Alaska Ski Vacations

Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a 2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631 inches of snow annually.

Although this is some of the best skiing in the world, you won’t find the slopes overly crowded, and there are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable car line. There are 68 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the trails designed for intermediate skiers.

Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski trips by Skiing Magazine.

The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid November, and runs through mid April. This area of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. During December, however, there are only about seven hours of daylight – which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes.

The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly entertainment is available as well. There are other nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not associated with the Hotel.

If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear viewing.

At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be! There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and there are many area sights and attractions to be enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter family ski vacation!

California - A Haven for Bird Watching

Bird watchers should not be mistaken for ornithologists because the latter are into the scientific study of the bird species while the former do such with mere observation through the eyes. Bird watching is a popular hobby in California because the place has many sites wherein you could enjoy such.

Birder's Delight

This is how enthusiasts claim California to be. The place's almost perfect nature, with the palm trees or pine trees surrounding it, the tundra foliage at over 14,000 feet at the peak of the Sierras, and deep down 282 feet that is below sea level, Death Valley has its cactuses.

Such scenario makes the place one happy habitat for birds and one must-see destination for bird watchers.

Species Variety

California is a habitat for about 600 species of birds. With such variety, a person who loves this activity will never be bored in this place. And while you're out there looking for the birds and waiting to observe the many different kinds of it, California offers such scenic spots that would make you feel at one with nature.

No wonder how the birds flock over to this spot. The place really is a natural habitat that people must also feel responsible keeping it the way it is, respecting every creature even the birds.

As an enthusiast, you have plenty of spots to choose from when in California to see those birds while feasting your eyes with the beauty of your surroundings.

King Range National Conservation Area

This is located in San Francisco and home to an array of natural habitats such as an estuary, the evergreen forest, the riparian spots along the streams of freshwater, a captivating coastal prairie among others. At this place, you'll find bird species like the woodpeckers, swifts, hummingbirds, even ducks and geese, pelican, terns, loons. And this is just few of the long list of the different birds habituating the area.

Bodega Bay

This is located in the Sonoma County. You'll mostly find sandpipers and also terns in August, and September and October are hectic months for bird watchers because this is the time when the migrants arrive in the area, both the shorebirds and those that are on land.

Sierra Mountains

This can be found in between California and Nevada. Such mountainous vicinity is home to many bird varieties like the American Pipits, the Western Bluebirds, Palm Warblers, chats, vireos, Indigo Buntings. And this list is only a few of the many kinds of birds that one will be able to find here making this a birder's favorite.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Located in San Bernardino County, the greenery surrounding the spot really is the key why some 266 native kinds of birds flock around and have been recorded on the area. The place has rich vegetation and is being surrounded with desert slopes. The reason for that is because it is situated between two deserts, Mojave and the Sonoran.

The list for hot spots for those who are into bird watching in California is long and you have a wide array to choose from. The Web is a vast resource of information if you'd still want to know more about some more places, even where to go about it and the list of bird species that you can find in it.

Tips for Planning a Trip to California Wine Country

Are you a wine enthusiast or do you at least enjoy drinking wine? If you enjoy wine, you may be interested in taking a trip to wine country. After all, it is not uncommon for wine enthusiasts to want to learn as much as they can about the drink that they love. If this is something that you want to do, you will want to take the time to examine California wine country. After a close examination, you will find that California wine country is the perfect vacation destination for wine lovers.

As previously stated, there is an area in California is that commonly referred to as wine country. This area is located in the northern part of California and it includes the Sonoma Valley and the Napa Valley. When examining your travel options, you will see that there are other areas in the United States that are also commonly referred to as wine country. One of these areas is in the Finger Lakes Region of New York Sate. With that said, most professionals and online travel guides are speaking of California when they speak of wine country.

