Philippine Airlines just joined American Airlines' ever-growing list of international partners, putting the Southeast Asian archipelago much closer in reach.
28.11.2023 - 14:21 / nationalgeographic.com
The Mount Hood stratovolcano, around two hour’s drive east of Portland, Oregon, is the most transfixing ski destination you’re ever likely to lay eyes on. It’s a perfect snow-topped pyramid, pushing high through the clouds, with a belt of fir trees and pistes that crisscross the forest like strands of a spider’s web. Get closer and you’ll see the pattern is the result of several exciting ski areas: Timberline, Mount Hood Skibowl, Mount Hood Meadows, Summit Ski Area and Cooper Spur. For those who love winter sports, this region always offers another reason to stay longer.
As with Mount Hood, the joy of a winter sports trip to North America comes from the variety of destinations to choose from — and in some of the most unexpected of places. You can ski above the Arizona desert or jump-turn a chute in Nevada before playing the slots of Las Vegas. British Columbia and Quebec have more than 80 ski resorts apiece, with California and Colorado not far behind. This spread gives rise to a huge range of possibilities, from Aspen Snowmass, one of America’s most expensive ski resorts, to the raw nature of Mount Washington on Vancouver Island, where black bear sightings are common currency.
Every year, only a minority of Brits fly across the Atlantic to experience this diversity, but North America is becoming amore popular winter sports destination as resorts link areas, expand lift networks and unveil enticing new activities. Heavy snowfall is also helping reset the skier’s compass, with records broken this past season from Mammoth Lakes in California to almost every ski town in Utah.
Where to start? Montana’s Big Sky, one of the United States’ largest ski resorts, brags about America’s fastest six-person chairlift (see p.85). Another major investment is the resort’s newly refurbished Lone Peak Tram, which gives access to the six-mile-long run from Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall. Big Sky’s first five-star property, Montage, opened in 2021, and One&Only Moonlight Basin — the luxury hotelier’s first outpost in the US — is set to join it in 2024. Developments like this coincide with evolution elsewhere: in California’s Palisades Tahoe, a base-to-base gondola — the first of its kind in North America — now connects the destination’s two mountains, linking up the resort for the first time.
But the sense of progress is perhaps most keenly felt in Colorado, not least in Steamboat. The resort is currently undergoing a $200m (£156m) modernisation that will see the opening of the longest ten-person gondola in North America. Famed Aspen Mountain is also busy increasing its skiable acreage by more than 20% for the coming season. This is what most likely accounts for North America’s snowballing winter sports appeal: never
Philippine Airlines just joined American Airlines' ever-growing list of international partners, putting the Southeast Asian archipelago much closer in reach.
With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts and home to every adventure activity imaginable, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers. If you’re planning a trip, you’re covered with this travel gear for Latin America list. Whether hiking on glaciers in Argentina, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, driving 4WD through the deserts of Chile, or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, you’ll be ready for any adventure.
As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.
Alaska Airlines has launched a new partnership with a Canadian airline, soon benefitting passengers across both sides of the border.
Welcome to Where Chefs Eat on Vacation, a column in which chefs tell us what they ate on a recent trip. All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
By now, we’re all well-versed in the physical and mental benefits of being in nature. But that doesn’t mean we all want to become Bear Grylls in the quest for serenity. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to explore England’s natural beauty without having to forage for your own food or make a fire out of dry twigs and hope. Getting back to nature is perfect for the spontaneous (and impatient) traveller – there are no booking forms for park walks, no queues for beaches. And if you stay with Hilton, you can go where the wind takes you on your break, safe in the knowledge that you can refuel in a delicious restaurant, sleep in a cozy room and expect quality service no matter which Hilton hotel you choose. So, pack your hiking boots and thermals, and discover Britain at its wintery best, from seaside walks along the north-east coast to exploring historic market towns and walking trails in the heart of England …
The White House is announcing billions of dollars in new funding for train projects from coast to coast.
President Joe Biden is a self-described train fan, commuting between Washington, D.C. and Delaware on Amtrak for decades as a Senator. Now to beef up U.S. passenger rail, his administration is doling out more than $8 billion, including funds for two high-speed trains in California and Nevada.
Las Vegas travelers are a $3 billion step closer to speeding through the Mojave Desert on a high-speed train linking Sin City with Southern California.
Mixing Hollywood glamour with luxury, Beverly Hills, California, is one of the most exciting places to visit during the holidays. The famed city and surrounding areas, like Bel Air and Century City, are famous for their festive atmosphere, making for a luxurious destination to celebrate the season's magic.
Despite a mediocre snow season last year, the Northeast measured more than 13 million skier visits, its strongest showing in eight years. Much of that interest was driven, no doubt, by the increasing use of multi-mountain passes, with skiers and boarders enjoying late-season snowfall as well as recent snow-making and infrastructure investments.
Just off of East Highway 246 in the town of Solvang, California, an eye-catching sign depicts an adult male ostrich, its black and white feathers spread like the fans of a performer in a Vegas show. Just beneath the display, in big block letters: “OSTRICHLAND USA,” and “FEED THIS BAD BOY!”