• From the Publisher's Desk - WHY BOOK YOUR SKI VACATION EARLY?

• Article 1: SUBARU CELEBRATES with SKI PATROL & INSTRUCTORS

• Article 2: UTAH RESORTS LISTS 05-06 IMPROVEMENTS

• Article 3: SKI SALT LAKE’S SUPER PASS SAVES ON GREAT SKIING

• Article 4: LAKE TAHOE IS A GREAT WINTER PLAYGROUND

• Article 5: HEAVENLY RESORT GEARS UP FOR 50th ANNIVERSARY

• Article 6: BRECKENRIDGE TO OPEN HIGHEST SKI LIFT

• Technical 1: GET A GOOD BOOT FIT

• Technical 2: TIPS FOR TESTING SKIS

• Feature 1: RENTSKIS.COM ENDS THE HASSLE OF RENTING GEAR

• Feature 2: SUN VALLEY BOASTS NEW PROGRAMS & UPDATES

• Feature 3: TELLURIDE OFFRS MOUNTAIN MILES & GEAR FOR BEGINNERS

• Feature 4: VAIL HAS VACATION VALUES ALL YEAR

• Feature 5: LAKE TAHOE CONTINUES TO EXPAND & IMPROVE AS WORLD-CLASS SKI DESTINATION

• Feature 6:

• Feature 7:

• Feature 8:

• Feature 9:

• Feature:10:

• Feature 11:

• Feature 12:

• Lodging 1: PEAKS RESORT in TELLURIDE HAS SPECIAL SKI PACKAGES

• Lodging 2: SKI VILLAGE RESORTS OFFERS BRECKENRIDGE CONVENIENCE

• Lodging 3: RADISSON PARK CITY HAS GREAT UTAH PACKAGE

• Lodging 4: TAHOE'S HYATT REGENCY MAKES IT EASY TO STAY & PLAY

• Lodging 5: EMBASSY SUITES - LAKE TAHOE OFFERS "PREMIER" SKI PACKAGE

Utah, New Mex & Colorado Favorites

Destination Northeast

New England Favorites

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK:

by Publisher and Editor, Dave Leonardi

WHY BOOK YOUR SKI VACATION EARLY?

The advent of the Internet has been a mixed blessing for both skiers and ski resorts. Skiers who can hop in their cars and go on a moment’s notice have the benefit of choosing a nearby resort that offers the best deal and has the best conditions. Resorts can brag about their latest dump of snow or how their snow guns have been firing all night making perfect conditions. On the other hand, bad weather can easily be seen on the latest view of the live mountain cam. Enter the unexpected: rising fuel costs. Planning a destination trip just became complicated. Why? Because, if you are waiting for the “best” conditions, you may not get the best deal. Airline fares are going up, and transportation from the airport to your hotel will be increasing for either your van service or the price of gas for your rental. If you wait, you may “luck out,” or you may spend hundreds of dollars more for the extra six inches of snow that you are seeking. To plan what you hope to be your best trip, ask yourself, “Do I want to buy now, before costs become higher, or do I want to wait and take my chances?” With some of the deals offered throughout this issue, I would begin the planning process for my trip and book as early as possible. Here is a listing of some of the offerings. The choice is yours. But remember, some are early season deals, and some are for later in the season, but in most cases the earlier you lock-in your price and your airfare, the better. Remember; see the offers on the pages listed where the exact details are explained.

Salt Lake City, Utah: This varies in price from $243 at the Days Inn in SLC to $542 for the Alta Peruvian Lodge for three nights plus airfare per person.

Breckenridge, Colo.: Ski Village Resorts is offering various accommodations at various prices for your lodging. Their rates may not vary, but your costs to get there will most certainly rise, lock-in now.

Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, Colo., and Heavenly, Lake Tahoe: This round of specials vary from $260 to $360, with other deals available, for three nights lodging and three days skiing; most end by Dec. 15 or 16, Vail’s deal continues to Dec. 18.

Radisson Inn, Park City, Utah: This prime location hotel has a $95 per person package that includes lift ticket and breakfast.

SKI UTAH: Call now for a free winter vacation planner and learn about the deals on Delta flights to Salt Lake City.

Sun Valley, Idaho: Always a great early season deal to be found, from their great Thanksgiving Dinner package, to the $64 a night with lift ticket package good from Nov. 27 through Dec. 19.

Telluride, Colo.: They re-define the mountain vacation with specials in every season and a signature hotel, The Peaks and Golden Door Spa have nightly rates beginning at $199 for some packages available through March 14, 2006.

Panorama, British Columbia, Western Canada: This gem can be a hit from either coast with a deal from Los Angeles beginning at $895 for seven nights slopeside accommodations with six days skiing and from New York, beginning at $1,025 per person, based on two people sharing. Does that include airfare?

Embassy Suites, in Lake Tahoe: A deal that needs further inquiry to be believed. Get seven nights lodging and five days lift tickets good at seven different Lake Tahoe ski resorts, plus a daily cooked-to-order breakfast and evening manager’s special, all for $1,799 single or double.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe: Beginning at $250 a night you can stay at this luxurious hotel with it’s own casino and get two lift tickets and complimentary transportation to some Tahoe ski resorts.

Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe: This historic lodge offers ski packages for $85 including lodging and lift tickets.

Lake Tahoe Accommodations at Lake Tahoe: This company offers rental cabins to condos available around the Lake, with great deals all-season long.

Ski Lake Tahoe: If you want a Tahoe Vacation Planner or want to learn more about the Lake Tahoe experience, please call, 1-888-TAHOE38.

RentSkis.com: This is a great way to plan for your ski trip and book your gear on-line. They have locations for you to pick up your skis at most ski destination resorts. It is easy, it works and discounts are available. Please try them at www.rentskis.com or call ahead to 1-866-317-3508.

In the meantime, let’s hope for a great season, and think snow!

And God bless our troops who continue to defend America against terrorism, in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world, as we enjoy the blessings of liberty here at home.

SUBARU of AMERICA, PSIA, AASI and NSP CELEBRATE TEN YEARS of PARTNERSHIP

UTAH RESORTS LIST IMPROVEMENTS for 2005-06

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Having just notched the best season in Utah’s 69-year history, area resorts are not resting on their laurels. They continue to hone, polish, create, add, build, renovate and revise their equipment, amenities, facilities, products and programs. Utah’s 13 powder playgrounds invested millions of dollars in improvements this past summer. Here is what is new this season.

ALTA - BELOVED ALTA LANDMARK REPLACED: Skiers will find a new mid-mountain day lodge this winter at Alta. Watson Shelter, a favorite spot for lunch by both local skiers and out of town guests, has been replaced by an all-new Watson Shelter, completed this Fall. The new Watson Shelter was built near the Angle Station of the Collins Lift (installed summer 2004). Like the original, most of the materials for construction are granite and wood. The shelter’s footprint is nearly 5000 square feet. The building has three levels with plenty of deck space for outdoor dining. It offers an “Alta logo” ski shop, generous restroom facilities and an extensive cafeteria. The Watson will also preserve the Collins Grill experience and offer an area for private dining.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN - WIDER RUNS & PREP WORK: Crews worked hard at the “Beav” this past summer, widening existing runs off of Marge’s Triple as well as creating several new runs in the area.

BASE LODGE IMPROVEMENTS: A facelift of base lodge restrooms including new vanities will greet guests this season.

NEW SNOWCAT: Beaver’s new $200,000 Piston Bully snowcat guarantees dreamy and creamy cruising on their groomed runs.

BRIAN HEAD - NEW EQUIPMENT: Brian Head Resort has purchased two new snow grooming machines for this winter season, including a brand new 2006 Camoplast bi350 and a Bombardier br350. The machines are faster, have the latest technology, can cover more acres per hour and have more horsepower to push snow than previous machines. They not only can create improvements in area grooming but also in freestyle terrain and parks.

