The Fourth of July weekend may seem like an odd time to think about skiing, but here are some random thoughts to help you make it through the summer:Loveland Ski Area starts making snow in just over two months. Go here for an actual countdown to the big day.Snowbasin is celebrating the Fourth with a ski and snowboard race. You can sign up and race, if you like. Go here for more information. You can...

It's the off season. So permit me to brag a bit:My husband's novel, Finn, has been named a Notable Book of the Year by the American Library Association. They only name about ten books for the year, and of those ten, invite maybe three authors to address their annual convention.Jon is one of them.He's off to Anaheim, CA, this weekend to receive this tremendous honor. And I couldn't be more proud.Fin...

Want to volunteer at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics?The Vancouver Organizing Committee is looking for up to 25,000 enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers who can help out before, during, and after the Olympic Games. A couple things to keep in mind, however. You must be 19 years old before September 1, 2008. It's strongly recommended that you have your own accommodations. And you'll have to pass a backgrou...

I know an instructor here in Vermont who spends half the year instructing at Okemo, and the rest of the year teaching in Australia. For her, it's endless winter.It is possible. You could ski all year round, if you like. While we're sweltering in the heat, ski season is getting underway in New Zealand and Chile.But if you're looking for something really exotic, how about Africa??One doesn't usually...

A very good question, indeed, with gas already over $4. a gallon in many areas of the US.I live within five miles of my home mountain, so for me, the high cost of gas won't keep me away. But most people don't live that close. For them, it could push skiing out of their reach, especially when you combine it with the high cost of the sport, in general -- equipment, lift tickets, and so on.The effect...