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When ski season hits, certain cities across the country come alive. While skiing may be the main attraction, many of these towns offer an enchanted experience that extends beyond the slopes.



As you plan your winter getaway, consider these well-rounded ski cities:

Park City, Utah
This lively ski town is filled with acclaimed restaurants, galleries and shops. Aside from skiing, the town also offers snowmobiling, fishing, snowshoe adventures, bobsled, luge and sleigh rides.

Telluride, Colo.
This quaint ski village is home to more than just beautiful slopes. Upscale boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and bars line the charming snow-covered streets. A free gondola connects Telluride to the nearby Mountain Village which features expansive views, convenient access to the slopes of the Telluride Ski Resort and world-class accommodations.

Stowe, Vt.
This is a great destination for skiiers and non-skiiers alike. From snowshoeing to shopping to first-class dining, there is so much to do in this charming New England town. Be sure to make the trip to nearby Waterbury for a tour and taste at the Ben & Jerry's Headquarters.

Jackson Hole, Wyo.
In addition to downhill skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snow-coach rides are very popular in this spectacular winter wonderland. Another big draw is the close proximity of Yellowstone and the National Elk Refuge.

Bend, Ore.
Over the past two decades, the population in Bend has quadrupled, but its 1920s appeal has remained intact. The growth has led to an influx of talented chefs and an impressive array of new restaurants. Step outside and you'll be surrounded by nearly 3,700 acres of awe-inspiring terrain. Strap on those snowshoes, hit the slopes or go on a dog-sledding adventure. It all awaits you.

Bozeman, Mont.
Bozeman is the ultimate town for outdoor adventurist. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing, snowboarding... you name it, you can do it. Yellowstone is also nearby. If you want uncrowded slopes and plenty of untouched powder to explore, this is the place.

Aspen, Colo.
When you arrive in Aspen, you'll feel the magic of this picturesque ski town. Everything is here, from fantastic skiing to the very best dining and upscale boutiques such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Aspen is glitz and glamour with a laid-back vibe.

Truckee, Calif.
Just 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, this serene town is ideal for those who want a quieter retreat. Take a walking tour of the historically-rich downtown district, explore a state park or browse the wide selection of shops which range from chic to rustic.

Burlington, Vt.
Whether you want to relax or do something exciting, Burlington offers both. You can try nearly any outdoor activity you can imagine and there are plenty of beautiful hotels and inns where you can simply just unwind. The Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's award-winning pedestrian mall, is also a big attraction where you'll find a wide assortment of shops, restaurants and even live entertainment.

Crested Butte, Colo.
In "The Butte," locally-owned businesses rule. There are no chain restaurants allowed, so instead of Starbucks, you'll find Camp 4 Coffee. Exploring the unique shops and boutiques is great fun and adds to the charm of this small ski town.

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What better way to feel jolly than to have some festive holiday fun? From light shows to enchanted forests, there are some spectacular events going on now around the country. Here are a few of our faves:

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 7 - Dec. 30
Named one of the world's top holiday destinations by CNN, this holiday celebration features over four million dazzling lights and a musical five-story Christmas tree that twinkles and dances. There are some great shows throughout the park including The Living Nativity and A Dickens' Christmas Carol. You'll probably even can even catch a glimpse of Kris Kringle himself.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms - Kissimmee, Fla.
Nov. 14 - Jan. 3
Who says the holidays in Florida have to be all about sunshine and palm trees? Grab the family and head out for some cool winter fun at ICE, a walk-through Christmas wonderland hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. Journey through the North Polo and a life-sized Nativity carved entirely out of ice at this award-winning attraction.

Santa Land - Lindale, Tex.
Nov. 1 - Jan. 4
If you've never seen Santa Land's dancing Christmas trees, you're in for a real treat.
Santa Land's Magic Forest, spanning 24 acres and boasting over two and a half million lights, is one of the best light shows in Texas. Afterwards, check out the new gift shop and grab a hot chocolate at the concession stand.

Bull Run Festival of Lights - Centreville, Va.
Nov. 25 - Jan. 10
Located just outside of Washington, D.C., the Bull Run Festival of Lights has been attracting thousands of visitors for more than 11 years. If you've got family coming in for Thanksgiving, this is a great activity that everyone will enjoy. Drive through two-plus miles of beautiful light displays and end the evening in the Holiday Village where you'll find food, gifts, carnival rides and more.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore - Asheville, N.C.
Nov. 6 - Jan. 3
There's nothing quite as enchanting as Christmas at Biltmore. During the holiday season, the massive estate is transformed into something truly magnificent. The house is decorated with dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees and you can enjoy special holiday menus in the restaurants as well as complimentary wine tastings. If you choose to do the Candlelight Christmas Evenings visit, you'll enjoy the magic of Biltmore House with candlelight, blazing fires, storytellers and live music.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Chicago, Ill.
Nov. 21 - 22
This event gets bigger and better every year. Don't miss the lighting procession Nov. 21 where Mickey Mouse, many of his Disney friends and a parade of marching bands will illuminate one million lights on 200 trees. There will also be a fireworks display over the Chicago River starting at 6:55PM.

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Ariz.
Nov. 26 - Jan. 10
Starting Thanksgiving Day, animal kingdom is transformed into one of the largest holiday lights events in the region. Trees are draped in lights, wire frames shaped like animals are lit up and holiday music plays throughout the zoo.