If and when you decide to visit the California wine country area, you will want to take the time to do a little bit of research first. This is particularly true if you are limited on time. With over four hundred wineries and vineyards in California wine country, your options, are literally, unlimited. First examining which vineyards are open to the public and when and then deciding which vineyards and wineries you want to see the most, you can make the most out of your trip. Prioritizing and coming up with a plan are two important keys to a successful trip to California’s wine country.

In addition to touring wineries in the California wine country region, there are many other wine related activities that you can enjoy. As previously stated, you will want to do a little bit of research before planning your trip. This research will allow you to examine planned events, activities, and festivals that the area may be offering. For example, did you know that some wineries have courses on how to properly match up food and wine, as well as short educational classes on the history of wine making? They do. In addition to simply touring the grounds of a California winery and tasting wine, you may want to participate in some of these activities.

If you decide to visit California’s wine country on the weekend or during the summer, you will want to make your travel arrangements, namely your overnight accommodation reservations, well in advance of your trip. Wine country is a big draw and tourist attraction for California. Along many of the trails, you may find some bed and breakfasts and inns, as well as vacation rentals. These overnight accommodations are easy, in terms of convenience. In keeping with your options, wine country is also home to a number of RV parks, public campgrounds, hotels, and vacation resorts.

As previously stated, there are many others areas in the United States that are starting to popup on the map as “wine countries.” Although these areas, like Woodinville Washington or the Finger Lakes Region of New York may be well known for their production of fine wines, most are talking about California when they speak of wine country.

San Diego Whale Watching

It's no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego
is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of
the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature's ultimate
spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing
short of breathtaking. The coastline of San Diego is
one of their migratory points as they travel from the
waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja
(California), where females also give birth.

Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the
long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja
and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to
any other mammal, you'll notice that the gray whale by
far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.

If you've never experienced whale watching, you'll be
happy to know that anyone will find it memorable - young
or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is
something that is truly a memorable moment, making you
stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome
mammals.

If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you'll find
that gray whales are seen most frequently from December
through March. While they travel in dozens normally,
it's nothing to see pods of them (2 - 3) as they travel
during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego,
you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat
slow swimmers.

During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth
of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and
blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before
making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring
out this pattern makes the success of watching them all
the more fun and exciting.

While there are many common places to watch whales,
nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them
from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take
place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals.
From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of
the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the
traveling gray whales.

The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many
points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo
National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines
State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as
they make their travels.

Whether it's a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale
watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to
appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your
friends. Whale watching can definately be exciting, all you
have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the
beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.

All About La Jolla

Attracting tourists from all over the world, La Jolla's community is one that combines trends with traditional class. Located 12 miles north from downtown San Diego, this highly prosperous community offers seven miles of coastline at an elevation of 110 feet. The land here is so desired that it's impossible to find property in La Jolla for less than 1.25 million an acre!

The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly seaside town live among Mediterranean style architecture with a unique flair. From the crashing waves along the shore to the high rise buildings in the business district, you can expect everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.

Business district
Even though La Jolla is mostly known for its incredible shoreline, the city's business district is hardly modest to say the least. Located to the east in La Jolla, there are professional centers, financial buildings, law firms, and technological industries that dominate this district.

There are also modern shopping centers here as well, along with a wealthy residential area. The world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical Research Center is here as well as the San Diego Mormon Temple - a remarkable 59,000 square foot building that resembles a large ice sculpture.

The Village
The downtown area of La Jolla offers shops, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses, salons, and art galleries. Even though this area is rather small, the district is full of trendy establishments that draw wealthy visitors from all over the world.

Girad Avenue is the main street of La Jolla, even though Prospect Drive is known as "Rodeo Drive" in San Diego.

Shoreline
Although the business area and La Jolla Village are both impressive communities, the most memorable region in La Jolla is the areas and communities along the Pacific shoreline.

La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore lines in Southern California, with remarkable caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets. The best view of La Jolla can be seen from the air. Daring visitors can take in La Jolla via the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn flying. If you seek a more tame view of the coastline, try the scenic drive along North Torrey Pines Road.

