1.   But both the international ski federation and IOC president Samaranch pushed hard, offering to pick up the bulk of the expense.

2.   But provisional membership in the international ski federation is considered a mere formality.

3.   But the fact that Utah is considered a near perfect international ski venue should be instructive to skiers making the annual trek west for a Rocky Mountain vacation.

4.   Even if the benefit is not immediately felt, Vail stands ready to greet the international ski vacationer.

5.   Except for an occasional appearance by the Mahre brothers or Tamara McKinney, most kids had never seen top international ski racers, especially in the East.

6.   Many snowboarders also chafe at being under the jurisdiction of FIS, the international ski federation, considering that skiing has often been the hostile antithesis of snowboarding.

7.   The program, still in an extremely preliminary planning stage, would be the first bridge the gap between college and top international ski racing.

8.   A giant slalom planned for Alta Badia in Italy will be held in Tignes on Sunday, the international ski federation FIS said.

9.   A giant slalom will take place Saturday and a slalom Sunday, the international ski federation, FIS, said Tuesday.

10.   A spokeswoman for the Swiss-based International ski Federation said Friday that the race was not immediately rescheduled in another venue.