At the moment it is paradise over in the North Western city with hundreds of thousands of people enjoying a sporting vacation away in the beautiful mountains of Vancouver.

But apart from the excitement that the Winter Olympics bring to a city, there is much more to see in Vancouver than what we see on our TV sets at home.

Home to some of the world’s best snow, there is always going to be some amazing mountain activities for all to partake in, but if snow is not your option then here is a list of alternative spots to check out during your trip.

-    Stanley Park: One of the best know attractions in Canada, It’s the nation’s largest park and home to some breathtaking beauty and wildlife.

-    Granville Island: Plenty of waterfront attractions at this place, and a great way to get to know Vancouver.

-    Canada Place: An outstanding piece of architecture on the waterfront of the city. It is the backdrop to most of Vancouver’s postcards and a must see during your trip.

-    Capilano Suspension Bridge: An awesome view, an awesome time and an awesome experience. The length of the Capilano Suspension is 450 feet, and it’s 230 feet high…Scary stuff!!!

-    Gastown: The name says it all……. But check it out for yourself!!

From Canada to America to Japan to Europe, there is an abundance of places to choose from, all with world-class facilities and snow.

Austria is one of the lucky nations that boast some of the finest conditions for all levels of snow activities.

The beautiful mountain region of Tirol is home to some of the worlds best ski resorts, and most amazing snow cover.

The mountains cater to all the needs of families and level of skiers and snowboarders.

Here is a quick look at some of the greatest snow resorts in the region:

Kitzbuhel: Home to the Hahnenkamm downhill piste, which is regarded as the most dangerous public route in the world. The mountain has too many runs to tick off in one day.

Westendorf: The Snowboarders paradise, an amazing snow park and some of Austria’s best powder runs.

St Johann in Tirol: One of the most popular mountains in the area, home to some big name celebrities and the backbone of many local songs.

Sheffau: A mountain that caters for beginners and experts. Great facilities and a professionally run resort with all your needs met in class and style.

Ellmau: Friendly staff, friendly people and great snow, equals great mountain!!!

Going: Perfect for beginners and foreign families. All the staff speaks English and a great place to ease into the harsh snowy climate.

The snow world is now in transition as the focus moves from south to north, in anticipation of their upcoming winter.

The snow may have now dried up and replaced by the blossoming spring roses peaks of NZ, but, if you missed out on your chance to get some snow action this year then it might not be a bad idea to get organised for 2010 now.

The two islands of Australia’s Trans Tasman rivals produce some of the best snow on offer, and with over a dozen mountains to choose from, the skiing world is your oyster.

Here is a look at some of the best spots to hit up next winter:

Cardrona: Regarded as one of the best mountains in the southern hemisphere. Great snow parks and amazing runs for all levels of snow lovers.

Snow Park: The worlds first ever snow mountain dedicated solely to jumps, half-pipes and rails. Will be great for the experienced trickster, but not so good for the beginners, or those who like to relax on the slopes.

The Remarkables: Closest peak to Queenstown and a great little mountain for those who don’t like the long travel time associated with skiing. The 45 minute trip from the major town will take you to a great mountain with solid parks and terrain.

Treble Cone: Nearest mountain to Wanaka. The dual peaked mountains combine to give one of the longest runs on offer in NZ. The mountain is steep and may be more suited to skiers than boarders.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6qMw9mI6Hs

It may sound odd but that’s the kind of experience you can have in this landlocked nation; a combination of France, Germany, Italy and more awaits.

People from all over flock to Switzerland for its famous outdoor lifestyle, which seems to please in both summer and winter. The Swiss Alps are the home of skiing and lay dormant at 4000 metres and higher, and the sparkling lakes that dot the country are ready during the warm months for all kinds of merriment.

The country is one of immensely beautiful landscapes, where locals take pride in the fact that their greatest buildings – think castles, cathedrals and churches – complement the surrounding environment.

Take Lausanne, for example. A lively, medieval city dominated by one of the world’s great Gothic cathedrals, Lausanne is somewhere to indulge in arts and entertainment, but also to peer breathlessly at the gorgeous surroundings.

For a taste of the mountain high life you will probably want to head to Zermatt, a climbing and skiing paradise that is balanced by a chilled and funky nightlife.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking Switzerland is all about the past. Any country that speaks four languages (Swiss German, Italian, French and Romansch) is going to be great at keeping up with the latest international pop culture trends.

Basel, seated on the Rhine to the country’s north, features some uber modern buildings designed by the likes of Frank Gehry, and the “world’s capital”, Geneva, is one of the slickest cosmopolitan centres on the planet.

While in Geneva, continue with the international local flavour and check out some of the more than 200 international governmental and nongovernmental organizations that operate from here.

