1.   Some ski resorts use huge amounts of artificial snow.

2.   They are allowed to hold a resplendent Christmas parade down Fifth Avenue, complete with carriages, sleds and artificial snow.

3.   Although those three resorts remained open -- thanks to the artificial snow they produced earlier this season -- bare spots were apparent and trail offerings were limited.

4.   Artificial snow, because depending on where your package is going, it may be the only kind around in late December.

5.   Artificial snow can make up for a thin snowfall, but it is expensive.

6.   But despite the dearth of natural snow, sustained cold temperatures are still allowing many New England ski resorts to generate greenbacks by making artificial snow.

7.   Environmentalists are raising concerns that the ski industry is becoming so reliant on water diverted to make artificial snow that fish in rivers and streams might be endangered.

8.   Fog drops then freeze onto dry ice and fall to earth as artificial snow.

9.   For resorts rich enough to afford them, sophisticated grooming machines and trails of artificial snow can make the difference between profit and loss this winter.

10.   For the first time, the alpine events were held on artificial snow.