Winter Crest Ski Resort and Lodge

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Now that the rush of the holidays is over it is time to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of second life. One delightful place to visit for a day or more that I checked out is Winter Crest Ski Resort and Lodge.

The helicopter drops you off at the entrance and one can see it is ready for fun with the snowballs for a fight sset to get visitors started. It covers two regions with easy access and a notecard will inform you where to go and what not to miss.

I decided to check in at the Lodge. Rooms are available with one to three bedrooms and many amenities. An extensive lobby leads to the bar and dining room.

There is a crackling fireplace warming nearby seating . The huge glass walls allow everyone to enjoy the outside falling snow while being comfortable . It is perfect for after a day of skiing. The staff on duty can help with many questions if you talk with them

I went to check out the Mountain that has several ski slopes for your pleasure.

At the top is a wonderful lodge where one can gain strength for the next run down the slopes. There is a choice of snowboard, skiis , sled.

 

On another slope have a seat at the Sip and slide for a few minutes and have a hot drink . There are tp boards to take you to the various slopes on the regions.

Horseback riding is another popular activity . Get a horse of your choice and take a ride along the trails to check out the terrain.As you ride you will see large elegant cabins which are also for rent with 1-3 bedrooms so friends and families have a larger place to stay.

I stopped at the artic maze to give it a try and warmed up at the outside fire after going through the icy path.

Back at the lodge I spent sometime at the indoor gym and sauna before dinner. Skating on the huge pond is fun . There are skates and several choices of skating balls available if you did not bring your own. It is fun to travel to a place that provides all the things you need without packing . Have a great time there and enjoy all the offerings.

 

I think I need some quiet place now.  

  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Unbreakable%20Love/134/95/28

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

Yosimite in Spring

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Yosemite spring 001 - I also took a side trip over to Yosemite to see the beautiful spring flowers and take a horseback ride as usual. It is definitely spring there now. I saw a mother bear and a cub in the distance but turned back quickly and quietly. The horses are out in the corral. There is a good map nearby that shows the loop for riding along the water area and through the forest trails. 

Camping is open and the kiddie playground waiting for visitors. The lovely B&Bs have become very popular she told me. Check those out.

My main reason for going was to see the marvelous new year round ski area that Jadin Emerald has installed up in the mountains, Forever Wild. It is wonderful and offers a choice of camping down on the spring area and going up for a ski trip for a day, or I see cute igloo tents(domes) for rent up there and even a few cabins if the family wants to stay a weekend or a week or more. There are free skis and also sleds provided and I found a high long ski slope and a lower one down below also. At the bottom is a tent set up with food and drink a chairs to relax for a while before taking the lifts up to come down again. What a treat for those who miss the cold snowy hills during the spring and summer. I never skied in real life so I enjoy the SL opportunity. I have to get out my ski outfit!

 

Not only that but you will find a sauna and a hot tub waiting for the after ski.

If you don’t have a navigator hud for the regions they are available when you arrive. It is all available to the residents and the visitors who frequent Yosemite. I got a photo of Jadin and a Yosemite resident and me trying the winter fishing hole.

What a terrific Lodge Jadin has installed. There is a dining area with a choice of food and drinks, a lounge and a gift shop with the lovely geodes at only 5L each that I could not resist. Some of the items in the shop are free.

 

Upstairs there are three lovely suites for rent at only 50L a night for skiers or those who need the winter views and skip skiing. It is a wonderful place to spend a few days. She is not finished yet though. I see more construction still going on. This is the entrance at the new area where you can find a Navigator and try the ski slopes.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forever%20Wild/176/200/2438

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Christmas at Yosemite

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

One of my special sites in Second Life is Yosemite. I have a second residence there that is lovely, set on a mountain looking down on a valley. The venue changes with the seasons fortunately which is unlike my first residence on a houseboat that I love also but it remains in the same season all year long unless the Moles start playing with the weather. Yosemite is of course a tribute to Yosemite National Park in California that, Jadin Emerald, the owner loves.

Winter has come to Yosemite and there are so many things to do . All are invited to come take horseback rides, walk the trails, skate on the lakes which are frozen. If you would like to stay a while there are camping sites and cabins and more to choose for a short or long stay. Pick up a Park Navigator at the Visitor Center to help you get around.

While I was gathering photos Jadin took me over to see the new Yosemite Lodge that is open for people who would like to relax and chat.

She is constantly adding to the regions to make them more fun for residents and visitors alike.

