MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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NEW YORK’S EMPIRE STATE TRAIL COMES TOGETHER: BIKING THE WALLKILL VALLEY RAIL TRAIL IN HUDSON VALLEY

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Active Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, New York State tourism, Outdoors Travel

Discovery Bicycle Tours Introduces 6-Day Ride on New Empire State Trail from NYC to Albany

January 30, 2021 MoralCompass

*Riding over the iconic Rosendale Trestle on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail portion of the Empire State Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Here is what well may be the first bike touring company to come out with a guided, inn-to-inn trip along the recently completed Empire State Trail in New York State: Discovery Bicycle Tours’ has introduced a six-day itinerary that rides from the very tip of Manhattan, to Albany.

The six-day trip rides 200 miles of the newly completed Empire State Trail, which actually extends 750 miles from Manhattan to Canada and from Buffalo to Albany.

The Discovery Bicycle Tour goes through a wide variety of landscapes in New York State. Cycle passed the Freedom Tower and Manhattan skyscrapers, through forests, along lakes and rivers, with a triumphant finish in Albany, the state capital. You can be one of the first to enjoy this full section of the newly finished Empire State Trail, which allows cyclists to traverse the state almost entirely on dedicated hike/bike paths and routes.

Cycle up the west side of Manhattan Island on the Hudson River Greenway and see the waterfront and famous buildings. Spin along the Hudson with views of the towering cliffs known as the Palisades, into historic villages and through forests and farmland. Then leave the bustle of suburbia behind as you enter rural lands and farm country.

Many miles are on dedicated rail-trail. And the riding is fairly flat with gentle hills. Look for vistas of the Catskill and Shawangunk mountains as you follow the gorgeous Hudson River Valley — favorite subject of Romantic landscape painters in the mid-1800s. As a bonus, you cycle across the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, and the iconic Rosendale Trestle.

Visit the villages of Rhinebeck, Hudson and Mahopac and the town of New Paltz — with chances to enjoy fascinating history, architecture and stunning scenery.

You can take advantage of optional leader-led segments through the urban areas of New York City and the outskirts of Albany — or ride them on your own. At the finish, you can explore Albany itself or continue your travels home by air or train from there. Or let us give you a lift back to your car at the start.

Start with a Sunday morning spin up the west side of Manhattan — with thrilling views on both sides of the Hudson River. You can choose to ride the city stretches with the leader or on your own.

Then continue north to visit historic villages on newly paved bike paths and quiet roads. Many miles are on dedicated rail-trail. And the riding is fairly flat with gentle hills. Look for vistas of the Catskill and Shawangunk mountains as you follow the gorgeous Hudson River Valley — favorite subject of Romantic landscape painters in the mid-1800s. As a bonus, you cycle across the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge.

Rated Level 1 (easier), daily cycling mileage ranges from 28 to 47 miles.

Accommodations are in casual and historic inns and a stylish boutique bed-and-breakfast.

The tour includes: 5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners (you are on your own for 1 dinner in Rhinebeck), cycling routes with detailed maps and/or app-based navigation for those interested, plus bicycle, helmet, tour guides and van support, free week-long parking for guest cars in Hawthorne, NY. Free transfer on final day to either the Rensselaer Train Station (Albany) or take the van transit back to Hawthorne.

The trip is scheduled June 6-11, July 25-30, Aug. 1-6, Aug. 29-Sept. and Oct. 3-8, and is priced at $2,495; https://discoverybicycletours.com/empire-state-trail-bike-tour..

Discovery Bicycle Tours, Woodstock, VT., 800-257-2226, [email protected], www.discoverybicycletours.com.

See:

NEW YORK’S 750-MILE EMPIRE STATE TRAIL, LONGEST MULTI-USE STATE TRAIL IN NATION, OFFICIALLY OPENED!

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Active Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Outdoors Travel

Adventure Cycling Association Offers Biking Trips to the Islands

January 30, 2021 MoralCompass

*Biking the Shining Sea trail, Cape Cod © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

MISSOULA, MT- Because of limited access, biking in an island destination can be the perfect getaway. In 2021, Adventure Cycling Association is offering active tours to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/self-contained-tours/cape-cod-the-islands/), the San Juan Islands, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Of the four itineraries, only Cape Cod and the Islands still has availability. Spend a week cycling along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean shoreline, viewing seaports, glacially formed kettle ponds, and lighthouses of southeastern Massachusetts, visiting historic sites from the days of colonial America, and exploring quaint shops on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Attractions of special interest include Cape Cod National Seashore; a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower; the preserved village of New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world; and the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center. Every day on this tour is spent within 15 miles of the Atlantic, and each night close to a large body of freshwater or saltwater.

