Above-average falls show we're in for bumper season of skiing, writes Jane Jeffries.

The ski racks have been stacked, the tows have been warmed up, and in just 48 hours it's snow time.

When the pioneers of snow sports at Mt Ruapehu first nosed their wooden skis into the area nearly a century ago, the journey from Auckland took the best part of two days by train, horse-drawn coach and foot.

Queenstown's Coronet Peak ski area is the first Australasian skifield to open for winter.

Injured Kiwi freeskier Rose Battersby is currently undergoing surgery on her broken spine after her heavy crash at the Winter X Games.

Lindsey Vonn is taking an unexpected break in the middle of the World Cup ski season, saying she has yet to fully recover from an intestinal illness.

Vancouver Island in British Columbia has a mighty mountain at its heart.

Jennifer Ennion goes walking in Jasper's winter wonderland, a playground for those accustomed to the finer things in life.

An Italian ski instructor who strayed into an area of steep slopes and rocky terrain and fell to his death on Mt Ruapehu was not reported missing for two days.

An all clear has been given after rescuers searched the site of an avalanche near a South Island ski field today.

Hannah Stephenson cruises into the British Columbia to hit the slopes of Big White.

Edward Rooney discovers he could get used to the pleasures that come with being chairman of the board.

Skiers will be praying for snow at Mt Ruapehu this week amid fears the Turoa ski area may not be able to open on Saturday as scheduled.

Tourists heading for the snow this winter will be able to get extra flexibility from a scheme run by South Island skifields.