Action Snowboarding

Whistler is a year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is site of the alpine, nordic, and sliding events for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler has a range of accommodation totaling 3,200 hotel rooms, and more than 5,000 other tourist accommodation units including condos, B&Bs and chalets. Also popular are luxury chalets which accommodate entire families represent excellent value for money. Whistler offers a wide selection of restaurants, bars, spas, boutiques, and activities from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains feature 3,036 hectares (8,171 acres) of terrain and receive an average of 1005 centimeters (33 feet) of snow annually. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents. The secret of Whistler's success is a combination of weather, geography and human ingenuity. Whistler is only 50 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, and therefore there is a lot of. Thanks to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountain range that means lots of snow in the winter. And thanks to engineering and technology, if there isn't enough natural snow, Whistler-Blackcomb can make it with their vast snowmaking system. Considered to be one of the top ski resorts in the World, Whistler's growth in the last 10 years has been astonishing. Whistler has a philosophy that there is 'something for everyone' from skiing and snowboarding in the Winter to mountain biking and golfing in the summer, as well as other recreational activities such as shopping, dining, culture and arts. With regards to accommodation Whistler not only offers ski-in / ski-out condos and chalets, it provides many other options suitable for all price ranges. During the summer months luxury chalets and high end accommodation offer some incredible rates. A guest can book a 4 bedroom luxury Whistler property for as little as $40 CAD per person per night and experience everything they could desire. While Whistler is well-known as a premier winter destination, savvy travelers are increasingly discovering the wonders of Whistler year-round. With five lakes and four championship golf courses in the area, Whistler is the perfect destination to experience the best of the Canadian wilderness with the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Visitors are coming to Whistler during the spring, summer and fall these days. There is a saying amongst Whistler residents: "People come for the winter, but they stay for the summer." With glacier skiing, world-class mountain biking, golfing and all the other activities, visitors can enjoy an incomparable experience for an incredible value. Whistler accommodation during the summer months can be as little as $40 CAD for a luxury chalet and located in the heart of Whistler. This is one reason why so many people choose to come to Whistler.

Canada's westernmost province, which stretches from the thousands of islands and inlets on the Pacific west coast, to the Rocky and Columbia mountain ranges in the east, is renown for its spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. British Columbia is 60 per cent forested (much of it temperate rainforest), 75 per cent of the province is mountainous, and the northern two-thirds is largely unpopulated and wild. Many species of wild life that have become scarce elsewhere still flourish here. Fish are still abundant in its lakes, marshes and streams, whales and porpoises cruise the rugged coastline, and many rare mammals and birds still prosper in the forests and on the plains. Here you'll find a thriving ecotourism and outdoor adventure industry. For animal and bird watchers, keen photographers, and those who enjoy adventure sports, it's the perfect place to have a long relaxing holiday. Cross-country bike touring, hiking, fishing and horseback riding are popular in the summer and cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling in winter. And there are plenty of water sports, including scuba diving, sea kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, and whitewater rafting. Northern British Columbia The vast top third of the province stretches from the mountainous fjords on the west coast, to the incredible Rocky Mountains, with its pristine forests and countless lakes, rivers and streams. Here you'll find plenty of wildlife to photograph, and excellent hunting, fishing and hiking. There are great camping spots in the National Parks. Cariboo, Chilcotin and Coast British Columbia's central region is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cariboo Mountains in the east. This popular region is a land of alpine meadows, glaciers and snow-capped mountains, grasslands and lush valleys, waterfalls, lakes and meandering streams, and wild, splendid fiords on the coast, where the saltwater fishing is unparalleled. Many of the resorts in this area offer tours and watersports equipment in summer, and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Okanagan Similkameen Region This fertile region in the south includes the Okanagan and Similameen valleys, home to picturesque vineyards, orchards and farms. You'll find the full range of accommodations in this lovely area, from tenting to luxury resorts. The lakes provide excellent fresh water fishing and watersports, and the many resorts offer golf, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. And there's the full range of snow-related sports during the winter months. The Kootenays and the Rockies These towering mountain ranges lie side by side in the southeast of British Columbia, a land of pristine lakes and streams, hot springs, and panoramic mountain views. Resorts offer world-class golf courses and the Provincial and National Parks are outstanding. Outdoor recreation on offer includes kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and boating in summer, and snow and ice sports in winter. Vancover Island Region Stay on Vancouver Island, if you'd like to visit some of the smaller islands scattered along the province's west coast or it's dramatic fiords. BC's capital city, Victoria, is located at Vancouver's southern tip, famous for it's relaxed lifestyle and hospitality with visitors from around the world. From here you can take an Orca tour. This cosmopolitan and friendly city is the perfect place to start your visit to scenic British Columbia.

