As the largest ski resort in the country, plus one of the highest, and with some of the most extreme weather and difficult terrain, Vail's a household name to skiers from all over the world. It's always been in a bit of competition with neighboring Aspen. Some say that Vail gets more Latin American tourists while Aspen gets more European; others say that Vail distinguishes itself with its snowboarding, but the fact is, both destinations are world class and world famous. And Vail has much more to offer than downhill skiing. Its Nordic Sports Center offers cross-country and snowshoeing. Adventure Ridge is home to the Nature Discovery Center, the giant trampoline, and many other kid-pleasing diversions.

More than a billion dollars has been put into developing this Colorado ski resort town over the past few years—both to ensure its continuing status as the number-one U.S. ski resort and to compete with nearby Aspen and Beaver Creek. The Alpine-styled Vail Village looks more picturesque than ever with a new facelift and more shops/services. But Vail's greatest PR buzz of the past few years came via one person: Lindsey Vonn, the stunning 2010 Olympic gold medalist who claims this as her home mountain.