Mountain Magic

Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter … adventure and nature take the lead on a mountain vacation.  Powdery soft sand meets its match in the glistening white snow of mountain ranges.  Winter brings the opportunity to experience exhilaration at its purest…whipping downhill on a steep trail with the crisp air in your face, a brilliant sun up above, and majestic peaks and stately evergreens at your back.  End the day in a steaming hot tub while your breath cools into the clouds around you.

Yet winter isn’t the only time to enjoy a mountain vacation, and the slopes aren’t just for snow bunnies - they’re for everybody.  Higher altitudes bring cooler temperatures in the summer and a list of must-do activities that rivals the elevation in numbers.  The fresh air and glassine lakes inspire pursuits like fishing, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and riding the alpine coasters again and again.  No matter your age, skill level, or experience, enjoy your favorite activities, try new ones and set free your sense of adventure. 

Summer on the summit will take your warm-weather adventures to a whole new level.  If you’re not the adventurous type, spend your days enjoying outdoor concerts and festivals.  Throughout the year, stroll through the picturesque villages and historical tons below the mountains, pick up the pace on an incredible wildlife tour, or sign up for a photography class and capture the indescribable beauty of your surroundings.

Rocky Mountain High

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado

1 resort

2 towns

4 mountains

1 lift ticket

The legendary town of Aspen is surrounded by four world-class ski resorts – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.  Aspen Mountain is a Favorite for its challenging terrain.  Snowmass, the largest of the four, is the best for families and all skill levels.  Buttermilk caters to both beginners and experts riding the X-Games park and pipe features. Aspen Highlands is known for its expert terrain and professionally groomed cruisers.  When the snow melts, the mood shifts to the anything-is-possible activity of summer.

26 Hotels, 87 Condos, 19 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 20°F. – May to Oct: 79°F.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Summer in Beaver Creek, Colorado

 With more than 1,800 skiable acres and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, bluebird ski days are almost taken for granted in Beaver Creek.  The terrain provides excellent skiing for all ages and abilities, making Beaver Creek the perfect family destination, as well as a “foodie’s paradise”.  Privately-gated Beaver Creek Village surrounds a year-round ice skating rink.  Warm fresh baked cookies are served at the base of Beaver Creek every afternoon.  In summer, Beaver Creek is the home to many incredible trail runs, bike rides, triathlons and more!

12 Hotels, 74 Condos, 21 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 20°F. – May to Oct: 76°F.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado

The towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains beckon skiers to visit Breckenridge with its steep runs, five terrain parks and groomed runs.  The resort has five peaks, and the highest chairlift in North America with spectacular views. The mountain town of Breckenridge, which bustles with shops, restaurants and nightlife, also has a rich and colorful history heaving plenty to discover while you’re not on the slopes!  Only a short scenic commute up the free BreckConnect Gondola, the Summer Fun Park has a massive amount of activities, and chairlift-serviced mountain biking and hiking trails.

9 Hotels, 196 Condos, 96 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 15°F. – May to Oct: 74°F.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah

Colorado isn't the only state with ski resorts.  The town of Park City is surrounded by three world-class resorts.  Ever since the silver miners would ski home after a hard day’s work, Park City is destined to become a major ski destination.  Many mining structures are still scattered on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort giving it a truly unique personality.  Park City’s Town lift picks up skiers directly from Main Street in town.  Park City Mountain Resort also continues to expand its repertoire of summer thrill rides and is one of the only resorts to have an alpine coaster that operates in both summer and winter.

25 Hotels, 154 Condos, 44 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 20°F. – May to Oct: 76°F.

Steamboat, Colorado

Steamboat, Colorado

Steamboat Ski Resort offers more vertical feet of skiing than any other major Colorado Resort.  Firmly planted in its ranching roots, the town of Steamboat Springs is a reminder of its old west traditions.  Steamboat boasts to have champagne powder so light, skiers come from all around the world ti ski it.  Resorts offer an incredible mountain with a variety of terrain for every level of skier to explore.  If you’re fortunate enough to visit Steamboat in the summertime, play a round of golf in the morning, take a hot air balloon ride in the afternoon and watch a pro rodeo in the evening.  The options for fun are endless.

