Best Times for Taking an Alaskan Cruise

Andrew Collier, MD, a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, practices with Philadelphia Orthopaedic Associates in Pennsylvania. Away from his practice, Andrew Collier, MD, is a travel enthusiast who counts a two-week land and sea cruise to Alaska among his most memorable experiences.

Going on an Alaskan cruise gives travelers the opportunity to experience the state’s unique scenery and wildlife, but some times of the year are better for cruises than others. The official season for Alaskan cruises runs, roughly, from May to September. Traveling outside of those months limits visitors’ options to the Alaska Marine Highway system, a collection of ferries that offer basic rooms and meals on a reduced schedule.

During the cruise season, numerous large cruise lines market a variety of vacation packages. The peak cruise season in Alaska occurs during June and July because the daylight hours are longest and the weather typically is the mildest during these months. The Alaska cruise shoulder seasons are in May and September. Prices and crowds are normally lower during this time because they are during the school calendar year, when many families find it difficult to vacation.

Weather in Alaska is fairly unpredictable, as are wildlife sightings, so most cruises are left up to chance. However, July and August are typically the warmest, along with the wettest, months of the season, while May and September are drier. Additionally, from May to July, visitors have the greatest chance of spotting abundant wildlife, particularly mothers and their offspring who are often active during these times.

Skiing at Switzerland's St. Moritz

Andrew Collier, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with Philadelphia Orthopaedic Associates, where he’s been since 1985. A skiing enthusiast in his free time, Andrew Collier, MD, has traveled extensively, including to the Switzerland resort town of St. Moritz, to try new routes.

The first winter-sports resort in the world, St. Moritz was established more than 150 years ago. It remains a popular destination for skiers as well as other outdoor sportsmen. Located in the Engadine valley in the south of Switzerland, near the Italian border, the resort enjoys consistent weather, with reliable snowfall and approximately 300 sunny days each year.

Its skiing amenities and accommodations are excellent, with 58 lifts and 350 kilometers of pistes divided into four sectors. Each sector offers its own advantages to skiers. A good choice for intermediate skiers, Corviglia is the main sector with a peak at 3,057 meters. Corvatsch, the north-facing sector, offers some of the best conditions in the region and has the highest lift, which takes skiers up 3,305 meters. This sector is best for freeriding.

In addition to great slopes, St. Mortiz offers half a dozen accommodation options and several restaurants.                             

Packing Tips for Family Ski Vacations

An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Dr. Andrew Collier of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys taking his family on ski trips. Dr. Andrew Collier and his family have traveled from Philadelphia, PA, to ski destinations in Vermont as well as to several of Europe's top ski destinations.

The first thing a family ski vacation needs is a sturdy suitcase or two. A large suitcase can carry enough clothing for one adult and as many as three children. All members of the family, even nonskiers, will need to pack the suitcase with warm and comfortable clothing for outdoor and for off-the-mountain activities. Pajamas, toiletries, and plenty of underwear are also key. Families with young children should consider bringing familiar games and toys for down time, and even older children appreciate having a deck of cards around if they get bored.

Skiers need plenty of layers, including thermal underwear, an insulated layer, and a water-resistant shell. Everyone who will be outside in the snow needs high-quality waterproof gloves as well as good boots and thick wool socks. Sunscreen and lip balm are essential to keep faces from becoming burned, as are hydration packs if skiers plan on taking few breaks. Children will need helmets, and many skiers of varying ages prefer to have goggles on hand to protect the eyes from snow and glare.