If you are thinking about hitting the slopes this winter, be sure to check out these 10 great military skiing and outdoor winter fun destinations! Not only will you find discounted lodging rates when you stay on base, but you can also save on equipment rental through Outdoor Recreation Services and tickets through the ITT office!
Many locations offer a variety of winter sports gear to include downhill skis and snowboards as well as discounts on ice fishing packages, lift tickets, snow-tubing and great deals on neighboring festivals and activities! Outdoor Recreation Services also hosts several group trips to include snowmobiling and more depending on the area.
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Check out this list of great locations for your next winter adventure!
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), AK: With its own ski area, JBER winter fun is as easy as one-two-three! The Hillberg Ski Area offers beginner and intermediate slopes with a variety of activities hosted throughout the season to include ski and snowboarding lessons, monthly dog sled races, tubing and other special events. The ski area has chairlifts, a surface lift and a T-bar lift. After a day of fun, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and snacks at the T-Bar Grill while shaking off the chill, then head back to your lodging for some R&R!
Big Bear Recreational Facility, CA: Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, this facility is the perfect winter fun destination! The Lodge is a great community gathering spot for campfires and hot chocolate after a fun-filled day on the slopes, hiking the trails to Snow Summit, sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing or just hanging around playing in the snow. Lodging facilities at Big Bear require reservations.
Lake Tahoe Coast Guard Recreation Facilities, CA: Lake Tahoe is a winter paradise for everyone! And with the Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities nearly at the center of all the winter fun, guests here will be sure to enjoy this destination. Although rental equipment is not available at this location, it still makes the list because, well, it is Lake Tahoe! Enjoy nearby skiing, winter wonderland in the city, or just relaxing in the affordable A-Frames!
Fort Carson, CO: Located along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Carson offers a variety of on-base and area winter activities for everyone! Outdoor Recreation offers a wide range of snow equipment rentals while the Mountain Post Outfitters offers great deals on retail winter activity gear. Visit the ITR office on base to get the best deal on lift tickets and passes for area resorts. Affordable and convenient lodging on base through IHG Army Hotels.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – Kittery, ME: With several ski resorts within a short drive and a variety of winter sports rentals from Outdoor Recreation, this location is perfect for getting away to the slopes or cross-country skiing and then returning to a variety of winter activities on and around the base! Guests will appreciate the comforts of the NGIS lodging facility on base as its convenience and affordability. Outdoor Recreation also offers day snowmobile trips to Vermont – a must-do!
Hanscom Air Force Base, MA: Within 60 miles of the installation, there are 8-10 downhill and cross-country ski areas to choose from for a day of fun! And, Hanscom Outdoor Recreation Services rents all the gear you will need for some family fun or for your getaway with friends! The convenience of the base to outdoor winter fun as well as the affordable lodging and equipment rental options puts this destination near the top of the list!
United States Military Academy at West Point, NY: The Victor Constant Ski Area is located on-base and offers gear rental, lessons and sales. They also have snowmaking machines to make sure the conditions stay perfect for winter sports. Interestingly, the ski area was dedicated in 1946 in memory of Capt. S. Victor Constant, Dept of MA&E. As coach of skiing, he designed and supervised the construction of these slopes and tows. By his skill and leadership, Capt. Constant developed recreational and competitive skiing into major activities at the Military Academy. Lodging and a full range of support facilities are also available on-base.
Carlisle Barracks, PA: Situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Harrisburg, visitors will enjoy the history of the second-oldest active military base as well as the convenience of lodging and support facilities. Within 60 miles, there are five ski resorts, including Avalanche Xpress, which offers 10 tubing hills, ice skating and lots of outdoor fun! Outdoor Recreation Services offers ski rental packages as well as snowshoe equipment and snow sleds. Be sure to check out IHG Army Lodging on base!
Hill Air Force Base, UT: Located within 60 miles of 15-20 ski areas, Hill Air Force Base is a great destination for a skiers paradise! Outdoor Recreation Services offers a variety of day, weekend and seasonal rentals to include downhill skis, cross-country and snowboarding as well as snow sleds. Maintenance tune-ups are available, too. Don’t forget to visit ITT for discounted lift and resort tickets, and be sure to check out on-base lodging while here!
Whidbey Island NAS, WA: There is so much to see and do here. Nestled near islands and the Olympic Mountain range, the activities are endless. Snowboard equipment and gear rentals as well as snowshoe gear and ice axe arrest equipment! If willing to try something different this winter, check out what Whidbey Island Outdoor Recreation Services has to offer. Be sure to check out the superb lodging options on-base before setting out to explore this beautiful and stunning wonderland!
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