Book Review: 'Skier's Encyclopedia'

Popping this into your drive is the multimedia equivalent of trekking to Vail, only to find that all of the lifts aren't running. Skier's Encyclopedia promises interactive lessons, a ski-equipment primer, and a guide to the country's ski resorts. Too bad it's a total wipeout. For starters, the lessons are superficial, the ski-equipment spots are shameless advertisements, and the almanac is woefully incomplete — and from there it goes downhill faster than Alberto Tomba. For slightly more than the price of a lift ticket, you'd be much better off skipping this and spending an extra day on the slopes. C