Ski Lodge at Vradal

Vradal is a ski area in Norway that's got some challenges, yet isn't too intimidating for beginners to enjoy.  Some Norwegians consider Vradal to be a "hidden gem" because it's got great views, but no lift lines, and is is not very well known by those outside of Norway.  Situated at the top of the mountain, and within walking distance to the top of the Vradal ski slopes, the Ski House of the Day is the Mountain Lodge at Vradal:

Probably not what Lennon and McCartney had in mind, but the kitchen has an abundance of Norwegian wood:

The living areas are basic and simple, and almost command you to get outside and ski.

While the fireplace isn't exactly what I'd expect to see in a Norwegian ski lodge, if you're cold enough, any heat source is a good thing.

The house has five bedrooms with beautiful wooden beds that look oh-so-Norwegian; and something I notice right away about them is the thick, fluffy, comfy feather-bed comforters on all the beds:

This ski house has the requisite Scandinavian sauna, and this one also has a view:

....of the beautiful lakes and mountains around Vradal and the surrounding Telemark area of Norway:

Winning Condo on Picabo St.

Today is International Woman's Day...and one internationally renown woman that inspires me today is the American Olympic gold-medalist skier, Picabo Street.  She grew up near Sun Valley, Idaho, and her very early skiing experiences were those of trying to keep up with her father and brother...experiences that taught her a lot more than just ski skills.   Determination, perseverance, and resilience are just some of the lessons she can teach us all.  She once told ESPN that "you can put a roadblock in front of me and I'll either find a way around it, over it, under it, or plow right through it if I have to."

So, with Picabo Street as inspiration, the Ski House of the Day is a spacious condo (for sale) on Picabo St., in Ketchum, Idaho.

This 3-bedroom condo has a great location facing "Baldy" and is within walking distance to the slopes (how many hundred times do you think Picabo Street skied this slope?)...it's also right on the creek:

Inside there's a cozy fireplace, huge windows...and I can't help noticing the perfect artwork over the mantle:

The colorful western / ski theme is everywhere:

And last (but by far not least) is the inviting year-round outdoor heated pool with views of the slopes... outstanding!

The Ski House of the Day today has been chosen not only because it looks like a great place, but also because it's on Picabo St... named after skier, Picabo Street, whose message seems appropriate on this International Women's Day:

"I learned what all girls need to learn:  that you can fight to win, and you should never be ashamed of it.  Don't let anything slow you down."        Picabo Street