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WOODSTOCK'S NEW SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE CENTER
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore 30 kilometers of trails in mid-central Vermont, from a leisurely stroll across open meadows to a more energetic hike up 1,080-foot Mount Peg. The Woodstock Inn & Resort will open the first-ever Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center this winter, with Tubbs-certified guides and new snowshoe equipment. The center will feature lessons, guided tours, family-friendly scavenger hunts, and moonlight treks. A special romance package runs $1,799 per couple, including two nights' accommodations, a sleigh ride, snowshoe rentals, and trail passes for two, and a guided snowshoe trek to a four-course dinner at Mount Tom cabin. The tranquillity package starts at $588 per couple, and includes one night's lodging, massages, snowshoe rentals, and trail passes. Day visitors can rent equipment, take lessons, go on guided tours, and buy trail passes. 888-338-2745, www.woodstockinn.com
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CHILDREN LEARN TO SKI AND RIDE AT PATS PEAK
Pats Peak in southern New Hampshire offers learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride programs for kids ages 6 to 17 that include one hour of instruction and a full-day, all-mountain lift ticket once a week for five consecutive weeks. Classes, with a maximum of 12 participants, are available for Level 1 through Level 9 (check the website to find descriptions). Or take a freestyle class (pictured), which teaches children how to safely use the terrain park and its elements. Students must be 6 by Jan. 1, and in first grade to enroll in the Learn to Ski and Ride Open Program. Session 1 starts Jan. 5, and Session 2 begins Feb. 19. Participants also get one free lift ticket for Pats Peak, Cranmore, and Gunstock, all valid Feb. 25 or later. Discounted tickets are available for parents and guardians of those enrolled in the ski and ride program. 603-428-3245, Ext. 112, www.patspeak.com/winter/learn_to_ski_ride.html
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NO FUSSING WITH RESORT MAPS USING THIS HANDY APP
Vail Resorts' new EpicMix Guide will take you on a personalized tour of ski resorts in Colorado, Utah, and California. The free guide, which launches in December, will work at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone in Colorado, Canyons in Utah, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood in California. Log in to EpicMix using the app, mobile web, or desktop versions, and then plug in the pertinent details, including your starting location at the resort, the type of terrain you want to explore, and how much time you have available. EpicMix then comes up with a customized step-by-step navigational guide (based on 350 possible itineraries) that you can use to explore the mountain. Itineraries are based on insider knowledge from each resort's most experienced ski and ride instructors. www.epicmix.com
CYCLING CAMPS THAT LET YOU ESCAPE THE COLD
Pull your bike off the trainer and head to Southern California this winter for two new cycling camps in Solvang, in the Santa Ynez Valley. The training camps, run by Missoula, Mont.-based The Cycling House, draw road bikers and triathletes who want to escape colder climates and do guided training rides outdoors. Solvang offers European-style streets, country roads, and a variety of terrain with plenty of hilly routes. The five-night camps include chef-prepared meals, opportunities to run and swim, and 45 to 80 miles of fully supported rides daily. Camps are run March 8-13, and March 15-20. Rates start at $2,195. The Cycling House also offers winter camps in Arizona, and summer camps in Montana, Tuscany, Mallorca, and Spain. 406-219-1318, www.thecyclinghouse.com
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THIS VERSATILE SUITCASE CAN TRANSFORM INTO TWO
Eagle Creek's new Morphus 30 can swallow enough gear for a big adventure, but break down into two suitcases to make it easier to tote or fit into smaller spaces. The clever wheeled suitcase (pictured) has a super lightweight polycarbonate shell on the back and sides that help protect the contents, and a durable and weather-resistant soft-sided front bag that quickly zips off. Padded backpack straps tucked into a hidden compartment on the bag's soft side can slip out and convert the suitcase into a comfortable, easy-to-carry pack in seconds. The suitcase has durable grab handles and a handy kickstand that helps keep the bag upright when fully loaded. The zip-off bag can also be carried using an included shoulder strap, and it comes with external pockets that offer great space for stashing documents, headphones, a small laptop, or other items you want to keep handy. $470 for 30-inch suitcase; $395 for 22-inch carry-on version. 888-824-9460, www.eaglecreek.com
EARPHONES WITH A ZIP-UP CORD
Avoid tangled cords while listening to music, watching movies, and answering phone calls with Zipbuds Pro Mic earphones. These noise-canceling earphones come with an innovative technology that lets you literally zip or unzip a large section of the cord to prevent it from tangling or snagging. The Pro Mic earphones offer robust sound and powerful base, and do a great job of blocking out external noise. The angled earbuds come with three different size rubber tips, and remain comfortable even after long use. The Zipbuds weigh a little more than standard earphones, but it's well worth it for the tangle-free convenience. They have an in-line microphone and remote for hands-free calls, and are compatible with devices that have a standard 3.5mm headphone input jack. $39.99. www.zipbuds.com
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