Ski resorts: The hottest spots for winter 2008

By Jim Cohn, Orbitz Sports Travel expert

So where are the hottest ski resorts? The Orbitz Insider Ski Index
reveals that all 10 destinations on our list are in the West. Skiing in the Golden State continues to grow in
popularity, with Lake Tahoe as the #1 destination, followed
by Mammoth Lakes at #2. Making its first appearance on the Index is
Keystone, Colorado, one of sixresorts in the Rocky Mountain state to
make the list. Colorado shares the spotlight with Utah’s Park City (#3)
and Jackson Hole, Wyoming (#5), both of which checked in among the top
five.

Here are the top ski destinations, based on 2007 hotel and vacation package bookings on Orbitz:

1. Lake Tahoe, California
2. Mammoth Lakes, California
3. Park City, Utah
4. Breckenridge, Colorado
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado (tie)
6. Vail, Colorado (tie)
8. Snowmass, Colorado
9. Keystone, Colorado
10. Winter Park, Colorado

Golf and ski on the same day

Why choose between your skis and clubs when, in the spring, there are areas to do both?

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada — Ranked #1 on the Orbitz Ski Index, Lake Tahoe is a destination where
visitors can satisfy two urges in one day. With seven ski resorts and
expansive terrain spread over more than 17,000 acres, skiers and
snowboarders of all levels are sure to find plenty of runs to fitany
level of expertise. And from the oldest nine-hole course in the nation to a
championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Lake Tahoe’s links cater
to both the low handicap player and the casual golfer.

Whistler, Canada — Locals call it an “Extreme Day,” we call it plain old fashioned fun.
Known for having some of the best skiing in North America and featuring
four championship golf courses within 30 minutes of the ski resort,
Whistler is an ideal location for skiing and golfing in the same day.

Snowbird, Utah — Located just 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport,
Snowbirdfeatures great activities both on the slopes and on the links.
The mountains of Snowbird have a combined 4,700 acres of area to ski.
During the spring, Snowbird can organize golf
trips at local courses like Old Mill, and there are six other
golf courses within 40 minutes of Snowbird.

Related Orbitz resources:

Before Orbitz, Jim had a previous life as a broadcast sports journalist,
covering the Super Bowl, the Final Four, the Masters, the Daytona 500 and other events
that would make any sports junkie jealous. Now, he uses his expertise and travel
experience to help others find the best and most cost-effective ways to travel
to top sporting events.

Tagged: California, Colorado, Top 10 Lists