You might start with a tour of the UN head offices, then over to the World Health Organisation before a quick stop off at the International Red Cross.

And that sums up one of the strange but compelling aspects of Switzerland; for a place with so much quiet and tranquility, you really can find parts of the whole world here.

Charlotte Pass: This snowbound resort usually reached only by over-snow transport from Perisher. The village has ski-in and ski-out accommodation and the slopes are perfect for intermediate skiers. Those looking for variety can enjoy backcountry tours, snowshoe tours and a new tube park. Stay at the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel or choose from several self-catering lodges.
Gate entry National park day entry: $27 or $190 for a season pass

Selwyn Snowfields: With lifts for downhill skiers and over 45 kilometres of cross-country trails, Selwyn offers variety for families and those learning to ski. Accommodation is in the surrounding suburbs such as Adaminaby or Talbingo.
Gate entry National park day entry: $27 or $190 for a season pass.

Mount Hotham: Victoria’s highest resort has challenging runs for experienced skiers and a bubbling village to entertain you off the slopes. Takes about 4 ½ hours to get there from Melbourne along the Hume via Wangaratta, Bright and Harrietville.
Gate entry: $33.60 for private cars and 4WDs or $335 for a season pass.

One of the latest villages to be developed in the Courchevel Valley, La Tania can be found nestled in a beautiful pine forest at 1400m into the heavens. It was built as an athlete’s village for the 1992 Winter Olympics but has since grown and established itself as a superb resort in its own right without losing any of its village atmosphere and charm.

La Tania is conveniently located just a couple of lifts and a short ski away from Courchevel 1850 – the main hub of the valley. It is the same distance from Meribel in the next valley. La Tania is a great place for skiers and boarders of all abilities to base themselves with green, blue and red pistes all running down into the resort.

As these pistes run through the forest, they are well protected during heavy snowfalls so you don’t have to stop skiing and there are snow cannons running all down the blue run to ensure that you can always ski home if there is a shortage of the real stuff.

There are also several board parks and plenty of off-piste to satisfy the more adventurous. There is a gondola and a drag lift to take you to the slopes above the resort and beyond this there is a free drag lift suitable for beginners. With several ski schools based on the resort, what could be more convenient?

If there are non-skiers in your group or you just fancy a break from skiing there are plenty of other things to do around Courchevel such as ice skating, bowling, dog sledding, ice carting, snow-shoe walks, skidooing, paragliding, parachuting, indoor climbing, swimming and shopping.

The village centre is completely pedestrian-friendly and includes:
• 4 ski hire shops
• Tourist office
• Post office
• Bakery
• Newsagent
• Supermarket
• 5 bars
• 8 restaurants
• Pizza take-away
• ATM facilities

There is also a free bus every hour that runs from La Tania to Courchevel 1850 via all the other villages in the valley. And if you choose to drive, La Tania has plenty of safe, free parking.

Aspen is home to a variety of restaurants and bars to satisfy any food or drink craving. Simply take a stroll through the amazing city to discover all the quaint boutiques and historic buildings that Aspen has to offer. One of the most iconic buildings in Aspen is the Ute bank, a building that can be dated back to the 1800s.

With everything that there is to do in Aspen, there is no time to be bored or run out of fun-filled activities. The various mountain ranges alone are enough to entertain you. Try the slopes that meet your skill level and work your way up. However, if you do plan to stay at Snowmass, make your reservations well ahead of time to ensure you get a room.

Lake Tahoe ski resort has a magnificent lake and definitely is world renowned for its pristine beauty and excellent skiing terrains. The gorgeous cobalt-blue high-alpine lake is actually surrounded by 15 ski areas and resorts. Although commonly referred to as “Lake Tahoe ski resort”, it is actually a group of several ski resorts. Some, like the Diamond Peak, have the most sensational views whereas others, such as Squaw Valley ski resort, have superb skiing trails but are too far away for views of the stunning lake.

Tahoe in the Red Indian language means ‘water in high places’. It certainly is so for Lake Tahoe, one of the world’s biggest and highest alpine lakes and is almost entirely surrounded by mountains. The entire area occupies a space of 12,000 hectares of ski terrain, 200 lifts and over 1,000 skiing trails. The highest slopes reach over 3,000 metres into the heavens, resulting in a massive 10,000-high feet of slopes.

For real off-piste challenges, skiers and snow boarders should head for Killbrew Canyon and Mott Canyon where double-black diamond chutes and bowls offer excellent powder skiing. Ski lovers will want to test their skills at the Gunbarrel. Adrenaline-rush-seeking skiers who do nothing but ski might be able to manage as 40 descents in one day. The current record is up to 54.

If you do enjoy skiing with a touch of nightlife fun, then a skiing holiday vacation in Lake Tahoe ski resort should certainly be in your skiing itinerary calendar.