Minimizing Wear and Tear During Off-Road Adventures

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2021

A trip to an Idaho Ski Resort is always a fun, luxurious, and unforgettable experience. Some people like camping, some people enjoy relaxing on the beach, but there are others that just can’t get enough of the frigid winter chill and love hitting the slopes. When people think of Ski Resorts, their minds typically wander to states such as Colorado, California, or Utah, but there is another state that deserves to be on that short-list: Idaho. Idaho and its ski-resorts have much more to offer than you might think. Idaho shares a border with Canada and stretches all the way south past Washington and Oregon. This leaves Idaho with a large variety of terrain, mountains, and landscapes. There are tens of thousands of acres of forest with a massive amount of national forest. Idaho is actually in the top 3 in the country for acres of national forest. If you couple these forests with the mountain ranges that span nearly the entire state, Idaho really seems like an ideal place to be. When it comes to snowfall, you won’t be disappointed there. You can expect several hundred inches of snowfall in the upper mountains. Perfect if you enjoy dropping into puffy piles or carving through the snowy powder with skis. Mountains with large drops? Done. Windy trails for skiing? Has it. What more could you ask? So, Idaho has plenty of territories fit for skiing, snowboarding, and other wintery activities, but what about the Ski Resorts? From North to South, Idaho has ski resorts in nearly every major area. There are around 16 Ski Resorts located in Idaho, 4 of which are especially notable. Tamarack: Tamarack is Idaho’s top Ski Resort and it is also the closest one to Boise. It offers affordable lift rides, a variety of dining options, and places to stay for nearly any budget. When it comes to the mountain, Tamarack doesn’t disappoint. The mountain sports a near 2800’ vertical drop, nearly 300 inches of annual snowfall, and 50 named runs with decent lift access. Silver Mountain: Located all the way up in Kellogg, Silver Mountain is a great option if you want more than the typical winter experience. While not as accessible as the others, it is still not a resort to skip out on. Silver Mountain has plenty of runs (73 to be exact), great lift access, 1600 acres of skiable land, and, surprisingly, an indoor water park. When it comes to vertical drops and snowfall, you can still be satisfied here. Silver Mountain boasts a near 2200’ drop and around 300 inches of snowfall. It’s not as high as the others, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying what it has to offer. One additional detail to keep in mind: Silver Mountain is relatively close to Spokane, Washington. This makes the Spokane International Airport an option for landing. Schweitzer: Located in Northern Idaho, even further than Kellogg, Schweitzer mountain resort offers a 2400’ vertical drop with 300 inches of snowfall. It sports a massive 92 named runs with 10 separate lifts to ensure you can get around the mountain. Prices are affordable and there are many lodging options. There are wide-open slopes and trails through the trees. Schweitzer has something for everyone. Sun Valley: Sun Valley is the largest and most popular Ski Resort Idaho has to offer. Its location is more centralized in the state and it has a variety of activities available. Its location is close enough to the Friedman Memorial Airport to make the drive to the actual resort less than 30 minutes. This makes it one of the easiest resorts to access. In addition to that, it also has the largest variety of activities. More than skiing and snowboarding, it has shopping, dining, and even golfing to offer. The mountain is also very impressive. It has the largest vertical drop at a staggering 3400’. This is the only resort with a drop over 3000’ (Tamarack at 2800’ is the closest match) and 220 inches of average snowfall. It also has the largest number of named runs and the largest number of lifts. There are 121 runs with 18 lifts to accompany them. If you’re looking for the best all-around experience, this is absolutely one to consider. How do I choose which Ski Resort to go to? There is a large amount of information in regards to the different ski resorts. If it’s your first time, a lot of it may not make a lot of sense. To help understand, there are only a few factors that really matter. Ignoring the total cost of the trip, you should look at the vertical drop with snowfall, the number of named runs and lifts, and also its location relative to airports/major towns. Using these metrics, you can narrow down which Ski Resort would be best for you. If you look at the numbers, you can generally assume bigger is better. More named runs and lifts usually mean the resort is more developed and easier to traverse. Looking at the vertical drop can be a decent way to gauge the difficulty range. And, of course, the time it takes to travel to the resort itself is important as you’ll need to plan travel accordingly. It’s unfortunate that Idaho isn’t higher on people’s lists of Ski Resort states. From relaxed rides to big vertical drops, Idaho has everything you could want. Deep powder, amazing views, and a growing number of resorts are just a few of the many reasons Idaho is gaining popularity in the snow sports community. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How many ski resorts are there in Idaho? Idaho has 18 ski resorts with their own personality and unique ways. You will experience different things in each of them. They are very creative while having their plans made.  what is the largest ski resort in Idaho? Schweitzer Mountain resort. There are over 2,900 skiable acres. You don’t have to share your space with other skiers. Is snowboarding allowed in Sun valley? Yes, you can, with all ability levels. For beginners, it is quite a lace as it allows them to explore the mountains. Other resorts just aloes the beginners to explore the base area. How cold does Sun Valley get? In summer the Sun Valley is mostly warm, dry, and clear. In winter it gets freezing, cloudy, and snowy. The course of the year has the temperature typically varies from 10 degrees to 81 degrees.  Read Also: The Last Ski-Only Resorts In The USA: Why Do They Still Exist? Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen Trekking Kilimanjaro & Salkantay

