Halley O’Brien joins SnoCountry Ski Areas Association as the new host of SnoCountry’s television program slated to broadcast in more than 30 key winter destination markets for the 2012-13 ski and snowboard season.

The new program will be titled the “SnoCountry Snapshot,” and will focus on the weekend’s weather and snow conditions, while highlighting events, activities and showcasing the mountain lifestyle for those planning their next winter adventure. 

“We are very excited to work with Halley on this new program,” said Tom Cottrill, president of SnoCountry Ski Areas Association – a non-profit association that promotes the ski and snowboard industry through radio, television, online and snow report data distribution to more than 3,200 media affiliates. “Her passion for snowsports and the mountain lifestyle, combined with her knack for storytelling made her an easy choice for hosting this original new program and showcasing all that our resort partners have to offer.”

You just might be day dreaming these summer days about an exotic ski vacation. Here’s one for you: Changbaishan Resort in Northeast China.

An environmental impact statement process is underway that could pave the way for improvements at Eldora Mountain Resort, 21 miles west of Boulder, Colo.

Central Wisconsin offers mountain-like scenery at Devils Lake State Park, the popular Wisconsin Dells and the long running Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show. Devils Head Resort, just down the road, is a great place to stay. 

Notwithstanding the fact snowboarding, as we know it today, got its start at Stratton Mountain, Vt., the iconic U.S. Snowboarding Championship is moving from the southern Vermont resort to Vail, Colo.

There have been a number of thefts of ski trail signs from Telluride Resort this summer that are presumably about to hang in dorm rooms, bars or other nefarious spots. Here’s a tip: Get caught and you’ll probably do time for a felony.

Just as the summer Olympics are getting underway in London, a group of 140 day campers from the Brooklyn YMCA learned first-hand about what it takes to be world-class athletes, the importance of fitness, and the meaning of team spirit.

You’ll have more choices for a non-stop flight to Jackson Hole, Wyo. this winter and you’ll find expanded intermediate terrain and a new lift when you get there. 

The Winter Games NZ 2013 will be the largest international snow sports event ever held in in the Down Under nation. The Games are set for Aug. 12-25, 2013.

There are plenty of new bells and whistles at Utah resorts this summer, but the old standby is still a ride up the lift.

These two Boyne locations, located near Lake Michigan resort towns Petoskey and Harbor Springs, offer a variety of activities that would take care of a very large family with multiple choices. 

Love beer? Love wine? Love music? Put them all together at the Sugar Mountain, N.C. SugarBrew Summer Festival Aug. 4. General admission and parking are free.

Next time you plan a ski road trip from California to Salt Lake, factor in a day at Eagle Point Resort. 

A new management structure has been announced by President/CEO Karl Kapuscinski for Mountain High Resort in southern California and Stevens Pass Resort in Washington’s Cascades. The two ski areas will share personnel and best practices.

The goal, Kapuscinski says, is to “develop synergies that continue to establish the individual resorts as leaders in their respective markets.

“I am excited about the management team we have assembled. They bring a lot of industry experience, passion, and leadership to their respective positions. I consider this team to be one of the most diverse and talented in the industry,” he said.

The corporate level overseeing both areas includes Michele Roy, CMA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President. She comes to the new role with 17 years experience. Paul Bauer will be COO for both resorts, overseeing operations and environmental affairs. He has held that position at Mountain High for 11 years. 

John McColly is Chief Operating Officer. He’ll oversee sales, marketing, and business development for both resorts. He parlays 20 years experience to the new role after serving in that position for Mountain High.

How would you like to ski or ride every day all over Michigan this winter for $500? That’s not just one area, but at 20 of the top ski areas scattered across the Wolverine State’s both peninsulas. 

Alaska's Alyeska Resort welcomes four new members to the management team this summer, Director of Marketing Jessica Pezak, Director of Human Resources Jaci Ohayon, Mountain Manager Eric Teixman, and Director of Retail Sales and Guest Services Melissa LaRose. Alyeska Resort’s staff peaks at almost 700 employees during ski season, with a large amount of seasonal employees. The four new hires are all year-round full-time positions.

“I am thrilled to have Eric, Jessica, Jaci and Melissa join the Alyeska team.” said Di Hiibner, ski area general manager, “I could not be happier to have their inspired energy and many years of ski industry experience joining our team. I am confident they will be a great asset to the resort for many years to come.”

Originally from New Jersey, Jessica Pezak went to high school in New York State and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in Communications. She began her employment with Hunter Mountain in the Northern Catskill Mountains in New York as Director of Communications in 2006 and was promoted to Hunter’s Marketing & Communications Manager in 2010, where she oversaw all marketing activities for Hunter, including their social media platforms, online marketing efforts, web programming, collateral development, media buying and many other facets of the resort marketing.

“I have always been in love with the far north,” Jessica said, “I’ve returned time and time again to Scandinavia, Canada and Alaska over the years. I can’t really fathom a better opportunity for me. I feel very much at home in Alaska. Alyeska has an outstanding executive team and I can’t wait to get back there and get the ball rolling.”

This summer, Crystal Mountain Resort has officially gone to the dogs.

Season pass deals at many resorts are still out there, but dates for discounted deals vary. Here are a few areas where you still can grab those special rates. 

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, visited Greek Peak, the Cortland, NY resort last week, appealing for fast approval of a $1.4 million loan from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. 

United Airlines will begin daily non-stop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and BC’s Kelowna International Airport, the largest airport in the region in time for the new ski season. Service starts Dec. 19, 2012.