Is a vacation in your plans this coming winter or spring? Perhaps you are in the mood for something other than taking the yearly trip to "someplace warm?" Maybe you would prefer not to drop another five thousand dollars on a cruise? Want a little excitement? Want to feel the wind through your hair and the mountain sun on your face? Well grab the family and head out for a snowboarding vacation!

Skiing and Resorts

There was a time when snowboarding was for the skiing outcasts. It was even difficult to find a ski area that would allow them to use their runs. Thankfully, those days are long gone. When snowboarding hit the world consciousness at the 1998 Olympic games at Nagano, Japan, well, the world changed!

Today, snowboarding is as popular (more so?) as downhill skiing and you can find that activity at any ski resort. Snowboarding resorts are a mecca for the "snow set." They host a huge array of activities that reach far beyond just skiing down the slope. Both singles and families will find the environment entertaining and relaxing. Couples will love the intimate surroundings of forest walks and cozy fire places, and families will be able to easily entertain the children while the parents find rejuvenation of the spirit.

Some of the most well known resorts that offer both Alpine (downhill) skiing and snowboarding were listed in Ski Magazine:

Deer Valley, Utah

Vail, Colorado

Whistler/Blackcomb, BC

Aspen, Colorado

Snowmass, Colorado

Park City, Utah

Breckenridge, Colorado

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Steamboat, Colorado

Sun Valley, Idaho

Many of these locations offer package deals attractive to both those challenged with limited time and/or financial considerations. Also, there are often packages designs with the busy lives of parents in mind or those seeking a romantic retreat. There is something for all folks at these resorts.

The snowboard vacation, though, is actually much more than skiing. Many resorts are within driving distance of other attractions such as amusement parks or other outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. This "critical mass" of collocated attractions and locations are what put the bargain in a snowboard vacation and make your dollars go farther.

A Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere

Perhaps it's too much to expect that raging downhill on your snowboard is viewed as "romantic" or "cozy." But the truth is that a snowboarding vacation is so much more than just doing the slopes. Perhaps after a long tiring day on the slopes (and one too many tumbles?), you'll notice that river rock fireplace or that outdoor Jacuzzi at your resort cabin (yes, cabin-just as often as a conventional hotel, you can have a cabin). Mix in the right company and this suddenly becomes interesting. And lets not forget the "apr's-ski" or after ski party. Many resorts throw some wild parties, and while you may not see that as cozy or romantic, who knows where it will lead later.

Work at Play

Sometimes it's a hard concept to wrap your brain around; however, think about a corporate snowboarding vacation! Many companies take sabbaticals; what could be more relaxing than working at play (playing at work?) high in the mountains? Once you get over the shock of doing something fun "at work," it makes eminent good sense. Think about it: every resort has meeting halls and offers conferencing and catering service. When the work is done (or not!), you hit the slopes for a much deserved injection of radical'on the corporate dime no less.

The Bottom-line on the Snowboarding Vacation

Vacations at Snowboarding resorts make sense. There are a large number of activities for singles, couples, and families. Unlike "going to the beach," there are countless places to see and do once you have had your fill with skiing. The snowboarding vacation offers excitement, solitude, romance, and relaxation all in one.