Venice, Italy 

Although it's normally considered a spring or summer destination, the most exciting time of the year in Venice is just before Ash Wednesday when Carnevale takes place. 

During this 10-day period the entire city becomes an open-air tribute to the style and elegance of the 18th century with concerts, parties and cultural events happening non-stop.  Visitors dressed in elaborate costumes and beautiful hand-painted masks fill the piazzas and cafés, sipping espresso to ward off the chilly weather.  One of the premier attractions is the Doge's Ball, a glamorous event held in a 15-century palace beside the Grand Canal.  Whether or not you attend the balls and expensive parties, the thrill of simply wandering the streets beside kings, queens and court jesters or sharing a table in St. Mark's Plaza with a nobleman and his lady makes for an unforgettable experience.  For more information:  www.turismovenezia.it

Whistler, British Columbia 

What could make a resort that already boasts more ski terrain than any other vacation spot in North America seem even better?  How about the chance to get a sneak preview at some of the slopes you'll be seeing on TV during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games?  Whistler is a small village with big city amenities; there are beds for more than 40,000 guests but the cobblestone streets meandering from ski slope to restaurant to hotel create the laid-back atmosphere of a much smaller town.  Together with nearby Blackcomb Mountain there are more than 200 runs and 33 lifts for skiers to choose from, with two of the longest runs stretching nearly seven miles.  For more information: www.whistler.com

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada 

The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe straddles two states and provides enough entertainment opportunities to suit anyone's needs.  Some visitors spend all their time in one spot while others cruise the various hotels, resorts and casinos lining the 22-mile-long lake.  Winter activities include skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing among others, and at the end of the day there are live shows, casino gambling and a fine selection of restaurants.  One of the best reasons to visit Lake Tahoe, though, may be the lake itself with its crystal-clear water and amazing view of the Sierra Nevada in the background.  Set aside a few moments of your vacation for doing nothing but soaking up the scenery.  For more information: www.bluelaketahoe.com

Trendy travelers seeking the coolest new hotels won't find many cooler than this one.  Created from over 15,000 tons of ice and snow, the Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada promises its guests an unforgettable experience.  The hotel was inspired by a similar attraction in Sweden and features 21 rooms, 13 theme suites, a bar, two art galleries, a chapel and a reception room capable of hosting over 400 bundled-up guests.  Visitors can either tour the property or stay overnight and enjoy activities such as ice skating, dog sledding and cross-country skiing.  Packages like the Romantic Winter Adventure provide couples with everything they need to enjoy a weekend of cold-weather cuddling.  Open from early January through early April each year.  For more information: www.icehotel-canada.com

Innsbruck, Austria 

Innsbruck definitely has what it takes to satisfy winter sports enthusiasts - it's already hosted the Olympic Winter Games twice, in both 1964 and 1976 - but the town is so enchanting in the winter that those who visit without ever donning a pair of skis won't feel like they're missing a thing.  Sometimes referred to as The Jewel of the Alps, Innsbruck is a wondrous collection of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture with a Tyrolean charm which is even more beautiful under a blanket of snow.  Visitors can stroll the medieval streets, tour castles and cathedrals or just sit inside a café and watch the snow fall while enjoying coffee and homemade strudel.  For more information: www.innsbruck-tourism.at

Park City, Utah

It would be unfair to label Park City a ski resort.  Instead, think of it as a town filled with fantastic restaurants and nightspots, luxurious hotels, and a nonstop stream of festivals and special events which also happens to offer some exceptional skiing.  Art openings and theatre performances give visitors a chance to warm up and recover from their outdoor activities and the city also hosts numerous film series in addition to its big draw, the annual Sundance Film Festival.  This year's Winterfest celebration, a 10-day event in early February timed to coincide with the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, will feature concerts, fireworks and dog sled races.  For more information:  www.parkcityinfo.com

Snowmass Village, Colorado 

With four separate mountain peaks and over 3000 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, Snowmass Village is sheer heaven for winter athletes.  Over half of the 83 trails are geared toward intermediate skiers but beginners and experts will find plenty to suit their liking as well.  The village's overall feel is rustic and unpretentious - the resident population is only 1,667 laid-back souls-and locals go out of their way to make visitors feel right at home.  With 32 restaurants and bars there's never a shortage of après-ski options but those craving an extra dose of glitz and glamour can make the short trip to Aspen, a mere ten miles down the road.  For more information: www.snowmassvillage.com

Zermatt, Switzerland 

One glimpse of this resort perched at the base of the majestic Matterhorn is enough to show why it's one of the most popular winter destinations in all of Europe.  The village is car-free with horse-drawn carriages and alpine cable cars being the main alternatives to walking, meaning you won't have to dodge traffic as you wander the streets browsing through one stylish boutique after another.  Hiking and skiing are the favorite daytime activities while at night visitors can choose from an assortment of lively pubs and restaurants serving up German, Austrian and Swiss delicacies.  Adventurous souls may want to try their hand at heli-skiing, combining a breathtaking helicopter ride with an afternoon of world-class skiing.  For more information: www.zermatt.ch

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