Enjoy the slopes of Breckenridge.

When people think winter sports they think Colorado, and when skiing is on the agenda you can’t help thinking of the snow-covered slopes of Breckenridge.  Whether you are a beginning skier scheduling private lessons or a more adventurous skier ready to tackle the more challenging slopes you will find what you are looking for.  When not skiing you can relax in a town home, condominium, or a room at the Village Hotel. Breckenridge is also one of the largest historical districts.  You can take the family on a mine tour or you could schedule a guided tour of the surrounding area on skis, experiencing the winter wonderland that is Breckenridge.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Cranapalooza at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire shines in the winter-time because of the Cranapalooza festival, offering winter fun like night skiing and tubing.  Saturdays include fireworks and live music before enjoying hot cocoa and s’mores around the fire.  The spirit of Cranapalooza is one that appeals to the whole family, and even children as young as four can enjoy the resorts educational programs.

Enjoy the beauty of the Catskills while skiing on Hunter Mountain.

Hunter Mountain Resort is one of New York State’s premier winter destinations because of the technology it uses to create some first class ski slopes whereas other ski resorts depend primarily on nature for snow.  The resort offers some great slope-side lodging in the Kaatskill Mountain Club or Pinnacle Condominiums.  Enjoy the brisk mountain air on skis or you can go snow-tubing.  Hunter Mountain Resort even offers a BMW Off Road School for unforgettable mountain biking experiences.

Take some time out of your busy day to live-it-up at Liberty Mountain Resort.

Liberty Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania is just a short drive away from the frustrating traffic of Washington DC and Baltimore, offering that needed escape from the chaos of city life.  It offers cozy lodging for romantic weekend getaways as well as some first class ski slopes.  You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or tubing in a picturesque atmosphere, and when the sun goes down there are plenty of well lit slopes for night-skiing.

For spectacular winter sports visit Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont.

Stowe Mountain Resort in Northern Vermont offers a wealth of winter activities for skiers and snowboarders, and is a great place for families to enjoy themselves.  Stowe Mountain also offers entertainment venues at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center such as live music, comedy acts and theatrical performances making Stowe Mountain a great destination for winter-time entertainment.

From the Midwest to the Northeast the U.S. offers opportunities for family fun at some great winter resorts.

Winter resorts typically offer a variety of winter sports and activities, such as skiing, sledding, ice skating, and tobogganing. But you can also find resorts that provide winter hiking, cross country skiing, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and other wintertime activities that may be less common. If you are bringing a family with young children, you will want to find a destination with fun things for the kids to do, like building a snowman, going caroling during the holidays, or learning a new winter sport. For toddlers, there may be gymnastics classes or art sessions while Mom and Dad are shopping or sledding.

For indoor time, look for recreational options that appeal to your family’s interests. These could include local shopping; a day at the spa; physical activities like an indoor gym, swimming pool, and sauna; exciting new restaurants and cuisine; and side trips to famous sites or scenic spots. A cozy chat by a roaring fireplace with fresh, hot cocoa may be a welcome treat after a long day on the slopes. Or perhaps you prefer a vigorous swim in a warm pool to get refreshed.

Many resorts adopt a theme or style that attracts certain types of vacationers. For example, you may be interested in a Swiss Alps or European chalet type of excursion, with European style décor, shops, and restaurants. Another option is the dude ranch experience, or the rustic lodge design, or an upscale Aspen-type backdrop. There are even resorts that offer mountain snow and beach sand at the same location!

While choosing your winter resort as you browse online websites or print brochures, look for amenities offered by each, such as ground transportation to and from the airport, child care services if needed, room service if desired, ski instruction, artificial snow if Mother Nature fails to cooperate, and the usual extras found in big-city hotels or motels, such as maid service, dry cleaning and laundry options, post office, etc., depending on how remote your winter resort is. Based on your winter sport skill level or family health concerns, you may want to check for local hospitals and dentists.

Winter resorts can be very rustic and almost primitive for those who like to rough it. Others are quite luxurious with plenty of extras. It is best to be sure ahead of time which type you are getting so there are no surprises later. You can book a winter resort that is actually a large, traditional hotel or secure a lone cabin in the pines as your getaway retreat. There can be socialization opportunities, such as mixers, cocktail parties, or contests, or personal reflection time to spend in solitude.