New Zealand is a country in the south western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands. The North Island and the South Island and numerous smaller islands. It is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately one thousand and fifty miles across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. The population is mostly of European descent. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government. Elizabeth II, is the Queen and the Head of State and is represented in her absence, by a non partisan Governor General. The Queen reigns but does not rule, so she has no real political influence. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government. The minority Labour Party government will remain in power, despite the expulsion from the party of one of its members of parliament. However, popular support is shifting towards the reinvigorated opposition National Party, whose leader, John Key, is confronting Labour on a range of social issues. Mr Key is tackling the government on social policy issues traditionally seen as safe ground for Labour and is winning over some Labour supporters. However, it remains to be seen whether he can convert either broad statements into credible policies or apparent support into votes. The first New Zealand settlers were Eastern Polynesians who came to New Zealand, probably in a series of migrations, sometime between around eight hundred and 1300 AD. Over the next few centuries these settlers developed into a distinct culture now known as Maori. New Zealand became wealthy following World War II. It enjoyed a high standard of living with stable commodity exports based not the least on a strong relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1973, the United Kingdom joined the European Community and began to adhere to its trade policy and at the same time other factors such as the oil crises undermined the viability of the New Zealand economy. Popular sports include cricket, netball, basketball, lawn bowling, soccer, football, rugby league, golf, tennis, cycling, field hockey, skiing, snowboarding, softball and a variety of water sports, particularly surfing, sailing, white water kayaking, surf lifesaving skills and rowing. It is a sport nation. A place to visit any time of year.

Christchurch is the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand. It is the largest city in the South Island, as well as the second largest city and third largest urban area of New Zealand. A coastal city, it is situated just north of Banks Peninsula, midway down the South Islands eastern coast. The city is named after the Christ Church cathedral, which is itself named after Christ Church, a college at the University of Oxford, and the Cathedral of Oxford. The city was originally known as Christ Church, the written form consolidating by the 1880s. Much of the city being flat and only a few metres above sea level, spectacular views can be obtained from almost any high building. At low elevations the city may appear almost forested with only a few buildings visible, unlike a major city. Breathtaking, awe inspiring, mind blowing scenery from majestic mountain peaks to the tussock covered Canterbury plains the Canterbury region, stretching from Kaikoura in the north to Waimate in the South, is a huge kaleidoscope of colour, variety and scenic excitement. Galleries and museums, arts and crafts, culture and history, world championships and club games the variety is endless. Christchurch has a huge range of attractions and activities. Something thrilling may include mountain biking, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, jet skiing, white water rafting, skydiving, mountain climbing, paragliding and four wheel driving. Something active may include walking, tramping, hiking, golfing, fishing, sightseeing, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, cruising, diving, horse trekking, motorcycling, kayaking and canoeing. Something relaxing may include going down the river, star gazing, hot air ballooning, wildlife cruising, wining, dining, eco touring, soaking in the thermal pools and soaking up the culture. Christchurch has a temperate climate, with maximum temperatures in January ranging from 15 to 25 and maximum temperatures in July ranging from 5 to 15. The summer climate is often moderated by a sea breeze from the northeast. A notable feature of the weather is a hot wind which is known to cause psychological problems such as raised suicide rates, and also occasionally reaches storm force, causing widespread damage to property. In winter it is common for the temperature to fall below 0 at night. Snow falls occur on average once or twice a year in the hill suburbs and about once or twice every two years on the plain. Christchurch smog has often exceeded World Health Organisation recommendations for air pollution.The city has funding available to upgrade domestic home heating systems, and in order to limit air pollution will likely ban some forms of fire based heating systems.

When I think of Austria, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Austrian Alps. Maybe just about everyone knows that Austria is one of the best places to go during the winter. It has countless winter resorts with amazing surroundings, perfect ski tracks suitable for all ages and difficulties and many more sport facilities in case you are not into skiing. For the tired skier or just for everyone who would like to relax and have fun, there are many suitable places to do it â?? from big swimming pools to hot bath-tubs and restaurants with specialties from around the world.

But if you think that Austria is only for the winter â?¦ think again! If you prefer taking a holiday especially for skiing, you can do so even in the summer with the help of the gorgeous Austrian glaciers. One of the most famous glaciers is the one in the Stubai Valley â?? the Stubai Glacier. It is visible even from the road and can be a remarkable view even for non-skiers. Other perfect places for skiing in the summer are the Kaprun Glacier and Pasterze Glacier, which unfortunately is decreasing in size in the last years. And if you are keen on the big things than the largest glacier in Austria is for you â?? the Hintertux glacier.

In Austria there are also magnificent hiking trails, revealing a huge part of the country beauties. A beautiful place is Zell am See with its Hohe Tauern mountain range, the Zeller Lake and its belonging marked trails, suitable for both beginners and experts. There is also available biking, sailing and more. I am not going to give more examples of hiking trails because they are numerous in almost every resort in Austria and they surely bring the atmosphere of the amazing nature there.

If you are a nature lover I can recommend here only a small fraction of the many nature reserves in Austria. One of them is located just north of the city Innsbruck â?? the Karwendel nature reserve. The Karwendel mountain range is part of the Alps and can reveal many breath-taking types of scenery. Another one is the Pürgschachener Moor Nature Reserve which is in Styria, near Irdning / Ennstal and offers wonderful moments in fresh air. One can also visit the National Park Nockberge â?? part of the oldest mountain regions in Austria. Of course as far as culture is concerned the capitol Vienna is simply outstanding!

No matter where you are from, keep in mind while planning your holiday that nature is always perfect in every season. And I can assure you that one of the best places to go and see it is Austria. Whether you like skiing, hiking, looking from the top of a high mountain or just relaxing under the sun on the bank of a lake â?? it is all there just for you.