The emails have been flooding my inbox. La Niña this, La Niña that; diagrams, reports, links to NOAA. My friends to the north want me to know. La Niña is on it's way.

While those in the northern hemisphere have been reading reports, crossing their fingers, and pushing mountain bikes up for their last descents before winter, some skiers are still enjoying the snow down south. One of them is Zack Giffin and he shows us what happens when you don't have time for catching up on the weather via Internet...

At day's end we have determined that skiing the sand in September should count. Not only was skiing accomplished, but we logged more vertical than we would have on the residual snowpack, and probably in better conditions. Top that off with Kim's Dark And Stormy and the great headlamp caper, and spirits are high in the San Luis Valley...

During the summer months we gave readers and fans of Ms. Rachael Burks, featured in Issue 4.1, the chance to ask her some questions. Here, Ms. Burks responds.

Amidst the stray dogs, mini cars, and chocolate shops, I walked the cobblestone streets of San Carlos de Bariloche today. A day off from skiing and I was reminded of why I ever wanted to be an athlete in this industry: to travel the world and ski. Enamored with the quaintness of this town and blessed by the gifts of the Santa Rosa, I can accurately say that I am living my dream.

Super G gets all champagne and caviar at the Yellowstone Club...apparently he spent half his time eating bonbons and grilled cheese.

While waiting for our bus to Argentina, watching the rain melt the snow off the trees in Termas, I received an email from the guys at South America Snow Sessions down in Bariloche. It is dumping. Read on for the full report.

After two sleepless nights and a six hour bus ride we were skiing in Chile. Wind, some snow, and a lot of Pisco later, and suddenly four days has vanished. With approximately 50 centimeters on the way, we will stay to ski another day and then head for Argentina.