Pricing may include lodging only, lodging and meals, or lodging with meals, ski lessons, and ground transportation, etc. Check for taxes and other fees in the final price quote.

Winter resorts present a unique getaway for a special time of year. Plan yours early so everything will go smoothly.

Winter Park Resort
Winter Park Resort has one of the best mogul skiing areas around. Mary Jane is one of the best “bump skiing” areas in the country. If you are looking for a great bumpy ride, then Mary Jane is the place for you. Ski trails offered are 1% beginner, 19% intermediate, 22% advanced, 57% most difficult and 1% expert. Winter Park Resort also offers 6 terrain parks and 1 superpike.

Taos Ski Valley Resort
Taos Ski Valley Resort has one of the best mogul runs in North America. Al’s Run and Longhorn Run will leave you breathless and wanting more. There are 110 total trails at Taos, 24% are beginners, 25% are intermediate and 51% are expert. In addition to the trails and mogul runs, there is also a terrain park.

Sun Valley Ski Resort
Any fan of moguls has got to check out Rock Garden, Exhibition or Upper Holiday mogul runs at Sun Valley Ski Resort. Bald Mountain offers 66 varied runs on 2, 054 acres. Their terrain park’s Super Pipe features run 425 feet in length, 40 feet width with walls up to 18 feet high. Dollar Mountain offers 10 runs which cater to the beginners and houses the ski and snowboarding school.

Copper Mountain
Located outside of Denver, Copper Mountain Resort offers 2 mountain peaks and three villages. While the majority of the trails and runs offered are for beginner and intermediate, they still have two of the best Mogul runs around. “Highline” and “Drain Pipe” will satisfy your desire for “bumps” and keep you coming back for more. Runs/Trails include 21% beginner, 25% intermediate 38% advanced and 18% expert. There is an outstanding Terrain park “Catalyst” as well.

Killington Ski Resort
Killington Ski Resort is located in Vermont and is one of the best known ski resorts in the country. Killington has the most mountain peaks that offer some of the best skiing and mogul skiing in the country. There are 191 trails, 28% beginners, 33% intermediate and 39% advanced. In addition to the trails, there are also 6 terrain parks. Killington’s mogul run is “Outer Limits”. Outer Limits has had the distinct honor of hosting “The Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge” for the last 30 years.

So if mogul skiing is what you are looking for, then look no further than these 5 outstanding ski resorts. In addition to great mogul skiing, all 5 resorts should be at the top of your list for any winter resort vacation you are planning. Great amenities and additional winter activities are abundant. You simply can’t go wrong planning your next mogul ski vacation at one of these resorts.

Snowbird Mountain Ski Resort – Utah
Snowbird Mountain Ski Resort is located in Utah and is an affordable winter resort offering 882 lodging rooms between four separate lodges. There is a luxurious spa and plenty of activities available during all four seasons.

There are 15 restaurants that fit into any budget. The Lodge at Snowbird is a condominium facility. The lodge offers a pool, hot tub, steam room and fitness center.  The Cliff Lodge has a heated pool and hot tubs out doors. There is also a game room for family fun. The Inn at Snowbird has all the comforts of home. Kitchens and wood burning fireplaces are in most of the rooms. Choose from single bedrooms to studios. Pool, hot tub, exercise facility and steam rooms are also offered. The Iron Blosam is a condominium lodge. The Iron Blosam Spa has a heated outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, exercise room, dry sauna and steam rooms.

Snowbird has 2,500 skiable acres with 85 runs that are 27% beginner, 38% intermediate, and 35% advanced/expert. There is also a terrain park.
Snowbird offers many vacation packages that begin at $99 per person that include 3-nights and 3-day chair ticket. There are weekly affordable packages as well. You will find something affordable for any budget.

Winter Park Resort
Winter Park Resort in Colorado is one of the best known winter resorts and has many affordable ski and stay packages to choose from. Winter Park Resort ski trails offer 1% expert, 57% most difficult, 22% advanced, 19% intermediate, and 1% beginner. There are 6 different Terrain parks and a Superpike. Winter Park boasts one of the best mogul ski runs “Mary Jane”. Other winter activities include; ice skating, scenic snowcat tours, snowshoe tours, skibiking, and snowboarding.

