Bumper cars on ice
These are turning up at skating rinks from coast to coast. The battery-operated "cars" are large rubber tubes with molded seats that can hold one adult or an adult and small child. They are easy to steer or spin by two joysticks.
Skijoring
Some places, like the adult-only Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana, offer guests the chance to see what it's like to be pulled on Alpine skis behind a horse. Other resorts, like Eden Mountain Lodge in Eden Mills, Vermont, and Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado, work with experienced skiers and their own dogs.
First tracks
The opportunity for intermediate and advanced skiers to take the first runs in the morning before the slopes open to the public is an option at more resorts. Some, like Northstar in California, require skiers to stay with a guide; others, like Aspen, Colorado, include a gourmet breakfast.
Ice castles
A series of pathways take visitors through ice columns, tunnels, caverns and archways. Introduced last year in Silverthorne, Colorado, castles were being built this winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Snowbikes
Bicycles on skis have been around for decades, but now have the blessing of some resorts; www.snowbike.info.
Snowkiting
Snowkiting or kite boarding is a cousin to ocean kite surfing. For the winter version, an experienced, fearless skier or snowboarder is harnessed to a kite and uses wind power to propel themselves around.
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