Colorado

Colorado more than lives up to its reputation as a year-round skier’s paradise. In fact, the mountainous state has just as many outdoor activities to brag about at lower altitudes as it does where the air is thin.

Aspen and Vail remain two of the most popular ski destinations, while Telluride caters to a smaller, more elite crowd (including actress Katie Holmes’ parents, who live there). Home to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is anything but short on scenery: Snow-capped mountains, brilliant structures in Red Rocks, hot spring pools.

Give adventure a chance with whitewater rafting, mountain-climbing or hanging out with some old fossils at the Dinosaur National Monument. Or just relax with a brewski in the nation’s largest beer-producing state.

Remember that tolerance levels often get lower at higher altitudes!