This week, on ESCAPES George Oliphant heads to Telluride, Colorado for an adventure in helicopter skiing. George hits the slopes with Telluride Helitrax – Colorado’s only heli skiing operation. Out on the rugged San Juan Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains there are no trails or lifts, just powdery white snow and crisp mountain air. But don’t count yourself out if you don’t have extreme ski skills. All you need is an adventurous streak and a love of pure, unadulterated ski terrain.
Telluride Helitrax
Telluride / CO
866.435.4754 / website
Presented by Range Rover
This week on Escapes, Jonathan Redford discovers one of LA’s higher elements, gearing up for a rock climbing session at Joshua Tree National Park.
Mark Bowling, owner/director of the Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School sets the record straight about who makes a good rock climber. Turns out, the upper body strength of an Olympic swimmer isn’t necessary. Bowling says rock climbing is all about good balance and good footwork – skills a lesson in proper rock climbing technique can help even a novice climber achieve.
With more than 7,000 climbs of different grades, Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School has something for everyone. And as Jonathan says, making it to the top of the rock is an immediate payoff.
Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School
Joshua Tree / CA
760.366.4745 / website
This week on Escapes, Jonathan Redford discovers a way to spice up the old adage, ‘’Go Fly a Kite,'’ opting instead to surf with one. Once a favorite among extreme sport athletes and surfers seeking a new on-the-water thrill, kitesurfing’s popularity is reaching the masses, thanks to companies like Malibu’s Monkey Air.
Kitesurfing’s name speaks for itself: the sport combines Malibu’s beloved pastime with a large kite spanning anywhere from seven to twelve feet. Surf lovers get an added bonus— the kite allows for more surf days in their year, even if the forecast doesn’t.
Monkey Air Kitesurfing
Malibu / CA
phone: 310.457.6896 / website
presented by Range Rover
This week on ESCAPES, George Oliphant taps into both sides of the adrenaline spectrum, braving West Virginia’s choppy whitewater rapids by day, and relaxing in the renowned Greenbrier Resort by night.
With plenty to do at the Greenbrier – everything from golfing to lounging in one of the hotel’s ten lobbies – there may be no need to leave. But what’s a trip to West Virginia without a little outdoors adventure?
In order to take in the Appalachian air, George heads to the river with North American River Runners, where he learns the ins and outs (not to mention, the literal ups and downs) of whitewater kayaking.
With its beautiful scenery and intimate accommodations, West Virginia has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a thrill or just a relaxing getaway.
North American River Runners, Inc.
Hico, WV / website
Presented by Range Rover
This week on ESCAPES, George Oliphant discovers that there’s more to Maine’s chilly waters than lobster, finding a challenge and “unlimited mackerel’’ in a sport fishing outing with Jon Manter, of Manta Ray Adventures. The two set sail near Kennebunkport, along the Maine coast and experience a quintessential Maine day that conjures images of Ernest Hemingway or the Kennedy family.
Everyone from beginners to experts can try their hand at sport fishing, though Manter warns against anticipating a catch every time. While summer cottages and ocean views may be what Maine is known for, sport fishing adds even more thrill to the typical New England getaway –- even if the only fish you catch is your lobster roll at dinner.
Manta Ray Adventures
Kennebunkport, Maine / website
Presented by Range Rover
On this episode of Escapes, George Oliphant heads to Vermont to explore one of the more unique ways to travel among the clouds—hot air ballooning.
It’s no secret that hot air ballooning makes for a fun family activity or a romantic afternoon. Here, Jeff Snyder, owner and chief pilot of hot air balloon company, Above Reality, Inc. offers an inside look at the enchantment it provides, from birds-eye-views of Vermont’s rich foliage to spirited greetings from locals upon landing… just about anywhere.
Soaring above ground allows the kind of view the Vermont skyline commands: unobstructed. But the lure of the hot air balloon goes beyond the skies. As Snyder puts it, ‘’It’s not just a ride, It’s an experience.'’
Presented by Range Rover
Above Reality Hot Air Balloons
Jericho / Vermont
phone: 1.877.386.7473 / website