EXPANDING FREESTYLE TERRAIN & PARKS: Under new park management, the Park Crew has great expectations and fresh ideas to improve and expand the existing freestyle terrain. The park will have beginner and intermediate boxes, rails and jumps on the Navajo lift as well as beginner, intermediate and expert terrain parks at Giant Steps. With the addition of the new snow cats, steeper angles can be cut and formed to enhance the expert freestyle terrain.

WINTER SPORTS SCHOOL: New for 2005- 06, Brian Head offers a “Get Better” lesson for only $20 to guests regardless of their ability – beginner to expert – giving skiers and snowboarders of all abilities the opportunity to improve their skills with a qualified instructor at a very affordable price.

BRIGHTON - GROOMING: Brighton Resort added two new Park Bully snow cats for even better grooming. With over 85 years combined experience, Brighton’s cat drivers know each aspect of the runs and the best way to produce the finest surface for both skiers and snowboarders. Only their most experienced drivers groom their terrain park and half pipe.

INCREASED SNOWMAKING: Brighton added two SMI Pole Cat tower guns to their snowmaking arsenal which will provide an earlier opening to the Terrain Park.

GAZ EX AVALANCHE CONTROL: To continue to ensure the safety of their guests, Brighton installed cutting-edge avalanche control equipment produced by the Gaz Ex Company. This system needs no explosives or fuses. Controlled remotely from the ski patrol office, the system affords increased safety for Brighton personnel who will no longer need to enter avalanche danger zones while carrying explosives. Using this method, avalanches can be triggered in all weather conditions and from a safe location, away from the blast site.

THE CANYONS - $400 MILLION EXPANSION PLAN: In the next 3 years, The Canyons Resort will continue its master expansion plan that will total more than $400 million in improvements both on and off the mountain. They include new lifts, more terrain, new lodging facilities, a golf course and continued development of The Canyons Resort Village. This is the result of the combined efforts of the many landowners at The Canyons Resort and American Skiing Company.

NEW BEGINNER TERRAIN PARK: First time terrain park skiers and riders can feel comfortable in The Canyons’ new beginners terrain park located off of Saddleback Express. The park will cater to first-time park users and will compliment The Canyons Ski & Snowboard School Terrain Park, the advanced terrain park remains in place off the Sun Peak Express.

DEER VALLEY - NEW SULTAN CHAIRLIFT: Part of $8 million in improvements, Deer Valley has replaced and extended the Sultan chairlift on Bald Mountain with a high-speed detachable quad. The new lift offers 1,000 additional linear feet, bringing its vertical drop to 1,760 feet. Extending the lift opens 75 additional skiable acres that include a new intermediate run and approximately 65 acres of glade skiing.

EXPANDED SKI CORRAL: The Ski Corral has been added on to the Silver Lake Lodge and will be expanded to hold 2,000 pairs of skis. The Silver Lake Lodge deck will be increased by 1,200 square feet with the heated Village Plaza being expanded by 2,200 square feet.

ADDED RETAIL AND RENTAL SPACE: Deer Valley’s Rental Shop and Signatures store will take over the existing Royal Plaza Conference Center that is located adjacent to the Silver Lake Lodge. The Rental Shop will be expanding inventory by 15 percent.

NEW EQUIPMENT & SNOWMAKING: Deer Valley has replaced four snowcats, 12 snowmobiles and 10 snow guns with new equipment. Expanded snowmaking has also been added around the new and improved Sultan chairlift.

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT - NEWLY RENOVATED LEGENDS BAR AND RESTAURANT: Legends, the spot for après ski, has been relocated to the plaza level of the Legacy Lodge. The new Legends will boast excellent drinks and food making.

BIGGEST SUPERPIPE IN NORTH AMERICA: Park City Mountain Resort purchased a new pipe cutter that gives a new definition to “super” in the Eagle Superpipe. With 22-foot walls, the superpipe will be the largest in North America. Park City Mountain Resort will add new rails and funboxes to its four terrain parks.

NEW GROOMING AND SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT: Last season Park City Mountain Resort introduced grooming on several of its advanced, black diamond runs. These “Signature Runs” helped to open more of the mountain to the intermediate skier. Park City Mountain Resort has added two new snowcats, including a winch cat, to its fleet. The resort also added 10 snowmaking guns providing more efficient snowmaking.

POWDER MOUNTAIN - HIDDEN LAKE TERRAIN PARK: This offers features for more advanced park riders. Located on Hidden Lake trail, the park contains handrails, tabletops, a spine hit and a quarterpipe. It will be open for daytime operation hours, seven days a week and groomed nightly.

SHE-SKIS EXTREME: Advanced and expert skiers can sign up for the Black Diamond women’s clinics. SheSkis is Powder Mountain’s women only program and it is taught by women. Learn to ski bumps, powder and the backcountry. Weather and conditions permitting, a helicopter ride to the backcountry will be available for an additional charge.

SNOWBIRD - NEW CREEKSIDE LODGE: A new day lodge in Gad Valley, the Creekside Lodge, will greet skiers. The two-story lodge houses the Creekside Cafe, a ticket office, a Mountain School office, retail space and locker rooms. The kicker, a 3,000-square-foot deck, offers skiers the ultimate in post-powder lounging.

IMPROVED GAD VALLEY PARKING LOT: Snowbird’s Entry 1 parking lot received a makeover this summer. The main entrance from the parking lot to Gad Valley will be by the new Creekside Lodge (approximately where the old bathrooms were). The two-level, paved parking lot includes stairs and a green strip in the middle to allow easier access to cars and the slopes. For added convenience, UTA will add a bus stop in Gad Valley.

SNOWBIRD EXPEDITIONS: The dream of Dick Bass, Snowbird’s owner and the first person to summit the tallest mountain on each of the world’s seven continents, has been to create a renaissance center for enhancement of body, mind and spirit. This dream becomes a reality this year as Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort launches Snowbird Expeditions. David Breashears, a world-famous climber, author and cinematographer, designed these expeditions to combine the optimum blend of intense athletic activity, technical climbing instruction, mountaineering skills, world-renowned healthful cuisine and restorative spa treatments. Visit www.snowbirdx.com for more information.

CLIFF LODGE RENOVATIONS: The summer of 2005 marked the beginning of renovations to Snowbird’s flagship property, the Cliff Lodge. Lodging rooms will be upgraded with new furnishings, bedding, tile and bathroom fixtures. Most spa level rooms will provide flat screen televisions and Tempur-Pedic beds.

SNOWBASIN - TUBING: Snowbasin will have six lanes of lift-assisted tubing for the winter season. Three lanes will be for the beginning tuber with the other three designed with “more fun” in mind.

TRANSPORTATION FROM SALT LAKE: In conjunction with the Grand America and Little America Hotels, Snowbasin will be providing transportation to and from Salt Lake City for their skiing guests.

SOLITUDE - MOONBEAM CHAIRLIFT: Solitude has installed a new fixed-grip quad replacing the Moonbeam II lift and allowing skiers to get to beginner and intermediate terrain much easier from the parking lot. The new quad allows for easier unloading (due to a gentler off-load ramp) for beginners and makes the mid-mountain intersection much less congested. Moonbeam base visitors will enjoy the efficiency of moving people out of the area during high traffic times, including at the start of the day and at lunch.

MOONBEAM DAY LODGE: This new lodgestyle facility is designed to not only be functional and complement the mountain, but to blend with the architecture of the European-styled Solitude village. The 12,000-square-foot lodge sits adjacent the Moonbeam Center and is home to a new rental shop, lockers, indoor and outdoor food service, an après ski bar, heated patio, a rooftop sun deck and a spacious and inviting sitting den, which will make up roughly one-third of the new facility. The new lodge fills a void at Solitude in providing more amenities, and a comfortable place for day guest to relax. Solitude remains committed to providing a quality experience for each skier or rider on the mountain.

NEW TICKETING SYSTEM: Continuing the tradition of Solitude’s cutting-edge ticket and pass technology, they have upgraded their ticketing system to give skiers the ability to purchase tickets on-line and go directly to the lifts. Other new features include on-line tracking of vertical and lift ride data. Solitude Axess Cards must be purchased for an additional $5 (when purchasing a single day ticket) in order to access the full range of capabilities offered by this unique ticketing system.

