Hey Sliders!

Well, if you live in California, you know we're having some strange weather. A week ago, temperatures in the High Sierra were topping out in the 20's with Utah-like powder skiing; and then by Sunday, Truckee hit a record high of 62 degrees. Today, it's in the mid 20's once again and could be colder by the weekend...go figure. It's safe to say that you need to take an entire range of clothing and sunscreen products, in order to get it right. While the weather is a bit unpredictable, SOTC is completely predictable. We shove cheap ski and snowboard deals into your email every Wednesday; like clock work!

The SOTC weekly newsletters are FREE once again, thanks to VAIL and the Northern California FORD DEALERS. You can sign-up (or drop) at www.slidingonthecheap.com. Make sure to check out the new NORTHWEST and NEW ENGLAND versions and sign-up if you slide those markets. www.slidingonthecheap.com.

Vail (Our Wonderful Sponsor)
Fly nonstop to Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado this weekend on American Airlines! American's service is now daily with prices from $229 RT. With interchangeable lift tickets at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone, you'll have a hard time deciding where to go once you arrive! Call 1-800-525-2257 today and book your trip to Colorado!

Catch our "On-Air" Ski/Weather Reports on KCBS AM 74
Wednesday 5:47pm, 8:47pm, Thursday-Friday at 4:47am, 8:47am, 5:47pm and 8:47 pm. Saturday - 6:47am, 8:47am and 10:47am. We focus on weather, driving conditions and skiing of course. The KCBS ski/weather reports are brought to you by Ford's newest SUV. The all-new 2001 Escape is a sub-compact SUV with the best passenger room and cargo space in its class! http://www.fordexpress.com.

Okay...Lets go Sliding on the Cheap!!

Bus Tour Reviews at www.slidingonthecheap.com
One of our hard-core sliders (Ken) has done a review ski bus options available around the Bay Area. Read the reviews at: www.slidingonthecheap.com.

$32 HOMEWOOD Lift Tickets from SOTC! (unrestricted)
That's right! Purchase Weekend Homewood tickets that are valid every weekend INCLUDING HOLIDAYS from www.slidingonthecheap.com for $10 off the regular price! It's easy, secure and you can buy as many as you want!

Reno Gazette Journal - SOTC weekly column.
The Internet is changing the face of the ski industry. (or perhaps it's just SOTC). You can buy just about anything ski and snowboard related, online. Check out the column if you want website ideas for gear, online tickets and more.

Valentine's Day Ski Specials
Mount Rose is offering two for one tickets on V-Day. day. Kirkwood has a romantic dinner and sleigh ride. I also included some lodging suggestions below!

Lodging - President's Weekend and Valentine's Day.
Couple remarks about lodging. The last major "holiday" period is President's Weekend. Feb, 17th, 18th and 19th. If you have any plans for that weekend, make a hotel reservation NOW! Also, next week is Valentine's Day. So, in sympathy with all those guys and gals sweating out the right gifts, or getaways; SOTC is going to drop you a couple of lodging tips that takes care of Valentine's Day and gets you on the slopes too!

Fantasy Inn
Located on the Southshore, has everything including a Wedding Chapel. The Fantasy Inn has a package tie-in with Sierra-at-Tahoe that is really cheap, or you can spend a few more dollars and ski other resorts. www.fantasyinn.com

The Resort at Squaw Creek
Located in Olympic Valley, it's not cheap, but hey...it's Valentine's Day. Absolutely the best resort and spa in Tahoe, has a chairlift linking the resort with Squaw Valley USA. For the non-skier, the resort has a full service spa, tons of romantic restaurants, pools, hot tubs and more. www.squawcreek.com

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe - Got it all and you can ski north or southshore
Located at Incline Village, equal distant between southshore and northshore. Ski and Spa package: From $89* per night, Sun.-Thurs., with your choice to play or relax....2 lift tickets OR a $50 spa credit. 3-Night Packages from $109* per night, any day of the week, with the same ski/spa option, plus buffet breakfast. Visit www.laketahoehyatt.com or call 888 899-5019. Some restrictions, etc.

Tahoe Biltmore - For the confirmed bachelor or bachelorette
Ski/Ride all day, hook-up at casino! $24 Rooms Sunday-Thursday, has been extended through the end of February. Includes free breakfast! The Biltmore also has great ski and stay package for the weekend. You must say "I want the Cheap Room," to get the deal. Call them at 800 245-8667 www.tahoebiltmore.com

SOTC Ski, Weather and Road Report
Mike Pechner KCBS and SOTC weather forecaster says, "Coldest weather of the season till Monday! New snow inbound on Friday evening. Sunday afternoon, through Monday; more snow likely. High's in the 20's and lows 0 to 10 degrees. Sunday morning could see lows of 0 to 10 below. Winds gusty out of Northwest through weekend. Snow forecast of 6" - 10" at Lake Level. 12" or more above 7,000 feet. It's going to be light powder, but you'll pay for it with cold temperatures... Dress warm, Sliders.

