Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Northstar's "Noel Nights" festival is held the first three Thursdays in December. Ice skating, wine tasting and photos with Santa welcome the holiday season. Ski all day on a winter playground loaded with jumps, hips, rails and a 420-foot Superpipe, and relax at night by one of the resort's fire pits (above) where you can make s'mores and drink cocoa.

Ski off some of the season's calories at the Christmas Day Candy Cane Fun Race. If your stay extends through New Year's Eve, there's a party featuring fireworks, live music, food and drinks.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has 240 hotel rooms and six-bedroom homes for rent.

Information: www.northstarattahoe.com