Top North American ski resorts

The Top 10 North American ski resorts as determined by Ski.com: 1. Snowmass, Utah 2. Breckenridge, Colo. 3. Beaver Creek, Colo. 4. Aspen, Colo.

FAMILY TRAVEL

Big improvements for the little ones in ski country

Resorts are offering smaller classes and bigger family discounts for the parents-with-children set.

Freebies in Vail, Colo.: Keep skiing costs in check

Bargain-hunters got a break recently when Vail Resorts dropped multiday lift-ticket prices to last ski season's prices and offered discounts through early February on ski and snowboard lessons.

New on the slopes

Ski resorts throughout the West have spruced up for the 2008-2009 season. Here is a sampling of what's new. UTAH Alta: ''Ski With the Girls,'' a new noncompetitive program designed for early intermediate through accomplished skiers, meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Baldy Brews on the snow level of Watson Shelter. The only cost is your lift ticket. www.alta.com

Mammoth: No 'cheap date' -- but manageable

You used to be a cheap date, a weekend fling who didn't care that my budget was tight and my wallet thin. In the old days, you would welcome me with open arms, even if I showed up on your doorstep with a brown bag lunch and blue jeans sticking out of my ski boots.