(ARA) – Summer isn’t the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

If you love winter sports and pastimes, Washington State offers your family a huge playground for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more. No matter if you are a young first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, the mountains, rolling hills and valleys found in Washington bring a breath-taking beauty to any winter outdoor sport.

For example, if skiing and snowboarding in Washington are on your to-do list this season, check out Crystal Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park where not only can you experience shushing through half a dozen basins, but also enjoy beautiful views of the mountain up close. Each year, snowboarders flock to Mount Baker, with an average annual snowfall of 647 inches, to experience terrain in one of the areas many call the birthplace of the sport. A short drive from the Canadian border or downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is an active volcano standing 10,778 feet, offering spectacular scenery and hundreds of acres to discover. Want adventure right outside the city? Head over to Snoqualmie Pass, one hour east of Seattle, which not only gives skiers and snowboarders of all levels excellent runs at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, but also provides access to tubing hills and cross country ski and snowshoe trails as well.

Snowmobile fans can find about 80 lots within Washington State Parks to park a car, unload the snowmobiles and head out on more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Echo Valley Sno-Park in the west central part of the state near Chelan and Lake Easton Sno-Park located on Highway 90 southeast of Seattle are just two of the popular sites to hit the snowmobile trails.

If ice skating is the winter sport that interests you, Spokane is hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January – where the U.S. Figure Skating team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be named, just in time for the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12, 2010.

Washington is just a short drive across the border from many of the Winter Olympic sport locations, making it easy for you to plan your outdoor fun around a quick trip to catch some of the Olympic action.

You say winter sports aren’t your thing? Don’t forget that the Puget Sound area often enjoys a snow-less winter, and cities such as Seattle and Tacoma offer a variety of indoor cultural experiences, including symphony, ballet, opera, live theater and Broadway road shows to name a few. For a relaxed adventure outside the bustling city streets, hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy some winter island time with hiking, kayaking, shopping or just cozy fireplace-sitting.

Once you have your winter fun trip planned, don’t forget these Washington travel tips:

* Washington’s climate is mild, but the mountains can be much colder. Average temperatures for the winter months range from near freezing to around 40 degrees in western Washington, with below-freezing temperatures in the mountains, so remember to pack extra waterproof clothes in case your trip includes mountain adventures.

* Plan ahead for the equipment you need. If you anticipate renting everything, contact a rental place near where you’re staying or heading out for some fun before your trip to reserve exactly what you need. Visit www.experiencewa.com to find links for locations of recreation businesses and sites including rentals. If you’re bringing your equipment, make sure you plan around airline baggage requirements or space in your vehicle to get everyone to Washington comfortably.

* Don’t forget the sunblock. Yes, even in winter, the sun’s rays reflecting off snow can cause a painful burn.

* Pack a camera to capture everyone carving the slopes or flying down a snow tubing hill.

For assistance in planning your vacation, visit www.experience.wa.com for events, transportation venue links, the official state travel planner, lodging opportunities and much more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Spiced Winter Citrus Apple-Pear Bread Goes Great with Hot Cider!

Inspired by a seasonal smorgasbord of winter citrus, this recipe combines the bold zingy flavors of blood oranges with the mellow sweet flavors of canned Bartlett pear halves and peeled apples. The spices include cinnamon, spicy cayenne and even a topping on caramelized cinnamon sugar.

This bread makes an excellent morning tea bread or after dinner dessert cake. It is incredibly easy to make. You won’t believe the complex flavors in this creation.

Spiced Winter Citrus Apple-Pear Bread
w/pear, blood orange and apple fruits
vegan

1 box Apple Cinnamon muffin mix (Dr. Oetker brand is best)
1/2 can Bartlett pear halves (high quality brand)
1 small sweet apple (fuji, gala, braeburn, honeycrisp)
2 blood oranges
4 Tbsp orange juice from one of the blood oranges
2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cayenne
1/4 cup canola oil
6 Tbsp. apple sauce
1/4 cup soy milk
2 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar sprinkle (white sugar and cinnamon)

In a large mixing bowl combine:

muffin mix, oil, soy milk, orange juice, cayenne, cinnamon, apple sauce.
stir in orange zest from blood oranges.

