Taking a tram to ski runs is nothing new, but how about riding one to an outdoor ice rink set at 8,200 feet? The Olympic Ice Pavilion at Squaw Valley's High Camp brings a little winter magic to the bare mountains of the High Sierra. The large cable car transports people 2,000 feet in just a few minutes. En route, soak in huge views of mountain terrain generally covered with skiers and snowboarders, and get a small thrill when the tram gently swings at the half-way point. At the summit, rent your hockey or figure skates and shuffle out to the rink. Lake Tahoe shines far below as the sun-bathed tops of Emigrant Peak, Granite Chief and KT-22 beam bald and beautiful. Never been skating? Use one of the metallic walkers to help keep your balance. Eighties music pumps out among the panorama as you spin {me} right round, baby, right round, like a record baby…Icy hot!

BONUS: Post-skate, grab a bite at High Camp's Terrace restaurant. The views of Lake Tahoe pair nicely with fish tacos...great catch!

Aerial tram tickets are $29. Skate rentals are $12.

If the stars shine brighter in the mountains, then Tony Berendsen is the maestro of the Milky Way. For 10 years, Tony has been leading Star Tours out of Northstar-at-Tahoe. Part star watching, part poetry reading, and totally far out, the monthly Star Tour is one of the best celestial outings in the Sierra. Join a group of fellow galaxy geeks for a hike (or snowshoe, when there's snow!) as Tony points out the constellations, shares stories on the wonders of the sky, and peppers in some trivia. Finish off the evening sipping wine or hot cider around a fire pit, and peering through Celestron telescopes at the planets and stars. Good night light!

Stargazing Snowshoe Tours are snow or shine (meaning if there's no snow, you'll hike). The next tour is January 13; followed by February 17 and March 16. Winter tours begin at 5:00 p.m. and depart from the Cross Country Ski, Telemark & Snowshoe Center at Northstar. Cost is $50 for adults; $25 for children ages 10 to 12. Dog-friendly!

Lucky for Sorensen's their tagline is "an all-season resort" because right now you might see all four of them in one day! Tucked in Hope Valley, 20 minutes south of Lake Tahoe, Sorensen's is like something out of a Scandinavian postcard: 36 cabins scattered among aspen trees—everything decorated in tiny white lights that lend extra charm to the cozy little village ambience. Here you can practice the art of doing nothing (there's even a book to teach you how!) or use it as a home base for exploring remote and dreamy Alpine County—the least populated in the state. The friendly staff can point you in the right direction: tramp right from your doorstep to Indian Head Trail; sweat out the work week stress in the on-site sauna cabin, and dine gourmet at their intimate restaurant; the wine list is top-notch, and flavorful food includes anything from 15-bean soup to spicy jumbo shrimp and an authentic carne asada. No on-site televisions keep things simple, but for those hankering to catch the latest game of football, there's a nearby café. Snow or no, Sorensen's is a beautiful place to touch down.

TIP: When there's snow, Hope Valley Outdoors is just down the road from Sorenesen's. Pull up to this Yurt in the valley to rent cross-country skis and get a map of all the trails.

Sorensen's Resort, 14255 Hwy. 88, Hope Valley; 530-694-2203. Cabin winter rates start at $135 a night. Dog-friendly! 

Really want to make that winter ski vacation happen but don't know where to go for snow? Head north! Our friendly Canadian neighbor, British Columbia, is just a few hours by plane, and with 13 premiere resorts, finding the snow just got a whole lot easier. Whatever you're looking for in your ski dreams, you'll find it in British Columbia—consistently ranked one of the world's top ski destinations. Get to DiscoverBCSki.com to explore all of British Columbia's 13 ski resorts and choose the best one for you. With so many mountains, there's something for every level of skier. Tons of powder. Check. Jaw-dropping panoramas. Check. A variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, dogsledding and cross-country skiing. You got it! From quaint mountain villages alive with pubs, restaurants, spas, and shops, to small towns with low-key charms, BC's got it all—including lots of snow! Choose from 13 incredible ski resorts and start packing…it's snow time!

TIP: Ski dreams are made of these: Visit DiscoverBCSki.com and learn more about British Columbia's 13 ski resorts.