Flip side of spring break

Laughlin, Nev.

Jan. 5-11: Winter Break is like spring break for those smart enough to know that wet T-shirts result in chills. Laughlin courts the retirement crowd with this celebration of the golden years that makes room amid the dancing and karaoke for healthful cooking classes and wine tasting. Also: activities for singles, bingo tournaments and more.

$49 for a week of activities. Venues vary. Info: (888) 278-9844, www.winterbreak.us.

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Aspen, Colo.

Jan. 11-14: The activities vary from soup to mutts at Aspen’s 56th Winterskol. More than 30 events take place in downtown Aspen, Snowmass Village and the ski areas of Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Wintersculpt is a highlight, when huge blocks of snow are carved into works of art. There’s also a parade, canine fashion show and Soupskol, when local restaurants have free samples of their best soups. Tasters vote for their favorites.

Venues vary. Info: (800) 670-0788, www.aspenchamber.org.

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Norden, Calif.

Jan. 12-14: Sugar Bowl has some mean S-curves, tabletops, banks and whoops. And if those terms mean anything to you, you’ll love the Jabra X-Jam, a competition for extreme skiers and snowboarders. The event lands an invite to the Winter X Games for some athletes.

Free. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, 629 Sugar Bowl Road. Info: (530) 583-4638, www.globaleventmanagement.com.

-- Amy Hubbard

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