Sustainable Ski Tips

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

While ski season might be over on the East Coast, it’s never too late (or too early) to read up on some ski tips. And in honor of Earth Day, how about some sustainable skiing advice? Many ski resorts are making strides in becoming more environmentally friendly, so let’s do our part as well!

1)      Keep it Local

There is a plethora of literature out right now on why doing things local is the way of the future—there is even a new language surrounding this movement (see: locavore). But whether or not you subscribe to this movement, there are definitely things that you can take from it to make your ski boot print a bit greener.

Stay local. Physically, stay as close to your ski resort as possible. It saves gas, time, and money. Figuratively, stay at a hotel or motel that is local—owned by locals, employs locals, and uses local products.

Eat local. Again, shy away from fast food chains and to-go containers. Dine at facilities that use local food, if possible, and if not, patron restaurants with local flavor via entertainment, staff, events, and ideas. And while you’re at it—try eating there instead of taking it to go. You’ll save on garbage waste!

Spend local. It’s a fact—when you vacation you’re going to end up spending money. But why spend it at a giant chain that you could purchase the same goods while you are home? Take the time to visit local shops and retailers—they are bound to not only know the area and spark up some good conversation with you, but you’ll also be supporting the local economy and take something unique back home with you. Shop Local First.

2)      Don’t Litter

This is a fairly obvious one (we hope), but take your trash with you. This includes your paper, plastic, and aluminum products as well as your food items (info on litter here). An orange peel takes 2 years to decompose and though the wildlife might eat some of your leftovers, it’s not great for them! And keep your butts—cigarette butts can take 5 years to decompose. Mountains tend to have trash receptacles all over, and they’re not for looks. Use them!

3)      Respect Wildlife

We’re on their land, so respect all these creatures. If you see a forest critter, don’t feed it (purposely or by leaving your food behind, see above). Stay out of areas not meant for skiing as this could disturb their habitat even more. And whether it is a bird or a bear, smile at the beauty of nature but leave it be.

4)      Re-Use

If you’re a new skier, skip the brand new equipment and head to a used ski shop. You’ll save lots of money by picking up someone’s previously loved skis and boots as well as giving a home to something that otherwise might have ended up in a landfill! If you’re an intermediate skier, try keeping your equipment for more than one season. For an avid skier, designate certain equipment for certain days/features/mountains—it cuts the chance of wearing your equipment out. And when it is time to upgrade, send your stuff to a ski shop to be picked up by a novice. It’s the circle of life folks!

5)      Recycle

Another no-brainer, and probably the easiest tip of them all! Instead of throwing your plastic soda container into the trash, take one step farther and put it into the recycling bin. This goes for your empty beer bottles as well—but hey, save some more bottles and just get a pitcher and reuse your glass!

6)      Share a Ride

Of course, we mean this in the standard, hitch a ride with your friend to the mountain instead of driving alone way, but we also mean it in a make friends with the person going solo on the four-person chairlift kind of way as well. Both will save time and energy when getting from point A to point B.

7)      Respect Resort Signs

All of them. Whether it says trail closed or off-limits or out-of-bounds, respect ‘em. There are numerous reasons that a sign could be somewhere. If a trail is closed, maybe there isn’t enough snow cover on it—if you start skiing on it you could be ruining the snow already there, creating more need for snowmaking to fix what you’ve ruined. If part of the mountain is off-limits, it could possibly be a wildlife preservation zone (not a far cry in places like the Adirondacks!). And if something is out-of-bounds, Eco-Friendly or not, you should probably heed that advice regardless.

8)      Travel Eco-Friendly

If you’re traveling to your ski resort of choice, travel as eco-friendly as possible. There are tons of ways to do this, from packing your suitcase with re-wearable clothes, to taking public transport, to preparing your home for when you’re gone. Every little bit helps! For more sustainable travel tips, check out ResponsibleTravelReport.com.

Let’s face it, skiing is awesome. But let’s also face it, skiing isn’t the most environmentally friendly past time. Ski resorts are making strides to create a more environmentally friendly way to enjoy one of nature’s playgrounds, but it’s up to us as well to do our parts. So tackle the list a tip at a time or make your next ski trip revolve around Eco-Friendly skiing. But remember, we have to help at least a little, because we don’t want to lose this winter playground forever.

Happy Earth Day!

New Year's Resolutions

Out with the old and in with the new; the mark of a new year inevitably brings new resolutions to better one’s life. The obvious resolutions, such as losing weight and staying healthy, spending less and saving more, and organizing your life are always bound to show up on resolution lists (top ten resolutions here). But how about some other interesting resolutions? Here is a list of our top ten things to get accomplished this year (with, of course, some of the most famous ones still on the list!).