This level 1 tour is suitable for all riders and is a great choice for anyone looking to learn the basics of self-contained touring, or for an experienced bicycle traveler looking for a week of relaxed cycling. The riding is relaxed, services are plentiful, and the campgrounds are outstanding. (Sept 11-18, 2021 8 days, $1349, https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/self-contained-tours/cape-cod-the-islands/)

The other tours have waiting lists:

Puerto Rico, Inn to Inn: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is characterized by a mist-shrouded interior mountain range, long stretches of sand beaches, and numerous forest reserves, including El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. The route we’ll follow focuses on coastal towns and the regions encircling the central highlands with side excursions to interior sites and small neighboring islands. This tropical adventure begins and ends in San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, founded in 1521 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León. Travel back 500 years to Spanish colonial times by strolling down cobblestone streets, admiring ancient architecture and visiting museums, fortresses, and churches. The tour circumnavigates the island on a 339-mile journey visiting beaches, snorkeling, enjoying local cuisine, and appreciating the beauty of this tropical paradise. (Dec 5-16, 12 days, $3599, https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/inn-to-inn-tours/puerto-rico-inn-to-inn/)

Washington’s San Juan Islands, Inn to Inn: This weeklong inn-to-inn tour weaves along the glorious northwestern coastline of Washington’s Puget Sound and through its famous San Juan Islands, offering an irresistible combination of manageable daily mileages and world-class scenery. The tour spends days leisurely pedaling the waterfront, spinning inland through fertile farmlands and scenic villages full of interesting shops and top-notch seafood restaurants. On several days, cycling is broken up by ferry rides, with a chance to spot orca whales, seals, and bald eagles. (Level 3, 8 days, Sept 4-11, $2699, https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/inn-to-inn-tours/wa-san-juan-islands-inn-to-inn/

Hawaii-3 Island Inn to Inn features Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, three of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands. On Maui, ride along stunning coastal roads and make an epic climb from sea level to the top of the Haleakala volcano at 10,000 feet — one of the world’s longest paved climbs! A small plane takes cyclists and bikes on the short 15-minute flight to Molokai for three days of cycling on quiet roads with views of gorgeous valleys and the world’s tallest sea cliffs. A ferry takes the group out on the ocean, past migrating humpback whales to Lanai for a day of exploration by bike or shuttle van, or with snorkel and fins, before returning to Maui. The inn-to-inn format means restaurant meals, overnight accommodations at hotels and inns and riding lightly loaded bikes while experiencing a tropical paradise. (Level 4, 11 days, $4,999, Dec 3-13, https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/inn-to-inn-tours/hawaii-3-island-inn-to-inn/)

Adventure Cycling Association, with 52,000 members and 50,000 miles of mapped routes, has great articles on trip planning at its site (www.adventurecycling.org, 800-755-2453).

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, camping trips, camping-glamping, cycling trips, National Parks, Off-Beaten-Track Travel, Outdoors Travel, Travel in a Time of Corona, Uncategorized

Bike and Camp the White Rim Trail in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park with Escape Adventures

January 24, 2021 MoralCompass

Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour on Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.

(Las Vegas, NV) — Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multi-colored array of spires, arches, buttes, and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cacti below and snow-capped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.

“The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a very rewarding and scenic mountain bike ride,” said Escape Adventures Director Jared Fisher. “While enjoying the beauty of the nature that surrounds us, we will also appreciate the modern amenities like our custom support truck, gourmet meals, top-of-the-line camping equipment, and attentive guides.”

This multi-day odyssey through some of the most gorgeous terrain imaginable loops around the Island in the Sky mesa top within Canyonlands. Riders will definitely want to take plenty of pictures of along the way as they’ll pass an array of stop-offs and scenic overlooks, admiring both the Colorado River and the Green River far below. The ride mostly involves casual doubletrack, enjoyable for most people, from novice riders to families. (Check out the video.)

