 |
| Rocky Mountains |
The Rocky Mountain States of America: Idaho, Montana,
North & South Dakota and Wyoming, have produced a new combined guide for
Australian visitors: "The Real America 2013/14 Your Guide to The American
Rockies" and will launch a new
websitewww.rmi-realamerica.com.au later this month, specially designed for the
fast-growing Australian market.
The 'Real America' is the ultimate year round destination
for Australians looking for an authentic Wild West adventure. Ski, snowboard,
skate, sled and trek in the snow laden mountains come winter and trek those
same hills under big blue skies come summer. Either way, Aussies can expect
spectacular wildlife, Native American and cowboy culture steeped in history
served up with extreme adventure or on a side plate with serene spa pampering.
The 'Real America' states also provide a year-long
calendar of world class events, arts, sport and music ideal for group travel,
meetings and conventions. Access is easy for adventurous Australians via the
vibrant gateway cities of Denver, Colorado; Minneapolis, Minnesota or Chicago,
Illinois or fly into each of the states' major cities; Bozeman MT, Bismarck ND,
Boise ID, Cheyenne WY or Rapid City SD.
Upcoming Events
- Jan 26-3 Feb Sun Valley Nordic Festival Sun Valley ID
- 16-17 Feb Wild West Winterfest Bozeman MT
- 15 Feb- 27 May 27 Mammoths & Mastodons at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- 9-10 March Stanley Sled Dog Rendezvous Stanley ID
- 5-9 March Fargo Film Festival Fargo ND
- From 10 Feb Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico Denver Art Museum Denver, CO
- 27 April- 4 May 36th International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula MT
- 16-19 May Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Miles City MT
- 1 June- 31 August Cody Night Rodeo Cody WY
- 2 June Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon Deadwood SD
- 1-2 June Crazy Horse Volksmarch SD
- 7 June-5 Sept Medora Musical ND
- 19-29 July Cheyenne Frontier Days WY
- 13-14 July Gold Rush Days South Pass City WY
MAGIC MONTANA www.visitmt.com
Best snow, minus the crowds
In Montana, it's all about the snow - light, dry, plentiful
and untracked. Step out of your slope-side condo door into a vast terrain with
signature powder. And with resorts ranging from fully decked-out destinations
to hidden gems, there's a ski resort for everyone. Ski the Biggest Skiing in
America at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin or visit Whitefish Mountain
Resort with over 3000 acres and 300 inches (762cm) of average snow.
 |
| Mt Glacier National Park |
Glacier is tops
Glacier National Park has been listed as one of the top
10 US destinations for 2013 by Lonely Planet, the second time it has featured
in this ranking. Calling Montana's crown jewel "one of the country's
wildest, most remote and pristine national parks", guidebook editor Robert
Reid said the inclusion of Glacier was an unanimous choice. "It just seems
more raw, rugged and wild than anywhere else," he said.
New battlefield exhibits at Big Hole
Big Hole National Battlefield and Visitor Centre
commemorates the tragic events that occurred on August 9 and 10, 1877, when Nez
Perce Native Americans clashed with the 7th Infantry Regiment in the largest
battle of the Nez Perce Wars. A major remodelling has taken place at the
Visitor Centre, with new exhibits, structural repairs and landscaping on two
self-guided interpretive trails that give a unique perspective into American
history.
SOUTH DAKOTA www.travelsd.com
 |
| Rodeo in South Dakota |
Cowboy up in Black Hills
Nothing's hotter than a cowboy, so warm up this winter at
the 55th Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo held from January
25-February 3, 2013. Located in the heart of the Black Hills, this event
attracts around 330,000 people during its 10-day duration, making it the
largest stock show in the nation per capita and the largest event in Rapid
City. Events include a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, cattle
shows, a buffalo sale, sheep dog trials and western art.
Relief in Rapid City
Following a year-long international selection process,
granite sculptor Masayuki Nagase has been chosen to carve low-relief
impressions on the 21 granite pieces at Main Street Square in Rapid City. The
$2m project is one of the largest privately-funded public art commissions underway
in the US, and will feature designs inspired by the beauty and power of nature.
You'll be able to see the artist at work, hand-carving the monoliths with
hammer and chisel throughout the summer, with the whole project expected to
take three to five years to complete.
Explore South Dakota's Geological Wonders
The Black Hills National Forest is a dramatic landscape
of granite peaks and forested mountains, 1.2 million acres of wild terrain
offering outdoor adventure like hiking, biking and camping. Find grassy
mountain meadows, rugged cliffs, deep canyons, cascading trout streams and
clear, clean lakes during summer hikes; it's also prime snowmobiling terrain
during the winter and early spring months.
 |
| Biker Haven |
Biker Heaven or Bucket List
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world's
oldest, largest motorcycle gatherings offering incredible riding exhibits demos
racing concerts and much more. It draws legends, superstars and hundreds of
thousands of enthusiasts and is listed as of on the "1000 places to see before
you die". 5-11 August 2013.