All along the coastline, La Jolla offers you a first rate shopping district. You can visit jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and fashionable boutiques. Once you have been shopping, you can complete the day by dining above the water of the Pacific.

From the art galleries and trendy shops to the world class golf courses, La Jolla has attractions to please tourists from all over the world. Each district is unique, yet they are all similiar when it comes to quality. You won't find anything short
of the best when you visit the best Southern California has to offer.

5 Fun Things To Do On Vacation In The Sonoma Wine Country, California

Get ready to discover all the fun, exciting tourist things to do and see in the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country in Northern California has to offer you… and some are totally free.. yes FREE!

1. Wash Away Your Worries with an Enzyme Bath

At Osmosis Spa, you can get a private enzyme bath that purifies your body, moisturizes skin, and soothes your soul. Set in a Japanese tea garden, you start with an organic herbal tea that contains enzymes from 25 organic plants, triggering a metabolic process enhanced by the hot bath.

Then, you soak in the warm water. As your body sweats out the toxins, you can relax, listening to meta-music designed to balance brain activity. This is followed by a 75-minute massage and facial.

2. Bond with Family and Friends at Armstrong Redwoods

Bring a picnic basket, a camera, and your loved ones to Armstrong Redwoods, an 805-meter park filled with ancient tree groves, nature trails, and numerous picnic and recreational facilities. Here you’ll find some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in California—over 300 feet high, and dating back to over 1,400 years.

The park is located about two miles north of Santa Rosa, and is accessible from Highway 101. Just turn left on River Road, then drive down to Guerneville. At the second traffic signal, turn right on Armstrong Road. For more Information, call (707) 869-2015.

3. Feel Like a Pioneer on Pt Reyes’ Hiking Trails

Point Reyes offers about 140 miles of hiking trails— and a view that displays Nature at its most pristine and majestic. Escape from the noise and pollution of the city, and imagine how California looked centuries ago.

Visitors will be given a free trail map, which shows both the hiking and the biking trails (however, those who go on foot will be able to explore the wilderness area, for the complete ‘pioneer’ experience). You can also ride horses.

The terrain is quite diverse, shifting from pasture lands to chaparral rides and forests and meadowlands. Visitors can customize their hike according to personal preference and experience.

4. Celebrate California’s Creative Spirit

California has a thriving artists; community, and some of the best works of today’s most promising creative minds are on display at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery.

The Gallery is found in Santa Rosa’s Downtown Area, on 529 Fifth Street. It is open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm. However, on October 13, 14, 20 and 21, the Gallery extends its hours from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 707-579-ARTS or visit http://www.artrails.org

5. Drink in Golden California

California’s Sonoma and Napa regions are renowned for their fine wine. Take a tour of the most renowned vineyards and discover how your favorite vintage is made—from how the grapes ripen under the golden California sun, to the centuries-old fermenting process.

You can also book a “scenic air tour” at http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com. It’s an experience of a lifetime which takes your journey to “new heights” through an aerial tour of the region’s vineyards and famous wineries.

The site also helps busy tourists and businessmen with their travel needs—so you start relaxing even when you’re planning your vacation. Now that’s worth a toast!

A Nation Is Born In Philadelphia - Philadelphia Travel Information

Often referred to as “America’s Birthplace,” Philadelphia has been the center of progressive beliefs and democratic principles since the first settlement of the city was founded by the now famous Quaker, William Penn. Naming the settlement “The City of Brotherly Love,” William Penn hoped to protect individual freedoms and promote religious tolerance in stark contrast with what many colonists had escaped under British rule.

William Penn’s visions were realized when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, and after years of bloody and hostile clashes with the British Army during the American Revolution when the United States Constitution was first drafted in the same hall. Travel through time in Independence National Historic Park (Old City) where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Constitution Hall are all concentrated. You can view the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in Constitution Hall and take a walk through the many Revolution-era buildings that have been restored and preserved. Travel to Philadelphia, once the capital of the United States, and see for yourself the remnants of revolutionary battles and the emergence of a new, independent nation.

