Action Snowboarding

For many years the state of Colorado has been known as a rugged and exciting place to visit at any time of the year. During winter it hosts the best skiing and snowboarding in the country with world-class resorts such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen that draw visitors from all over the globe. During the summer the state becomes a destination resort for those with active outdoor lifestyles by playing host to a wild array of sports such as mountain biking, kayaking, golf, mountain climbing, and too many others to name in one article. Colorado is a fantastic place to be, and it had evolved into an even better place in which to live. With the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains forming the backdrop, Colorado has breathtaking scenery, excellent recreation and homes that are worth moving across the country for.

To find out what kind of living standard is definitive of Colorado perhaps we should mention that Fort Collins was ranked as #1 Best Place To Live by Money Magazine. Fort Collins beat out such towns as Naperville, IL, and Sugar Land, TX, to take the number 1 ranking. The major considerations for this accolade were the abundance of good jobs in a fast-paces and high-tech economy, low crime rate and great recreational options. There was also another top 30 finisher for Colorado with Westminister coming in at #24.

With 2 top 30 finishers in the Best Places To Live, Colorado has some amazing homes and properties that support such an austere designation. Colorado's economy is the other major factor in the advancement of this state as a premier residential location. In recent years Colorado has moved from its historical agrarian based economy to one of high-technology and scientific research. Tourism also plays a heavy role in the proliferation of Colorado. Thousands upon thousands of people flock to Colorado on a yearly basis top enjoy the rugged landscape and the fantastic sporting options that it provides. It's safe to say that there is something for everyone in Colorado, all it takes is a quick visit to fall in love with the lifestyle and beauty of the state.

The Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, most of them uninhabited, which lie off the Indian sub continent. A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean. The first glimpse you get of this fascinating formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but most are covered by the sea. Ring like coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise like appearance. No more than two hundred islands are inhabited, the rest tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities. Originally a Buddhist nation, Islam was introduced in 1153. In 1965 the Maldives obtained independence from Britain. The Maldives have seen only two Presidents, though political restrictions have loosened somewhat recently. The language is from Indo Iranian Sanskritic origin, which points at a later influence from the North of the Subcontinent. According to the legends, the kingly dynasty that ruled the country in the past has its origin there. The Maldivia economy was entirely dependent on fishing and other marine products for many centuries. Fishing remains the main occupation of the people and the government gives special priority to the development of the fisheries sector. The development of tourism has fostered the overall growth of the countrys economy. It has created direct and indirect employment and income generation opportunities in other related industries. Many Maldiviens live in poverty. However, the country has developed its infrastructure and industries, including the fisheries sector, and has boosted health care, education and literacy. The Maldives was hit by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Homes and resorts were devastated by the waves, precipitating a major rebuilding programme. There is a fear that as sea levels rise, island countries such as the Maldives, and some Pacific territories, will simply be swamped and disappear. None of the coral islands measures more than 1.8 metres above sea level, making the country vulnerable to a rise in sea levels associated with global warming. The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons. As the Maldives comprises more sea than land, it is only natural that fish have always been the most prominent element of Maldivien food. However, with travellers from different parts of the world, new seasonings and vegetables were introduced in to the country and added to the existing repertoire of seafood. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities most palatable to Maldiviens. Thus Maldivien cuisine now comprises Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine that embodies a culinary identity of its own. Sun, sand and sea, a thousand Robinson Crusoe islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens. A perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.

Canada's westernmost province, which stretches from the thousands of islands and inlets on the Pacific west coast, to the Rocky and Columbia mountain ranges in the east, is renown for its spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. British Columbia is 60 per cent forested (much of it temperate rainforest), 75 per cent of the province is mountainous, and the northern two-thirds is largely unpopulated and wild. Many species of wild life that have become scarce elsewhere still flourish here. Fish are still abundant in its lakes, marshes and streams, whales and porpoises cruise the rugged coastline, and many rare mammals and birds still prosper in the forests and on the plains. Here you'll find a thriving ecotourism and outdoor adventure industry. For animal and bird watchers, keen photographers, and those who enjoy adventure sports, it's the perfect place to have a long relaxing holiday. Cross-country bike touring, hiking, fishing and horseback riding are popular in the summer and cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling in winter. And there are plenty of water sports, including scuba diving, sea kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, and whitewater rafting. Northern British Columbia The vast top third of the province stretches from the mountainous fjords on the west coast, to the incredible Rocky Mountains, with its pristine forests and countless lakes, rivers and streams. Here you'll find plenty of wildlife to photograph, and excellent hunting, fishing and hiking. There are great camping spots in the National Parks. Cariboo, Chilcotin and Coast British Columbia's central region is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cariboo Mountains in the east. This popular region is a land of alpine meadows, glaciers and snow-capped mountains, grasslands and lush valleys, waterfalls, lakes and meandering streams, and wild, splendid fiords on the coast, where the saltwater fishing is unparalleled. Many of the resorts in this area offer tours and watersports equipment in summer, and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Okanagan Similkameen Region This fertile region in the south includes the Okanagan and Similameen valleys, home to picturesque vineyards, orchards and farms. You'll find the full range of accommodations in this lovely area, from tenting to luxury resorts. The lakes provide excellent fresh water fishing and watersports, and the many resorts offer golf, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. And there's the full range of snow-related sports during the winter months. The Kootenays and the Rockies These towering mountain ranges lie side by side in the southeast of British Columbia, a land of pristine lakes and streams, hot springs, and panoramic mountain views. Resorts offer world-class golf courses and the Provincial and National Parks are outstanding. Outdoor recreation on offer includes kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and boating in summer, and snow and ice sports in winter. Vancover Island Region Stay on Vancouver Island, if you'd like to visit some of the smaller islands scattered along the province's west coast or it's dramatic fiords. BC's capital city, Victoria, is located at Vancouver's southern tip, famous for it's relaxed lifestyle and hospitality with visitors from around the world. From here you can take an Orca tour. This cosmopolitan and friendly city is the perfect place to start your visit to scenic British Columbia.

