Smugglers' Notch

Going green: Ski areas boosting environmental efforts to limit carbon footprint. Ski resorts are getting greener, and they're seeking recognition for it ? partly to boost their image with their environmentally conscious clientele. To educate the public and recognize the best programs, one grass-roots organization, the Ski Area Citizens' Coalition, tracks the environmental impact and efforts of 82 ski areas in 11 Western states and has issued an annual report card each of the past 11 years.

With zip lines and roller coasters, ski resorts are no longer just for skiing and snowboarding. Never mind the double black diamond slopes. How about whizzing through the trees on a zip line or careening down the hill on a roller coaster?

Red, yellow, orange all over: States use volunteer 'leaf peepers' to report, predict foliage. Jon Bouton does his leaf-peeping from his car, traveling Vermont's bumpy back roads in a 2001 Geo Prizm.

Red, yellow, orange all over: States use volunteer 'leaf peepers' to report, predict foliage. Jon Bouton does his leaf-peeping from his car, traveling Vermont's bumpy back roads in a 2001 Geo Prizm.

Vermont soldier paralyzed in Afghanistan roadside bombing gets star-spangled welcome home. For Pfc. Andrew Parker, it was a bittersweet homecoming: He was hailed as a hero, feted with a star-spangled parade and showered with gifts at a welcome home ceremony. He had to watch it all from a wheelchair.

When Ski Vacation Thaws, Head to the Spa, Hot Tub and Shops. Too warm to ski? Hit the pool or hot tub. No snow on the slopes? Try "Nordic walking" or a eucalyptus body wrap.