March 14--Being south of the equator and boasting the Andes Mountains, Chile is a great place for North American ski buffs to get their ski itch scratched during our summer and Chile's winter. The country is also noted for its wineries. Upscape offers a chance to combine the two with its nine-day Chile Ski-In Wine-Out trip, scheduled Aug. 6-14. The ski opportunities include Portillo, South America's oldest and best-known ski resort. At Ski Arpa there's the chance to tackle untracked powder via snowcat, and Valle Nevado and Nevados de Chillan are also on the downhill itinerary. When you're not skiing, there will be tastings from small-batch winemakers, a day at the family estate of winemaker Julio Bouchon and more tastings. Another day will delve into the relatively new Chilean craft beer scene. Cost of the trip is $6,610 per person, double occupancy, which includes eight nights' lodging, some meals, skiing, internal transportation, winery visits and more. Info: 802-904-6798, http://tinyurl.com/j4c243y
Old hotels, new savings
New hotels are usually nice, but there's something to be said for staying in a classic old property and enjoying its ambience. And, if you can save some money, it's even better. Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide have launched a Leap into Spring Save promotion that's tied to this being a Leap Year, but it's good for bookings made through March 31. Depending on the property, there may be savings as high as 65 percent off regular rates. The discounts are at hotels in 34 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Argentina, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru and the United Kingdom. At the nearly 90-year-old Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Japan, rates may be as low as $83 a night for stays through May 25. The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, N.Y., which dates from 1883, has rates from $104 for stays through May 26. Eligible dates for the price reductions vary by property. Info: http://tinyurl.com/zsfapyc
Food and water
Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation are pairing up for a couple of itineraries that should appeal to foodies who also like to cruise. Food is the focus, and noted chefs who have been recognized by the foundation will be onboard. An eight-night Lisbon, Portugal, to Barcelona, Spain, voyage beginning April 24 will include three-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michel Nischan. It will visit ports in Morocco and Spain and will include special activities with the chef. There's also a 10-night Lisbon to Dublin cruise that concentrates on Spain and France. The June 10 sailing will feature chef Maria Hines, owner of Seattle's Tilth Restaurant and a James Beard winner. The Dublin to Lisbon version of that cruise departing Aug. 9 will have onboard chefs Matt and Kate Jennings, owners of Townsman in Boston and four-time James Beard nominees. Info on the Lisbon to Barcelona cruise is at http://tinyurl.com/hcdfemg, and http://tinyurl.com/j4w23ju has details on the other cruise.
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