BY  Ankita Nov 21, 2023

For those who love venturing off the beaten path to experience the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer, your success and your safety in enjoying your next adventure will depend on the essentials you pack to carry with you. While enjoying the wind and sun or exploring a new destination can be exciting, gratifying, and even relaxing, these emotions can quickly turn into worry, fear, and exhaustion if you’re unprepared. Selecting what is essential to your well-being on the move can be challenging, whether planning a six-month, six-day, or six-hour adventure, mainly if you have limited packing space. Planning is the key to your success. Phone  It’s impossible nowadays to even think of going somewhere without your smartphone. You don’t want to leave home without yours. Consider including a universal travel adapter depending on your destination and acquiring a local SIM card to remain connected in the event of an emergency or if you want to enjoy a bit of entertainment while on the go. Portable Charger While a charger and power bank may be among your best options if you’ll be off the grid for a while, carrying an extra battery is one of the top tips to follow when adventuring. A spare battery can be beneficial, especially for your phone as well as a camera or laptop, if you bring these along. Lots of things can go wrong, and the unexpected is always to be expected. You may become lost, need help, contact your family, or request medical assistance, and your phone may be your only lifeline to civilization. Pack that extra battery. Maps If you travel to a remote location, a phone or the internet may not be viable tools. Include physical maps, a GPS device, or even a basic compass among your adventure essentials to keep you on track. Water And Snacks Snacks like nuts and seeds, granola bars, or chocolate, along with a variety of pop tart flavors, can help maintain energy levels, and hydration is essential to general health and well-being. Reusable water bottles or boxed water aid in preventing dehydration and protect the environment as well. If you are refilling your water bottle, include water disinfection tablets. Carry extra snacks if you are embarking on an active trip. First Aid Kit Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but especially when selecting a natural destination, bumps, bruises, bites, and scrapes are to be expected. A fall, unwelcome insect, thorny vegetation, or an upset stomach can leave you miserable and, in some cases, susceptible to infection. A compact first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, tape, antiseptic cream or wipes, painkillers, antihistamine pills, eyewash, ibuprofen, a small pair of scissors, tweezers, hand sanitizer, and even some electrolyte tablets needs to be among your travel gear. Consider packing some bug spray, moisturizer, and sunscreen if the climate warrants them, and don’t forget prescription medicines and a copy of prescriptions, just in case. A pair of protective sunglasses and a hat will complete your protective gear. Eco-Friendly Essentials If traveling off the beaten path, consider bringing reusable items such as cutlery sets, plates, containers, and a reusable shopping bag. A portable knife or pocket multi-tool is an excellent item to carry. If you’re traveling by plane, place it in checked luggage. Use solid hygiene products like soap or shampoo that require less space in your backpack or suitcase and are environment-friendly. Don’t forget a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, and glasses if you wear them. A small sewing kit with needles may prove handy, too. Toilet Paper Roll A toilet paper roll may not seem obvious, but depending on where you are headed, you’ll be happy you thought to bring a roll along. Some cultures will not use toilet paper; wilderness destinations can be challenging when nature calls. Add in some tissues and wet wipes if you don’t have a place to wash up. Flashlight/Torch A flashlight is an essential tool to always have on hand. You don’t want to wander about in the darkness in a location you are unfamiliar with, especially should you lose track of time or your way. Flashlight torches and headlamps will reduce the risk of getting lost as well as bodily harm because you’ll be able to see where you are heading. Bring along an extra set of batteries and a lighter or matches, just in case. Comfortable Shoes And Clothing If you plan on walking a lot or hiking, comfortable footwear can make or break your overall experience. Plan for local weather conditions as well. You may be better prepared with waterproof shoes or boots. Don’t forget the proper type of socks, especially in colder climates. Choose the correct type of clothing, such as swimwear, goggles, and flip-flops for a warm beach destination, breathable fabrics for the tropics,  or heavier clothing for winter climates. Waterproof instruments may be called for if you’re visiting rainy locations. You may want an extra blanket or two as well. Portable Shelter If the wilderness is your final destination, portable emergency shelters are suitable to carry along. Reflective thermal shelters can be packed or attached to your backpack. Don’t Forget Your Documents! Regardless of where you are headed, you’ll need your documents. Necessary papers might include a driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, passport, and perhaps a visa. Carry photocopies of these documents in a separate location in the event of loss or theft. Prepare a mix of credit cards and local currency, as not all places may accept your plastic, and use a money belt or anti-theft bag if possible. Final Considerations Finally, bring a lock to keep your things safe during hostel visits or overnight train trips. If you use a backpack, have a rain cover so your items don’t become drenched in a downpour. Include a whistle among your packed essentials. You never know when you may need to call for help or fend off a critter! Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 17, 2022