Fruit:
(keep several slices of fruits for top of bread garnish.)
Peel apple and thinly slice.
Add 1/4 cup of apple slices to bowl.
Thinly slice pears. Add to bowl.
Peel and thinly slice or cube oranges. Try to remove large seeds.
Add orange slices to bowl.
Fold fruit into batter.
Pour batter into oil-greased bread baking dish.

Design/Garnish on top before baking:
Add a design of leftover fruit slices to top of bread (see photos).
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top of fruit design.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until slightly browned/caramelized/crisp on top.
Store in fridge, or eat in a few days. Can also be stored in freezer.

MODIFICATIONS:
For a fat-free version: Substitute oil with 1/4 cup applesauce.
For less spice: remove cayenne.
For more spice: add more cayenne, cinnamon and even some nutmeg. You can also substitute soy milk for spiced apple cider.
For non-vegan version: uses two eggs instead of applesauce.

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Bear Lake in Estes Park Colorado on a 20 degree day in September 2006 with mountain in background by Steve Ekblad

Looking for a Colorado winter vacation that doesn’t include flying down a mountain at breakneck speeds? Let’s take a look at what Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park have to offer. You already know there are hundreds of miles of trails and terrain, protected and preserved in the Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s just the tip of the story.

The national park and forests surrounding Estes Park provide exceptional winter opportunities for cross-country skiing, and extreme skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, hiking and winter mountaineering. Some enjoy the revived Telemark ski technique as well. For those who want an Estes Park winter ski vacation but still crave downhill skiing, the Eldora Ski Resort is an hour south along the ridge road. Afterward you’ve returned, you can head into town and get a bite to eat or browse some of the artists’ galleries.

We’ll get into more details about what you can expect to see and do in just a minute but you can also browse the opportunities yourself at any time by clicking on the links to the left of the page. There you’ll find money-saving coupons, discounts, bargains and deals on equipment rentals, lodgings — all the things you’ll need and want during your trip to this magnificent winter vacation destination.

Even in the winter, one can enjoy the rushing rivers, mountain lakes, forests and glens, and all the woodland mountain inhabitants — a cornucopia of natural beauty waiting to be seen and discovered. If you’re hoping to take pictures and leave footprints, some of the shots you might get include mule deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles.

Two Elk fighting in Estes Park, Colorado, photo by Stephen Joos.

Estes Park is at 7522 feet, while the area’s highest point is Long’s Peak, over 14,250 feet, up on the Continental Divide. A number of companies offer guided tours through the park’s many wonders, or you can drive a car, take it all in at your own pace.

Hiking is still possible during the winter months. When the lower-elevation trails don’t receive heavy snow, the park rangers leave them open. Precautions should be taken as is the case when venturing out in any wilderness area, but extra measures are in order during the winter. Experienced guides are available. Check out the links to your left to find one that’s to your liking!

There are several unique artists’ galleries to browse. Who knows? You may end up taking home a masterpiece, or be inspired to create one yourself! The journey is the destination on a vacation of this kind, so take your time, savor the many flavors to be found in this fantastic area. The locals offer a warm, friendly, genuine greeting to their guests. Far from the attitudes of most downhill resort towns, you’ll feel truly welcome in Estes Park.

Lodgings are an essential part of any vacation. Estes Park Colorado Lodging leaves you in charge on this as well. You can choose from bed & breakfast inns, cabins, chalets, condos rentals, hotel rooms… You can rent most any sort of accommodation you’d like. You might even get the same room Stephen King stayed in while writing “The Shining”!

We’re sure you’ll be glad you chose Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park as your vacation destination this winter. Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself coming back in the summer months as well. Estes Park is awesome any time of year!

Be sure to check out the links to get discount rates, money-saving coupons, bargains and deals on all the goods, accommodations, services, tours and rentals you’ll want and need! Pick from those and we’re sure you’ll have a great time in the most enjoyable natural vacation destination in the continental United States, Estes Park!

