Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/406441
20 g o i n g p l a c e s | w i n t e r 2 0 1 4 nevin giesbrecht It's here. Winter: the cold, the snow, the ice. But also the opportunity to break out the skis and snowboards and say "Take that, Old Man Winter!" With nearly half the year spent under a pile of the white stuff, you're better off embracing the season. Say good-bye to cabin fever and cel- ebrate the snow with five of the top Manitoba ski resorts. 1 • Best Weekend GetaWay asessippi ski area & resort (InglIs) Drive times*: From Winnipeg – 5 hours From Brandon – 3 hours is destination resort is like a piece of the mountain on the prairies. With a large (for Mani- toba) elevation of 398 feet and 26 runs, Asessippi is the largest ski area in the province, offering a variety of terrain, mogul section, downhill snow tubing, magic carpet hill, snow cross course, night skiing and more. e Winter Village has every- thing you'll need during your downtime, including a food court, licensed pub, gift shop and tech shop. Reserve a night at the amenity-filled Russell Inn and slide into the pool or a booth at the full-service dining room after a long day on the slopes. Or curl up in one of the many cabins or B&Bs around the hill. www.asessippi.com CAA members save 20% off lift tick- ets and 10% off ski and snowboard lessons at Asessippi. Or see page 45 for details on the CAA-exclusive 4th annual ski getaway offer. 2 • Best daytrip Holiday Mountain resort (la RIvIèRe) Drive times: From Winnipeg – 2 hours From Brandon – 2 hours Near the Canada-U.S. border, this ski hill on the prairies is a fantastic way to get in a day of skiing without a long drive or worrying about accommoda- tions. Holiday Mountain was the first resort in Manitoba to introduce the Wonder Carpet Beginner Lift, making it easier to get up the hill. More skilled indi- viduals can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at night under the floodlights. (Chalets are available if you want to overnight.) To grab some really big air, try ziplining over the beautiful Pembina Valley (open winter and summer). www.holidaymountain.com 3 • Best Variety Falcon ridGe ski & recreation area (Falcon lake) Drive times: From Winnipeg – 2 hours From Brandon – 4.5 hours Eleven runs and 30 kilometres of top 5 AIR this Winter Catch Some by Lea Currie