INTERNATIONAL

Summer Skiing in Chile, $1,200
When the last pockets of snow melt in the Rockies, die-hard skiers and boarders head south of the equator, where the season is roughly mid-June to mid-October. Chile's Portillo is the oldest (and, many would argue, the most charming) ski resort in the Andes. Its three lodging options can only accommodate 450 guests at a time, which means the slopes are never crowded. Weeklong packages--the only kind that are sold--include seven nights at the Hotel Portillo, all meals, a seven-day ski pass, and unlimited use of the resort's extensive facilities (gym, pool, hot tubs, yoga classes, climbing wall, cinema, etc.). When Saturday-to-Saturday stays. June 17, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 ($1,200); June 24, July 1, 8, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2 ($1,900); July 15, 22 ($2,340). Details Extra nights from $171 (all-inclusive). Single supplement from $100. Portillo is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Santiago airport; add $90 for round-trip shuttle transfers. The resort offers free day care for children ages 3-7. Contact Ski Portillo Chile, 800/829-5325, skiportillo.com

Hitting the Slopes in Dubai?
A long-time desert backwater, the United Arab Emirates' capital has morphed into a glitzy playground for the rich, and developers are tripping over themselves to build bigger and more outrageous attractions (The tallest skyscraper! An underwater hotel! 300 man-made sandy islands shaped like the world!). The latest see-it-to-believe-it novelty is Ski Dubai, a 5.5-acre resort within a 25-story slanted metal tube featuring a chairlift, five downhill runs, a cross-country trail, quarter-pipe for snowboarders, and ice sculptures. Fir trees and temperatures in the 20s stand in chilly, jarring contrast to the palm trees and sweltering heat outside. Since skiing in robes is not advisable or allowed, black winter parkas and equipment come with admission. Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayad Road, skidubai.ae.

Ski France
Roundtrip airfare and seven nights in the Alpine ski town of Chamonix, host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and famous for its rugged 15-mile Vallee Blanche run, $905 per person

Kids Ski and Stay Free at Whistler
Two nights, two days' worth of lift tickets with free skiing for kids, and a family pass to the new Tube Park from $199. Three-, five-, and seven-night packages also available. Better yet, kids fly free to Vancouver on United, Harmony, or Alaska Air. Book by Dec. 12; whistlerblackcomb.com

Quebec's Ice Hotel for $99
Rooms crafted from ice and snow with 18 ft. high ceilings, walls displaying original artwork, toasty fireplaces, and beds in the form of sleeping bags and deer pelts. Hot tubs, live entertainment, an Absolut Ice Bar serving signature vodka concoctions in ice mugs, and a chapel round out the fun and frosty experience. The 'Arctic Fox' package has suites, typically $249 per person, reduced to $99 per person. When: Jan. 6 - Apr. 2, 2006, Sun - Thurs. nights. Details: Book by Dec. 16, 2005. Additional hotel taxes of $16 per person per night. Contact: Ice Hotel, Quebec City, 877/505-0423, icehotel-canada.com.

Mont Tremblant Skiing for $909
Air from Boston or New York to Quebec, a five-day car rental, a three-day lift ticket, and four nights at Les Suites Tremblant, within walking distance of the slopes. When: Nov. 18-Dec. 22 ($909), Dec. 23-31 ($1,259), Jan. 1-Feb. 18 ($989), Feb. 19-25 ($1,119), Feb. 28-Mar. 18 ($989). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $929), Miami (from $949), Atlanta (from $979), L.A. (from $1,079). Details: Extra nights from $69. Single supplement from $269. Contact: Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.

Quebec City's Winter Carnival
$559 air-hotel package for three nights in Canada's most charming city during its annual smorgasbord of concerts, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, ice skating, and festive goings-on.

WEST COAST

California Skiin'A one-night stay and lift ticket for $82 at Mammoth Mountain, which has already been hit with a record snowfall of more than 664 inches and expects to stay open through July 4 

Spring Festivals in the Mountains
Discounted stays and lift tickets paired with music fests and sporty competitions in Vail, Colorado and Mammoth Mountain, California

Colorado Skiing for $474
Air from Chicago or Dallas to Denver; three nights in Winter Park at the Vintage Hotel, with a free shuttle to the ski lifts; and a two-day lift pass. When: Monday and Tuesday departures until Mar. 28 ($559), Apr. 4 -14 ($474). Other Gateways: Houston, L.A., San Francisco ($579/$494); D.C. ($649/$564); Miami ($659/$574). Details: Extra nights from $84. Single supplement from $210. Airport transfers to Winter Park are $90 round trip. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.