SUNDANCE - FITNESS CENTER: A year-round fitness center will be located in Sundance’s yurt facility near the Screening Room. Guests can enjoy personal and private exercise, yoga or quiet time before venturing outside.

HOME BASE LEARNING METHOD: Sundance’s Ski and Snowboard School will incorporate a unique learning method and technique called “Home Base,” that makes learning fast, simple and more fun. In the past, this program was only available in Sundance’s special Performance Skiing Labs. It has now become a part of every learning experience. The method is state-of-the-art with each guest experiencing a new level of performance in a short period.

BEAR CLAWS CABIN: Sundance’s mountaintop lodge will receive some fine-tuning to further enhance this very special mountain dinning experience. From Bear Claws Cabin, visitors have 360-degree views that rival any European vista with slopes that are manageable for most levels of skiers and boarders.

WOLF MOUNTAIN - NEW OWNER AND NAME: Formerly called Nordic Valley, the latest addition to this Ogden Valley ski area is the name!

IMPROVED FACILITIES: A general clean up including repairs of equipment and buildings topped the list for Utah’s newest ski area. Wolf Mountain’s facilities improvement schedule includes demolition of some of the old buildings, recontouring and grading of the parking lot and reworking the entryway.

NEW GROOMER: A Bombardier Groomer, greatly increasing the consistency of Wolf Mountain’s snow quality, will provide perfect corduroy for 2005-06.

THE WOLF PASS: This new Wolf Creek Resort pass provides year-round access to Wolf Creek’s Recreation Center including a fitness center, racquetball courts, game room, summer- long access to the pool, tennis & volleyball courts and unlimited day or night skiing at Wolf Mountain.

This information was compiled and provided by SKI UTAH.

For more information, you can log on to SKI UTAH’S web site via an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com. UTAH

SKI SALT LAKE’S SUPER PASS SAVES ON GREAT SKIING

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Skier and snowboarders who hit Salt Lake's slopes during the 2005-06 season will once again be rewarded with easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth® through an innovative multi-area lift voucher called the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass. The deeply discounted voucher is good for day passes at Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort. The Pass also includes round-trip transportation from downtown and suburban Salt Lake City to the resorts. With the convenience of the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, visitors can take even greater advantage of Salt Lake's 35-minute proximity to four of the world's greatest mountains and experience a variety of terrain.

"Three years ago, the Ski Salt Lake resorts teamed up with the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau to develop the Super Pass and give travelers the most convenient access to Utah's best skiing," said Eric Thompson, director of winter sports tourism for the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. From the moment it debuted during the 2002-03 season, the one-of-a-kind pass has been a hit. From a robust $2 million in sales in 2003-04, sales jumped to nearly $3 million during the 2004-05 season, with nearly 70,000 discount passes sold.

New for the 2005-06 ski season the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass is packaged as an easy-to-use card. This card will be loaded with one to five days of skiing and is valid for a seven-day period commencing with the first usage. Before this new technology, the convenience and value of multi-day ticketing was not a feature of this product.

"In terms of convenience, it's hard to top Salt Lake's access, and the Super Pass makes it even easier for destination skier to choose Salt Lake for their next vacation," Thompson said. Travelers on either coast can take early flights and be on the slopes of the Ski Salt Lake resorts by noon. Salt Lake's airport is just nine miles from the city and 40 miles from the Salt Lake resorts. The Salt Lake area is home to more than 1.8 million people and offers all the amenities of a big city, including 17,400 rooms in hotels, lodges, and inns, as well as hundreds of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants.

The day passes are sold to guests through approximately 100 participating hotels and lodges in Park City and Salt Lake. The $46 pass costs less the Salt Lake resorts' individual lift passes (and again, it includes transportation to and from the slopes). Comparable day lift tickets at each resort are $49 at Alta, $62 at Snowbird, $44 at Brighton (the Super Pass is valid for Brighton's 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. pass which is $52), and $50 at Solitude.

"Basically," said Thompson, "the average window rate at the four Salt Lake resorts is $52.35, and with bus fare included, a day without a Super Pass runs about $59.25. It's a terrific value, especially when you add up a week's worth of skiing."

Super Passes are also sold through dozens of tour operator or travel agent packages. Skier and boarders present the Super Pass at the ticket window of the participating resort of their choice and redeem it for a day pass. Additional multi-area passes, which allow skiing at two or more resorts on the same day, are also available directly from each of the Ski Salt Lake resorts.

A complete list of the nearly 100 area hotels offering the Super Pass is available at the Ski Salt Lake Web site, www.ski-saltlake.com. Powered by Travelocity, the site also offers discount air, lodging and car rental components for Salt Lake ski vacations.

The four Ski Salt Lake resorts each receive 500 inches of snow every year, more than any other resort in Utah, Colorado, California or Canada. Together, they provide a total of 7,500 skiable acres with 340- plus different runs served by 34 lifts. The Ski Salt Lake resorts are closer to a major airport and metropolitan area than any other resort in the U.S.

"Salt Lake has more to offer than any other mountain destination in North America," said Thompson. "Salt Lake is as close to the mountains as many smaller ski villages, but we also have all the advantages of a metropolitan area, including easy access by air. In fact, we are the only ski town in the world with our own NBA franchise and professional symphony. Salt Lake offers value, snow quality, variety of terrain at different resorts, and city amenities. All in all, it's a terrific package."

To learn more about the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, please call 1-877-SLC-4FUN (1-877-752-4386) or log on to their web site, ski-saltlake.com via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

LAKE TAHOE IS A GREAT WINTER PLAYGROUND

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV — There is no snow like Lake Tahoe snow and the area is home to more ski resorts than any other destination in North America. Last year the region saw record snowfall, making it the snowiest destination in the world. Big changes and improvements continue around the lake, and there is no better time than this season to enjoy this unrivaled destination.

Lake Tahoe appears blue in color because of its immense size. It reflects much of the beautiful blue sky above. The color blue has been chosen as the symbol of all things that are good in Tahoe. When you read about the Blue World you are becoming informed of major year-round promotions to help visitors enjoy their Lake Tahoe vacation.

There are seven “Ski Lake Tahoe” resorts and you can read about their improvements on the following page. Here is information on some of the other great Tahoe resorts and some of the programs, specials and events that will take place around the lake.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort replaced its Christmas Tree lift with a new high-speed quad. Sugar Bowl will also open its expanded Mt. Judah Day Lodge with a new bar, restaurant, family area and private meeting space this season.

The smaller resorts on the North Shore, Diamond Peak and Homewood Mountain Resort are hidden gems and offer some of the best views from the slopes. These are locals’ favorites and often have fewer crowds and a more laid back atmosphere.

NORTH SHORE

Area events and activities complement the destination’s experience with the North Tahoe Snow Festival celebrating its 25th anniversary March 3-12, 2006. The event is comprised of daily activities, including a polar bear swim, Great Ski Race, dog pull, snowman contest, opening ceremony fireworks, parades and daily celebrations, and special at North Tahoe bars, restaurants and ski areas.

Off the slopes, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, helicopter tours, fly fishing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and sleigh rides. In addition, guests can be pampered at the new Trilogy Spa in the Village at Squaw Valley, which is found on the North Shore. This 3,800-square-foot spa offers state-of-the-art pampering.

Meanwhile North Shore travelers can play the slots, double down or take their chances at roulette. North Lake Tahoe reaches into Nevada and is home to a handful of intimate casinos for those hoping to win big or just have a night of fun. With historical backgrounds, old-resort atmospheres and live music and entertainment the Crystal Bay Club Casino, Cal-Neva Resort, Tahoe Biltmore and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe provide excitement for all.