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of this tour. This means from the time Escape Adventures picks you up, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included.

Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Ride Schafer Trail to Airport, ride to Murphy’s Hogback via White Crack.

Day 3-4: Ride to Potato Bottom with slot canyon side hike. Ride along Green River up Mineral Bottom. Shuttle back to Moab.

The trip, including first-class camping, starts at $999 per person. E-bikes are available upon request. Tours run March-May and September-October. For more info, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/utah-white-rim-mountain-bike-tour/ or contact Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953.

Since 1992, Escape Adventures has shaped and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. With programs in 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type – from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels. https://escapeadventures.com/

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Active Travel, camping trips, Nature Travel, Outdoors Travel, rafting trips, river rafting, Uncategorized

Holiday River Expeditions Invites Adventurers Back to the River In Their Own Private Travel Pod

January 23, 2021 MoralCompass

To take any lingering fears away from being out and about in Nature with family and friends together, Holiday River Expeditions has retooled its offerings by encouraging “pod” travel, or teaming up with a small group of friends and family who share pandemic protocol wave lengths.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – “Take me to the river” takes on whole new meaning this season as the lock-down weary seek Houdini-like strategies to free themselves from the shackles of the pandemic’s captivity.

Holiday River Expeditions for over 50 years has been freeing people’s souls on river rafting adventures and they hope that in 2021 the same opportunities abound.

To take any lingering fears away from being out and about in Nature with family and friends together, this trail-blazing company has retooled its offerings. Primarily, they have made it easier to travel in confidence by encouraging “pod” travel, or teaming up with a small group of friends and family who share pandemic protocol wave lengths.

When Holiday River Expeditions began running its 2020 trips it was quickly evident that adjustments needed to be made for guests to feel more secure joining a trip. One of those adjustments was allowing for and encouraging smaller, private trips. On most trips the company has lowered its required minimums in order to schedule an exclusive group trip. The smaller group minimums have allowed guests to travel with just their family members, or close friends with whom they’ve already created a pod or travel bubble.

The new 12-person minimum for private rafting charters in 2021 apply to:

Westwater Canyon (two and three day) and Cataract Canyon (five and six day) trips,
Specific (six day) Desolation Canyon dates: Aug 23-28; Aug 29-Sep 3; Sep 6-11; Sep 13-18; Sep 20-25,
San Juan River trips in May and June (three, four or five day).
Minimums for other itineraries have been reduced to 16 on Lodore Canyon (three and four day) and Yampa River (four and five day) trips.

Holiday River Expeditions has also changed minimum requirements for its mountain biking itineraries to just 8 people for a small group, private charter backcountry trip. This applies to:

The White Rim Trail, (three or four days) in April–May and September–October
Moab-Westwater Combination trips, (four days total: two biking/two rafting).

Considered by enthusiasts to be Utah’s ultimate multi-day mountain bike trip, The Maze, deep inside Canyonlands National Park, is naturally a small group trip with a maximum capacity of just 7 guests. Private charters can be arranged on two available dates; May 18-21 and September 7-10, 2021.

For more details, please see https://www.bikeraft.com/what-your-2021-trip-will-look-like-2/ and https://www.bikeraft.com/custom-charter-trips/.

Other Covid related adjustments and protocols the company has adopted and will carry into 2021 include:

a 4 to 1 guest to guide ratio (to increase social distancing while in a raft),
decreased capacity in vehicle transportation with masks required,
a mandatory “Statement of Good Health” a week before departure,
temperatures taken at meeting point,
meal service change from buffet to served, with guides wearing masks and gloves during preparation and service,
always-available sanitizer,
additional PSA’s to create a “culture of care” that addresses comfort zones.

For more information, availability, reservations or a copy of the 2021 catalog call 800-624-6323, Email: [email protected] or log onto: http://www.bikeraft.com/.