Not far from the visitor center be sure to stop at the ice skating at the Gazebo and look inside at the Giving Tree. Gifts galore surround the tree from Jadin ( I left one there too lol) Next to the Gazebo there is a relaxing fire pit with seating for many and nearby cocoa and smores.

This is a wonderful peaceful region to visit at any time but at this time of the year it is magical with the falling snow and the vast area for skating on the frozen waters and there are free skates at the Gazebo skating in case you do not have any. Have lots of fun and bring the kiddies . They will love the playground and climbing wall that are always available. I saw Santa on the climbing wall ! Double fun in the snow!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/138/61/25

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Winter Ice Rock Festival at Palma

By Gemma Cleanslate

Every autumn I go exploring and search out regions that have winter displays, winter sports, winter freebies and scenery that you will enjoy. I have started already to find ice skating, skiing, even some shopping , and other fun activities in various regions. I have my old favorites that I will be writing about soon. A friend sent me a landmark to visit because of its beauty and I did since it was new to me. It is the Region Palma. 

 At the entrance I found Santa and his reindeer handing out free Uggs, very nice boots for the winter. Three booths with delectable foods and beverages kept me there for a few minutes.  There is a tram tour ready to take you above where you can look down at the view. I took the tour first to get an over view of the sim. The ride took me high above the snow laden branches of the trees where I could see lodges, cabins , ponds. The second time I took the ride we hopped off on top of the ski mountain where you will find free skies and a sled rezzer.

Off we went on a sled that took us down the steep slope  to the skating area. After a few twirls on the ice  I started off on the snow packed roads to see the sights. Looking around I saw a delightfully  pristine landscape dotted with charming buildings , animals, and visiting avatars.  As you travel the roadways you buildings that offer a relaxing place to park.  There are comfortable seats by the fire in the Lodge and outdoor lounging areas. A pleasant bar offers a refuge for chatting.

 I visited Santa’s stables and found elves caring for the reindeer. The skating pond is large enough for some trick skating and offers free ice skates for your use. Across the pond I found a theater where you can sit and watch movies and we stopped to laugh at a giant snail race video and one of Torley’s tutorials. Up on a hilltop I found a building that is the Headquarters of the Rebel Yell Concerts. This is a Tribute Concert business, the first one in Second Life, I learned.  It is owned by Lestat Zalivstok , Oskar Zalivstok, (oskar.nirvana) , and Guiltyangel Rhapsody.

Lestat told me "this is Winter Ice Rock Festival 2013,“ and  that the region will be in winter decor until January 8. There are posters around the sim  announcing the next event and the time so you can put it on your calendar. After January 8  they will put some other decor.  He is a real life band owner and continues the tradition in SL. Enjoy this elegant winter setting and dress warmly!  http://maps.secondlifecom/secondlife/Palma/220/223/32.

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Fun at Areo Pines and Wolf Mountain

 By Gemma Cleanslate

The Sixth Annual Winter Festival, which runs from December 1 through January 31, at Aero Pines is now open.  I am happy to tell you that the skating rink is busy and the winter decorations are all in place. This is a great region to visit and you can pick up some really nice free skating outfits or shop for some before you venture out on the ice. I kept mine from last year, but picked up a chinchilla coat to add to my collection.  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/42/188/23  It is right next to the skating pond. 

 

Cindy Bolero has so many events prepared for the two months that you can find on the festival brochure you will get. While you skate, you can watch the Nutcracker Ballet on the super screen and join in on the pose balls. One of the free outfits is a white ballet dress with tutu.  It is delightful. Here you may also take a cross country ski tour on eight sims, take a ride in the sleigh, and more. All directions to help you are on the brochure. It is always such fun to visit these sims any time of year, but winter is special. Anyone is always welcome here. The whistling snowman will greet you.

 

 I guess I have a lot of favorite places to ski and skate. My next favorite I have been visiting for 5 years, not only in the winter. Wolf Mountain Ski Resort has everything you want or need for winter activities. Here you can pick up a guide to activities and landmarks to help you get around. The lodge is so inviting that you will want to spend some time in there where you can sit by the fire, or take a dip in the indoor pool. I love the trip up the mountain on the ski lift and then coming down on skis or sled. 

 

You will find free skies at the top, or rezz a sled for you and your friends.  http://slurl.com/secondlife/WolfMountainResort/54/44/33 . There are so many wonderful spots at both these recreation regions you can spend all winter visiting and finding new activities to try. I never tire of visiting either place. Enjoy. Look for more soon. 

 

Gemma Cleanslate