• SUBARU EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP with PSIA, AASI and NSP for FIVE MORE YEARS

• SUN VALLEY GETS MORE SNOWMAKING & DEALS

• TELLURIDE SKIING IS FREEDOM FROM THE ORDINARY

• SKI THINGS DIFFERENTLY, SKI SALT LAKE

• GOOD GUY - BAD GUYS

• THE WORT HOTEL IN JACKSON OFFERS AN AUTHENTIC WESTERN EXPERIENCE

• SELECT DRILLS TO ENHANCE SKILLS

• ON-LINE TRAVEL EXPERTS DEPEND ON RENTSKIS.COM

• SALT LAKE CITY, FROM OLYMPIC CITY TO WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION

• SNOWBIRD to OPEN NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST SKI AREA TUNNEL and a NEW QUAD

• LAKE TAHOE IS AMERICA’S FINEST WINTER PLAYGROUND

• PANORAMA IMPROVES for 2006-07 & CONTINUES AS A COMPLETE RESORT

2006-07 Utah, New Mex & Colorado Favorites

2006-07 Tahoe's Best - Travel Planner

2006-07 Destination Western Canada & the Northern U.S. Rockies

2006-07 Destination Northeast and New York & Pennsylvania's Best

2006-07 Destination Northeast and New England Favorites

• MONTBLEU EXCITES TAHOE’S SOUTH SHORE

• THE HOTEL TELLURIDE, TELLURIDE’S PREMIER HOTEL

• THE PEAKS in TELLURIDE OFFERS ENDLESS ADVENTURE

• SKI VILLAGE RESORTS HELPS YOU ENJOY BRECKENRIDGE

• PARK CITY PEAKS HOTEL HAS A GREAT DEAL

• The HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE OFFERS LUXURY, GAMING and GREAT PACKAGES

• EMBASSY SUITES’ PREMIER SNOWFEST PACKAGE IS A LODGING & LIFT DEAL

• TAHOE'S CAMP RICHARDSON RESORT HAS WINTER RECREATION FUN

• LAKE TAHOE ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDES UNIQUE ON-LINE BOOKING

• DAYS INN, SUMMIT COUNTY, IS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

• LA QUINTA INN & SUITES IS LOCATED FOR SKIER CONVENIENCE

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK:

by Publisher and Editor, Dave Leonardi

GOOD GUYS AND BAD GUYS

GOOD GUY - VICTOR STARYKOWICZ

In our February issue I told you about a great gentleman that we have come to know over the years. Now we mainly see him when he visits us at the Chicago Ski Show, held at the Stephens Convention Center near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

He is certainly an inspiration. A few years beyond his 80th birthday (note the + in the 80 on his shirt) he still proudly wears his one million vertical feet gold belt buckle that he earned at Jackson Hole. At the ski show, he is also likely to be wearing his many NASTAR racing pins and other memorabilia from a lifetime of skiing.

He has skied 30 resorts in the Midwest; 32 resorts in the West, six in the East and four in Canada. At one time he belong to three ski clubs and the Chicago Metro Ski Council.

As we mentioned in last Spring’s issue, Victor meticulously documents each of his trips and has saved all of his skis.

With him, in the photo above, are 10 pairs of the skis that he has used over the years. Included in the group are (starting on the right) a pair of cross-country skis, the Concord, Lake Placid model; then you will find everything from old, long, straight Head skis to the latest, short, fat skis.

He once owned and used a pair of the first Northland wooden skis with cable bindings. The skis were six-feet, six-inches, long and he got them in 1967.

As for his lifestyle today at 83, in the summer when he is not rollerblading, Victor will be using his jet-ski at a nearby lake (he lives north of O’Hare in Illinois) or using his boat. He also has a motorcycle, Mountain bike and scooter.

He would rather exercise and do something active than watch TV or anything passive that others his age might find amusing. He was married, and took his family skiing as a way to be together and enjoy the outdoors. His sons usually accompany him to the ski show. He is retired from his job as an industrial electrician and claims his current lifestyle comes to him from hard work and good genes.

Victor is an inspiration to everyone who wants to enjoy life and especially to those of us who ski. Here’s to 80 more!

BAD GUYS -- “THE FAMILY”

It was an October morning in 1998, in the early dawn a fire raged atop the peaks at Vail Mountain in Colorado. When it was over the arson attack destroyed Vail’s beautiful Two Elk Lodge and the unloading stations for some nearby chair lifts. All together nine structures were destroyed and the damages totaled more than $12- million dollars. They were all quickly rebuilt within a year.

The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) claimed responsibility for the attack and used it as a benchmark to measure future attacks and the destruction the group caused.

Time passed, seemingly without any leads, but at least one FBI agent was confident the case would be cracked, if not solved with justice served.

In January 2001, during a CBS Sixty-Minutes interview, FBI agent Dave Zady said this about ELF to begin his interview with CBS correspondent Steve Kroft. “Make no mistake about it. By any sense or any definition, this is a true domestic terrorism group, that uses criminal activity to further their political agenda.”

Zady was the Special Agent in charge of the FBI office in Portland, Ore., at the time, the lead office in the nation wide investigation. At the end of the interview Zady was asked if he thought ELF could be infiltrated. His reply cited the oncethought impossible task of infiltrating the KGB and “the Mob” yet they were. He was confident that the Earth Liberation Front would be exposed.

In May 2006 eight counts of arson were delivered by a Denver federal grand jury. A group of three women and one man were indicted in connection with the sabotage against the resort. Chelsea Gerlach, 29, and Stanislas Meyerhoff, 28, were in custody when indicted. Two others Josephine Overaker, 31, and Rebecca Rubin, 33, were thought to be outside of the U.S. at the time.

According to reports in the Vail Daily, May 19, 2006, the four face five to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Also according to the Vail Daily, William Rodgers, who committed suicide by suffocation in an Arizona jail, was named as a co-conspirator.

The grouped allegedly planned and perpetrated the attack on Vail to discourage the resort from expanding in Blue Sky Basin, claiming it would ruin lynx habitat. The fires followed a final approval of Vail’s expansion plans after several other enviro groups lost in court to the ski area.

Along with the four, an additional seven suspects were also indicted in Oregon on 65 counts related to arson fires in California, Colorado Oregon and Washington. They are set to go to trial in Eugene, Ore., on Oct 31. The now indicted group of 11 became known as “the family.”

The tireless investigation and indictments occurred due to increased scrutiny of domestic terror groups as an outgrowth of the 9-11-01 attacks on our nation.

As the trial progresses we will keep you informed.

Now think snow!

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

Please continue to travel and enjoy the freedom of skiing and thank our heroes for helping to preserve our outstanding way of life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S TRAVEL DIARY:

SKIER NEWS’ lodging report compiled by Publisher and Editor, Dave Leonardi & Lorie Leonardi

THE WORT HOTEL IN JACKSON OFFERS AN AUTHENTIC WESTERN EXPERIENCE

JACKSON, WY – Jackson has a rich history full of Western legend. But unlike many Western towns, Jackson never was a mining area and never experienced a gold rush. The original settlers were trappers, fur traders and ranchers, perhaps none as aspiring as the founding family of The Wort Hotel. A hard working family, they toiled in this remote town and dreamed of creating the finest hotel in the area.

The idea for the hotel originated with Charles J. Wort, a homesteader who came to Jackson Hole in 1893. While homesteading in Park County, Charles and his wife, Luella, gave birth to two sons, John in 1900 and Jess in 1903. In 1915, Charles Wort bought four lots of land in what is now downtown Jackson. The land was used as a horse corral adjacent to a livery stable for seven years.

From 1932 to 1940, The Wort family operated what is now Signal Mountain Lodge. Then they began construction on their dream, a luxury hotel in downtown Jackson. Original costs were approximately $90,000, and the hotel officially opened in 1941. The hotel celebrated its 65th birthday in September 2006.

In 1950, the famous Silver Dollar Bar was added. A German cabinetmaker designed and built the bar, using 2,032 uncirculated silver dollars from the Federal Reserve in Denver. The bar is still in use today, complete with the real silver dollars, and it attracts as many tourists as it does patrons. Adorned with striking original oil paintings from famous Western artist, Ray McCarty, The Silver Dollar Bar features live entertainment most weekends, and is enjoyed by locals, tourists, cowboys and ranchers. That is why everyone says, “Meet me at the Wort.”

Although gambling has always been illegal in Wyoming, it was tolerated for years in resort areas as a tourist amusement. The hotel had gambling from its opening and never really ceased until the late 1950s. Original gaming tables are preserved in the hotel today. Photos of slot machines adorn the walls with other memorabilia of the forties and fifties.

The Wort has been chosen as one of the Great Hotels of the West by Persimmon Hill Magazine, One of the Top 50 Inns of America by The National Geographic Traveler Magazine and is a member of Historic Hotels of America and The National Register of Historic Places. The culinary team has won numerous awards as well as had their corn chowder featured in Bon Appetit Magazine.