SOUTH SHORE

Blue Year’s Eve (New Year’s Eve)

Blue Avenue is The Scene for nighttime fun and entertainment at South Shore Lake Tahoe. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with South Shore’s version “Blue Year’s Eve!” Guests are invited to step out onto Blue Avenue (Highway 50), the place to enjoy The Blue World, Lake Tahoe, after dark. It is the epicenter of the best nightlife, nightclubs, gaming, dining, shopping, entertainment and special events South Shore has to offer. It is a new kind of attitude and way to play in the South Shore.

Entertainment

The club scene is huge at the casinos at the Lake with South Shore’s Altitude Nightclub and Club Nero, Tahoe’s premiere nightclubs. Nightlife around the lake is just as exciting as a bluebird powder morning as mega-star entertainment continues to rock the Sierra. Last year’s line-up included Smokey Robinson, Night Ranger, Queensryche and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Visit www.bluelaketahoe.com for the most updated entertainment information.

To get the season started, Dancin’ In The Streets opens at the Harvey’s Cabaret on Oct. 5 and will be on-stage Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7 p.m., Improv will run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9 p.m. It will start at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lipstick‚s schedule will change to Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-427-7247.

Altitude Nightclub is the hottest nightclub experience in Northern Nevada with great dance music, lighting effects, drink special, the beautiful dancers and showgirls. The Cavern, located inside RoJo’s, is Tahoe’s only underground bar. It was established in 1975 and then remodeled in 2005. It boasts live music, delicious food and nightly drink special. It is also known as an excellent place to host a private party or special event. It is located at San Francisco Street and Highway 50. For more information or to make reservations, call (530) 541-4960.

“Ascent, the Winter Party at Lake Tahoe,” will hold its gay-lesbian ski week from Feb. 26 to March 5 at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe on the south shore. The 11th annual WinterFest, another gay event, takes place on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore March 5-12, 2006. This is a premier gay and lesbian winter party with a well-deserved reputation for friendliness.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Snowmobile Ride and Dine is available from Oct. 24 to April 15. Call 1-800-23-TAHOE. Snowmobile Tours to the Top of Tahoe feature lake views at 9,000 feet. This can be packaged with dinner at the Historic Zephyr Cove Lodge. Call (775) 589-4908 or go to www.ZephyrCove.com. Or take the MS Dixie II paddle wheel sightseeing cruise to Emerald Bay and enjoy its onboard cuisine. Call 1-800-23- TAHOE or log onto www.LakeTahoeCruises.com. Shuttle service is free from South Shore lodging.

Historic Zephyr Cove offers winter packages that include four days and three nights in a classic Tahoe cabin, a snowmobile tour, an Emerald Bay cruise, and breakfast and lunch for two in the Zephyr Cove Restaurant. Double occupancy price is $389. Call (775) 589-4908 or go to www.ZephyrCove.com.

Lake Tahoe Adventures will offer unguided snowmobile rentals for experienced riders and guided off-the-trail rides for less-experienced adventure seekers. Tours depart daily every hour on the hour from mid-November to May. There is also a snowmobile track and sledding hill. A complimentary shuttle is available from casino area. For reservations or more information, call (530) 577-2940 or log onto www.laketahoeadventures.com.

Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters and Wildlife Gallery can supply most of your equipment but there is a hunter safety certificate requirement for all waterfowl hunts. The Nevada waters stay open to Fly Fishing all winter long with some of the better fishing during October, November, February and March. Guides are available seven days a week. Charter Fishing on Lake Tahoe boasts some of the biggest catches during the winter months. The boats are equipped with heaters to keep everyone warm. The anglers can bring their catches to local restaurants and they will happily cook it up for you. Half-day and full-day trips are available, along with equipment. For reservations or more information, call (530) 541-8208.

LODGING

Inn By The Lake, Tahoe’s Boutique Resort with priceless views, just completed interior and exterior renovations, in addition to landscape enhancements. For more information or reservations, call 1-800-877-1466 or log onto www.InnByTheLake.com.

At Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort look for a new lobby entrance. It will include a covered walkway from the lobby entrance over the new hydronically-heated stairs to the parking lot. There will be a Porte Cochere for arriving guests, bell staff and Lakeland’s shuttle. The resort’s transportation department is looking to add a third complimentary shuttle bus to the slopes of Heavenly and the rest of the south shore. Lakeland’s complimentary skiers deluxe continental breakfast will return this winter as well. As always, Lakeland Village will be offering skiing packages with interchangeable lift tickets at Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Go to www.Lakeland-Village.com or call (530) 544-1685.

Embassy Suites has a lake wide ski savings with its Premier Snowfest Package. It puts you in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and just steps from skiing, shopping and worldclass entertainment. For $1799* guests can stay seven nights in a spacious two-room suite and ski five days at your choice of seven premier resorts. Plus, their daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and evening manager’s reception make your stay even easier. It is the perfect Tahoe package with luxurious accommodations and unbelievable skiing in the heart of South Lake Tahoe! (*The rate is based on seven night stay, single or double occupancy. It does not include tax and surcharge and is subject to availability. It excludes holidays and special events.) Please call 1-800-988-5192.

GETTING TO and AROUND THE LAKE

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located 55 miles from South Lake Tahoe and provides 180 daily flights with non-stop service to 20 destinations including Atlanta, Boise, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit*, Houston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego*, Oakland, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Salt Lake City. An additional 22 destinations are serviced via direct, one-stop flights. (*Denotes Saturday service only.)

South Tahoe Express has luxury ground transportation from the Reno/Tahoe Airport to South Lake Tahoe with 11 daily trips each way. This is a great inexpensive service.

Combining the South Lake Tahoe Express and the complimentary ski shuttles along with BlueGo, the South Shore’s public transportation system, renting a car is not necessary. There are, however, numerous rental car companies that offer sport utility vehicles topped with ski racks. Be sure to ask for your vehicle to be “winterized” with either four-wheel drive or chains. Should you be caught in one of the legendary Tahoe snowstorms, you will find the police are serious about enforcing “chain laws” for safe driving.

The Tahoe Queen Ski Shuttle is back again, this time with two North Shore destinations: Squaw Valley USA and Northstar-at-Tahoe. For $99, the packages includes transportation from lodging to lifts and back again, a box breakfast, a lift ticket and après-ski party on the Tahoe Queen. Dinner and pub food are available for an additional price. Service begins the third week of January and runs through the first week of April. For reservations or more information, please call 1-800-23-TAHOE or log onto www.LakeTahoeCruises.com.

For more information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Lake Tahoe, call the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or visit their web site at www.bluelaketahoe.com.

For information about the Ski Lake Tahoe resorts, please log on to www.skilaketahoe.com or call 1-888-824-6338. You can find many Lake Tahoe web sites linked from the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

HEAVENLY RESORT GEARS UP FOR 50th ANNIVERSARY

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV — Heavenly Mountain Resort celebrates 50 years of providing extraordinary experiences to its guests with $6 million in capital improvements for the 2005-06 season. Heavenly also celebrates an epic 2004-05 snow season and its highest ranking ever in SKI Magazine’s Top 50 Resort Guide.

The on-mountain improvements include increased off-piste access, advanced grooming and snowmaking capabilities, superior terrain parks, improved signage, expanded on-mountain dining, and a four-day party celebrating 50 years in the business. Heavenly has now spent $36 million in on-mountain capital since Vail Resorts, Inc. purchased the resort in Spring 2002.

“You combine that mountain and that view with all the upgrades we’ve made, and skiers and snowboarders will have a tough time finding a better destination resort on the West Coast,” said Heavenly chief operating officer Blaise Carrig. “The 50th Anniversary celebration is a great way to thank all the guests who have supported us and made Heavenly SKI Magazine’s 12th-ranked resort.”

Anniversary festivities will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 15, with an all-day birthday party that includes lift ticket promotions and on-mountain events. The party continues through the weekend with a block party featuring special events such as the Warren Miller Experience, fireworks, rail jams, live music, lift ticket deals, onmountain themed promotions every day, bar parties around town every night, an extreme sports film festival, and exclusive vacation packages.

If you miss this kick-off event, there is much more happening throughout the season.