Slopeside lodging includes Zephyr Mountain Lodge, Fraser Crossing, Founders Pointe and Vintage Hotel.   Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe are condominiums that range from studios to three-bedroom units. Rooms include gas fireplaces. Zephyr Mountain Lodge accommodations include fireplaces, full kitchens, hot tubs, fitness room, indoor parking and Jacuzzi. Units range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms. The Vintage Hotel offers 118 rooms.

Other lodging available includes hotels, motels, condos and townhomes, B&B’s as well as mountain home rentals. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that offer nightly entertainment.
Nightly packages are available beginning at $39 per person per night. There are many packages available to fit any budget and will help to make your winter resort vacation affordable.

Before you book your next winter resort vacation, be sure to add these two affordable winter resorts to your short list. Check out all of the package deals offered and find the most suitable one for you and your family.

Sun Valley Ski Resort
Sun Valley Ski Resort is one of the best couples ski resorts around. The Sun Valley Resort offers 148 rooms ranging from deluxe rooms to suites decorated in beautiful, romantic European décor. Condominiums and cottages are also available for lodging.
In addition to great ski trails, if you are looking for a bit of romance, how about a horse drawn sleigh ride through the scenic wilderness? The romantic sleigh ride ends at Trail Creek Cabin where you can enjoy a terrific dining experience on locally caught game meat.

After a fun filled day on the slopes, head indoors for an afternoon of pampering at the Sun Valley Salon and Day Spa. Couples can enjoy an evening of live jazz and cocktails at the Sun Valley Duchin Lounge. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes and spend a romantic night on the dance floor.

Taos Ski Valley Resort
Taos Ski Valley Resorts mixes a bit of Spanish and Indian cultures together to bring you a wonderful ski resort atmosphere. Ski Valley Resort is perfect for couples to have a romantic getaway. Ski Valley is surrounded by plenty of restaurants, galleries, shops and hotels and has some of the best ski trails in North America. There is plenty to keep couples busy.

Taos Ski Valley has a very exciting nightlife. There are several bars to pick from all offering great entertainment from bluegrass to Spanish guitar music. The Kachina Lodge’s Cabaret room has a great dance floor. In addition to great skiing, some of the additional activities include sleigh rides and snowmobile tours.
There are many lodges and hotels to choose from. Choose from several B&B’s, lodges, guest houses or Inn’s. There is the perfect lodging available to fit any budget.

Jackson Hole Ski Resort
Jackson Hole Ski Resort is surrounded by the breathtaking Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. Two mountain peaks offer some of the best ski trails in the country with 2,500 skiable acres, 2 parks and 1 pipe. Jackson Hole Ski Resort is a wonderful resort for couples to enjoy a romantic, action packed getaway.

Teton Village has a wide variety of lodging from affordable slopeside lodging to posh mountain retreats. Several restaurants, bars, grocery and liquor stores are open to supply you with everything you need. Take a romantic horse-drawn dinner sleigh ride, or a guided dogsled tour. The winter activities are endless, and you won’t find yourself without anything to do, unless you want to.

Relax in the evening gazing at the stars on a guided telescopic nighttime tour, or enjoy a romantic evening cuddled by the fire.
So the next time that you are planning a romantic couples getaway, don’t rule out visiting a winter resort, and certainly check out these three resorts.

Here are four places in Europe to consider vacationing this winter:

Swiss Alps

The picturesque Swiss Alps in Switzerland offer some of the best skiing in the world. Ski areas to check out include Bernese Oberland, Graubunden and Valais, among others. Keep in mind, though, that some villages are car-free. That means to get there; you have to take some form of public transport. And when you’re not on the slopes, sit back and sip a fine Swiss white wine while dining at one of the many restaurants with the Alps as your backdrop. Before you leave, though, make sure you find out when the slopes open for the season.

London

From ice skating, shopping to even reindeer petting, London goes all out for Christmas.Whether you’re taking the kids or just want a romantic getaway, make sure you see some of London’s historic sites, like Big Ben, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge and the nearby Tower of London, and, of course, Westminster Abbey. London also has world famous galleries and museums, historical sites, theatres and parks.

