get a sony dcr trv 340, it's small fairly cheap and it works great.
if your looking to get a really really really really good digi cam than get the sony dcr trv 900, it is big and sweet.but thats like 4000 and unless your hardcore into it i would not suggest it.
l8r
i predict in year 2010 there will be no snowboarders and all freeskiers , why because skiing kicks ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!