The celebration continues into the trees as Heavenly adds trail signs for its unparalleled tree skiing. No longer the best-kept local secret, all Heavenly’s guests will have access to the sweet powder stashes found in Northbowl Woods, Powderbowl Woods, Skiways Glades, Scorpion Woods and Dipper Woods.

To further complement the extensive off-piste skiing and riding, Heavenly has added six new groomers to its fleet of Bombardier 350’s, making it the largest such fleet in North America. Numbering 16, the fleet now grooms the slopes twice daily — dawn and noon. Now, guests do not have to be the first ones on the slopes to achieve maximum corduroy enjoyment. Snowmaking capacity continues to grow with current trail coverage at 70 percent.

Freeriders will flip for the sick terrain features found in Heavenly’s High Roller Terrain Parks and the largest superpipe in the Tahoe Basin carved by a monster 22-foot Zaugg pipe cutter. Heavenly will also debut its new Night Life Terrain Park where riders can “go big” all night long. The resort now boasts five terrain parks with varying degrees of difficulty so every level of park rider can get their “jib” on.

In an effort to deliver the highest levels of guest service, Heavenly has added five new electronic signs that will report changing weather, openings and closures of trails and lifts, current conditions and grooming schedules. There are now nine real-time information centers stationed on the hill to enhance guest experiences and connectivity across a massive resort such as Heavenly.

Finally, guests will enjoy a new European umbrella bar at the top of the Gondola which will increase Heavenly’s indoor seating capacity by 33 percent. The California Main Lodge has also received a face lift including automatic doors and a new upper parking lot.

About Heavenly

Heavenly Mountain Resort is a world-class destination offering guests a one-of-a-kind combination of scenic beauty and exhilarating on-snow experience. Heavenly is a subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc., the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. In addition to Heavenly, Vail Resorts, Inc. owns and operates the Colorado mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Company also holds a majority interest in Rockresorts, a luxury resort hotel company with 11 distinctive properties across the United States. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development, construction, retail leasing and management subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.

For more information on Heavenly, please visit www.skiheavenly.com or call 1-800-HEAVENLY.

You can also visit Heavenly’s website from an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

BRECKENRIDGE TO OPEN HIGHEST SKI LIFT

BRECKENRIDGE, CO — In the 1850s travelers flooded into Breckenridge with the hopes of earning their riches in gold. Today, travelers experience a vacation rich in activities and events as well as history and progress. North America’s second most popular ski resort features world-class skiing and snowboarding and now the highest ski lift in North America.

The 147-year-old Victorian mining town, located 90 miles west of Denver, is famous for its plentiful and precious powder found at Breckenridge Ski Area and this season, will debut North America’s highest chairlift, due to open in January. This past summer, Breckenridge Ski Resort began construction on the much-anticipated Imperial Express SuperChair. Breckenridge’s newest high-speed quad will reach an elevation of 12,840 feet and transport skiers and riders to the top of Breckenridge’s renowned Peak 8. As the highest chairlift in North America, accessing 400 acres of Breckenridge’s most amazing intermediate and expert terrain, this lift is the crowning touch for this resort.

This lift is not just for experts. Advanced-intermediate skiers will also be able to take advantage of this newly lift-served terrain in Imperial Bowl, which will provide much sought after, above timberline, groomed terrain.

That is not all visitors to Breckenridge Ski Resort will find. This skier’s paradise also offers dog sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fly fishing, snowmobiling, dinner sleigh rides, museum visits, theatre, luxurious spas and the highest altitude hot air balloon rides in the United States.

Events include the crazy week of Ullr Fest (Jan. 6-13, 2006), which pays homage to the Norse God of Snow with activities such as the Ullympics and the legendary Ullr Fest Parade on Main Street.

The Budweiser International Snow Sculpting Championships (Jan. 24-29, 2006) is a family favorite. It showcases 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of snow that are whittled down to works of art by teams from around the world.

Spring Massive (April 1-23, 2006) lights up Breckenridge with on-mountain competitions. There is live entertainment, family activities and town specials throughout the entire month of April.

And if the town’s daytime activities aren’t enough, visitors find plenty to do at night as well. Breckenridge nightlife dishes out martinis and live music, theatre and the one of the oldest bars west of the Mississippi.

“The Town of Breckenridge shines in the winter,” says Kristen Petitt, Breckenridge Resort Chamber spokesperson. “The sparkle from the snow is just a reflection of the excitement around town, the excitement surrounding the new lift, Ullr Fest and other events, and the excitement of exploring the backcountry on snowshoes or the anticipation of a great powder day. The magic of Breckenridge, swirling around the 147-year-old Main Street, never disappoints.”

Breckenridge lodging options are just as diverse. Ski- Free, Stay-Free packages begin at only $88 per person per night, based on lodging for four people for four nights in a two-bedroom condominium and a four-day lift ticket for each person. The Ultimate Winter Indulgence package includes four nights lodging for two people in a choice of several properties in Breckenridge, all within a short walk of charming Main Street; three-day lift tickets; one-hour massages; and a dinner sleigh ride. This package is $ 905 per person. Couples even have the option of adding a dog sledding trip to their itinerary for a small additional charge. An ideal family option, the Outdoor Adventure Package includes lodging for four people for five nights in a two-bedroom condominium; three-day lift tickets for each person; dog sledding (a one-hour tour for each); and snowmobiling (a two-hour tour for each). The price is $174 per person per night.

Travel packages can be booked through Breckenridge Central Reservations, a division of the Breckenridge Resort Chamber. Central Reservations has established itself as a premier booking service for domestic and international travelers. Enjoy the convenience of one-stop shopping with a toll-free call. Central Reservations represents 98 percent of town’s lodging community and assures a full range of accommodation choices.

Customized vacation packages can include any of the following: airfare, lodging, rental car, shuttle transportation from the airport, activities, lift tickets and trip cancellation/ interruption insurance. This is the one-stop shop to plan a trip to Breckenridge now.

For more information on these winter events and activities, as well as to book an enticing winter package, call the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 1-877-864-0868 or visit www.gobreck.com.

For more great lodging deals in Breckenridge, you can also log on to these web sites - Beaver Run Resort, Peak Property Management, Ski Village Resorts and Vail Resorts - from easily found links on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

RENTSKIS.COM ENDS THE HASSLE OF RENTING GEAR

DENVER, CO — It is no secret that traveling through airports takes longer and is more complicated than it used to be. Checking ski and snowboard bags, even with the skier’s favorite equipment inside, is often an extra dimension of hassle en route to a mountain vacation. For skiers and riders who appreciate the ease and variety of using rental equipment or simply enjoy sampling the newest ski and snowboard models when they are on vacation, renting equipment has never been easier or more convenient than with the arrival of www.rentskis.com.

With 79 locations throughout Colorado, the Rocky Mountains and California, skiers and riders can now simplify their winter vacation with the largest and most efficient rental equipment system in North America. Skis and snowboards can be reserved either on-line at www.rentskis.com, or through a toll free phone number, 1-866-317-3508.

The beauty of the program is that all the paperwork is taken care of before skiers arrive at the resort so the preselected equipment is ready and waiting at the designated store. Skiers can breeze in, sign their forms, pick up their equipment and beat the crowds for first tracks. Nearly all of the shops are located slopeside for maximum convenience, but there are a number of other locations in mountain communities as well as at metropolitan ski shops in Denver, Colo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and in the San Francisco Bay area.

The benefits are numerous. It gives skiers and riders a chance to demo the latest equipment; it significantly decreases the “schlep factor” while traveling through airports, and allows skiers and riders to avoid the often-lengthy lines of the rental shop. Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off regular daily prices. Additional discounts may be available during selected promotional periods at some resorts. And, for every adult rental, a junior (age 12 or younger) can get a free rental for the same time as the adult at selected stores during non-peak periods. Skiers and riders even have a rock solid guarantee — if the equipment is not satisfactory, they are refunded for that day’s rental and can exchange their skis (snowboard) for another set-up.

