10 Snowiest Places on Earth

Mt. Washington, New Hampshire 21.75 feet (6.6 meters)

Mt. Washington may be best known for its powerful winds, but it makes the snow list as well. In fact, it's one of the snowiest spots in the eastern United States.

Although the summit gets hit with a lot of snow, the snow doesn't stick around for long, according to meteorologists at the Mt. Washington Observatory, a non-profit science center on the peak. The snow gets blown off the mountain into the surrounding ravines. In some years, up to 80 feet (24 meters) piles up in nearby Tuckerman Ravine. It's likely the folks in the popular ski area don't mind the extra white stuff.

Chamonix, France 31.4 feet (9.6  meters)

Credit: Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

In Europe, this French alpine town wins the snow contest. And although it's a popular ski destination — it served as the host of the world's first winter Olympics in 1924 — serious business goes on in the mountains, too. In this photo, pararescuemen, members of a special operations unit from the 56th Rescue Squadron, an arm of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Lakenheath, England, practice rescue techniques near Mont Blanc above Chamonix

 Nagano, Japan 36 feet (11 meters)

This mountainous area, just tens of miles from central Japan's northern Pacific coastline is also a popular ski resort. (Are you sensing a theme?)
In addition to getting loads of snow, the area is also home to some pretty tough monkeys. After spending time in the snow, these Japanese macaques warm up by taking a dip in hot springs that dot the area.

Kirkwood Mountain, California 39.4 feet (12 meters)

Credit: Courtesy of Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

Sunny California may seem like an unlikely record-holder for average annual snowfall, but this mountain region just south of Lake Tahoe gets slammed every year. Along the western edge of the Sierras, Kirkwood is the first peak hit with any moisture coming off the Pacific. The surrounding mountains and valleys help funnel these winter storms to the area and hold them longer.

Alyeska, Alaska 42.75 feet (13 meters)

Credit: Ken Graham Photography.

Just outside Anchorage, Alyeska stands near a long ocean inlet that stretches into Alaska's southern shoreline. The resort area is hemmed in on all sides — Chugach State Park surrounds the town, and the water runs along its southern edge. But if you manage to make it here, the skiing is said to be sublime.

Alta Ski Area, Utah 43.5 feet (13.3 meters)

The Great Salt Lake is one of the culprits behind the annual pile of snow that is dumped on this region in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, high above Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountains. Here, skiers rule the mountain — no snowboarders allowed on the slopes.

Mt. Fidelity, Glacier National Park, BC, Canada 48.25 feet (15 meters)

Credit: Parks Canada.

Many mountainous spots in Canada dominated this list, but as far as we can tell, this place is the big winner.  This mountain is one of the few inland spots to make the list that doesn't have a large, watery neighbor. Big, open bodies of water that don't freeze over in cold weather are one of the main factors behind the massive snowfalls.

Niseko, Japan 49.5 feet (15 meters)

Credit: David McKelvey.

Legend has it that skiing was brought to Japan only 100 years ago. According to the story, a major in the Austrian army gave the first ski lesson to locals in January, 1911. The sport has more than caught on in the intervening century, and this ski town, on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a destination for skiers from all over the world. 

Paradise Ranger Station, Mt. Rainier, Washington 56.3 feet (17 meters)

According to some data, this mountain pass in the Pacific Northwest gets more snow annually than any other spot on Earth. And no pricey lift-tickets are required to see this snowed-in spot. Located inside Mount Rainier National Park, the annual snow spectacle is open to all.
(Courtesy: Our Amazing Planet )

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10 Most Pristine Places on Earth

Even though the trappings of civilization are all around us, there are still some parts of the globe where our influence is small. From the ice sheet of Antarctica to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, here are some of the most pristine places on the planet.

Namibia

Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The southern African country gets its name comes from the Namib Desert, and it's home to the largest number of cheetahs — about 2,500 individuals, or a quarter of the world's total cheetah population. With giant dunes, ancient petroglyphs, craters and waterfalls, Namibia is one of the most untouched landscapes in Africa. It's also one of the only countries to preserve the health of its ecosystem in its constitution.

Galapagos

Even though Darwin's voyages to these unique islands have been followed by countless travelers, the Galapagos Islands are still a pristine place. The archipelago is home to giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, penguins, whales and fish and has been a biological marine preserve for fifty years. It is home to a human population of only 23,000 and has hundreds of endemic species of plants and animals.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the most rural and least explored places in the world. Scientists believe that many of the world's undiscovered species of plants and animals exist in the jungle interior of the country. Exploitation of the country's vast natural resources has been hampered by rugged terrain, as well as the difficulties with the legal system and the high cost of developing infrastructure. Because of all these human problems, the landscape remains largely tough and untouched.

