Skiing and snowboarding are affordable winter recreational activities that millions of people across the globe participate in every year. Local radio stations will occasionally take advantage of the high volume of skiers and snowboarders by holding events, offering discounted lift tickets, and providing other perks to help make the activity a bit more affordable for families. Once there, most ski resorts offer a variety of courses which range from beginner levels to more skilled/expert levels. Many resorts also offer terrain parks for any patron who wishes to try his or her luck on an array of obstacles and jumps with varying levels of difficulty. For individuals who are just beginning to learn, many ski areas give you the option of taking a short instructional class which teaches safety and riding techniques. Even if a customer lacks his or her own equipment, resorts offer a full line of rental equipment, including skis, snowboards, poles, boots (both ski and snowboard specific), as well as helmets, goggles, and other safety gear. Many resorts also feature a "bunny hill" slope, a great place to start for people of all ages and skill levels to warm up on before venturing out onto the bigger slopes. What was a significant hindrance to skiers and snowboarders, a lack of snow in some regions, is becoming less of a problem since many ski areas now have the technology to make their own snow via machines placed strategically throughout the trails. As long as the temperature is cool enough, resorts are able to entertain skiers and snowboarders without actual snowfall. After a long day of being on the hills, many patrons will spend their evenings relaxing inside the resort lodge, complete with hot food, television, and a Wi-Fi network for the technologically dependent. On most weekends, many resorts will even hire a small band to play music inside the lodge. With a mountain of powdery snow during the day and a host of comfortable amenities by night, a skiing and snowboarding getaway can be just the right activity for anyone looking to enjoy the cold winter days ahead.