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

More Winter Fun

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Lake Tahoe is ready for your skating pleasure . I stopped in the charming lodge and enjoyed the warmth of the fire then wandered out to check out the skating ball that lets you perform like a pro! The pond is not that large but enjoyable. Of course there are free skates in the little shop near by, and snow boards for sale .  For serious skiers there are some nice outfits for sale here too. I could not resist the color changing scarf. The tram ride up the ski slope passes over a bear so be careful .  I found people frolicking in the snow when I hopped off the tram. You have your choices of a sled or a tube that take you on an automatic trip down the hill.  Grey Lupindo has visited this region and wrote about it . Wonderful region! There are places in the sim where it has not snowed yet so you can wander around or just hang out and enjoy the scenery. I discovered there are more than one skating areas close by in the Grand Canyon area. Here is the entrance to Lake Tahoe.http://slnewserplaces.blogspot.com/2012/08/grand-canyon-national-park.html
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Grand%20Canyon%20North/33/207/22

 

My friend  Ev Lovevicker (everest.piek) gave me a call to tell me the North Pole is open! What a treat. ѕуℓνιє ѕιđєωαуѕ (sylvie.sideways) and her helpers have created a wonderful sleigh ride through the frosty woods of the region, passing by dancing skating bears, candy treats and cupcakes . Throw on the blanket you will be offered to keep warm . The Polar Express train is ready to leave with the conductor holding open the door for traveling children.The village center is sweet and a lovely place to visit. The sleigh will drop you there.  There is Santa’s cheerful lodge set for your visit. Outside the Chapel the representation of Bethlehem reminds us of the Christmas season .Don’t  miss Santa’s workshop where the elves are working feverishly and Santa waits to hear your wishes. Next to the church  there is a lovely little ice pond for your skating pleasure.  There will be events and Sunday Concerts and you are invited to join the group for notices.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Streeter/114/114/41

 

Rainbow Illusion is hosting Toys for Tots at their Winter Wonderland. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. There will be a benefit on December 10, 2:00-10:00 pm. There is a lovely pavilion set up for skating or dancing on the ice .You will find free skates and skis on the ice . Santa is sitting in his sleigh waiting for you . And here is a twist. Next to the skating pond I spotted a wonderful swimming pool under glass. So, bring your bikini and swim trunks along! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rainbow%20Illuzion/99/62/20

 

Living Tree has a wonderful skating area set up on the river that runs through the sim from north to south.  There are jumping areas and cones set up to wend your way. I found a great tobaggon rezzer so you can slide over the winter terrain. Kids will be able to make their way easily. Better jump the bridges if you are tall. This sim is designed for kids! There is a school there and you can visit the Texture Library and the pick up texture tutorials. But, right now it is winter in Living Tree. So have fun. Warm you hands at the barrels when you are cold. Pick up a notecard or two when you land then head for the river .   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Livingtree/121/124/25

 

You know I am a 7seas fisher so was happy to see there are several skating areas where you can fish and skate! Grey Nacht has a wonderful fishing hole , that you are warned not to fall into at Pala , http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pala/160/90/21 .  When you land you must tp to the ice fishing . It may be empty of fishers or full depending on the time.   Tribute City has also put up a delightful fishing and skating pond . Another great place to visit! 

 

Gemma Cleanslate