Bhutan

While some may think of Tibet as an unpolluted paradise, its small Himalayan mountain cousin Bhutan is actually much cleaner. More than 60 percent of the country is under forest cover, and a quarter of its territory has been designated as national parks or protected areas. The Land of the Thunder Dragon, as it's known, has rugged mountains and valleys, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Daintree National Park, Australia

Sometimes the older something is, the more untouched it becomes. Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland, Australia, contains a 110-million-year-old rainforest, one of the oldest ecosystems on earth. The park is home to thousands of plant species and contains trees that are more than 2,500 years old.

Fiordland, New Zealand

On the southern end of New Zealand's west coast, the Fiordland region is wild, rugged — and empty of human development. With high mountains falling into jagged rocky waters, Fiordland has never had any significant permanent population. Even the native Maori only visited temporarily for hunting, fishing and to collect the precious New Zealand jadestone. In addition, the region's air currents blow straight up from Antarctica, so Fiordland's air is some of the cleanest on the planet.

Kamchatka, Russia

While Russia may not rank high in most people's minds for pristine environments, the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East is a wild and empty place, with the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the west. Volcanoes and glaciers dot the peninsula, and mega-earthquakes of up to magnitude 9.0 have shaken up the peninsula within the past five decades.

Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama is one of the world's strangest landscapes — a desert that really gets no rain at all. Salt basins, sand and lava cover much of its 40,000 square miles (103,600 square km), and the soil is so lifeless that NASA can design their Mars ground tests on Atacama land. Because of its high altitude, nearly non-existent cloud cover, dry air and lack of light pollution and radio interference from the very widely spaced cities, the desert is one of the best places in the world to conduct astronomical observations, and there are two major observatories there to gaze at the heavens.

Anarctica

It's not a country, but it is a continent – and Antarctica is a truly untouched place. The only continent never to be settled by humans, 96 percent of the island is covered with ice, which averages more than a mile (1.6 km) thick. The number of people conducting and supporting scientific research and other work on the continent and its nearby islands varies from about 1,000 in winter to about 5,000 in the summer. Penguins, whales, seals and seabirds all use the waters around Antarctica as feeding grounds — though the coldest place on Earth makes a rugged home for humans, it is still an important place for the rest of Earth's inhabitants.
(Source: Our Amazing Planet )

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10 Most Expensive Cities

These days most Americans are angry about the fact that everything from fuel to food to football tickets costs more. In fact, consumer prices increased 2.1 percent year-over-year in the first quarter. In April they were up 3.2 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet on a global basis the U.S. has become a bargain, compared to some other countries, as the U.S. dollar weakens and costs balloon in other places, according to results from a new report by ECA International, a global human resources company. The semiannual survey, which compares the price of food and basic goods and services—but not housing, utilities, or school fees—for expatriates in more than 400 cities around the world, ranked Australian cities higher for cost of living this year, mainly the result of currency changes. The Australian dollar has appreciated about 30 percent against the U.S. dollar since last June, and the Swiss franc has jumped about 37 percent. Of U.S. cities, Manhattan, which ranked No. 28 on last year's list, fell to No. 44. Honolulu dropped to No. 62, from No. 40.

10 Bern, Switzerland

Quick lunch: $28.80
Beer at a bar: $7.46
Kilogram of rice: $4.70
Dozen eggs: $8.40
Movie theater ticket: $19.10

Switzerland's capital, Bern is the center of Swiss government, the engineering industry, and the precision industry, as well as a manufacturing center for watches and other technology used in the medical, IT, and automotive sectors, according to the Bern Economic Development Agency. Branded watches such as Rolex, Longines, Swatch, and Rado are manufactured in the Canton of Bern.

 9  Kobe, Japan

Quick lunch: $15.60
Beer at a bar: $8.69
Kilogram of rice: $9.30
Dozen eggs: $3.10
Movie theater ticket: $20.80

Kobe is one of Japan's busiest ports and a manufacturing center for appliances, food, and transportation equipment. The city offers many types of cuisine, though it's known best for high grade and pricey Kobe beef.

8  Geneva

Quick lunch: $33.70
Beer at a bar: $9.12
Kilogram of rice: $4.70
Dozen eggs: $8.60
Movie theater ticket: $19.20

Truly a global city, Geneva is home to such international organizations as the United Nations (which has an office in the city) and the International Committee of the Red Cross. An important center for banking, government, and technology, Geneva attracts many professional visitors, as well as tourists. It ranked as the third-best city in the world for quality of life in Mercer's 2010 report.

