CHICAGO, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- If you aren't planning a ski trip this year, you might be one of the few. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the U.S. ski industry set an all time record of 58.9 million skier visits for the 2005/06 season. And this season, travelers will continue to find even more reasons to play in the powder as ski destinations continue to make trips more enticing to winter travelers. Expect everything from more terrain and new lifts to specialized programs for families and big events.

Orbitz, ( http://www.orbitz.com/ ), the faster, easier way to find the trip you want, today released its 2nd Annual Orbitz Insider Ski Index naming the top ski destinations across the U.S. and highlighting staff picks with insider tips on this year's must-ski destinations.

"With hundreds of ski resort areas in the U.S. alone, there are so many great choices when it comes to planning a winter ski vacation," said Heather Leisman, director of merchandising for Orbitz. "There are great deals available right now for early season skiing. Additionally, Orbitz is naming this season's hotspots for those who are already dreaming about their first powder day."

Top Ski Destinations

To determine the most popular destinations for the 2006/2007 ski season, the 2nd Annual Orbitz Insider Ski Index examines package and hotel bookings on Orbitz.com, indicating significant destination trend information.

The Orbitz Insider Index Top Ski Destinations 1 Breckenridge, CO 2 Mammoth Lakes, CA 3 Lake Tahoe, CA 4 Park City, UT 5 Steamboat Springs, CO 6 Winter Park, CO 7 Jackson Hole, WY 8 Aspen, CO 9 Vail, CO 10 Snowmass, CO

Based on hotel rooms and packages sold with check in dates between 11/20/06

and 4/30/06 Based on net bookings as of 10/14/06 Orbitz Ski Sale: $100 OFF Packaging (Air + Hotel)

Whether your heading east to Burlington or west to Steamboat, travelers who book a package (air + hotel) stay of three or more nights to a select U.S. ski destination save $100* on the price of the trip.

To capture the savings of the Orbitz Ski Sale, travelers must book their travel to a select U.S. destination using the 100SKI promotion code between now and November 12, 2006. Travel must be completed between November 1, 2006 and February 15, 2007. See terms at Orbitz.com for eligible destinations and details.

To take advantage of the Orbitz Ski Sale, go to: http://www.orbitz.com/App/PerformMDLPDealsContent?deal_id=ski&cnt=PRO.

Orbitz Insider Staff Picks

With more than 480 ski resorts in the U.S. and another 250 in Canada, there is no shortage of fantastic locations to enjoy the snow in North America. Because of the abundance of resorts, mountains are constantly making improvements, adding terrain and showcasing area amenities to attract new skiers. To help travelers sift through all the ski options, the Orbitz Insider Staff has highlighted their top picks.

"Best Family Ski Destination" - Steamboat, CO

Imagine gliding down the slopes together with your family while enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and knowing you are making memories that will last a lifetime. For families, Steamboat is the place to visit, from its new Sunshine Express Quad and Family-Friendly terrain in Sunshine Bowl to its Kids' Adventure Club offering fun evening activities. In addition, the resort's new private family lessons give families the opportunity to learn to ski with a pro instructor and still enjoy the day together. Families can also take advantage of Kids Fly Free program, Steamboat MountainWatch tracking device as well as Kids Ski Free & Grandkids Ski Free, a great lift ticket deal for kids 12 & under.

"Best East Coast Ski Town" - Stowe, VT

Since its beginnings in the 1800s, Stowe, Vermont has become one of the premier ski destinations on the East Coast. With two mountain towns and six distinct ski areas, Stowe has something for everyone. With 28 ski trails, Stowe offers a variety of scenic skiing on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Prior to the 2006/2007 season, getting from one mountain to the other involved driving or taking a bus. Now, Stowe has connected both mountains with a new transfer gondola, making it easy to enjoy both mountains with little lost time. And don't forget about the town itself. This historic village is friendly and inviting with plenty of dining, shopping and activities for the entire family.

"Best Ski Season Events" - Aspen, CO

The world-renowned ski city of Aspen offers winter vacationers great skiing and snowboarding options, but it also has a bevy of in-town sights and sounds to make time off the snow just as enjoyable. The 11th annual Winter ESPN X-Games will again be held at Aspen/Snowmass offering a thrilling look at the best alternative winter sport athletes in the world. Aspen is also host to several other winter season events including Winterskol(TM), an annual celebration of the Nordic lifestyle, the Budweiser Hi-Fi Concert Series bringing in outstanding musical artists throughout the season, and the 15th Annual Aspen Filmfest that is sure add some "star" power to the town's always- bustling celebrity scene.

