In other developments, Whistler-Blackcomb has a new day lodge, the first stage of development of a new base village at Whistler Creek. Near South Lake Tahoe, Calif., a gondola being installed at Heavenly will carry up to eight passengers directly from the downtown area of Lake Tahoe's south shore to 9,123 feet near the Von Schmidt trail. It is set to open in December. Kirkwood is installing the Cornice Express high-speed lift. Last summer's fires delayed work on a T-bar that will open up acreage on the upper mountain at Big Mountain near Whitefish.
Riders lie down on the sleds, which ride on little skis and have hydraulic brakes.
Snowmaking has been expanded at Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, Ski Apache, Sipapu and Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico. European resorts are giving more and more space and attention to filling the needs of winter travelers who may want to take an extended winter break, but may not want to actually ski for 10 days or two weeks straight. Age limits vary by hotel and resort, from 5 years even up to 15 years old. Many of the stays are by the day or in six-day packages, though several deals also offer eight days for the price of seven. Snowboarders will find good resorts at Les Carroz and Samoens.