Because of the softening economy, resort bookings are down 20 percent or more this winter. The silver lining? This is helping spur the mountains to create irresistible ski deals.

Michigan has more downhill areas — 42 — than any state except New York. Altogether, Michigan resorts have more than 200 chairlifts, 840 runs and 40 terrain parks.

Ski season is upon us, and resorts across the continent are hoping to boost their appeal with a bumper crop of new lifts and added terrain.

From Utah to Chile, how billion-year old magma and floods carved out some of nature's most amazing rock formations.

As skiers seek to lighten their load, fees may help boost resorts' rentals.

Forget the Rockies. With the economy in a tailspin, eastern skiers may be staying closer to home this winter.

It's beginning to look a lot like ski season. Thanks to a handful of early storms and legions of snowmaking guns, the ski scene is already picking up around the nation.

Secluded atolls, otherworldly sea creatures, huge coral formations and crystalline waters: These snorkeling mecca's protectors are doing it right.