Men's Journal

It wouldn’t be a complete Christmas holiday if we didn’t give you the best places to go ice climbing, skiing, and tubing over the weekend.

by Kate Cassidy

Night Skiing and Tubing, December 26-28
SolVista Basin, Colorado

Everything is always more fun after dark. This weekend, head into Colorado’s SolVista Basin (formerly Silver Creek) for twilight tubing and skiing among the mountains of the expansive 5,500-acre resort. Here you’ll find advanced slopes on the West Mountain and nearly 25 miles of trails along the Nordic system, which are ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country ski treks. But don’t forget to stay warm and re-fuel; try steaming food and drinks at the Seven Trails Grille, or chug some hot cocoa while resting by a slope-side fire pit (night skiing and tubing are $10 each per person, combo tickets $15; solvista.com). If you’re looking to extend your stay, there’s much more beyond SolVista’s snowy peaks. Get a taste of the dude ranch life, ice climb in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, or explore over 850 miles of bikeable urban trails in Denver — just a short, 90 minute drive away (denver.org).

Accommodations and Travel: Most people fly into Denver and do the two hour drive from the airport. The Solvista Basin is at Granby Ranch, around two hours west. It’s easily accessible from I-70 and US-40, just follow the exit signs for Granby. Once there, you can stake out a hotel room, get comfy in a mountainside condo, or slide through luxury ski-in/ski-out lodges. For more detailed directions and the scoop on available vacation packages, visit solvista.com.

Waterfall Ice Climbing, December 27-28
June Lake, California

California isn’t all about fun in the sun. Ditch the shades for your hiking boots this weekend at June Lake, where the once flowing waterfalls have become frozen mountainsides fit for some serious ice climbing. The folks at Sierra Mountain Center will host a winter climbing clinic to teach modern techniques — flat footing, anchoring, and front-pointing to name a few — amidst the icicles and steep slopes that’ll have you mastering inclines upward of 70 degrees. But don’t jump into it without prior rock climbing experience; belaying and rope handling know-how is key for this icy adventure. ($350 per person; sierramountaincenter.com).

Accommodations and Travel: Lodging is not included in the package, but Murphey’s Motel in nearby Lee Vinig has special rates for SMC patrons (murpheysyosemite.com). To get there, just take Highway 395 to the north end of town. Heading straight for June lake instead? You may be able to take the June Lake Loop (Highway 195) if it hasn’t yet been closed for the winter. For more details on pricing, directions, and places to stay, visit sierramountaincenter.com and click on “Sierra Winter Programs.”

Sugarloaf Holiday Hill Climb, December 27
Sugarloaf, Maine

Never heard of randonee skiing? Catch up on one of the fastest growing ski trends this weekend at Sugarloaf. The famed ski resort is hosting a randonee hill climb, where skiers ascend the mountain using only bindings, brawn, and climbing skins. That’s right, no more chairlifts to hold you back — just fresh alpine powder and prizes await. But don’t forget to pack a headlamp — the 1,200 ft climb starts at 4:30 p.m. and will last into the night. Made it through the dark? There’s still more than 650 mountainous acres of trails and terrain parks to conquer ($25 entry fee before the race, $75 combo ticket for the the race and a full day of skiing; sugarloaf.com).

Accommodations and Travel: Sugarloaf offers special “Ski & Stay” packages for the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, the Sugarloaf Condominiums, and the Sugarloaf Inn. The facilities are easily accessed by I-95, I-91, and Rt.10. For more details on lodging deals and how to get there from Vermont, Massachusetts, Montreal and surrounding areas visit sugarloaf.com.

Ski For Free: Oak Mountain Ski Center, December 26-28
Speculator, New York

Take advantage of some free shredding this weekend at the Oak Mountain Ski Center, where the Adirondack mountains set the backdrop for a perfect winter playground. The grand re-opening event will offer free skiing and snowboarding for three days among the 14 area trails, complete with challenging black diamonds (the longest run measures almost 8,000 feet). If you’re looking for a childhood throwback in the midst of the holiday season, the resort will also feature free nighttime snow tubing for some action that’s a little less strenuous. Don’t be bummed if you can’t make it this weekend; Oak Mountain will keep offering deals throughout the season, like four-hour “anytime” tickets and ski/tubing combo passes (oakmountainski.com).

Accommodations and Travel: The Oak Mountain Center is located in the Speculator Region of the Adirondacks, easily accessed by the NYS Thruway to Amsterdam (Rt 30) or Verona (Rt 365). Once there, you can set up shop at nearby lodges, cabins, and B&Bs, or opt for some winter camping. (oakmountainski.com).