Last year marked a record-setting ski season for U.S. resorts with 60.5 million skier visits, according to the National Ski Areas Association. "While ski vacations are more popular than ever before, the current economy presents new challenges for travelers on tighter budgets than in past years," said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandizing for Orbitz. “We believe we have the insider advice to help people hit the slopes AND find great savings at the same time.”

2008/2009 ORBITZ INSIDER SKI INDEX

Twenty years more (1869) and the Transcontinental Railroad connecting East and West was completed—through Truckee.

There is much to see and do in this vibrant, colorful part of the Old West that hugs the banks of the Truckee River. The river runs (only) from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake in Nevada, northeast of Reno, where the river ends.

Featured wines at the tasting included Sutton Cellars' popular 2004 Rose, its 2003 Chardonnay, two 2003 Pinot Noirs, and a 2003 Syrah. Sutton also poured his 2003 Zinfandel and a 1997 Carignane for lucky enthusiasts tasting late on Saturday evening.



"The Chardonnay was the biggest surprise," stated Steve Coniglio of Truckee. "It was dessert in a bottle--not a dessert wine, but there's a crème brulee reference."