Although we are only just nearing the end of summer, it’s never too early to start thinking about those colder temperatures. I am, of course, talking about winter. Although it might seem ages away, we really aren’t all that far away from snow. So why not start thinking about some winter destinations now? MetroFlats.com, a new vacation rental website I represent, doesn’t necessarily have properties in the five destinations I will list below, but we will have winter vacation rentals very soon. So without further ado, here are the top five winter destinations in the United States!

1. Aspen, Colorado: If you’ve ever seen Dumb and Dumber you’ve probably seen bits of Aspen before. Aspen is a perfect choice for any winter vacation. Enjoy the wonderful ski slopes or maybe take a ride in a ski lift--just don’t get your tongue stuck on the pole! And when you’re done with all the activities of the day, you can relax in one of Aspen’s beautiful lodges. And while we have no listings in Aspen at the moment, by the time winter comes along we should have plenty. So be sure to keep an eye on our site!

2. New York City, New York: At this point you’re probably thinking, "wait a minute, are you actually suggesting New York City for a winter vacation?" Why yes, I am. I know an urban jungle might not necessarily seem like the ideal place to spend the cold days of winter, but there are actually some beautiful attractions in the big city during that season. For one thing, there are plenty of ice skating opportunities, such as the famous rink in Rockefeller Center. Speaking of Rockefeller Center, you can also visit the equally famous Christmas Tree there. I’m sure you saw that one in Home Alone 2 if nothing else...I’m really packing in the movie references today! And if you want a place to warm up, visit some of the museums! Or you can warm up at a New York vacation rental!

3. St. Paul, Minnesota: Although one could argue that any day in Minnesota could seem like winter, the actual season of winter brings plenty of attractions to the state. One particular one is the 2011 Winter Carnival, which is being held from January 27th through February 6th. This spectacular festivals features the largest ice castles anywhere in the country. Although I have never been, just looking at some of the pictures makes my jaw drop; it’s truly impressive. You definitely don’t want to miss an event like this, so I would definitely put St. Paul on your list for this coming winter.

4. Mammoth Mountain, California: Featuring 400 inches of annual snow fall, this idyllic location in California is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts in particular. Not only is there plenty of opportunities for skiing, Mammoth Mountain is also the home of the US Snow Board Grand Prix, which is held in January. But if you aren’t a fan of skiing or snowboarding, don’t fear, there are still other winter attractions to enjoy. Why not take a ride on the Scenic Gondola, a tram that rides throughout the mountains? And if you are afraid of heights, you can choose to take a tour in the SnowCat, a large snow tractor of sorts.

5. Hawaii: So you’re one of those people that doesn’t like the cold, eh? Well, I have a place for you, too: Hawaii! Notice how I didn’t specify a city? That’s because pretty much anywhere in the island state is a great place to spend the winter sans the cold. Whether it’s Maui or Honolulu, you really can’t go wrong with anywhere in Hawaii. So if you really don’t want to be around the snow this winter--and you want beautiful views and beaches to boot--Hawaii is definitely the winter getaway for you.

So there you have it: the top five winter destinations in the United States. As I mentioned before, MetroFlats.com doesn’t have any listings in these places yet (aside from New York City) but it won’t be very long before this changes. So please keep checking our site for vacation rentals in these locations!