The Wort’s dining room, The Silver Dollar Grill, was fully revamped in December 2005. The new look offers such details as custom black walnut tables, doors and millwork. In addition, there are over 300 hundred individual 1921 Silver Dollars inlaid and displayed throughout the dining area. Highlighted with original Western artwork and a refurbished original Wort Hotel Roulette wheel, eating at The Silver Dollar Grill is more than just a fabulous meal, it is an experience. An outstanding array of moderately priced fine food and gourmet cuisine create an outstanding and authentic Western dining experience.

Jackson’s Historic Landmark, The Wort Hotel is located one half block from the famous town square, The hotel is steps from the best boutiques, museums, galleries, restaurants and nightlife, including their own famous Silver Dollar Bar. Providing the charm and intimacy of a world class country inn and the exceptional service of a grand hotel, The Wort Hotel offers comfort and luxury to guests after exhilarating days of skiing or snowmobiling at nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The Wort Hotel boasts 59 luxurious guestrooms including 4 suites. Luxury amenities and services make it Jackson’s finest hotel. The spacious rooms are furnished with lodge pole pine furniture, goose down comforters, Western fabrics and décor as well as their signature luxurious bathrobes and plush Silver Dollar Sam teddy bears. After settling in, you can relax by one of the stone fireplaces in the Grand Lobby or enjoy a drink in the infamous Silver Dollar Bar. Enjoy the warmth and luxury of The Wort Hotel while you are provided with the uncompromising personalized service that is their brand of Western hospitality.

THE WORT’S SKI PACKAGE for 2006-07

You can enjoy all that The Wort has to offer with their five-night – three day ski package. The cost is $817 per person, double occupancy. It includes a five-night stay in a Deluxe Room; a full made to order breakfast each day in the newly restored Silver Dollar Grill; three day lift tickets for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; complimentary shuttle to and from the ski resort; complimentary ski storage; complimentary Apres-ski every afternoon; complimentary turn-down service and complimentary parking in their private parking area.

For more information on this or any other package, or for reservations, visit them at www.worthotel.com or call 1-800-322-2727.

SUBARU EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP with PSIA, AASI and NSP for FIVE MORE YEARS

LAKEWOOD, CO. – The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), and the National Ski Patrol (NSP) announce that they will receive continued support from Subaru of America, Inc. The new five-year agreement with Subaru brings the total number of years of their partnership with PSIA, AASI and NSP to 16, an impressive length of time in the world of sponsorships.

“The long-term success of the partnership is due to mutual commitment and significant contributions to the benefit of all partners,” says PSIA-AASI Executive Director Mark Dorsey. “We’re grateful to Subaru for their dedication to the relationship and look forward to it continuing long into the future.”

New support to the program includes the Subarufunded development of a new consumer-oriented, animated micro site within the PSIA, AASI and NSP web sites, called “Yür Mountain,” which will officially launch with the start of the 2006-07 snowsports season. This is an entertaining and educational “generic” mountain setting that demystifies the experience, particularly for firsttimers. The tone of the site is aimed at a “tweener” audience and their parents, to help motivate them to go out and enjoy skiing and riding. Of course, everyone arrives at Yür Mountain in a Subaru Tribeca or Subaru Outback. PSIA, AASI and NSP will promote Yür Mountain to consumers this fall.

“The relationship that Subaru has fostered with the NSP, PSIA and AASI is a benchmark for marketing affiliation success unmatched to date in the automotive industry,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Subaru of America, Inc.

“We are truly grateful to our partners at the NSP, PSIA and AASI for allowing us to showcase our Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive products in an authentic and credible way.”

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics, calendar year-end 2005.

For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

About PSIA and AASI

PSIA and AASI are educational organizations of the nonprofit American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA) with a combined membership of more than 29,000 members who are dedicated to promoting snowsports through instruction. The organizations establish certification standards for ski and snowboard instructors and develop education materials to be used as the core components of most ski and snowboard school training. PSIA and AASI support the membership through research and development of instructional programs in alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, adaptive skiing, and children’s skiing.

Visit www.psia.org or www.aasi.org for more.

About the National Ski Patrol

The National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a Federally Chartered nonprofit membership association dedicated to serving the public and the mountain recreation industry by providing education services about emergency care and safety. For more than 65 years, the NSP has been at the forefront of safety and emergency care education programs. The association’s 28,500 members represent 98 percent of the nation’s patrollers, whether or not they are paid by or volunteer for their home area. These members are agents of ski and snowboard area management and, through NSP’s award-winning Outdoor Emergency Care program, are the principal delivery system of emergency care training for area patrollers.

NSP also develops training for non-medical roles, including toboggan handling, avalanche rescue, mountain host programs, and more.

Visit www.nsp.org for more info.

You can also log on to Subaru’s web site, and view their commitment to outdoor life, from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

SUN VALLEY GETS MORE SNOWMAKING & DEALS

THANKSGIVING DEALS OPEN THE SAVINGS FOR SUN VALLEY SUN VALLEY, ID

SUN VALLEY, ID -- Sun Valley’s Thanksgiving Package, complete with all the trimmings, begins Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 22, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 26.

The package includes four night’s lodging, three days of skiing, topped off with a lavish Thanksgiving feast. Package rates begin at $285 per person double occupancy, tax not included. For more info, please call 1-800-786-8259.

PRE-HOLIDAY PACKAGE

The Pre-Holiday Package begins Sunday, Nov. 26, and includes one night’s lodging and one day of skiing for only $68 per person double occupancy, tax not included. This package may be booked multiple days through Monday, Dec. 18, 2006.

For fabulous savings, book your Pre-Holiday Packages today – 1-800-786-8259.

You can also log on to Sun Valley’s web site from a link found on www.skiernews.com.

SUN VALLEY INSTALLS NEW SNOWMAKING SYSTEM ON DOLLAR MOUNTAIN

Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain will sport state-of-the-art snowmaking from top to bottom this upcoming ski season, with 44 York Safyr Snow Gun Towers and new snowmaking infrastructure on four runs: Sepp’s Bowl, Sepp’s Road, Dollar Face, Old Bowl Lane and Race Hill.

New ski technology is nothing new to this sunny and gentle old mountain. In 1936, the world’s first chairlifts were engineered and installed here by Union Pacific Railroad, founders of Sun Valley Resort. From the opening of Sun Valley to the present day, Dollar Mountain has maintained its reputation as one of the finest ski teaching areas in the world.

Lots of Sun Valley sunshine graces this 6,638-foot, treeless mountain with seven lifts and a lift capacity of 3,400 skiers per hour.

Dollar Mountain’s base lodge, the new 26,000-square-foot family center, opened in 2004 and completes the ultimate ski experience for all ages – an ideal winter playground for the young and young-at-heart.

Sun Valley Resort’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Holding, began the reconstruction of the resort’s on-mountain lodges in the mid-90’s. All nationally acclaimed as some of the world’s finest mountain facilities, this newest development will embrace Sun Valley Resort’s commitment to providing an unparalleled winter family vacation experience.

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

SUN VALLEY LODGE GETS $6-MILLION REMODEL

— A $6-million remodel of Sun Valley Resort’s Lodge Apartments will be completed for Sun Valley’s 71st ski season in 2006-07.

The 50 two- and three-bedroom apartments will be graciously appointed with the very finest European fabrics, carpeting, top of the line kitchen appliances, granite and marble counter tops and fireplace surrounds.

Deep, rich, wood cabinetry, stainless steel and granite will accent the open air kitchens overlooking the living rooms and new gas fireplaces. A convivial color palette of rich earth tones of rose, forest and moss greens, and vibrant Sun Valley autumn gold will be carried throughout the richly upholstered, custom crafted furniture and the all wool, woven patterned carpeting milled by Brinton’s Axminster in England.

State-of-the-art technology also has been incorporated into the renovation with 36-inch, flat-screen plasma televisions and high-speed Ethernet access.

Guests staying at the new Lodge Apartments will also enjoy all the amenities of the adjacent Sun Valley Lodge including the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room, Gretchen’s Restaurant, cocktails and entertainment in the Duchin Lounge, the year-round outdoor ice rink and the outdoor glass-enclosed heated pool.

It is easy to make reservations for the new Lodge Apartments or any of Sun Valley’s 500 hotel rooms, condominiums or cottages, please call 1-800-786-8259.

ON-LINE TRAVEL EXPERTS DEPEND ON RENTSKIS.COM

DENVER, CO -- More and more skiers and snowboarders are discovering an alternative to schlepping skis and snowboards through busy airports and across slippery parking lots. They have found the convenience of www.rentskis.com, a service that allows skiers and riders to order their preferred equipment in advance to be available for pick up at dozens of major resorts in the western United States. The trend is mushrooming in popularity, with reservations sky rocketing 481 percent from inception of the service in 2000 through the 2005-06 season.

