Expansion of Hobbits Ski School Building and New Ownership at Bretton Woods: A $500,000 expansion project of the Bretton Woods Family Center (Hobbit Ski and Snowboard School and Babes in the Woods Nursery) is slated for completion in time for Christmas 2006. With a 35 percent increase in size, the new 7,565-square foot facility is designed to not only increase the size of the facility, but to improve the daily operations of the building. Improvements to the building include a central check- in desk, increased seating capacity, access for adaptive skiers, laundry service, and a retail/ apparel shop. The exterior of the building will be enhanced to match the architecture of the Base Lodge while blending indigenous New England architectural elements. The new building will provide easy access from the parking lot level, with convenient drop off and pick up, which can help when parents are toting kids and gear to the base lodge. For more information, call 603-278-3320 or go to Brettonwoods .

Adopt a Trail at Jackson Ski Touring: Jackson Ski Touring in Jackson, NH has launched a new adopt a trail program at the cross country ski center. Skiers can pick their favorite trail or a section of a trail, giving them an opportunity to participate in maintaining the extensive network of cross country ski trails at Jackson Ski Touring. Green Circle trail adopters will be responsible for walking the chosen trail and reporting any issues to the cross country ski center staff, such as blow downs, signs and drainage issues. Blue Circle adopters will help clear minor debris and take care of minor trail drainage issues, in preparation of the trails for the winter season. Black Diamond adopters will operate power tools to clear brush and blow downs prior to the opening of the ski season. At this level, adopters are responsible for the complete preparation of the chosen trail for the winter season. All training is provided by Jackson Ski Touring Staff. For more information, call 603-383-9355 or go to Jackson XC.

New Triple Chair, Return of NASTAR and New Condominiums at Shawnee Peak: Big news for Shawnee Peak is the opening of the ten million dollar East Slope Condo Project, slated to open this winter. The 32 tri-level, two bedroom East Slope Condominiums are the first of its kind at Shawnee Peak, allowing skiers to stay slopeside at the resort. A triple chairlift will replace the Rabbit Run double chair, which exclusively served beginner terrain. The new chairlift will allow ski instructors to ride the chairlift with more than one student, improving the student-instructor time on the chair, instrumental to the teaching process. Recreational racers will once again be able to participate in NASTAR racing at Shawnee Peak, after an absence of several seasons. Additionally, Shawnee Peak will power lifts and mountain operations this year exclusively with wind power. For more information, call 207-647-8444 or go to Shawneepeak.

Two New Season Pass Programs at Wildcat: Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, NH has announced the addition of two new season pass programs for 2006/2007 intended to address the needs of the oldest and the youngest skiers. The new Senior Season Pass is valid during midweek and non-holiday periods at $199, and is offered to seniors ages 65 and over. The new Kitten Club Nursery Pass is offered for children aged two months to five years old at $599 and is designed for regular attendees at the nursery. Wildcat is offering its season passes at these prices for a limited time only. For more information, call 603-466-3326 or go to SKI Wildcat.