Not far from busy Jackson Hole lie pristine ski runs that feel worlds away

The first thing to do before your ski trip to northwest Wyoming is rent Shane. The classic 1953 Western was filmed in Jackson Hole. Alan Ladd rides high in the saddle, and Grand Teton National Park provides the spectacularly craggy backdrop. 1258984027

UTAH

Sundance: A star that didn't go Hollywood

Standing on the lip of Bishop's Bowl at the top of Sundance Resort, watching the pair ascending slowly on the Arrowhead Lift, I couldn't resist turning to my skiing sidekick, Wally, and delivering the line, ''Who are those guys?'' 1258984027
COLORADO

Telluride's the West's best-kept ski secret

Raise your hand if you've never skied Telluride. You're certainly not alone. Chances are you've never even visited Telluride, and you're not alone there either. 1258984027
NASTAR courses turn everyone into a ski racer

I'm doing my best imitation of a downhill ski racer: crouched low, braced on a pair of spindly ski poles, sneering at the racer in the starting gate just to my right. 1258984027
Salt Lake City: There's much to do besides ski in this valley

Skiers who flock to this region for its legendary white powder and steep slopes often grab the first shuttle to their resort of choice, bypassing the state's capital city. 1258984027
FAMILY TRAVEL

Going down the tubes and other cool fun

As you plan your winter snow vacation and are skiing with kids, consider small or midsize resorts. You're likely to find less glitz and a warm welcome for your family. Here are five options. 1258984027
WHAT'S NEW

Whistler's got game -- and it's the big one

While the Olympics will be drawing a crowd, there are pleny of good deals for skiers at many locales, especially in late fall before Christmas. 1258984027
Ski.com names its 'most affordable' resorts

Keystone, near Denver, with lots of lodging and flight options and moderately priced condos. Ski.com specials include The Lodge at Keystone, which the website describes as ``the nicest property at Keystone.'' A Keystone lift ticket is valid at Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin and also offers some limited access to Vail and Beaver Creek. The resort also offers night skiing, which is included with the lift ticket, on day of arrival with airline boarding pass. If you stay in a Vail Resorts-owned or managed property, you receive The Adventure Passport for free. 1258984027
Comet bobsled ride lets anyone be an Olympian for a day

More than a few of the 20 or so folks in this small room at the Utah Olympic Park have thrown out the phrase ''bucket list,'' and the air is charged with the kind of nervous energy that can only come from the giddy sense that we're all about to do something that could kill us, but likely won't.
Powder Highway: New flights make British Columbia's 'authentic' ski area accessible to Americans

A gloomy pall caps the valley as the lift rattles at the bottom of the mountain. Slowly, it passes into the clouds, a frosty mist hitting passengers in the face as an eerie yellow light envelops the chair.