Anyone who recognizes FIS – the International Ski Federation – thinks of it as the world governing body of ski racing. Who knew it has a frivolous side? 

You’ve made it through the holiday spending season and even took a few days to enjoy the bountiful snow conditions at your favorite eastern winter resort. Now, however, funds might be a bit tight. Never worry. 

From a “Helmet Hair” contest in Vermont, to discounts on helmet purchases for anyone who trades in a bruised or battered one in Oregon, ski and snowboard resorts across the country will mark the 14th annual National Safety Awareness Week, Jan. 19-27.

If you like cross country skiing laced with nice amenities, downhill choices, an appealing village dressed for winter, and a touch of nearby wilderness boasting the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi, check out Gaylord, Michigan. 

It’s one of the more unusual ski weekends in the Midwest. Pine Mountain Resort, near Iron Mountain in Michigan’s remote UP, offers a scenic winter getaway for skiers and snowboarders coupled with an FIS sanctioned Continental Cup jumping event that takes place Feb. 9-10.

A noteworthy milestone was passed Saturday (Jan. 5) when Pats Peak in southern N.H. celebrated its 50th birthday before some 200 who regaled in the history of the ski and ride area. 

How would you like to get a free lift ticket to your favorite ski resort every time you fill your gas tank? Well, you can. Here's how:

Skiers and riders only need to read the recent news stories from Killington and Pico to understand the impact of a wrong decision.

Midwesterners looking for a unique winter ski trip will want to consider taking Amtrak to Whitefish, Mont., where you'll ski and ride Whitefish Mountain Resort over 3,000 acres of bowls, chutes and glades with Glacier National Park nearby.

Take that old adage, “families that play together, stay together,” and apply it to Granite Peak. Wisconsin’s largest ski area has your family ski trip covered this winter.

No jokes please. The recent weather to batter the eastern seaboard has turned skiing on the right coast into a quiet experience. it happened just as the crucial December holiday break got underway.

Think of it like an early spring break in Daytona, but on snow instead of sand. It’s arguably one of the top ski and snowboard parties around the Great Lakes.

January is the time for Eastern resorts to join the national push to “grow the games.” In this case, the games are skiing and snowboarding, with the goal of bringing new audiences to the hill. You, your friends and families are the beneficiaries.

The Midwest Ski Areas Association was a forerunner in the January National Ski & Snowboard Month before it became national. Our region of the country is ideal for learning to ski and snowboard. Here are some samples.

November and December is the time when ski area marketing and public relations types work overtime. The reason: Inconsistent fall weather, coupled with the start of the new season, brings out the most creativity. But, Mother Nature is taking over.

The starts and stops of this 2012-2013 winter have done nothing to dampen the spirits of Wachusett Mountain in Worcester County, Massachusetts.The resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. 

Snowboarders in Lower Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, now’s your chance to ride with an Olympian. Louie Vito, Olympian and 2012 overall champion of the U. S. Grand Prix and Dew Cup, is coming to Ohio’s Mad River Mountain for his annual rail jam Saturday, Dec. 29. It’s one of the largest rail jams in the Heartland.

All too many people tried skiing or snowboarding after a challenge from a spouse or friend, “We'll go to the top. You can do it.” No need for that any more. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.