Here at VBT, we’re all geared up for the ski season. We’re excited for our Canada Ski Vacation, where we’ll have a chance to cruise along the same trails that Randall, Falla and Joensson competed on last weekend. Don’t worry, there won’t be a stop watch in sight and we’ll be cruising along the flat trails in the valley. We’ll take our time enjoying the snow and the sights in one of North America’s greatest skiing locales. To check in on the trails, take a look at these webcams from the locations VBT will lead Skiing Vacations this coming winter.

Canadian Rockies

Even after the festivities surrounding the World Cup have cleared out, you’re still sure to find plenty of action at Canmore Nordic Centre. Canmore hosted an early season race in October on real snow; not man-made snow or fresh October snow, but snow that they had saved from last winter under a blanket of hay.

If Canada isn’t your cup of tea, then check out these webcams from some of our Ski Vacations in Europe.

Slovenia

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, is home to Planica—one of the world’s largest ski flying hills. They also host a stop on the Men’s Alpine World Cup circuit. Located at the corner of Slovenia, Italy, and Austria, you can ski across the border from Slovenia into Austria from downtown Kranjska Gora.

Ramsau, Austria

The winter paradise of Ramsau, Austria, is best known for the Dachstein Glacier and early season skiing.  However, the flat, 5km glacier loop in October is nothing in comparison to the 150km of groomed ski trails available by December. In a town where it is faster to travel from Point A to Point B by skis than by car, Ramsau is always ready for winter.

Obertilliach, Austria

Obertilliach is an annual stop on the Biathlon World Cup circuit and second home of Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einer Bjorndalen. Obertilliach is also the host of the Austrian “Dolomitenlauf” Worldloppet ski race. While you’re skiing, stop by one of the many huts along the trail for a warm drink and hot food.  Be sure to check out the European web cams in the morning from the US, otherwise it may look a little dark!

Passo Lavaze, Italy

Passo Lavaze is the back-up site for the 2013 Nordic Ski World Championships. It is also one of the most idyllic cross country ski resorts in the world, surrounded by the towering, limestone peaks of the Dolomites.

We’ve still got space available on several of our ski vacation departures this winter, including our Canadian vacations in February. If you’re interested in joining us, check out www.vbt.com/skiing to learn more. Even if you can’t join us, you’ll be able to see us on any one of the web cams above during the coming winter. For now, enjoy the fresh snow wherever you are and see you on the trail!

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One of the best ways to begin your exploration of Maryland is with a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Located on the water in the historic town of St. Michaels, the museum is completely dedicated to the state’s steadfast seafaring tradition. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was established in 1965 and its first order of business was preserving the Hooper Strait Lighthouse, which has since become an icon in its own right. Ironically, the lighthouse was originally located elsewhere: 60 miles south, in Hooper Strait. But when the historic landmark was set to be demolished, the Maritime Museum stepped in, saved the lighthouse and developed it into the museum’s premiere attraction. Gain an enlightened perspective of the Chesapeake Bay through the numerous interactive exhibits of the Maritime Museum before continuing your exciting Maryland Tour.

Upon your return to the town of Easton, Maryland, take a little time to explore some of the artisans’ crafts stores and window shop downtown. After experiencing a bit of what Maryland has to offer, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, and Easton is the perfect place to satisfy it. For a true taste of one of the best small towns in America, you might want to check out Oxford Greens. With a bit of a quirky country-store atmosphere, this local favorite is a great spot for soups, sandwiches or even a casual dinner. For a formal setting, try Out of the Fire. The delectable, comprehensive menu features local seafood, pizzas and a quality wine list. Or for a relaxed night in, enjoy your the Tidewater Inn’s restaurant, Hunter’s Tavern.

After a beautiful half-day of sailing from St. Michaels to Rock Hall, unwind and enjoy the deliberate pace of this Chesapeake gem. And if you’re in the mood for crab cakes, you’ve landed in the right place. Situated right on Rock Hall Harbor, Waterman’s Crab house is a must-visit. Indulge in the local specialty and enjoy the views before retiring to your comfortable room at the Inn at Huntingfield Creek.

Join us in discovering the charm and serenity of Maryland on our bucolic journey, Cycling the Chesapeake Bay.

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