Jon Albano – Bingham McCutchen
“The very best mid-winter escape is spending time in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the most under-rated city in the Commonwealth (and, coincidentally, my hometown).  Located in the heart of ‘God’s Country,’ i.e., the Berkshires, it has great restaurants, arts, sports and even greater people.”

Jody Newman – Dwyer & Collora
“For the last several years, my ‘winter escape’ has been a February school vacation train trip to the suburbs of New Jersey.  The reason for this choice of venue is that my almost 12-year old daughter shares a birthday with a younger cousin, and the shared birthday celebration is a good opportunity for her to hang out with her (boy) cousins.  Recognizing how incredibly boring this is, but having promised a response ‘next time’ and next time being upon me, I tried to give my ‘voice’ slot away.  At the L&E section steering committee meeting the other night, I explained my dilemma and asked, ‘who wants free publicity?’  But, there were no takers (apparently they too take dull winter vacations).  So there you have it.  New Jersey: family fun, On Demand movies, lots of food and lots of laughs.  Aspen?  St. Bart’s?  Perhaps in another life.”

Don Lassman – Law Office of Donald R. Lassman
“Believe it or not, I very much enjoy going even further north in the winter to ski in Quebec.  There are 4 great ski resorts within about 45 minutes of one another in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, which is just a little over 4 ½ hours driving time from Boston (depending upon road conditions, which can get very gnarly (good skiing term) north of the border).  No lifts lines, no crowds on the slopes, very good deals on lift tickets (the U.S. Dollar has strengthened a tad against the Canadian dollar) and since French is spoken almost exclusively, you really feel like you are far away from home without having to travel on an airplane.  The French food is wonderful too and I think if you asked my kids, they would say they like the French Bakery and Cheese store as much as the skiing!”

Diana Llyod – Choate Hall & Stewart
“This may seem more like ‘embracing’ the winter rather than "escaping" it, but I like to go skiing in Vermont, preferably with lots of sun, lots of new snow, some good company and a warm fire at the end of the day  (although I admit I do often dream of getting away to Hawaii or the Caribbean!).”

Gaytri Kachroo – McCarter & English
“I have a couple that come to mind: a trip to Jamaica with my kids and one up north, cross country skiing in Quebec.  Needless to say, the islands conjure up the ultimate image of escape: beautiful emerald blue seas, pale sands, historic rock formations and flowers all around and a blissful 85-90 degree temperatures, ideal for running on the beach, playing tennis and swimming, and a piña colada in hand! Who could resist?  Sometimes, however, a counterphobic tendency for an Indian in winter can be ideal.  Cross country skiing trips I have taken in Quebec have offered wonderful exercise and beautiful scenery (within 15 minutes you don't notice the cold as you start to sweat and de-layer), incredible French food wherever you stay (much earned), and a warm fire to get home to, and sometimes a hot tub to boot!”