Rentskis.com allows skiers and riders to reserve the hottest new skis and boards on-line before their trip to the mountains, then select the shop closest to their lodging for convenient pick up. Skis and snowboards can be reserved either on-line at www.rentskis.com or toll free at 1-800-544-6648. Once guests arrive at the resort, they simply go to the shop, sign their paperwork, get their reserved equipment, and they are out the door.

With numerous locations throughout Colorado, California, Utah, and the Rocky Mountains, rentskis.com also allows skiers and riders to now simplify their winter vacation with the largest and most efficient rental equipment system in North America. Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, ski.com, and skireport.com all use rentskis.com as their preferred equipment provider. Most shops are slopeside for maximum convenience, but there are additional locations in a variety of mountain communities as well as at metropolitan ski shops in Denver, Colo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and the Bay Area in Calif.

Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off the regular daily price. For every adult rental, a junior (age 12 or younger) gets a free rental for the same number of days at selected stores during non-peak periods. Renters even have a rock solid guarantee – if the equipment is not satisfactory, they receive a refund for that day’s rental and can exchange their board(s) for another set-up.

Options range from the Sport Package for beginners through intermediates, the Performance Package for intermediate to advanced skiers, and Demos for the most cutting-edge equipment, including popular skis from K2, and the most sought after models from Rossignol, Salomon, Atomic, Volkl, and Dynastar. Snowboarders can choose from Burton’s entire line including their innovative Learn to Ride equipment. Boards are also available from Salomon, Rossignol, and Palmer with either step-in or traditional strap bindings. Skis designed specifically for women are available at all locations. Depending on location, Sport Packages start as low as $13 per day up to $36 per day, while Performance Packages start at $16 per day up to $38 per day. Demo equipment rates begin at $24 per day and range up to $50 per day, and a snowboard package begins at $18 per day to $36 per day.

Rentskis.com Gold

For a seamless rental experience that is efficient and practically effortless, www.rentskis.com offers an upgraded gold program. The Gold Service guarantees that skiers get the specific demo equipment they request with their bindings already adjusted and ready-to-go, free ski and boot storage, daily equipment tuning and fitting appointments. Gold Service guests are escorted through the entire rental process with a personal ski concierge. This service is tailored to skiers and riders with exacting standards and tight schedules.

“The appeal of rentskis.com is that it allows skiers and riders to spend more time on the slopes because their equipment will be pre set and waiting for them,” said Chris Swallows, national sales manager for rentskis.com. “Our Gold Service customers are raving about the exceptional service they receive when their goal is to move through the rental process quickly and emerge with exactly the equipment they want.”

Here is a review of the best reasons to use rentskis.com:

• Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off

• Age 12 and younger get free junior rentals with every adult rental at selected stores during non-peak periods

• If the equipment is not satisfactory, receive a refund for that day’s rental and you can exchange your board(s) for another set-up

• Skis designed specifically for women are available at all locations.

• Gold Service guarantees that skiers get the specific demo equipment they request

Save the hassle of lugging your skis and get the latest gear. Reserve either on-line at www.rentskis.com or toll free at 1-800-544-6648. You can also log on to rentskis.com from an easily found link on the homepage of wwwskiernews.com.

SALT LAKE CITY, FROM OLYMPIC CITY TO WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Nearly five years after hosting one of the most successful winter Olympics ever, Salt Lake City is thriving like never before. This metropolitan city, perched near the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, is in fact flourishing beyond all expectations, both as a four-season tourism destination and meeting location.

Long known as a gateway for the nation’s most stunning national parks (Zion, Bryce, Arches and Yellowstone), Salt Lake now offers visitors anything and everything imaginable throughout the year. Among the attractions are 11 resorts within one hour of Salt Lake City International Airport featuring “The Greatest Snow On Earth” (and tons of it – 53 feet last year); access to thousands of miles of hiking and biking just 30 minutes from downtown. In addition, you will find art and cultural offerings on par with New York and Chicago; a thriving restaurant and bar scene; and now a world-class meeting and convention facility in the Salt Palace Convention Center, capable of hosting groups ranging from 25 to 25,000.

Salt Lake, for those unfamiliar with it, has capitalized on what the Olympics initiated in terms of generating a positive visitor experience, which has, in turn, benefited the local populations as well. Utah’s cultural arts has taken great strides and is now one of Salt Lake’s top amenities, as are its various restaurants and nightlife options, much to the surprise of first-time visitors.

Of course, Salt Lake and Utah are still best known for their unmatched outdoor recreational offerings and the accessibility it offers to anyone looking to visit the great outdoors, winter or summer. The Olympic legacy can be seen far and wide at each of “Ski Salt Lake’s” four resorts (Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird) as well as the other winter resorts just a bit further from the capital city. It can also be found in the Olympic venues where visitors can try their hand at speed skating, bobsledding, Nordic jumping or skiing, right alongside world-class athletes now calling Utah home for the incredible training and competition facilities in the area.

To simplify the process even more for visitors, the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau has created inclusive, easy-to-use packages for both winter and summer visitors. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the ultra-convenient, money-saving Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, allowing skiers and riders the ability to visit a different Ski Salt Lake resort (Alta, Brighton, Solitude or Snowbird) every day of their stay.

Not only does the Super Pass offer convenience and incredible flexibility, it also includes all ground transportation to and from the resorts via the Utah Transit Authority’s city buses, ski buses and TRAX light rail. In essence, the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass allows skiers and snowboarders to ski or ride where they want, when they want.

A similar pass, the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass, is offered year-round and features 12 of Salt Lake’s top attractions, from museums (including the world’s largest dinosaur museum) to Utah’s Hogle Zoo to the Utah Olympic Park and more. Without a doubt, the Connect Pass is the easiest and most inexpensive way to see Salt Lake’s most popular attractions.

Combine the convenience of these passes with the metropolitan look, feel and offerings of Salt Lake City. Add to it the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains and ultra-accessible international airport with more than 990 daily flights, and you have what is arguably one of the most complete and diverse vacation and meeting destinations in North America.

For more information on all there is to see and do in Salt Lake, from outdoor recreation to the arts, from restaurants to lodging accommodations, from nightlife to convention facilities, log onto www.visitsaltlake.com.

For more ski related information, please call 1-877-752-4386, or log on to the Ski Salt Lake website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

SNOWBIRD to OPEN NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST SKI AREA TUNNEL and a NEW QUAD

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The first of its kind in North America, Snowbird’s new nearly 600-foot Peruvian Tunnel will house a conveyor lift that will transport skiers and riders from Peruvian Gulch into Mineral Basin. Located at the top of the new Peruvian Express high-speed quad, the conveyor lift in the 12-foot high, 10-foot wide tunnel will provide a four-minute ride to intermediate terrain in Mineral Basin.

The new tunnel and lift will make intermediate terrain more accessible to skiers and riders by eliminating many switchbacks and the steepest pitch of Chip’s Run. It also provides an efficient way to reach Hidden Peak without the use of the Tram.

Peruvian Tunnel History & Facts

• Final approval granted Aug. 10, 2005

• Work began Aug. 17, 2005

• Tunnel was punched through Aug. 16, 2006

• Mining contractor: Small Mine Development, LLC, out of Boise, Idaho

• Dimensions: Approximately 600 feet long, 12 feet high and 10 feet wide

• Conveyor lift: 30 inches wide (48 inches for entire mechanism), 160 feet per min, 4 minute ride

• 7 percent grade

• One-way access into Mineral Basin

• 350 feet below Gorilla Pass on the Peruvian side, 300 feet below pass on Mineral side

• Entire project is on private land

• Cost: Approximately $650,000

• Timeline: The majority of the work was done during the summer of 2005 and it is due to be completed by the start of the 2006-07 season.

Peruvian Express Facts

• Manufacturer: CTEC-Doppelmayer

• High-speed quad

• 8000 linear feet

• 2408 vertical feet

• 1800 people per hour

• 8-minute ride

• 29 lift towers, all flown in Sept. 11, 2006

• 4 towers on public land, remainder of project on private

• 90-degree bottom- and top-load

• Powered by a top vault drive

• Cost: $5.6 million

• Base area of lift was reconfigured resulting in a 6000-square-foot flat area

• Timeline: Construction is currently underway and due to be finished in fall of 2006. The original Peruvian lift was removed in spring of 2006.

Why do it this way?

• Minimize visual impact by avoiding a ridge top lift terminal.

• Tunnel significantly reduces the size and number of required retaining walls.

• No ridge-top grading.

• A lift that is not impacted by ridge top winds can operate more often.

• Provides easier access to intermediate terrain by eliminating many switchbacks and the steepest pitch of Chip’s Run.

