the accolades for its award-winning wine cellar and fine dining (adored by Wine Spectator and the now-defunct Gourmet Magazine). The hotel's Temple Mountain Spa offers signature treatments like the Temple Glacier Renewal, which incorporates all-Canadian products in a 75-minute anti-aging body treatment.

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The Season’s First Snow in the Alps: Badrutt’s Palace Opens Dec 3 For Winter

The first snow of the season has already blanketed the Alps, and resorts are readying to open their doors. Now's the time to plan ahead for a winter ski vacation. To experience the glitz, glamor, and legendary après-ski scene in St. Moritz, book a stay at Badrutt's Palace, which opens for the winter 2009-2010 season on December 3, 2009. Surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery, the hotel has long been a landmark in the Swiss Alps, favored by celebrities and visiting royalty since it first debuted in 1896.

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Adventurous Heli-Ski Safari in the Swiss Alps with the Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz

The summer is fleeting, but don't despair. Think ahead to winter vacay-- perhaps a glamorous sojourn in the Swiss Alps. Legendary for its snow-blanketed pistes and happening apres-ski scene, St. Moritz is considered the birthplace of winter sports holidays and Swiss tourism. Check into the Kulm Hotel, founded in 1856 by Johannes Badrutt, and embark on a heli-ski safari. The hotel can arrange a pampering stay that combines both adrenaline-pumping adventure and plenty of relaxation. From aboard the helicopter, you'll marvel at Switzerland's most beautiful ski regions, before getting up close with their white magnificence on a guided ski run from the Hüfifirn Glacier in the canton of Uri, followed by runs from the Sustenlimmi Glacier in the canton of Berne and in the Valais as well as in the renowned "White Arena" of Flims. Back at the five-star hotel, get a massage at the the Panorama Spa & Health Club before feasting on a five-course meal in the restaurant.

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Last Minute Mid-Week Special in the Swiss Alps at Grand Hotel Bellevue, Gstaad

Hungry for an alpine adventure? You'll get a breath of fresh air in picturesque Gstaad, surrounded by some of the finest scenery in the southwest of Switzerland. Mountains loom over fragrant meadows, just begging to be biked and hiked. Sure, the jetsetting glitterati flock here in the winter months to hit the powdery slopes, but the summer is just as fine. Head to the luxurious Grand Hotel Bellevue and you'll bliss out in the pampering spa. For a limited time, you can take advantage of a special offer; The "Last Minute Mid-Week Special" means a third night free, plus a slew of free goodies like daily buffet breakfast, two dinners at the Brasserie Coelho, unlimited access to the Bellevue SPA, an apple/green tea bath, a fresh cheese/orange wrap, and transfers to the train station. Valid until August 28th, 2009 for arrivals Sunday to Tuesday, priced from CHF 650 per person.

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New in Park City: Dakota Mountain Lodge and Golden Door Spa, The Waldorf Astoria Collection

There's a new luxury hotel on the block in Park City and there's been quite the buzz about its $159 introductory rates. As the only ski resort in The Waldorf Astoria Collection, the new Dakota Mountain Lodge promises to up the luxury ante in Utah. What's so hot about the 175-room resort? For starters: the new Frostwood Gondola, which offers ski-in/ski-out convenience just adjacent the resort, with assistance from the doting ski valets. Another plus: The 16,000 square foot Golden Door Spa, where you can soothe tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Also on-site: the Spruce restaurant and lounge, sister to the award-winning resto in San Francisco. Each of the accommodations is uniquely appointed with custom designed furniture and designer carpeting. Big bathrooms have large jetted tubs, most with separate glass-enclosed showers. Large kitchens are fully-equipped and boast stainless Viking appliances and abundant granite counter space. In addition to the low rates, the special introductory offer means a fourth night free when you stay three consecutive nights.

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