1. Travel More. Getting out of the house can always be a refreshing experience. Travelling doesn’t always mean vacationing. Refresh yourself and cross this nugget off of your resolution list by taking overnight road trips or long weekends (some great destinations just outside of Malone include Syracuse, Lake Placid, Albany, Montreal and Ottawa). Sometimes a staycation can even settle your travel bug until you get some time to really get out. So don’t limit yourself by only thinking of travelling in week-long segments to far-away places.
2. Learn to Ski or Snowboard. Most resolution lists include some category of learning something new. Why not try out snow sports? Titus Mountain is a wonderful family resort for those who want to learn the sport. Titus has a snow sports school and rentals available at the mountain for you to try it out—and their lift tickets are an exceptional value, especially going on weekends when there is night skiing. But a disclaimer: you might just get addicted. And if you are already a skier or rider, but want to try something more advanced, check out our information on learning about Terrain Parks. Or if you are a lady giving it a go for the first time, check out our "Ladies Learn to Ski" program.
3. Eat Healthier. Whether you want to eat healthier to lose weight, maintain weight, or just feel better, there are many opportunities to do so. When ordering your coffee, get it with non-fat milk instead of whole (you could save up to 10 pounds a year!) Get water with dinner instead of soda (15 pounds a year). Order a salad for an appetizer instead of the mozzarella sticks (Mo’s has some delicious salads). And ask your waiter or waitress how to make your meal healthier—normally they can tell you the ingredients to cut out.
4. Help Others. There are many opportunities to help others inside or outside of your community. If you are having trouble finding a place to state, try checking out your local Chamber of Commerce (Malone’s Website). Or check out http://www.volunteermatch.org to find out what is available (you can also post here if you are an organization). If you don’t have spare time, monetary donations are always welcome to a plethora of organizations.
5. Get Organized. Whether you have papers overflowing on your desk or your calendar looks like a chimpanzee scribbled through it; don’t fret because you aren’t alone. There are many ways to get organized whether you are planning for an event or just trying to keep track of your life. The first step is to find out what you need help organizing; if the papers overflowing on your desk are only from trying to plan a family reunion or wedding, there is no need to uproot your bill paying system. Stay on track. And sometimes it helps to have people on your side. There are many paid services such as organizing and cleaning professionals and wedding planners, but there are also many services available at no additional cost—always ask if there is anything else that is offered by your hotel, event venue, or service company (such as automatic withdrawal or email reminders).
6. Exercise More. Again, another resolution that always makes the top ten list, though it is the most joked about because it is never followed through. Make sure that when you are making your resolution to exercise more, you are making it an attainable goal. If you travel often, fit that into your regimen (Healthy Travel Tips). If the thought of running makes you gag, try a different form of cardio such as Zumba. Just doing something active fits into this plan—think skiing, golfing, walking, biking, playing softball—activities that you enjoy are much more likely to become a lasting resolution than something that you dread.
7. Learn to Play Golf. The Malone Golf Club is a world-renowned course. What better way to learn to golf on the best course available in the area? They also offer a program, Get Golf Ready, which is available to help learn the game of golf itself as well as etiquette and rules. And you might even get the chance to get a short clinic from the Vice President of the PGA, Derek Sprague (20 Minutes with DerekSprague). How cool is that?
8. Enjoy the Small Things. Bigger isn’t always better. And farther isn’t always nicer. Take some time to enjoy small things that your community offers. Have you been to the AlmanzoWilder Homestead? Hiked Elephant’s Head? Had dinner overlooking the Malone Golf Club or the Titus Mountain slopes? Have you walked the Malone Rec Park to see the gathering of snow geese? Taken a few minutes to yourself to watch a Malone Sunset?
9. Get your Finances in Order. This is always a tricky one. The obvious is to spend less and save more, and since spending is different for everyone, why not take a look at how to save more? There are the obvious tactics, such as getting things on sale and clipping coupons. But what about the not-so-obvious savings? Use your reward cards. Whether you are a member at a grocery store, retail store, hotel chain (info on Priority Club here), or Milk Club… dollars and points add up. Why waste the money that you are already spending?
10. Spend More Time with Family. Read number 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 and just remember: have fun.

Winter Safety Tips

Despite the winter months being more hazardous to drive in where we live, most people do much of their traveling during this time. Whether you are driving or flying, going to visit family for the weekend or going on vacation for the week, here are some tips to keep you and your home safe.