Both the tunnel and lift will open for use with the beginning of the 2006-07 season. The total project cost is approximately $6.5 million.

You can find more by logging on to the Ski Salt Lake web site which you can access from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com or by calling 1-877-752-4386.

LAKE TAHOE IS AMERICA’S FINEST WINTER PLAYGROUND

TAHOE CITY, CA – With one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S., coupled with the country’s finest snow and the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America, North Lake Tahoe continues to be one of the nation’s hottest winter getaways.

The Sierra Nevada oasis has lodging and slopes for everyone. From intimate, local resorts to expansive and endless runs and bowls, skiers and riders of all levels and preferences will find their favorite place to slide. Lodging options run the gamut of personalities and price points with four-star resorts and upscale inns to cozy cabins and lakeside motels.

As far as what’s new, Northstar-at-Tahoe will open two new Dopplemayr lifts, including a high-speed six-pack, improving access to Lookout Mountain and the Backside. Sugar Bowl Ski Area welcomes celebrity terrain-park visionary J.P. Martin to create innovative angles, obstacles and flow to the mountain’s park. Squaw Valley USA will begin broadcasting Squaw TV this season with up-to-theminute broadcast information about weather, conditions, lifts and events shown around the mountain via plasma television terminals.

It also just got easier to get to and from the Reno Tahoe International Airport with a new airport shuttle service serving the North Lake Tahoe area. Three routes will include stops at major lodging properties along the West Shore, Olympic Valley, Kings Beach, Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe Vista and Truckee in California; and Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada. Pick-ups and dropoffs are also available at the Truckee Train Depot and Northstar-at-Tahoe. The shuttle will run from 3:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Fees will be $35 per person, one-way, $60 round trip. Discounts are available for groups of three or more. Reservations are required and can be made 12 hours in advance.

While most mountains shut down in March or early April, travelers heading to North Lake Tahoe are likely to find the lifts running through late May at larger mountains such as Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and Squaw. Closing dates for additional Lake Tahoe resorts are generally dependent on conditions and crowds. Given that resorts open as early as November, the season in North Lake Tahoe can span nearly seven months.

Each spring, mild weather and a few late season storms boost an already superb snow pack, which was so phenomenal in 2005-06 that most resorts postponed closing dates due to continued amazing conditions. Alpine Meadows and Squaw received an estimated 630 inches of new snow through mid-April, two to three feet of which fell during an Easter weekend storm.

While conditions and open runs may attract a fair share of die-hard skiers and boarders, resorts pump up the festivities to ride out the season as long as possible. Noteworthy events include snow golf tournaments, dummy downhills, Gates and Wakes (skiing/snowboarding in the morning with a waterski/wakeboard event in the afternoon), zany pond crossings and open-air concerts. Guests can even head up to Squaw Valley’s High Camp to relax in the swimming lagoon and spa or tee off at area golf courses, which begin opening in early May.

Events throughout the winter include: the North Lake Tahoe Learn to Ski or Ride Weekend in early December; Learn to Ski or Ride Week at Diamond Peak Ski Resort Dec. 22-24; Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Squaw Dec. 24; Elvis Day at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe Jan. 6; Winter X-Jam at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort Jan. 12-14; Last Tracks at Diamond Peak beginning Feb. 10; North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival with polar bear swim, snow sculpture contest, Great Ski Race, fireworks, parades and special parties March 3-12; Vans Tahoe Cup at Northstar March 2-4; and the USASA Nationals at Northstar April 1-5.

Resorts are also emphasizing skill improvement and enticing new skiers and riders with an array of new lesson programs. Diamond Peak, celebrating 40 years, introduces a Learn Together Special for families and a Child Ski Center’s Frequent Private Lesson Program. Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe unveils a three-day learning package, which includes beginner lift access, rental equipment and beginner instruction for three days. Squaw Valley USA now has Squaw Sessions, a ski and snowboard program designed for teens to experience the Squaw freeride session firsthand.

The North Lake Tahoe Marketing Cooperative is a partnership between the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. The combined efforts of both entities are aimed to further promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from the San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City, Calif., and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village, Nev.

For lodging reservations and event details, call the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association at 1-888-434-1261 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com/news from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

PANORAMA IMPROVES for 2006-07 & CONTINUES AS A COMPLETE RESORT

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE, BC – Known for one of North America’s highest verticals and an intimate village, Panorama continues to focus on enhancing the mountain experience.

A $3.5-million new staff housing project will be completed for occupancy and the arrival of Panorama’s 2006- 07 winter staff. Two new buildings will provide 96 new on-mountain beds – a 45 percent increase from what is currently available. Each building will be three stories plus a loft for a total of 48 beds. The goal of this new development is to provide a better resort experience for Panorama Mountain Village employees, with an aim to attract, develop and retain the best employees in the industry.

This winter Panorama will make the transition to Resort Technology Partners’ (RTP), integrated point-ofsale software. RTP will better allow us to serve guests online and in-resort. Faster ticketing, and direct-to-lift access for pass holders are benefits of this new system.

The retail establishments will expand to include Showcase Snowboards. Established in 1989, it is the largest and oldest snowboard shop in Whistler BC. Panorama’s Showcase will be located in the Tamarack Lodge, next to Mountain Outfitters and Lusti’s Cappuccino Bar, and will provide the best in gear and hard goods at great prices.

Panorama has added another art and retail outlet, providing a culturally rich and hands-on program for guests. The new Artisan Cabin will provide unique interactive artistic experiences, and will complement the Bavin Glass Cabin, which opened in December 2005.

A significant investment has been made in Panorama’s snowmaking system. Last winter saw a $350,000 upgrade to the piping system, and since then more guns and hoses have been added, significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to move equipment. As well, new computer software has been installed at the snowmaking pump house, which will provide greater efficiency. The extensive network covers 40 percent of the mountain.

Panorama’s award winning grooming will be further enhanced by the addition of another BR-350 Snow Cat to the fleet.

Construction is almost complete on the second and third phase of Panorama’s iQ development (Intrawest Quarter Ownership). The Lookout, Phase I, opened to residents in June of 2006, offering titled ownership to one quarter of a mountain town home. The Lookout is located adjacent to the Gondola in the Upper Village.

For more information, go to www.myiq.ca.

Panorama Mountain Village, located in the Purcell Mountains, has one of the largest vertical descents in North America. Quad chair lifts give access to the summit and over 100 trails, including former heli-skiing terrain in Taynton Bowl.

For more information, visit www.skipanorama.com.

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. $55 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, call 1-800-663-2929 or visit their web site through an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

MONTBLEU EXCITES TAHOE’S SOUTH SHORE

New Resort Casino, Hotel & Spa is Ready for Action

STATELINE, NV — MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa adds a taste of Las Vegas sophistication and excitement to the beautiful natural wonders of Lake Tahoe. Formerly known as Caesars Tahoe, the 440-room MontBleu will made its official debut on May 24, 2006. The new resort has an array of new and contemporary venues, including seven distinct restaurants, four chic nightlife venues, a 40,000-square-foot remodeled casino, a brand new poker room and a luxurious spa. MontBleu will offer guests an elevated casino-resort experience set within the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe, an ideal combination, perfect for all four seasons.

With unparalleled attention to detail, the MontBleu design team was inspired by the natural beauty and pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. Through the use of vibrant color palettes and natural materials such as wood and stone, MontBleu creates a cool and contemporary environment in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Genesis Associates, based out of Santa Ana, Calif. developed and implemented MontBleu’s interior design.

MontBleu sits on a total of 21 acres and is poised to create a new standard of luxury in Lake Tahoe. The 17- story MontBleu has 440 spacious rooms and suites featuring breathtaking views of the tranquil shores of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Rooms and suites range from 424 to 1,250 square feet. All MontBleu rooms and suites feature the luxurious “Bleu Cloud Bed,” wireless Internet access and a complete set of premier toiletries by Aveda. MontBleu’s collection of shops offers a wide variety of items from unique gifts to swim and skiwear.

CASINO

MontBleu features 40,000 square feet of gaming space, including more than 900 slot machines and 50 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and a variety of other popular games. MontBleu recently opened a brand new poker room offering eight tables of the popular Texas Hold ‘Em at various buy-in levels. The newly remodeled race and sports book, The Zone, features 40 large-screen TVs, projection screens and plasmas showcasing the day’s hottest action.

In conjunction with its opening this past May, MontBleu announced the Cobalt Player’s Club which allows guests to accrue points and participate in a wide variety of exciting casino promotions.

RESTAURANTS

Opal Eurasian Cuisine & Ultra Lounge will offer dozens of unique tapas and sushi before transforming into a sexy and sophisticated ultra lounge later in the evening. Opal will also feature an impressive martini, sake, wine and champagne list.