When lawyer Stephen Gleave relocated to a Hamilton office building for the shorter commute, he didn’t realize the kind of beauty he was in for. But that’s the thing about Ancaster – its unique style has a way of sneaking up on you. There’s something about Ancaster that makes you want to stay,” he explains. “There's a magic to the town. That magic he’s referring to could be its proximity to endangered Carolinian forests, which are one of the most temperate climates in all of Canada. Gleave could also be referring to the close-knit history of Ancaster – this town sat on the strategic ground of multiple major transportation routes in Upper Canada, connecting different settlements and indigenous towns. Its location near a large creek helped further develop its mill economy. Creeks also feed many of the naturally beautiful waterfalls that Ancaster has to offer. So much of this beautiful little town is covered in different historical settlements bordered by natural forests. There are plenty of trails and water features to explore. Gleave has seen most of them, but his favourites highlight some of the best that Ancaster has to offer. Sherman Falls This waterfall located in Ancaster is surrounded by moss-covered limestone and a deciduous forest. An old but sturdy bridge takes you over its creek, the rumbling of the falls itself loud enough to be heard from many feet away. It feels like a scene out of a fantasy novel, but Sherman Falls, also referred to as “Fairy” or “Angel” falls is very real. It may be located on private property, but this 17-metre-high curtain waterfall is still accessible, as the owners are happy to oblige. The trail leading to Sherman Falls is accessible year-round. “It’s a wonderful hiking trail,” explains Stephen Gleave. “One of the best in Ancaster.” Canterbury Falls Sherman Falls is located between two other water features that are just as mesmerizing. Canterbury falls on one end is located on a tributary of Sulphur Creek known as Canterbury Creek and can be found on the Bruce Trail. This waterfall cascades 9.5 metres and is about 3.3 metres wide. The land was previously owned by the Milne family in 1766-1826 but is now owned by the Anglican Church of Canada, Hamilton Diocese, which uses the site as a retreat, church and camp. A recently built bridge provides access. Tiffany Falls Tiffany Falls is a particularly interesting geological formation known as an Earth Science Area of Regional Significance thanks to its bedrock exposure, alongside a smaller waterfall called Washboard Falls. This feature has many layers of stratified soil exposed to show millions of years of changes in soil composition. Much like most of the Carolinian Forest ecosystem and the habitat around Ancaster, Tiffany Falls and the area around it is significant for the conservation of animal life. Dundas Valley Conservation Area Gleave describes the Dundas Valley Conservation Area near Ancaster as all the area has to offer, all accessible on a series of well-looked-after trails. This conservation area spans 1,200 hectares and has the same rich Carolinian Forests as well as geological formations and meadows that host a variety of rare and endangered wildlife. The entire zone was once part of a glacial valley that disappeared approximately 10,000 years ago, which is why so many of the other areas on this list are known by geological experts as areas of interest. What makes this conservation area special is its availability to the public and its equestrian-accessible trails. There are also more than 40 kilometres of recreational trails, with some trails offering wheelchair and scooter accessibility. One of the best choices I ever made was coming to Ancaster,” says Gleave. “It’s reignited my love and pride for Southern Ontario Additionals: Which City Is Known As The City Of Lakes? 11 Great Places To Take Pictures In London Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide