It's that time of year again: dig out your old snowsuit, find the warmest beanie your nanna ever knitted and throw your skis in the trunk, because you're heading for the slopes! But how on earth are you supposed to decide where to go? America is a land of glittering, snow-capped peaks; powder to die for and endless networks of ski runs. Here are three destinations you will absolutely love.

Vail, Colorado

Vail's slogan, "Like nothing on earth," is a pretty accurate description of this stunning ski resort. With 5,289 acres and three hundred sunny days per year, Vail is where snow bunnies and skiing fanatics dream of going when they die.

Home to 193 trails, Vail offers some immensely various terrain. Advanced skiers make the pilgrimage there to test out their skills on the resort's famous Back Bowls, which comprise 2,734 acres of wide open country.

Opened in December 2000, Blue Ski Basin, Vail's latest addition, offers 645 acres of challenging and picturesque back country. Skiers can take on steeps and glades in an exciting experience of wilderness skiing. If cruising is more your style, you can spend hours gliding down Vail's long, gentle runs.

Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado

One lift ticket gives you access to the four glorious mountain peaks that make up the resort of Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Combined, they encompass over 5,300 acres of terrain. Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader's Poll voted Aspen/Snowmass Number One for Top Resort in 2011.

Aspen/Snowmass has the scope and variety to cater for everyone. At Buttermilk, beginners can find their feet on mellow, wide-open trails, while professionals can challenge themselves on the famous 22-foot Superpipe. Aspen Mountain, with its renowned black-diamond runs, is another favorite of experienced skiers and snowboarders. Snowmass, at a height of 4,406 feet, has pretty much everything - the excitement of steeps, glades, half-pipes and terrain parks, as well as long, sweeping runs. Finally, immerse yourself in the enchanting panoramic views and challenging big mountain skiing of Aspen Highlands.

After a big day of adventure on the snow, you can eat, drink, dance, socialize and relax in one of Aspen's many restaurants, cafes and bars.

Mammoth Mountain, California

The clear blue skies and golden sunshine that draw lovers of sun and surf to the West Coast extend their blessing to the skiers and snowboarders of Mammoth Mountain. Like Vail, Mammoth soaks in at least three hundred days of sunshine per year.

Mammoth Mountain is California's highest ski resort, at 11,053 feet, and offers one of North America's most lengthy seasons, usually opening in November and closing in June. 1994 was witness to an incredible ten-month-long season.

Mammoth Mountain's 3,500 acres include eight terrain parks, the most famous of which is Unbound Main Park, popular with those into their extreme skiing and snowboarding. SuperDuper pipe, at 22 feet, and Super Pipe, at 18 feet, are two of Mammoth's other major draw cards.

Apart from that, you can also choose from an impressive selection of challenging mogul runs, chutes, glades, steeps and gentle, sweeping slopes.

If you are a child aged 6 or under, or a senior aged 80 or over, you can ski the entire resort for free!

While global warming and other environmental concerns may be the last things on your mind as you relax in the cozy warmth of your ski chalet, La Tania's powers-that-be have taken great pains to ensure it is, indeed, is taken care of. This delightful resort in the French Alps is doing its part when it comes to sustainable tourism.

Green development is one of those not-quite visible, yet very important, aspects of the creation and managements of ski resorts, as well as other types of holiday destinations. When it comes to planning, management and policies - especially in design - you will find that whether you're talking about a snow machine, waste management or plans for a ski chalet, La Tania's environmental friendliness comes to the fore.

Green Design

One of the good things about this modest and less flashy resort in the Three Valleys is the fact that it was developed in 1990- a fair bit later than the other resorts nearby. It was at a time when people were already aware of the need for green consciousness and environmentally-friendly principles right from the planning stage. Unlike other resorts, that needed to 'backwards engineer' the older areas of their development for environmental friendliness, in each aspect of the resort - from community planning, area management, even the plans and location of each and every ski chalet - La Tania keeps to the basic principles of green planning.

One great example of this is in the planning and execution of the accommodations. The traditional Savoyard- designed ski chalet, La Tania-style, is wood-covered- all the better to go with the wooded areas they are located in. (La Tania is located in the most wooded region of the Trois Valleés and is classified as a Nature Zone.) The chalets, buildings and other structures are also sourced from renewable green sources from local labour, all in keeping with the principles of sustainable design and planning. What's even more important is that the basic services needed to run them are designed to ensure the least effect on the environment.

Renewable Power And Reduced Energy Consumption

For the power you will be using, including in your ski chalet, La Tania uses 100% guaranteed green energy from renewable sources, including hydro. Effective insulation and other architectural and engineering precautions also ensure efficient energy consumption.

The use of public transport between the resorts ensures a reduction in both in the use of fuel from private vehicles, and in the emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. With the wonderful landscape and location planning - including runs that let you ski right from the door of your ski chalet - La Tania is obviously designed to be a green ski destination. All the better for you to enjoy nature- while helping protect it!

Booking a group chalet holiday can be tricky. There are many elements which need to be brought together in harmony to create a great holiday atmosphere for all involved. With so many individual preferences and requirements where do you start? In this article we give you the framework for reaching these decisions within a larger group of people with minimal stress and conflict.

The best way to get started on choosing your group chalet holiday is to get everyone in a room together. Phone calls, emails, chat, these forms of communication always lead to misunderstanding, frustration and confusion. Pick a night when everybody is free and invite them round for drinks and nibbles. By creating a positive atmosphere you are giving your group the best chance of making the planning of your holiday a happy experience. The last thing you need is people falling out before you've even left the country.

Create an open discussion, which each member taking turns to say what's important to them on this trip. For example on a skiing holiday or ski chalet trip it may be important to be near the lifts, secure childcare, or have a bar in the hotel. There are bound to be stronger and weaker characters in your group, you need to ensure everyone gets to say their piece. If your quieter members feel less inclined to say what's important to them, the issue may raise its head again once you have reached your destination and conflicts could arise.

During your discussion it is of course important to think about where you would like your group chalet holiday to be. There are hundreds of destinations across Europe and beyond where you can book a ski chalet holiday, usually most people have an idea of which region or country they would like to go. Ask around the room which ski destination takes your group's fancy, the undecided will often agree with a member who has a good idea where they would like to ski.

From the UK a popular destination is France, with its relatively short distance, easy airport access, abundance of chalet accommodation, and reasonable pricing in many areas. Once you have narrowed the choices down to a few destinations check which of these have all the amenities and factors deemed important at the beginning of the discussion. Fire up the computer and let everyone have a look at each destination to see which they like the look of most.

Try to find a chalet destination on your shortlist that can cover everyone's needs and preferences. This can be hard in a larger group and some compromises may have to be made. This should be done amicably and calmly, so as not to lessen the excitement buzz booking a chalet holiday creates. The internet allows you access to in depth details of ski chalets in an instant, and it should be quick and easy to find out what you need to know.

Hopefully at this point you have narrowed your choices down to one or two destinations and are very close to making a decision. In the closing stages of making your decision make sure everyone is still happy with the choice, then get online and book your group chalet holiday!

If you're considering taking your family on a holiday with great skiing and cosy ski chalets, La Tania in the French Alps would be the perfect destination. A picturesque village near Courchevel, this lovely ski town is particularly well known for its cosy, good-value, and family-friendly ski chalets. La Tania is located in the Savoie area south of Geneva. Together with Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens, it is part of one of the world's largest ski resort areas, The Three Valleys, which features over 600 kilometres of runs. More than 200 ski lifts make transport within the valleys and across resorts extremely simple. La Tania's tree-lined runs are recognised as some of the best in the world, and its many ski courses and various attractions offer something for visitors of all expertise levels and ages.

Great for the little ones

Children will have a blast skiing right from the door of their ski chalets. La Tania has nursery slopes with gentle and safe courses, complete with a nursery lift, for young beginner skiers. Lessons from certified ski schools or professional instructors trained to teach small children can be arranged and your kids will be zipping through the runs in no time!

Children will also enjoy the fairy-tale charm of the town: a winter wonderland with snow-topped trees and picture-book ski chalets. La Tania has all the magic of a secret Alpine hideaway but with the conveniences of resort living, with shops, restaurants, and even cinemas. No worries about tiring out their little feet walking-a lift from the village centre can transport guests right to the cluster of private chalets.