Holiday River Expeditions began in 1966, when Dee Holladay and his wife Sue took the plunge to become river outfitters. Due to its respect for the lands, rivers, guests and employees, the family-owned-and-operated company has grown exponentially. Each of its guides is professionally trained in first aid and river safety, and with 50+ years of experience, the company provides guests the opportunity to explore the nation’s wild lands safely and securely. Holiday River Expeditions has a commitment to protect the environment through education and conservation, so uses oar-powered and paddle rafts exclusively.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Multisport adventures, Nature Travel, Outdoors Travel, Uncategorized

Grasshopper Adventures Introduces New Multi-Sport Active Tours in North America for 2021

January 10, 2021 MoralCompass

*Grasshopper Adventures is bringing its biking and multi-sport tour experience across Asia to* *North America. One of the new program bikes in the Florida Keys, famous for sunsets © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

DENVER – Grasshopper Adventures is bringing its more than 15 years of adventure tour experience across Asia to the U.S. and Canada with three new multi-sport programs: Alaska & the Yukon, Coastal Maine, and the Everglades to Key West.

Long synonymous with eco-friendly tours that engage local communities, Grasshopper Adventures is bringing that same ethos to North America. Exploring the outdoors by bike, kayak, canoe and foot, the tours’ active elements are both non-intimidating and achievable for a wide range of fitness levels. The small group size offers guests a sustainable alternative to traditional bus or cruise touring and the opportunity to spend time with experts in local communities.

“To really experience the outdoors in North America we had to go beyond cycling,” says Grasshopper Brand Ambassador, Steve Grace. “We’ve included kayaking and canoeing, short hikes and even a wetlands walk, with tours led by expert naturalists and guides.

Asked to list a few highlights, Grace says that there are many to list, but his top five are:

Cycling the Gold Rush route and canoeing the Yukon – “Breathtaking.”
Kayaking to Mendenhall Glacier – “Ranks high on my “wow” scale.”
The Everglades by airboat – “Thrilling ride through a remarkable ecosystem.”
Biking overseas to Key West – “Tops many cycling bucket lists for good reason.”
Coastal Maine, “Historic, gentle cycling and beautiful. You’ll want to come back”

Grasshopper Adventures’ North American Collection is on sale now, with scheduled dates from February 2021 through the fall, including a limited time $100 booking offer, allowing you to secure your vacation for less.

The new North American tours also feature visits to artisan’s studios, indigenous villages and include interaction with local experts who are change makers in their respective fields. “We’re always enhancing the travel experiences, so I’m constantly tinkering with tour programs,” says Grace. “ Reflecting contemporary life, meeting folks engaged in community issues, that’s true authenticity and that sets us apart.”

While Grasshopper has been planning a move to North America for several years, the disruption in international travel was the motivation needed to kickstart these long dreamed of programs to new frontiers. Look for more, including the new signature series in Australia, home of company Owner & Chief, Adam Platt-Hepworth.

Grasshopper Adventures has taken thousands of people on multi active and biking tours through Asia for more than 15 years and in 2020 introduced a range of inspired adventures beyond Asia. All trips focus on the natural environment, meaningful stories and interaction with local communities. The company’s carefully crafted itineraries enable an active journey of discovery at a superior level of value. Accommodations are comfortable and unique, delicious food is a key element and guides are experts in their fields.

Grasshopper Adventures runs tours in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, China and Uzbekistan. Tours range from 5 to 14 days.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Historic Places, National Parks, Off-Beaten-Track Travel

Ride & Seek Introduces Epic 28-Day Appalachian Trail Maine to North Carolina Cycling Adventure

January 10, 2021 MoralCompass

Ride & Seek is bringing its epic, historically-themed cycling adventures to North America with a new 28-day, 1,377-mile cycling tour from Maine to North Carolina. Split over two distinct stages, the route takes riders through 12 US states from Bethel, Maine to Cherokee, North Carolina, with the Appalachian Trail providing the thematic backdrop.

(Provence, France) — Ride & Seek is bringing its epic, historically-themed cycling adventures to North America with a new 28-day, 1,377-mile cycling tour from Maine to North Carolina. Split over two distinct stages, the route takes riders through 12 US states from Bethel, Maine to Cherokee, North Carolina, with the Appalachian Trail providing the thematic backdrop.

Starting with the rural and rustic splendor of Maine, cyclists will search out the road less travelled, exploring the states of New England and skirting around New York City before completing the first stage in the historic town of Gettysburg, PA. The scenery of the ride is enhanced by numerous National Parks and the second stage includes two of the best bike routes in the USA – Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Slated for May 30 – June 26, 2021, prices range from $5,590 to $11,200 USD per person double. The tour is a collaboration with Cycle of Life Adventures.

