Women's week in Whistler

I know I keep bleating on about Whistler, but come on, it's already beaten its average annual snowfall and we're still only in February (64cm in the past seven days ain't bad). And now there's Women's Week to look forward to.

This girlie celebration kicks off on 3 March and packs in nine days of feminine fun, from Burton and Roxy all-girl snowboard camps to special shopping deals, spa chill-out sessions and a Le Chateau fashion show. Check out the full calendar of events for the week.

Another date for your diary: Whistler's Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival runs from 13-22 April and promises to be another unmissable bash, with 50 free concerts to choose from and the chance to watch some unbelievable ski and snowboard stunts.

Image credit: Tourism Whistler

Earlybird passes on sale in New Zealand

Earlybird season passes covering the New Zealand resorts Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt are now on sale.

A joint pass to all three mountains will set you back NZ$749 if you buy online before 8 March.

If you're only going to be kicking around Queenstown, go for the Queenstown pass (Coronet Peak and The Remarks only), which costs NZ$649.

These are a great deal and worth buying even if you're only planning on a couple of weeks' riding in NZ. Individual passes for each resort are also available.

Image credit and further information: www.nzski.com

Orange snow falls in Russia

Orange and yellow snowflakes fell in the Omsk region of Russia on Wednesday according to Russian officials.

The snow is said to have felt oily to touch and gave off a rotten smell. Scientists are investigating the cause of the usunusally coloured snow, which fell over an area of more than 1,500 sq km.

The local environmental prosecutor, Anton German, said he was waiting for the results of chemical tests. Another local official reported the snow had four times the normal levels of iron in it.

Omsk is in western Siberia where oil is the main industry. About 27,000 people live in the area affected by the snow. Residents have been advised not to use the snow for household tasks or to allow animals to graze on it.

Giant countdown clock for Vancouver 2010

Vancouver is kicking off the three-year countdown to the 2010 Olympic Games by installing a giant countdown clock.

The enormous clock will be unveiled at Vancouver Art Gallery on 12 February and will count down the remaining days, hours, minutes and seconds to the 2010 Opening Ceremony.

The clock design will represent Canadian and West Coast themes.