Greetings, Rocky Mountain and Wild, Wild West riders!

Well, did you get out THERE this weekend? And need I ask you where THERE is? Would you dare answer if THERE was anywhere other than the fantastic Rocky Mountains? It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas out THERE, and if you're smart (and I KNOW you are!) you'll jump all over this early season snow Colorado, Wyoming, and Arizona are buried under. Be the first on your block to rave about all the great pre-season riding you enjoyed, and at terrific pre-season rates as well! In fact, spend the holidays in style BEFORE the holidays, and STILL have enough greenbacks to impress your loved ones with a gift certificate to go back!

Tip o' the Ski Week: Timing is everything, as we all know, and it's no
different in the ski industry. There are certain times you may want to reconsider as optimum time to go riding. And the winners are (drum roll, please), Christmas/New Year's, President's Day weekend, and Spring Break, which in the past decade or so has become the entire month of March. Here's what those holiday periods offer: hordes of people (both on the roads and the slopes), long lift lines, crowded restaurants and slower service, noise, more expensive airfares, more expensive lift tickets, and lodging rates that can vary anywhere from 30% to 100% MORE than off-peak periods. If you're flexible (and I'd sure be one with the willow!), here's what off-peak periods generally offer: a smattering of people (both on the roads and the slopes), no wait at the lifts, quiet restaurants with happy waiters, cheap airfares, cheap lift tickets, and lodging that won't break the bank or your work-weary back. The savings are considerable if you can avoid peak holiday periods, and you'll leave relaxed and feeling as if you've actually had a vacation. Isn't that what we all work so hard for?

Thought o' the Ski Week: I've never met a mountain I didn't like.

For all those dedicated readers who think they'll NEVER win anything, we just blew that theory out of the water! Our winners of the Sliding on the Cheap Random Sliding Pick for this week are (gimme another drum roll, Mr. Music, please!)

 aglendinning [at] msn.com  1pmorgan1 [at] attbi.com

Claim your FREE LIFT TICKETS by contacting slidecheap [at] aol.com. And if you haven't signed up yet to receive this FREE weekly newsletter about what's hot at the Deal Factory, better hurry to www.slidingonthecheap.com so you're in the mix for the next drawing!

ASPEN RESORTS:
Aspen Mountain/Snowmass: OPEN Highlands/Buttermilk: OPENING DECEMBER 14! Be there or be square this weekend - stay at the Snowmass Inn, 12/9-12/20, no minimum night stay for only $53/night, includes continental breakfast, heated swimming pool, and access only STEPS away from the base of Snowmass. Take the free shuttle to any of the other fine Aspen Resorts, then send a free "wish-you-were-here" holiday e-picture from the collection at www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/postcards.cfm www.aspensnowmass.com

COPPER MOUNTAIN:
Time is running out for the chance to purchase a season pass at the Hill Metallica - only $254, but the sale ends this SUNDAY, 12/15, at the close of the business day. Keep your fingers crossed that once Intrawest is done crossing their T's and dotting their I's and Copper and Winter Park/Mary Jane are partners in powder, they'll reintroduce the Rocky Mountain Super Pass, but you WON'T be able to upgrade without a current season pass at either mountain, and Copper is IT till Sunday! Quit lagging! Four-day lift tickets available until 12/24 for $109. Pre-season lodging available for as low as $84/pn. www.coppercolorado.com

CRESTED BUTTE:
This Saturday two terrific events, only at the Butte-i-ful. It's the OFFICIAL opening day, so riding goes 7-days a week, and it's also Telemark Demo Day. You do know Crested is the home of the reintroduction of teleskiing in the US over 30 years ago, so why would you want to go anywhere but to the PROS! Free demos and specially priced lessons available by calling 970-349-1323. Need a place to stay? The TOO CHEAP TO IGNORE special, three nights lodging at the Sheraton ski-in/ski-out, 2 days lift tickets, starting at $156/pp, valid 12/13-12/20. www.skicb.com

ELDORA:
Because y'all raised your voices in unified song, "You'll Getta Mora atta Eldora" with the return of their TEN-8 Club. For only $39, receive an official TEN-8 Club fleece vest ($40 value), a TEN-8 Club baseball-style hat ($15 value), an Eldora Club Card that allows you to ski or ride Eldora all day everyday for the half-day rate (unlimited value), season locker rental for just $99 (regularly $129), a FREE ski or snowboard tune at Wintersteiger Tuning Center ($30 value), a FREE one day basket rental at basket check, and a FREE test drive on a pair of Volkl demo skis. Gotta love that word FREE, especially when there's enough schwag to give as holiday gifts! www.eldora.com

LOVELAND:
The Land of Love knows how to entertain. Find Sam Adams day is this Saturday, 12/14 - the old brewmeister will be riding all day, and when you find the costumed old curmudgeon and stop him, you'll get coupons for prizes and brew specials. And of course, must be 21 to participate and must drive safely after all the tasting. Skip the Eisenhower Tunnel and try this Sunday's Telemark Clinic - two 1/2 hour lessons and all-day lift tickies for only $62! Three-Class Pass, Frequent User Card, and Four-Pak adult cards still available for a limited time. www.skiloveland.com

