Sherman's Travel

According to the thermometer, it’s pretty cold out there in most the country right now. As in single digit cold. Which wouldn’t be such a big deal except for the fact that you’re the kind of person who likes to burn calories outdoors. Hiking boots, bike shorts, a life vest, climbing shoes—these are your preferred gym clothes. So what are you supposed to do when winter temperatures dip low enough to make a snowman shiver?

The answer is simple, and fortunately for the fair-weather adventurer, heated: find an indoor climbing wall. As the sport of climbing has grown in popularity, rock gyms have sprung up everywhere, especially in eastern cities where busy professionals don’t necessarily have easy access to cliffs, crags, towers, and other large rock formations. And just about every spot offers day passes, equipment rental, lessons, and the occasional discount, so you can show up for a test climb without committing to membership. Plus, they’re good places to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and a fun alternative to yet another predictable workout on the elliptical. Read more

Now you have the perfect excuse to hit the slopes out West this winter. The upscale Mountain Lodge at Telluride, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is currently offering its Great Winter White Sale. Book any two-bedroom unit at the resort for three nights or more and save 30% on hotel rates. The resort also offers 30% off adult lift tickets as part of this deal.

The Mountain Lodge is ideally located halfway up Telluride Mountain, so it couldn’t be easier to start your day on the slopes.  The resort community, which also includes upscale condos for higher rates, offers an elegant lobby with a fireplace, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and onsite ski rentals. Enjoy a drink at the rustic Tavern Bar after a day on the mountain, eat at the new resort restaurant, The View, or explore charming downtown Telluride.

THE VALUE: Save 30% on current hotel rates, along with 30% on lift tickets.

THE CATCH: Discounted lift tickets must be booked in advance. Also, this deal also only applies to stays through February 10 – so hurry!

THE DETAILS: Visit the Mountain Lodge at Telluride and enter the promo code WHITE.

WE’VE GOT MORE: For general trip-planning information, see our Telluride Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Telluride.

Admit it: Your inner speed demon has always been just a tad curious about the skeleton, the lightning-fast Olympic sport in which sled racers barrel headfirst down an ice track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour.

Thanks to a slew of winter sports programs offered in Park City, Utah, you can now find out. With the 2010 Winter Olympics right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to indulge your inner Olympian: At the popular ski town, athletes of all skill levels can try their hand (or, rather, sled or skiis) on the skeleton, bobsled, Nordic jumping or the luge. Various classes and instructional activities, many taught by former Olympic coaches, start at $50 for a skeleton ride (following professional instruction, of course).  Read more