Unseasonably warm weather across the Midwest and Northeast this winter has dealt a blow to local and regional resorts for the first half of the snowsports season, delivering less natural snow and sustained snowmaking temperatures than in most years. (02/05/2012)

Outdoor enthusiasts who traverse the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail are hiking, skiing and snowmobiling for joy. They are celebrating the Jan. 28 completion of a new bridge that spans the Pennsylvania Turnpike and rejoins the 70-mile trail stretching along Laurel Mountain from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. (02/05/2012)

A career milestone and a rare family reunion. All of which left Lindsey Vonn in tears, and it made for a perfect day. Vonn captured her 50th World Cup victory, winning a downhill Saturday on the demanding Kandahar course in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, with temperatures plunging to minus-13. "It's crazy. I am at a loss for words. (02/05/2012)

It was an offer I couldn't turn down: An invitation to share a house here with three longtime ski companions and an opportunity to conduct some "product evaluation" at three snow- and sun-blessed New Mexico resorts. (02/05/2012)

The National Ski Areas Association reports the 2010-11 season had the most skier/snowboarder visits on record -- 60.54 million, thanks to "an improving economy and snowfall totals 27 percent above average" at ski resorts nationally. Local, regional and national ski areas would appreciate just an average amount of snow this season. (02/05/2012)