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN:
Open the gates of the Snow Temple and let the Heavens be your neighbor! First statewide to sport 100" of Colorado Natural Pow-pow, and knowing the holidays can forcibly tighten your money belt, they're offering $20 off your guided trip the weekend of 12/19-12/20 only. You'll also want to line up to sign up for their Level I Avalanche course being offer 12/13-12/15 in preparation for what the Snow Temple is calling a Monster Snow Year. Ring in the New Year with Mr. Party hisself, Dean Cummings, who'll be teaching a steep 'n' deep ski camp 12/31 and (if you're all not hung over!) 1/1/03. Share my favorite Italian cuisine, drinks, a bonfire, then a lively escape to the dancing town of Silverton for New Year's, and let the good rides roll! www.silvertonmountain.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS:
Ever wondered what the quiet of the backcountry would be like? Try your FREE introductory snowshoe tour, every Monday through Saturday at 1 PM, equipment rentals only $10. If you're a Steamboat local, there's still room to make your reservation today for half-price Locals Nights at Hazie's, Ragnar's and Western Barbeque, 12/12-12/14. Same great menus at half the price! Call 970-871-5150. Give your entire family the best gift around - a holiday at Steamboat. Kids 12 and under FREE packages, including FLY, SKI, STAY, and RENT equipment, ALL FREE with parent purchase. Who ever said FREE was a four-letter word! www.steamboat.com

TELL-U-RIDE:
GOLD HILL IS OPEN! That means more of the I-Can-Tell-U-Ride grin-maker terrain to shred. Hiking access only, but that means the few, the proud, the hard-core will keep those freshies fresh. SKI FREE AT THE SAN SOPHIA!! Rates start at $198/pn including two days FREE adult lift tickets for two, breakfast every morning (minimum three night stay), afternoon apres ski with wines, beer and munchies, and a $100 dining gift certificate good at Harmon's or The Chop House (YUMMMM!). Offer good this round through 12/20. www.tellurideskiresort.com

VAIL RESORTS:
Kids - what's the matter with all these kids today? They're not riding at Vail Resorts, that's what, so get on the hockey stick, Mom and Dad! VAIL, BEAVER CREEK, BRECKENRIDGE and KEYSTONE, together with their preferred airline partners are offering an unbeatable winter vacationing deal for families from 12/1/02-2/14/03. Kids ages 12 and under FLY FREE, STAY FREE and SKI FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. PLUS, Kids SHUTTLE FREE and RENT EQUIPMENT FREE! www.snow.com

WINTER PARK/MARY JANE:
DEMO DAY this Sunday, 12/15, 8:30AM-12:30PM. It's a SNOW-gasbord of vendors offering the best try-before-you-buy, and the demos are FREE. Bring a credit card for deposit and to purchase! Learn to Ski or Snowboard, GUARANTEED, 14 years and older, including lessons, four-day lift ticket, first lesson must be taken by 12/20, and if you don't feel comfy on greens by the end of it all, they'll work with you until you are, at no extra charge for lessons! Sign on the dotted line online or at Front Range King Soopers! Four-day Snow Pass for $119 still available online but not for much longer! www.skiwinterpark.com

MORE NEWS FROM THE WILD WILD WEST: WYOMING PARDNERS IN SNOW!
JACKSON HOLE:
SKI FREE through 12/21, for $51/pp/pn, minimum two nights, at the Village Center Inn for four of you. Want a little more romantic getaway? Early Season special, through 12/25, includes one night lodging, one-day lift ticket for $66/pp/pn, for two of you. There's a lot more stuff of the special kind for this one-of-a-kind, steep 'n' deep, Wild Wild West Resort at www.jacksonhole.com

GRAND TARGHEE
Two mountains, 2000 acres, and some of the sweetest, deepest annual powder in the lower 48. Better get your Frequent Skier card for $59 by the 12/19 deadline, 'cause once your boards touch this hill you'll be back again and again. And THEN, after 10 visits at $35/day, you'll automatically get a season pass! Book a three night lodging package at the Teewinot Lodge for $287/pp before 12/24, and you'll get a FREE day of Snowcat skiing for two to Peaked Mountain. That's a $299 value FER NUTHIN'! More sweet deals for you and the entire family at www.grandtarghee.com

ARIZONA PARDNERS AREN'T TO BE OVERLOOKED:
TAOS:
Rut Busters Camp this weekend for those of you jonesing to progress so you can jam down the Taos chutes, and Brewmaster's Festival Saturday to celebrate! Ski and Stay in Taos for half-price through 12/13! That's $16 lift tickies and lodging for as low as $28.25/pp/pn. Lessons, rentals, and chow at select restaurants are half-price as well, and the snow is as good now as it is in February. www.skitaos.org

Till next week, stay low, stay smart, and stay luz,
Your Robin Hood of the Rockies Martha
skibabeage [at] hotmail.com