Winter Vacation Travel

Escape the winter cold or embrace the winter snow

What's winter without a little snow? Whether you wait all year to hit the slopes or you dream of far off places in the sun during the winter months, we've got some great travel ideas to help get you through the cold season. Don't worry if your travel buddies have different interests - today's ski resorts cater to the non-skiers in the group so everyone can enjoy the vacation.

Booking Your Ski or Snowboard Vacation

You've made up your mind that this winter is the winter you're finally going to take that ski or snowboarding trip. Now the big question is: Where do I go? The options are endless when it comes to ski vacations so before you book, take some time to think about the following:

• Do you want to ski or snowboard in a particular region? Whether you choose to ski in the U.S. or finally explore the European ski resorts, the options are endless.
• Do you want your package to include airfare or do you have frequently flyer miles to spend? Major airlines offer ski packages and resorts often provide all-inclusive deals with accommodations, meals, and lift tickets as part of the complete package.
• Do you want additional activities (shopping, restaurants, bars/pubs) or a remote mountain lodge on the slopes?

Wherever you choose to take your winter vacation, there are plenty of options and activities for any type of traveler.

Dare to be Different

Tired of crowds and long lift lines? Do something different and try lesser-known resorts in Schweiter Mountain, Idaho or Solitude, Utah. The mountain ranges of British Columbia feature ski resorts for any level skier. Take your chances at Kicking Horse or Sun Peak Resorts (located in a region of national parks from Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Kootenay, Yoho and Mt. Revelstoke) and take your turn on a few of the best-kept skiing secrets in North America.

For the truly adventurous at heart, book a ski vacation in Gulmarg, Kashmir, home of the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering.

Family Ski Vacations

Learning to ski or snowboard at an early age can lead to a life-long enjoyment of the sport. The family ski trip is easier and safer than ever, with resorts providing extensive ski school training for all ages. Consider one of these family-friendly mountain tops for your next ski vacation (click on the link to learn about the destination):

• Smugglers Notch, Vermont - a seven-time winner of Best Family Programs in North America
• Okemo, Vermont - features kids' programs and discounts for child skiers
• Salt Lake City, Utah - various different resorts including The Canyons, Soliltude, Brighton, Alta and Snowbird, which all cater to kids at every level.
• Sugarloaf, Maine - ski the mountains or take a turn at tubing, trekking or one of the various outdoor activities in the Kidz'n'Snow Center.
• Sun Valley, Idaho - offers lessons for kids and daycare for children ages 4 months and up.
• Whistler, British Columbia -- kids-only lifts, Kids Adventure Zones (a magic castle, secret forts, etc.), children's learning center, and adventure camps for skiing and snowboarding.

European Ski Vacations

Traveling to Europe for your winter ski or snowboard trip can turn any ice queen into a snow lover. What better place to learn to ski or try out your skills than in the Alps. Away.com, in partnership with travel providers and a leading provider of outdoor lifestyle information, lists the following locations as the top ski resorts in Europe:

• The Arlberg, Austria
• Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
• Chamonix, France
• Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
• Kitzbuhel, Austria
• Portes du Soleil, France/Switzerland
• Trois Vallees, France
• Val d'lsere, France
• Verbier, Switzerland
• Zermatt, Switzerland