dinner-plain

An article entitled Ski Resorts Lauded for Environmental Efforts discusses how ski resorts are honored for their environmental efforts. Three skiing areas in the United States were given the 2012 Golden Eagle Awards for Environmental Excellence.

Ski resort, Mountain-Ski-Lift Ski-Resort 95174—Public Domain Photos (Flickr.com)

What exactly can ski resorts contribute as far as environmental health is concerned? For starters, they can use energy-efficient transportation systems such as ski lifts, pictured at left. Even with the volume of ski fans and vacationers, ski resorts can keep carbon footprint to a minimum by practicing sound eco-friendly ways to move people from one location to another.

There’s also the heating system expected of any ski resort. Big fireplaces and electric heaters are part and parcel of any winter lodging, but that can greatly contribute to carbon dioxide production. What smart ski resorts do is invest in a wood pellet heating system which drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy sources such as wind mills can also be part of the lay-out of a ski resort. Wind power can also significantly cut down carbon emissions and keep the mountain air pure and fresh, as it should be. Energy conservation efforts must be done where they are applicable, from food served up, to electricity sources.

The great thing about ski resorts is how they take advantage of piles of snow for people to enjoy, instead of leveling mountains of earth or cementing a hectare of land just for “amusement”. The joy of skiing is that you are up against nature yet still working with her, not against her. Ski slopes are usually untouched save for a few markers here and there, and the occasional pole for lifts. And the lodges are usually made of pine or whatever wood is readily available on the mountains. Everything is exhilarating while on a ski resort, because everything is like a homage to nature.

Even lakes that are frozen over do not use any artificial machinations to provide a fun ice skating experience, as they just allow nature to take its course unlike fake indoor skating rinks. There is no need for air conditioning as the weather is always nippy and cool, and the air is always fresh and sweet-smelling, thanks to trees and the pure, unpolluted air.

The food is also not likely to spoil easily given the cold air. This means less need for refrigeration, which also contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions.

There is a lot of potential for environmental awareness and contribution when you have a vacation at a ski resort even if they are not readily apparent. It is one of the most nature-friendly breaks you can have with your family and friends, and it’s also one of the most exhilarating and exciting, compared to synthetic forms of amusement that can also wreak havoc on the environment.

Ice skating on Lake Chelan—UW Digital Collections (Flickr.com)

The beauty of Dinner Plain transcends all seasons. It provides an idyllic setting for families, lovers, friends, and even company outings to enjoy exhilarating sun, snow, sky, and mountains all in one location.

We’ve already discussed the fun things which this Australian ski resort can offer, but we’d also love to see and be able to do a couple more things at Dinner Plain to make our stay even more enjoyable.

Ice skating is one of them! A frozen lake is a time-honored place to court, bond over, and practice balancing on ice skates. A lake or even a small pond on Dinner Plain, when frozen over entirely, can enhance the experience for its guests during the winter season.

Then there are the bonfires. Camping during the chilly months can be extra-fun with a bonfire night, where marshmallows and things on sticks can be toasted while campfire stories and songs are told and sung around it. A lit fireplace in a lodge is very cozy and romantic, but sometimes, nothing beats the feeling of being outdoors at night and being warmed by a blazing fire while with a group of friends or family.

There’s already a Santa Claus at Dinner Plain, who does a wonderful job of keeping kids happy at Christmas time. But a Christmas carnival would be extra-nice for everyone who is staying at Dinner Plain during this amazing time of the year. A carousel, a small theater to stage Christmas plays and ballets on (The Nutcracker would be lovely), taffy stalls, booths you can play small games in, and other trimmings of a Winter Carnival with a decidedly Christmas theme would enhance a vacation at a ski resort.

Keene Winter Carnival Keene NH in 1940—Keene and Cheshire County NH H… (Flickr.com)

While we’re at it, a winter fashion show, pageant, or costume contest could provide a more festive atmosphere. It can also provide a good bonding experience for guests who normally would not interact with each other beyond the usual polite greetings. There can be themes for every year: classic Christmas story characters, Christmas food and treats (gingerbread man costumes!), cartoons, and just about everything and anything which can keep the spirit of the season alive and flowing.

And one last thing? A planting campaign. Dinner Plain is beautiful because it is relatively untouched, and it uses existing resources to provide a memorable ski resort vacation to its guests. It did not feel the need to uproot trees and desecrate the landscape just to provide amenities for vacationers. To give back, guests can participate in an earth day awareness program where they can plant trees and flowers, learn how to dispose of waste properly, and just basically give back to Mother Nature.

Romantic ski, a romantic sunset lift—Jesslee Cuizon (Flickr.com)

In past blog posts, we emphasized the family appeal of Dinner Plain, with activities and amenities catering to everyone, from dad to baby. But what about its romantic allure for couples, married, dating, and those who want to nurture a budding romance? Fortunately, this amazing ski resort also has plenty to offer in that regard.

Packing for a ski trip together is already a romantic gesture on its own. Why not make a his and hers list to show your thoughtfulness? You can also offer to make the arrangements for the trip and accommodations so your partner doesn’t need to worry about anything…just about showing up and giving you their full attention!

While you’re at it, you can coordinate with the resort administration and staff about giving your date little romantic surprises during your stay. Don’t be shy about enlisting their help…they are there to make your vacation memorable! Little thoughtful touches such as favorite flowers on the breakfast table, your date’s preferred music piped in at the lobby as soon as you arrive, food they love served up during meals, and other seemingly small but meaningful gestures can really emphasize that it’s a romantic date above all else.