Hoagies, Movies and Masterpieces

A simple walk through the streets of central Philadelphia will reveal the nation’s largest collection of public art amidst ample park space and well-planned, easily navigated streets. Stroll along West Market Street near City Hall and through LOVE Park, taking in the fantastic murals and sculptures along the way. For a more traditional experience, visit the masterpieces of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the steps of which were made famous by Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. For the most unique museum experience, visit the Mutter Museum, originally open to medical students and featuring a wide array of formaldehyde-filled cadavers and skeletal displays, along with some little known facts about the nation’s medical history.

Philadelphia is also known for its many famous architectural feats and noteworthy buildings. The City Hall, completed in 1900, is the world’s tallest load-bearing masonry structure. Another Historic Landmark, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society building is considered to be America’s first International Modernist skyscraper and also home of the first ever savings bank in the United States. On a smaller scale, Philadelphia is known for the homes of Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allen Poe.

Find airfare to Philadelphia around the first Friday of the month to enjoy the galleries and sights in Old City for free until late in the evening. When you have had enough of museums, stop into a pub or restaurant for an original Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and some Italian ice for a true taste of Philadelphia. You will probably even want to order a few extra sandwiches for the flight home!

A Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rental Is The Way To Go

Lake Tahoe is much more than a lake and a Lake Tahoe vacation home rental is much more than a place to stay. Few places offer vacationers the array of activities that Lake Tahoe does. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that its borders lie in two different states, or perhaps it’s because its unmatched natural beauty beckons you outdoors where its beauty can best be appreciated. Whatever the reason, if you’ve never considered a trip to Lake Tahoe, it’s time you give this destination some serious thought. And while you’re at it, consider booking your stay at a Lake Tahoe vacation rental. There are so many to choose from you’re sure to find one that’ll accommodate your every need.

Plenty of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals surround the banks of this awesome natural beauty. Regardless of what you plan to do while in Tahoe, finding somewhere comfortable to stay along its 71 miles of shoreline or nearby mountain range won’t be a problem. You’ll find accommodations with breathtaking views situated right on the shores of the lake itself. You’ll find accommodations within walking distance of the glitzy, entertainment-filled casinos. And you’ll find accommodations close to the ski slopes of the mammoth Sierra Nevada range.

Winter, summer, spring or fall – Lake Tahoe has activities for all. Come on out and enjoy some of the best snow or water skiing, golf, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, gambling, ice skating, eating, shopping, camping, and sightseeing you’ve ever experienced. And if you’ve been thinking about getting married, you can do that at Lake Tahoe, too. Wedding chapels abound and thousands have taken the plunge.

Next time you’re looking for a different type of vacation experience, come to Lake Tahoe. Vacation home rentals are plentiful and can give you the comforts of home away from home. Whatever the season, you will enjoy the beauty, the ambience and the excitement that Lake Tahoe has to offer!

Breaking Into The “Brick City”: Newark Travel Tips

For business or pleasure, Newark is a prime destination for travel within the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Newark is the most populous and commercially active city in New Jersey, as it is the seat of Essex County and a major shipping port for New York Harbor near the Atlantic coast. Newark Liberty International Airport also happens to be the first major airport to serve the New York metropolitan area and one of the largest airports in the country.

Once you have secured your airfare to Newark, you will soon be able to enjoy a city overflowing with Colonial history, American heritage and central to anywhere you would want to be in the Tri-State Area. Located just 5 miles west of Manhattan and 2 miles north of Staten Island, Newark offers prime access to the sights and attractions of New York City with a more relaxed and refined environment to return to at the end of the day.