Ciera Steak + Chophouse will offer a stylish and chic dining atmosphere, with an exquisite array of meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian entrees in addition to 200 wines and champagnes from around the world. Open for dinner only.

Continuous Cuisine at 20-Four will be MontBleu’s retro take on the 50s diner with a warm, nostalgic feel and a limitless, round-the-clock menu. Open 24 hours a day, this is the essence of comfort food and convenience for guests with any craving, at any hour.

The Unbuffet will offer a new perspective on the traditional buffet as chefs prepare fresh ingredients right before your eyes. Action stations, carving tables and international cuisine will allow guests to taste flavors from every continent and eat to their heart’s content. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Zone Race and Sports Book features its own deli that offers panini-style sandwiches, hot dogs, sausages and other popular stadium-style treats.

Starbucks Coffee will offer its world-famous array of delicious coffee blends and specialty drinks. Starbucks will also feature a selection of breakfast pastries and lunch sandwiches perfect for a relaxing reprieve or a meal on the run.

NIGHTLIFE

Opal Eurasian Cuisine & Ultra Lounge redefines Lake Tahoe dining and nightlife, as guests move seamlessly from a decadent meal into a sultry, intimate ultra lounge setting. Opal will introduce the concepts of “bar chefs” and will host some of the top regional and national DJ’s from around the country.

Blu Nightclub sets a new paradigm for nightlife at the lake. Located where Club Nero once stood, this worldclass venue will become Lake Tahoe’s hottest new nightclub and will exude an energy level that the area has never seen before.

HQ Center Bar, located in the middle of the casino action, is the ideal place to meet up with friends any time of day. The main circular bar located in the center of the room surrounds a “fire and ice” pit that creates a soothing sense of bringing the outdoors inside.

Del Soul Mexican Grill, located right off the casino floor, takes northern Nevada south of the border, with its “Nuevo Mexican” dishes, each with its own exotic flavor and zest. Complimenting the colorful menu, Del Soul will also boast live salsa music and an extensive tequila list and a host of creative concoctions that will heat up even the coolest Tahoe evening. Open for dinner only.

SPA

Reward yourself with a day of luxury or an hour of relief at the full-service Spa at MontBleu. Featuring inspirational views of the picturesque Sierra Nevada and a plethora of relaxing and invigorating services, the spa is a destination in and of itself.

From soothing massages to revitalizing facial and body treatments for men and women, this world-class spa incorporates elements of nature throughout all of its services. The spa features Aveda products exclusively.

The spa also features a fitness center complete with contemporary cardiovascular machines and weight training devices. Separate men's and women's locker rooms feature saunas, whirlpool baths and eucalyptus steam rooms.

POOL

The heated, indoor pool at MontBleu is an escape from the routine and ordinary with its gentle waterfall and rock islands. It provides an inviting and inclusive environment for relaxation 365 days a year.

SKI PACKAGES FROM $195

Get the party started with MontBleu’s stellar fall midweek rates and ski packages starting at $195. (Valid Sunday-Thursday and based on availability. Holidays are excluded. Package includes two ski passes, based on double occupancy.) Offer does not include tax. Must be 21 years old. Management reserves all rights.

To reserve your Tahoe excitement at MontBleu, please call 1-866-844-2743.

Please visit them on-line at www.montbleuresort.comor from an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

THE HOTEL TELLURIDE, TELLURIDE’S PREMIER HOTEL

TELLURIDE, CO – The Hotel Telluride’s 59 beautifully appointed guest rooms feature a balcony or patio with sweeping views of the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains, custom furnishings, refrigerator, plush soft seating, CD player/radio, and The Incredible Bed. The Incredible Bed has been designed with the ultimate night’s sleep in mind. Surround yourself in the most luxurious, natural feather bedding, cozy down comforter, 250-thread count embroidered sheets and lots of pillows.

The Hotel’s spacious baths feature thick terry monogrammed robes, huge thirsty towels, hair dryers and AVEDA Spa Amenities. Pampering guests is the main goal.

The ultimate in Telluride lodging.

The Hotel Telluride features two magnificent suites along with oversized luxury hotel accommodations. The Bridal Veil Falls Suite and Ingram Falls Suite each feature a fabulously decorated living room with gas fireplace, large screen television, antique furnishings, wet bar and original artwork. Large balconies and windows lend magnificent views of the San Juan Mountains.

The Suites can be configured into one- to three-bedroom arrangements. There are several other sets of rooms that can also be configured together with a private entrance, perfect for your family or group.

They have not missed a detail in planning for your visit to Telluride. You will enjoy the sense of arrival in the beautiful lobby with its soaring two-story atrium, vaulted ceiling and views of the magnificent peaks in every direction. If Robert Redford met Ralph Lauren, it would be The Hotel Telluride. The decor combines colors and textures of the wide-open American West with the style and comfort of a fine European Hotel.

You’ll find the heavy stone floor of a Western lodge, warm wool rugs, comfortable leather sofas, Old World chairs, and an iron and antler chandelier, along with heavily carved antiques, plaids and tweeds. The huge stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the expansive lobby. Curl up with a book from the lending library or linger with friends over a drink from the cozy Bistro.

The in-house massage therapist offers a range of massage therapies, facials, manicures and pedicures in the treatment room or, for the ultimate in luxury, in your guestroom.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast or cozy après ski in The Bistro. You will find every service and convenience that you need right at your fingertips.

Of course, when you think of Telluride, you think of superlative skiing: alpine, backcountry and cross-country skiing. Telluride Ski Mountain, open since 1972, offers exceptional trails with terrain for all skill levels. There is a separate area for beginners, featuring some of the finest beginner terrain in the country; and nearly 38 percent of the mountain is designated for intermediate skiers (24 percent beginner and 38 percent advanced/expert). Experts will find the steepest mogul run in the Rockies and plenty of dry, deep powder with over 300 inches of snowfall annually during a ski-season that runs from late November to early April.

Snowboarders, too, will find some of the best facilities in the World. The new Super Pipe snowboard park is the largest in the Southwest, featuring a 12-foot competition halfpipe and terrain park with berms, banks and table parks. Thanks to the grand opening of Prospect Bowl, there are now over 1700 skiable acres of “must ski” terrain for every type of skier, from the beginner to the extreme. Finally, several exciting Nordic ski trails are available around Telluride, with lessons and rentals readily available.

Suggestions for other winter activities:

• Take a breathtaking half- or full-day backcountry skiing trip.

• Go heli-skiing in high-country powder bowls and basins.

• If you are looking for a new adventure, try the fun and easy to learn snowbiking.

• Sign up for art classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and other subjects at the Ah Haa School for the arts.

• The easiest way to enjoy the breathtaking backcountry is on a snowshoe tour.

• Take a guided ski or snowboard tours of some of the historic locations around Telluride.

• Take a half- or full-day trip with a team of Alaskan sled dogs.

• Indulge in a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride in town, or enjoy a unique dining experience on a dinner sleigh ride.

• Enjoy a relaxing apres-ski drink or specialty coffee in the soaring Lobby Bar with it’s cozy seating areas and huge fireplace.

• Go snowmobiling.or go ice skating.

• Go ice climbing, with terrain for beginners and experts.

• Attend a movie at The Nugget Theatre.

You can log on to their website www.thehoteltelluride.com via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

For reservations and information, please call 1-866-468-3501

THE PEAKS in TELLURIDE OFFERS ENDLESS ADVENTURE

TELLURIDE, CO -- There’s nothing like The Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa, starting with the location on the far-western slopes of the Colorado Rockies. This alpine hideaway is located in Telluride Mountain Village and connected by a scenic gondola to the historic town of Telluride, where quaint Victorian charm meets the rugged Old West.

Southwest Colorado’s premier grand resort and spa does justice to its spectacular surroundings, combining the recreational pleasures of a breathtaking natural environment with the relaxing comfort of an Old West retreat.

Not just the Golden Door Spa, but the entire resort, is designed to pamper the body, mind and spirit. In fact, the setting is so casually homelike that it’s not unusual to find guests lounging in the great room in their Spa bathrobes.

Each of the 174 rooms, suites and penthouses reflects this appealing combination of comfort and luxury. Homelike amenities include down comforters, plush terrycloth robes and slippers, and free high-speed Internet. On the upper floors of The Peaks, the one- to five-bedroom penthouse condominiums are individually furnished…from the spacious living and kitchen to options like an inviting fireplace.

Adjacent to the resort are luxurious splitlog cabins with multi-level floor plans. These two- to five-bedroom residences feature vaulted ceilings, rustic stone fireplaces, custom furniture and top-of-the-line amenities including cable TV, stereo sound systems, kitchen items and steam showers. All guests enjoy complimentary access to the resort’s world-class restaurants and to the Golden Door Spa at The Peaks.

