Here's help to plan your winter vacation

As kids, we pored over the Sears Wishbook. As adults, we have "The Skier's Book of Trail Maps." This just-published book provides large, full-color trail maps for more than 80 ski resorts in North America. Published by Dandelion Press, it costs $19.95 and can be ordered by calling 800-263-1991.
Utah Winter Sports Park in Park City gives you the chance to train like an Olympic athlete. Race down the luge and bobsled tracks that will be used in the 2002 Olympic Games. Call 801-658-4200 for times and fees.
Find another Olympic experience in Aspen, Colo., at the Snowmass Cross-Country Center biathlon range.
Hone your cross-country skiing and shooting skills on a six-kilometer course groomed for classic and skate skiing and snowshoeing. The course will be open daily beginning Dec. 6. Pellet rifles can be rented for $10. Ski and snowshoe gear also is available. A one-time biathlon safety introduction course is required; it also costs $10. Call 970-923-3148.
In Granby, Colo., the C Lazy U Ranch delivers a variety of winter activities with a Western flavor in an all-inclusive setting.
Guests can count on lodging, three meals a day, horseback riding, cross-country and telemark skiing (equipment and instruction included), snowshoeing and shuttle service to Winter Park and Silver Creek ski areas. The ranch also boasts a library, indoor racquetball court, whirlpool and exercise facility. Prices start at $115 per person per night (double occupancy) with a two-night minimum; this offer is good Jan. 6 through March 30. Call 970-887-3344.
An excellent winter sports-related Internet site ishttp://www.skicentral.com
This home page links you to more than 4,100 ski-related sites in more than 56 categories.
You may also want to check out the Resorts Sports Network:http://www.rsn.com
You'll find the latest news about weather, snow conditions and special events at the world's top ski resorts. A nifty option is its Broadcast Email Program, which allows you to receive weekly e-mail updates, including vacation bargains.
When you tire of sliding down the mountain, learn to stop skidding on icy roads with lessons at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. The school can make a confident winter driver out of the ice-challenged. Half-day, full-day and two-day performance programs are available. Call 970-879-6104.
Get a taste of the backcountry on a trip to Janet's Cabin at Colorado's Copper Mountain Resort.
The overnight, fully guided weekend trip offers access to fine beginner and intermediate back-country skiing. Guides provide skiing and safety tips, dispense snacks, lead wilderness tours and cook gourmet meals. Trips to Janet's Cabin will be offered Jan. 24-25, March 1-2 and March 20-21, and a women's-only trip will be Feb. 9-10. Cost is $215 per person and includes meals. Call 970-968-2318, Ext. 6342.
If you're looking for some unusual after-ski action, consider a cooking class at the superb Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah.
Each month throughout the year, the lodge combines a themed cooking class in a lecture-style setting with a sit-down dinner. The pros discuss food and wine pairings, as well as prepare the dishes. Classes last about three hours.
Classes scheduled during ski season: Jan. 9, a Dessert Extravaganza for $50 per person; Feb. 6, a Romantic Dinner for Two at $60 per person; and March 27, Contemporary English Fare spotlights British beers for $50 per person. Class size is limited; reservations are advised. Call 435-649-3700.