The resort also offers quality childcare services for younger children who may not be quite ready for skiing. Ski nanny services can be arranged through any of the many tour and accommodation companies. This convenience assures parents that their children are looked after, enabling them to have a fun day skiing or sightseeing out of doors, or simply enjoying the amenities of their private ski chalets. La Tania also has many child-friendly outdoor activities, including walking tours, snowshoe adventures, and more.

Great for the teens

Older and more ski-adept children will find the intermediate slopes to be an exciting challenge, and they'll be champing at the bit to tell all their friends about how cool it is to be able to ski right back to the doorsteps of their chalets. The resort also offers tons of wonderful outdoor activities to choose from, such as biking, hiking, and snowboarding.

Great for the grown-ups

Advanced slopes are available for adult and experienced skiers who crave a more extreme skiing experience. For people who like higher altitudes and a lot of snow, Val Thorens is easily accessible from La Tania. For nightlife options, the resort features several bars and clubs, including the famous Ski Lodge, with its live bands and legendary happy hours. Other resorts, such as the more haute Courchevel or the bustling and bopping Meribel, are only a couple of lifts away.

Ski resorts have remained a popular destination getaway as it is a wonderful and healthy recreational activity and a great experience. Visiting ski resort review sites will provide you a complete list of resorts in order for you to review resorts you might enjoy for your ski travel and know for certain the best spots to visit as well as the finest accommodations the place can offer.

It is a given fact that ski travel is a trending recreational activity that many are considering as a tourist destination. Not all places in the world have snow; that's basically one of the reasons why many tourists frequently visits ski resorts in order to experience this kind of adventure. Some ski resort review sites doesn't just offer the complete list of photo essay reviews of ski resorts, as a matter of fact some also offer a lot of equipment and activity guides in order for you to have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

If you are worrying about deciding which the best place for you to visit is, then worry no more because some sites lists the top ski resorts for many categories which you can check in detail for your ski travel. They have top ten lists of the most luxurious resorts. You can surely enjoy checking out the various destinations that this web site reviews. The site has reviews, information and guides for different resorts; which give the readers a sense of the ambiance as well as the amenities. It is something that anyone will benefit from because of the comprehensive information.

Ski travel is one of the most fun, entertaining, recreational, and healthy outdoor activities that you and your family will surely enjoy individually, together or with friends. Many ski resorts will offer several promotions during the season for ski travel which families should definitely seek out. A ski vacation is definitely a great way to catch up with friends and family, bond together and share time together.

One good thing about ski travel and ski destinations is that it offers a great opportunity for people to share the whole experience and bond together. Since there are a lot of resorts that are open and ready to accept guests, the prices have become more competitive and affordable. Through the help of some snowboard resort review sites, you can surely select the best accommodation and travel destinations that will surely fit your budget and requirements. Plenty of destinations are reviewed and you can surely have a great time with each and every place that you decide to visit. So what are you waiting for? Go ski!

French ski resorts are well-known for their purpose-built high altitude stature - constructed with ease of skiing in mind rather than prettiness. Avoriaz, for example, with its dark many-storied buildings and maze of streets, is excellent for accessing the pistes but not so strong on quaint village atmosphere. La Plagne... Les Arcs...Tignes... and many others have all been assigned to this category at one time or another.

But there is one outstanding exception to the rule. The vast Three Valleys ski domain is home to a chocolate box village perhaps more suited to a Swiss or Austrian valley. Established in the 1930s and 40s by Scot, Peter Lindsay, Meribel missed the 60's high rise utilitarian phase of building by a whisker, and instead has turned into a pretty alpine village with oodles of soul and charm.

Not only have the buildings been constructed in the traditional chalet style of mountain settlements, with their wooden clad fronts giving onto an attractive main street, but as the cluster of early houses has grown in recent years, the innate look and feel of a Swiss-style setting has been successfully retained. Nowadays, despite its relative large 'village' status and ski-in, ski-out ease, the sympathetic developments remain true to the original intention of creating an aesthetically pleasing village first and a value for money ski station second.

