Alaska

Things to do:

• Visit the Chena Hot Springs ($15 per person)
• Iditarod; running of the reindeer ($30 per person)
• Skiing/Snowboarding ($120 per person)

Hotels:

• Embassy Suites ($199 per night)
• Westmarks ($89 per night)
• The Lakefront Anchorage ($95 per night)

Other:

• The best time to visit Alaska is from mid-may (hotel and flight prices are the cheapest during this month)
• Alaska has 7 large ski resorts across the state
• Alaska’s coldest month is January with an average temperature of 1° f
• The worst time to visit Alaska is during the months of January and February as they are the coldest months and over populated due to skiing and tourist

Tips to save money:

• Avoid big day trips, stay close to the hotel and visit the neighboring town
• Don’t go skiing the entire trip, try new and less expensive activities
• Book your  hotel and flight in a family package instead of separately

Lake Tahoe

Things to do:

• Emerald Bay State Park (free)
• Squaw Valley (lift ticket prices vary by day)
• Kings Beach State Recreation Area (free)

Hotels:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe ($569 per night)
• The Landing Resort and Spa ($205 per night)
• The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe ($279 per night)

Other:

• The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car
• It is on the California-Nevada border
• It has upward of 2.7 million visitors per year
• Often considered one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States
• There are wonderful hiking trails
• It also offers mountain gondola rides, hot air balloon adventures, and scenic cruises

Tips to Save Money:

• Stay in a hotel in South Lake Tahoe
• Stay in a hotel with a stay and ski combo package
• Visit during the week as opposed to the weekends

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Things to do:

• Dog sledding ($225 per person)
• Skiing/snowboarding ($130 per person)
• Snowmobiling ($180 per person)

Hotels:

• The Westin Spa and Resort ($341 per night)
• Sun Peaks Grand Hotel ($163 per night)
• Trickle Creek Lodge ($122 per night)

Other:

• The best time to go to Whistler is during the month of January because you are sure to catch a fresh snowfall
• Each Saturday night, starting December 18, the best freestyle skiers and snowboarders jump above village square
• The mountains open in the third week night November up until late April
• If you’re lucky, on certain nights, the mountains have night skiing

Tips to Save Money:

• Buy a discount package
• Consider ‘local’ resorts
• Bring your own skis/snowboard

Bend, Oregon

Things to do:

• Deschutes River (free)
• Deschutes National Forest (free)
• High Desert Museum ($17)

Hotels:

• Wall Street Suites ($148 per night)
• The Oxford Hotel ($172 per night)
• Tetherow Lodges ($149 per night)

Other:

• People often hike, fish, mountain bike, and ski here
• It is home to many award-winning restaurants, breweries, and pubs
• A great spot for family-friendly fun
• It has a small town feel

Tips to Save Money:

• It is one of the least expensive mountain destinations in the region
• Look on multiple travel sites for hotel prices
• Bring your own gear for the activities