Dining at the resort lives up to the splendor of the natural surroundings. Legends overlooks the golf course in summer, the ski slopes in winter and the breathtaking color of aspens on Mount Wilson in the fall.

Legends serves breakfast and lunch, while Appaloosa offers great steaks and chops complemented by the best sunset views in town. For après ski or just relaxing by the fireplace, nothing compares to the inviting comfort of the Greatroom with its dramatic vistas, fireside chats and live entertainment.

The Golden Door Spa at The Peaks takes rejuvenation of body and soul to the next level, a level that’s different for every individual. Inspired by the Southern Ute tribes that once roamed this rugged terrain, The Spa recreates the distinctive rituals that bring body, mind and spirit into harmony. Guests can explore the pleasures of native American traditions like The Peaks Purification Ritual in the men’s or women’s kivas or in the family kiva, all of which feature saunas, steam and whirlpool baths.

Spread over four levels and 42,000 square feet, the Spa offers an indoor rock climbing wall and dramatic floor-to-ceiling window views from the cardiovascular deck, Cybex weight room and Olympic-size lap pool. In fact, the entire Spa is designed to make the most of its environment, with specialized treatments using natural ingredients found only in the fresh, alpine terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Favorite treatments include the Blue Spruce Herbal Soak, Golden Harvest Facial, and the Skier’s Salvation Massage after a day on the slopes.

For younger guests, Base Camp offers children excitement, education and entertainment. Activities include arts & crafts, playground time, swimming, gondola rides, tumbling and more. Also available are extended hours, party nights, play groups and special programs — so the kids can have as much fun as the adults can.

All year round, The Peaks is a delightful setting for recreational adventures. There’s hiking through the mountains in springtime, golfing against the backdrop of summer wildflowers, biking and horseback riding past brilliant fall foliage, fly fishing in cool canyon streams, and river rafting amidst the rugged mountain terrain.

In winter, the romance of the Rockies comes alive with a thick blanket of snow that makes Telluride ideal for all types of sports. Sleigh rides, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are among the popular cold-weather options, but the real star is the skiing.

Guests at The Peaks have ski in/ski out access to the Telluride Ski Area, one of the most appealing in America because of its short lift lines and spectacular scenery.

Overlooking it all The Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa is an alpine paradise for every season. It offers a wealth of pleasures undreamed of by the early-day miners.

For more details and info, please visit www.thepeaksresort.com or contact your travel professional.

You can also log on to The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa’s web site from an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

For hotel reservations or questions, please call 1-866-282-4545.

SKI VILLAGE RESORTS HELPS YOU ENJOY BRECKENRIDGE

Special to SKIER NEWS by Wendy Daniel

BRECKENRIDGE, CO – Planning a vacation takes a lot of hard work. Searching the Internet, making phone calls, getting recommendations from friends, and sifting through brochures requires a great deal of time and patience. When all is said and done, what I really want is for the weather to be perfect, for the kids to behave, and for my accommodations to be exactly as advertised. And most of all, I don’t want all of my time spent daydreaming about my vacation to be the best part of the trip.

Luckily, during my last vacation to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, I found Ski Village Resorts. And since I do a lot of traveling I know a treasure when I see it. By placing one simple phone call to them at their offices in the heart of Breckenridge, Colo., anyone can start making those daydreams of a fabulous ski vacation a reality. They have what no amount of daydreaming can buy. I quickly found out that Ski Village Resorts has top quality lodging in prime locations throughout this historic Victorian ski town. So whether you want to be right on the slopes to take advantage of their many ski-in/ski-out conveniences, or you prefer a place right in town, they have what you need. When I visited Ski Village Resorts I asked to see some of their high-end properties, and they were more than happy to oblige. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

Our first stop was The Village at Breckenridge. It’s located at the base of Peak 9 and has many amenities, including an indoor/outdoor pool, six hot tubs, a sauna and weight room, children’s center, and indoor parking. The corporate suites at The Village are spacious threebedroom suites with private balconies, lots of windows and mountain views. The full-sized kitchens, plush furnishings, and fireplaces make this a perfect retreat. The Village at Breckenridge is a full-service hotel resort, and the suites that I saw have been completely renovated.

Next up was The Chateaux. It’s the newest addition to the Village at Breckenridge. It is located directly beside the Quicksilver chairlift, so you can be on and off the mountain in a snap. The Chateaux’s three bedroom suites have lavish kitchens and are beautifully furnished. The oversized master suites are complete with a king-sized bed and a personal jetted bathtub.

Our final stop was The Mountaineer. It’s in one of the best locations in town. It’s a few blocks from Main Street and only a few steps from the Snowflake chairlift. The four-bedroom units have private hot tubs, private garages, and washer/dryers. With the open living areas and cozy gas fireplaces, it felt like a home away from home.

This is just a taste of what Ski Village Resorts has to offer. And everyone in their Main Street office was more than happy to help out with my needs.

And there isn’t a better place to spend a magical vacation than Breckenridge. Nestled in the Rockies, the Breckenridge Ski Area has over 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from the easiest learning trails to the most advanced expert runs. High-speed lifts and six-passenger SuperChairs get skiers and snowboarders on the mountain quickly, and two new exciting additions make Breckenridge skiing second to none. The Imperial Express SuperChair is the highest lift in North America. Expect some breathtaking views and awesome skiing when you alight at 12,840 feet.

The Breckenridge Gondola will be open for the 2006- 07 ski season. This modern marvel provides a vital link from the town to both Peak 7 and Peak 8. Passengers board the eight-person gondola after parking just off of Main Street, and in less than nine minutes they arrive at the Peak 8 terminal. Every hour the gondola has the capacity to transport 3,000 people to some of the best skiing in North America.

When you get off the slopes there’s plenty to do in town. Stroll down Main Street, visit the many shops, grab a bite with the locals, or indulge yourself in a fancy meal. Breckenridge has been entertaining people and their mountain fantasies for decades.

And I found that Ski Village Resorts was the perfect place to make all of this come to life. They maintain all of their properties to the highest standard. This ensures every guest a hassle-free vacation. Ski Village Resorts provides an all-access pass to one of the very best ski vacations you’ll ever have. I wasn’t disappointed with any aspect of my visit. And that’s saying something coming from someone who’s taken more then their fair share of ski trips.

So while Ski Village Resorts didn’t have any control over the weather or my kids, they did make my stay with them in legendary Breckenridge, exceptional. They lived up to my expectations. And rest assured I’ll definitely be going back. Taking care of guests is Ski Village Resorts’ number one priority. And it shows.

Call Ski Village Resorts at 1-888-972-8200 or visit their web site www.skivillageresorts.com. You can also log on from the homepage of www.skiernews.com

PARK CITY PEAKS HOTEL HAS A GREAT DEAL

PARK CITY, UT — The Park City Peaks Hotel, formerly The Radisson Inn, is ideally situated within minutes of three world-class ski resorts, the 2002 Winter Olympic Venues, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Familyowned, and known for friendly service and charming ambience, the recently renovated Park City Peaks Hotel continues to provide a perfect setting for a relaxing stay.

This hotel offers 131 guests rooms, situated on two acres. The king or double queen rooms feature: coffee-makers, high speed internet access, hair dryers, robes, Asira Hair and bath products, an in-room safe, pay-per-view movies, Nintendo games, iron and ironing board.

Put all of that together with a special winter rate package and you have an unbeatable deal. This special lodging rate starts at just $95 per person, this big value package includes a lift ticket, lodging and breakfast.

To take advantage of this offer, please call (435) 604-4011 and mention the ad on the right or this article.

Log on to www.parkcitypeaks.com or call toll-free 1-800-649-5012.

The HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE OFFERS LUXURY, GAMING and GREAT PACKAGES

INCLINE VILLAGE, NV -- Located on Lake Tahoe in Incline Village amidst the Sierra Nevada, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is surrounded by magnificent peaks and extraordinary ski resorts. This winter season, there is something for every member of the family whether it is relaxing at the spa, tackling double-black diamond runs or enjoying the fresh alpine air while snowshoeing on one of the many local trails.

One way to make your resort experience fun and hassle- free is the Hyatt Regency’s Alpine Meadows VIP Lift Line Package. Using the hotel’s shuttle, guests can leave their cars behind, skip the line at the ticket window, and quickly access the chairlift to get onto the slopes.

This package, valid Dec. 1, 2006, through April 14, 2007, includes deluxe accommodations, two adult lift tickets at Alpine Meadows, complimentary shuttle to and from Alpine Meadows, and access to the Ski School/Season Pass holder lift line, an exclusive for Hyatt guests who book this package. Also included in the package are valet parking, in-room coffee, bottled water, use of the fitness center, year-round heated pool and jetted hot tubs, business center and complimentary transportation within Incline Village. The cost for the package is $250 per night for Sunday to Thursday arrivals and $299 per night for Friday and Saturday arrivals. Additional lift tickets for Alpine Meadows may also be purchased at the hotel. If Alpine Meadows is not your mountain of choice, complimentary shuttles from the hotel, will get you to and pick you up from Northstar-at-Tahoe, Diamond Peak or Squaw Valley.

