posted by the Orbitz Blog

Whether you want to try a black-diamond run or just soak up the apres-ski scene, there’s a ski vacation for everyone, and the season is definitely here. If you need help deciding where to go, read on: Orbitz has identified the top 10 ski vacation destinations for 2010.

For the third year in a row, Lake Tahoe tops the list as the most popular ski vacation spot (based on Orbitz bookings from Oct. 1, to Dec. 31, 2009, for travel in 2010). Not surprisingly, Colorado reigns supreme as the most popular ski vacation state, with five cities on the list. And don’t worry, East Coasters, there’s a top pick in your neck of the woods, too.

Top 10 ski vacation destinations for 2010

1. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
2. Breckenridge, CO
3. Park City, UT
4. Vail, CO
5. Winter Park, CO
6. Aspen/Snowmass, CO
7. Jackson Hole, WY
8. Mammoth, CA
9. Killington, VT
10. Durango, CO

Each ski vacation destination has its own personality and plenty of outdoor and indoor activities. So when you’re done on the slopes — or if you want to avoid them altogether — local shops, restaurants and spas can keep you busy.

After weeks of isolation caused by early winter storms, The Travelocity Roaming Gnome is breaking his seclusion, determined to find a cure for cabin fever. Encouraging other travelers to do the same, the Roaming Gnome™ is also asking all skiing or boarding gnomes and all gnome lovers to help point him to the best of the best major ski resorts across the U.S. to escape the winter slump.

Beginning Jan. 27 and ending Feb. 3 Travelocity is asking Roaming Gnome fans to friend him on Facebook and vote for the best Winter ski destination … Lake Tahoe (with 18 resorts and pristine snow) vs. Utah. Lake Tahoe fans can also follow the roaming gnome three Twitter pages: Travelocity (@Travelocity), Travelocity.ca (@TravelocityCA) and Roaming Gnome (@RoamingGnome).

“The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is asking all Lake Tahoe lovers near and far to friend the Roaming Gnome on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and vote to get him to Lake Tahoe for a winter ski getaway,” said Michael Thomas, executive director of marketing, RSCVA. “Lake Tahoe lovers know there’s no better place to ski and have fun.”

Voting on the Travelocity Facebook fan page will last nine days, and the winning resort will be revealed on the Thurs., Feb. 4.

Immediately following the results of each contest, the Roaming Gnome will travel to the winning destination to visit friends and locals, pose for pictures and participate in some of the most popular activities that resort has to offer, including skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, flying down the luge, and snow tubing.

As with all celebrities, the Roaming Gnome will have a “personal assistant” who accompanies him along the way.

Throughout each visit, the Roaming Gnome will post photos and comments about his experiences, allowing fans to follow his journey every step of the way. Each day, fans have the opportunity to cure their own cabin fever by entering for a chance to win a trip for two to Vail, including airfare, a four-night hotel stay and three-day lift tickets. Additionally, the Roaming Gnome will pick a “Fan of the Week” photo to be Travelocity’s Facebook profile picture.

More information on the Roaming Gnome’s “Cabin Fever: Finding a Cure” campaign can be found on Travelocity’s Facebook fan page

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The National Weather Service has once again issued an advisory about a weather pattern we have eagerly been watching for a few days. They’re saying that snowfall amounts of 10 feet or more at the higher elevations and 5-10 inches at the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada next week. 10 feet will rival any storm we have seen come through all winter, but this is actually 4 storms all backed up on one another. Keep an eye out on our extended forecast, and watch daily for the snow reports.

Here is the National Weather Service notice:

A very strong jet stream is making its way across the Pacific and will transition interior northern California into a wetter weather pattern next week. As a result… an extended period of much needed significant precipitation is expected.

A relatively weak storm moves through Saturday… then much stronger and wetter systems will begin Sunday and continue into next week. Although timing of individual storms is difficult at this point… it looks like every 24 to 36 hours a system will move through. Rainfall totals by the end of next week could exceed 5 to 10 inches in the lower elevations with snow amounts of 10 feet or more possible over the higher Sierra Nevada. Snow levels will generally be around 4000 to 5500 feet but at times could drop into the foothills. There is also likely to be periods of breezy to windy conditions and travel into the mountains is likely to be impacted.