What can skiers expect this season? Well, it rhymes with "mow"

February 10, 1997

Weather: Anchorage, Crested Butte, Sun Valley, Burlington
City Guides and Maps: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Vermont
Swoooooosh! - 30 sec./1.1M QT movie

(CNN) -- While harsh winter weather has left many decidedly cold, the slopes are shaping up for skiers. As the season gathers speed, what can powder aficionados expect? In short, more mountains to climb, more lifts to ride, and an easier way to slide.

Gerald Sindell, publisher of "The Skier's Edge," said the toast of the season is a new type of ski with a very specific slant.

"The big thing this year in skiing is shaped skis," explained Sindell. "These are deeper, side-cut skis that make it easier for intermediate and beginning skiers to start a turn."

To help powder people reap the benefits, many instructors now teach the how-to's of using the new skis. "Even experienced skiers are trying shaped skis," said Sindell. "It lets them make real steep carving turns, more like snowboarding turns."

And speaking of, snowboarding's popularity continues to snowball. "It's just had double-digit growth every year and it's going to be more popular this year," said Josh Lerman, Executive Editor of "Skiing" magazine.

Snowboarding has amassed so many followers in Colorado that the state has a snowboard phone line. Callers can dial 303- 573-RIDE to find out about snowboarding conditions, as well as upcoming events.

Stu Lounsbury, of Lakewood, Colorado, is one convert: "I skied for 13 years and haven't skied once since I tried snowboarding 4 years ago," he told CNN Interactive's Ski Report. "Snowsurfing is so much more fun and addictive than skiing....I'm hopelessly hooked. At least I live in the best place on Earth for such an addiction."

Snowboarding costs about as much as skiing. And as most skiers know, their sport is a little more expensive than, say, marbles or badminton. Still, experts say, knowing how to cut costs can help budgets from falling into a valley of debt. Some tips:

Amtrak is offering family weekend ski packages to places like Vermont and upstate New York for as little as $600.

Skiing early or late in the season and traveling mid-week is usually cheaper than going during the holidays or on weekends.

Smaller resorts sometimes offer better rates for family. For example, in Crested Butte, Colorado, children 12 and under pay exactly their age for a lift ticket. Other resorts allow kids under six to ski for free.

Tips in hand, here's a look at what's happening at a few resorts around the country:

Skiers in Vermont will experience more than forty million dollars worth of new and upgraded lifts, new terrain and better snowmaking facilities.

Sun Valley, Idaho, is pouring more than a million dollars into improved grooming equipment to produce the most optimum snow condition.

In Alyeska, Alaska, visitors can take a break from skiing and mush on a dog sled.

Those with an eye on the future will want to look to Utah. Travelers can ski Deer Valley and Park City, hosts of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

And speaking of the future, if the old Farmer's Almanac holds any weight, February and March should be cold and snowy, with several heavy snow storms -- sending skiers and their spirits to the top of the mountain -- and then over the hill.

Weather: Anchorage, Crested Butte, Sun Valley
City Guides and Maps: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Vermont

Related stories:

• CNN Ski Report - Conditions
• Ski Report: Mail from the Trail
• It's time to ski the Web - January 9, 1997
• Vermont: Some Like It Cold - January 1, 1997
• Winter in Alaska - November 20, 1996

Related sites:

• CNN Ski Report - Roundup of ski sites
• Crested Butte
• Alyeska Resort