If skiing isn’t your cup of tea, the resort and surrounding area offers a host of other activities to experience the bountiful Tahoe snow. These activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, is the perfect base for a winter getaway. It is ideally located in Incline Village, Nev., with only a short ride to either North or South Lake Tahoe ski resorts. The property recently finished the final stage of a $62-million upgrade, completing the renovation of their 24 Lakeside Cottages. The cottages are the highlight of the property, providing guests with the feeling of staying in a private home while having access to all the amenities and activities of a four-star hotel.

Towering pines line the hotel’s secluded beachfront property, creating a perfect natural backdrop for contemplation and meditation at the Stillwater Spa at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Located in a deep mountain valley and surrounded by breathtaking lake vistas, the 20,000- square-foot, state-of-the-art Spa offers a full menu of Lake Tahoe-inspired spa services, from their Sierra Stones Massage to an Alpine Luxury Facial and Mountain Pine Footbath.

If you are looking for a place to relax after a long day of snow sports, head to the Lone Eagle Great Room Lounge or sit by one of the outdoor fire pits for an aprèsski cocktail or hot chocolate. You can also have dinner at the award-winning Lone Eagle Grille while enjoying an incomparable lake view. Beamed ceilings, overstuffed chairs and river-rock fireplaces coupled with gourmet American cuisine make the Lone Eagle Grille the ideal place to enjoy a meal in a relaxing Tahoe atmosphere. The Lone Eagle Grille’s contemporary and traditional “lodgestyle” menu has received a People’s Choice Award three years in a row. It also boasts an amazing collection of wines to accompany the specially prepared dishes by Chef de Cuisine, Brian Motola.

About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa & Casino

A recent $62-million renovation has transformed the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino’s accommodations into Tahoe’s “New Grand Lodge,” offering sweeping lake, garden and mountain views from the 422 guestrooms, suites and lakeside cottages. In addition, the resort has a 24-hour casino, spectacular lakeside dining, year-round heated pool with swim in/out feature and two oversized jetted hot tubs. Add to that a kids’ arcade, Pier Bar, Pool Bar, four outdoor fire pits for roasting marshmallows or enjoying a cocktail. There are also modern workout facilities and the largest, most indulgent spa facility at the Lake, the 20,000-square-foot Stillwater Spa.

Year-round recreation such as skiing, boating, hiking, biking and golf are all just minutes away. Hyatt has an onsite sports shop and boat rental in addition to Camp Hyatt for supervised kids activities. Situated on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt is located at 111 County Club Drive at Lakeshore Boulevard in the beautiful neighborhood of Incline Village, Nev.

The hotel can be reached by phone at (775) 832-1234 or toll free at 1-800-553-3288. Visit The Hyatt Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino on-line at www.laketahoehyatt. com or from an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

EMBASSY SUITES’ PREMIER SNOWFEST PACKAGE IS A LODGING & LIFT DEAL

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Whether you want an outdoor ski adventure, great entertainment, a scenic gondola ride, gaming, or shopping, Embassy Suites Hotel Lake Tahoe Resort is the perfect base for your winter vacation. You will feel right at home in a comfortable tworoom suite each night, while being steps away from a whole world of indoor and outdoor activities.

This year, Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort is offering the Premier Snowfest Package, which includes a seven-night stay and five days of lift tickets to the area’s best ski resorts. The Premier Snowfest Package is $1,999; the rate is based on a 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.)

All packages, whether mid-week, weekend or nightly, include a two-room suite with a private bedroom featuring one king-size or two double-size beds and a separate living room with a sofa bed. This provides comfort and flexibility for couples and families. All suites have a wet bar, microwave oven, coffee maker, and two remote-control cable color televisions with in-room movies. Also included is a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast each day. Your aprés ski is complete as you join other guests at the nightly manager’s reception.

You can also enjoy one of three garden atriums, pamper yourself at the spa, swim in the large heated pool, soak in the whirlpool, work out at the fitness center and dine at Echo Restaurant.

Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort is set on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe. It is located within walking distance to the base of the Gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort. Embassy Suites also provides shuttles to and from several other nearby excellent ski resorts. The resort is adjacent to two movie theatres, an outdoor ice skating rink, restaurants, clubs and pedestrian shopping. The famous Nevada casinos with 24-7 gaming, nightlife and big-name entertainment are just across the street.

For more information or reservations on all packages, contact Embassy Suites 1-800-988-5192.

Visit www.embassytahoe.com. You can also link to their web site from the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

TAHOE'S CAMP RICHARDSON RESORT HAS WINTER RECREATION FUN

CAMP RICHARDSON, CA— Once the snow flies the fun continues at Camp Rich with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Mountain Sports Center. Recently voted “Best Place to Cross Country Ski” by Tahoe locals, the Sports Center offers groomed and marked trails for the beginner to the expert and is a great place to ski along the shores of the water. With a wide selection of skis and snowshoes (including youth and children’s sizes), lessons are available, call for more details

The miles of bike trails from summer are magically changed to a beautiful white winter wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing. Winter fun does not stop at the Mountain Sports Center, you can look forward to Full Moon Cross Country and Snowshoe parties, and the famous “Snowshoe Cocktail Race” (more info below) held on the shore of the lake at The Beacon. Imagine the fun of wearing snowshoes, holding a drink on a cocktail tray, and “racing” around a course. Prizes are awarded and everyone has fun.

For more info on any of the activities offered at Camp Richardson’s Mountain Sports Center, please call (530) 542-6584.

The Beacon Bar & Grill

Lakeside dining at its best. Home of the famous Rum Runner, voted “Best Drink” by locals, the Beacon offers great menu selections for the entire family.

Whether you are looking for appetizers, lunch, dinner or a relaxed meal in the dining room, the Beacon has it all. Be sure to try the “Camp Richardson Resort Clam Chowder”.

Winter Promotions

“Full Moon Cross Country and Snowshoe Parties”- Stop at the Beacon for a hot drink, then take a walk through the woods under the light of a full moon. Enjoy the beauty and quiet of the Tahoe winter wonderland, then return to the Beacon and finish off the evening with a wonderful dinner.

“Snowshoe Cocktail Races” - Race the course in snowshoes with a drink on your tray - see if you can go the fastest without spilling. Prizes are awarded for the fastest time and for the person who falls the most.

Happy Hour

Everyday from 4 to 7 p.m., stop in at the Beacon for great drink and appetizer specials, including their famous Rum Runner.

Winter Wild Wednesdays

When the snow flies, the fun begins, at the Beacon Bar & Grill. Happening every Wednesday night, all winter long. Enjoy specially priced Rum Runners and more.

You can reach Camp Richardson Resort by calling 1-800-766-4705 or log on to their web site www.camprichardson.com or via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

LAKE TAHOE ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDES UNIQUE ON-LINE BOOKING

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – Skiers who wish to examine all types of lodging opportunities can find a wide variety at the web site of Lake Tahoe Accommodations. This site offers the viewer a chance at a virtual tour of more than 350 of the better condos, mountain cabins and homes for rent around the lake. This is a great feature. It gives you the ability to take the “guess-work” out of your decision making. You will see each property on your computer screen and take a 360-degree tour of the rooms. You will even find out all the details of the rental, such as washer and dryer availability, a fireplace and more.

Once the property site has been viewed and decisions made, the user can easily book their stay on-line. If you need to call, complementing those 350-plus vacation rentals is their friendly, knowledgeable staff. They can answer your questions and help you book that perfect vacation rental. From cozy cabins and condos, to comfortable family homes or exquisite executive retreats, they have it all.

Search Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals by Map

If you are not sure where to begin your search, then start with their interactive map. Lake Tahoe Accommodations has properties dotted around the lake. From South Lake Tahoe, to North Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Keys to Incline Village, you can get to know the area and then start your search in the region of the Lake where you would like to stay.

The convenience continues after you select your site since Lake Tahoe Accommodations has check-in locations in several Tahoe cities. You will get your keys and be close to your rental, avoiding any extra mileage once you arrive at the Lake.

For more info, call 1-800-577-1504 or log on their web site via an easily found link on the right side of the home page of www.skiernews.com.

Log on to this unique site directly at www.tahoehelp.com.

DAYS INN, SUMMIT COUNTY

IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

SILVERTHORNE, CO – Skiers who are looking for convenience in a Colorado ski trip need to look no further than the Days Inn in Summit County. Located a short distance off of Interstate 70 at exit 205, this Days Inn offers comfort, convenience and affordability.

