Resorting - includes Valdez Heli-Camps Inc., Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Yellowstone Association Institute

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2002

Yellowstone in Winter

Yellowstone National Park Lodges and the Yellowstone Association Institute have created four-night winter packages aimed at cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing enthusiasts. The "Yellowstone on Skis" package is available Friday to Tuesday, January 2 through February 26, and includes cross-country skiing daily with a naturalist/guide. A professional cross-country skiing instructor will accompany the group on two days. The "Secret Snowscapes" package is available Sunday to Thursday, January 6 through February 28, and includes daily snowshoe trips led by a naturalist/guide from the Institute. Both packages start at $559 and include lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Contact: Yellowstone National Lodges (TravelAmerica Magazine), P.O. Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190; (307) 344-7311; www.travelyellowstone.com.

Water Fun

Families are flocking to Ohio's only indoor water park at Great Bear Lodge in Sandusky. The park's seven waterslides include the Alberta Hills, two tube slides measuring 343 and 283 feet respectively, which open into a plunge pool below. Five body slides, a leisure river, whirlpool spas, and an interactive tree-house water fort add to the fun. The park also has recreation pools suitable for guests of all ages. The log-sided lodge offers 271 family-sized suites and a northwoods decor.

Contact: Great Bear Lodge (TravelAmerica Magazine), 4600 Milan Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870; (888) 779-BEAR; www.greatbearlodge.com.

Ski Alaska

If you thought helicopter and snowcat skiing and snowboarding in Alaska were just for adrenaline junkies, think again. Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. prides itself on offering a variety of adventure packages to suit any winter sports enthusiast's dream. While participants should be physically fit and at least an advanced intermediate skier or snowboarder, the abundant snowfall and availability of moderately-pitched, wide-open terrain provides varied levels of difficulty. With the capacity to host only 20 to 30 guests each week and a nearly 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio, Valdez Heli-Camps provides great customer service. Personalized packages include: helicopter and snowcat skiing/ snowboarding, lodging, meals, and local transportation (including airport transfers). Three and six-night packages are available from February through May.

The Valdez Heli-Camps' lodge, a modest inn with clean and comfortable rooms, is centrally located within the village of Valdez and is a short walk to shops and nightlife. Guests enjoy home-cooked gourmet meals (including fresh, locally caught seafood) in a friendly, casual atmosphere.

Valdez, nestled in the Chugach Mountains, lies along sheltered Prince William Sound. Anchorage is a 50-minute flight or eight-hour drive away.

Contact: Valdez Heli-Camps, Inc. (TravelAmerica Magazine), P.O. Box 2495, Valdez, AK 99686; (907) 783-3243; www.valdezhelicamps.com.

Tropical Milwaukee

The Hilton Milwaukee City Center, sporting a new indoor waterpark called Paradise Landing, has become the hotel of choice for splash-happy families in downtown Milwaukee. The three-story water playground is the first of its kind in an urban hotel setting.

The tropically-themed oasis includes four waterslides, a Kiddie Land for the little ones, and a 31-person hydrotherapy spa. The Sharkless Lagoon swimming pool has a lily pad walk, seashell and frog slides, and basketball court. Cabana Cove snack bar and arcade games also are part of the complex, housed in the hotel's new 14-story tower. Admission to Paradise Landing is only for those who book a waterpark package.

Built in 1927 as the Schroeder Hotel and later known as the Marc Plaza, the 729-room Hilton features Art Deco styling, a stunning marble lobby, and elegant ballrooms. It's adjacent to Midwest Express Convention Center and within walking distance of the city's theater district, Milwaukee Public Museum (a family favorite), Grand Avenue enclosed mall, and Amtrak station.

Contact: Hilton Milwaukee City Center (TravelAmerica Magazine), 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203; (414) 271-7250 or (877) KIDS-RULE; www.paradiselanding.com.

Vero Beach

Palm Court Resort Hotel, a 107-room oceanfront property in Vero Beach, Florida, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking seaside tranquility, recreation and shopping opportunities, and convenient access to Florida's hottest attractions. With the Atlantic Ocean on the east shore and the Indian River Lagoon to the west, water activities include surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and canoeing. The Environmental Learning Center, located on Wabasso Island, is a family-oriented center that enlightens patrons about the lagoon ecosystem with interactive displays, nature walks, canoe excursions, and workshops.

Hotel amenities include a 300-foot beach, junior Olympic-size heated pool, fitness room, beach rentals, and a restaurant overlooking the ocean. All rooms include a balcony or patio, many with ocean views.

Contact: Palm Court Resort Hotel (TravelAmerica Magazine), 3244 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach, FL 32963; (800) 245-3297; www.palmcourtvero.com.