The Skinny
Great new deal for Alpine Meadows! Buy your ticket at Gold Ranch, located about 10 miles due west of Reno on I-80. You get $10 worth of gas, groceries, etc per ticket. So...you got four skiers/riders, you get $40 worth of gas! Donner Ski Ranch is dropping Monday-Friday lift tickets prices to $10, beginning February 20th. Your best everyday deal is still the Frequent Skier Card (by any other name) Sign-up, ski four or five days, you're sliding free; weekends, holidays, you name it. You're crazy not to have one for your favorite resort. With the full moon comes cross country nighttime full moon tours. Kirkwood has one for Friday. $10 and they throw in the gear!

Skiing Free at Northstar! Have you tried the New Lookout Mountain yet?
charjo_lopez [at] msn.com
signutt [at] aol.com
ferriswheel [at] powernet.net
evobecca [at] mindspring.com

Northstar is the best family resort in Lake Tahoe. Visit them at www.skinorthstar.com. Send your address to slidecheap [at] aol.com if you won!

Here are the weekly SOTC Ski Resort Updates!

Alpine Meadows - Catch a $35 POWDR CARD Day!
5" new overnight. 84" mid - 6O" lower - Packed powder over hardpack Locals skiing Wolverine Bowl. February $35.00 POWDR CARD days remaining: 14th and 15th, 27th and 28th. You can get a free POWDR CARD at selected ski shops. Discount Alpine Tickets at Reno, Sacramento and Bay Area REI Store $44.00. (Must pay $15 REI membership fee.) Get discount Alpine tickets also at: Gart Sport and Santa Rose Ski and Sport. Gold Ranch Casino near Reno. Get $10 in free gas or food, PER TICKET. Buy 4 tickets, get $40 bucks in gas for that Gas Guzzler. Lots of discount Alpine tickets with Northshore lodging. When you make your lodging reservation, make sure they offer an Alpine Meadows' discount. www.skialpine.com

Boreal - Top of Donner Summit, the BEST place to learn snowboarding
4" new overnight. Head into Raley's or Bel Air and pick up the 50% off the adult learn to ski or snowboard package coupon. Also at Raley's $5.00 off a kids lift ticket. Valid through END of February. Get a free Boreal sticker by going to the website. They mail it to you. www.borealski.com.

Bear Mountain - Southern Cal Quick Sliding Fix
www.bearmtn.com

Bear Valley - Your East Bay Ski Connection
4" new. Locals recommend: Backside. Tiggers and Blue Jay Way. Bear Valley & select Costco Warehouse have teamed up for a great Bear Valley deal. Visit one of 10 participating Costco locations (East Bay, South Bay and Central Valley) and look for the special Bear Valley ticket display to purchase an adult all-day lift ticket for only $29.99. Offer good for the rest of the season. Pass holders from other resorts ski for just $25.00. Two For One on Tuesdays and Wednesday. Discount Bear Valley tickets available through some ski shops including: Helm of Sun Valley, (San Mateo), Santa Rose Ski and more! Check the website for locations. www.bearvalley.com.

Diamond Peak - Next-To-The-Hyatt-Lake-Tahoe! (Got to love that)
Trace overnight. 29" to 49" base. $41 Adult Tickets. $33 Teens, 13-17. Operating 4 lifts. $23 for two hour Terrain Park coaching. Get $9.00 off a Diamond Peak lift ticket! Purchase at Incline Village Visitor's Bureau. Info at 775-832-1606. Great Dinner spot near Diamond Peak! T's Rotisserie Chicken next to 7-Eleven at Incline. (Try the Soy Lime style.) Friday night music with happy hour specials. www.diamondpeak.com.

Donner Ski Ranch - $28 Everyday
1" to 3" new overnight. Donner has an everyday LOW ticket price of $28.00 Half price adult lift tickets Wed, non holiday. Skier/Rider Appreciation day this month: TOMORROW! (Feb 8th.) $12 lift ticket, $10 group lesson and $15 ski and snowboard rental. www.donnerskiranch.com.

Heavenly
Heavenly is back up to regular season pricing of $57.00. However, discount tickets can be bought at Albertson's. Get $8.00 off the regular price. 775 586-7000 press 0 for information. For Valentine's...Heavenly also has packages with the Fantasy Inn. www.skiheavenly.com.

Homewood Mountain Resort - Great Views and Tickets through SOTC.
Buy tickets online CHEAP at www.slidingonthecheap.com. You get $10.00 off the regular weekend price and it's easy and secure. Homewood has weekend bus tours from various locations in the Bay Area. $59 -$79, includes the works! www.skihomewood.com for information.

