When planning a meeting or conference, consider combining your work requirements with a skiing vacation. Not only do you stand to increase your turnout, but you improve the moods of those mandated to attend. The winter months can be cold and long, but there's no sense sitting inside being glum about it. Take control, get outside and tackle old man winter with reckless abandon.

Ski resorts around the country offer a full plate of business amenities that allow you to justify the "work" part of your working vacation. Here are just a few common business perks found at vacation ski resorts.

1. Along with dozens of feet of snow, resorts can pile up a full plate of dining options for all tastes.

2. Mountain ski resorts feature high-speed Internet access to keep you connected to the professional world.

3. Ski vacation packages can put you in venues that feature thousands of feet of mountain trails and thousands of square feet of meeting space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find culinary delight at America's top ski resorts

The only thing that caps a perfect day of skiing is the perfect complimentary food. From a hearty breakfast to give you strength for a day of ski resort activity to a fine dining experience as you unwind for the evening, snow resorts around the country offer a panoply of culinary options. For your business needs, ski resorts can provide an infinite number of catering options as well.

I recommend: As America's southernmost ski resort, The Lodge Resort and Spa in New Mexico features a range of dining options named for the lodge's resident ghost, Rebecca. Utah's Solitude Mountain Resort features food and dining options of every taste and flavor.

Stay connected with working vacation ski resorts

Being on the road on a ski vacation is great fun, but it is still important to keep in touch with the working world. For meeting and conference purposes, Internet access is a necessity. On a more personal level, it's nice to be able to keep up with friends and family, stock quotes, news and sports while on the road.

I recommend: The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in New Hampshire features a variety of business-friendly amenities to keep you connected. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Four Seasons Resort combines decadent luxury with both wired and wireless Internet facilities.

Plan your conference around ski vacations

There's no better way to increase turnout at a conference or week-long meeting than by combining work with custom ski vacations. Skiing resorts offer a full slate of amenities sure to draw in otherwise reluctant attendees. With affordable options across the country, ski vacations can be the perfect draw for vendors, managers and employees from around the globe.

I recommend: For skiing resorts flush with business amenities, try the Park City Mountain Resort in Utah for premier event planning services. Virginia's Wintergreen Resort features over 40,000 square feet of adaptable meeting space.

Search for ski resorts from vertical search engines that specialize in ski resorts

There are great sites that will serve you up the perfect ski resort vacation.

I recommend: Go to SkiCentral, GoSki, OnTheSnow.com and SkiWhere to find ski resorts in the locations you want to go.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A skiing resort can be a busy place. To expedite the check-out process, find a resort that offers express in-room check-out services so you don't have to wait in line for an hour just to go home.