It’s just about that time again…warm weather, flip flops and drinks with cute little umbrellas.
No, I’m not talking about daylong season or another heat spell that has made its appearance into the winter season this year. I’m talking about SPRING BREAK 2012!
A typical collegiette spring break is a joyous experience, filled with friends, laughs and hopefully a final destination that doesn’t land you back at your parent’s house. Spring break is the one week during spring semester that inches at the prospects of the summer that lies a short six weeks ahead. But, if you’re like me and chose a college in the Northeast because you liked having four seasons, there’s been a major void in the typical weather for this time of year.
Where’s the snow?! I go to school in Pennsylvania, right? I’ve been asking myself this question since Thanksgiving, so this spring break my need for powder (fresh snow) has rightfully outweighed my longing for a sandy beach. That’s why I’m here to provide you with a list of powder dominated towns and resorts across the country to hit up this March instead of flocking to the sunshine state with the masses to sit on an overcrowded beach with all those other obnoxious college students who think their school reigns supreme.
First things first: A Budget
Resorts know that college students are looking for the best bang for their buck and so ski/winter resorts come up with similar student packages as those through sites such as StudentCity for kids traveling abroad, the Caribbean or Mexico. The all-inclusive packages are the most appealing to students because they essentially include everything but frivolous spending money. Depending on where you are venturing, air fare is always going to be pricey—depending on how far in advance you’re looking—but trying sites such as Priceline and Expedia, closest to midnight—as silly as it sounds—provide you with the best applicable deal.
Second: wait, is it too late?
It’s definitely not too late. A winter destination is a great alternative to the typical spring break beach trip because ski resorts are aware that students booking trips abroad, such as the Caribbean, need to do so to get the best deal by as early as mid-October. So, for the last minute decision makers such as myself, many ski resorts provide last-minute discounted specials. Even long weekend trips to these resorts make for a great experience.
Third: what if I don’t know how to ski or don’t like to?
There are always instructors and classes offered through the resort or in your life ticket package that are of no extra cost to the customer and allow a beginner to take private lessons. For those of you who are tagging along to a ski resort with your friends and don’t really like to ski and are worried what else there is to do, fear no more. There are plenty of options available, such as snowboarding, ski boarding, tubing, snow-shoeing, cross-country trails, spas, Gondola rides, sledding and much more. If anything, a spring break to a colder destination gives way to meeting cute boys…cozy up by the fire in the lodge with a warm drink and a good book and who knows, Prince Charming may just sit right down next to you.
Fourth: what to pack?
When flying downhill on skis or hiking atop a snow peaked mountain, you’re going to get chilly. Appropriate attire while hitting the slopes, tube trails or just wandering around the village is crucial. Thermal leggings are a must under jeans, sweatpants, or preferably a trendy pair of neon snow pants. A heavy jacket and a fleece garment underneath are also applicable, as well as goggles and a helmet if you are planning to venture onto the mountain. Remember, safety first!
Top 10: Winter Resort Destinations (ETA from State College)
Lake Tahoe, California – (2,501 miles or 1 day and 16 hours)*
Aspen, Colorado—(1,748 miles or 1 day and 5 hours)*
Park City, Utah—(1,929 miles, or 1 day 7 hours)*
Jackson Hole, Wyoming—(1, 941 miles or 1 day 8 hours)
Sugarloaf, Maine—(612 miles or 11 hours 9 minutes)*
Lake Placid, New York (444 miles or 7 hours 56 minutes)
Killington, Vermont—(423 miles or 7 hours 46 minutes)
Stowe, Vermont—( 488 miles or 9 hours 14 minutes)
Whistler, British Columbia—(2,841 miles or 1 day 23 hours)*
Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada —(531 miles or 10 hours 12 minutes)
(*) Flying suggested to destination
Student Packages Available:
Whistler—from $140 a night, 7 day all-inclusive packages from $1400, book before Feb. 25, 2012
Killington—from $69 a night, 50 percent off day ski passes with College ID, condos available (21 or older)—from $759/week—book by March 2, 2012
Additional helpful websites include:
Snowpak.com
Skitravel.com
Collegeskitrips.com
Travelchannel.com—resource in deciding on a destination
Happy travels this spring break!