Driving

1.      Make sure you prepare the car. This means checking all fluids (don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid), making sure your wiper blades are in good working order and that your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread on. For maximum visibility, clean your windows and make sure all lights are working.

2.      If anything were to happen, however, it is always a good idea to have a preparedness kit. Items such as a basic first aid kit, protein bars and water, an emergency blanket and warming packs, flashlight, hand sanitizer, road flares, jumper cables, and a gas can be life savers. Mini survival kits are also handy, including duct tape, zip ties, a heavy-duty garbage bag, mirror, fire starters, and rope.

3.      Be aware of the driving conditions. Use low gears instead of braking as much. Increase distance between cars by at least 2x. Check the weather report before heading out and know your route.  And brush up on your knowledge of recovering from slides and skids (here is a good place to start). And most importantly, slow down.

4.      Driving during the winter is more tiring. So make sure you are well rested before you even start the trip. And during the trip make sure that you take frequent rest stops to stretch, walk around, and grab a drink or a bite to eat. Staying hydrated and fed is also important! (Fun fact: One bottle of chilled water and an apple are more effective energy substitutes than one can of Energy Drinks)

Flying

1.      Your flight might get delayed. Better safe than sorry. So pack your necessities in your carry on such as extra clothes and small toiletries. If room permits, it is also a good idea to pack a small blanket and pillow and busy work, such as crosswords or a book, to keep you sane during the delay. And be proactive during flight delays; don’t only stand in line waiting for the next available departure time. Call customer service at the same time—you might be on hold for a while but the line isn’t getting any smaller. This doubles your chances of getting on an earlier flight.

2.      If you are going out of country, check with the state department travel site for current travel warnings or advisories.

Leaving Home

1.      Burglarproof your home. Unfortunately the holidays also bring out the burglars; people are travelling and there are lots of high-ticket items in many homes. Don’t leave large boxes outside your doorstep or your garbage overflowing showing off all your new stuff. Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail or the post office to hold it as this is the first things that potential crooks look for. Have someone check in on your house every so often depending on the length of your trip (this makes your door seem more trafficked as well as keeps your mind at ease). Lastly, don’t advertise your travel plans, but do let a close friend know how to contact you if absolutely necessary.

2.      Remember shutting off everything and locking up. Make a checklist and when you’ve shut everything off say it out loud; you are much more likely to remember the action if it has been spoken. And if all else fails, use some creative trickery. Put a bright sticky note on the still-on coffee pot that has to be removed to shut it off. Wear your watch on your opposite wrist and only change it over when the oven is off.

Surviving the Family

1.      Opt for a hotel if you really need to. For families that don’t spend much time together for a reason, the holidays can be the test of al tests. The extra money spent on a hotel will seem worth it in the end if it keeps the family sane. And if there is a houseful of guests already, some hosts might be appreciative that there is one less family to worry about (as long as you are footing the bill).  

2.      Try to find the positive. The holidays are a time to remember what you are thankful for. While it may be hard sometimes, try to remember that in the large scheme of things, your mother-in-law commenting on your cooking skills isn’t such a big deal.

3.      When all else fails, do the dishes. Just make sure that they are clean.

Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks

Though summer isn't officially over until September 22, summer is officially over... Kids have gone back to school, college is already in full swing, temperatures have slowly started to dip, and the leaves have already started to change. But have you had the privilege yet to see the majesty of a full North County Autumn?

www.visitadirondacks.com

Thousands of foliage watchers, or leaf-peepers as they are lovingly known, come to New York from all over the world to see the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows as our broad-leaf trees shed their leaves. Why is New York foliage so awe-inspiring? According to I Love NY, "Unlike the rest of the country, the northeastern U.S. is particularly blessed with a great variety of broad-leaved trees, which help give the region’s foliage a spectacular color range. Also, New York State has almost as many acres of such trees as the rest of the Northeast combined" (source).  

Peeping season starts in the Adirondacks and slowly moves south into the Catskills. While the entire process lasts about 2 months for the lovely greens to turn to brilliant hues of warm colors, two weeks is usually the time frame for peak color changing, with peak brilliance lasting 3-4 days for any given area. So it's time to plan your trip to the North County to get a piece of this beauty!

Here are a few tips to ensure a spectacular view of the stunning Adirondack landscape in Autumn.

Prepare.

