Orbitz Insider Index Reveals Top 10 Ski Destinations for 2010

CHICAGO, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- From the games in Vancouver to the snow storms that have blanketed the country, skiers and snowboarders have plenty of reasons to get excited to hit the slopes. Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) announces the Top 10 Ski Destinations for the 2010 ski season and offers insider insights on where to head to get in the spirit of the biggest winter sporting event of the year.

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"This ski season, there is excitement in the air at ski resorts around the country as top U.S. athletes train on the slopes for the games in February," said David De Lalio, Senior Market Manager, Ski and Mountains for Orbitz Worldwide. "It's easy and affordable this year for travelers who are inspired to experience America's ski towns. They will find deals in top resorts like Vail and Aspen that will save them enough to trade up to a 4- or 5-star hotel."

Orbitz Insider Index – Top 10 Ski Destinations for 2010

Whether you're looking to hit the powder, enjoy world-class spas and boutiques, or experience electric nightlife, the 2010 Orbitz Index has a destination that matches your interests.

For those looking to lead the pack, Lake Tahoe remains the most popular ski destination, taking the top spot on the Orbitz Insider Index for the third consecutive year. While Tahoe might top the list with its 18 ski resorts, Colorado is a force to be reckoned with -- five of its resorts make the list. And with an early winter storm season, East Coast skiers don't have to look far for a winter getaway. Among the many Northeast resorts that have been blanketed many times over this year is Killington, which rounds out the Top 10.

Orbitz Insider Picks – Get into the Games

Instead of watching the games from the sidelines or your sofa, Orbitz is helping fans find great deals to get out and participate. With the Orbitz Ski Sale (www.ski.orbitz.com), travelers can save up to 40% at the best ski resorts in the West. Check out some of these winter destinations that will get you in the spirit of the games.

Vail, CO

Not only is Vail known for its alpine atmosphere and beautiful back bowls, it's also home to Lindsey Vonn, one of the fastest women in the world on skis. When Lindsey's not training on the mountain, she makes her home at the Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort, where travelers can save 25% off bookings of 4 or more nights on Orbitz.com.

Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge caters to all types of skiers and has made a name for itself among snowboarders as one of the first ski resorts to embrace the sport. Now celebrating more that 25 years of snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort, this historic town serves as a training venue for Vancouver-bound, Olympic Snowboarding hopefuls, including 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist JJ Thomas, two-time XGames gold medalist, Steve Fisher and home grown up-and-comer Zack Black. Whether you're playing in the powder or trying to catch a glimpse of your favorite athletes in training, you'll find that the deals to get to this picturesque mountain town are not hard to find with 4-star hotels from just $59 on Orbitz.com.

Keystone, CO

Located in the heart of Summit County, Keystone is one of the best values for families planning a winter or spring break vacation. And as the games in February are sure to inspire a little friendly competition, Keystone Resort offers a free Adventure Passport for all guests staying at Keystone Resort properties. The Adventure Passport provides Keystone guests with an array of free and discounted activities to help them experience the Rocky Mountains, including NASTAR Family Racing where you can race against one another on a race course. Families planning a trip to Keystone can take advantage of 4-star hotels from $199 on Orbitz.com.

Aspen, CO

Home to the ESPN Winter X Games, Aspen has a history of hosting some of the most celebrated winter sports athletes in the world. Last-minute travelers with hopes of catching their favorite athletes in action at this event can check out a few dozen of these superstars, including some Vancouver-bound favorites, at this year's event, January 28 – 31. Major spectator events aside, for those who are inspired by the athletic feats of these athletes, Aspen boasts a renowned ski school and over 3,000 acres of beautiful terrain to be explored. 3-star hotels in Aspen from $177 on Orbitz.com.

Salt Lake City, UT

Getting excited about the upcoming games isn't hard to do when you're visiting one of its past host cities. In 2002, Salt Lake City was the stage for world-class athletes taking home bronze, silver and gold, and its surrounding resort areas continue to draw skiers and snowboarders from around the world. From Park City to Snowbasin, visitors can cruise down the same runs and visit the historic venues that, in 2002, were center stage for the world's biggest winter sports competition. Among the 13 ski resorts within just an hour drive from the airport travelers will find rates at 4-star hotels from $170.

For more details about the Orbitz Ski Sale, visit: ski.orbitz.com.

*The Orbitz Index is based on hotel and package (air + hotel) bookings on Orbitz.com from 10/1/09 – 12/31/09, for travel in 2010.

About Orbitz.com

Orbitz.com (www.orbitz.com) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and book a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its Web site to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz.com has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world and has led the industry with innovations including Flight Price Assurance, Hotel Price Assurance and Total Price hotel search results. On Orbitz.com consumers can search more than 80,000 suppliers worldwide including airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Orbitz.com is owned by Orbitz Worldwide.

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About Orbitz Worldwide

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SOURCE Orbitz