Pure powder.

I'm planning to go skiing this year. Are there any new ski resorts to visit?

One increasingly popular spot is the Cerro Castor ski resort near Ushuaia, in southern Argentina. Open just a few years, it has high-speed lifts and lodging for all budgets. What makes it special is the amount of snow, which is heavier than in other parts of South America and extends the ski season. "South America for the past few years has had little snow, but since Ushuaia is so far south, in Tierra del Fuego, that it hasn't been such a problem," says Sandro Saltz, director of Point da Neve, a tour operator in Porto Alegre, Brazil that specializes in ski and snowboard packages. Many resorts in the region at times must close their slopes temporarily due to lack of snow, and they have often turned to snow machines to make up the difference. If you're planning a trip to the United States for some skiing, check out the resorts in Park City, Utah, Saltz suggests, although a lot depends on your budget. "It's a big and beautiful mountain, but traveling within South America is much cheaper than in the United States" Saltz says.

What Latin American city has the most wireless hotspots?

Wireless technology is going through a boom worldwide and Latin American is not falling behind. Increasingly, it is common during travel to find wireless high-speed Internet service known as Wi-Fi, which allows computer users to access the Web while walking through public places without having to plug into a data port. The success of mobile networks has allowed travelers to work on their notebooks in so-called hotspots in airports, hotels and cafes. According to an online database by PC Magazine, Mexico and Brazil are virtually tied for leading Latin America, with the number of hotspots at about 460 nationwide each. But, when it comes to cities, Sao Paulo rules the roost in Latin America, with 253 hotspots. Just beyond the Congonhas airport, the Fran's Cafe chain allows you to sit down, have a cup of coffee, fire up your computer and go online--in 85 locations. Large hotel chains like Blue Tree and Melia also offer the service. Meanwhile, you'll find 43 hotspots in Mexico City, including the Benito Juarez International Airport, numerous shopping centers and at the Sanborns cafes. In Caracas, there are 32 places with access to Wi-Fi networks. Panama City, which has 17 hotspots, beats out normally tech-savvy Buenos Aires, which has 15. Comparatively, New York has 826 points, while Miami has 135.

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