One of the best things about freezing cold temperatures, short days, and the end of the holidays is the lure of hitting the slopes with friends/family and, of course, your newly tuned K2 Axis skis at any number of the top ski resorts located in the United States. Next time the ski bug bites and the powder is fresh and your boss won't give you the day off for a ride on the ski lift, close your eyes, take a deep slow breath, and day dream for a moment.

Let the crisp winter air fill your lungs as your heart begins to race in anticipation of the upcoming high speed descent. Imagine you are on your way up your favorite mountain and you see your reflection in the window of a luxury ski home while it passes directly below the lift. You know the one, the grand estate in such harmony with nature that it seems to be carved from the mountain itself. It is always freshly blanketed with the whitest of snow, and the constant stream of chimney smoke beckons you. 'Come on home,' it says, and you envision warming your frozen hands at one of the home's many fireplaces in preparation for your next downhill trek. Maybe even sip some cocoa before you head out... Sounds pretty nice, right? I mean, the home is literally on the mountain side. You could ski right up to your front door. If only you owned that ski-in, ski-out luxury home in Aspen or Jackson Hole or Sun Valley, that would be the life!

OK, back to reality, but just for a moment. As Tennyson once said,"Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?" After all, the winter Olympics were recently held in Vancouver this year, and what better proof that dreams come true than an Olympic athlete standing on a podium. So in honor of that spirit and for all of us dreamers, Olympic Skiers, and CEOs alike, our team at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com has put together our picks for the Top Ten Most Spectacular Ski Homes for sale in the United States.

This Top Ten list is based on hundreds of web searches and hours of contacts with ski-home experts and agents. These are all true ski-in, ski-out homes and/or are close to the nearest ski lift, in some cases directly under. No matter the location, there is no doubt that all are spectacular.