From surfing to ice climbing, we’ve got the perfect events to keep you out of the holiday doldrums.
by Kate Cassidy
Billabong Pipeline Masters and Billabong Pro, December 8-20
Maui, Hawaii
The Banzai Pipeline is unforgiving, regularly cutting pro surfers’ runs short with some of Hawaii’s most vicious and heaviest breaks. But the surfers keep coming back in hopes of taking home the crown of ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Champion, and, of course, to get a piece of the $320,000 prize money. Greats like Shaun Thomson, Gerry Lopez, and Kelly Slater will be there, and we can’t think of a single reason why you shouldn’t be, too.
Accommodations and Travel: The Banzai Pipeline is located just off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea of Oahu’s North Shore. It’s easily accessible by the Kamehameha Highway (aka Highway 83) that runs along the coast, and there are plenty of hotels around. The Turtle Bay Resort off Kamehameha is one official sponsor, offering cheap rates for the duration of the competiton. Check out turtlebayresort.com for more details on packages, or visit outriggerhawaii.com for a lengthy list of other lodging possibilities.
Sandstone Ice Festival, December 12-14
Sandstone, Minnesota
Want to embrace the cold weather this weekend? See if you can hack it in the frozen wilderness at the Sandstone Ice Festival, where you can test out your winter camping skills, do some ice climbing, and try a snowshoe on for size. The fest offers clinics on everything from run-of-the-mill skiing to dog skijoring, where your furry friend helps pull you along a cross-country ski route. Special events this year include lighted night-time quarry climbing and a chili cook-off. But don’t let all the action distract you from snagging deals on winter gear and checking out some new equipment designs, like those for skipulks–sleek tow behind sleds that come in handy for mountaineering. Tickets: The fest is free, although donations are accepted and you must pre-register for all clinics.
Accommodations and Travel: Sandstone is located off of interstate highway 35, right between Duluth and the Twin Cities. And if you don’t opt for the free camping in Sandstone’s quarry, there are a few nearby hotels including the Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel located one exit south of Sandstone (a 10-15 minute drive), and the 61 motel and the America’s Best Value Inn at nearby Banning Junction. For more information, visit sandstoneicefest.com and click on “more vital info.”
Killington 50th Birthday Celebration, December 12-14
Killington, Vermont
A 50th birthday never sounded so good. This weekend head for the largest ski and snowboard resort for a celebration of 50 years of winter sports. At Killington, you can snag a $50 medallion that gets you skiing and riding for the weekend, plus preferred lift access and a bunch of discounts on resort services. Some of the special events inlcude the “Ski Sweater Soiree,” wih live jazz and tasty cocktails, along with historical mountain tours and torchlight parades that run throughout the weekend. But don’t get overloaded with all the glitzy festivities–you still have to make your way through seven mountain areas, 30 lifts, and 191 trials encompassing 88 miles of challenging terrain. Tickets: The ski medallion costs $50 per person. It does not include admission to the soiree, which is an extra $75 per person. For more information, check out killington.com and click on “Killington’s 50th Birthday Party.”
Accommodations and Travel: Killington Resort is located in central Vermont at the junction of Routes 4 and 100, 11 miles east of Rutland. Once off the Killington exit, follow Killington Road to the Snowshed Base Area on your left for parking. There are a bunch of lodging options nearby, including everything from simple lodges to four-star resorts. To find some places with discounted rates and package deals, check the “Plan Your Trip” section of killington.com.
Honolulu Marathon, December 14
Honolulu, Hawaii
Who says Hawaii’s just for vacation? Lace up your trainers and prepare for some sweaty, heart-pounding action this weekend at the 2008 Honolulu Marathon. Here, the 25 mile course takes you through some of Hawaii’s most scenic and famed locales, including downtown Honolulu Harbor, Wakiki Beach, and the volcanic craters of Koko Head. And if you can keep your mind and feet on track amidst all the splendor, you could snag a cool $40,000 prize purse. The first three men and women to finish will also be handsomely rewarded, along with a $15,000 bonus for anyone who breaks a race record. Looking for something a little bit strenous on race day? Try the 10K walk instead. Registration: Registration for the marathon will be open until December 13th. A $200 entry fee applies. For race day walkers, the 10K requires also requires $50 entry fee.
Accommodations and Travel: The race starts at Ala Moana Beach Park, accessible from Route 92 or Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu, and ends in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head. Outrigger Reef on the Beach at Waikiki is the official hotel of the race. For more detailed driving directions, a course map and information on lodging rates, visit honolulumarathon.org.
Print this article
May 20th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I would still go back to Hawaii next year. It’s a great experience to travel around Hawaii!
[Reply]