Trying to decide between hitting the beach this winter or staying warm in a cold-weather spot by gliding down a mountainside or two? If snow drifts are in your future, check out some of the destinations we’ve compiled for the “bunny slopers,” family travelers and seasoned skiers.

Bunny Slopers - learning the basics

Some of the top ski resorts in the country also are top spots for beginners to test the popular winter sport. Just remember to start with the gentle, less intimidating slopes (i.e. avoid anything that resembles a black diamond!). Vail and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, both are recognized as great spots for beginners. Steamboat Springs boasts a ski school with more than 400 instructors, including past and present Olympians. Who wouldn’t want to learn from an Olympian!?

If you’re feeling even more adventurous – more so than just learning to ski – there are many great destinations overseas for beginners. The United Kingdom has many indoor snow centers and dry slopes to help develop your skill without the harsh weather conditions. Or you can visit La Plagne, France, in the French Alps to learn the basics with the added bonus of some breathtaking views.

Family Travelers - ski spots, and more, for the family

While skiing with the family is an exciting experience, we know some family members might not want to put on a full snow suit every day of vacation. Luckily, many resort towns have more to offer than just beautiful ski trails. Aspen Snowmass has a reputation for glitz and big spenders with fancy shops, mouth-watering food and big-ticket concerts throughout the ski season. On the other end of the spectrum, Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont works hard to accommodate families on a budget. Kids under six are always free while older kids may ski for free with a paying adult on some days. Snowmobile tours, snowcat excursions and Kids’ Night Out are just a few ways families can enjoy their stays, sans skis.

If a spa experience is more up your alley, you’re in luck. Attached to most famous ski lodges are equally as famous spas. Huffington Post compiled a nice list of the 10 best U.S. ski resorts for non-skiers. Is a ski vacation is looking like more of a possibility?

Seasoned Skiers - skiing like an Olympian

For the more experienced skiers seeking the challenge of a diamond run and fresh powder, opportunities abound both stateside and abroad. While there are many technical runs out west in Colorado and Utah, we see this as the perfect excuse to go international. We saw Whistler, British Columbia take center stage in the 2010 Winter Olympics, making it a top tourist destination for the winter. Turin, Italy, also saw a huge boost in winter tourism after the Games were held there 10 years ago. In fact, it has grown to be Italy’s fifth biggest tourist destination, right up there with Rome, Venice and Florence.

Whether you’re a skier or spa-lover, what’s your go-to winter spot? Share with us and other Fast Park fans on our Facebook page!