Top 5 best ski resorts in the United States

Ski resorts vacations are a great way to unwind and leave behind the stress of work, family or study. Although ski trips might require a little more effort than lounging around on a beach in the Caribbean, sliding down ski slopes bring a level of exhilaration that make you forget all of your troubles. If you’re thinking of making a ski resort your next vacation destination, check out this list of the top five resorts in the United States!

Ski resorts… the list:

1. Aspen, Colorado

If you’ve done some research into ski resorts in the United States, you’ve most likely come across Aspen. This Colorado ski town is probably most famous for its frequent visits by celebrities – several famous stars, including Charlie Sheen and John Denver, have visited Aspen, so you never know – you might bump into one there! Ample accommodation is available, but if you are planning on visiting during what could possibly be a busy time (such as Christmas), make sure you book well in advance.

2. Killington, Vermont

If you’re closer to the Atlantic Ocean than you are to the Pacific, the ski resort town of Killington, located in the centre of Vermont, might be a better option than Aspen. Up to 17,000 skiers visit Killington every day, making it the largest ski resort on the United States’ eastern seaboard. Six mountains comprise Killington’s ski resort, with 22 lifts and 141 trails connecting them. Killington’s skiing offerings are some of the best in the United States, featuring New England’s steepest mogul run and the second highest vertical drop on the eastern seaboard.

3. Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley is considered by many as one of the best ski resorts in the lower 48 states, having served as one of the sites for competition during the 2002 Winter Olympics. The resort also frequently hosts other international competitions. Vacationing here means that you’ll be skiing on the slopes that some of the world’s best may have skied on at some point – something that you may remember for the rest of your life!

4. Squaw Valley Ski Resort, California

Another popular ski resort that has served as the site for many an international competition is Squaw Valley Ski Resort in northern California. Located in the Lake Tahoe area, Squaw Valley not only features amazing ski slopes but also a scenic lift to take skiers to the top of the resort’s peak – great for those who don’t ski and don’t want to learn how!

5. Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park is another great Colorado destination – one that is very close to Denver. Just like Squaw Valley, Winter Park offers something for everyone, regardless of skiing ability – from a family pool to a peaceful pond. Owing to these features, you don’t need to be a great skier to enjoy a vacation to Winter Park – a good sign for those of us who don’t know their way around a ski pole!

Enjoy your next ski resort vacation!

Top 5 most visited tourist destinations in the United States

Although many tourist destinations (such as national parks) don’t take attendance numbers, it’s still easy to find out what hot spots the most holidaymakers are flocking to. If you’d like to take a vacation to a destination on the beaten track, rather than off it, check out this list of the top five most visited tourist destinations in the United States!

JustVR’s Tourist Destinations picks

1. Times Square, New York

Every 15 minutes on a typical weekday, it is estimated that over 2,000 pedestrians pass through Times Square, making it the most visited tourist destination in the United States in 2009. Although the Square is most famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations held each year, featuring the New Year’s Eve Ball, a great time can be had each and every day of the year at this destination in its famed Broadway theatres and loud signs!

2. The Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

Each year, over 31 million visitors walk or drive through the Las Vegas Strip, located in the centre of Nevada’s busiest city. Although it takes about 30 minutes to take in the glitz of the Strip from the outside, to fully enjoy the experience it is a good idea to take the time to visit a few of the Strip’s famed casinos or theatres. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC

Featuring some of the best-known landmarks of Washington, DC, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are must-see destinations for anyone interested in the American civic system. You’ve probably seen some of America’s world famous memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the National Mall on television or in films – why not visit them in person?

4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts

Despite being less well-known worldwide, Faneuil Hall Marketplace attracts 20 million visitors each and every year, and dates back to pre-Independence times. Featuring over 100 different businesses, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is also home to countless street entertainers, who will ensure that your visit to the Marketplace is a good one, with no obligation to pay for their services! Faneuil Hall, the Marketplace’s namesake, has served as a meeting place for the local community since 1742, and was named for a wealthy businessman from Boston, Peter Faneuil. The Hall was last restored in 1992, and was once home to several speeches promoting the idea of seceding from the British Empire.

5. Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney World attracts approximately 17 million visitors every year, and for a good reason. Disney World is a perfect tourism destination for anyone with children looking for a safe place to enjoy themselves, and the Florida location is just one of many different Disney-themed parks located across the globe. If you are looking for a fun, safe and clean (albeit expensive!) place to spend a few days, Disney World in Florida might be the place for you!

Top 5 weird and wacky places to ring in the New Year

New Year parties are great, especially when you’re in the company of friends and family. However, there’s nothing like celebrating new beginnings in the company of thousands of others in a special place to remember for the rest of your life. Make your next New Years’ Eve party one to remember in these five fantastic destinations!

New Year’s around the Globe

1. New Year in Kiribati, Pacific Ocean

In 1995, the government of the small Pacific island nation of Kiribati decided to bring its entire landmass to the western side of the International Date Line, having been separated by the Line prior. This meant extending the Date Line eastward to accommodate Kiribati, which now claims to be the first nation to see the New Year in every year. The small atoll of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is the closest island to the Date Line with tourist facilities.

2. New Year in Pago Pago, American Samoa

Although not marketed as such, Pago Pago in the small American territory of American Samoa is one of the last towns of significance to sit in the previous year while the rest of the world has moved forward. Despite the independent nation of Samoa lying to the west of American Samoa, the former observes daylight saving time, while the latter does not, placing Pago Pago in the previous year while its western neighbour has moved on! Although not promoted as widely as a tourist destination as Samoa, accommodation in the territory is available.

3. New Year in New York City, New York

Possibly the most famous of all New Year’s Eve hot spots, hundreds of thousands of revellers descend on Times Square at the end (and beginning!) of each year to witness the New Year’s Eve Ball drop down the flagpole of worldwide fame. If you’re planning on a visit to New York to see the new year in, arrive early, as people start to assemble as early as 3pm.

4. New Year in Barcelona, Spain

Although not as well known as other New Years’ destinations such as New York, plenty of festivities make Barcelona a great place to spend December 31. Festivities begin in Barcelona well before the night arrives, with Spanish dancing a popular activity. If you happen to be near a fruit store on the night, pick up a bunch of grapes and participate in the centuries-old tradition of eating one grape after each of the twelve bells toll to mark the beginning of the new year.

5. New Year in Tokyo, Japan

If you are planning on visiting Tokyo during the week that New Year’s Day falls in, don’t expect to be able to visit many of those tourist sites that Tokyo has become well known for, as they will all have closed down! One tourist destination that may be open on 2 January though is the Imperial Palace, which opens for only two days during the year.

A celebration in a foreign city will be something that you will never forget. For many popular New Year’s eve destinations, accommodation fills up fast, so make sure you book early to get to your dream destination!