Hey Sliders,

We're back with your best information on SKIING and RIDING, not to mention a 'gig' of deals for your sliding delight! Because mother nature has (so far) declined to cooperate with the normal massive amounts of fresh powder, the deals are even sweeter... We are stuffed with value! That's why it's important to check the website at http://www.slidingonthecheap.com. It's updated regularly with deals we don't have room for on the newsletter.

Need a ski fix daily or a hotel? Check in with our KCBS ski line at: 1 888 KCBS SKI. Updated ski weather and road from Mike Peckner, ski reports and a direct link to a live operator for up to 200 hotels in Tahoe.

The Skinny
Lake Tahoe - First possibility of new NATURAL snow next week. For now, stick with our best picks based upon snowmaking and lift ticket price. If you do, you'll find BETTER than expected SKIING and RIDING. The first week of January is typically slow. You'll find reduced crowds and tremendous value, especially this season at the local shops as they blow out excess gear.

Rocky Mountains - Snow depths from two to four feet. Machine groomed with some packed powder at high elevation. Dry through New Year's Day.

You Won Free Lift Tickets!
 CAglipay [at] wsgr.com - To http://www.skinorthstar.com
 lyamaguchi [at] netscape.net - To http://www.skinorthstar.com

Got a group of 20 or more people? You score two free tickets!
That's right! Get a group of 20 or more for a ski party at Northstar or Sierra and you score two free tickets and everyone gets a discounted package. Contact Dave [at] drs [at] sierra.net or call 530-587-2090 for complete information. Perfect for your office outing, church, school or just a group of friends.

The Biltmore Hotel and Casino Rocks Into The New Year!
Beginning January 3nd, the "Sliding on the Cheap," special gets even better! $29.95! per night for the room! LIMITED AVAILABILITY! Please call direct for this special 1 800 BILTMORE - (1 800 245-8667). The Biltmore is located on the Northshore about 10 minutes from Incline Village and Diamond Peak Resort, 15 minutes from Northstar, 25 minutes from Squaw or Alpine. Get information about The Biltmore at http://www.tahoebiltmore.com It's a quality hotel-casino in a fabulous northshore location!

Slide Northstar for free with the Stay and Ski/Snowboard Free!
Sunday - Thursday (non-holiday), January - March 2000. Stay and Ski/Snowboard Free includes two nights' lodging, two free lift tickets per day, per bedroom, complimentary on-site shuttle service and access to the Swim and Racquet Club where soaking in a hot tub completes the day's agenda. The package is priced from $87.50 plus tax, per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Call 1 800 GO NORTH for information or reservation.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
We love them, so should you! Beginning January 2nd, special, "Sliding on the Cheap" room rates! Check the website for price and availability at http://www.laketahoehyatt.com

Mammoth Goes Sliding on the Cheap! Juniper Springs Lodge, Mammoth's newest slopeside accommodation, is offering "Sliding on The Cheap," readers a 35% discount on nightly rates at any studio, 1- or 2-bedroom unit. (2 night minimum, based on availability). Call 888-311-1102 for information and reservations. Ask for "35% Special Rate."

Alpine Meadows
Made snow last night keeping the open runs fresh. Currently 70% open. Lift Ticket price of $50.00. POWDR CARD days coming up! January 2,3,4,5,6th! Get $20 off a lift ticket at Alpine by getting the free POWDR CARD! For more information about POWDR CARD check http://www.skialpine.com

Boreal - Recommended Sliding!
100% open. Made new snow last night. Great lift ticket price of $31.00! Torchlight parade New Year's Eve. Public invited! 6:00pm. New Year's Bash starting at 9:00pm with music. Free with your Lift Ticket! ($20.00 without lift ticket). Want good low-cost sliding? Try Soda Springs! $20 for all day adult ticket. http://www.borealski.com and http://www.skisodasprings.com

Northstar-at-Tahoe - Recommended Sliding!
$30 Value Season Lift Tickets Return! Adults and young adults can save up to $19 on their lift ticket from January 3 - 14 with Value Season coupons. Coupons for the $30 lift tickets must be obtained in advance from a participating Northern California or Northern Nevada sport shop. Limit two coupons per person. Check the website at http://www.skinorthstar.com for the participating shops!

