In the meantime, here are some tips for beginners and seasoned skiers that will help make your vacation go smoothly.

• Altitude — Since many of ski mountains rise to 14,000 feet and most of the ski resorts, on average, are more than 8,000 feet high, air is thinner and less oxygen is available. Skiers are sometimes susceptible to a temporary condition called high altitude illness.

The root cause of high altitude illness is a lack of oxygen. The symptoms include a headache, touch of nausea, feeling unusually tired or experiencing shortness of breath.

One of the most important things visitors to the high country should know about high altitude illness is that it's almost totally preventable and can be significantly minimized by following these simple guidelines from the Colorado Altitude Research Institute: Exercise in moderation the first few days; drink more water than usual; reduce alcohol intake (alcohol has a greater effect at high altitude); eat food high in carbohydrates (grains, pasta, fruit and vegetables) and avoid salty foods.

Altitude illness is usually a minor problem and preventable — most visitors generally feel more comfortable within 48 hours — however, it can be a serious problem if the symptoms are ignored.

• Clothing — Staying warm and comfortable on the slopes is easy. The best clothing is water-resistant, layered clothing that can be removed or added with weather changes.

If your clothes are not water-resistant, a water repellant spray can be applied in a few minutes. Remember, weather can change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour, so be prepared with the proper clothes for any type of weather condition.

• Ultraviolet Rays — Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at the resort's higher elevations. A good pair of goggles or sunglasses that not only cut glare but filter the ultraviolet rays is strongly recommended. Also, regardless of your skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear a protective sunscreen even on overcast days when ultraviolet rays can penetrate cloud cover.

• Conditioning — Don't try to ski yourself into shape. Start your ski vacation early by taking a few weeks to condition at home before hitting the slopes. (Please consult your physician before starting any conditioning program.)

Once you arrive, begin by warming-up with stretching exercises and then skiing the first day or so on trails that are just below your ability level. By pre-conditioning, warming-up and pacing yourself, chances of injury will be reduced.

First Time in Winter Park

When it comes to excellent skiing conditions, Colorado's Winter Park Resort leads the pack. With more snow annually than any other major resort, skiers can count plenty of snow blanketing the slopes.

Many first time visitors are surprised to discover Winter Park's vast terrain. The four interconnected mountains and high alpine peaks are spread out over 134 trails on 2,886 acres of Colorado land. The slopes are also connected by a network of 20 chairlifts, promising a smooth, quick ride for all who embark.

When it comes to ski trails, Winter Park's variety of terrain caters to every ability. The 25-acre Discovery Park is the ideal spot to learn and practice the basics of skiing. The "bunny hills" have launched many a first-time skier to the big-league slopes.

Once skiers are ready to move on to the next level, Winter Park mountain and the Vasquez Ridge offer miles and miles of wide-open and challenging trails for the intermediate skier to enjoy some laid back cruising.

For advanced and expert skiers seeking the ultimate challenge, Winter Park Resort's notorious Mary Jane mountain is what they are looking for. It provides advanced skiers amazingly long, thigh-burning bump runs, vertical chutes and steep glades.

Winter Park is nestled at the base of the Continental Divide at the east end of the Fraser Valley. With the surrounding mountain expanses and breathtaking scenery, visitors often get the feeling that they are far away from the hassles of city life.

Even though Winter Park has grown to become one of the largest ski areas in the country, it has maintained its reputation as Colorado's Favorite Ski Resort. The big draw is the area's down-home comfort. Visitors quickly discover that the friendly faces and relaxed atmosphere here are a big part of Winter Park Resort's popularity. As a result, many visitors come back year after year.

New York has always been a city that offers something for everyone; and with the addition of The Westin Central Park South, that's more true than ever. The first Big Apple hotel to fly the Westin flag, The Westin Central Park South is just minutes from midtown Manhattan's business district, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue shopping and Broadway shows.

Many of the hotel's 184 rooms and 24 suites offer panoramic views of Central Park or New York City's famous skyline

Rooms are richly appointed in traditional European furnishings; select suites feature down featherbeds and duvet covers.

For dining, the hotel is home to the award-winning Fantino restaurant. Other guest facilities include a complete fitness center, 24-hour room service, and a theater ticket service through the hotel's concierge. The Westin Central Park South also has 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

If you're planning a trip to Europe this spring, you can save money by booking your rail tickets now. Effective Jan. 1, 1999, prices for rail travel in Europe will go up about four percent.

The good news is the new pricing structure will be much simpler than before and two people traveling together on Eurail passes can now enjoy lower rates usually reserved for groups of five or more. For instance, In 1999, the price for a ticket that allows five days of unlimited travel during a two month period will cost an average of $296 per person. In 1998, the two passengers both paid full fare which was an average of $326.

Tickets for rail service in Europe can be issued up to six months in advance; so if your thinking of going to Europe this spring, it's wise to start planning now so you'll be able to get the best rates.

A trip overseas can be an enriching experience for kids, but be sure that your youngster stays safe from the sometimes peculiar regulations that govern travel with children in other countries.

First, children who are U.S. citizens will need their own passport. Their procedure is the same as for adults. If you will be visiting a nation that requires a visa, the child will need that also. Contact the closest consulate for the nation to learn the specifics of the application process. (Some travel agents can help arrange a visa for you. Fees apply depending on what country or countries you plan to visit.)

Second, be aware that some nations are quite strict about certain regulations as they apply to children traveling with only one partner. Most often these regulations are in force so that children are protected from kidnapping or parental kidnapping.

If a child is traveling with grandparents or only one parent, be sure you have a letter from the parent or parents back home. (This is a good rule to follow even for domestic travel.) The letter should state that the person or persons escorting the child has permission to do so. The letter also should also contain the child's full name, the parents' full names, the names of all adults traveling with the child, the dates of the trip, countries to be visited, and the signature of the consenting parent or parents.

If there is a supervising parent and the other parent is deceased, obtain a certified copy of the death certificate to carry along with a notarized letter signed by the supervising parent attesting to the death of the other parent. The notary will have to see the death certificate to be able to notarize the letter.

Although a passport is not required for travel in Canada, proof of identification is necessary. Passports can be used, or a certified copy of a birth or baptismal certificate. Youths under the age of 16 must be traveling under the supervision of an adult, according to Canadian law. They cannot travel alone.

Travel in Mexico can involve the need for certain documents to verify custody, consent and other matters involving children with their parents or adult escorts. Check the latest regulations by contacting the Mexican Consulate or Embassy. Although some nations might allow the father to travel with the child without the mother's documents giving consent, it is better to assume that such is not the case and obtain the documentation anyway.