Absolutely no excuse this year

It will come, dont worry. I have decided to be an optimist :)

A great general workout that can be done with a single barbell for general core and leg strength:

Put a weight on the barbell that you can do 15 reps of squat press and perform the following with no rest between exercises:

15 x Squat press
10 x Dead lift
10 x Upwards row
10 x lunges (on each leg)
10 x Squats

Time yourself and have a 2 minute rest period and then repeat. You should repeat 3 times.

If your gym has a power plate machine these are fantastic for replicating skiing conditions. Just set it on high and get your squat on.

Gym? No way, full of pretentious planks.
Fitness? As long as you can walk a good distance without getting out of breath, you'll be ok
Legs? I usually do 4 weeks of sit ups to strengthen the core and squats to build the quads, and thats plenty. I've never found on a weeks recreational skiing that I've felt unfit.
I lost 1 stone 8lbs in the summer by dieting, and I've maintained that weight by eating more sensibly, stopping snacking, no more junk food, buscuits, crisps or chocolate, and I've cut down on alcohol by cutting out midweek drinking and not going out EVERY Friday.
Its all made a big difference.
I do think people spend for too much time worrying about being overweight or unfit when you're probably fine for a weeks skiing. You really dont need to be Superman.

Tony H. Stop it! Lost 22 lbs...it's depressing me. I'm off to get another beer.

You are right, though. No need to go bonkers to get fit for skiing.