Ski Blog: News and Views from the slopes.

Igloo Villages in the Alps?

If you feel like sleeping like an Eskimo inside an Igloo but eat your Cheese Fondue like the Swiss do, then should try staying at one of the Igloo Villages in the Alps: Engelberg, Zermatt, Grindelwald and Garmich-Partenkirchen. The Igloo hotels are built new year winter. Interested? Then you can visit for more details: http://www.iglu-dorf.com/Willkommen_en.html

Arlberg Hospiz (St. Christoph, Austria)

There’s not a St. Bernard in sight. Rightly so, since this is the peak of Austria’s Arlberg pass, not the Swiss pass with the doggy name. And if you’re expecting a refuge for pilgrims, that would be wrong, too, although the historic origins are correct. Instead, today’s Arlberg Hospiz is a five-star hotel located on the same site which attracts a top-notch clientele. Skiing is integrated into the Arlberg complex extending from St. Anton to Lech. If you choose the right dates, you can join the stars of indie films and television in the annual charity gala evening aiding the “Brudershaft St. Christoph”, an order as ancient as the Hospiz.

Where and What is Schengen?

Schengen is a wine-growing village in south-eastern Luxembourg near the point where the borders of Germany, France and Luxembourg come together. The village is best known for the treaty signed there, a part of European Union law which allows for common immigration policies and border control systems. 26 countries (All EU states except Ireland and the UK, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) have signed the agreement and 15 have implemented it so far. Border posts and checks have been removed between Schengen countries and a common ‘Schengen visa’ allows access to the entire area. This means that driving between Schengen member countries has become seamless. Most of Europe’s airports were designed before the treaty and have had to be adapted for the new passport controls.

Olympic Museum? Look at Lausanne, Switzerland

Even the Olympics have a museum, and an excellent one, covering both winter and summer sports. Located in Lausanne Switzerland, facing Lake Geneva, the museum is a focal point for a visit following skiing in the Swiss or French Alps. Lausanne makes a perfect weekend stop over city. It’s small enough to be manageable, but has a wealth of history and culture.
And after your visit don't miss a stop at the excellent and nicely decorated Museum Restaurant on the second floor which faces the Alps and the lake.

Après-Ski...Underground?

Have you ever thought about après-ski...underground? If you're interested read on..

Years ago, miners tunneling beneath the spa, and now winter sport, center of Bad Gastein Austria were found to be remarkably free of arthritis and rheumatism. This was attributed to the heat, humidity, and low emissions in their working environment that was later converted to a medically-supervised cure treatment. Now, skiers can sample the same experience as an alternative to the outdoor pools fed with naturally hot water from the thermal springs.
For more information visit: http://www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com/en/index.php

Moguls and Mozart

Marking the 250^th anniversary of the composer’s birth, 2006 is the Mozart year, featuring a full calendar of concerts, exhibitions, and special events. The main activities will take place in Salzburg and Vienna, but cities throughout Europe have prominent music events. There is a unique opportunity to enjoy a snow-sport resort vacation combined with classical performances.
For more information contact travel@ski-europe.com

Planning the Big Ski Trip? Some Lessons learned the Hard Way

If planning your big ski trip sounds like a daunting task and you're already overwhelmed at the mere thought of starting to plan your winter vacation, John Sherwood - writer and columnist at DC Ski, can provide you with useful information and help you answer some of the questions you might have: What about the snow conditions? What about the vertical and the lifts? Transportation and lodging? When should we be traveling?

To read the full article go to:
http://www.dcski.com/articles/view_article.php?article_id=830&mode=headlines

Credit card charges when you are overseas

Have you ever wondered about the currency exchange rate when you purchase gifts and souvenirs and pay with your credit while you are on vacation in a foreign country? In some cases you might end up paying much more....because you're "charged at a different rate".
If you have an experience to share please feel free to post it for other blog readers.

Cash, Credit Cards or ATMs? Tips on Changing Money

Traveling outside of the United States? Wondering if you should exchange your money into foreign currency before leaving, or in the country you're traveling to? Here's an article by the Houston Chronicle with some useful tips on changing money that can save you money.

Ski Relax at Gasteiner-Heilstollen underground health treatment in Austria.

Today I received an e-mail with an interesting question in my Inbox: "Could you please send information on an underground health treatment in Austria that is Radon based and has 4 stages in the treatment, each stage descends further underground and increases the thermal temperature?"

Well, probably most people have never heard about the Gasteiner-Heilstollen which are located near Bad Gastein in Austria, so I hope you will find this useful.

Heilstollen, a German word which means healing cave, is a tunnel system. A special train takes you 2.5km/1.5 miles into the mountain, where the warmth and humidity elevate the body's temperature to 38C/100F. This increases the uptake of radon, one of the noble gases, which accelerates cell metabolism through its short-wave rays.

For more information please visit: http://www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com/en/ or to make your travel arrangements contact SkiEurope at 800-333-5533.

And by the way..Gasteiner-Heistollen also offers Ski-Relax sessions once a week in the winter. Please check with them directly. (In winter 2004-05: every Thursday at 4pm; cost Euros 25)