Smarter Skiers Ski The Web
(January 2000)
It’s that time of year again--the snow is falling and thoughts of hitting the slopes are stronger than ever. If you still haven't made plans for a ski vacation and are looking for last-minute deals, you're in luck: the Internet has become the new lift ticket to finding hot deals. Ski resorts are becoming more flexible in providing inventory for last-minute trips. With adverse weather conditions from coast to coast, added to the Y2K worries and millennium travel over-hype, more hot deals than ever are popping up, not just in North America but Europe too.
So, can you afford a ski vacation to Europe? Yes! European skiing is within reach. In fact, the cost of packages in Europe compares favorably to that of many offered here in the States, and vice versa. With airfares being so reasonable, many Europeans - especially the British - are flocking to North American resorts. Truly, skiing has gone global for the masses.
Travelers with Internet access have an advantage over those who do not. Internet users can easily stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and snow conditions. So where do you go to figure out where the snow is hot and where it’s not? Where are the best ski deals available? Here are some great resources to help you chose the ultimate ski destination and deals for you.
All-Around Ski Resources
The Complete Skier & Snowboarder - A comprehensive site to help you decide which ski resort best fits you and your budget.
On The Snow.com - Great site with ski conditions and insider tips for practically every ski resort in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.
Ski Net - The Ultimate Travel Guide from Skiing Magazine. Pick a category of "perfect" ski vacation. In addition, lists hot ski deals by region.
SnoCountry - Very in-depth source for ski conditions, trip deals, and more.
Ski Central - Tons of information for both advanced and novice skiers, plus loads of links to resorts worldwide.
SkiGuide - The ultimate guide to ski areas in Canada and the United States.
Yahoo Snow & Ski Guide - Covers the globe with ski conditions and more.
New England & New York
New England Ski Resorts - A very comprehensive and useful site covering this region. You can pick a state to access links to specific resorts and get current ski conditions, types of runs, and maps for driving directions.
SnowSource - A great selection of condition reports and resort links for both New England and the West. This site also offers a message board where skiers are invited to post their own reports.
Alpine Zone - Profiles of resorts, links to condition reports and Web cameras, and a New England skier's message board for trading tips, complaints, and questions.
Ski Areas Of New York - Great information site on New York’s extensive ski resorts. Plus, get information on New York States official Learn To Ski 1-2-3 Program. One price includes everything you need to ski, snowboard or cross-country ski in one easy package: three lessons, equipment, lift tickets and three days on the fabulous trails in New York State, plus over $1,000 in equipment and lodging certificates.
Individual Resorts
Attitash Bear Peak http://www.attitash.com
Killington http://www.killington.com
Lake Placid http://www.lakeplacid.com/
Mount Snow http://www.mountsnow.com
Sunday River http://www.sundayriver.com
Sugarbush http://www.sugarbush.com
Sugarloaf/USA http://www.sugarloaf.com
Mid Atlantic States & Midwest
Ski Michigan - Great resource for skiing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Winter In Pennsylvania-Sking - Links to and information about Pennsylvania’s many ski resorts.
Pocono Mountains - Great site for the entire Poconos ski region and a listing of hot deals.
West Virginia Outside: Ski Resorts - Multiple listings for skiing and outdoor activities.
Individual Resorts
Alpine Mountain http://www.alpinemountain.com/
Blue Mountain http://www.skibluemt.com/
Camelback http://www.skicamelback.com/
Hidden Valley http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com/
Jack Frost & Big Boulder http://www.big2resorts.com/
Mount Airy Lodge http://www.mountairylodge.com/
Seven Springs http://www.7springs.com/
Shawnee Mountain http://www.shawneemt.com/
Tanglwood http://www.tanglwood.com/
U.S. West & Rockies
Ski Lake Tahoe Excellent site on all the ski resorts in Tahoe: Squaw Valley, Heavenly, and more.
Ski Utah Get current conditions for eleven resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City and two in Southern Utah (near Las Vegas).
Colorado Ski Country Non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting Colorado's twenty-five ski/snowboard resorts.
Ski New Mexico The self-proclaimed "single authority for skiing and snowboarding in New Mexico."
Individual Resorts
Colorado
Aspen http://www.skiaspen.com
Vail http://www.snow.com
Breckenridge http://www.snow.com/breckenridge
Winter Park http://www.skiwinterpark.com
Berthoud Pass http://www.berthoudpass.com
Loveland http://www.skiloveland.com
Steamboat http://www.steamboat-ski.com
Utah
Brian Head http://www.brianhead.com
Park City http://parkcitymountain.com
Deer Valley http://www.deervalley.com
The Canyons http://www.thecanyons.com
Snowbird http://www.snowbird.com
Alta http://www.altaskiarea.com
California
Heavenly http://www.skiheavenly.com
Squaw Valley http://www.squaw.com
Mammoth http://www.mammoth-mtn.com
Bear Valley http://www.bearvalley.com/
Other
Sun Valley http://www.sunvalley.com
Jackson Hole http://www.jacksonhole.com
Taos http://skitaos.org
Alyeska http://www.alyeskaresort.com
Europe
Ski Europe A comprehensive site for planning a European ski tour.
IGLU.com Great source for worldwide skiing conditions and ski package deals.
Where To Stay?
Ski Guide Resort Finder Where to go when you're ready to start narrowing your search for the place to spend your ski week or weekend. You can select your preferences-- night skiing, intermediate slopes, and childcare, for example--and get a list of what fits your needs.
Hotels At About.com Ski Lodges A great listing of ski hotels and resorts around the globe.
Driving Information
If you are going to drive to your ski destination, check the road conditions before you go. DriveThere.com is a great site for planning your trip.. This site offers planning assistance that includes route maps and tips on activities and destinations. There's a "Road Essentials" section that has emergency phone numbers and links to road condition information around the nation. In addition, DriveThere.com also has tips on taking your laptop computer along on your trip as well as its own e-mail service. The site is free for now, but beginning in April they plan to offer a preferred membership service, with fees ranging from $15 to $45. Membership will include a roadside assistance program and the ability to pay traffic tickets online.
Great Ski & Package Deals
Southwest Airlines' Kids Fly, Stay and Ski Free to Utah http://www.swavacations.com/ski/specials/kids.shtml
Southwest Airlines Vacations Cool Slope Savings http://www.swavacations.com/ski/cool/cool.shtml
Killington, Vermont: Kids 12 & Under Ski and Ride Free http://www.killington.com/html/family___kids.html
Poconos: Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free (includes lift tickets) with American Express. http://800poconos.com
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