Mount Hermon and Tel Aviv, Israel

Chill out: It's impossible to overstate the pull of Israel for many travelers. But winter sports enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that there's some decent skiing and riding as well. Mount Hermon, which lies partially within the Golan Heights and on the border with Lebanon and Syria, has become a destination resort. We're talking 5,000 acres of terrain, eight lifts, and one heckuva feather to put in the adventure cap. Even the International Ski Federation gives a nod to Mount Hermon, recognizing two runs as Olympic-level racecourses.

Heat things up: Though there's plenty of coastline closer to Mount Hermon, it's worth the 130-mile drive southwest to Tel Aviv, where palm trees and hip hotels hug the Mediterranean Sea. The weather heats up for sunbathing in March, which is also a good month for skiing Mount Hermon. The newly renovated Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel and Towers sits right on Gordon-Frishman Beach, one of the city's best strips of sand. Loved by hedonists and hard-core exercisers alike, the beach hops just about 24/7 (thanks to the cafés and DJs), and its saltwater pool (pictured) beats any old hot tub for a post-ski dip.

Mount Hermon
Lift tickets, $12

Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel and Towers
115 Hayarkon Street
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel: 972 3 521 1111
Rooms from $300

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