The Village at Steamboat Springs, a Wyndham timeshare development in Colorado, is loaded with the amenities that any family would crave for their ski vacation!  With 144 new condos at the timeshare ski resort, Wyndham owners will have several new choices: "Wyndham Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs is assigned 71 units, as is the WorldMark Steamboat Springs. In addition to their standard one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, each has a couple of presidential units that feature higher finishes such as granite counters and wood floors in a two-story townhome configuration." (source)

In addition to the Wyndham ski timeshare, Intrawest has Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Steamboat Springs timeshare resorts right in Steamboat Springs. Steamboat, also known as Ski Town USA, gets it's name from springs that are located near the town's library. There are also two hot springs in town that are open to the public featuring pools and slides. Even though Steamboat Springs is a small town (about 10,000 population 2001) it has quite a name among skiing enthusiasts. Steamboat Springs also hosted the 1989 and 1990 Alpine Skiing World cup.

There may still be lodging ready for booking. As always, renting a timeshare, or owning a timeshare there would be the most cost efficient way to do it. Especially if you buy a timeshare on the secondary market from an owner. You can save a huge amount of money that way and get the same benefits. Look as some Colorado timeshare deals here.

With so much snow being in the news lately, now is the time to get your ski trip details ironed out. In the news, Club Intrawest announced a great package deal for their three Colorado timeshare ski resorts:  "Called the Pow Pow Platter, the promotion offers skiers and riders a $99 package that includes a day each in Steamboat Springs, Copper Mountain and Winter Park." Here's where you get it: www.powpowplatter.com . It sounds like a terrific deal for just about everything you need for your ski trip.

The most recent reports coming from Copper Mountain are "Three more inches of new snow in the last 24, a foot and a half in the last week. December has brought more than three feet of fresh powder to the world-class, naturally-divided slopes of Copper." With as much snow as we have seen from coast to coast, most ski resorts are ready to open all their trails and lifts.

As always, keep an eye on your gear for safety, know where you are going, and use the buddy system to stay safe on the ski slopes this season.

Be sure to check out the 3D interactive ski maps at www.ski.com

Tips for Travel: Making plans for a family vacation should not resort to the annual trip to "visit the family" 3 states away. Get creative, explore some new destinations and put some excitement back into your family vacation. While searching for some of the best family vacation destinations I came across www.weather.com 's Travel Top 10 list of Family Friendly Destinations. I discovered many familiar vacation spots on the list - here they are:

San Diego California - San Diego is a beautiful city with mild weather, great beaches, water sports, activities for the family, and much more. Your vacation cost may be a little higher for your stay there but San Diego came in first on their list.

Orlando Florida - Orlando is one of my very top choices for vacations with the family. Having been to Orlando a number of times on a vacation, I would concur with their choice. Each time I went to Orlando, I stayed in a timeshare rental and saved quite a bit on the lodging cost of the trip. With Orlando you have countless attractions and activities to enjoy.

Yellowstone National Park - This park has been one of America's favorites for generations.

Hershey Pennsylvania - This place is called The Sweetest Place on Earth! The Hershey chocolate company was founded here over 100 years ago. Not only is there an attraction to the candy for children, but an impressive theme park, zoo, gardens, and a museum.

Atlantis Bahamas - See yesterday's blog article! An awesome adventure.

Caribbean Cruises - The Caribbean provides a huge expanse of exotic tropical islands. From Aruba in the Eastern Caribbean to Jamaica in the West, these islands host the stuff dreams are made of. Cruises in the Caribbean provide the family with activities for the family, children, and teens.

Maui - Hawaii is considered to be the dream vacation destination for millions of people. Consider renting one of the fabulous timeshares on Maui to save a bundle of money. For example, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club is one of the greatest resorts on the island and has the amenities and activities to suit any style.

Washington DC - I'm not sure I'd place the nation's capitol in the top ten list of family vacations. Yes, there is a lot to see that would be memorable for anyone. The Smithsonian Institution, National Zoo, monuments, capitol, and White House are all fine experiences. I'd personally avoid the hot summer months that are packed with tourists.

Estes Park Colorado - The Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Estes Park) offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and adventuring. Outdoor activities are the champion of vacations to Estes Park. Be sure to check out these Rocky Mountains timeshare deals for the best bet for great lodging.

Myrtle Beach South Carolina - With over 100 golf courses and 60 miles of beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone in Myrtle Beach. Water parks, museums, zoos, deep sea fishing, and beach activites are the main course for a trip to Myrtle Beach.

Grand Timber Lodge timeshare in Colorado

Last year, Texans outspent 46 other states on snow-sports equipment, apparel and accessories, with more than $106 million in retail sales," said Kelly Davis, research manager for SnowSports Industries America, a nonprofit industry trade group." (source)

"It’s not a surprise to see Texans are among the leading contributors to ski related retail sales.  The many great ski areas in Colorado and other states provide Texans with a vast amount of options.  There are many different resort areas to choose from and the airfare to Denver is usually quite reasonable compared to other vacation destinations.  I’m sure the very hot summers in Texas are a contributing factor to Texans paying extra on cold weather garments to stay bundled up while vacationing in these cold areas."