Paris

If you want to visit Paris but also want to avoid some of the large tourist crowds, consider vacationing in The City of Light during the winter. Although the weather might not always cooperate, the city completely lights up during the holidays. Besides the winter festivities and events, smaller crowds of tourists mean shorter lines to see some of the famous art galleries and museums, like Musee du Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plus, airfare and lodging tends to be less expensive during the winter. However, some attractions either have different holiday hours or are closed during the slower winter months, so be sure you call ahead before seeing some of Paris’ most famous sights. The Eiffel Tower, for example, opens 30 minutes later in the winter.

Rome

If you don’t want to be elbow-to-elbow with other tourists while visiting the Colosseum, Pantheon or St. Peter’s Basilica, winter is the time to visit the ancient city of Rome. The Christmas season officially kicks off Dec. 8 during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Holy Week is held in late March or April, and Easter Sunday Mass is held in St. Peter’s Square.

Phoenix, Ariz.
Phoenix has become a popular destination for snowbirds who want to get away from cold winters and hours upon hours spent on snow shoveling. Phoenix has plenty of travel and lodging options, but there are also shops, restaurants, museums, theaters and even hiking trails.  And the best part is the climate. The average high temperatures during the winter months in Phoenix range from the 60s to the 70s.

Austin, Texas
If live music and cultural arts is your thing, Austin, the capital of Texas, is a great way to vacation in winter. There’s also hiking, biking, nearby lakes, fine dining, shopping and plenty of hotels. And for a wild time late in the winter, check out the Carnaval Brasileiro, Austin’s annual Brazilian-style Mardi Gras.

Honolulu, Hawaii
They say there’s never a bad time to visit Hawaii, and winter is no exception. The whales arrive during the winter months — the end of November through March — and give birth. The winter time is also perfect for surfing, because storms from the Aleutians create giant waves in Hawaii this time of the year. And the temperatures? Try a balmy mid-70s. Keep in mind, though, that airfare and lodging tends to run a little higher during this time of year, so make your reservations soon.

Sydney, Australia
If you’re going to Sydney, Australia for the winter time, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. Australia’s seasons are the opposite of North America, so the warmest time of year there runs from mid-December through mid-March. That means the weather shouldn’t hold you back, whether it’s surfing, scuba diving, hiking, going to an outdoor theater or simply going to the beach. Sydney also has world-class shopping and dining, lots of options for lodging, and, of course, world renown museums and galleries. January is a great time to consider going “down under” because of the Sydney Festival. The 2012 festival runs from Jan. 7-Jan. 29 and will feature around 80 events.

Reykjavik, Iceland
If you’re looking for a unique winter vacation idea, Reykjavik, Iceland, goes all out for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Reykjavik has special events and festivities during the winter holidays, the darkest time of the year. Although Iceland offers skiing, there’s so much more you can do in Reykjavik, from taking a dogsled ride, bathing in a natural geothermal hot spring, going on a Jeep tour or even seeing the Northern Lights.

Whistler-Blackcomb (Whistler, British Columbia)
It has consistently ranked as one of the top destinations in the continent since the 1990s and it’s easy to see why. Aside from being the largest ski resort in North America at 8,000 acres, it also has a variety of facilities every visitor would love. You’re sure to find something that will suit your preferences.

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort (Montreal, Quebec)
Just north of Montreal is the Mont Tremblant Ski Resort. It is one of the best-known resorts in Canada with its state-of-the-art lifts, 654 acres of terrain you can skate on, and elevation of 875 meters. Expect to be awed as you set foot on this resort.

Mount Washington (Courtney, British Columbia)
Located 3 hours away from Victoria, Mount Washington is the top resort in Vancouver Island. It is placed 1,000 meters above sea level, which may not seem that high compared to other destinations. What sets it apart is the incredible view of the ocean, islands, lakes, and the mountain.

Blue Mountain (Collingwood, Ontario)
Ontario might not be that well-known for its ski resorts compared to other states but Blue Mountain deserves a mention. It is situated just 90 minutes away from Toronto and boast of 34 great trails over a 2½ mile of ridge.

Banff-Lake (Louise, Alberta)
Located at the center of Banff National Park, it has what can be considered to be the country’s best Rocky Mountain landscape. It is 4,200 acres of skiable area and it also offers 139 runs. It also has the one of the largest ski area in the continent because of Lake Louise.

