I would put in a plug for Norpine down in north San Diego. He swapped around some AT bindings for me and did a good job. I'm new to SC and he was the only shop anyone would recommend.

Mt Shasta. Tough to beat 8,000 ft vertical. Maybe you can't ski off the top, but you can get pretty close.

In Chamonix I would recommend as a qualified guide Bruno Beauvais (bruno.beauvais@wanadoo.fr, cell +00 33 (0) 6 80 42 65 92). No business relationship, he's just a good friend who I have skied with...

I'll add something different. Try Bikram Yoga (also known as Hot Yoga) three times a week. Not only does it build up your core strength, but it does wonders for your balance. It's made the biggest...

I've got a 2000 Discovery. Been very reliable, only replaced the radiator. Poor gas mileage. Too short to sleep in. Doesn't carry that much. Best 4wd I've ever had, nothing I've ever driven...

Meatdrink9 - great deal and the fastest shipping I have ever seen!

meatdrink9 - the fastest shipper I have ever dealt with, the skis were also in perfect condition

I second the vote for McHale. I've got about 10 packs in my garage, the McHale is by far and away the best of the lot, no questions. Great guy to work with, he will send you a demo pack to try out...

Just to add to the decisions, take a look at the Sony DSC-N2, if for no other reason than the Carl Zeiss lens.

I add another vote to McHale. I've got a garage full of packs and my McHale is hands down the most comfortable and stable. Get a demo and try it out!