Have you read about the new gondola in Breckenridge? The Days Inn has a free bus ride at its door to take you the 11 miles to the resort. Would you like to ski the more gentle slopes of Keystone? They are found five miles away. Copper Mountain is eight miles and Vail is 30 miles. Lift tickets are sold on-site to make your trip on to the snow even quicker; equipment rentals are next door.

There are 73 unique rooms, many with a kitchenette and fireplace. There are condo-style accommodations with rooms that can sleep up to 14 people.

Each morning you will awake to a complimentary Continental Breakfast. Your in-room conveniences include free local phone calls and free wireless access. There is a full complement of cable TV channels.

After skiing you can relax in their hot tub, sauna or let the kids enjoy the wading pool. There is also a guest laundry facility in the hotel adjacent to the lobby and the pool.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range ski country, this is the perfect destination. Whatever the season, you will have a vacation to remember when you choose the Days Inn Summit County.

For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-520-4267.

Log on to their web site via an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com

You can log on directly at www.daysinnsummitcounty.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES IS LOCATED FOR SKIER CONVENIENCE

SILVERTHORNE, CO - One of the travel items most skiers want is convenience. Perhaps no lodge is more convenient to as many great ski resorts as the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Silverthorne, Colo. It is located in Colorado’s Summit County in close proximity to four great ski resorts, and 30 interstate miles from Vail.

The hotel is located off Interstate 70, just west of the Eisenhower Tunnel, at the Silverthorne exit, at mile marker 205.

Since the hotel is also located on the Summit Stage bus route, you can get a free ride to terrific skiing at Breckenridge, Copper, Keystone or Arapahoe Basin by just going to the hotel front door. These resorts are within a few miles of the hotel.

The La Quinta Inn and Suites, formerly a Sheraton Four Points, has 118 well appointed guest rooms, and 30 luxury suites. All have micro/fridge, coffee and hot tea, cable, movies and complimentary breakfast bar for every guest.

After skiing some of the best mountains in the world, you can relax in the heated indoor pool and hot tub, work the kinks out of your muscles in a state-of-the-art fitness facility then head to one of the mountain-view rooms to prepare for your next fun day.

For aprés-ski, dinner or watching sports at the bar, an Old Chicago restaurant is located in the hotel, an elevator ride away from your room. The bar features happy-hour specials and enough TVs to view every sporting event that is broadcast.

This La Quinta Inn and Suites is one of one of the best values and greatest locations available for your ski vacation.

You can visit their web site via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com

To discover the convenience of this newly renovated hotel, please call the new La Quinta Inn & Suites Silverthorne at 1-800-321-3509 for info and reservations.

THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SKIER DEVELOPMENT:

SELECT DRILLS TO ENHANCE SKILLS

by Technical Editor, Tony Crespi

I do not know if artists have days when they cannot get it right, but skiers certainly do. Some day, it just seems, the mountain can feel less than hospitable to the art of carving a turn.

Certainly, during an off day, certain hesitancy is understandable. After all, it would be foolish to expect our muscles to always remember the intricate movement patterns required for black diamond skiing.

How, though, can skiers cope? How can skiers turn visual images of clean, sharp, turns into reality? The ideal way, of course, is to start in good condition. That’s one key. Another key? Good skiers often practice skillbuilding drills.

Here is one opening tip to remember before you explore our triage of pointers: keep it fun. That is, enjoy yourself. Play. Laugh. Smile. Grin. And do not take it very seriously.

Keep things in perspective. We are not learning surgery. We are simply practicing drills that can enhance your skiing skills. Try not to lose sight of that. So smile, grin and keep it light.

Ski School Pointer: Turning To Long Turn Success

What kind of turns do you like best? Short turns? Long turns? Most skiers tend to prefer certain kinds of turns. But different kinds of turns demand different kinds of skills. You probably already know that, but we sometimes forget it after a busy summer away from the mountain.

“It works on your ability to meter out rotary movements,” reflects John Baymore, a division clinic leader for PSIA, the assistant ski school director at Bromley Mountain and a sufficiently gifted pro. “Turning longer helps you focus on the precision. Look at the track of your skis and make sure you see a roundish shape rather than a straight line or straight skid. Look for an arc as the shape.”

Stop a moment and mentally select your favorite turn. Think about the kind of snow and terrain that you like to ski. It is best to refine skills on snow and on terrain where you feel most comfortable. This diminishes the mental component to the game.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to start practicing slow, “long” turns. That’s right. Long, round, clean, turns! Even if you prefer short turns.

Long turns are a great warm-up.

To start, find well-groomed snow on moderate terrain. Try to ski slowly. You can turn up the volume later. Initially, try to emphasize weighting the outside, downhill ski.

Stay loose and relaxed.

As you initiate each new turn, keep emphasizing the weighting of the downhill, outside ski. Take your time. Keep your hands forward. Try to feel the snow.

Fine-tuning long turns is a critical ingredient to advanced skiing. Just as tennis players must maintain certain basic skills to stay on top of their game, the accomplished skiers know that the long turn is the foundation for advanced skiing skills.

BE AWARE. FINE-TUNE YOUR TURNS.

Ski School Tip: Set the Accelerator To High Performance

Some people think that better means faster. But that is not necessarily true. One important skill to refine involves speed control.

To refine your speed control, think about modifying the shape of your turns. That is to say, if you find yourself motoring along at a pace that is simply too fast, try to give your turns a more pronounced “C” shape.

Too often, people simply traverse straight across the hill, using a quick jamming, slamming, action to turn direction. But, straight traverses linked together with quick jamming changes in direction do not provide the same kind of speed control, rhythm and smooth fluid feeling that a round arc-shaped turn can accomplish.

“Speed control is vitally important,” emphasizes longtime PSIA course conductor and veteran PSIA Examiner Charlie Rockwell, the director of education at Bromley. “It is so important to work on the skill blends, feel comfortable, and choose a speed at which you can most comfortably advance

“People often thinking increasing skill is going faster, but always going warp ten is not ideal,” emphasizes Baymore. “We ask our pros to keep the same movements but go slower. And slower. How slow can you go while accurately blending skills and actually keeping a simultaneous release of both skis into the turn? Speed can hide a multitude of inaccuracies.”

To refine your turn shape, start by choosing a favorite run. Choose a place you are “really” comfortable. Then, try guiding your skis from one turn into the next, giving the turns a definite round, C-shaped arc. Practice one or two turns at a time as you begin. See how much speed dissipates if you actually overturn, turning “up” the hill at the end of the turn. Gradually start to link more and more turns together.

To be sure, speed is an elixir. But it can also be intimidating. The key to black diamond skiing is to learn how to control that speed. One strategy is to work on modifying the shape of your turns.

Make your turns C-shaped. Whether you are enjoying shaped or traditional skis, learning to execute different shaped turns can help give you better speed control.

WATCH THAT ACCELERATOR.

Ski School Tip: Getting in Balance for the Season

One of the most unsettling feelings for a skier is feeling out-of-balance. Whether sliding out of control on ice, or feeling out of sink in the moguls, good skiers seem to have the knack for staying in balance.

“This is a critical skill,” emphasizes Rockwell,” who has trained, tested and been involved in certifying ski pros at resorts throughout the East. “People often are falling in or out of balance. It can be a fundamental component to help refine balancing.”

“To refine balance I dial the speed way down and find easier terrain,” adds Baymore. “If you want to be accurate, you need to know when things break down. During the first days of a season, if you dive into terrain for which your body may not be ready, you are primed for failure. We need to find what feels good. I ski conservatively and try to make sure I am initiating turns appropriately. I try not to impress anybody. I work on accuracy! Then I build off of that and turn it up as my muscle memory returns.”

The next time you go skiing, before you take your first run, take a minute and regain your balance. To start, find a flat piece of snow. Then, after putting on your skis and before you start down the mountain, slowly rock forward in your boots, and then rock backward. Start slowly. As you move forward, feel the front of your boots touch against your shins. Then, very gradually, rock backward.

Like a swing move forward and back.

Gradually reduce the range of motion, until you find your center of balance. Practice before the first few runs. Practice mid-mountain and feel that centered position.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, gradually move this drill from a standing position to a skiing position. That is, on moderate, groomed terrain, while executing several long traverses, gradually rock forward and backward. As you ski, try to find that position which feels most comfortable. Initially, try several slow turns rocking forward. Then execute several turns rocking slightly backward. Then try skiing in a centered, position, square with your body and skis.

One hallmark of an accomplished skier is a centered, square stance. Refine your balance. Stop. Stand still. Gradually rock yourself forward and backward. Find your centered position. Then, try to keep that feeling on the mountain.

BE AWARE. SKI WITH CARE. KEEP IT FUN.

Technical Editor Tony D. Crespi has served as both a ski school supervisor and development team coach. A frequent contributor to publications throughout snow country, his column is published throughout the season.

Other columns can be archived from SKIER NEWS' Previous Issues.