The world's most in-demand ski resorts have always faced their share of complications, namely challenging geographic barriers and inconsistent weather patterns. (Imagine facing the disappointment of international guests who, after spending five figures on non-refundable reservations, arrive to encounter suboptimal ski conditions or closed roadways.) 

The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals kick off today (Wednesday, March 16) at the site of the 2017 World Championships in St. Moritz. The sun is shining, the track is reminiscent of that Colorado buttery smooth snow and globes are up for grabs. Plus, nearly all World Cup Finals events will be shown live on NBCSN.

A record 200,000 spectators came to see the races and evening concerts in Vail Valley over the course of the two-week 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, according to Ceil Folz, president of the organizing committee. This was the third time the event has been held in the Vail Valley.

(Editor’s Note: California small business owner Ron Kemalyan has been a lifelong skier. His dream of skiing in the Alps came true this season. Here’s his report.)

The curtain came down on the World Cup Sunday as the alpine circuit breaks for the Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia starting later this week.

What was described as a tactically perfect run in the weather-shortened super G at St. Moritz, Switzerland brought American Lindsey Vonn her 57th Audi World Cup victory – her fourth this season. 

There was more good news from Le Massif de Charlevoix last week than just the announcement that the Quebec ski and ride area would be open for bonus days on Dec. 8-9.

A special offer from some 100 hotel properties in Engadin St. Moritz, Switzerland means you can ski or ride on 350 kilometers of pistes for just $27 (CHF 25) per person per day.