This summmer when you are planning your vacation and looking for things to do and places to hike or mountain bike, don't forget your favorite ski resort.

Make it a point to check the web sites of your local ski resorts and your favorite destination resorts as you may be pleasantly surprised at all the features many resorts offer during the summer and early fall seasons.

Most any kind of summer fun and activities are available at many ski resorts including mountain biking, hiking, boating and water sports, camps for kids and adults, concerts and much, much more.

The local resort areas offer the clean, cool mountain air and a calendar of events and activities to choose from that are only a short drive away. The major destination ski resorts around the country swing into summer with a host of similar activites and events that bring in world class entertainment, arts and artists - and offer summer lodging and packages that you will find hard to resist.

If you have never hiked around a ski resort, or rode lifts, gondolas or trams in the summer, believe me, it's a whole new experience. Pack a lunch and take long, leisure walks through the resort trails. for a little more excitement, ride a mountain bike down one of those easy "blue square groomers" you used to rip up in the winter then tell me how easy it is!

Remember - the more support we give our ski resorts in the off-season can only help the area expand and improve winter facilities. Throughout the spring, summer and early fall I will be posting what's happening on the mountains by featuring some resorts each week from around the country.  I'll also be tweeting  the lastest specials and events for you to check out at your favorite resorts.

_{Summer hiking on Whiteface Mountain Copyright Mike Doyle}

British skier Kate Middleton, soon to the royal wife of Prince William Windsor, had to have a coat of arms put together before the upcoming nuptials.

Because, I think, that's what a someday to be queen has have so that when she weds her someday-to-be-king both their family crest will be sort of merged and a new one scripted.

Anyway, Kate had a strong hand in the design of the Middleton crest with the main inverted gold "V" or chevron represents her mother's heritage - mummy's maiden name being Goldsmith.

Now, if you look at the thin white inverted "Vs" above and below the gold chevron you will see why Kate Middleton should have a place in the hearts of skiers worldwide.

According to the High Register, or something, of these things Kate had these white Vs included to memorialize her love of the mountains of the Lake District and Skiing - rah, rah.

Long live the new Royal Skier!

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_{Middleton Coat of Arms Copyright Getty Images}

2010/2011 was a great ski season with a lot of snow, including record breaking snowfalls in many U.S.  locations, and great skiing events and competition.

I got to visit some resorts for the first time, as well as many of my old favorites.  I tried some great new gear and skiing apps, and I racked up a ton of vertical miles, including quite a few with my EpicMix.

After skiing in Utah last week I drove back east to New York. I may get a few more turns in this season but I'm starting to work, already, on staying fit for next time to snow falls.

Here are some of my 2010/2011 ski season favorites.  Plus, be sure to add your favorites to our list of the best of this ski season.

Share Your Favorites: Best of 2010/11 Ski Season

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Now, just announced, the 2011-12 Epic Pass, offering  unlimited skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar-at-Tahoe, and Arapahoe Basin without blackout dates has been reduced to $649 for adults until May 8.

Do the math, that is unbelievable, and, if it works for you, location wise, or visit wise, it's the best ski deal on the planet.

Now here's one that's great for infrequent flyers who can maybe get away for a couple of destination family ski vacations during the season. It's called the Epic 7-Day Pass and it is valid for a total of 7 unrestricted tickets at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar-at-Tahoe or Arapahoe Basin.

The Epic 7-Day Pass will cost $479 for adults, until May 8.

Check out your favorite resort online and see what the deals are and buy early.

More: 2011-12 Epic Pass | Spring Skiing

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_{Spring Skiing Blue Sky Basin, Vail Copyright Mike Doyle}