Greetings, Rocky Mountain sliders!

Well, the year ended with a bang and began the same way - snow continues to fall steadily in the upper reaches, folks are making last-minute bookings as word of the stellar conditions travels fast, and the New Year's deals are coming in like a blizzard! If you haven't made plans to hit the slopes, make them soon or the season will be over before you know it! And don't forget to check the archives - just because the deal isn't mentioned in this week's newsletter doesn't mean it isn't still available!

Our Wonderful Sponsor--Winter Park
The snow derby is in full swing and Winter Park/Mary Jane (aka Snow Town USA) is clearly victorious with more than 9 feet of snow since we opened--including more than two feet in the past week. Stretch out your holiday by booking a winter getaway by calling 800.979.0332.

Congratulations to this week's winning CO-sliders:

todd_d_jackson [at] hotmail.com
gtessmer [at] mediaone.net
twinters [at] crucibleservice.com
S54868 [at] aol.com

Ski Tip o' the Week: Next time you buy groceries, buy your lift tickets,
too. That's right, many retailers, and not just grocers, along the Front Range will sport discounts on lift tickets to a wide range of Rocky Mountain resorts. For grocers, visit Albertson's, King Soopers, and Safeway, and for retail sponsors, try Breeze Ski Rentals, Christy Sports, Gart Sports, and REI, to name a few.

Airlines: Just when you thought airfares couldn't get any lower,
they get lower! Check out American Trans Air, a truly no-frills airline based out of Chicago/Midway. You won't have to flap your arms to stay airborne, but if you book online at www.ata.com. and fly 3 roundtrip flights between 12/26/01 and 6/30/02, you earn a free flight. Example - fly R/T Boston/DIA for $270 three times and get your  fourth flight free, saving 25% overall.

ALL ABOARD!: Care to see the Wild West from an Iron Horse ?
Book the clickity-clack of Amtrak to Denver, one of the most popular train destinations in the US. The California Zephyr runs between  Chicago and San Francisco, making stops in Denver, Winter Park,
Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction with connecting service to Frisco, Vail, and Aspen. www.amtrak.com.

A-Basin: Ski above all and save above all as well - the stellar
A-Basin Ski & Stay Deal includes lodging and lift ticket. Bring three friends, book a 1 BR+loft condo, and pay $62 pp/pn, M-F, $67/pp/pn S-S. Weeeeee're comin' up, so you'd better get this party started! www.arapahoebasin.com.

Copper Mountain: In honor of Winter Sports Month, Copper is
offering the Level Buster - take three consecutive days of lessons and rise to the next level, guaranteed, or your fourth lesson is free. Three half-day lessons (that's 2 hours of learning time each day)ÿ are only $105. One half-day lesson by itself is $50, so you calculate  the savings! If you're a beginning level rider, ask about the Report Card -
buy the package of three beginner half-day lessons, lift tickets, and rentals for $199, take the lessons anytime throughout the season, your instructor will naturally give you an "A" on your Report Card after each session, and at the end of the lessons you'll get a season pass. Could it be true? www.ski-copper.com.

Loveland: Got an unexpected holiday gift from someone and didn't
get them anything in return? Buy them the Loveland Six-Pack, a bundle of six use-anytime lift tickets for only $198. That'll save you $54 off regular price. While you're at it, buy a six-pack for yourself because you're so smart and thrifty! www.skiloveland.com.

SolVista: Are the kids whining to go to the mountains? Bring them
to SolVista's Totally Insane Winter Blast January 12-13. Mr. Frosty's wild ride includes music, giveaways, parties, and a treasure hunt, and it's all FREE! www.silvercreek-resort.com. Vail Resorts: Have a "peak" experience at Vail, Breck, Beaver, and Keystone, and get a perk to A-Basin to boot. Join the PEAKS program, free to you, and when you book three+ consecutive days of riding 14 days in advance, you'll see your lift tix drop in price up to $12/day. And one ticket is good at all five resorts, some estrictions apply. www.snow.com. Winter Park: Colorado's favorite will help you meet your New Year's resolution to become a better skier with the WinterActive package.  For $197/pp, the package includes two nights motel lodging, a
one-day lift ticket, a demo rental with unlimited swaps, lunch on the mountain, on-snow video tips from a pro-coach, and three NASTAR runs. Get the jump on next year's holiday card photo as you carve big GS sweeps past the gates. www.skiwinterpark.com. Wolf Creek: Where else can you still get a single-day lift ticket for under $45 and ride the sweetest, most uncrowded powder bowls in Colorado? And where else can you get a group of up to 26 fellow riders together, rent out the Be Our Guest B&B for $22/pp/pn, and have all the comforts of home? www.wolfcreek.com!.

Avalanche Awareness: REI and Berthoud Powder Guides have joined
together for another round of Avalanche Programs, beginning January 10. Check out the info at www.berthoudpass.com. under the avalanche programs link, or visit your local Front Range REI for more information.

Till next week, stay low, stay smart, and stay luz,
Martha