After a mild and nearly snowless ski season, town officials in Killington are considering alternative models around the country, and they're consulting with a private company to boost economic development.

It's been a tough winter for snow sports - the type of season that can be devastating for a small family run business like Cochran's Ski Area in Richmond. But Cochran skiers have come up with a way to support their favorite ski hill.

Vermont's largest ski resorts are trying to get the message out that, despite the wrath of Tropical Storm Irene, they will be ready for the ski season.

A drawn-out legal battle over the Mount Ascutney ski area meant the southern Vermont resort didn't open this year. That's made a tough economy tougher in West Windsor, where the mountain is located. And reports that the resort's former creditors are selling off equipment has residents worried about the mountain's long-term fate.

Here's another example of the state's winter resorts branching out into four-season recreation: Burke Mountain Ski Area in northeastern Vermont soon will be offering lift rides up the mountain to mountain bikers, and opening a new downhill bike park.

The owner of the Mount Snow Resort wants to take the company public. Peak Resorts of St. Louis has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a $40 million initial public offering of its common stock.

Tucked away in the shadow of the much larger resorts, Londonderry's Magic Mountain has seen its share of struggle. But the mountain also has its diehard fans who are determined to keep the resort going.

Police and search and rescue teams have been busy locating lost skiers this week.

Financial troubles have led to foreclosures and a change in ownership at Ascutney Mountain Resort. But the ski area's future is still unclear - and so is that of a couple hundred homeowners who depend on the mountain for sewer and water service.

This weekend's snowstorm has been great for downhill and cross-country skiers and ski resorts across Vermont say they've had better than expected turnouts over the holidays.