Santa's Enchanted Forest - Miami, Fla.
Nov. 5 - Jan. 3
Ready to immerse yourself in a wonderland of holiday fantasy? With over 100 rides, shows, games and attractions, Santa's Enchanted Forest is the world's largest Christmas theme park and free carnival. There are two giant roller coasters and well as plenty of kiddie rides. While you're there, be sure to check out the world's tallest Christmas tree.

Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay - Wheeling, W.Va.
Nov. 13 - Jan. 3
This holiday tradition began in 1985 and today it is one of the nation's largest light shows covering more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive. The light show is so awesome that it's even been featured on the Travel Channel's Extreme Christmas Celebrations. If this doesn't leave you feeling festive, then Scrooge you.

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Ready to do a little rockin' around the Christmas tree? 'Tis the season! It's time to kick off the holidays and light up those trees.



Enjoy some good fun and good cheer at these top tree lighting ceremonies around the country:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - New York, N.Y.
December 2, 2009
One of season's most anticipated holiday events, the Rockefeller Tree Lighting is always a jolly time. The star-studded event will attract thousands and feature exciting celebrity performances. The festivities begin at 6:45PM and the tree will be lit at 8:55PM sharp.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting - Washington, D.C.
December 3, 2009
Join your fellow Americans in the nation's capital to celebrate the season and share the message of peace. The tree will be illuminated using energy-efficient lights and the festivities will feature an all-star lineup of live performances. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, you can watch the ceremony from the comfort of your own home via live webcast.

Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Chicago, Ill.
November 25, 2009
This year marks Chicago's 96th tree lighting ceremony. Head to Daley Plaza to see this mega-tree lit up in all its glory. The fun begins at 4PM and the switch is flipped at 4:30PM.

Macy's Tree Lighting Ceremony - San Francisco, Calif.
November 27, 2009
This annual day-after-Thanksgiving tradition celebrates the start of the holiday season and benefits UCSF Children's Hospital. There will be musical performances and Santa Claus will lead the countdown to the big illumination. The celebration begins at 6PM.

Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting - Boston, Mass.
December 3, 2009
This year, Mayor Menino and Santa Claus will flip the switch to light the city's official Christmas tree, a 46-foot white spruce. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment including singing sensation Brian McKnight. The event takes place at Boston Common from 6-8PM.

Broadway Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - Columbus, Ohio
December 4, 2009
Help Santa ring in the season from 6:30 - 8:30PM on the main stage in the 1100 Block of Broadway. In addition to the tree lighting, there will choir performances, real reindeer and a holiday parade.

Tree Lighting Celebration & Holiday Parade - Seattle, Wash.
November 27, 2009
This annual celebration features an entire day of holiday fun. The day begins with downtown holiday parade at 8:45AM and ends with the tree lighting and fireworks display at 5PM.

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With the winter season and the holidays fast approaching, it's about time to lace up those skates and embrace the cold-weather spirit.



Bundle up, grab your family and friends and get ready to skate your heart out. Here are some of our favorite rinks to show off those salchows and triple toe loops:

Sculpture Garden Ice-Skating Rink
Washington, D.C.
Find your inner Kristi Yamaguchi as you skate amidst the scenic backdrop of the National Gallery of Art. Lovely sculptures and festive lights line this outdoor rink making it one of the nation's most beautiful places to swirl and twirl.

Pond at Bryant Park
New York, N.Y.
Think ice skating in New York and Rockefeller Center immediately comes to mind. It's a New York landmark and a winter tradition for many families, but skating around this rink doesn't come cheap. Instead, chill out at the Pond at Bryant Park. It's free and it's a great area to do some holiday shopping after you skate.

Blue Cross RiverRink
Philadelphia, Pa.
Blue Cross RiverRink is Philadelphia's only outdoor public ice rink. The rink opens the day after Thanksgiving and attracts nearly a quarter million ice skaters throughout the season. Each month, the rink hosts a free event including the always-popular "Skate with Santa" and the "New Year's Eve Party on Ice."

Downtown on Ice
Los Angeles, Calif.
L.A.'s answer to New York's Rockefeller Center, Downtown on Ice is Southern California's largest outdoor skating rink located smack dab in the center of downtown Los Angeles. Palm trees surrounding the rink will make you feel an ice queen in paradise. The rink often hosts free concerts and occasional hockey clinics run by the L.A. Kings.

The Depot Skating Rink
Minneapolis, Minn.
Named one of the top ten best places in the country to ice skate by USA Today and MSNBC, The Depot Rink is located inside a stunning historic train shed. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful views of the city skyline. You'll be shielded from Minneapolis' biting cold winter, but practically feel like you're skating outdoors.

Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston, Mass.
Take your skates for a spin at the Frog Pond, situated in America's oldest public park. Afterwards, warm up with a cozy lunch or dinner at some of Boston's best restaurants. And if you can't wait until after you skate, the kid-friendly menu at the rink's snack bar is overseen by local restaurant chefs.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park
Chicago, Ill.
Kick off winter in the Windy City at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. The rink is free and open to the public and draws more than 100,000 skaters each year. You'll enjoy great views of Michigan Avenue as you glide around the rink. The frosty fun begins November 18.

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