Another great way spend money on your next ski trip is your lodging. BUT, I'd say, rent a timeshare for your skiing trip. You'll get great locations, large rooms, kitchens, laundry, lots of extras. And you'll save a bundle. Check it out.

Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge Timeshare, Breckenridge Colorado

As a follow up to my last blog about the top ten beach resorts, here's my pick of the top ten ski resort timeshares in North America:

Marriott's Summit Watch - Park City, Utah - Located at the base of historic Main Street, Marriott's Summit Watch is steps away from the town ski lift, in the heart of beautiful Park City. While the area boasts of having "the greatest snow on Earth" for skiers, it also offers year-round recreational opportunities including great golf, tennis, mountain biking, and fishing.

The Cliff Club at Snowbird  Park City, Utah - This resort is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountain Range and boasts four restaurants, three lounges, two outdoor pools, a 27,000 sq. ft. spa, and lap pool. This year round resort offers ski school, and downhill skiing.

Grand Timber Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Grand Timber Lodge is one of Colorado's finest ski-in, ski-out resorts. Located next to the Snowflake Chairlift and just a short walk from downtown Breckenridge, Grand Timber Lodge features studio, one, two, and three-bedroom residences.

Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge is in the heart of town on Maggie Pond. overlooking the Quick Silver Super Six chairlift. The ski mountain boast 27 lifts and more than 148 ski trails.

Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont - Situated high in the Green Mountains, these Austrian-themed guest houses are still owned and operated by the Trapp Family of the Trapp Family Singers and Sound of Music fame. Set on a spectacular 2,800 acre mountaintop, The Lodge's main dining room and Austrian Tea Room offer amazing culinary delights.

Inn Season at Pollard Brook - Lincoln, New Hampshire - This resort is set high above New Hampshire's number one scenic byway just across from the state's popular ski mountain, Loon Mountain. On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, tennis courts, game room, and playground. All units have a fireplace, deck, kitchen, VCR and mountain views.

Hyatt High Sierra Lodge - Lake Tahoe, Nevada - This fabulous Five Star resort is situated on Lake Tahoe's north shore in Incline Village. These lovely two-bedroom/two-bath units with fireplace are just steps away from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.

Shell Vacation Club Mountainside Lodge - Whistler, BC Canada - Visitors will enjoy the views of both Blackcomb and the Whistler ski areas from the pool and the hot tub at Mountainside Lodge. The resort features over one vertical mile of ski terrrain, the longest run in North America. This quiet ski-in/ski-out location is close to shops, restaurants, and golf.

Whiski Jack at Whistler Creek - Whistler, BC Canada - This resort offers you the thrilling skiing of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Whistler's Arnold Palmer golf course is a special treat for summer guests. Boardsailing, fishing, horseback riding and much more are available during the summer.

Marriott's Timber Lodge - South Lake Tahoe, California - Marriott's Timber Lodge is at the base of world-renowned Heavenly Ski Area, adjacent to the Heavenly Aerial Tram. Amenities include a courtyard pool, on-site restaraunt, convenience store, fitness center, ski storage, valet and children's activity center. The resort offers a varriety of one- and two-bedroom villas with a fireplace, private balcony or terrace, fully equipped kitchens.

Well,that's my top ten list for ski resorts. Have any to add?

Narrated Slide Show of the Top Ten Ski Timeshare Resorts

So the heat index today is over 100 degrees. Nearly had a heat stroke last weekend working in the yard.  Even the dogs don't want to get off the shaded porch.  Now I am thinking: where can I get a great deal on a mountain lodge rental so I can go skiing next January?  It is not too early to start planning a ski trip. Whether you are thinking of Colorado, Utah, Vermont, or New Hampshire you should start planning now for your ski resort lodging.

Just one basic tip: find a timeshare resort where you can rent (or buy) for up to 50% off!  Where do you find these kinds of deals for ski timeshare resorts?  www.rpmls.com of course.

At www.rpmls.com you can find all the best ski resorts, photos, maps, floorplans, and tons of information. If you start negotiating now, open title next week, close in 60 days, you should be able to book that ski trip you were dreaming of last weekend when you were sweating at the ballpark.

A couple of my favorite timeshare ski resorts: Marriott's Summit Watch Park City Utah, Grand Timber Lodge (ski in, ski out) Breckenridge Colorado, Alpenland Sporthotel Austria, and Inn Season at Pollard Brook Lincoln New Hampshire.

Check out all these Colorado timeshare resorts for sale.

Photo of Grand Timber Lodge Timeshare Breckenridge Colorado