Skiing in Big Island

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Skiing

Where else but Hawaii can you surf, snorkel, and snow ski on the same day? In winter, the 13,796-foot Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for "white mountain") has snow at higher elevations -- and along with that, skiing. No lifts, no manicured slopes, no faux-Alpine lodges, no après-ski nightlife -- but the chance to ski some of the most remote (and let's face it, unlikely) runs on earth. Some people even have been known to use boogie board as sleds, but we don't recommend it. As long as you're up there, fill your cooler with the white stuff for a snowball fight on the beach with local kids.

Ski Guides Hawaii. So you're an experienced skier but didn't pack your gear on a tropical Hawaiian vacation? Christopher Langan of Mauna Kea Ski Corporation is the only licensed outfitter providing transportation, guide services, and ski equipment on Mauna Kea. Snow can fall from Thanksgiving through June, but the most likely months are February and March. This isn't Sun Valley; the runs are fairly short, and hidden lava rocks and other dangers abound. Langan charges $450 per person for a daylong experience that includes refreshments, lunch, ski or snowboard equipment, guide service, transportation from Waimea, and four-wheel-drive shuttle back up the mountain after each ski run. He also offers a $250 mountain ski service without the frills and ski or snowboard rentals.[. Box 1954, Kamuela, 96743. 808/885-4188; 808/884-5131 off-season. www.skihawaii.com