Ski holidays in Meribel during the winter season also offer the opportunity for exploring more widely on foot as well as the more obvious winter snow sports. A bus service operates around Christmas and New Year and again throughout February to neighbouring La Tania and onto Courchevel, both of which are well-known for their idyllic winter paths.

In fact, the entire Trois Vallées is a naturally beautiful area with its many forests, tracks and lakes, and attracts serious walkers throughout the year - seemingly at odds with its internationally renown ski reputation. The "Lac de Tueda" in Meribel-Mottaret is particularly noteworthy and it is possible to walk all the way around it spotting unusual birds along the journey. Frogs and fish can also be seen in abundance around this area from early March as the lake starts to thaw.

February onwards the traditionally French resort of Brides Les Bains in the valley below Meribel, becomes practically summer-like, yet is only a 25 minute cable-car ride away. The "Les Bains" part of this small town's name gives away the fact that it has natural thermal baths with mineral laden water, believed to have the power to help weight loss and relieve minor ailments. At only 600m above sea-level hikers who come for the mountains around Brides mingle with those more interested in a relaxing visit to its thermal baths and spas.

Unlike many popular ski resorts, Meribel stays open for summer activities when the snow recedes. As the ground starts to thaw higher up around late April/May, Meribel becomes a hive of activity once again as tourists with mountain bikes and hiking boots come out to enjoy the beauty and alpine air of the valley.

All this charm and yet Meribel lies in the very heart of the Three Valleys ski domain, which in turn is the largest linked ski area in the world, itself set in the centre of the French Alps. Not far from Geneva Airport or Moutiers train station, Meribel is well served with bus links, making it a great get-away from pretty much anywhere in central Europe. Enjoy!

As the winter months approach you may be eagerly awaiting the first snow fall. Well, it's time to brush the dust off of those skis and start planning your winter vacation in Vermont. Vermont is full of fabulous ski resorts and home to some of the best skiing in the country. There are loads of adorable towns tucked in the Green Mountains. And when the first snow falls, these towns and resorts are ready for the millions of visitors in search of the perfect winter vacation. Two resorts you may want to consider are Bolton Valley Resort and Mount Snow.

Bolton Valley Resort

With 5,000 acres of pristine land surrounding the ski village of Bolton Valley Resort, it is breathtaking to say the least. If you are looking for skiing or snowboarding, Bolton Valley Resort has spectacular trails to satisfy you.

Bolton Valley Resort has 71 trails for your skiing pleasure. 32% are novice, 36% are intermediate and 32% are expert. There are 300 acres of skiing area. There are 10 ski trails that are lit at night for nighttime skiing and 3 terrain parks for nighttime as well. There are 2 quad chair lifts, 3 double chair lifts and 1 surface lift.

Once you are done on the slopes for the day, take a break and relax in the Sports Center's Jacuzzi or swim a couple laps in their heated pool. Still not relaxed, how about a sauna? The Sports Center also offers basketball, tennis as well as fitness equipment.

At Bolton Valley, all of the rooms are directly on the slopes or within walking distance. No need to drive anywhere. Accommodations consist of standard rooms, suites or condominiums. They offer all-inclusive packages in addition to their ski and stay packages.

Mount Snow Resort

Mount Snow is one of the most recognized ski resorts in the World today. It is home to an outstanding terrain park that hosted both the ESPN Winter X Games and the Winter Dew Tour.

Winter activities include; skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, ice and rock climbing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

Mount Snow has 79 trails for skiing. 14% are easy, 68% are intermediate and 18% are expert. There are 10 glades and 10 terrain parks. There are 467 acres of skiing areas. Mount Snow offers five mountain faces, lots and lots of tree areas, and has top rated parks and pipes. There are 5 surface lifts, 4 double lifts, 6 triple lifts, 4 quad lifts, 3 hi-speed quad lifts and a 6 person lift.

There are a several Bed & Breakfast and hotels located in the valley. The Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Conference Center offers 197 guest rooms to accommodate guests. There is a health club, outdoor heated pools and Jacuzzi as well as a spa. There are 19 restaurants and cafeterias to keep you and your family well fed.

