Most ski resorts are operational between the months of October and April. This gives skiers a minimum of seven full months to plan winter vacations or long weekends.

Some of the most popular ski destinations in the world include the Alps, Aspen and the Pyrenees. These areas all offer skiers and snowboarders the ultimate in fun and adrenaline rushes.

The Alps provide nearly everything a skier could dream of. The mountain range is divided into two primary divisions; the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps.

Some of the most extreme skiing in the world takes place in the Alps. The highest mountain in the Alps, at 15,774 feet, is Mont Blanc. Many resorts in the Alps provide ski areas to fit any difficulty level.

Beginners have nearly as many options as intermediate skiers. More experienced skiers have a much wider array of areas to fit their needs.

Some of the most popular ski areas in the Alps are Kitzbuhel and Seefeld, both in Austria. Zermatt, Grindelwald and St. Moritz are popular destinations in Switzerland, while Chamonix Mont Blanc is the most popular in France.

Skiers are often prepared to pay whatever price is necessary for the quality of enjoyment they can receive at various resorts in the Alps. The upscale prices of some resorts in the Alps can put a damper on the budget traveller's plans, though.

Often filled with glitz and glamor, Aspen in Colorado is another world-class ski area. It is one of the favorite ski destinations for celebrities from around the world.

Like the Alps, Aspen has a wide range of ski areas to cater to a wide range of abilities. Families enjoy the smaller hills and gentle slopes, while more experienced skiers enjoy high-speed adrenaline rushes.

Some of Aspen's most famous homeowners include Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas and Jack Nicholson.

The Pyrenees offer a broader range of costs to fit nearly any international skier's budget.

Resort areas like Bareges La Mongie, St. Lary Soulan and Andorra offer very affordable ski packages throughout the ski season. Resorts and hotels in the Pyrenees often offer prices as low as $30 per night or $400 per month for extended vacations.

Not only are the prices more reasonable, but the range of difficulty on the slopes is more diverse as well.

Most resorts in the Pyrenees start with slow, easy slopes for beginners to learn and practice.

Instructors are available to assist with any problems the beginning skier may have. Intermediate slopes are often marked and offer a wide array of terrain from steep slopes to small jumps.

More advanced skiers have a broader area to choose from. Many extreme skiers visit the Pyrenees for the sheer adrenaline rush the mountains offer.

With the 2007-2008 ski season at an end, the outdoor enthusiast can still find a wide range of outdoor activities at favourite ski destinations.

Many of the world's favorite ski destinations turn into favourite summertime vacation destinations during the off-season. Several offer discounted vacation packages during the summer months for the international tourist who enjoys a world-class mountain vacation.