Skiers can choose between three different types of equipment—the Sport Package for beginners through intermediates; the Performance Package for intermediate to advanced skiers; and Demos for the most recent and cuttingedge equipment available in the market from manufacturers such as Rossignol, Salomon, Atomic, Volant, K2, Volkl and Dynastar. Snowboarders can choose between top-end equipment from Burton, Salomon, Rossignol, and Palmer with either step-in or traditional strap bindings. Depending on location, Sport Packages start as low as $14/day up to $32/day while Performance Packages start at $20/day up to $36/day. Demo equipment rates begin at $28/day and range up to $45/day and a snowboard package begins at $23/day to $34/day.

Rentskis.com Gold

For the ultimate in convenience and extra services to make the rental experience convenient and comfortable, rentskis.com has introduced their Gold program. In addition to the easy booking and guaranteed equipment satisfaction, this program also assures skiers will get the specific demo equipment they request with their bindings already adjusted and “ready-to-go” upon arrival, free ski and boot storage, daily tuning of equipment, and fitting appointments. This service is tailored specifically for skiers and riders with exacting standards and tight schedules.

“We created rentskis.com so that visitors to the resorts could spend more of their actual vacation time on the mountains instead of standing in line,” said Chief Operating Officer Kat Jobanputra. “Because the simplicity and efficiency of the advanced reservations was so well received initially, it was a natural progression to improve on the service for guests who want ultra convenience and efficiency.”

RentSkis.com locations can be found in these Western resort towns

In Colorado: Aspen and Snowmass, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Glenwood Springs, Keystone, Silverthorne, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail and Winter Park.

In Utah: The Canyons and Park City and Salt Lake City.

And in Lake Tahoe at Heavenly; in Idaho at Sun Valley; in Wyoming at Jackson Hole.

These Canadian resorts also have RentSkis.com locations: Banff and Whistler/Blackcomb.

You can find rentskis.com store locations as well in Denver, and Boulder and Colorado Springs, Colo.; and in the San Francisco Bay Area at Any Mountain Sports stores.

For more info, please call a toll free phone number 1-866-317-3508, or log on to www.rentskis.com/skiernews. You can also easily link to their site from the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

SUN VALLEY - MORE PROGRAMS & UPGRADES

TWO HOLIDAY PACKAGES OPEN SUN VALLEY’S 70th WINTER SEASON

SUN VALLEY, ID — Sun Valley’s 70th Anniversary Winter Season will open Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005.

The THANKSGIVING PACKAGE, complete with all the trimmings, begins on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 23 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005. The package includes four night’s lodging, three days of skiing topped off with a lavish Thanksgiving feast.

Package rates begin at $293, per person, double occupancy, (tax not included).

The PRE-HOLIDAY PACKAGE begins Sunday, Nov. 27 and includes one night’s lodging and a one-day lift ticket for only $64.00, per person, double occupancy. This package may be booked for multiple days through Monday, Dec. 19, 2005.

And, because the first period of the KIDS STAY & SKI FREE PROGRAM runs in conjunction with these two packages, kids under 16 ski free when staying at a Sun Valley Resort property. This program is limited to one child per parent, two youngsters per lodging unit.

The Kids Stay & Ski Free Program also runs Jan. 2 through Jan. 30, 2006, and March 4 through the end of the ski season.

For reservations and additional information, please call Sun Valley Resort Reservations, 1-800-786-8259 or visit www.sunvalley.com.

You can also log on to their site from an easily found link from www.skiernews.com.

For reservations and additional information about their affordably priced ski vacations, you can learn more by calling 1-800-786-8259 or visit Sun Valley's website.

SUN VALLEY PROVIDES NEW SKI BARN STEPS FROM LIFTS

SUN VALLEY, ID — New for Sun Valley’s 70th winter season will be The Ski Barn at River Run Plaza.

With this new addition to guest services, just steps from the lifts, Sun Valley Resort guests will enjoy free ski and pole storage. The drop-off and pick-up service will be available on an over-night basis or for the day.

Skiers and snowboarders who are not staying at the resort may also utilize The Ski Barn for a nominal fee.

Not only will the new facility house more than 1,500 pieces of equipment, the 800-square-foot building also will provide 200 spaces for boot drying.

River Run Plaza is located at the base of Bald Mountain and provides gracious amenities. From gourmet cuisine served at the River Run Lodge to top of the line ski wear, accessories, equipment, equipment rental and Locker Storage at Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports, everything is within steps at the very skier-snowboard friendly River Run Plaza.

Learn more about Sun Valley by logging on to their web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com or visit Sun Valley's website.

SUN VALLEY INTRODUCES NEW MULTIPLE-DAY LIFT EXCHANGE

SUN VALLEY SUN VALLEY, ID — Sun Valley’s new Lift Exchange Program, introduced last season, is on its way to becoming one of the resort’s unique and distinctive traditions.

Because of the myriad wintertime activities and adventures tucked within the Sun Valley walking village, the resort has developed a unique program providing skiers and snowboarders many other options with the purchase of a multiple-day lift ticket.

Here is how it works. Since Sun Valley Resort owns and operates the entire ski area, Sun Valley hotels, accommodations and all the village amenities – goods and values can be exchanged.

This allows skiers and snowboarders purchasing multiple-day lift tickets the option of redeeming one day for many other activities – at no charge.

So, if you think you will need a ski break from the world-class mountains, then you can choose one of the following options already built into your multiple-day lift ticket:

• Massage at the Sun Valley Salon & Day Spa

• Sun Valley Nordic Package

• Snowshoe rental and lunch at historic Trail Creek Cabin

• Ice Skating Package and lunch at Gretchen’s Restaurant

• Sunday Brunch for two at the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room

• Dinner at the Ram Restaurant and movie at the Opera House

• Dinner for two at Bald Mt. Pizza and movie for two

• Sleigh Ride and lunch at Trail Creek Cabin, and others.

For more information on this new program that optimizes your Sun Valley ski experience for the whole family, please call the Sun Valley Recreation Office, 208-622-2135.

Learn more about Sun Valley by logging on to their web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com or visit Sun Valley's website.

TELLURIDE OFFERS MOUNTAIN MILES & GEAR for BEGINNERS

VAIL HAS VACATION VALUES ALL YEAR

VAIL, CO – When it is your turn to choose the family vacation and you are looking for a great value and great terrain, Vail can be an easy choice. Here are some vacation values to heighten your interest.

Value Weeks: Visit Vail during non-peak periods or mid-week to save the most on a vacation.

“Season Starter Value Weeks” provide four nights of lodging and four days of skiing for $288 per person from Dec. 1-15, 2005. This must be pre-purchased seven days in advance, based upon quad occupancy in a two-bedroom condo. Six days and six nights are available for $407 per person. Purchase online at www.vail.com or call 1-800-404-3535.

“New Year’s Resolution Weeks” provide four nights lodging and four days of skiing during the Honda Session Jan. 13-15 and US Freeskiing Open Jan. 18-22. The cost is $398 per person in a two-bedroom condo or $537 in a lodge room. This must be pre-purchased on-line seven days in advance, and additional lift tickets are available at the regular rate. Children’s lift tickets are also available. For a six-night/six-day package, the rate is $547 per person in a two-bedroom condo or $699 per person in a lodge room. This is valid Jan. 2-15, 2006.

Early-Season Mid-Week:

Get three skiing and three days lodging in a two-bedroom condo for $280 per person. Lift tickets are valid Monday- Thursday only, lodging arrivals begin Sunday or Monday nights with three-night minimum. This is based upon availability and quad occupancy. It must be pre-purchased seven days in advance, and is valid Nov. 20 - Dec. 17, 2005. Additional restrictions may apply.

Mid-Winter Mid-Week:

Get three skiing and three days lodging in a two-bedroom condo for $362 per person. Lift tickets are valid Monday- Thursday only, lodging arrivals begin Sunday or Monday nights with three-night minimum. This is based upon availability and quad occupancy. It must be pre-purchased seven days in advance and is valid Jan. 1 - Feb. 16, 2006. Additional restrictions may apply.