Colonial Legacy: New England’s Newark

Newark happens to be the third-oldest city in the United States, with colonial roots dating back to 1666 when Connecticut Puritans established a settlement that was originally known as Milford. Take a visit to Military Park in downtown and catch a glimpse of the Wars of America monument constructed by the artist Gutzon Borglum of Mount Rushmore fame. Military Park was also an actual military training zone for soldiers and colonials in Newark’s early days of the 17th century. For a bit more history and some science, visit the acclaimed collections of the Newark Museum, which includes works by Georgia O’Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, as well as a world-renowned Tibetan collection. Make sure to reserve an entire day as the Newark Museum’s grounds are also home to a planetarium, café, sculpture garden and the Ballantine House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1885.

A Newark Rebirth, One Brick at a Time

Newark was the site of the infamous 1967 riots, fueled by racial inequality and staggering poverty. Since that time the city has suffered considerable flight of capital until the 1990s when development projects hit the streets. Today, Newark is a multimedia and multicultural experience, offering state of the art performance spaces and brand new sporting facilities.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is a new addition to the city’s landscape, hosting top Billboard acts alongside international orchestras and theater. The Lincoln Park/Coast district is now a Cultural District with an Arts Park, the Museum of African American Music and the magnificent Symphony Hall. Additionally several of Newark’s 1920s era skyscraper and art-deco buildings have been glamorously restored. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart happens to be one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the United States, brimming with an unimaginable amount of brilliantly intricate stained glass.’

Planning A Las Vegas Vacation On A Budget

When planning a vacation, the best place to start is on the internet. Most hotels, casinos, and other spots now have web sites that will give you all the information you need to know. From prices of rooms to different restaurants and Las Vegas stage acts, you will be able to plan your entire vacation without having to spend too much time. If you have stayed in Vegas before, chances are, you have a favorite hotel or casino you want to spend most of your time in. But if you have never been to Vegas, then you should research the city and what it has to offer before bookings rooms and flights.

The MGM Mirage is one of the biggest hotel chains in Las Vegas. It boasts some of the finest hotels and casinos on the strip. For many, visiting Las Vegas is more than just gambling or seeing a show or two, it's about pampering themselves by staying at one of the mirage resorts. Room service, spa treatments, sports, and fine dining can be found when you stay in places like the Bellagio or beau rivage. When you stay at one of the mirage resorts, you will be able to book shows, dinner reservations, and more. There are vacation packages available that include show tickets and other amenities.

Each hotel has its own theme and depending on your personal tastes, you may find several resorts that meet your needs. In Las Vegas, gambling, entertainment, and good times are what the city is all about. At the MGM Grand, you will find several night clubs, shows, and restaurants that showcase some of the best food to be found in Vegas. This hotel is one of the largest on the strip and in the center of it all.

The Treasure Island hotel is the place to be if you want to get married, see shows, or socialize with others in one of several nightclubs that are on the premises. This hotel is more low-key than others on the strip, but it still has all the glamour and glitz of other hotels. The mirage hotel is the best place to host larger gatherings and business functions. While it still has shows, beautiful architecture, and fine dining, this hotel has 170,000 sq.ft. of space for larger functions.

As you can see, when planning a vacation to Las Vegas, you have plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from. Las Vegas is a place unlike many other vacation spots in that there is something going on at all times. If you are looking for excitement and meeting new people, then plan a trip to Las Vegas because you will find plenty to do while you are there.

5 Reasons To Visit Hilton Head For Your Next Vacation

Located in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island offers a breathtaking, tropical-like atmosphere that stretches across 12 miles of land. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, numerous activities and attractions are offered at this exciting destination. Whether you wish to sink your toes deep into comforting sand or would like to enjoy an assortment of outdoor sporting events, Hilton Head makes a worthy location for your next vacation. Below you will find five reasons to plan a trip to this stimulating area:

Championship Golf Courses

Hilton Head is home to some of the best golf courses under the sun. The championship level of play attracts many notable participants in the various tournaments held in the area. For instance, the Harbour Town Golf Links may demand the most expensive in green fees, but allows the average player to share the same course with professionals. This is also where the Verizon Heritage tournament is held in April.

