Despite its name and reputation as a world-class ski resort, Snowmass is not just a one-season Colorado wonder. More than 3,000 acres of terrain parks and halfpipes woo skiers and snowboarders, but 40 miles of hiking and biking trails keep active travelers on the move when the snow melts. The mountain town's boutiques and casual eateries complement the festivals, free music events and rodeo held each summer. When the flakes fall again, a groomed cross-country ski trail links Snowmass to Aspen.

Step away from the hustle and bustle into the secluded luxury of three alpine villages in one at Beaver Creek. At the foot of Beaver Creek Mountain, the unique village-to-village ski system and ski-in/ski-out accommodation of Beaver Creek Village and neighbouring Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Villages make it almost unnecessary to remove your skis! The mountain offers groomed slopes and world class competitions, including the Birds of Prey World Cup, as well as an array of summer activities.

North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favourite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.

Despite its name, Winter Park is really a destination for all seasons. The Winter Park resort draws skiers and snowboarders in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer. Trailblazers may take to the woods on snowmobiles or cross-country skis in the snowy months, but when the sun comes out those same trails are perfect for hiking and the water is high for rafting. Spring wildflowers, summer wildlife, fall colors and crystalline winters make Winter Park a true natural wonder all year long.

Anyplace can have an amazing pool and spa, but an amazing pool and spa in the middle of a gorgeous desert? That’s what you’ll find at Sedona’s resorts. If you do feel like taking a break from lounging poolside and sampling different kinds of massages, you'll find miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Afterward, of course, you'll need another massage. It's the good kind of vicious cycle.

Once a busy river port sending military supplies shipped from California to forts and camps in the Southwest to fight the Apache wars, today Yuma is a winter retreat for thousands of visitors craving its warm, dry and sunny climate. With warm weather comes golf, and the city has several excellent courses. Birdwatchers will enjoy the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, which is rich in migratory bird life and also offers hiking, fishing and boating facilities. For a step back in time to the days of frontier justice, visit the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, a prison dating back to 1876, or the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, for a walk through restored historic buildings. If these sites whet your appetite for more pioneer lore, visit the Century House Museum, which is full of pioneer artefacts and exhibits. And, speaking of appetite, make sure and stop for burger and chips at Lutes Casino, Arizona's oldest pool hall, where old movie memorabilia grace the walls.

Think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, fabulous seafood restaurants, and great hotels overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay… Monterey is a great place for a romantic getaway. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters.

Boasting Tudor revival architecture, a Bavarian Village style shopping area, an annual Bavarian Christmas celebration and one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich, Leavenworth offers up a little slice of Germany in the center of its spectacular Pacific Northwest landscape. The town boasts many tours, wine tasting rooms and even a museum of nutcrackers from the ancient to the quirky. Nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers adventures in biking, hiking, skiing and more.

Life just moves a little bit slower on Virgin Gorda, so named because this British Virgin Island resembles a large reclining lady. The laid-back pace of the island is the perfect excuse to take your time, whether you’re wading along the granite grottoes of The Baths, doing some casual snorkeling in Devil’s Bay, or exploring the stone ruins of a 19th century Copper Mine. Hanging out in the hammock at Mad Dog while you sip a Painkiller is the ultimate in Virgin Gorda relaxation.