March Mid-Week:

Get three skiing and three days lodging in a two-bedroom condo for $481 per person. Lift tickets are valid Monday- Thursday only, lodging arrivals begin Sunday or Monday nights with three-night minimum. It is based upon availability and quad occupancy. It must be pre-purchased seven days in advance and is valid Feb. 26- March 30, 2006. Additional restrictions may apply.

“Kids Fly, Stay & Ski Free” Package:

For families with children under 12, Vail Resorts and American Airlines are offering unbeatable savings on a winter mountain vacation at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone. Kids between the ages of 2 and 12 are eligible for a complimentary companion ticket on American Airlines when accompanied by a paying adult. Each child, with a paying adult, will receive a complimentary lift ticket for up to seven days and a free stay in the same hotel room or condominium, based on double occupancy. The “Kids Fly, Stay & Ski Free” package is available from all cities served by American or American Eagle within the lower 48 states into the Vail/Eagle County Airport (EGE). Travel is valid between Jan. 2-Feb. 16, 2006, with travel to the ski destination occurring on Sunday-Thursday and return travel on Monday-Friday. Other restrictions may apply.

For more info or reservations, visit www.snow.com or call 1-800-404-3535.

Ticket Deals:

Ski and Ride for Less Than $42 a Day

Question: Where else in the world can you ride 129 chairlifts and gondolas to ski 687 trails and 16,792 acres on less than $42 a day?

Answer: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. The “Perfect 10 Ticket” gives adults 10 days of skiing and riding at Vail Resorts’ five mountain resorts for less than $42 a day throughout the 2005-06 season. Priced at $419 for adults and $299 for children (ages 5-12), the Perfect 10 Ticket can be used all season except Dec. 16, 2005 - Jan. 1, 2006. At least one day of the 10-day ticket must be used on or before Jan. 30, 2006, or else the ticket can be used towards another type of ticket or pass for the remainder of the season.

The ticket is on sale now at www.vail.com. It can also be purchased at any ticket office at one of Vail Resorts’ five ski resorts once the winter season begins.

Event Deals:

At the End of the Ski Day, Eat Your Way through Vail

Work up an appetite from skiing and riding Vail’s 5,289 acres of world-class terrain? Eat your way through Vail’s best restaurants at two amazing price points this December. The “Vail Dine Around” features 15 days of delectable three-course dinner menus showcasing Vail’s renowned food and wine scene. A fixed price of $15 or $30 per person provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to taste the exceptional culinary talent and regional cuisine of the world-class ski town.

The Dine Around will take place Dec. 1- 15, 2005. Stay and ski Vail Mountain for as little as $288 per person for up to four nights and four days in a two-bedroom condominium. This offer is based on four-person occupancy from Dec. 2-15, 2005. Other restrictions may apply.

For more information on these and other Vail value deals, please go to www.vail.com.

You can also log on to the Vail Resort web site to obtain information on the five company resorts – Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail in Colo., and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe – via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

SKI LAKE TAHOE CONTINUES TO EXPAND & IMPROVE AS WORLD-CLASS SKI DESTINATION

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV — Ski Lake Tahoe has always provided an unsurpassable ski destination, complementing the oneof- a-kind location around the alpine waters of Lake Tahoe in the sunny Sierras with an outstanding variety of terrain, activities and amenities. This year the group is proud to include the wild chutes and endless vistas of Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe to its repertoire as a destination. Additionally, each resort has been working hard all summer to continue improving their mountains, expanding their terrain, offering new lodging and dining options, and attending to every details for an unbeatable ski experience.The following is a look at just some of what is new at the Ski Lake Tahoe resorts for the 2005-06 ski season.

ALPINE MEADOWS

The new Sherwood Express detachable quad at Alpine Meadows will transport skiers and riders up the mountain two times faster than its predecessor, providing greater access to enjoy approximately 400 acres of intermediate groomed and expert off-trail terrain in the popular Sherwood Bowl. “Visitors can look forward to shorter lift lines on the new Sherwood Express. In addition, they can log more daily vertical in Sherwood Bowl,” stated Matt Janney, Alpine Meadows President and General Manager.

HEAVENLY

Heavenly is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter with a weekend-long community block party including numerous promotions and events on December 15-18. The big news for this season is that Heavenly is opening up the trees that hid some of the best skiing in North America. The sweet powder stashes that used to be exclusive local territory will now be available to everybody. Heavenly will also be unveiling its nighttime terrain park, where riders can “go big” even after the streetlights come on. Heavenly will also be introducing a new Zaugg pipe cutter, a 22-foot monster that will carve the most epic pipe in the Tahoe basin. A number of other on-mountain improvements have been made including five additional electronic signs with current mountain information. Also, five new Bombardier 350 groomers were added, making the mountain total of 13 the largest fleet in North America.

KIRKWOOD

A new high-speed lift, expanded High Angle Grooming program and new Burton Learn to Ride rental gear will enhance the on-mountain experience for Kirkwood skiers and riders throughout the 2005-06 winter season. Hole ‘N’Wall (Chair 7) has been replaced with a high-speed quad, the TC Express, providing a quick lift to the top of Timber Creek. Ranked by USA Today as one of the top ten places in North America to learn to ski, Timber Creek features a variety of fall line runs that create a natural progression on which to learn. The TC Express is great news for the expert set as well, as it provides a speedy return from The Palisades, some of Kirkwood’s most coveted advanced terrain. New Burton Learn to Ride gear, including women specific, promises to accelerate the learning curve for beginner snowboarders. For corduroy lovers who like it steep and fast, Kirkwood’s High Angle Grooming program offers several off the top options with pitch a plenty.

MT. ROSE - SKI TAHOE

Highlighting Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe’s improvements for 2005-06 is the 330-foot ski school conveyor lift. Longer than a football field, this new surface lift will climb the west side of the Show-Off trail to compliment the beginner lesson area and the successful station teaching zone. Mt. Rose is also beefing up the six packs, adding additional chairs on the Northwest Magnum 6 and the Blazing Zephyr 6. Mitigating Saturday morning congestion, these additional chairs increase the uphill capacity by 25 percent. Other highlighted projects include the completion of slope re-contouring projects on the high traverse, Big Bonanza and the Zephyr Return trail, as well as the construction of a grand staircase easing the transition to the upper parking lots at the main lodge. Mt. Rose is also planning to improve the circulation from the East Bowl parking lot to both the lodge and to the ski slope, as a short-term fix is needed here until their new lodge is constructed.

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE

After much anticipation, Northstar-at-Tahoe’s original vision to create a destination Village is becoming a reality, as Phase I of the Village at Northstar is scheduled to open this December. Featuring 100 luxurious slopeside condominiums, stylish boutiques, outdoor restaurants and an ice-skating rink and pedestrian plaza at the heart of it all, the Village at Northstar is guaranteed to be one of the finest mountain villages in North America. Access to this new Village will be a breeze thanks to Northstar’s new valet parking service and ConSKIerge, a concierge service for equipment. Always a leader in progressive terrain park offerings, Northstar has teamed up with Burton Snowboards to create the first Burton Progression Park. This park will cater to new park riders with small and medium sized features, ideal for teaching. Northstar will also offer freestyle terrain lessons this season to help riders ease into rails and jumps with proper technique. Additionally, kids can look for the new Adventure Parks, each one with a distinctive theme throughout that will be reflected in the signage, the new entrances and the features within the parks.

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

Sierra-at-Tahoe blends fun and learning in its new on-mountain adventure zones, which were designed with kids in mind. Terrain features such as rollers, mini jumps and banked turns keep children entertained, while signage and animated figures educate them on local history and animal species. Other mountain improvements include a taste of the urban life with the resort’s version of city bus stops, appropriately titled “Park Stops”, and a new healthy food outlet called the “Happy Hippie” offering everything from granola and yogurt to rice bowls and wraps. Another amenity is the new fleet of Bike Taxis that will patrol the parking lots, with eager drivers ready to transport guests and their gear from the outer reaches of the parking lots. The bike taxi service is free and each seats a family of three or four comfortably.