Looking out your window and seeing a few colors might strike the adventurer inside you to go out and see the foliage on a whim. But you aren't the only person who is thinking the same thing. To truly enjoy the foliage, you should have a set route and accommodations ready. Not only does this save you the hassle from getting lost and getting stuck in an area or stuck without lodging or both, it gives you the luxury of taking your time. Leaf-peeping is about the views, and it would negate the whole trip if you are forced to rush through the area. Now is the time, if you haven't already done so, to look up some great fall foliage packages, like the one at the Holiday Inn Express of Malone.

Take advantage of different perspectives.

www.visitadirondacks.com

Driving is a pretty standard go-to when it comes to watching the foliage. But have you ever stopped to consider the myriad of other ways to capture a view? The North Country is well-known for it's outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. What about capturing some views from those perspectives? Most hiking trails and boat launches are easily accessible right off the roads in the Adirondacks, so you don't even have to plan on biking the whole way. Just take a pair of hiking shoes and stick them in your trunk, strap a kayak to your roof, or put a bike in the back and when the moment strikes you, get out into the thick of the trees and be awed.

Be Safe.

Drive slow. This goes hand-in-hand with taking your time. Want to make a last second stop at hiking trailheads or want to pull off to the side of the road to take a spectacular picture? This is only possible if you are driving slow enough to make the turn! This also allows other drivers to be aware of what you are doing and could prevent you from getting rear-ended, which would certainly put a damper on your vacation. Slow speeds also allows you to be aware of a Fall Foliage hazard: wet leaves. Leaves are beautiful on the trees, but when they make the road slick, especially on many back country roads where the foliage is the best.

Here are some resources to help you in your Fall Foliage Tour planning...so get to it!

VisitAdirondacks.com 
I Love NY Fall Foliage 
nyfallfoliage.com 
Holiday Inn Express Fall Foliage Package

Healthy Travel Tips

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, on vacation or company training, anybody would be hard pressed to say that they keep their routines intact. Fast food becomes normal while driving, late nights and early mornings reek havoc on circadian rhythms, and exercise tends to go right out the window. For those who are on the road a lot (such as our platinum priority club members... at least 50 stays a year!), routine-breaking travel is tough to digest.

A healthy lifestyle promotes eating right, sleeping right, exercising, and being productive. Being a frequent flyer doesn't mean you have to give these things up! Here are some tips for staying healthy on the road.

1. Plan in advance. Schedule workouts and meals just like business meetings.
2. Get up and stretch on flights. Take breaks on long car trips. Take a few minutes every hour or so to stretch and improve circulation while also combating fatigue.
3. Walk during meeting breaks. Take the stairs. Park farther away from entrances.
4. Stay hydrated. Six to eight glasses of water a day is recommended. Opt for the free water instead of soda during luncheons. Make use of the cups in your room and drink a glass in the morning and before bed.
5. Be conscious of your calories. Opt for fruit instead of fast food--it's just as easy to eat while driving. Pack healthy snacks in your suitcase to keep you away from the hotel snack shops at midnight when the cravings hit. Opt for the veggie sides in restaurants instead of the french fries.
6. Always pack your sneakers, a set of gym clothes, and a bathing suit--just in case. Swimming is a great exercise and walking around the hotel in heels or loafers isn't conducive to wanting to do it again.
7. Get a good night's sleep. Try to keep your sleep cycle the same during trips. If that is impossible, make sure you clear your head before heading to bed. Write things down instead of thinking them over and over in your mind.
8. Stay productive at a table or desk, not your bed. Don't bring your laptop into bed with you or read through those reports in your pajamas. Desks and tables are in your room for a reason. Not only will you be more productive, but you'll get a better night's rest.
9. Pick appropriate fitness activities for travel. Leave the dumbbells at home and opt for body weight exercise. Push-ups, crunches, and lunges are always a travel go-to, and they don't require a lot of space. And who said carrying your 40 pound suitcase up 3 flights of stairs can't be turned into an exercise?
10. Make it fun! Having a the same fitness routine and meal plans every day can become mundane and boring--travel becomes the excuse for routine-breaking instead of the reason. (Adapted from Lodging Magazine, April 2012)

And for those that staying active is more than a routine but a lifestyle, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has launched a new brand, EVEN Hotels, to fill a void for healthy travelers. From their website, they state that "travel can be healthier, and we're here to prove it." From free and unlimited flavored water at check-in to a Wellness Board to showcase local club or fitness activities, the new brand exudes healthy lifestyle just by walking in the door. Round out their ventures with a best in-class gym, freshly prepared food, and a coat rack that doubles as a pull-up bar and work out bench, EVEN Hotels is a refreshing option for travelers with health on their minds.