Big White Ski Resort (Kelowna, British Columbia)
Just 45 minutes away from Kelowna is the Big White Ski Resort. It is renowned for its beautiful scenery, glades, and champagne powder. It’s a top favorite among skiers who have visited. This definitely shows that this resort offers world-class facilities.

Marmot Basin (Jasper, Alberta)
The Canadian Rocky Mountains is just 20 minutes away from Jasper, which makes the latter perfectly situated for snowboarding and skiing. The Marmot Basin offers 1,675 acres of terrain, base elevation of 5,570 feet, and 86 trails – all of which makes it one of the best winter resorts in Canada.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Revelstoke, British Columbia)
Boasting North American’s highest lift service at 1,713 meters, the Revelstoke Mountain Resort has everything you’ll ever want in the top-end winter resort. The top skiers from all over the world fly to Canada just to visit this resort and to experience its exciting alpine terrain, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community.

Snowtubing can be done on any hill as long as it is clear of trees and have minimal amount of rocks. There are also some ski resorts also offer this activity as part of their package. Also, the increasing popularity of this activity has allowed a lot of “snow tubing parks” to crop up in certain areas.

Anyone can participate in this exciting activity because the level of skill required is minimal. No stopping or steering is involved. At its core, it’s just sliding. Snow tubing runs typically have snow that’s built up on either side of the lane to keep the riders in place. At the end of the hill, there is a run out which brings riders to a gradual stop.

If there’s one thing that differentiates snowtubing from simple sliding down a hill, it’s the speed at which you slid down the slope! This is due to the low amount of friction between the tube and the snow. It can get particularly frightening if you’re sliding down a steep slope. In doing this activity, you should always keep safety in mind.

At top speeds, take note that it would be difficult to control the snow tube. Trying the maneuver the snow tube, which is circular in shape, can often cause it to spin. This has often led to injuries, some of which are serious. If you can see that the tube is going to crash, it’s better to get out of it immediately.

If there’s no snow tubing park is located in your area, then you can still do the activity on any normal hill. Remember, it is important to snowtube in an area that’s clear of trees as a safety precaution. There should also be a long run towards the bottom so you can stop slowly.

So you might be wondering now, “Is it just sliding on snow?” Well, not really. A number of ski resorts over a variety of interesting lanes. For example, those who want to race their friends can do so in areas with multiple lanes. Some downhill slopes are also more exciting than others. Don’t worry though, because snow tubing parks encourage safe racing. There is little or no danger of collusion.

Most inner tubes can be used for snowtubing. But if you want to do this regularly, it might be a good idea to invest in a tube that’s specifically manufactured for the activity. Snow tubes are made of materials are resistant to cold and make use of heavier materials to avoid punctures from rocks that are sticking out from the snow.

First trick to save money at a winter resort is to keep your eyes open for deals. Many online sites offer fabulous savings, but only at specific times, so you will need to keep checking from time to time. You can catch savings on airfare as well as resort room prices. Keep your eyes open for coupons. Whether it is savings on rooms or local restaurants, these are great for cutting expenses.

If at all possible, plan to take your winter resort trip during the week. The rates for rooms Monday through Friday are far less expensive than during the weekends. Ski lift passes are also less expensive during the weekday. During the weekends the prices go up. Not only will you save money skiing during the week, the lines will not be as long as they would during the weekend.

Look into the exclusive packages that the resorts offer. They usually offer several different packages. One may be perfect for you.
When booking your resort reservations there are a couple different ways to get the best deals. The first is to book your trip early. Springtime is a great time to get discounted prices for your winter vacation. The second way if you are able to be flexible is to wait and book your trip last minute. Unfortunately, there are last minute cancelations at resorts across the country. These resorts are concerned with filling their rooms you should be able to find great deals this way. Many travel sites offer last minute deals on their websites. So keep your eyes open.

Food on ski slopes can be very expensive. The best way to save here is to pack a lunch and snacks for the day. And stay away from the bars and clubs in the villages. This can be the quickest way to burn through your money.

If you don’t have your own skiing equipment, borrow it from a friend or family member. This way you can save on equipment rental. You may even be able to borrow ski jackets and pants from the same friend rather then buy your own. If you prefer to buy your own equipment and clothing, try consignment stores and eBay or Craigslist to find the best bargain.

So, when you are planning your winter resort vacation, remember, it is possible to save money. You will just need to do your research and stay diligent in looking for the best deals.