Sliding on the Cheap! Fresh Snow, Free Sugar Bowl Tixs/Test Drive, Kirkwood Powder Cats, Sierra Sac Shuttle, Free Tixs, More!

[kwtinto@aol.com]

Hello Sliders!

A smoking hot week this week, dear sliders, if you missed it,
with near perfect snow and weather to match.
Get out of that mid-winter funk -- book a
hotel in Tahoe or Reno and head for the mountains.  Lots of new
deals kicking in this week, sliders.  Test drive a Jeep, ski free
at Sugar Bowl, Powder Cats are loose at Kirkwood, the Village at
Northstar is coming alive with new restaurants and shops, the non
holiday deals are in effect and what the heck, we're tossing 8
freebie tickets out there, just to make it worth your while to check
out sliding on the cheap!

*Our Wonderful Sponsor!
Hit The Slopes, Then The Shops At The Village At Squaw!
Check out several unique shopping options at the Village at Squaw,
open late for apres ski. Stop by the all-new First Street Leather for
the finest in leather and fur outerwear and accessories.
http://hit.namimedia.com/cgi-bin/hit?page=3D13885-113821204012636

*Slidingonthecheapgear.com!
We're back with more helmets, skis, boards and more, all at closeout
prices!  http://www.slidingonthecheapgear.com

*A Dream Come True!  Ski Free at Northstar/Sierra!
How would you like to ski FREE at Northstar or Sierra-at-Tahoe??
Help TelePacific and they can send you to the slopes!  Click here
to find out more about the TelePacific Powder Program:
http://www.telepacific.com/ski

*What is Sliding on the Cheap?
The Sliding on the Cheap newsletter is free and is delivered once
a week during the season and twice monthly during the fall!  What
will you find?  A complete INSIDER guide to skiing and riding Lake
Tahoe's world-class resorts.  Yeah.  Sure.  We got cheap tickets,
hotel, lodging, food...  but we've also got the best up to date
scoop on Tahoe happenings--anywhere on the planet.  To sign-up (or
drop) go to http://www.slidingonthecheap.com !  Yes, and we give
away FREE lift passes, (and swag) to SOTC readers selected at random
from our list each and every week!

*Yes!  We cover the entire planet!
(Well, not really--let's just say 99% of where you'd want to ski
or ride.) Sign-up for our newsletters covering:

Lake Tahoe/Northern California/Nevada, Southern California, The
Northwest Colorado, Utah, New England

Go to http://www.slidingonthecheap.com to sign up for any one of
our cherished FREE email blasts...

As usual, if you don't see what you're looking for here, don't find
it here--go to the website of course at:
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com

*Weekend Weather
Snowing early Thursday morning as we type, light snow
forecast for today and tomorrow, a break on Saturday and
showers again on Sunday. Mild daytime temperatures
will keep the sliding comfortable, dress warm at night!

*Road Conditions
Freebie, of course.  Cal Trans-
1 800 427-7623.  Will give you updates
on chain requirements on 80 and 50, plus
the local highways around the lake.

*Hot, Hot, Hot!

*Kirkwood - Powder Cats in Tahoe?  Yes!
Previously accessible only by a long traverse and uphill hike
Kirkwood now services Martin Point by snowcat, offering
adventurous guests the quintessential powder skiing experience!

Open to skiers and riders, strong intermediate and up.  Avalanche
beacons will be provided; guests are encouraged to bring own gear
if they have it.  Four runs per expedition (approximately 2.5 hours).
Cost is $150/person; 8 person minimum/11 person maximum.  Operation
is weather and conditions dependent.  Availability is extremely
limited; reservations are highly recommended.  Call 209.258.7360.

*Sugar Bowl Locals in the Olympics!
That's right sliders.  Make sure to cheer on the Tahoe area skiers
and riders. Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl's Ski Ambassador
is America's best hope for Olympic Gold in Downhill. Jayson Hale
also qualified for the Olympics in Boarder Cross.

If you have kids who have Olympic aspirations, the Sugar Bowl Academy
has one of the best race and training programs in the United States.
For information: http://www.sdacademy.org/ 530 426-1844

*Extreme Jeep Snow Event!
Get a free ticket to Sugar Bowl at the Extreme Jeep Snow Event by
going to a participating Northern California Jeep dealer and test
drive a Jeep!

