After announcing itself as the first third-party developer to make use of the Wii Balance Board accessory and a successful release in Japan, we learn that Namco Bandai’s Family Ski will make its way to North America in May 2008 (alongside Wii Fit we presume), complete with a new name - We Ski.

A revival of its Family Sports series, We Ski sees Namco Bandai taking a casual gaming take on traversing the snowy mountain slopes, on which are a variety of locations where players can meet characters, enter races and try their hand at challenges such as delivery of items or search and rescue missions.

IGN reports that there are a total of 20 races, the same amount of slalom runs and five mogul events. On your travels you’ll be able to take souvenir snaps (100 can be saved in all) and trade them with friends via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

As for the all-important controls, the Wii Remote and Nunchuck are held at your side just like ski poles, with rotating them left and right determining your direction. Using the Balance Board in addition to the Remote and Nunchuck is said to require a little more practice, with steering determined by leaning to the left and right.

We don’t know about you, but judging by the screenshots alone, We Ski looks like a whole lot of fun. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.