If you live in Hawai'i and snowboard or ski, chances are you've been to Whistler. Even before the International Olympic Committee named Whistler Blackcomb host of the 2010 Winter Games, the twin-mountain resort frequently topped the list of favorite snow terrain for kama'aina, who consider its fun parks among the best in the business.

Next month, the resort unveils its Peak2Peak gondola; the $52 million ride connects the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in just 11 minutes. No more trekking through the village with your board or skis.

Deal: Book a five-night Ski and Stay package from $98 per person, per night; the package includes a Fresh Tracks ticket for breakfast and early access to the mountains. Valid for arrivals Jan. 4, 2009, to the end of the ski season. Book by Jan. 15. www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Where to party: Garfunkels and The Boot are the two biggest snowboard-hangouts in town. The resort's one-year countdown party kicks off in February with a week of live music and Olympic venue tours. Go soon before the 2010 madness starts. www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

JAPAN

According to Forbes Magazine, Niseko Hirafu (actually three rideable areas in near proximity) ranks as the second-snowiest resort in the world. Major winter storms off Siberia bring hundreds of inches of snow each season, resulting in powder-perfect conditions.

For snowboarders, there are two fun parks, a half-pipe, tabletop jumps, and lots of natural quarter pipes and hits. Added benefits include the onsen, or hot springs, where you can ease the day's mishaps and mellow out before hitting the aprés-ski scene.

Deal: The Ski Association of Hawai'i has a limited number of spaces left for its February trip, which includes the Sapporo Ice Festival (annual membership is $25). www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com, or check www.hokkaidoskitours.com.

Where to party: Guy's (aka the Fridge Bar), and The Ice Bar (yes, it's made of ice).

CALIFORNIA

Lifts usually open at the end of October and close in early June. There are cheap accommodations, three world-class parks and two fully maintained superpipes. Olympic gold medalist and eight-time X Games gold medalist Shaun White has a season pass at Mammoth, which says it all, really. Mammoth Springs is a busy town with large supermarkets, fast food and motel/hotel chains.

Deal: Mammoth's January Midweek package is for minimum two-night stays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays; includes lift ticket, valid after check-in Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jan. 4-29, $119 per person, per night. 800-626-6684, www.mammothmountain.com.

Where to party: Whiskey Creek Mountain Bistro.

Alpine Meadows and Homewood Ski Resorts in Tahoe National Forest offer skiers and snowboarders more than 100 trails with 14 lifts; the side-by-side resorts offer stunning views of Lake Tahoe and a terrain inviting to any ability level.

Deal: At Granlibakken Resort, rates start at $109 midweek and $130 weekend for a standard room. The package includes complimentary continental breakfast, use of Granlibakken's outdoor heated pool, and complimentary shuttle service to and from Alpine Meadows, eight miles away. www.skialpine.com. 530-583-4232.

At Best Western and Hampton Inn and Suites, $119 will get you a standard room and one adult lift ticket per person to Homewood Mountain Ski Resort. www.skihomewood.com. 530-525-2992.

Where to party: Compactor Bar and South Lodge.

COLORADO

Funky Breckenridge, a haven for snowboarders for the past 20-plus years, is best known for its supersized halfpipe, hopping night life and a laid-back atmosphere that does not demand the deeper wallets of Colorado's glitzier resorts.

There are four terrain park /pipe areas, ranging from beginner to the monster jumps. Brave souls can enjoy the views at Alpine Bowl via the highest lift in North America, at 12,998 feet. Breckenridge hosts many of the nation's biggest contests and events, and was the venue for the first World Snowboarding Championships in 1986.

Deal: Book by Dec. 1 at Great Divide Lodge for their $99 standard room rate valid through April 19. Two blocks from Breckenridge's Main Street and 50 yards from ski lifts. 800-789-7669, www.breckenridge.snow.com.

Where to party: Where not? Main Street's Sherpa and Yeti's bar (live music), The Gold Pan (oldest bar west of the Mississippi) and Breckenridge Brewery are recommended hot spots.

With wraparound views of the Rockies, Echo Mountain Park is all about terrain — a skate park in white with 50 acres of jumps, rails, boxes, picnic tables, stairs, mailboxes and pipe. Now entering its third snow season, the park is marketed for "the young and indestructible."

Unlike Colorado's other snowboard destinations, Echo Mountain Park is more of a day destination, said marketing director Molly Mueller.

"We definitely have all the terrain features for skiers and riders and we cater especially for the freestyle boarders in the teens and 20s age group. We're just 35 miles from Denver so that's also attractive for families.

"A visit doesn't have to be all about snow — you have a great city close by."

Deal: Daily lift ticket (9 a.m. to closing) is $43 adults, $24 ages 6-14, seniors 65-74; free to ages 75 and older, and 5 years and younger.

Boards, boots and skis can be rented from Echo's Garage, the park's retail and rental shop.

The park is 35 miles west of Denver; open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Tuesdays. 303-325-7347. www.echomountainpark.com.

Where to party: With its own sound system, the park is it.