*Sierra-at-Tahoe!  The Sac Shuttle is Back!
Sacramento Shuttle to Sierra-at-Tahoe!  Starting this Saturday,
January 28th, will pick up sliders at the Surf and Skate store in
Sacramento.  The address is 12417 Fair Oaks blvd, in Fair Oak.  The
price includes bus ride up and back to Sierra, all-day adult lift
ticket.  $69.00 for adults, $59.00 for young adults.  Bus rolls at
8:30 am and will leave Sierra at 4:30 pm.  *Caution!  Call and
confirm all details before showing up at the store.
(916) 721-5000

*Diamond Peak
St. Ives Invites you to "SKI FOR FREE" at Diamond Peak in February
2006!  Bring your Albertsons or Sav-on store receipt or ski free
coupon (with purchase of 4 St. Ives products, excluding trial size)
and buy one full price day lift ticket at Diamond Peak in Lake Tahoe
and get one lift ticket of equal or lesser value free.  Offer valid
Mondays & Fridays only; non-holiday; Feb 2006 season only.  Offer
cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.  No cash value.
Must present original store receipt of 4 St. Ives products, excluding
trial size, purchased January 26 - February 27, 2006.  Other
restrictions may apply.

*Northstar-at-Tahoe
The quad ticket program is back!  Quad Pak allows you to ski or
ride for less than $50.00 per day.  Includes 4 lift tickets valid
daily, including holidays through the end of the season.  You DON'T
need to use them on consecutive dates!  Adult Quad Packs: $199.00,
young adult/senior $169.00, Kids and Super Seniors, $49.00.  Must
be used by the same person.

*You've Won a Free Ticket to Northstar/Sierra!
(If you see your email address listed below...)

   csq88@*****.com
   uuberstar@****.com
   ohoang@********.com
   drslau@*********.net

   mike_snyder100@*******.com
   veronica.pham@*****.com
   dchin@*******.com
   dougt@*******.net

Send a note to kwtinto at aol.com within 7 days to claim your ticket!

Let's go Sliding on the Cheap!
Kirkwood--excellent First Time Beginner package!  $69.00!  (Want a
tip?) Use your Costco ticket, plus $10.00 and you can take a first
time beginner's package' for $57.50.

If you try it and love it--you can purchase an Adventure Pass for
$229.00.  This gives you Season Pass, unlimited lessons and rentals!

COSTCO 2-PAKS: $94.99 Adult & $79.99 Junior.  Save over 20% on adult
and 18% on Jr.  tickets when purchasing 2-Paks at participating
Costco stores.  Adult vouchers can be exchanged for a Learn To Ski
package ages 13+.  Costco 2-Paks are available in 22 locations
throughout Northern California and Nevada.

Stay and Ski Free package.  Packages start as low as $64.50 per
person, double occupancy, and include accommodations and lift ticket.
Please call Kirkwood Vacations at (800) 967-7500 for more information.

KIDS SKI FREE SUNDAYS:
Two free child (12 and under) tickets with any paid adult lift
ticket or adult pass.  Offer not valid 12/25, 1/1, 1/15 and 2/19.
Purchase at any ticket window.

Need More?  Call the toll free snow phone at 877 KIRKWOOD.
1 800 967-7500.  http://www.kirkwood.com (http://www.kirkwood.com/)

*Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe
Are you staying in Reno?  How about skiing/riding Mt.  Rose-Ski
Tahoe while leaving that gas-guzzler parked in the hotel garage.
Take the shuttle!  Shuttles depart twice daily from many Reno area
locations.  Reservations Recommended (775) 325-8813.  Toll Free:
866-743-ROSE (7673) Reno Ski Shuttles Operates Dec.  17 - March 19
Lift Ticket and Transportation Package $59.00.
Round Trip Transportation, a measly $19.00

I'm bored, you say... Give me a new challenge!
Try the Chutes at Mt.  Rose-Ski Tahoe!
Chutes are open, 200 acres of unbelievable powder skiing for
advanced/expert skiers/riders.

*Super Bowl Weekend!
Want to ski/ride fantastic conditions and see the Super Bowl too?
Stay in Reno, ski Rose in the morning, back in time to place your
bets before game time!  http://www.skirose.com

All daily specials are valid including:
2 fer Tuesdays (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)
Student Wednesdays, all student ID's slide for $21.00.
Ladies Thursdays - all ladies ski/ride for just $19.00.
Want a great Mt. Rose weekend special?  Purchase the weekend
extender:  Three consecutive days, including Saturday and Sunday:
$99.00.
Runs and Roses!  2 adults, 2 children for just $108.00.

