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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) - If you aren’t planning a ski trip this year, you might be one of the few. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the U.S. ski industry set an all time record of 58.9 million skier visits for the 2005/06 season. And this season, travelers will continue to find even more reasons to play in the powder as ski destinations continue to make trips more enticing to winter travelers. Expect everything from more terrain and new lifts to specialized programs for families and big events.
Jeanenne Diefendorf, Orbitz Travel Insider, offers her picks for great resorts, whether you’re heading east or west this ski season:
“Best Family Ski Destination” – Steamboat, Colo.
Imagine gliding down the slopes together with your family while enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and knowing you are making memories that will last a lifetime. For families, Steamboat is the place to visit, from its new Sunshine Express Quad and Family-Friendly terrain in Sunshine Bowl to its Kids' Adventure Club offering fun evening activities. In addition, the resort’s new private family lessons give families the opportunity to learn to ski with a pro instructor and still enjoy the day together. Families can also take advantage of Kids Fly Free program, Steamboat MountainWatch tracking device as well as Kids Ski Free & Grandkids Ski Free, a great lift ticket deal for kids 12 & under.
“Best East Coast Ski Town” – Stowe, Vt.
Since its beginnings in the 1800s, Stowe has become one of the premier ski destinations on the East Coast. With two mountain towns and six distinct ski areas, Stowe has something for everyone. With 28 ski trails, Stowe offers a variety of scenic skiing on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Prior to the 2006/2007 season, getting from one mountain to the other involved driving or taking a bus. Now, Stowe has connected both mountains with a new transfer gondola, making it easy to enjoy both mountains with little lost time. And don’t forget about the town itself. This historic village is friendly and inviting with plenty of dining, shopping and activities for the entire family.
“Best Ski Season Events” – Aspen, Colo.
The world-renowned ski city of Aspen offers winter vacationers great skiing and snowboarding options, but it also has a bevy of in-town sights and sounds to make time off the snow just as enjoyable. The 11th annual Winter ESPN X-Games will again be held at Aspen/Snowmass offering a thrilling look at the best alternative winter sport athletes in the world. Aspen is also host to several other winter season events including Wintersköl, an annual celebration of the Nordic lifestyle, the Budweiser Hi-Fi Concert Series bringing in outstanding musical artists throughout the season, and the 15th Annual Aspen Filmfest that is sure add some “star” power to the town’s always-bustling celebrity scene.
“Best Après-Ski Scene” – Whistler, British Columbia
After a good long day hitting the slopes, nothing sounds better than a spiked hot chocolate and a lively fun crowd on a sunny chalet deck. A great après ski scene – from raucous pubs with live music to more refined establishments that are more glitz and glamour – is a huge selling point for any ski destination. And topping our list of favorites is Whistler. Nestled in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia just a couple hours from Vancouver, Whistler offers ideal snow conditions and moderate winter temperatures by day, and a lively party scene by night. From Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb to The Mix at Crystal Lodge, there is no shortage of energy and libations to warm you up.
“Best Terrain Parks” – Breckenridge, Colo.
Whether you’re a just spectator or dropping in the pipe yourself, you’re sure to catch some thrilling moments in the terrain parks at Breckenridge. Boasting five terrain parks and four pipes for varying ability levels -- including a Superpipe with 18 1/2 foot walls -- Breckenridge is the perfect playground to learn new tricks and master old ones. And if you really want to take your skills to the next level, Breck’s ski school offers special programs -- the Rocky Mountain Park & Pipe Camp and the Roxy Park & Pipe Snow Camp (for females riders) -- that will help you hone your talents on the ramps, rails, tables and in the halfpipes.
With the right tools and information, booking a ski vacation can be fast and easy. Check out resources like Orbitz.com’s dedicated Ski Store (www.ski.orbitz.com) and get your skis waxed and ready to go!
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