East Meets West as 'The Orbitz Insider Index' Unveils Top East and West Coast Ski Destinations

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Leading Online Travel Company Launches Early Season Ski Sale, Highlights Best of the Best Ski 'Staff Insider Picks'

CHICAGO, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbitz ( http://www.orbitz.com/ ), the faster, easier way to find the trip you want, today released the third edition of The Orbitz Insider Index, a monthly, in-depth look at travel trends from an industry insider's perspective. Whether it's the East Coast or West Coast, Orbitz has its finger on the pulse of the travel industry with insider information that can help anyone plan the perfect ski getaway.


"With the official opening of ski season at many resorts just a couple weeks away, it's time to start thinking about booking your winter vacation on the slopes," said Heather Leisman, director of merchandizing for Orbitz. "There are some great deals available right now for early season skiing. At Orbitz, we identified this year's hotspots for those who are already dreaming about their first powder day."

East and West Coast Ski Hotspots

The Orbitz Insider Index reviews an aggregate mix of future bookings (flight and hotel) on http://www.orbitz.com/ , indicating significant destination and departure trend information within the data. The most popular ski destinations on the East and West coasts according to The Orbitz Insider Index are:

The Orbitz Insider Index: Top U.S. Ski Destinations

East Coast West Coast
1 Killington, VT Park City, UT
2 Whiteface (Lake Placid), NY Breckenridge, CO
3 Tie: Cranmore, NH/Mt. Snow, VT Steamboat Springs, CO
4 Stowe, VT Tie: Aspen, CO/Winter Park, CO
5 Sunday River, ME Vail, CO

Orbitz Staff Insider Picks

Orbitz also released its "Staff Insider Picks" in addition to the top ski locations above. These staff picks give insight into the ski destinations with the best spas, nightlife, non-skiing activities and even less crowds. Jackson Hole, WY received special recognition as the "Best Destination for that Last Run." After 40 faithful years, the Jackson Hole Tram will shut down at the close of the 2006 summer season.

"Best Undiscovered Ski Town" -- Crested Butte, CO

To re-discover the classics of years past, hit the slopes in Crested Butte, CO, tucked away in the beautiful Gunnison Country of Colorado (where is the substantiation?). This traditional destination keeps the glitz and glam to a minimum, and offers the true Rocky Mountain experience of an original icon.

"Best Ski Destination for Nightlife" -- Aspen, CO

Travelers looking for excitement on and off the slopes should visit Aspen, CO, which offers an array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs whether you're looking for an après-ski drink in a quaint local pub or an exquisite 4-star meal.

"Best for Lack of Crowds" -- Big Sky, MT

Big Sky, MT, a hidden gem among the many bustling West Coast ski resorts, not only offers relief from long lift lines, but is also just a one-hour drive from the Bozeman Airport.

"Best Family Destination" -- Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat pulls out all the stops as an authentic ranching community that caters to families with features such as five kids -- only lifts and kids -- only ski terrain. The mountain also offers family-centric programs such as its "Kids Night Out" evening program.

"Best Ski/Spa Destination" -- Beaver Creek, CO

Orbitz knows that a ski vacation is about the entire experience, including a little relaxation in between runs. Beaver Creek boasts many top notch spas that offer the perfect respite from a day on the slopes.

"Best Destination for Non-Skiers" -- South Lake Tahoe, CA

For those groups and families who have a member with two left skis, so-to- speak, South Lake Tahoe, CA, provides a bevy of entertainment with venues and casinos offering fun and adventure minus the steep mountain slopes and tangled equipment.

Where the Deals Are

To celebrate the opening of ski season, Orbitz has launched a Ski Sale, offering exclusive deals to some of the country's top ski destinations, including Breckenridge, Keystone, Northstar at Tahoe, and Park City. To view the sale and Terms and Conditions, visit: http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewHotelMerchDeal?deal_id=ski_exclusives .

Orbitz is also offering consumers a coupon for $100 OFF a minimum 5-night hotel stay in all ski destinations when booked between October 28 and November 21, 2005. Travel dates must be during 11/7/05 and 4/18/06. To access the coupon Terms and Conditions, please visit: http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewHotelCouponLP?coupon_id=8153&deal_id=hotel_onsit e_100_ski_102705 .

About Orbitz:

Orbitz 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 455 airlines, tens of thousands of lodging properties worldwide and 16 car rental companies. Orbitz was acquired by Cendant's Travel Distribution Services division in November 2004 and is part of the Consumer Travel Americas group.

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