restaurants and activities like potterry and jewelry-making classes, options that are making the mountain experience fun for nonskiers as well. and new technology is helping everyone stay in touch. at heavenly valley in south lake tahoe, skiers and snowboarders can download epic mix. this is a new mobile app that connects their vert fall feats and keeps them connected with the skiers on the mountains. hundreds of thousands of people are expected to head to the resorts. hotels are built to accommodate those on a budget and those looking to splurge. those latter group wants to head here, the ritz-carlton first full season. this is only five-star hotel at a california ski area. the many resorts are expanding their kids clubs and mountain lodges and ski school programs. officials say the lake tahoe area has received a half a billion dollars worth of improvements and upgrades over the past few years and ski resort operators are certainly hoping all of these improvements and all