SQUAW VALLEY USA

Squaw Valley USA ushers in the 2005-06 Winter Season with an allnew mountain top ski demo center where guests can ski in/out of the Gold Coast Lodge with the latest high-performance skis. Three new PistenBully winch grooming machines have been added to Squaw Valley USA’s fleet of 30 machines to continue the tradition of rolling out perfect corduroy daily. The Village at Squaw Valley USA continues to evolve with new dining options, more shopping variety and an array of new children’s games including life-size chess, checkers and jenga. Squaw Valley USA also expands its events schedule with a Winter Solstice kickoff that will welcome the snowy season in with a week of fun, valley-wide events Dec. 10 - 17. Squaw Valley USA continues to provide guests with a variety of terrain, fun children’s programs, effective lessons and custom vacations in and around Squaw Valley.

MORE ABOUT SKI LAKE TAHOE

Surrounding North America’s largest alpine lake, each Ski Lake Tahoe resort offers unparalleled scenic vistas of nearby forestry, panoramic mountain and lake views. For the latest mountain news and conditions, visit the Ski Lake Tahoe web site at www.skilaketahoe.com. For a Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide, call 1-800-588-SNOW, ext. 1. You can also log on to Ski Lake Tahoe’s web site from an easily found link on the right side of the home page of www.skiernews.com.

PANORAMA IS A COMPLETE RESORT

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE, BC, CANADA — Ever since Intrawest added two quads in the 2003-04 season, one high-speed and another that takes skiers to Panorama’s massive vertical, huge mountain terrain and epic views, the mountain became transformed into a major destination resort. Here is an overview of what to expect when skiing at Panorama in western Canada.

The skiing and riding: Panorama Mountain is about big vertical and big mountain terrain – over 4,000 vertical feet and over 2,800 snow-covered acres. Panorama’s newest expansion, Taynton Bowl, has made the resort into one of the largest ski resorts in Canada and the addition of those new quads gets skiers and riders into Taynton Bowl’s former heli-skiing terrain with ease and speed.

The Taynton experience is complemented by super-long cruising runs on the front side of the mountain that feature Panorama’s award-winning grooming. For freestyle enthusiasts, there is expert and intermediate terrain in addition to the mountain’s offerings of rails, tabletops, and a halfpipe.

The resort: Framed by the Canadian Rockies and the ancient Purcell Mountains, Panorama is an intimate mountain village. Ideally located between Fernie and Banff, Panorama provides the ultimate base for touring and experiencing some of the greatest skiing and powder snow in the Canadian Rockies.

After a day on the slopes, sink into the soothing waters of the giant, slopeside Panorama Springs Hot Pools. Soak, stargaze and recap the day’s events with friends and family. Then head into the pedestrian village to check out a variety of family activities, restaurants and après-ski options.

Ski and Snowboard School: The School of Skiing and Snowboarding (SOS) at Panorama Mountain Village offers excellent service and has been voted the best ski school in Canada two years in a row by Ski Canada Magazine. Sign up for a powder, bumps or a freestyle clinic to take advantage of Panorama’s best terrain.

The accommodation: The ski-in/ski-out accommodations at Panorama define mountain elegance. Lodging is separated into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels to accommodate every budget. The Platinum, Gold and Silver suites feature full kitchens as well as fireplaces. All accommodations allow access to the famous Panorama Springs Hot Pools.

Activity Descriptions

Mountain Friends Guided Tours Fun and informative!

The local experts tell you how to get the most out of your visit to Panorama Mountain Village. It’s a great way to get the “insider’s edge” on where to find the best snow. Tours are complimentary and are easily found at the base area.

Night Skiing and Showzone Terrain Park

Nighttime runs and the terrain park are available off the Toby Chair Thursday through Sunday evenings. A reduced “Night Only” ticket is available.

Snowshoeing

Rentals and guided programs are available for your tour through the beautiful backcountry surrounding Panorama Mountain Village.

Snowmobile Programs with Toby Creek Adventures

Snowmobile from the bottom of Paradise Basin to the to the top at 8,000 feet. An abandoned silver mine and a wide-open bowl for powder riding make this trip an exhilarating, unforgettable experience.

Summit Hut Fondue

Meet at the mountaintop Summit Hut at the end of the day to enjoy a hot cheese fondue with wine, topped off by a delectable chocolate fondue for dessert. Afterward, ski down the mountain with a guide in peaceful mountain silence.

Torchlight parade and BBQ

Skiers meet at the Elkhorn Cabin prior to 4 p.m., have a delicious barbeque meal, enjoy the view in comfort, and then ski down the mountain with a guide. Perfect for private groups.

Trappers Cabin Horse-Drawn Journey

This is an authentic Rocky Mountain experience not to be missed! This two-hour program takes you along Toby Creek and returns to the stables overlooking Panorama Mountain Village. A roaring campfire, piping hot chili, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, beautiful views and entertainment await.

Après Ski and Restaurants

Take your pick from the variety of restaurants & après bars in the village, like the T-Bar & Grill for casual après and dinner; Jackpine Pub for delicious finger food; the celebrated Toby Creek Dining Room for upscale regional fare; Starbird Steakhouse; The Great Hall at Ski Tip Lodge; Lusti’s Cappuccino Bar; Heli-plex Casual Dining; or on mountain at the Summit Hut and Cappuccino Hut for lunch with a view. Excursions to nearby Invermere on the Lake provide additional options like Strand’s Old House, Black Forest Steak House, Lake Side Inn & Myrtle's’ on Main.

Family affairs

Panorama always goes the extra mile when it comes to activities for children and families. The on-mountain daycare facility is convenient for parents and fun for kids. In addition to skiing and riding, there are a host of other family focused activities available including skating, magic shows, horse drawn wagon rides, on-mountain arcade, and Teen Nights at the Glacier Night Club throughout the winter season.

What the critics say

In recent years, Ski Canada Magazine has presented Panorama with these awards: “Best Ski School in Canada” “Best Grooming and Cruising” “Best New Terrain – Taynton Bowl” “Best Fall Line Cruising” “Best Fine Dining – Toby Creek Dining Room”

The Top Terrain is Lift Serviced

It is now easy to get to premier terrain and scenery since the two state-of-the-art, Doppelmayr quad chairlifts replaced a double chair and two t-bars. One new detachable high-speed quad replaced a double chairlift and t-bar, while another new fixedgrip quad chair replaced a second t-bar. The lifts were installed by Doppelmayr, the world’s premier lift manufacturer.

Five reasons to visit Panorama:

1. Get to the top of Panorama’s 4,000 vertical faster than ever with two new quads.

2. Experience terrain with a backcountry feel in Taynton Bowl, terrain formerly only accessed by a heli-ski operation.

3. Soak tired muscles and relax in the giant, slopeside Panorama Springs Hot Pools.

4. Savor cheese fondue at Panorama’s summit after the lifts close before skiing down with a guide as the sun sets.

5. Enjoy luxurious ski-in/ski-out accommodations with abundant winter pastimes at your doorstep.

Panorama Vital Stats

Summit altitude: 7800 feet Vertical drop: 4000 feet Lift system: village gondola, 2 high-speed quads, 1 quad, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair, 3 beginner surface lifts. Skiable area: 2847 acres, 100+ trails Terrain mix: 30 percent advanced/expert, 55 percent intermediate, and 15 percent novice Parks ‘n’ Pipes: 1 halfpipe, 1 expert terrain park, 1 intermediate terrain park (night lit) Average snowfall: 13 feet Season: December – mid April Lift pass – approx. $50 U.S. Getting there: Panorama is 3.5 hours from the Calgary International Airport. Shuttle services connect Panorama, Banff, Kimberley and Fernie. For more info Panorama is owned and operated by Intrawest.

For more info, call 1-888-475-4226 or visit their web site through an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.