5 Hotels, 99 Condos, 29 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 25°F. – May to Oct: 74°F.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado

Thanks to a mix of terrain, Telluride offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers.  Tucked away in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, you’ll find no traffic or long lines for shuttle busses – and a free gondola as the main form of transportation.  Telluride is sure to impress families, intermediate and advanced skiers!  A perfect match for those looking for a secluded ski town getaway.  There are endless adventures to be enjoyed in the summer.  From hiking mountain biking, and climbing, to the world-renowned summer festivals, there is truly something for everyone!

18 Hotels, 151 Condos, 58 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 15°F. – May to Oct: 76°F.

Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado

Vail Resort is world-renowned for its size and terrain, and offers everything a powder junkie could crave from Lionshead cruisers to the famous Back owls.  Vail is the 4^th largest ski resort in North America and has some of the best bowl skiing of any resort.  Blue Ski Basin is a “must-ski”.  The town of Vail allows easy resort and mountain access.  Without cars, you can walk leisurely down the cobblestone streets and enjoy elegant shopping, fine dining, and everything in between!  Take part in Vail’s dynamic summer events calendar – brimming with athletic, culinary, and cultural experiences.

16 Hotels, 92 Condos, 9 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 15°F. – May to Oct: 76°F.

Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park’s charming small town atmosphere and world-class skiing makes it a great place to enjoy year-round recreation.  At a distance of 67 miles from downtown Denver, Winer Park consists of four adjacent areas:  Winter Park, Mary Jane (including Parsenn Bowl), Vasquez Cirque, and Vasquez Ridge.  A network of trails and chairlifts connects the four distinct mountains.  In the summer, Winter Park transforms into a world-class mountain bike destination with 28 miles of downhill/free-ride trails.

3 Hotels, 28 Condos, 10 Homes

Average daytime temperatures – Nov. to Apr: 21°F. – May to Oct: 70°F.

And there you have it.  Visit the incomparable mountains of Colorado and Utah year-round.  Contact Travel,Tours & Cruises for your unforgettable vacation package.

The World’s Best Ski Resorts

The snow … the slope … the scenery … the thrill – these are the most important factors when considering a ski resort. With so many to choose from, ski enthusiasts are more selective about where they want to go. 

There are a lot of well-known ski resorts. Here are the some of the world’s most popular:

1. Stowe Mountain Resort is the most picturesque ski resort in the area.  It is located near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont.  It consists of two separate mountains – Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, providing 39 miles of skiable terrain.

2. In France, the host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the world’s finest ski resorts. Mont-Blanc is the highest European mountain west of Russia and attracts both skiers and mountain climbers alike. 

3. Banff National Park is the most visited Alberta tourist destination in Canada.  Sunshine Village was the first downhill ski resort developed in the 1930s. Mount Norquay was also developed during that time, and the first chairlift was installed there in 1948.  Lake Louise is one of the most visited lakes in the world, and provides a scenic vista of Mount Victoria Glacier to the southwest. 

4. Vail is the largest ski mountain in Colorado, and is the third largest resort in the country.  The town of Vail was actually built when the ski resort opened in 1962. 
   
   
5. Switzerland is said to have the most pristine ski resorts.  The beautiful country of Switzerland boasts St. Moritz, the oldest ski resort in the world.

6. Kitzbühel is one of Austria's best-known and fanciest ski resorts. Situated between the Hehnenkamm and Kitzbühler mountains, its breathtaking scenery that would steal any skier’s heart.  Hehnenkamm features the infamous World Cup Der Streif course.
   
   
7. The most popular ski resort is the Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia. It is consistently ranked as the No. 1 resort in North America because of its vertical drop and spectacular vistas. The village cafes, restaurants that cater foods of the world, and internationally known stores, attract both skiers and non-skiers alike.

Release your inner skier and discover why these breathtaking ski resorts are the most popular places in the world.  Contact us to reserve your amazing ski vacation.