Heavenly - Recommended Sliding!
Reporting 12-30 inches of snow, most of it manmade. You'll find fresh snow on Olympic & Comet in Nevada and Ridge, Mombo & Patsy's in CA. The hot tip for the day! Start your day in Nevada. The suns hits there first, softening up the snow very nicely. Park at Stagecoach Lodge and hop on the new Stagecoach Express which will whisk you to mid-mountain in Nevada. (intermediates and above) Heavenly Night Skiing Special! $10 per person! World Cup Run on the California side. RIDERS! Get 20% off on BURTON SNOWBOARDS at The Boarding House in South Lake Tahoe. For information, call 530 542-5228. http://www.skiheavenly.com

Homewood Mountain Resort
Will host the Excellence in Education Foundation's Ski Day, Sunday, JAN 2nd. Pre purchase a lift ticket at any Porter's store in Tahoe City, Truckee, and Incline Village, and ski all day for just $15. For more information check it out at www.skihomewood.com

Slide into the New Year at Squaw Valley USA.
For the skiers and snowboarders, the revelry begins on the mountain with night skiing and snowboarding on the 3-mile Mountain Run and in Central Park, Squaw all terrain park until 1am. Central Park will be rocking to the sounds of Titus, and warmed with a huge bonfire. Both the heated Cable Car and Funitel will provide access to the night skiing terrain. All-day and afternoon lift tickets include free night skiing. Night skiing tickets, valid from 4pm until 1am on New Year's Eve are only $20 for adults, $10 for juniors 13-15 and Seniors 65-75, and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information please call 530/583-6985, or visit www.squaw.com.

Sierra-at-Tahoe
Up to 28" on the ground. Get free skiing and riding lessons for intermediates and above up to three times per day! Great intro to skiing or riding package, includes: two hour lesson, rental equipment, and limited all day lift ticket! $56.00! Free edge tuning with lift ticket for all skiers and riders. Buy Two All Day Lift Tickets, Get One Free! Get coupon at Carls, Jr. beginning January 3rd. For more information check the website at http://www.sierratahoe.com

Sugarbowl - Recommended Sliding!
To continue with the 60th anniversary celebration, Sugar Bowl will not only be offering 2 for 1 adult lift tickets during the first Wednesday of the New Year, but also during each weekday of that first week! Beginning Monday, January 3rd until Friday, January 7th. During those five days, adults and young adults can purchase lift tickets for only $24. After January 7th the 2 for 1 adult ticket discount will be offered each Wednesday until the end of the season.

If you are not completely satisfied with the snow conditions within one hour of purchasing your ticket you can return it to any ticket window and get a voucher good for any other day this season! Smart marketing and we applaud them! http://www.sugarbowl.com

Southern California

Big Bear Mountain
Surface Conditions: Machine groomed and hard pack. Making snow nightly! Base depth: 18-36 inches. Tickets are available at Big Bear! New terrain features daily. Opened new tubing park. Get a coupon from any participating Dairy Queen, get $20.00 off a Learn to Ski or Ride Package. Check the website at http://www.bearmtn.com

Mammoth
15" to 20" on the ground. Making snow nightly! Open to top, 50 trails, and 15 lifts. Lift ticket price: $52. Tioga pass is open! Terrain Parks and Pipes are in solid condition. Three of each! Night Ski From 4:00pm until 12:00am - Ski into the Millennium. Just $20.00! For information on Mammoth. http://www.mammothmountain.com

Buy Tires, Score Free Lift Tickets!
Buy 4 Michelin Tires from a participating Tire Pros dealer, Get 2 free lift tickets good at Boothcreek resorts including: Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Bear Mountain! Check the Website at http://www.Tirepros.com for more information.

That's a wrap, Sliders. New snow possibly next week. Make your "Sliding on the Cheap," hotel reservation now and save. Next week, more great value, our best picks and travel!

Kevin Tinto+Crew
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com