3-D Ski Maps

Do you like to study the landscape of a ski area before you visit? Looking at the trail map and reading descriptions (online sites, guidebooks, etc.) can help.

But maps are flat, and sliding on the snow requires, by definition, ground that is not flat.

At least one company, 3D Ski Maps, offers color-coded maps for a number of mountains in North America. These include Squaw Valley, Aspen Highlands and Ajax; Vail and Beaver Creek; SugarLoaf USA, and Okemo.

You can look at static maps or Java-enabled ones that let you rotate, scan and pan the map. The Java maps take a bit of work to maneuver, however.

Though the selection is limited, the site is worth a visit.