“This Appalachian tour is the combination of some of the finest cycling in the USA with a historical and gastronomical focus that provides for a wonderfully immersive travel experience,” said Ride & Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds

Tour Highlights:

Ride through 12 States alongside the Appalachian Trail
Cycle the longest linear park in the US on the extraordinary Blue Ridge Parkway
Explore the wilderness of northern Maine
Visit the illustrious Norman Rockwell and Robert Frost museums
Roll through the orchards of western Pennsylvania & Maryland
Cross the mighty Hudson River
Explore the historic Civil War towns of Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry
Discover the great Skyline Drive ridge ride in the Shenandoah National Park
Delight in the quiet roads and rustic scenery of New Hampshire and Vermont

“Reading through Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the pertinence of his words is particularly apt at this time,” said Reynolds “As with all our tours, we embrace the history of the places we travel to give us a better sense of today. Our interactive cycling tour through the battlefields of Gettysburg is just one way in which we give you a chance to embrace the history along the route we ride.”

For more info, visit https://www.rideandseek.com/tour/appalachian-usa/.

Ride & Seek is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering unique historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural immersion. The tours are designed so cyclists not only see and ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but also visit some of the most spectacular sites as well. Providing a cultural insight into the areas visited both historically and gastronomically is central to the company’s mission. Historical journeys and cultural adventures are specialties. https://rideandseek.com

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Active Travel, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Sports, Uncategorized

Alta Ski Area, IKON Pass Partner, To Open Nov. 23; Capacity Managed Through Parking; Pre-Purchase Day Tickets at 20% Off

November 18, 2020 MoralCompass

Skiing resumes at Alta Ski Area, Utah, a partner in IKON ski pass and the Mountain Collective, on November 23 © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Alta Ski Area in Utah, a partner with the IKON ski pass program as well as the Mountain Collective, is set to open for the 2021-21 ski season on Monday, November 23.

“With our season cut short last year, we can all get back to doing what we love most—skiing. The snow dances have worked, delivering 57″ of snow with more on the way. Check our Lift and Terrain Status page for projected terrain openings as we kick off our 83rd winter.

“Skiing will look different this year. Be patient. Be kind. We’re all in this together. Explore Alta’s thoughtful COVID-19 response.”

Alta, a skiers-only area, is offering Off-Peak and Peak pricing this winter. Day tickets can be purchased daily at any ticket window. Pre-purchased tickets can be bought at alta.com, with savings up to 20% off the ticket window price. Tickets FAQ’s.

Road and Parking: Skier capacity will be managed daily through available parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Mountain capacity will be based on weather, snowpack, available terrain and our indoor facilities’ capacity. Know before you go. Alta’s newly created parking forecast provides skiers the necessary road and parking updates ahead of a busy winter. Learn More.

Grab-And-Go Food Options: Located in the Wildcat and Albion Parking lot will be grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options. Eat in your car to practice social distancing while refueling for skiing.

Restaurants: The two-year expansion of the mid-mountain Alf’s Restaurant is complete. Additions include a new Alta Ski Shop and coffee shop serving waffles. All day lodges, Alf’s Restaurant, Watson’s Shelter and the Albion Day Lodge, will be limited to 50% indoor capacity. Collins Grill will remain closed for the 2020-21 season. Skiers are asked to limit their time in restaurants to 30 minutes or shorter. Dining options at Alta.

Alf Engen Ski School: The Alf Engen Ski School will start the season offering private lessons only. Reservations are suggested. Contact the Alf Engen Ski School at 801.799.2271 for information.

Alta Ski Shops: The Alta Ski Shop is open daily at the Albion Day Lodge. Skiers can rent skis, pick up Alta-branded gear, or demo performance skis at the Albion Day Lodge. Ski rentals at the Wildcat Ski Shop are available with reservations by 2 pm the day before only.

Town of Alta: Part of the uniqueness of the Town of Alta and Alta Ski Area is Alta’s historic lodges that significantly contribute to Alta’s character and uniqueness. In a typical winter, these lodges offer a vibrant Après scene after a day skiing powder. This year, due to COVID-19, only lodge guests are permitted in these world-renowned watering holes. The Shallow Shaft Restaurant will not open for the season.