Are you planning a holiday ski/snowboard vacation?  Reno offers ski
and stay from as low as $59.00.  A great way to enjoy a holiday ski
vacation at affordable rates.  http://www.renolaketahoe.com
http://www.skirose.com

*Sierra-at-Tahoe
Plenty of snow and fresh snow today at Sierra, Base depths range
from 72" to 151".  Locals recommending: Clipper and Bashful.
Superpipe is scheduled to open tomorrow, as well as back country
gates.

Sacramento Shuttle to Sierra-at-Tahoe!  Starting this Saturday,
January 28th, will pick up sliders at the Surf and Skate store in
Sacramento.  The address is 12417 Fair Oaks blvd, in Fair Oak.  The
price includes bus ride up and back to Sierra, all-day adult lift
ticket.  $69.00 for adults, $59.00 for young adults.  Bus rolls at
8:30 am and will leave Sierra at 4:30 pm.  *Caution!  Call and
confirm all details before showing up at the store.
(916) 721-5000

Unlimited Rental Pass!  Valid at Sierra daily, the cost is just
$109.00.  This gives you the opportunity to rent unlimited skis,
boots, poles, boards for the entire season.  If you're a beginner,
no need to purchase gear until the end of the season 50% off sales.

3-Paks are back!  You get three lift tickets to Sierra valid any
day and you don't have to use them consecutive days.  $117.00 which
means you're sliding for just $39.00 a day.  Limited quantity
available so purchase them now.  Must be used by the same person.

Limitless Lessons at Sierra-at-Tahoe!  Just $99.00--includes UNLIMITED
lessons daily, 7-days a week, excluding holidays.  Intermediate
skiers and above only!  http://www.sierraattahoe.com

*Northstar-at-Tahoe
Fantastic family resort, conditions are excellent at Northstar.
Are you an advanced slider?  Make sure to checkout Lookout Mountain.
Tons and Tons of terrain features at Northstar.  Have you tried the
420 foot-long Superpipe?  Located on Pipe Line, use the Gondola and
take Vista high-speed Quad.

New Restaurants and Stores Open in the Village!  New Restaurant at
Village now open!  Big Wave Burritos and Wraps.  Great Value, you
can score a burrito and beer for less than $10.00.

True North, ski and snowboard shop, plus a wine and coffee bar in
the back called Grapes and Grounds.  Elite Feet just opened; custom
boot fitter.

Freckles, for Kids, Butter Box, boarding lifestyle store.

Book three nights of lodging, get the fourth night  free!
1 800 GO NORTH!  (Excludes February 17th-25th.)

Take a shuttle from the Southshore!  Take a bus to Northstar and
ride back across Lake Tahoe on the Tahoe Queen!  The world's only
water taxi ski shuttle!  Wednesdays and Fridays, through April 7th.
$104.00 includes lift ticket, bus ride, boat ride apres ski party,
snacks and more!  1 800 23-TAHOE

The quad ticket program is back!  Quad Pak allows you to ski or
ride for less than $50.00 per day.  Includes 4 lift tickets valid
daily, including holidays through the end of the season.  You DON'T
need d to use them on consecutive dates!  Adult Quad Packs: $199.00,
young adult/senior $169.00, Kids and Super Seniors, $49.00.  Must
be used by the same person.

Ice skating rink is open and FREEBIE!  Skate rental available for
$5.00.

Northstar has a world-class children's ski school program, Star
Kids.  If you have ankle-biting sliders, you can purchase a Star's
4-Pak for just $329.00.  The Star's 4-Pak includes four all-day
lesson packages: lift tickets, lessons, rentals and lunch.  Fantastic
option for holidays skiers and riders with kids.
http://www.northstarattahoe.com

*Soda Springs
First Ski/Ride resort you hit on I-80.  If you're a beginner or
have kids...excellent choice!  Open: Lions, Head, Little Dipper
Tube Tow, Planet Kids Learn to Ski/Ride Package $55.00.  Includes:
Lesson, Lift & Equipment.  Carousel, Planet Kids Magic Carpet and
mini Snowmobile lift.  Lift ticket price at Soda Springs: Adults:
$25.00, 8-17: $16.00.  7 and under $10.00.  $15.00 tubing Planet
Kids: Designed for Children 10 and under.  Includes: Magic Carpet,
Tubing, sledding and miniature snowmobiles!  10 laps on the miniature
snowmobiles for $7.00.  (Electric snowmobiles, your kids will go
wild.)  http://www.skisodasprings.com

*Sugar Bowl
Cold temperatures on Donner Summit kept snow at Sugar Bowl
in excellent condition.  Locals recommend: Rahlves Runs.  (Daron
Rahlves, Sugar Bowl's Ski Ambassador is America's best hope for
Olympic Gold in Downhill.)

