Ski Areas See Stars On International Astronomy Day
Founded in California in 1973, International Astronomy Day was created to encourage the population to stop for a moment and appreciate the wonders of the galaxy. Marking this special day on 11 May, now’s the time to check out some of the USA and Canada’s best stargazing opportunities, from Mammoth Lakes in California to Colorado’s Winter Park.
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Après Snowshoe Teepee Tour – Whistler
Whistler’s newest adventure is the Après Snowshoe Teepee Tour. As the sun sets, visitors are invited deep into the forest to relax with a hot drink by a raging fire, complete with world-class charcuterie. Once the stars appear, the evening is made truly magical as sky lights up in all its glory. www.whistler.com/uk
COLORADO, USA
Snowcat Stargazing Tour – Winter Park Resort
After a long day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders at Winter Park Resort can board a piste basher for a scenic Snowcat Stargazing Tour. Once the sun has set, the sky is transformed with beautiful stars which twinkle and reflect against the snow. Stargazers can also grab a drink or bite to eat at the Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge. www.winterparkresort.com
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Montrose
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which sits on the edge of great open spaces shared by western Colorado and southeast Utah, encountering very little light pollution. The park offers night sky viewing opportunities throughout the year, with rangers and local astronomers presenting evening talks, as well as a dedicated astronomy festival taking place 26-29 June. www.colorado.com
CALIFORNIA, USA
Minaret Vista – Mammoth Lakes
Minaret Vista View Point and Hiking Trail is a must visit spot when in Mammoth Lakes. The Vista becomes the perfect stargazing spot with no obstruction from buildings, lights or trees due to its high elevation cutting through the atmosphere. The view point offers panoramic views of the mountains, where visitors can enjoy a breath-taking sunset followed by one of the most beautiful star displays ever seen. www.visitmammoth.com
Glacier Point – Yosemite Mariposa County
Miles from the nearest city lights, and with a very dark night sky, Yosemite National Park makes for a perfect spot to watch the stars. Glacier Point is renowned as one of Yosemite’s top viewing locations during the day offering unbeatable views of Half Dome and Nevada Falls. As the night comes in and the light is finally gone, the stars glow in the sky. www.yosemite.com
Tahoe Stargazing Snowshoe Tours – South Lake Tahoe
In the high alpine wilderness surrounding Lake Tahoe, a Stargazing Snowshoe Tour makes for an out-of-this-world visual and auditory outdoor night time experience. Enjoy near total darkness while identifying star constellations, planets, satellites and even an occasional UFO returning to its base at Area 51 in Nevada overhead. Hear coyotes howling in the distance and go where few have gone before, safely, with an experienced Tahoe Snowshoe Tours night-stalker stargazing snowshoe guide. www.tahoesouth.com