"Best Heli-Skiing Destination" - Chugach Mountains, AK

For those looking for the ultimate mountain adventure this winter, heli- skiing -- using helicopters to transport skilled skiers to higher, more inaccessible areas -- just might be the answer. One of the best spots in North America for enthusiasts is the Chugach Mountains, one of the Pacific coastal ranges in Southern Alaska. This rugged range, with forested lower slopes and glacier-covered summits, is a heli-skier's dream and local tour operators, such as Chugach Powder Guides, can make it a reality for adrenaline junkies looking for a true rush.

"Best Apres-Ski Scene" - Whistler, BC

After a good long day hitting the slopes, nothing sounds better than a spiked hot chocolate and a lively fun crowd on a sunny chalet deck. A great apres ski scene -- from raucous pubs with live music to more refined establishments that are more glitz and glamour -- is a huge selling point for any ski destination. And topping our list of favorites is Whistler, British Columbia. Nestled in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia just a couple hours from Vancouver, Whistler offers ideal snow conditions and moderate winter temperatures by day, and a lively party scene by night. From Merlin's at the base of Blackcomb to The Mix at Crystal Lodge, there is no shortage of energy and libations to warm you up.

"Best Terrain Parks" - Breckenridge, CO

Whether you're just a spectator or dropping in the pipe yourself, you're sure to catch some thrilling moments in the terrain parks at Breckenridge, CO. Boasting five terrain parks and four pipes for varying ability levels -- including a Superpipe with 18 1/2 foot walls -- Breckenridge is the perfect playground to learn new tricks and master old ones. And if you really want to take your skills to the next level, Breck's ski school offers special programs -- the Rocky Mountain Park & Pipe Camp and the Roxy Park & Pipe Snow Camp (for females riders) -- that will help you hone your talents on the ramps, rails, tables and in the halfpipes.

*$100 OFF PROMOTION CODE (PROMOTION CODE: 100SKI)

Book a qualifying flight + hotel package -- indicated by a coupon icon -- between October 23, 2006, and November 12, 2006, for 3 or more nights for travel between November 1, 2006, and February 15, 2007, via Orbitz ("Qualifying Purchase") and instantly receive $100 off your purchase on Orbitz through the use of the promotion code ("Instant Discount"). Only Qualifying Purchases made through November 12, 2006, by 11:59 p.m. CT shall qualify for the Instant Discount. Only one Instant Discount allowed per hotel room. Travel must be completed by February 15, 2007. Applicable destinations for this promotion code include: Alyeska, AK; Aspen, CO; Attitash, NH; Big Bear, CA; Big Sky, MT; Bolton Valley, VT; Breckenridge, CO; Keystone, CO; Copper, CO; Crested Butte, CO; Durango, CO; Grand Targhee, ID; Jackson Hole, WY; Killington, VT; Lake Tahoe, CA & NV; Mammoth, CA; Mount Snow, VT; Okemo, VT; Park City, UT; Deer Valley, UT; The Canyons, UT; Red Lodge, MT; Steamboat, CO; Stowe, VT; Stratton, VT; Sugarbush, VT, Sugarloaf, ME; Sun Valley, ID; Sunday River, ME; Taos, NM; Angel Fire, NM; Red River, NM; Telluride, CO; Vail, CO; Beaver Creek, CO; Waterville Valley, NH; Wildcat Mountain, NH; and Winter Park, CO. Instant Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Once Instant Discount has been redeemed, it may not be returned or refunded for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion. In the event of any violation of these terms and conditions, Orbitz reserves the right to not honor the Instant Discount, cancel the reservation, and pursue other remedies.

**Non-stop service includes the following destinations: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; and Salt Lake City, UT.

Note: Chugach Mountains, Alaska and Whistler, British Columbia do not qualify for the $100 savings offer.

About Orbitz:

Orbitz ( http://www.orbitz.com/ ) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and purchase a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, lodging, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its website http://www.orbitz.com/ to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz has become the third largest online travel site based on gross travel bookings. On Orbitz, consumers can search more than 400 airlines, more than 65,000 lodging properties worldwide and 13 car rental companies. Orbitz is a Travelport Inc. brand. Travelport ( http://www.travelport.com/ ) is one of the largest and most geographically diverse travel companies, dedicated to creating the exceptional travel experiences the world demands.

CONTACT: Jeanenne Diefendorf, Orbitz, +1-312-894-4986, or
jdiefendorf@orbitz.com ; or David Cohen, Brodeur, +1-617-587-2877, or
dcohen@brodeur.com

Web site: http://www.orbitz.com/
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