Need Strategies For Leaving Alone For Long Periods

I have a 9 month old Australian Shepard Pup. I have the good fortune to be able to take her to work with me, so she rarely has to be left alone for long periods.

We have a ski cabin and ski season has begun. When we head up skiing, I don't have a good solution for her for while we are away skiing during the day. She sleeps in her crate at night, so the last thing I want to do is to crate her for hours - she'd go nuts. Just leaving her out is a recipe for bored destruction and torturing of the cat. I can put her outside on a sizable enclosed deck with an igloo and some toys, along with a potty mat. That's my best idea so far. I would appreciate some ideas on great toys or what you do with your dogs while you're away for hours.

FYI- No Doggy Day care around here that I can find.

Thank you!