Skiers around the globe are planning their winter vacations around El Niño and its potential for good snow weather

From CNN Travel Correspondent Stephanie Oswald

(CNN) -- Millions of skiers are expected to plow the slopes this winter -- and if El Niño has anything to do with it, they may be in for a pleasant surprise. The weather phenomenon could be a welcome guest at western U.S. resorts all winter long, and into spring.

"What El Niño usually brings for us is really good early season snow conditions and then classic spring skiing, with sunny days and the type of weather that spring skiers love to enjoy," said Barbara Jennings of Colorado Ski Country USA.

The warmer-than-usual waters in the Pacific Ocean could result in heavy snow in northern New Mexico. In fact, ski resorts in Taos are reporting a 10 percent increase in pre-season bookings.

The weather system could also dump more snow than usual on the slopes in southern Colorado.

"A lot of people are calling," said Mike Smedley, media relations director at Purgatory Resort. "A lot of people are booking. And that's what a weather phenomenon like this does. It has an effect of getting people interested early in skiing, and second and most importantly, ... it gives people a level of certainty about their ski vacation, whether it's in November all the way through March."

Whether El Niño lives up to pre-season promises remains to be seen. But skiers around the globe are planning their winter vacations with its potential for good snow weather on their minds. Resort officials say book early for the best deals -- and a guaranteed room.

"Those popular times are Christmas, spring break and the weekend that surrounds three-day holiday periods like Martin Luther King and Presidents' Day," said Smedley.

At most popular ski mountains, lift prices average more than $50 per day

For the consumer with a little flexibility, bargains abound. At most popular ski mountains, lift prices average more than $50 per day. Skiers headed to Colorado can lower that cost by joining the World Ski Association (800-525-7669).

Skiing in neighboring Utah may turn out to be a better buy, depending on where you stay. There are nine ski resorts in the Salt Lake City area -- all close to budget hotels ranging from $45-$85 per night, a bargain compared to expensive resort lodges.

South of Colorado, at New Mexico's Angel Fire, the beginner's special includes equipment, a full-day lesson and beginner lift ticket for $60 (800-633-7463).

Airlines are also offering discounts. American Airlines has a Snow and Ski Adventure good at 23 resorts in the United States and Canada (800-321-2121).

If you're headed for Europe, SwissAir has a ski treat called an Alpine Experience. Starting at $875, packages include round-trip airfare from Boston, New York or Newark, New Jersey, seven nights lodging in the Austrian or Swiss Alps, breakfast and ground transfers (800 688-7947).

The El Niño weather phenomenon may be a welcome guest at western U.S. resorts all winter

Along with destinations, skiers are taking a close look at the season's new equipment.

Shaped, or parabolic, skis are "probably the biggest thing to happen to the industry in a long time," said Joel Jackson at Rocky Mountain Sports. The ski has a tail and a tip much broader than the waist.

"Because of this," said Jackson, "the ski handles a lot easier ... with a lot less effort out of each individual. They tend to carve a lot more of the turns than the older skis."

An old idea is making a comeback this season: ski poles that act as shock absorbers. There's a spring inside the pole that gives when the skier plants it.

"That tends to lessen the impact on our wrist, our forearm, right on up through to our shoulders," said Jackson.

Snowboarding is expected to be as popular as ever, particularly among an older crowd, Jackson said. And the newest thing in snowboarding -- step-in bindings.

"You just toe in first -- lean back and you're on the system," Jackson explained. "So you can step in to the bindings sitting on the chair lift. Much easier, much faster, a lot more convenient."

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Weather: U.S. and World Forecasts City Guides and Maps: Colorado; New Mexico; Utah; Austria; Switzerland

Related stories:

• CNN Special Section: El Niño returns
• El Niño could snowball in the Rockies - October 18, 1997
• Destinations: Ski '97 - February 10, 1997

Related sites:

• Colorado Ski Country USA
• Purgatory
• World Ski Association
• Angel Fire Resort
• American Airlines
• SwissAir

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