U.S. Mountain Destinations: Colorado, Utah, Idaho

Mountain destinations often appeal to those who love winter sports or who are just trying to beat the summer heat. In the winter, U.S. mountain destinations in Utah, Montana and Colorado are hotspots for skiers and snowboarders because these regions offer some of the best powder in the world.

In the summer, those seeking to escape the heat of the lowlands find relief in the cool mountain climate. Depending on your location and destination, a trip to the mountains can last a day or up to a few months.

The Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are one of the most recognizable mountain destinations in North America. Over 3,000 miles long, the Rocky Mountains stretch from northern British Columbia, Canada, to New Mexico. Along the way they provide Idaho, Utah, Montana and Colorado with some of the most magnificent scenery on the continent. Hiking, horseback riding and fishing are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed at mountain destinations. Fishing and hunting draw in the sports-oriented vacationers. For the adventurous, mountain destinations offer rock climbing and white water rafting. And of course, the winter months are the perfect time for skiers, snowboarders and others to enjoy a variety of winter sports. Activities at mountain destinations vary in physical requirements. A hike can be as stress-free as a slow walk through the woods or as strenuous as a trek across a glacier. Be sure that you understand the fitness level you need for any mountain activity, and make sure someone always knows what your daily plans are. Fortunately, most mountain destinations offer activities suited to a wide range of fitness levels. While the more adventurous vacationers will likely enjoy heli-skiing or back country snowmobiling, others looking for a mellower way to enjoy the mountains may want to ride inner-tubes or try cross country skiing. With so many options, a variety of people can enjoy winter vacations in the mountains.

U.S. Mountain Destinations

U.S. mountain destinations include:

• Colorado:Denver is the shining jewel in any list of Colorado mountain destinations. Denver boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, more than Miami Beach and without the sweltering humidity of the Florida Coast. Once a rough and ready frontier town, Denver is now a center for the arts and culture. Shopping opportunities abound, and Denver restaurants are outstanding. All this, of course, is within easy reach of world-class ski resorts and other Rocky Mountain attractions. Aspen vies with Denver for the title of Colorado's most popular mountain destination. For skiers, Aspen offers access to Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass and the Aspen Highlands, all of which can be reached using interchangeable ski tickets.
• Idaho:Idaho's mountain destinations offer much more than the typical skiing and hiking activities that people tend to associate with winter vacations. Located in the temperate northwestern United States, Idaho's share of the Rocky Mountains has a Wild West feel to it, complete with dude ranches. The Idaho Rocky Mountains offer hot springs, allowing you to soak in hot water while snow falls all around you.
• Montana:Montana's northern Rocky Mountains merge into the Canadian section of the Rockies. At the border lies Glacier National Park, which abuts Alberta's Waterton National Park. The two parks, also known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, let vacationers make their winter travel a two-country event. Montana mountain destinations also offer historical activities, including exploring the story of the Gold Rush and, perhaps, doing a little prospecting yourself.

• Utah:Utah may seem an odd destination for people trying to beat the heat, given the state's salt lakes and desert environment. However, the state's mountain destinations offer cool high altitude temperatures. Park City, Utah, is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the state. Dramatically expanded upon for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City is less than an hour from Salt Lake City.