© 2007 RightNow Communications

Featured Estes Park photos from flickr:

photo credit: tamarajohnsonbelieves

photo credit: tamarajohnsonbelieves

photo credit: Rojer

photo credit: Eric Kilby

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A fabulous winter coat is a wise investment because it can truly transform your wardrobe. If your coat has seen better days, don’t wait until late December or January. Here are tips for choosing a cozy coat to complement your winter wardrobe.

photo credit: Kelly.Emma

Women’s fleece-lined winter coats

Are you looking for a versatile way to be warm and stylish this fall, right through to early spring? Fleece-lined coats are excellent investments because they come in a variety of styles, from car coats to duffle coats to parkas. The plush pile linings are soft and supple, and feel just like real shearling. Look for classic designs that include adjustable cuffs, roomy pockets, high collars that shield you from the wind, and a snap-off hood. These coats are easy to care for because they are machine washable, and can add warmth without bulk.

Work wardrobe

For your business wardrobe, a smart wool jacket shows that you are charming and in charge. Keep the look classic, but look for updated details such as oversized lapels, side buttons, a wrap style, or an unusual collar such as the new funnel or ruffled shapes.

Practical and fun

A sporty parka is the outerwear equivalent of your most lived-in jeans, and a fleece lining adds warmth. Look for a leaner style that goes to the knees rather than longer, to avoid the comforter look. Choose a coat with some added details, such as a belt or a fur collar for a bit of panache.

Colors and patters

Choose a color and pattern that flatters you. You don’t have to stick with boring black. This year coats come in winter white, plum, navy, and many shades of chocolate brown. Tweeds and houndstooth patterns are smart-looking and add visual variety. A coat with a belt in a contrasting material adds a touch of color as well. But remember that extra texture can add bulk, so if want to look slimmer, choose simple, streamlined shapes.

Options and variety

If you live in a cold climate you need a variety of coats to meet your needs. The good news is that there has never been more variety in the stores. With everything from great tweeds to luxurious cashmere, to chic military-inspired numbers, there’s a coat to fit every need, body shape, and budget. And don’t forget to round out your wardrobe with a coat that will keep you toasty warm, the fleece-lined winter coat.

You are invited to use these tips to find a stylish winter jacket or fleece-lined winter coat.

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It is winter time and that means the cold, wet and snowy season. At this time of year, the sandals and flip flops and running shoes often go into the closet or attic, and it is time to get out the heavy guns of footwear and don your winter boots. There are now many types of boots to choose from, and even some that are more like sneakers than winter boots. From hiking boots to construction boots and everything in between, shopping for boots online has never been easier or more affordable.

When choosing a boot for the winter it is important to consider what type of terrain and weather conditions your area may be offering to contend with. In the wintry and snowy northeast or northwest, and very rugged and warm boot with a lot of lining, insulation, waterproofing and traction may be necessary. Deep snow and gusting winds often call for a higher topped boot, which protects the ankles more. Various types of insulating materials are available now and come in a wide range of thicknesses and minimum temperatures.

If you are in a milder climate like the southeast, you may be more interested in something that is not quite as insulated, but is very waterproof. Rainy seasons wreak havoc on sneakers and dress shoes, and oftentimes people will choose to have a waterproof hiking boot or galoshes to substitute for their dress shoes while commuting to work or events. There are even some hiking style boots that are very attractive and can function well as part of the professional attire of almost any office employee.

If heavy manual labor or construction type work is going to be done, a good quality work boot is in order. Perhaps a steel toe and a steel shank is desired if the conditions are hazardous. A good system of cushioning is often desirable, but lacking in cheaper work boots, so make sure to invest a little bit in the shoes that keep you safe and healthy throughout a busy and hazardous workday. If long periods of time are to be spent outside in the colder climates and colder months of the year, a good insulated work boot is ideal. Cold feet and toes are not only uncomfortable, but also quite dangerous in some professions.

Fitting a boot is much like fitting any shoe, once you know what to look for. Winter boots should always be tried on both feet, and be tried over the type of socks you would normally wear inside of them. If you are going to be wearing thick winter socks, bring a pair with you when you try the shoes on. When shopping for shoes online this is the first thing you should do when your shoes arrive. Make sure your heel does not slip and your toes are not crushed into the toes box when the shoes are on and properly laced up. Test the side to side stability by moving the ankle back and forth and making sure the boot keeps you stable and comfortable. Walk a bit and get a feel for how the boots flex and bend with your stride. Oftentimes a work boot may need to be broken in a little bit, as they can feel stiff when they are brand new. Always shop from a reputable online shoe store , and check all return and shipping policies carefully.

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