Kirkwood - Kirkwood is in High Season
4" new overnight. Locals are skiing: Thunder Saddle and Palisades Bowl. Valentine's "Sweetheart Package Special." Dinner at Cornice Cafe and Sleigh Ride. Valentine's Day only. Call 209 258-7320. Full moon Cross Country Tour this Friday night. $10.00 includes rental! Go to a participating Subway store in Northern California and Nevada, get $10 off learn to ski or board or $5.00 off a lift ticket. Avid Skier Plus - $5.00 off every lift ticket and every 5th ticket is free. Stay in Kirkwood accommodations Sunday through Thursday and get free lift tickets. 2 night minimum required. To reserve your fresh tracks call (800) 967-7500. www.kirkwood.com

June Mountain - Southern Cal
Located just 20 miles north of Mammoth, they are open! June doesn't have much snow making, but hosts great skiing when mother nature helps out. It's less crowded on the weekends, compared to Mammoth. $44 a day for adults, they also host a number of promotional specials. www.junemountain.com

Mt. Rose - Reno Connection, Quick Trip From Downtown Casinos
Trace overnight. 18" to 30" reported on the ground. Valentine's Day - 2 for 1 couples. Round trip shuttles daily out of Reno! For info 775 331-1147. Reservations Recommended. Free advanced level lessons, daily. 10:00am and 2:00pm. Bonus Monday, present a ticket from the preceding weekend, Ski for $20! 2 for Tuesday, two lift tickets for the price of one. Student Wednesday, present a current student ID get a lift ticket for $19, Ladies' Day Thursday. Ladies ski all day for just $19. Present a season pass from any other ski resort, you ski Mon-Fri for half price. www.skirose.com.

Mammoth - Mid Week - You Have to Wake The Lift Operators!
Need a deal at Mammoth? Buy a Ten Day Season Pass for $480. That saves you $6.00 a day and pass that nasty ticket line! Save 10% on a one night stay and 25% on two nights or more when you stay at the Mammoth Mountain Inn or Juniper Springs and Sunstone Lodge. This offer is only available from Sunday - Thursday and between January 8 - February 28, 2001. Some restrictions. Call 800-MAMMOTH or visit www.mammothmountain.com to book it!

Northstar - Lookout Mountain is Open!
2" - 5" new. 28" to 52" base. Check out the new Alpine Bar for happy hour specials. Feb 10th. Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Full Moon Tour. Call 1 530 562-2475 for details. For discounts and deals, you've got Vertical Plus and Free Lessons for intermediate and advanced skiers/riders daily. Buy $34 Lift Tickets valid once again April 2nd through season end. Check the website for locations. Northstar is hosting "Rolling White Out," winter blowout lodging deals. For info call 1 800 GO NORTH! Complete Northstar info: www.skinorthstar.com.

Sierra-at-Tahoe - Sierra Freestyle Skiers Winning World Cup Events!
6" overnight. 32" to 76" Surface Conditions: Machine groomed. Two Terrain parks open. Snow shoeing trails are open. Locals recommend lunch at the Grandview Bar and Grill. Great views of Tahoe and the best Thai Chicken Wrap on the southshore. Sierra-at-Tahoe's $259 Sunday-Friday Season Pass is a STEAL! Travis Ramos and Chris Hernandez are winning big on the World Cup circuit. www.sierratahoe.com

Soda Springs Winter Resort - Learn at Soda, Cheap!
Bring a SOTC newsletter to Soda and ski for just $16.00! Come snow tubing at Soda Springs! Two lifts open, $20 for adults all day. (Don't forget night tubing as well, Fri/Sat nights.) www.skisodasprings.com

Squaw Valley USA - Plenty Steep With Olympic Credentials
3" overnight. Locals are skiing KT and Solitude. See Johnny Moseley and other Freestyle skiers at Squaw this weekend looking for big air. Best ski deals for Squaw Valley: Get your Frequent Skier Card, multiday tickets, Kids 12 and under ski for $5.00, Free night skiing with day ticket. Squaw Valley has a Hostel. Did you know that? Really cheap lodging, located right in the valley. Locals Squaw breakfast spot: Barclay's Bagel Sandwich! Cheap and quick! (if you get there early). 800 403-0206 www.squaw.com.

Sugarbowl - First Big Resort Up I-80.
Trace overnight. 5 to 7 foot base. Locals are skiing: Lake View, (groomed). Terrain Park and Half Pipe groomed nightly. Children (ages 12 and under) always ski for only $6 at Sugar Bowl when wearing a helmet. Also, visit your local REI retailer to purchase discount tickets (up to $8.00 off) good for a seven day a week ticket. Get a coupon at a participating, "Club Mac," (McDonald's) and get $5.00 off a Sugarbowl ticket. Join the Sugarbowl Adventure Advantage Program (frequent skier) Every fifth day is free, plus, $3.00 off every ticket! Sign up at any ticket window. Good local food at Donner Summit Lodge. Catch Breakfast heading in and dinner out. www.sugarbowl.com

That's it, Sliders!

Kevin Tinto + Growing Crew!
kwtinto [at] aol.com
help [at] slidingonthecheap.com
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com