In B.C.'s Okanagan region, for example, Apex Mountain Resort is the main training ground for the Canadian aerial team, and has also drawn freestyle ski teams from Japan, Australia and the United States. Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, has welcomed the Austrian ski team for three consecutive years of pre-Olympic training, and Silver Star Mountain Resort is set to host Nordic teams between now and 2010. All of these resorts will welcome skiers and boarders - of any caliber - before, after and, in most cases, even during the Olympics.
FYI: Web sites: www.whistlerblackcomb.com; www.cypressmountain.com; www.apexresort.com; www.sunpeaksresort.com; www.skisilverstar.com; www.tourismwhistler.com.
Families Get a Break This Spring
For the second year in a row, the Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort is not accepting spring break reservations from students and groups under the age of 21. The restriction covers bookings from now until March 31.
The Sheraton is rewarding families who visit this spring with a choice of two packages. The Sunny Savings rates start at $220 per room double occupancy, 40 percent off regular room rates, and include: room, all taxes and fees, daily breakfast and access to Camp Lucaya until 5 p.m. for children 3-12. Camp Lucaya is a full-service, interactive kids club, featuring 3,000 square feet of activity space and classrooms, and a menu of island-inspired activities.
Another option for family travelers is the Sheraton's all-inclusive Reef Package. Nightly rates start at $295 per couple and include: room, taxes, service charges, resort fees, non-motorized water sports and food and drink at a choice of three on-property restaurants. Kids under 12 can stay in the room for free.
FYI: Both packages are available through Dec. 30. For reservations or more information, call 888-627-7129 and request rate code "sunny" for the Sunny Savings package, or "AIPKG08" for the Reef Package. Or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1459.
Tee for Two
The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is inviting couples to play golf in Mexico's Pacific Coast with a Tee for Two golf package. Available now though Oct. 31 and starting at $315 per person, per night, the package includes a deluxe ocean-view room; a welcome drink at the Lobby Bar upon arrival for two; daily full breakfast buffet for two; special golf gift with hotel logo and a practice area; 18 holes for two people per day at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club; hotel golf club storage; shared golf cart rental; and a $100 Ohtli Spa credit.
FYI: Advance booking for tee times are available by calling the hotel directly at 888-PARADISE. Web site: www.casamagnapuertovallarta.com.
