For most skiers, snow cover has just reached the level where those new skis have hit the slopes, and here we are at Martin Luther King weekend.

It seems as if the season has barely begun, but this last week I received a reminder that the ski industry is already moving to a new year. I always knew about the big Snow Show put on each year by Snowsports Industries of America (SIA), but this the first time they have sent out a preview publication.

The show used to take place in Las Vegas in March and, in the late 1980s, I was senior editor of The Ski Industry Letter, a trade publication published by the late I. William Berry. Each year he would say, “Now, when we get to Vegas.” My response was always the same, “What do you mean we?” I would go on to explain that March was the best time to ski in New England and there was no skiing in Vegas. Let me know when they move it to Reno so skiing is only an hour away. We agreed that he would cover the show while I covered news from New England.

The show never moved to Reno, but it has now moved to Denver (Jan. 26-29) and I noticed in the preview magazine that there will be an opportunity to ski some of the new skis at Winter Park the day after the show closes. Had it been in Denver 30 years ago I might have attended, but now I will be content to travel over to Stratton, Vt., a couple of weeks after the show where I will try next year’s skis. That’s when the Eastern and New England Winter Sports Reps will present next year’s skis, boots and some accessories to ski shop personnel.

The numbers seem to hold up each year at the shows, but I know that a number of Maine shops will not be attending either. The reasons are simple. The Denver show is not only expensive, but it comes during a key part of their selling season. The Stratton show also comes at an important time in the season and most shops simply can’t afford either the time or the expense. I talked with Ron Jacques at Ski Depot in Jay, and he told me a bunch of shops were getting together with their reps for a two-day show at Loon where travel and time would be less and they could cut the cost.

The preview magazine made a few points. The trend to “Rockered” skis will continue with more models using this latest technology. I expect to ski numerous Rocker models at Stratton and will have a report on those in mid February. Boots continue to become easier to fit, adding comfort and performance up and down the lines, which is good news for lower-level skiers who can get a good fitting boots at reasonable cost.

In accessories helmets are increasing in popularity and the manufacturers are making them lighter, less bulky and more comfortable. These are things we’ll be looking for, but for the next few weeks the skiing will be local if you count a trip or two over to New Hampshire.

Locally, ski areas are joining those around the country for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. The theme of January’s campaign is that man was not made to hibernate in winter so learn a sport that will make it enjoyable. If you have a friend or relative who doesn’t enjoy winter, the ski areas are running all kinds of promotions this month, many offering bargain pricing on lessons, lifts and rentals for newbies. Some areas even offer free or discount skiing for those who introduce a friend to the sport. Check all the web sites for the deal near you and help a friend to get out of hibernation this winter.

Lessons would also help with National Safety Awareness Week starting Saturday. This annual promotion from the National Ski Areas Association varies from one area to another. Some simply put up posters with the Skier Responsibility Code, while others use events to make skiers aware of the need for caution on the slopes.

Obviously, the higher the skill level, the safer the skier, assuming the skier has the brains to ski within his ability. Ski schools regularly teach skiers safety as part of the lessons. NSAA has a way to get young skiers involved with their Responsibility Code Poster Contest through Jan. 22. Details of the contest can be downloaded from www.nsaa.org. Interestingly, this contest was developed by Auburn native Carla Marcus, who was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame last October.

As a former patrolman, my views on skier safety are mostly from observations. Like airplane, auto and bicycle accidents, most are caused by pilot error, and skiing is no different. We have to be aware of conditions and match our abilities to terrain we can handle. While collisions are relatively rare, a simple rule can prevent them. The overtaking skier is responsible. The skier below cannot cut you off. Check out the code.

See you on the slopes, but not too close.