People from across Canada view the Columbia Valley as a vacation paradise - the perfect place to unwind for a week or two while gazing at the Rockies. But there are ten good reasons to also consider the valley as a retirement spot:

1. Climate: The valley is semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of just 36 cm. ThatÕs good news for golfers. The average annual snowfall is just 109 cm. More snow falls at higher elevations, which is good news for skiers. The summer season is long, and winter is postcard perfect.

2. Spectacular beauty: The valley has some of worldÕs most breathtaking scenery - the majestic Rockies and the Purcell Mountains, the Bugaboos, the Upper Columbia River Wetlands. Kootenay National Park is a miracle of nature, and there are vast and beautiful crown lands to explore.

3. Lake life: Fresh-water lakes are everywhere, from Lake Windermere to Columbia Lake to the hundreds of smaller lakes tucked away in the mountains. Your grandkids will love the beaches. And nothing says Òretirement paradiseÓ more than a twilight canoe ride around Lillian Lake, west of Invermere.

4. Outdoor fun: YouÕll have more time for it, and youÕll be in the right place. Swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, camping, skiing - the valley has it all. And, at the end of a long day on the ski hills, you can soothe those old bones in the hot pools at Radium, Fairmont or Lussier Hot Springs.

5. Urban pleasures: The valley is a collection of small communities surrounded by gorgeous countryside. But it has urban amenities - world-class restaurants, health spas, art galleries, trendy shops and the full range of professional services. ItÕs a rural esthetic with all the pleasures of city life.

6. Clean, safe living: ThereÕs nothing like fresh mountain air to help your golf game. The valley offers a pristine environment, with clean drinking water and practically no air pollution. And the crime rate is impressively low. Valley residents feel safe in their homes and comfortable anywhere outdoors.

7. Affordable real estate: The cost of real estate is rising in the valley, but itÕs rising everywhere. Comparatively speaking, the region is still affordable. A new home in Radium costs no more than it would cost in Calgary. The same home would cost 30 percent more in Victoria, and as much as 70 percent more in Vancouver.

8. Quality builders: In the past decade, the valley has attracted master builders with international status. Beautiful homes are springing up everywhere. As a boomer, you know exactly what you want in a retirement nest, and local builders will customize to your heartÕs desire. If you come, they will build it.

9. Access to Calgary: The valley is an especially good choice for retiring Calgarians who want to stay close to home. Farther away itÕs easy to lose touch with the relatives and close friends who still live in Calgary. The three-hour drive is brisk, beautiful and cheaper than air travel.

10. Access to the world: Until now, valley residents have had just one complaint - the lack of an international airport. ThatÕs about to change. In 2007, the regional airport in Cranbrook will become the Canadian Rockies International Airport, with access to destinations around the world. Of course, you may not want to leave.