If you have kids who have Olympic aspirations, the Sugar Bowl Academy
has one of the best race and training programs in the United States.
For information: http://www.sdacademy.org/ 530 426-1844

Also Sugar Bowl home grown boarder; Jayson Hale also qualified for
the Olympics in Boarder Cross.

$46 lift ticket price valid 7 days a week.

Include your gas price up and back from the mountains, Sugar Bowl
is a great value.  Get $10.00 off a children's ticket by getting a
register receipt at any participating McDonalds.  See
http://www.sugarbowl.com for details.

Extreme Jeep Snow Event!
Get a free ticket at the Extreme Jeep Snow Event by going to a
participating Northern California Jeep dealer and test drive a Jeep!

New Children's Base Camp Program: Sugar Bowl's popular Base Camp
program gets bigger and better!!  By popular demand, an expanded
program will be offered to adventurous outdoor-loving kids ages
4-6.  This is a ski based program for kids ready to take on the
challenge and really learn to ski.  The program provides lesson,
rental, lunch, indoor training techniques and a whole lot of fun!!
Call 530-426-9000 for more details.  http://www.sugarbowl.com

*Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley is smoking hot this week.  A great place to ski/ride
if you've got non skiers along for the ride.  Send them up on the
cable car, do some ice skating or enjoy lunch at high-camp.

Squaw Valley USA invites all sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen,
and Coast Guard personnel on active duty to come enjoy skiing or
snowboarding for FREE every day through the 2005-2006 winter season.
That's right, 7 days a week, all season long.  Check the website
at http://www.squaw.com/ for details.

Bring a friend who takes a first time beginner package, you save
$20.00 off your lift ticket, same day!

Make sure and purchase the Frequent Skier Card.  Buy four days,
your fifth day is free.  Also, kids 12 and under slide for just
$5.00.  http://www.squaw.com/

Another great way to get a discount at Squaw Valley is to purchase
a multi-day ticket.  Save up to $170.  More info, http://www.squaw.com/

Visit High Camp with the family and enjoy Ice Skating and Dinner!
(After 4:00 pm) Evening Value Price: $15.00, adult, includes cable
car, ice skating and rental.  Kids 12 and under, just $12.00.

Twilight Dinner Package at High Camp!  $34 includes Cable Car Ride
and Three-Course dinner at Alexander's Cafe.  Info at
http://www.squaw.com/

Check out the Extended Rewards Package!  Stay slopeside at Squaw
Valley Lodge, book three nights lodging and three days discounted
sliding, get your FOURTH night of lodging and FOURTH day of
skiing/riding freebie.  Starting at $393.00 per person,
double/occupancy,
some restrictions, etc., http://www.squawvacations.com/

*Alpine Meadows
Also smoking hot this week...and with a $41.00 lift ticket, you're
taking advantage of world-class conditions at a reasonable price.

My personal tip for sliding Alpine.., park at the subway chair,
(take the left turn before the parking lot, then quick right.)
You can buy your ticket and be on the lift in two minutes...
also food at Subway.  I take a break and play ball with my
dog, Murphy, next to the parking lot. Unfortunately dogs
cannot ski or ride at Alpine...yet.

Have you tried the new Sherwood Express?  You can make a round trip
now in less than five minutes.  Compare that to 15 minutes on the
old chair.  Excellent backside skiing and riding

Alpine Meadows at $41.00, truly one of the best values in Lake Tahoe
for a world-class alpine-style mountain.  Alpine Meadows is truly
a great deal, one of the industry's best values says, Ski Magazine.
Get to and from Alpine Meadows via a free shuttle from many locations
around the Lake.  http://www.skialpine.com

*Boreal
Geez...have you seen the Superpipe they've got open?
It's huge and doesn't look to be in a good
mood...perfect for our crew.  The biggest pipe you're gonna find
for $38.00 a day.

Frickin' Friday!  Every Friday at Boreal: Show a current student
I.D.  at any Boreal ticket window at time of purchase to receive a
$10.00 all-day lift ticket.

Boreal is now covered in terrain features, thanks to all the new
snow and terrain park staff.  With the combination of new snow and
Tahoe's best terrain park staff, you can be assured Boreal Mountain
Resort will provide skiers and riders of all ability levels with
an enormous variety of Terrain Park features, Day and Night.  Lift
ticket price of $38.00!