Alta’s Sunnyside At 3 Program: Alta is proud to keep its Sunnyside At 3 program running. Between 3-4:30 pm, skiers can access beginner lifts with no blackout days with the purchase of a season adult or child Sunnyside At 3 card online for $59.

Continued Partnerships: Alta is excited to continue partner pass offerings with the IKON Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass. With 547″ snowfall average and 542″ last season, join us this Monday as we kick off the 2020-21 ski season.

Since 1938, this marks Alta Ski Area’s 83rd winter in operation. Originally a mining town, Alta was the first ski area in Utah to install a lift. Alta is a skiers-only mountain with majestic scenery, diverse terrain and a renowned snowfall average of 547″. There is a spirit to Alta we call #AltaMagic. Come for the skiing. Stay for the skiing

Visit alta.com for more information.

See: Alta, Utah: If You Can See It, You Can Ski It!

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Active Travel, camping-glamping, National Parks, Uncategorized

Don’t Wait Beyond Dec 15 to Book High-Demand 2021 National Park RV Vacation, Tracks & Trails Warns

November 13, 2020 MoralCompass

Tracks & Trails, which organizes packaged RV vacations in national parks, features a ranger-guided hike to see granite portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln on its eight-night Mount Rushmore, Black Hills & Devils Tower itinerary out of Denver. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The clock is ticking, with just over a month left to book a summer 2021 national park RV vacation with Tracks & Trails.

This company, which specializes in packaged RV vacations to national parks in the Western US and Canada, has set Dec. 15, 2020, as the cut-off date for new 2021 bookings.

Dan Wulfman, Tracks & Trails Founder and President, explains that this early booking deadline ensures that his team is able to secure the motorhomes and campgrounds necessary to create their signature self-drive itineraries that showcase the natural wonders of the parks.

“The idea,” says Wulfman, “is to locate your personal cabin on wheels as close as possible to all of the beauty and activities a particular park offers. You experience privacy and comfort in a fully-equipped, self-contained unit in the inspiring wilderness of our national parks.”

One example of a Tracks & Trails itinerary is the eight-night Mount Rushmore, Black Hills & Devils Tower itinerary out of Denver, which offers an optional add-on of two nights at Badlands National Park. This trip is available from May 1 to September 23, 2021, and the base trip price for up to 4 people starts at $5,250.

Highlights of this itinerary include:

A ranger-guided hike to see granite portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
A nightly lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore.
From Bears Lodge, viewing the 2,367-foot monolith known as Devils Tower that is a sacred site of worship for many Native Americans.
Exploring vast cave systems at Wind Cave and Jewel Cave in the Black Hills.
The remains of mammoths from the Ice Age where a simulated paleontology dig is hosted.
Wagon wheel tracks embedded on the original Oregon Trail.
Fort Laramie & Fort Fetterman which display the history of the Wild West.
Wild horses, bison, and begging burros.
A mock shoot-out at noon in the legendary town of Deadwood.

Why a December 15 deadline for booking next year’s vacation?

Wulfman notes that the pandemic is turning millions of non-campers into newbie RVers, and the trend is exploding. The RV Industry Association found that 20% of US residents surveyed are more interested in RV travel than in flying, tent camping, cruises, or rental stays amid coronavirus concerns.

For those savvy enough to lock in their dates for 2021 now with Tracks & Trails, the traveler’s work is done. The company’s team of expert planners handles all the arrangements that make it so challenging to organize a worry-free 9 to 14-day, multi-destination RV trip on your own. Travelers work with their T&T Trip Wizard to select one of the 20 carefully-crafted itineraries, decide on the fully equipped RV rental that will be best for them, and pick optional excursions that suit their tastes. The company takes care of the rest: reserving prime campsites, booking guided excursions with trusted outfitters, preparing personalized, comprehensive documentation that ensures things go smoothly on the road, and arranging first-night accommodations before the RV adventure begins.

Even before the pandemic, reservations were recommended at least 60 days in advance, because less lead time drastically reduced availability of specific RVs, campgrounds and excursions. Booking in the fall for a trip the following summer was recommended before but COVID-19 and a pent up desire to vacation (but safely, with self-distancing and the isolation an RV can provide), have caused demand for RV vacations and park campsites to be at an all time high in 2021 and beyond.

Tracks & Trails created the concept of packaged national park RV vacations in 1996, providing personalized, self-drive RV trips to active couples and families from across the U.S. They help people spend quality time together outdoors while exploring North America’s most iconic National Parks and other natural wonders.

