Skiing At The Linden Chalet

By Gemma Cleanslate

Now that things have settled down a bit after the flurry of the holiday spots and parties it is a good time to enjoy the slopes and frozen rivers and lakes of Second Life. One of my favorite place to visit for a variety of possibilities is the Voss, Wengen, Zermatt, Moritz  area in the "always winter" area of the grid. I always start at the Linden chalet where you an meet some interesting people lounging around or getting ready to go out to the slopes, or down the hill to the lake. My friend and I stopped there before going to the ski lift. There is also a rezz area near by where people meet to check their creations.

When you walk out the door you have the choice of heading east for a ski lift, or west for another ski lift.  I like both areas. The ski lifts give you a wonderful view of the valleys with homes and shops below. It is a pleasant ride up and at the top you will find free boots and skis. There is a choice of cross country or downhill. Try both.

The views on the way down both slopes are lovely. Try the cross country skiing also which is partly downhill. We did that this time.

After warming up in the lodge go down the hill to Lake Zermatt. You can skate on that lake for long distances wearing free skates found there or your own. Skate balls give a choice for skating with a partner , alone , or performing tricks on the ice. If you have your own skating hud it is a great place to try out all the runs and jumps.This makes for a pleasant day.

Near by on the road to the east you can grab a ride on a small train or jump on a pod and get a look at the spots along the road  you might like to visit.

If you have  horse you might like to meander through the lower hills . I like to do that too and my horse does very well through the snow. When I returned another day I did skate to the other side of Lake Zermatt and found a delightful little cafe overlooking the road where you can get a wonderful view of the lake area and a hot drink. I had hot tea and a cherry mini pie.

Go check it all out and have a terrific skiing day in Second Life.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wengen/22/211/86

Gemma Cleanslate

More Winter Areas

By Gemma Cleanslate

I was headed over to take a final look at Noel region of the Calas regions yesterday, but was distracted and never got there! Too bad because all the Calas sims will be closed for the month of January for rebuilding. So I will miss that and all the skating and cross country skiing. But there is a good reason so will look forward to a February reopening.  http://calasgaladhon.com/2014/12/27/change-in-the-new-year/

In the meantime while checking out the skating areas, I have been doing some down hill skiing. I have visited a couple of places that I have not had time to get to in the very busy month of December. There are several I would recommend to you where you are able to pick up free skiis if you need them.

Lake Tahoe has a wonderful winter region with a small skating pond but a wonderful skiing area. You can buy skiing outfits, skiboards , or just use the free ones provided. Next to the comfy lodge there is a snow mobile rezzer that allows you to zoom around the area and up and down the hills, or, crash as I did. The ski lift takes you up to the top of the mountain and here you have a choice of sledding, snow tubing, snow boarding, or skiing down the slopes. Good luck on completing the slalom without missing any gates. If you join the group, there is a cute cabin up there can use. Or use the lodge where you can meet with friends.  It is a lovely area that is always open for visitors all year round in case you feel the need for snow and winter sights in July.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Grand%20Canyon%20North/35/208/22

 

Another area that can be depended on for winter all the time is the Wengen ski lift area. If you look at the big map when you get there, you will see the nearby sim that are winter all the time. Across the road is the Linden Lodge infohub. This ski lift is one of the longest or highest I have see in Second Life. It takes you into several sims before dropping you at the top of the mountain. The view is lovely from here if you extend your draw line.  Free skis are available and you have choices of how to descend these very steep slopes, on a guided route, or on your own. Back near the other side of the Linden Lodge there is another ski lift that will route you through several other sims to another high alpine slope. I opted for sledding down this one. 

 

At the bottom I found myself at the wonderful, very large Lake Zermatt where I exchanged my skis for skates to roam around and then make my way back to the Linden Lodge where I found champagne waiting for me. There is a small frozen pond in front of the lodge too. Hold this landmark because when you feel like visiting a snowy area you will have it. This is one of the first areas I visited in Second Life almost 8 years ago. It is still here because it is all owned by the Linden department of Public Works and various parts.  You can also take one of the ONSR rail cars and explore the abutting roadways of the area. There is a map at the station between the chair lift and the lodge. Cars come and go at various times.  

 

Have a great time!!  Both Regions are spectacular skiing opportunities! Dress warmly.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wengen/99/233/94