7 Luanda, Angola

Quick lunch: $52.40
Beer at a bar: $6.62
Kilogram of rice: $4.60
Dozen eggs: $5.20
Movie theater ticket: $13.90

Luanda was the most expensive city in the world in ECA International's 2009 ranking. Last year it slipped to third place, due to the depreciation of the kwanza, and this year it fell again, to No. 7. While the city has a high poverty rate, it remains one of the most expensive places for expatriates to maintain standards of living comparable to those in their home countries.

6 Zurich

Quick lunch: $32.90
Beer at a bar: $10.54
Kilogram of rice: $3.70
Dozen eggs: $7.90
Movie theater ticket: $19.60
The financial sector is an important part of Zurich's economy and the city is home to the Swiss Stock Exchange and companies such as Credit Suisse and Swiss Re. Zurich is also a major transportation hub. Mercer ranked the city second in the world for quality of life in 2010, but such a high standard of living does not come cheap: Zurich jumped to No. 6, from being the tenth-most-expensive city last year.

5 Yokohama, Japan

Quick lunch: $16.90
Beer at a bar: $6.59
Kilogram of rice: $4.20
Dozen eggs: $2.50
Movie theater ticket: $21.70

Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama is easily reached from Tokyo by train. The port city is home to over 300 IT firms and has a growing biotechnology base, according to the city. Yokohama has nine main business districts and exports many cars and auto parts.

4  Stavanger, Norway

Quick lunch: $32.30
Beer at a bar: $12.83
Kilogram of rice: $5.70
Dozen eggs: $6.80
Movie theater ticket: $17.30

Stavanger was mainly a fishing community until oil was found in the North Sea in the 1960s, transforming it into a major Norwegian city. Today, Norway is a leading oil exporter, with Statoil as the largest oil company in the Stavanger region. The industry has become central to the local economy and has attracted many residents from other countries.

3 Nagoya, Japan

Quick lunch: $19
Beer at a bar: $11.37
Kilogram of rice: $8.50
Dozen eggs: $3.60
Movie theater ticket: $21.80

Nagoya is one of Japan's premier industrial and technological centers and is well known for its high quality of life and competitive business costs, according to the U.S. Commercial Service. Unlike Japan's other major cities, Nagoya was not significantly harmed by the global economic downturn and has maintained its growth

2 Oslo

Quick lunch: $45.20
Beer at a bar: $13.18
Kilogram of rice: $6.10
Dozen eggs: $8.50
Movie theater ticket: $18.80

Norway's capital is a major hub for trade, shipping, and finance and is home to the Oslo Stock Exchange. Oslo has ranked among the world's most expensive cities for years, which is not surprising when a quick lunch costs about $45 and a dozen eggs, $8.50.

 1 Tokyo

Quick lunch: $20.80
Beer at a bar: $10.56
Kilogram of rice: $9.80
Dozen eggs: $4.50
Movie theater ticket: $23.80

Although the consumer price index in the Tokyo area has been falling since 2009, according to data from Japan's statistics bureau, the city remains the world's most expensive. While housing costs are not included in this survey, ECA International estimates that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Tokyo stood at $4,352 in September.

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TOP 10 World's Most Expensive Hotel Rooms

 10. Ambassador’s Bure, Wakaya Club & Spa, Fiji

Cost: $4,900 a night

How would you like to soak in this two-person tub? You can also enjoy the healing waters of your own private Plunge/Water Shiatsu Pool Lanai. And, of course, there's your own stretch of white-sand beach and Pacific waters right out the door.

9. Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt Vendôme, Paris

Cost: $19,000 a night

Located a few blocks from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Palais Royal, the Park Hyatt Vendôme is right in the heart of chi-chi Paris. Inside this suite, the décor is muted yet very Parisian chic.

8. The Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Cost: $22,900 a night

Not only is this suite über-opulent, it's also a feast for the eyes with gem tones of gold, purple, red and more popping from every square foot. But one of the most unique features of the Burj Al Arab is its Al Mahara restaurant, located under the sea.

7. Royal Towers' Bridge Suites, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

 

Cost: $25,000 a night

What's more paradisical than a sky-high suite on Paradise Island? Staying in mid-air in the Bridge Suites at the Atlantis resort not only offers you an awesome view of the Caribbean but also gives you the undivided attention of a staff of seven.

6. Presidential Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

 

Cost: $25,000 a night

Staying at any of these hotels is always a ritzy experience, but staying in the Tokyo location takes it to the next level. And the Presidential Suite, located on the 53rd floor in the city's tallest building, charges you $25,000 a night for the experience.

