Crested Butte Launches the Snowcat Driving Experience

Crested Butte, CO, March 7, 2009 – Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR), in conjunction with Prinoth, launches the Snowcat Driving Experience. Beginning March 7th, 2009, participants learn the basics of driving snowcats, grooming, pushing snow, and experience one of the best ski resort jobs on a closed course. The school incorporates initial classroom time for safety and operational instruction then students get out on the course to maximize the driving time. We take everyone on a full tour of the machine, says Chris Corliss, CBMR’s Mountain Operations Manager. We do a complete walk around, discuss the parts and functions, then get going with live drive time. It’s a totally different experience and a ton of fun, too. Our instructors are the real folks on the mountain doing real work, so its not a watered-down version for people who do this. The Snowcat Driving Experience is one-on-one instruction in a fully-functional Prinoth 275 Snowcat as used in Crested Butte’s... Read More →

Getting Back to Basics with Boundless Journeys

STOWE, Vt―Award-winning adventure tour company Boundless Journeys is renowned for creative, well-planned small group adventures to some of the world’s most exotic and exciting destinations. A collection of special, one-time departures for 2009 reflect a “Back-to-Basics” attitude – offering Boundless Journeys’ signature, award-winning travel at a value-oriented price. At a time when many tour operators are scaling back offerings or deeply discounting their usual trips, Boundless Journeys has taken a different approach, as company President, Matt Holmes explains: “This collection of trips reflects a very appropriate feeling that our travelers seem to have these days – they still want to travel, see the world, and have meaningful experiences along the way, but they are a little less concerned about thread count and wifi-access at each hotel. It’s a perfect time to focus on the core of what our trips have always been about: exciting, active itineraries, memorable cultural... Read More →

Spending Money on Travel Memories Has More Positive Impact on Happiness Than Material Possessions

BILLINGS, MT, Feb. 23, 2009 – You’re torn. A new Armani Collezioni three-button suit from Neiman Marcus retails for $1,695, but you could spend the same amount on a 5-day guided hiking adventure to the Grand Canyon. Money’s tight, but how you spend what you’ve got can impact how satisfied you become over time. Recent studies show that the satisfaction that comes from stamping experiences into memory outweighs and lasts longer than making purchases. “It’s a no brainer. Memorable experiences are exactly what Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is all about,” says Dan Austin, ALA’s co-founder and Director. “Our own experiences tell us that travel and the fond memories you bank in your mind is one investment that always appreciates over time.” So in the spirit of a study by Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, “Experiences make us happier than possessions” which aired recently on CNN.com:... Read More →

CRUISE WEST ANNOUNCES A CHILLING NEW DESTINATION FOR 2010 – ANTARCTICA

Seattle, WA – Continuing to add exciting new destinations to its global offerings, exploration cruise line Cruise West (http://www.cruisewest.com) is pleased to announce that it is adding an exclusive, 19-night Antarctica expedition to its product line-up for 2010. On board the 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II, a very select group of guests will have the opportunity to explore the very best that the most remote continent on earth has to offer. Ports of calls and sites include the Falkland, South Georgia and Orkney Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and the myriad of islands that dot its shore. “Cruise West is making a conscientious effort to keep itinerary offerings fresh and intriguing, said President and CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “We are seeking out destinations that complement our core products, create excitement for repeat guests and appeal to new guests – so introducing Antarctica was a natural progression. The Corinthian II is a sister ship to our Spirit of Oceanus,... Read More →

CRUISE WEST ROLLS OUT ‘SPIRIT OF DISTINCTION’

~Introducing Compass Enrichment Program, Palate Wine & Food Program and Explorer Class Cabins ~ Seattle, WA – Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), one of the world’s leading providers of small-ship exploration cruises to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is revitalizing the overall guest experience this spring with several significant enhancements collectively called ‘Spirit Of Distinction.’ ‘Compass,’ a more robust enrichment program guided by a world class Board of Advisors, will be introduced for the enjoyment of all guests. The launch of ‘Palate’ Wine & Food Program will include an updated, award-winning wine list with food pairings and United States Sommelier Association certification for onboard servers. Several vessels will also offer the option to dine “alfresco,” and all sailings will enjoy new menu items. The well-appointed new Explorer Class cabin category, replete with upscale, eco-friendly amenities, will be added to three of the lines’... Read More →