After a freshly carved turn through crystal white powder, intense downhill acceleration and a brisk jump through the air, it's hard to beat the thrill of an alpine ski vacation.

Yet while thousands flock to the snowy ski resorts every year, many vacationers would be surprised to discover that skiing was first designed as a mode of transportation. On long wooden planks and snowshoes, people in Northern European countries would visit relatives and pick up supplies well before anyone took the first ski vacation.

What makes skiing today such a popular past time is largely the work of three men, Sondre Norheim of Norway, who invented the first telemarking ski, Matthias Zdarsky of Austria, who invented foot binding that allowed for the first true downhill skiing, and another Austrian, Hennes Schneider, who invented the rotational steering method that helps point skis where you want them to go.

With white powdery snow falling in the mountains for much of the winter, it was no surprise that entrepreneurs would see the fun-potential of this new sport, and that early adventurers and thrill seekers alike would flock to the new greatest thing: the ski vacation.

What none of these pioneers in the skiing industry could have imagined, however, was how popular downhill skiing would become, and how much it would enter our collective hopes and dreams.

In fact, there is almost nothing better than seeing rugged mountain scenery and alpine lakes from the top of a peak, and then skiing down into that very scenery. When you book your travel with Carefree Travel and Cruises, this is exactly what you will be doing come next snow season.

Famous Ski Destinations

Any site that hosts a Winter Olympics is going to be a famous one. That is why the enduring charm of Squaw Valley, or even Lake Placid, continues to draw tourists year after year. But skiers are not just lured by a name and a competition. Consistently fresh powder, and lots of it, is what makes a mountain's name - and having more services than a 5 star hotel doesn't hurt either.

Utah and Colorado see a lot of the best skiers, with good reason. Due to the state's placement with relation to the Rocky Mountains, you can expect to see many inches of fresh snow for most of the ski season. These large, mega resorts, are especially fun for a skier who loves the open terrain and the feeling of solitude while on the mountain, even when ski lines are long and the lower trails are traffic filled with other skiers.

Although the rich and famous often flock to Aspen, Colorado and Snow Bird in Utah, California's skiers tend to go north to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe. With this gorgeous sapphire placed right in the middle of some of the best skiing in the world, a trip to one of Tahoe's resorts-such as Heavenly, Squaw, or North Star - is one of the most scenically beautiful things you can do while still enjoying an active outdoor sport. There is almost nothing better than seeing the bright blue sky above you, and the green of Emerald Bay and blue of Lake Tahoe below, all amplified by the shining white untouched snow.

For the more adventurous among us, many countries offer ski packages that will take you across borders. All across Europe, from Switzerland, Norway, and France, to Austria, Northern Italy, and Germany, skiers in Europe can expect topnotch service and incredible snow. In the Patagonia region of South America, some of the most difficult slopes are waiting to be conquered, and in Japan, some mountains offer real snow, while other offer the manmade kind.

All in all, booking a ski tour with Carefree Travel ensures that you and your family will have the time of your lives, while still enjoying the great deals exclusively available through our site. The winter season may come and go, but all our lives cannot be spent waiting for it to come to us. Carving your way through rich white powder is as easy as booking today.

Call your Ski Vacation Specialists
(361) 994-8747 or 1-800-727-4874