Replying to Beginner Photographer

     I'm looking to get into digital photography, I've got a crappy point and shoot but I'd like to upgrade to a better quality, DSLR camera. The only problem is that I have no idea about anything in regards to cameras (quality, etc..). Since I'll be just starting I was looking at the lower priced cameras, mainly the sony a330.

I was wondering what recomendations you would have for a beginner photographer. I'll be shooting probably a little of everything, including skiing. Is this a good camera for what I'm looking for, if not could you reccomend something around the same price?

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665887570

Any help is really appreciated, thank you.