Open for night skiing/riding from 3:30pm-9:00pm seven days a week.
$22.00 for night skiing!  As featured in the December 27th issue
of the Wall Street Journal,

Boreal's FREE iRide Card offers guests of all ages the opportunity
to ride for any two days this season with your third day lift ticket
for free.  To get the FREE iRide Card: rideboreal.com or pick one
up at any Boreal lift ticket window.  No need to ski/ride consecutive
days.

Visit any Northern California Raleys to pick up a free brochure
which offers a Boreal adult beginner learn to ski/ride package at
$10.00 off the regular rate.  Sunday-Friday non holiday.

*Bear Valley
Snow expected today at Bear Valley, they are currently open 100%.
Locals recommend: West Ridge and Corral Ridge.

The Ski Bus is Back!  If you don't have 4-wheel drive, take the ski
bus from Angels Camp, or San Andreas.  It's just $10 round trip,
you don't have to drive in the snow.
http://www.calaverastransit.com/skibus Weekends only!

Ultimate one stop shopping at Bear Valley for kids.  Go to the
Children's center, you can purchase lift tickets for everyone,
lessons, rental the works. No more waiting in five different
lines.

Midweek madness!  Starting at $35.00 (you got me right...) Includes
lodging and ticket!  Go to bearvalley.com for all the details.

Purchase a discounted Bear Valley lift ticket from participating
Bay Area ski shops.  Go to http://www.bearvalley.com for listings.

5-Paks are valid daily!  Get 5 unrestricted adult lift tickets for
just $199.00.  You can use these during the holidays.  online only
at http://www.bearvalley.com/

Group lesson 5-Pak.  5 lessons for just $154.00.  You'll need to
have equipment and purchase lift pass.  3-Pak Save $68.00!  You're
getting three lesson packages for the price of two.  Includes:
lessons, beginner lifts, rentals.

For up to date weather forecasts, mountain cam and unbelievable
lodging specials visit http://www.bearvalley.com or contact the
main office at 209.753.2301

*Diamond Peak
A wonderful family resort with plenty of snow and great rates.
Treat yourself, stay at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe and slide Diamond Peak
with your family.  Relax in the heated pool at the end of the day
or throw caution to the wind and bet the works on Red in the
Casino.

Purchase the Costco 2-Pack $63.99 for two tickets.

Great for Kids and Parents!  Child Ski Center, All-Day Value Package
Children, 4-7 10am-4pm.  Drop off the kids and enjoy the slopes!
Includes: All-day group lesson, lunch, pre and post child accommodation.
We love it, so will you!

Purchase a Mini Pass, valid for 2,3,5 or 7 days.  You can ski/ride
for as low as $30.14 a day using the Mini Pass The Mini Pass is
valid daily, including holidays and is transferable.

Learn to Ski/Ride Cheap!  Take advantage of Diamond Peak's Family
and Friends semi-private lesson program, 2-5 people, similar ability
you can learn for as little as $18.00.

Ski and Stay Package at Diamond Peak: From $59.00 per person
http://www.diamondpeak.com/ for more information.

*Heavenly
Smoking hot this week, with slopes wanting for sliders.  Plenty of
steep runs with rowdy chair audience on California side.
For me, just monster GS turns down to the Nevada side
parking lot is heaven.  If you can swing a midweek getaway, Heavenly
is rocking with what they call: "Fun 101"
Price:   Starts at just $68 per person per night.
Length of stay:  3  nights
Valid: 1/16/05 - 2/16/06 Sunday - Thursday night only.
Package Includes:  3 nights lodging midweek, 3 days of skiing or
riding, a 25% off coupon for a level 1 or 2 group lesson, and 2-for-1
coupons for: The Cabo Wabo Cantina, The Improv at Harrah's, Fusion
2 at the Horizon and Dancin' in The Streets at Harveys.

$59 tickets for Heavenly available at Albertsons!
http://www.skiheavenly.com/tickets_rentals/albertsons/lift_tickets.html
Save $14 off of the walk-up price next week of $70.
http://www.skiheavenly.com

*Homewood
100% open top to bottom!  Homewood offers great family value.
Value-priced lessons for kids and adults and old-fashioned family
feel.  Easy parking, and more.  Friday-Sunday: $45.00.  Kids 10 and
under ski free with purchase of adult ticket.  Buy consecutive day
tickets, save $5.00 daily.  530-525-2992  http://www.skihomewood.com

Tahoe is fantastic sliders...get some while you can!

Kevin Tinto + Crew
Editor-in-Chief