Your Money

SKI COSTS HEADING DOWNHILL If you're dreaming of hitting the slopes before the powder melts, you might want to head north of the border. With the Canadian dollar near record lows, ski resorts like Whistler in British Columbia and Mont-Tremblant in Quebec are offering the best deals. A five-night, four-day stay at a Whistler hotel (including lift tickets) costs about $400, while a trip to Vail or Aspen goes for $500 to $700. No wonder visitors to Colorado's slopes, which until recently were beset by weak snowfall, are down 11% this year. That means, of course, that the state's a bit eager for business. So if you prefer to ski there, be sure to haggle and ask about special discounts.

ONE RATE FITS ALL Now that AT&T; has won over wireless callers with its Digital One Rate plan, it's working to get customers to use its long-distance service as well. Last week it unveiled Personal Network, which charges a flat $30 a month, plus 10[cents] a minute on all U.S. calls--long distance, wireless or calling card. It's good for heavy mobile users--if they don't stray too far. Unlike Digital One Rate, which eliminates "roaming" fees, the new plan costs 60[cents] a minute outside the local area.