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 

 

Yosemite in Winter

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

The snow fell in Yosemite and the ground and mountains are covered. I went over to see the beauty of it . You will want to stop in the Visitor Center and pick up a Yosemite Park Navigator Hud.Then I suggest you take a walk around the paths to see what is going on. Or , you may want to pick a horse to take you for a ride instead. I did run into a Mama bear and two cubs wandering so keep an eye tho she seems calm when avatars come by. A cute skating rink is ready with free skates if you do not bring your own.

When I left the center I saw Santa practicing climbing on the rock wall behind the building. 

 

Some campers have arrived for the winter holiday and fires were burning to keep them warm. The playground is open and kids were playing. Lots of families visit Yosemite at this time. There are so many places to play on this region. 

After visiting that area I recommend opening the hud and choosing Glacier.Pass. to visit. Up here again there are some cute cabins for rental . 

The ski lift is open and there is a coffee stop at the bottom so refresh before you start down the hill again. If you prefer a sled ride that is available also. Visitors are always welcome at Yosemite even if you are not renting or camping so feel free to visit. The hud lets you get a look at many other areas there. Have fun! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forever%20Wild/137/135/2437

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

 

 

Places 

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
 

Three More Winter Fun Places

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

With Christmas just hours away, many of us will be spending time away from Second Life with friends and family. For those of us sticking around on the holiday, or need a break, there's some places to check out for some winter-themed fun. Gemma Cleanslate's done many articles about locations where one can take part in activities (here), (here), (here), (here), and (here). So was there more? I found a few more places: Linden Lab's Winter Wonderland and Roos Holiday Village. 

Besides the Snowball Fight Area at Winter Wonderland 2 (113/7/31), heading over to  Winter Wonderland 2 (126/40/24) was a snowboarding track. Just touch the rezzer and "sit" on the board. You can then zoom around the track. If there's nobody else to race against, you can see how fast you can make a lap. Or just zoom around for the heck of it.
 

Caledon, Second Life's largest steampunk community, has winterized it's sims and put up the Christmas decorations. Caledon Downs, run by Cynthia Farshore, has brought back it's Christmas Express, which has a train going by several stops, including a "secret" North Pole Village location. 

For details on the location check out the 2018 article. Or just head here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/194/137/50  

Another place is from a noted Relay for Life team, "Roos' Holiday Village for ACS," high above Elite Oasis.

Santa & Grinch Live, Santa & Grinch Photos, Sleigh Rides, Winter Village, Winter Petting Zoo, Christmas Tree Farm, Horse & Buggy Ride, Skiing, Sledding, Snow Mobiles, Train Ride, Children's Rides & Games, Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Gingerbread Houses, Picture Poses, Carriage Tour Ride, Ski & Sled Slope, Snowball Fight Area, Ski Lift, Game Area, Dance Area, 30 Item Gift Hunt, 50+ Free Gifts, ....and more

One thing that got my attention was the free skis. And just past the pickup place was a ski course.

The place had much more, including a ski lift to go from one place to another, a Grinch shooting gallery, a skating pond with free skates, and more.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elite%20Oasis/141/12/23

That's about all for now for Christmas and winter-themed locations. But don't worry too much. Expect a few more reports of winter locations around New Years, and January.

Bixyl Shuftan

Christmas Places: Rebel Yell and Christmas Town

By Gemma Cleanslate

CHRISTMAS IN SANTA'S HOMETOWN Rovaniemi Lapland

Christmas at Rebel Yell is always special because of the depth of decoration and the many activities available to all visitors. Skating, snowboarding,skiing, sledding... take your pick, If it too cold outside you can go bowling or play pinball.

This year they have a marvelous display of the hometown of Santa, Rovaniem in Lapland. Read the history at the entrance. 

Santa is there and is so proud of his home he is showing it off in so many ways.

He is driving couples around in a sleigh, having dinner with people, listening to their wishes , supervising his elves at the workshop and doing a wonderful job!

I even found him having a happy dance on top of his train.
He has set up horses for riding with your honey, or alone. I found a fishing hole and sat for a while trying to catch something to no avail but it was fun.

The Gingerbread Bakery is filled with goodies and I had to stop for some roasted chestnuts on my walk through the village. 

There were many visitors wandering the town and nearby woods on horseback checking out all the venues  . Go visit! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20HEADQUARTERS/81/102/25

After that visit I stopped at the Holly Jolly Cafe at the Christmas Expo  for a live show   DaliLu  (DaliLuuDj)  and group singing. She has a lovely delicate soprano voice that charmed the audience. It is great to see the good that the Expo does every year for the ACS and this year was no exception.

Well it was a bit later than other openings however Laura Liberty got it done. I was so happy to see Christmas Town come to life again. This venue has everything! There are shops where you can pick up anything you have forgotten for decor, numerous outfits for any party, and much more. One thing I always like to visit is the New Years Eve shop. Check out all the decor you need and food and drinks , of course , Champagne .

This year there is a new item I think, unless I missed it last year... Jigsaw puzzles you can buy and actually make own photos into a puzzle~! The old make your own card is still available to work with and take home. There are spots around the lovely ice lake where you can just sit , relax by the fire and watch the skating. There is also a scary sled ride if you have the nerve. Look for the underground entrance and good luck!

Skating here is so much fun. The ice is delightful and one can use the skate balls or  your own AO. The best part is entering the magnificent Castle. This is an experience you must not miss.The ride through is a guided tour that takes you back in time to all the favorite old and newer Christmas movies beloved by all. I am happy to be reminded of those not to miss again on TV.

There is a music attachment to use while skating through. I love it!

Hopefully Santa will be there and you can get a picture before you leave.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Belle%20Vie/115/215/149

Gemma Cleanslate

Devon Dream and Caledon Downs

By Bixyl Shuftan

There's so many Christmas-themed places in Second Life, there's too many to write about. But we can mention a few good examples. Gemma Cleanslate has mentioned plenty, and may continue to write about winter-themed lands. But with December 25 almost here, I thought I might mention two favorite places of mine, Devon Dream and Caledon Downs.

Devon Dream is owned by Safra Nitely. Every year, she sets up a Christmas-themed display. Among the things one can do is ride a train.

In this display, it seems Rudolph is getting a little stubborn in regards to where the elf wants him to go.

 There's a frozen pond with bumper card in the shape of teacups.

Some nice relaxing scenery to check out.

And when night falls, one can see the aurora.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Devon%20Dream/77/102/23

Another place to check out is Caledon Downs in the Caledon community. Owned by Cynthia Farshore, this December "The Christmas Express" is back. You can ride it by heading to the station.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/196/114/44

Once it arrives, you have thirty seconds to find a seat to get on. It can be a little tricky as it's easy to end up sitting on the wrong part of the seat. But it won't be long before you're off and in the air.

And you're soon at Santa's Secret Base, presumably near the North Pole.

There are things to do there, such as this sled ride. While there, one can listen to the KGYG stream, which had plenty of Christmas tunes.

 Santa and his elves are busy at work.

There's a warm, and detailed looking, kitchen area.

Caledon Downs of course is just one sim. To the north at Caledon Moors, there was a ski slope one could ski on. One could just walk up, or take the ski lift (elevator) to the top.

One can pick up skis and skates at a couple points there, midpoint and at the top. You can also teleport there from midpoint.

Getting the hang of skiing with the provided skis can be a little tricky. But before you know it, you'll be going downhill.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Moors/53/115/21

There's a lot more to see at Caledon, so feel free to walk around.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Bixyl Shuftan