You can make your snowy mini-break even more unforgettable by picking up new skills like skiing or snowboarding or sledding. If one of you already knows how, why not teach the other? Or if you both don’t know how to ski yet, learning together will make it even more memorable, and maybe even funny especially at the beginning.

There is nothing quite like sunsets on a mountain resort. Take advantage of the breath-taking beauty nature has to offer by taking your date on an exhilarating winter picnic complete with hot chocolate, maybe a sled ride pulled by dogs, or a romantic ski lift. Just make the most out of the natural surroundings during your mini-break. You can build snowmen, have a snowball fight, ski, and at night, roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa (spiked with your favorite liquor if you want!) and just have heart-to-heart talks near a warm fireplace.

If you are celebrating an anniversary or special day as a couple, make your presents compliment your stay at Dinner Plain. It need not be expensive, but make sure it’s special and well thought-out. For instance, a hand-knit scarf or ski bonnet with your initials on it can keep your special someone warm inside and out. If there is a winter festival or event happening near your area, go ahead and buy tickets so the pair of you can have a fun, carnival-like experience during your stay.

At the evening of your special day, make sure to dress up more elegantly than your usual ski resort outfits. You can have a part of the inn or lodge you stay in blocked off for privacy so only the two of you (and your server) can dine in privacy without interruption or distractions. Winter months don’t have to be chilly, as long as you know how to heat things up with great date ideas!

Ski equipment, Cross Country Skiing—Wisconsin Department of Natura… (Flickr.com)

Packing for a summer vacation is one thing, but packing for a ski resort trip definitely needs a longer and more extensive list!

If you and your family have plans for a Dinner-Plain vacation to take advantage of the fun snow-related activities there, make sure to pack right and pack wise. Today, we will list down the clothes, equipment, and other stuff you will need for a ski resort trip.

First thing you must do is invest in good quality ski clothes. That means at least one set for every member of your family! Make sure they fit snugly and are made of fabric that dries pretty quickly because they will get wet a lot. If it is a short ski trip, you can bring just one set of outer-layer ski clothes for each member of the family or group, but pack several inner and mid-layer clothes, bonnets, and extra pairs of gloves, just in case.

So let’s say for a ski resort vacation lasting a couple of days to around four days, you will likely need just one ski jacket and pants. Five days to a week, you can bring two of each. Pack no less than three pairs of thick, woolen skiing socks, adding more pairs the longer your vacation is.

Your inner clothes have to be layered for maximum protection against frostbite, so take special care in selecting them. Sweaters, long johns, and onesies for kids are the best kinds of inner layers because they cover a lot of body parts. Choose turtleneck pullovers as mid-layer clothes because they provide overall warmth from the neck, to the upper torso, and the arms. The same goes for fleecy pants. Again, pack an average of three mid-layer clothes, and add more depending on the number of days you are on vacation. Pack two snow bonnets or ski masks per person on the trip, as these can get easily lost during activities in the snow.

You also have to bring ski goggles for every member of the family or group. A couple of pairs of leg, toe, and hand warmers are a must if it is especially cold. Pack a thick scarf to cover your neck and ears, too.

Also bring a kit containing lip balm, sunscreen, and moisturizer. The dry air in the mountains can wreak havoc on you and your family’s skin, so it’s best to bring along these skin care essentials.

If you love dogs and the snow, then you’re in for a double treat at Dinner Plains, Victoria, Australia. Each year, sled dogs run like their canine ancestors have years ago, but this time, they do it for fun! It is quite a sight to behold, watching these beautiful dogs pulling a sled in the snow as a team.

And if you think this Alpine resort is just for adults (and dogs), think again. The resort’s winter mascot, Harry the Snowdragon, makes sure it’s a fun, enjoyable stay for kids with activities on the snow, like a snowman-building contest!

Come summer, it’s still all about kiddie and family fun with games like the giant tug ‘o war requiring team work, endurance, and plenty of cheers from family and friends. Now this is quite a fun way to whet your appetite for lunch!

And when Christmas comes around, guess whose sled the adorable dogs pull in the snow?

That’s right…Santa Claus comes to town at Dinner Plain to give presents to the kids and add merriment to a family vacation meant for everyone to enjoy! Kids will really love the time they spend at Dinner Plain.

Relax, Head to Falls Creek for Aussie Alpine Action is a humorous blog entry by a Singaporean on the exoticism of a ski vacation among Asians. When the author mentioned to friends that they are heading for the slopes in Australia, the common reaction was:

“You mean, there is snow in Australia?”

Indeed, there is, and it can be found in the town of Dinner Plain in Victoria, Australia. On a clear day, this is how Dinner Plain looks like:

But when the author Ana Ow went there, she described Dinner Plains this way:

“…there is enough snow there for Australians to have a healthy snow-sports culture, so much so that many instructors in well-known ski villages in the world – such as Whistler in Canada and Aspen in Colorado – seem to be Australians.”

Dinner Plain is a charming stretch of countryside with a current population of less than 90 people. The Aboriginal Gunai people used to pass through this Alpine area of Victoria for thousands of years. Early visitors came in the form of cattlemen who used the area for rest and relaxation, and to let their cattle graze in the lush greens of the place.

Today, it holds over 200 tourist chalets and inns as a certified ski resort. Dinner plains not only offers skiing activities (Australia holds an internationally recognized national program for ski instructors), but other fun and exciting ones like horse riding, mountain biking, tennis, and brush exploration, as well. In short, there is something for everyone in the family!

Watch this POV video of a guest skiing down Mount Hotham near Dinner Plain, and say “G’day!” to the beautiful snow in Australia!