Mickelson Trail Trek
A three day, 109 mile supported bicycle ride through the
heart of the Black Hills on the George S Mickelson Trail. This ride is a
wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Black Hills that can't be seen
from the road. 20 -22 September 2013.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE IDAHO www.visitidaho.org
Ski Schweitzer
Australian skiers are already familiar with Sun Valley,
home to the first chairlift in the USA. But if you're after new terrain with
few crowds and great snow, check out the lesser-known Schweitzer Mountain
Resort. Located in northern Idaho in the rugged Selkirk Mountains, Schweitzer
is renowned for its tree skiing and amazing gladed terrain. The resort has had
a great start to its winter season, and is well on its way to eclipsing its
average annual snowfall of 300 inches.
Fire and Ice Festival, Feb 1-3, 2013
All the magic of the northern hemisphere winter comes
alive at The Fire and Ice Winter Fest, held annually in Lava Springs, a quaint
resort town famed for its natural hot pools. Events include the zany Portneuf
River Polar Bear Float (where participants float down the river on inner tubes,
dressed in crazy costumes), Running of the Bulls (actually a fun run for
people, inappropriately dressed in swimsuits!), a chilli cook-off, a kids'
water carnival, a torch light parade and zip line adventures.
2nd Annual Sun Valley Film Festival - March 14-17, 2013
Sun Valley's rich cinematic traditions are celebrated in
the three-day Sun Valley Film Festival, which will see the screening of more
than 60 different films at the Sun Valley Opera House and several other venues
in Ketchum and Hailey. Notable producers/directors attending the festival
include Jim Burke (The Descendents), Josh Pate (Mirror Mirror) and Will
McCormack (Celestre & Jesse Forever); while the program also includes kids'
programming, previews of
new television shows, a 'hot shot' film award for under
18s and a Screenwriters Lab for aspiring writers.
Idaho turns 150
2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Idaho becoming a territory and Boise becoming a city, with special events commencing in March 2013. Boise's biggest celebration party will occur on the weekend of July 6-7, so what better time to plan a visit to this vibrant, cosmopolitan city?Raft the white-water capital of the world
Idaho the white-water capital of the world, with the
Middle Fork of the Salmon River is legendary. Flowing through Idaho's River of
No Return Wilderness (the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states), this
pure, clean, free-flowing river drops 1000 metres during its 105 Idaho journey,
with excitement guaranteed for rafters of all ages. In 2012, National Geographic
paid tribute to this river, choosing Row Adventures Middle Fork rafting
adventure amongst its'50 Tours of a Lifetime'.
New, New, New in NORTH DAKOTA www.ndtourism.com
Git along little dawgie!
Ever wanted to not only ride in a dog sled, but get
hands-on experience with the dogs, harnessing and driving them as well as
learning about the dogs' nutrition and care? At Prairie Isle Dog Trekking, you
can experience being part of a dog sledding team in a two-hour Wonders of
Winter Paw-tastic sledding experience. The ultimate eco-friendly tour, with a
low carbon 'paw' print.
Ice Fishing
 |
| Ice Fishing |
North Dakota is an ice fisherman's paradise, with
excellent 'catch-of-the-day' opportunities on its frozen lakes and rivers.
Yellow perch, northern pike and walleye bite throughout the winter. Join an
experienced Perch Patrol Guide on Devils Lake, a world-renowned perch habitat;
or try your luck at Icelandic and Lake Matigoshe state parks, and on Lake
Sakakawea and Lake Audubon.
Have snowmobile,
will travelNorth Dakota is prime snowmobiling terrain, with more than 4,500 kilometres of groomed snowmobiling trails and plenty of less developed trails to explore. Well developed trails include Turtle Mountains and Pembina Gorge, the scenic valleys of the Sheyenne, Missouri and Red rivers, the Badlands and the endless shorelines of Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea. Visit Twin Oaks Resort at Lake Metigoshe for daily snowmobile rentals; or rent through Ride the Mountains, based out of Madden.North Dakota's Enchanted Highway
If you're driving through the prairie lands of North
Dakota, you may come across an unusual sight - seven massive sculptures placed
out in pastures on rolling hills in the middle of nowhere! These massive works
of art were built by Gary Greff out of scrap metal and items common to local
farms and ranches, with the subject matter of each taken from rural North
Dakota life. The Enchanted Highway is located off I-94 (exit 72) about 20 miles
east of Dickinson.