For information on availability, pricing, and itineraries for 2021 please visit the website at www.tracks-trails.com, email: [email protected], or call 1-800-247-0970.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Conservation, Hotels & Resorts, land preservation, National Parks, Outdoors Travel, Responsible Travel, Uncategorized

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Marketing Partnership with National Park Foundation

October 16, 2020 MoralCompass

Grand Canyon National Park, hiking the South Kaibab Trail. Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, has just formed a marketing partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. The introduction of a dedicated travel planning website makes it simple for members to take advantage of discounted rates for stays at Marriott’s 406 properties located near national parks, as well as the option to redeem points for America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes and to donate points to the NPF. The website will also provide travel tips and inspiration from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, offering trip planning guides from local experts. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

During these extraordinary times, more and more Americans are seeking to escape their homes and spend time in the great outdoors. Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, has just formed a marketing partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. The introduction of a dedicated travel planning website makes it simple for members to take advantage of discounted rates for stays at Marriott’s 406 properties located near national parks, as well as the option to redeem points for America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes and to donate points to the NPF. The website will also provide travel tips and inspiration from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, offering trip planning guides from local experts.

Drive-to vacations and getaways serve as a popular option for Americans looking to embark on local adventures. According to the National Park Foundation, most Americans live within 100 miles of a national park. With 419 national park sites in the United States–and at least one national park in every state–Marriott Bonvoy members can plan a national park road trip earning points for stays at Marriott properties throughout their journey toward free nights for future trips and qualifying nights toward elite status.

“In 1916, legislation creating the National Park Service was enacted. The noble vision behind the act has provided generations of Americans and visitors abroad the gift of experiencing our country’s greatest treasures,” said Brian King, Global Officer, Digital, Distribution, Revenue Strategy & Global Sales, Marriott International. “We are thrilled to offer Marriott Bonvoy members a convenient way to plan road trips and explore historical sites and national wonders with their friends and families with this one-of-a-kind travel partnership. The opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery in pristine wilderness settings while giving back to the National Park Foundation is invaluable and will help preserve parks for future adventure seekers.”

Examples of Marriott properties near national parks include Springhill Suites Springdale Zion National Park in Utah and Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown and Fairfield Inn & Suites Gatlinburg Downtown near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Members can easily plan their national park getaways by visiting the website. From there, they can access travel-related articles from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, book their desired property and receive the best member rates which start as low as $99 per night, redeem points for annual park passes and donate up to $500 worth of points to the National Park Foundation. Donations will help NPF in its mission to protect and enhance America’s national parks for current and future generations.

“National parks have something for everyone, and we can all play a role in helping to preserve them,” said Stefanie Mathew, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation is thankful to Marriott Bonvoy for not only offering members a nearby place to rest their head after a day full of park adventures, but also the support to help ensure these treasured natural and cultural sites are protected now and into the future.”

America’s national parks offer endless opportunities for enjoyment for everyone from first time visitors to experienced park enthusiasts. For the best experience possible, travelers should #RecreateResponsibly and plan ahead by visiting the National Park Service website.

For travelers who are not members of Marriott Bonvoy but want to take advantage of the discounted member rates, Marriott Bonvoy is free and easy to join here.

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, comprises the company’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands and home rental offering Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express. The program offers exclusive member experiences and destination tours and adventures on Marriott Bonvoy Moments. When members book direct on Marriott.com they receive perks including free and enhanced Wi-Fi and exclusive member-only rates, and on the Marriott app they enjoy mobile check-in and checkout, Mobile Requests and, wherever available, Mobile Key.

Members earn points when staying at any of the more than 7,400 participating hotels globally. They can redeem points toward free nights at Marriott International brands ranging from The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, W Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Westin to Aloft, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn. In addition, members residing in the U.S. can accelerate the number of points they can earn and enjoy other benefits with co-branded credit cards from JPMorgan Chase and American Express. Members also achieve higher levels of elite status and benefits the more nights they stay at participating hotels. To learn more and enroll in Marriott Bonvoy, visit https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits/member.mi.

To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community.

To learn more about the National Park Foundation and Marriott Bonvoy marketing partnership visit https://hotel-deals.marriott.com/national-parks/.

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