Whistler is a year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is site of the alpine, nordic, and sliding events for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler has a range of accommodation totaling 3,200 hotel rooms, and more than 5,000 other tourist accommodation units including condos, B&Bs and chalets. Also popular are luxury chalets which accommodate entire families represent excellent value for money. Whistler offers a wide selection of restaurants, bars, spas, boutiques, and activities from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains feature 3,036 hectares (8,171 acres) of terrain and receive an average of 1005 centimeters (33 feet) of snow annually. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents. The secret of Whistler's success is a combination of weather, geography and human ingenuity. Whistler is only 50 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, and therefore there is a lot of. Thanks to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountain range that means lots of snow in the winter. And thanks to engineering and technology, if there isn't enough natural snow, Whistler-Blackcomb can make it with their vast snowmaking system. Considered to be one of the top ski resorts in the World, Whistler's growth in the last 10 years has been astonishing. Whistler has a philosophy that there is 'something for everyone' from skiing and snowboarding in the Winter to mountain biking and golfing in the summer, as well as other recreational activities such as shopping, dining, culture and arts. With regards to accommodation Whistler not only offers ski-in / ski-out condos and chalets, it provides many other options suitable for all price ranges. During the summer months luxury chalets and high end accommodation offer some incredible rates. A guest can book a 4 bedroom luxury Whistler property for as little as $40 CAD per person per night and experience everything they could desire. While Whistler is well-known as a premier winter destination, savvy travelers are increasingly discovering the wonders of Whistler year-round. With five lakes and four championship golf courses in the area, Whistler is the perfect destination to experience the best of the Canadian wilderness with the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Visitors are coming to Whistler during the spring, summer and fall these days. There is a saying amongst Whistler residents: "People come for the winter, but they stay for the summer." With glacier skiing, world-class mountain biking, golfing and all the other activities, visitors can enjoy an incomparable experience for an incredible value. Whistler accommodation during the summer months can be as little as $40 CAD for a luxury chalet and located in the heart of Whistler. This is one reason why so many people choose to come to Whistler.

New Zealand is a country in the south western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands. The North Island and the South Island and numerous smaller islands. It is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately one thousand and fifty miles across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. The population is mostly of European descent. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government. Elizabeth II, is the Queen and the Head of State and is represented in her absence, by a non partisan Governor General. The Queen reigns but does not rule, so she has no real political influence. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government. The minority Labour Party government will remain in power, despite the expulsion from the party of one of its members of parliament. However, popular support is shifting towards the reinvigorated opposition National Party, whose leader, John Key, is confronting Labour on a range of social issues. Mr Key is tackling the government on social policy issues traditionally seen as safe ground for Labour and is winning over some Labour supporters. However, it remains to be seen whether he can convert either broad statements into credible policies or apparent support into votes. The first New Zealand settlers were Eastern Polynesians who came to New Zealand, probably in a series of migrations, sometime between around eight hundred and 1300 AD. Over the next few centuries these settlers developed into a distinct culture now known as Maori. New Zealand became wealthy following World War II. It enjoyed a high standard of living with stable commodity exports based not the least on a strong relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1973, the United Kingdom joined the European Community and began to adhere to its trade policy and at the same time other factors such as the oil crises undermined the viability of the New Zealand economy. Popular sports include cricket, netball, basketball, lawn bowling, soccer, football, rugby league, golf, tennis, cycling, field hockey, skiing, snowboarding, softball and a variety of water sports, particularly surfing, sailing, white water kayaking, surf lifesaving skills and rowing. It is a sport nation. A place to visit any time of year.