Ski Tracks

The powder's fresh, the slopes are open . . . what better way to greet nature's bounty than by barreling downhill to Iggy's "Lust for Life" or carving some sweet turns to Barenaked Ladies' "One Week." Then you can hit the lifts and soak up the vista with 54-40 ("Casual Viewin'"), or check out the mountains with the Fountains (of Wayne). Ready for the next run? This ski pass admits you to Next Steps.

All you mogul warriors and black-run berserkers, we know you feel no fear. That's why we've cued up Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," Billy Talent's "Red Flag," and U2's "Vertigo" to get you stoked. Those among you with a more mellow approach to the slopes can cue up Maestro, who says, "Just glide/And let your backbone slide." Now that you've reached the bottom again, take the first lift to Deep Cuts.

Now it's time to look around and let your spirit soar over peak and valley on the wings of an ecstatic soundtrack featuring Malajube's "Pâte Filo," Swollen Members' "Grind," and Fatboy Slim's "Praise You." Back in the bar, you'll be needing a couple of tracks to set your apres-ski session in motion, so here's Jason Collett with "Hangover Days," and Massive Attack's superlative chill-out "Safe from Harm."

Our skiing grandfathers never had it as good as us. They could hardly have lugged a gramophone up the slopes for that perfect blend of sounds and snow, but we've got our iPods . . . and now we also have a hit-list of skiing Essentials for every moment you spend on the mountain, whether it's kicking back on the lifts going up, or showing off your skills on the way down. The Beastie Boys and Rancid are your abominable snowmen; Beyoncé and Chaka Khan are your sugar-frosted divas. Let's ski.