This weekend is a rare one for World Cup racing - the Europeans won't be driving home after the races to sleep in their own beds. Not that all the U.S. and Canadian team members will either, but at least it will feel a little more like being in front of the home crowd.

Actually the men will be at Lake Louise, Canada for speed events - a Downhill and Super G and the women will be in Aspen, Colorado for the Aspen Winternational, competing in a Giant Slalom and Slalom. Here's my preview for the women's Winternational events this weekend at Aspen, Colorado and a preview of the men's Lake Louise races.

NBC, the Olympic network, will air coverage of the women's Giant Slalom  at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 29.  UniversalSports.com will have the slalom live and the Giant Slalom on demand following the race.

_{2009 season Aspen Winternational GS podium copyright Getty Images}

For over 70 years the National Ski Patrol (NSP) has been helping and serving the skiing public and now we have a chance to show our support. 

The National Ski Patrol has commissioned an online auction through the auspices of AuctionFrogs, an Idaho-based company that specializes in online auctions for fundraising organizations.

According to Norris Woody, NSP Fundraising Committee Chairman, "AuctionFrogs will allow the general public to bid on great ski items... The public support to the future of our organization by creating financial stability through fundraising, will help us to continue our goals and mission of the NSP to the skiing public."

The online auction is available now and will run through December 9th and can be accessed at AuctionFrogs.com.

You can bid on an assortment of ski related accessories, clothing, ski passes, ski vacations. and unique ski memorabilia. Check out all the items available and bid on a nice holiday present for yourself or your favorite skiers.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to supplement the NSP's programs which provides the crucial skills we come to rely on the slopes. More than 23,000 volunteers and 3,000 paid ski patrollers throughout the United States and abroad are trained and credentialed in outdoor emergency care, transportation, avalanche and mountain travel and rescue services.

It's so very easy to take the National ski Patrol and their services for granted since they always seem to be 'just there.' Well, this auction is a way for all of us to help ensure the Patrol is 'just there' for a long time to come.

Happy Thanksgiving - Bid now!

_{NSP Logo Copyright National Ski Patrol}

With the attention Deer Valley pays to skiers, it's easy to see how Deer Valley Ski Resort perennially wins the hearts, minds, and votes of skiers. Deer Valley has been voted as Ski Magazine's Best Resorts of the Year for the third consecutive year, and, rightfully proud of this honor, Deer Valley does not rest on its laurels and is always looking to offer more services to guests.

Deer Valley covers over 2,000 acres, spanning six mountains. Mother Nature covers all that with an average of over 350" of snow.  You'll find everything from the "steep and deep" expert trails to beginner and intermediate terrain anyone can enjoy. With great mountain scenery and excellent customer service, too, Deer Valley makes for a great day of skiing.

Deer Valley is offering a variety of winter packages and specials this season including ski and stay deals, ski free and sleep free specials, and super ski packages.

More: Deer Valley Ski Resort | Skiing Deer Valley

_{Deer Valley photo © Mike Doyle}

That's right, not only are we counting down days to the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, on February 12, 2010, but now we can count how much more snow will raise the new November record at Whistler Blackcomb Resort.

Visit Vancouver 2010, the official web site of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and join in the daily Countdown and Whistler Blackcomb to check the snowfall - over 490cm, that's over 190 inches, that's almost 16 feet - so far! 

 While we are talking about the snow and skiing at Whistler Blackcomb and Cypress Mountain let me say right now - don't hesitate to head up there for skiing before, during or after the Winter Games. In fact check out some of the ski and stay deals available right now.

My Olympic Skiing - 2010 Vancouver Olympics section is ever growing in Olympic relevant content and will soon be getting up close and personal, in 2 weeks,  as I head up  to the Olympic skiing venues at Whistler Creekside, Whistler Olympic Park and Cypress Mountain. I'll be bringing you whatever great pre-Olympic photos and info I can gather both on and off the snow.

Check out the very cool interactive 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route as the torch makes its way from Olympia, Greece, around Canada, and into Vancouver for Opening Day on February 12th, 2010.

_{Photo Copyright Randy Lincks / Whistler Blackcomb}