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With so much of the earth covered withwater, coastal beaches have always been ahuge draw for those able to reside at water’sedge; and those seeking worldwide adventuresat top coastal resorts - or uncrowded, out ofthe way paradises. Spending hours poolside,walking along a pristine beach, listening to therhythmic waves provide a relaxing atmospherewhich is good for the soul. Add all theattractions, the unique atmosphere so prevalentin many beach communities, and it’s nowonder that the beach lifestyle - permanentor temporary - is high on everyone’s bucketlist. However, much of the world’s surfacewas created by rocky geologic upheavals, too.Their formations give character to manycoastal regions as vertical rock meets an azuresea. Inland mountain ranges can be just as impressive.They inspire their own beauty; providetheir own attractions. Mountain destinationsare quickly rising to the top of everyone’sfavorite places to live and visit. Just likebeach communities, mountain villages andtowns offer their own unique personalities.You can find just what you are looking for ina mountain environment.Most mountain resorts are enjoyableyear around. For many resorts, summer is actuallytheir busiest times. Visitors rush towhere temperatures are cooler and the air isfresh and clean to enjoy nature at its finest,plus resort attractions and programs. Autumnis a transitional time. Too late for the summercrowd - children are back in school. Too earlyfor the snow lovers - ski lifts are not yet running.But, cooler temperatures result in theleaves transforming from summer green to autumngolds, oranges and reds depending onwhether the area is dominated by mostly Aspens,Maples or other native deciduous trees.Steeps, Glades & CruisersMountain Destinations OfferGreat Skiing & Much MoreThis is a fantastic time of the year to experiencethe beauty of the mountains with itsstriking hues. When you combine nature’s pallettewith an early snow storm, it’s a sight tobehold as the fresh white powder rests ontothe still brilliant autumn foliage under a beautifulcyan sky.Early storms are a prelude to winter.They help develop a base. By Thanksgivingweekend, most ski resorts plan to be open forsnowsport enthusiasts to get back on theirboards. Traditionally, resorts can depend onenough snowpack to get the lifts moving.Snowmaking equipment is installed at the majorityof them as a back-up to ensure theirguests will be able to traverse much of themountain during the early season. Off seasonimprovement projects often include the installationof additional snowmaking guns to openmore trails providing skiers and boarders moreterrain during the early season and lean snowyears.The early season does have its advantages,however. The slopes - and lift lines - areless crowded and the costs are typically discounted.And, when the snow gods are cooperating,what more could you ask?During the high season (Christmas/NewYear’s; Martin Luther King Day Weekend -1/19-21/13; President’s Weekend - 2/16-18/13;Easter Weekend - 3/29-31/13); and the monthsby Leigh GieringerPond skimming is a popular endof season ritual at many resorts.A crowd gathers to watch skiersattempt to crosss the icy water. Oops!This lucky soul didn’t make it!photo courtesy of Squaw Valleyof February and March) there will be more activity,more crowds and accommodations arein demand; thus higher prices. For many skiersand boarders, this is THE time to hit theslopes! Great snowpack, comfortable temperaturesand numerous resort planned activitiesto enjoy. Then, add the very good possibilityof several days of abundant fresh powder fora “First Tracks” experience. What more couldyou ask?As the season progresses, warm Apriltemperatures can result in soft-slushy snow,3 Far West Skier’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13