Skiing's spectacular new thrill is a zip line cable ride at Heavenly Mountain Resort that starts at an elevation of 9,781 feet in the California High Sierra. Propelled at 50 mph, cable riders fly over the treetops as they travel 3,300 feet and drop 525 vertical feet before reaching the landing zone.

The breathtaking ride on the Heavenly Flyer, which lasts about 80 seconds, offers a wondrous view of Lake Tahoe. With two zip lines, riders can enjoy the experience with a friend.

To reach the zip line ride, everyone must be transported on two high-speed lifts to the launching point. The ride costs $30; passengers also must buy a lift ticket. Rides must be scheduled by appointment. Contact: 1-800-432-8365; www.skiheavenly.com.

So far this season, the snow-sports market has recorded $2.35 billion in sales, 13 percent over the same August through January period in 2006-07. The hottest-selling items are adult twin-tip skis, helmets, soft-shell parkas, snowshoes, Nordic ski gear and women-specific equipment, apparel and accessories.

Every spring brings zany snow events in Colorado. Coming April 5 at Monarch is the Boatercross, in which multiple kayak riders race down a snow-packed course. Powderhorn's Slush Sprocket Race on Saturday is a downhill mountain bike sprint on snow. It's open to all comers for a $5 fee. Helmets are required.

A Crested Butte tradition is the Elk Mountain Grand Traverse. It's a 40-mile endurance race in which 125 teams of two must ski from Crested Butte to Aspen. The event starts at midnight Friday at the town school.

Then there's Crested Butte's 40th annual Flauschink Festival with a parade and other fun April 9-13. Lodging and skiing discounts are available at the Ruby of Crested Butte bed-and-breakfast. Contact: 1-800-390-1338; www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com.

Crested Butte, Monarch and Wolf Creek in Colorado have extended their season to April 13. Wolf Creek also will be open April 19-20 and April 26-27.

Most Breckenridge properties will offer rooms for $96 per person per night, or less April 1-20. Contact: 1-877-593-5260; www.gobreck.com.

Kids 18 and younger stay free and eat free at Alta starting April 1 when adults book a room for four nights. The fee ($887 per adult, double occupancy) includes meals, taxes and service. Contact: 1-800-707-2582.

Walt Roessing is a freelance writer in California.