5. Royal Plaza Suite, Plaza Hotel, New York City

 

Cost: $30,000 a night

This storied hotel has featured in the film Home Alone 2 and the children's book series Eloise. But it's also one of the world's most luxurious, charging $30,000 a night for its most expensive suite.

4. Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons Hotel, New York City

Cost: $35,000 a night

This skyscraper in New York houses one of the world's most luxurious suites, and for the cool price of $35 grand, you can take in the birds-eye view of Manhattan while luxuriating under the experienced hands of your personal masseuse.

3. Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino & Resort, Las Vegas

 

Cost: $40,000 a night

Fans of Kanye West might enjoy knowing that the famed rapper stayed in this very suite. For $40,000, you can enjoy the cantilevered Playboy pool (no bunnies included!) and the sunbathing deck too.

2. Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

Cost: $45,000 a night

This secluded southern peninsula villa displays a peaceful view of the Aegean Sea from your very own personal pool. In cold weather, you can use the indoor heated pool all for the price of $45,000 a night

1. Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva

Cost: $65,000 a night

To our knowledge, Geneva's President Wilson Hotel takes the cake for having the most expensive hotel suite. $65,000 is the asking price for this sumptuous penthouse, which overlooks Lake Geneva.

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10 of the World’s Most Fascinating Arches

The world is filled with some amazing and scenic arches. Some of them are man-made and others have been formed naturally over the years. These are some of the world’s best.

1. Arc de Triomphe; Paris, France

This is probably one of the most recognizable arches on the planet. Actually, we can thank Napoleon Bonaparte for it as he commissioned it to honor himself and his soldiers back in 1806. It’s now one of Paris’s top tourist attractions. If you visit the Arc, make sure you take the underground tunnels to reach it as the streets are way too busy and chaotic to cross.

2. Reno Arch; Reno, Nevada, USA

This famous arch first appeared back in the 1920s. The glowing sign welcomes visitors to the western city. The sign is adorned with the city’s popular slogan, which is, ‘Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World.’ The slogan was actually the winning entry of a contest and was worth $100 to the winner many years ago.

3. Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Stari Most translates into ‘The Old Bridge.’ It had been standing proudly for over 400 years, but was destroyed in the 1990s as war hit the former Yugoslavia. With help from UNESCO, the bridge has been rebuilt, including the wonderful arch which makes it so recognizable and attractive.

4. New River Gorge Bridge; Fayetteville, West Virginia, USA

This used to be the biggest arch bridge in the world. The huge steel bridge looks right at home here as it overlooks the beautiful lush trees and river below. The bridge also attracts many visitors to it on Bridge Day, which is an annual event in which extreme athletes will base jump from it and others are allowed to walk across it.

5. Arco Naturale; Capri, Italy

This natural arch lies in front of the Mediterranean Sea and dates back to Paleolithic times. It was formed over the years by natural erosion of the rock. It started out as the opening to a cave which has now eroded into the seas. It’s still a popular attraction centuries later in Capri.

6. St. Louis Gateway Arch; St. Louis, Missouri, USA

This stunning arch is one of the most recognizable in America. It was designed by Eero Saarinen, who was an architect of Finnish-American descent. He came in first place during a country-wide design contest to capture the nation’s exploratory spirit in a monument. It’s easily St Louis’ most famous landmark and attracts thousands of visitors a day in the summer.

7. Kintai Bridge; Iwakuni, Japan

This amazing Japanese bridge was originally built in the 1600s and it has been standing in one form or another since then. The current bridge was erected in the 1950s after World War II. The structure is quite stunning, especially during the year’s cherry blossom season.

8. Delicate Arch; Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA

This western American park is home to about 2,000 naturally-made arches. However, the top attraction is the fantastic sandstone piece called Delicate Arch. The rock looks to be bright orange when the sun strikes it, giving it a glowing experience. You can hike to the arch where you’ll get some breathtaking views of the park.

9. Los Arcos del 3er Milenio, Guadalajara, Mexico

hese huge yellow arches grace this Mexican city in the neighbourhood of Jardines del Bosque. The work of art was designed by Sebastian, who was a Mexican sculptor well known for his geometric works that were larger than life.

10. Xian Ren Qiao (Fairy Bridge), Guangxi Province, China

This picturesque natural bridge is carved out of limestone and sits next to the Buliu River. It’s about 25 miles northwest of the city of Fengshan. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society lists the opening span at 400 feet, which makes it the largest span in the world. You can reach the bridge by water as you sail down the river from the charming village of Buliu.

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