Fast Draw Fun in Medora
The Medora Range Riders "Cowboy Fast Draw" is a
new year-round activity for ages eight to eighty. The early history of Medora
and the Badlands included gun fights, fast draws and hard-living cowboys.
Cowboy Fast Draw is the newest and oldest shooting sport today. It is a timed
sport using single action .45 caliber long Colt cases with no more than six
grains of black powder behind a wax bullet. Visitors to Medora can participate
in the Cowboy Fast Draw for fun, or advance to state, regional and national
competitions.
ROAMING IN WYOMING www.wyomingtourism.org
Ski Jackson Hole
For the second year in a row, Jackson Hole Mountain
Resort has been ranked the No. 1 Ski Resort by Forbes Magazine, due to its
non-existent lift lines, the "best continuous fall line, the best terrain
and the best backcountry of any mountain not in the Himalayas". And with
the opening of the new Casper Lift and the highest snowfalls anywhere in the
Rockies this season (over 17 feet of snow), the remainder of the season is
looking very bright indeed!
Lights, camera, Wyoming!
The stunning landscapes of Wyoming make a cameo
appearance is several upcoming movies, including the new Quentin Tarantino
movie, Django Unchained. Filming for
this took place in winter 2012, with shooting on Turtle Ranch near Dubois,
Grand Teton National Park and at the National Elk Sanctuary. Several Wyoming
locations, including the towns of Buffalo and Gillette, also appear in the
latest movie from Oscar-winning director Alexander Payne, Nebraska. Scheduled
for theatrical release in 2013, this feature film is about the relationship between
a father and son who take a road trip from Montana to Nebraska.
New ranch opening summer 2013
Nestled in the majestic Jackson Hole Valley in the heart
of the Bridger Teton National Forest, the new Turpin Meadow Ranch (opening
summer 2013) specialises in true western hospitality. Guests can enjoy
horseback riding, a guest rodeo, fly fishing, fireside cookouts, kids' programs
and live entertainment. Accommodation is in rustic, western-style cabins with
fantastic views of the Teton Mountains.
Ride with mustangs
Blue Sky Sage Horseback Adventures, based out of Big
Piney, Wyoming, is offering the chance for experienced horseback riders to ride
with wild mustangs in the 2013 summer season. The week-long rides go out into
the desert where known herds of mustangs dwell; and while sightings aren't
guaranteed, it's a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these
wild treasures of America. Package includes camp lodging, meals and roundtrip
shuttle service from Jackson Hole.
DENVER www.visitdenver.com
Georgia O'Keeffe at Denver Art Museum, Feb 10-April 28, 2013
Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico: Architecture, Katsinam
and the Land includes 15 rarely-seen O'Keeffe drawings, watercolours and
paintings of katsina tithu, representations of Hopi spirit beings, created
between 1931 and 1945. A rare opportunity to view previously unknown works by
one of America's great female artists.
Mammoths and Mastodons
Opening Feb 15 at Denver Museum of Nature and Science,
Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age brings the Ice Age back to life,
with life-sized models, fossil tusks, touchable teeth, cave painting and
interactive displays. Relive the story of the Snowmastodon Project, the
exceptional Ice Age fossil unearthed near Colorado's own Snowmass Village in
2010.
Mile High Gourmet
Denver Restaurant Week takes place from February 23-March
8, 2013. This two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Denver is the
perfect time to experience why the city's chefs and restaurants have been
earning rave reviews on a national level. The citywide festival offers
multi-course meals for the 'mile high' price of $52.80 for two people.
MICE CONTACTS FOR THE REAL AMERICA STATES:
MONTANA: Marlee Iverson miverson@mt.gov
WYOMING: James Scoon james.scoon@wyo.gov
IDAHO: Mitch Knothe mitch.knothe@tourism.idaho.gov
NORTH DAKOTA: Fred Walker fwalker@nd.gov
SOUTH DAKOTA: Maureen Droz Maureen.Droz@travelsd.com
DENVER, CO: Lisa Bruening lbruening@visitdenver.com
IN AUSTRALIA: Caroline Davidson caroline@davcomm.com.au
GETTING THERE
Qantas and United offer flights from Australia to Los
Angeles, while V Australia flies from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to LA and
San Francisco. Delta Air Lines has direct services from Sydney to Los Angeles
with onward connections to the Rocky Mountain States:
 |
| Rocky Mountains |
WHEN TO GO
Summer in the "Real America" runs from June to
September; snow sports are best enjoyed from December to April.
No comments:
Post a Comment