George Oliphant is in South Lake Tahoe really getting back to nature. He’s spent this winter sampling high-luxury at the country’s top ski resorts. But as the season winds down now, he’s at Heavenly getting a bit introspective… thinking about all of the money he lost at the casinos and taking in the views. From sprawling mountain vistas, to the towering California redwoods, and of course, the lake, they’re everywhere you look and they are truly spectacular (not to mention free). Trails creep around Lake Tahoe providing monster views, rare bird watching, and stellar photo ops. Come along as George grabs his camera and heads on a nature walk to bring the glorious views of Lake Tahoe into focus.

If your palate and your senses desire a one-of-a-kind dining experience, hop on the gondola in Vail, Colorado and travel 10,000 feet to Game Creek, a restaurant whose dining is as exquisite as the views themselves. Executive Chef Darrel Jensen treats George Oliphant to his world-class dishes imbued with complex and hearty flavors. Game Creek’s romantic environment, compelling dishes, and stunning views will have you traveling up 10,000 feet year round.

Game Creek Club
in Game Creek Bowl
Vail Mountain Resort
Vail / CO
970.479.4275 / website

It’s almost April, the sun is high, the skies are bright blue, and 900 instructors who speak 30 different languages at Beaver Creek are ready to lead the charge and guide you down the hill. But if the idea of ski school screams “BEGINNER,” and conjures up memories of pole-less skiers in funny hats riding the T-bar lift— think again. George Oliphant checks out the latest challenge on Beaver Creek for advanced skiers who are looking for a competitive edge. Talon’s Challenge conquers 13 black diamond runs in one day and only the strongest survive. In this video find out how to defeat the Talon’s Challenge and catch of glimpse of Beaver Creek’s most challenging terrain. And please, leave the jester hat at home.

Talon’s Challenge
at Beaver Creek Mountain Resort
Beaver Creek / Colorado
970.845.2500 / website

What does it look like when George Oliphant gets “funkadelic?” And what does “funkadelic” mean, anyway? Check out this video if après ski ain’t your bag and getting funky with George sounds like your idea of fun. After the lifts shut down on Vail Mountain things get wild at Adventure Ridge, Vail’s mountaintop activity center. Catch some serious air on the downhill tubing course or slap on a pair of trick skis for an awesome guided snow biking tour. There’s also a kid-friendly snowmobile course for little dare devils, an ice skating rink, and a harnessed bungee trampoline. George test-drove the activities at Adventure Ridge and the results are documented here. It’s not pretty, but it sure is funky.

Adventure Ridge
at Vail Mountain Resort
Vail / Colorado
877.204.7881

Sometimes the need for speed just can’t be satisfied by man-made power alone. Enter the snowmobile. Go further and faster in this video as George Oliphant takes a ride to the top of the Continental Divide with Good Times Adventures. Um, well, first remember to take off the parking break, George. These adventure riders outside Breckenridge can teach you the basics over 40 miles of trails. But if your need for speed is still on the man-made, er, dog-made level, Good Times can hook you up with your very own dog sled team for a slower, but no less raucous, ride.

Good Times Adventures
Breckenridge / Colorado
website

When the shots ring out in the wild west town of Breckenridge, Colorado, we’re fortunate to find George Oliphant still standing… sort of. Pistols and chaps may be a thing of the past, but old-fashioned cowboy attitude and shots of a different sort are in full swing at The Mother Loaded Tavern, one of the newest watering holes in this ski resort town. After gunning down a few drinks, George checks into the Gold Pan saloon, where they have the dubious distinction of holding the oldest liquor license west of the Mississippi. But if you think nightlife was for the weekends, think again. Find out what day of the week is the new Saturday for Brecken-ers in this video.

Breckenridge Nightlife
Breckenridge Mountain Resort
Breckenridge / Colorado
970.453.5000 / website

Oh yes, life is tough for George Oliphant. He must ski, eat and drink at some of the finest ski resorts in the country. So when he gets cozy with Miss Lake Tahoe Alisha Bettencourt, we’re left wondering, what is there left to do? Get stoned… hot stoned that is. George spends some downtime with the beauty queen at the MontBleu Resort’s Onsen Spa in this video, indulging in their signature Hot Stone Massage body treatment. The Aveda lifestyle spa offers dozens of holistic-based treatments for those who like to mix their mountain time with a dash of luxury.

Onsen Spa
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
South Lake Tahoe / California
866-895-7894 / website