Beaches

Hilton Head offers 12 miles of beachfront land to explore, offering easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the reasons why Hilton Head attracts so many to this intriguing destination. To enjoy the official beach season, each year visitors flock to the area between April 1st and September 30th. A few public accesses to the beach can be found off South Forest Beach Drive, off Coligny Circle, and at the end of Beach City Road.

Explore and Admire the Natural Beauty

The combination of sun, surf, and turf makes extremely inviting natural scenery that creates grassy dunes, lush forests, and tidal marshes. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings created by natures best. Hilton Head is considered a barrier island, which is comprised of a headland, beach, surf zone, and sand spit. This is the perfect mixture to provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Satisfying Sightseeing

When visiting Hilton Head, a trip to Harbour Town makes for a great sightseeing tour associated with the lap of luxury. This is where multi-million dollar yachts and homes are situated about various marinas. Famous celebrities have also bought into the land in Hilton Head, including singer-songwriter, John Mellencamp and former NBA star, Michael Jordan.

Wildlife Explorations

Hilton Head also serves as a haven for wildlife, so if you enjoy the company of animals, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit with the wild locals. Some of the residents include alligators, large water birds, deer, bobcats, mink, wild boars, the loggerhead turtle, and the bottle-nosed dolphin. To enjoy a guided nature tour and cruise, contact the Coastal Discovery Museum for excursions that visit points of nature interest, such as the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and the Audubon-Newhall Preserve.

Aspen Ski Vacations

Does your idea of the perfect vacation include snow-capped mountains, heart-stopping vertical drops and challenging moguls? If so, an Aspen ski vacation just might be your perfect wintertime getaway.

Aspen, Colorado is one of the world's premier ski resort towns. When snow falls on the more 4,500 acres of sprawling terrain spread over four main mountains, Aspen explodes in a white-capped wonderland of skiing and outdoor fun for all ages and abilities.

Aspen was originally a small mining town, until a small group of visionaries and entrepreneurs realized the potential and value of the town's other inexhaustible resort--the snow. Since then, the sleepy hamlet of Aspen has grown to become one of the best destinations for ski vacations worldwide. The first step to creating this now bustling recreational nook came in 1947. It was then that an Austrian entrepreneur named Friedl Pfeifer partnered with Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth. The trio established would be the first of a number of Aspen ski vacation resorts, and opened what was known then as the world's longest chairlift. Following the success of this inaugural venture, more Aspen ski vacation resorts and hotels were opened, and the town grew to the Aspen so many skiers love today.

The main attraction of Aspen, and its undisputed claim to fame, has got to be the four majestic mountains. Located in Colorado approximately 215 miles southwest of Denver, 75 miles southeast of Eagle, and only minutes from Aspen's Sardy Field (ASE), the four mountains distinctly highlight a terrain particularly suited to various levels of skiers.

The Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is best suited to seasoned skiers. As Aspen's main attraction, the Ajax boasts more than 3,200 vertical feet on 700 skiable acres.

The Aspen Highlands are another huge bonus for those taking an Aspen ski vacation. Situated adjacent to the Aspen Mountain, the Highlands provide a respectable level of skill for novices, plus terrain for intermediate skiers. A number of Olympic medallists spend their time at the Aspen Highlands.

Another gem of the Aspen ski vacation scene is the Buttermilk. Known for being a smaller, novice-oriented mountain, the Buttermilk has a lot to offer skiers of all skill levels. It features the Aspen's longest terrain park and is home to the ESPN Winter X Games of the World. Held at the end of January, the ESPN Winter X Games are a huge tourist draw.

The largest of the four Aspen ski vacation mountains is Snowmass. Novice, intermediate and advanced skiers flock to Snowmass for the thrill of taking on the more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain. Challenging slopes and spectacular views make Snowmass a great choice for your Aspen ski vacation.

Regardless of your skill level, you will find your winter wonderland among the four majestic mountains of Aspen.