California 

Alpine Meadows: Parents are the focus of this year's improvements, which include a Family Ski Zone -- a moderate slope set aside for families and friends to ski at a leisurely pace. There's also a new interchangeable parent ticket, which allows Mom and Dad to switch off between watching the kids and skiing without having to pay twice, and a new lounge for parents. Information, 800-441-4423 or the Alpine Meadows Web site.

Heavenly, Lake Tahoe: Two new lifts offer a faster ride up the mountain, and there's also a new day-care center and an expanded children's facility. Coming next year: Sky Lodge, a 300-seat dining area at midmountain. Information, 800-243-2836 or the Ski Heavenly Web site.

Mammoth Mountain: Getting up the mountain will be easier, thanks to two new high-speed, four-person lifts and a new gondola. Also: The $1.5 million overhaul of Canyon Lodge has been completed; The Mill Café, billed as Mammoth's new flagship restaurant, opens in December. Information, 888-462-6668 or the Mammoth Mountain Web site.

Northstar-at-Tahoe: A new apres-ski lodge, Polaris Park, is open weekends, nights and holidays. It is located at the recently renovated Lodge at Big Springs. Also new: a "parents' predicament" ticket, allowing parents to alternate in watching the children. Northstar's adult and children's ski/ride school also has moved into a new 5,000-square-foot building. Information, 800-466-6784 or the Northstar-at- Tahoe web site.

Squaw Valley USA: The California giant, which made history in 1949 with the world's first double chair lift, hopes to do it again this season with what's billed as North America's first Funitel. The $20 million aerial tram -- a cross between a Swiss gondola and a chair lift -- is suspended from two cables, which the resort says will make it more stable on windy days. The resort also introduces a new gondola called "the pulse" and a retrofitted aerial cable car to replace the original car installed 30 years ago. Information, 800-545-4350 or the Squaw Valley Web site.