Smaller ski resorts look to weather recession

Hard knocks at Marquette Mountain apply to more than just tumbling skiers. The ski area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has seen its share of weather-related and other challenges in recent years. And like the clients, officials are dusting themselves off for the next ride — getting through a winter in a recession. More than three-fourths [...]

Airlines baggage policies

Baggage policies differ by airlines. Read the rules on the carrier’s Web site or ask an agent before you fly. Here are fees that some leading U.S. carriers charge for a first, second and third checked bag, plus special rules for ski equipment on domestic flights. Note that most airlines waive baggage fees for elite [...]

Skiing at Mount Bachelor, a West Coast favorite

Deep powder is standard issue at Mount Bachelor, a West coast favorite that averages 400 inches of snow per season, just 20 miles from the outdoors haven of Bend, Oregon. Framed by towering ponderosas and crackling pines, Bend is home to world-class cyclists, triathletes, kayakers and rock climbers. The local population has quadrupled in the [...]

Real Montana: Big Sky or Big Mountain?

There are two big destination ski resorts in Montana. Big Sky, near Bozeman, is expensive and polished. Big Mountain, near Whitefish, is not. You can go as big as you want in Big Sky Country. But which is the real Montana? I grew up there and can tell you with authority, they both are. Here [...]

Ski resorts hope plenty of snow beats weak economy

Michelle Michaels, a Colorado Springs software support employee, is a longtime ski season passholder to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. But she won’t be getting a pass this year while she tries to pay off debts. “It’s one of the most devastating things,” said Michaels, who still plans to buy individual lift tickets to snowboard. [...]

Early ski deals from Ski.com

Skiing is not exactly a budget form of recreation. But there are deals to be had, especially if you book now, before the snow falls, for later in the season. The following packages for winter, available at Ski.com, are all about adding value to your trip by getting extra nights and other freebies: _Cliff Lodge [...]

Outside magazine ranks top ski resorts

If you’re a powderhound gearing up for ski season, compare your favorite slopes with this list from Outside magazine’s November issue. The magazine ranked the 15 best ski-and-snowboard destinations in North America based on snow quality and terrain. Utah topped the list with Alta and Snowbird in first place, followed by Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, [...]