No Sleigh for You

[Santa Action] What is the Christmas season all about? Why, two things, of course: 1. Santa Claus, and 2. getting stuff for free.

The Canyons resort combines those two elements on Saturday, Dec. 15 for its "Santas Ski Free" day. Be one of the first 50 people to arrive at The Canyons between 8 and 9 a.m. dressed in full Santa regalia--not just a beard and hat, slackers--and you'll get to ski for free on all this wonderful fresh powder. It's like a Christmas miracle! (Scott Renshaw)

Snow Angel

[Winter Wonderland] Picking up on the indomitable Bill Frost's thread below, what is the best winter survival tip you have for living in Utah?

I realize that ol' global warming has made living through these milder winters a breeze, but ...

Honestly, I lived here for three-quarters of my life before finally learning to ski. I took my first lesson at age 43. I'm an old dog but I did learn a new trick and now I ski like a bunny. Kind of. But you gotta squint to see it.

Anyway, I pretty much worship snow days now. I don't even curse ice on the car windshield in the mornings anymore. Unless I'm late for work.

So, got any survival tips? I'll even listen to sarcasm, if you want. Also, I wish that was me--the hot ski racer--in the photo above. It's U.S. Ski Team member Julie Mancuso and the photo is from the Tacoma News-Tribune. (Holly Mullen)