Poach a Powder Line
Ask any hardcore skier or boarder and they'll tell you March is the best month for powder riding. Actually, they might not tell you because they don't want you stealing their freshies! Head to the higher elevation resorts in France (Chamonix/Argentiere, Tignes/Val d'Isere) Switzerland (Interlaken, Verbier) or Austria (St. Anton, Ischgl) for some skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the Alps.
Munich's Other Beer Fest
Oktoberfest isn't the only beer festival in Bavaria. In fact, locals and others "in-the-know" prefer Munich's other homage to beer, Starkbierfest. Find your way to Nockherberg and indulge in the Paulaner breweries' strongest variety of suds, Salvator. Be careful though, it will only take a "maas" (1 liter) or two to get you standing on the benches and boisterously singing and swaying to the band with the rest of the crowd. In the morning, take a guided bike tour of the city with Mike's Bike Tours or catch a 75-minute train ride to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (use the Bayern Pass and split the 25 euro round-trip ride between your friends) and gear up for a day on the slopes on Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze.
Home of the Gods
Trek, hike or climb to the peak of Greece's Mt. Olympus, home of ancient Greek gods, and view the western world's cradle of civilization. The Greek Mountaineering and Rock-Climbing Association (E.O.O.A) can steer you in the right direction or organize a professionally administered excursion.
Blackwater and Black Guinness
March is a great time to work your fly-rod in one of Europe's premier fly-fishing destinations, Ireland (permit required). The River Blackwater runs primarily in an east-west direction for 100 miles, between Cork to the south and northerly Limerick, and offers trout and salmon fishing from early March through September. Rain gear should always accompany a trip to Ireland virtually all year-round, but if "Irish eyes are smiling" on you during your visit, the Blackwater area offers wonderful cycling, horseback riding and golf opportunities as well.
Fiestas, Siestas and Cyclistas
After partying all night during the month-long Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, have a short siesta (afternoon nap) then hop on a road or mountain bike and soak in the spring sun of Spain's southern coast. When it comes to cycling, the Spanish are as serious as they come. The nearly 160km Vuelta Cyclista de Communidad Valencia is held for five days at the end of February/beginning of March, and will challenge the best competitors in world-class cycling. Although it won't be as warm as summer (which is actually a good thing for outdoor activities), mountain hikes, diving, sailing, horseback riding, ATV tours, golf and more are all at your disposal.