If Vermont is your winter vacation spot, be sure to check into these two fabulous ski resorts. You will find endless fun and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

If you're in charge of organising top quality school ski trips, there are a few things that you should consider during the planning stages in order to ensure that your students enjoy the best possible holiday. Tapping into the expertise of professionals in the sector, here are some top tips to make your break for the slopes go without a hitch:

Plan Well in Advance:

Planning is a golden rule for organising any school excursion, and it's particularly important when it comes to school ski trips, where there is a finite season available. Early planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip, putting you in a position to avoid many of the pitfalls that might crop up - or at least providing you with enough time to deal with problems. Industry insiders and experienced teachers suggest that it's best to plan school ski trips at least 15 months ahead.

Choose the Right Place:

This is, naturally, a vital ingredient for a successful trip. There are so many potential destinations that it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice on offer. For students from the EU, there is far less red-tape when it comes to considering destinations in Europe - the Alps and the Pyrenees are particularly easy to reach. One of the most important considerations for teachers is the ability level of those going on the trip. It can be difficult with mixed-ability groups, but there are a range of different resorts to suit beginners, intermediate and experienced skiers. It's also important to bear in mind the size of the resort, and what other distractions are available for when your group is off the slopes.

Get Permission Early:

It's important to make sure that you gain permission for your trip at the earliest opportunity. There are several places that you may need to get permission, including Head Teachers, School Governors and Local Authorities. Approvals and agreements should be reached before you book your school ski trip or lay down a deposit, to make sure that no unforeseen occurrences can jeopordise your plans.

Make Sure you're Protected:

You're going to be handing over a lot of other people's money to the company you take on to run your school trip, so make sure you do the research and check-up on the background. Most companies will offer testimonials, and there is a range of accreditation to look out for as an indicator of reliability. The ABTA licence and membership of the School Travel Forum will demonstrate your operator's financial health and the existence of a reliable safety management system, so they are both important to look out for.

For those organising school ski trips, there are many different options available across Europe, with plenty of value for those who want to shop around. Italy is becoming more popular as a venue for school trips as many of the French resorts that are comfortable for larger groups can quickly get booked up, and Spain, Austria, Slovenia and Bulgaria are a little further away. Italy offers the full package: great food, great facilities and a great selection of resorts. Accommodation can take the form of anything from small family-run establishments all the way to large hotels, many of which are close to the resorts.

Here is a rundown of the best Italian resorts for those organising school ski trips:

Beginners:

Folgaria - The resort of Folgaria is located on a plateau in Trentino, in Northern Italy, around 15 km southeast of Trento. Folgaria is well-known as a fantastic ski-resort and its well sheltered nursery slopes are great for those learning to ski. Alongside these nursery slopes, there are some fantastic pistes for more experienced skiers; so while ideal for beginners, Folgaria is also a very good option for mixed ability groups. The resort is home to around 100 km of marked runs, with the longest run around 2.5 km.

Mixed Ability Groups:

Andalo - Another resort in Trentino, Andalo is a top-quality medium sized skiing venue on the edge of the Dolomites. The facilities in the area are absolutely top-notch, and make it a joy for mixed ability school ski groups. There are enough slopes for beginners to find their feet, but intermediates with a taste for exploration should be able to cover the whole resort within a week. Andalo is home to around 60 km of marked runs.

Chiesa - A traditional resort that provides almost a kilometre and a half of vertical descent, Chiesa is a great place for school groups to learn to ski. It is popular with both snowboarders and skiers, meaning there is plenty of choice for school ski groups. A traditional mountainside village in Lombardy, Chiesa is a great all round destination.

Folgarida - Another great resort for groups of differing abilities, Folgarida is subject to a local micro-climate which, combined with the north and east facing slopes, means that the area can provide superior snow to other venues at this elevation. This beautiful resort links both the Madonna di Campiglio and Marilleva resorts and provides 52 individual pistes.

Advanced Groups:

Cesana - One of the resort better suited to more experienced groups, Cesana is home to a huge variety of runs - with particularly challenging and exciting advanced runs. The 'Milky Way' ski region is a huge complex of over 400 km of piste.