Skiers and snowboarders who call Breckenridge their home resort can expect another boost in terrain next season.

Vail Resorts announced Thursday they are expanding into the Heartland with the purchase of Afton Alps, near the Twin Cities, and Mt. Brighton near Detroit. The news caught many Midwest ski industry people by surprise.

Get an early taste of skiing or snowboarding for the 2012/13 season by checking out the following deals. Then, just enjoy. 

There’s an apparent increase in certified ski and snowboard instructors getting paid for lessons outside of normal working hours, a trend that has prompted resorts to take action. 

An expansion at Breckenridge Resort, Colo., to include Peak 6 – in the active pipeline for six years and talked about for decades – has received the green light from U.S. Forest Service. Look to ski or ride it during the 2013-14 season.

There appears to be widespread support among Breckenridge town council members as they near a final vote on approving an 80-unit timeshare development at Peak 8. The site is the now defunct Bergenhof Restaurant, known to locals as the “Bergie.”