Greetings, Rocky Mountain and Wild, Wild West sliders!

Here's what I know about Rocky Mountain snow. It can change dramatically during the course of a day. If it's dumped four feet of Champagne Powder and the temperature stays at 20 F or below, chances are the snow will stay in good shape right down to the last little powdery crystal. If it warms to above freezing, the powder will settle and your chance to get a face full, to ride soft bumps, or cut it up freely through the glades will diminish with each hour.

So, the Rockies are about not wasting time. Be certain to make a New Year's Resolution that includes that sentiment. If the conditions are fresh and superb, shackle a gaggle of geese, hop aboard the A-Train, call in on your deathbed to get up here. I guarantee it'll be worth the effort.

On that last note, if you need some inspiration for "Boss, I'm sick" messages, here are the #1 and #2 winning excuses from Colorado Ski Country's "What's Your Excuse" contest: 1. I can't make it to work today because I got in the HOV lane in T-REX and couldn't get off until Vail. 2. I can't make it to work today because snowstorms make my dog feel very depressed. I need to take her to the canine shrink. If it snows again tomorrow, I might not be able to make it in either. I'm sure that she'll need me there for comfort.

Here's my response - call your boss on your cell phone after banging out a big yard sale on the slope and say, "I've fallen and I can't get up!" Hey, it's no lie! Okay, now go hold that phone to your ear and practice, but not for too long or someone else will be on that lift ahead of you.

Thought o' the Ski Week: Ring out the old, ring in the new, ring happy bells, across the snow: the year is going, let him go; ring out the false, ring in the true. Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Tip o' the Ski Week: Want to get the most out of your high-altitude holiday? Consider the most important thing of all: HYDRATE. One of the biggest causes of fatigue at 10,000+, other than reduced oxygen levels, is dehydration. Double your usual healthy intake of water as the almost 0% humidity at altitude, the extreme cold, and your increased physical activity will dry you out quickly. More non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages (caffeine and alcohol are diuretics) mean more fluids in your veins for red blood cell transport, which means more oxygen transport, and I’m sure by now you see the cycle.

Well, it seems Santa and his hard-working elves took a little breather this week, so we've postponed the Random Slide Pick to determine the two winners of two free lift tickets until NEXT week. Do your math - that means FOUR lucky people will get lift tickies, all because they're dedicated subscribers to this newsletter! If you're not an e-mail member yet, join the fun at www.slidingonthecheap.com! It's a win/win situation! And we'll see you on the slopes!

Weather outlook from our friends at Weather.com: Forecast for this week includes snow pretty much everywhere in the Rockies through tomorrow, then clear, cold, and dry through the weekend on east and central slopes, continued snow on the west slope. Occasional orographic squalls throughout the region. Stay on top of the up-to-date weather conditions and snow report with our happy sponsors at www.weather.com.

AHHHH-BASIN:
Haven't got the Bonus Pass for $199 that's still on sale and includes 5 days of riding at Vail Resorts? Stop at any King Soopers along I-70 or the City Market in Dillon and purchase your 1-day pass for only $39, or two-day pass for $54, valid ALL SEASON! Got kids ages 6-14? They ski FREE with every adult who purchases a full-priced lift ticket. You decide how you want to save! Lifts are open every day through 1/5 at 8:30 AM, so get more bang for your buck on the Freshies Above All! www.arapahoebasin.com

ASPEN RESORTS:
Aspen/Snowmass Highlands/Buttermilks Who'da thunk: a ski-in, ski-out property for $120/pn! It's true! Check out the deluxe studio condo at the Laurelwood in Snowmass, sleeps four, full kitchen, fireplace, and access to the common area hot tubs. You can't afford NOT to go! At window daily tickie prices are $68, but with the savings on lodging and FOUR SUPERB MOUNTAINS to ride, it's the steal of the New Year! www.aspensnowmass.com

COPPER MOUNTAIN:
It's true and final! Intrawest, owners of Copper Mountain, have just signed a deal to partner with Winter Park Resort! Watch out, Colorado, here comes the finest union of hills in the state! Watch also for possible developments in the reintroduction of the Rocky Mountain Super Pass, good at both Winter Park/Mary Jane and the Hill Metallica. Well, don't hold your breath! Get up here and enjoy the finest conditions in years while the mucky-mucks bang out the details! Try gear for FREE also with this weekend's Salomon Oasis - it's all 2002-3 alpine, snowboard, snowshoeing, and helmet gear, and it's FREE, 1/3-1/5, 9AM-4PM. And there are still hotel rooms available starting at $89/pn! Call 1-888-219-2441 or visit www.coppercolorado.com

CRESTED BUTTE:
You don’t have to pay to play if you stay at the Manor Lodge, rooms starting at $52/pn. Book it online at crestedbutte.worldres.com. There’s also the Crested Butte International Hostel, a terrific historic property in the down of town, offering a dorm rate of $18-$28. www.crestedbuttehostel.com. The fine folks at the Butte-I-ful are also offering Airdeals that will make all your New Year’s Resolutions easier to put together, including four nights in a condo, R/T airfare on Continental or United Airlines, a three day lift ticket, and R/T airport transfer from $549/pp/Dallas, $591/pp/New York. There’s more scoop at www.skicb.com!

DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT/PURGATORY:
Howsabout a free lesson? The Mountain Adventure School invites experienced skiers and riders to take a run with a PSIA instructor who will offer a tips on your, um, tips! Ski With A Pro meets every day at 11AM at the Mountain Top Schoolhouse. While you’re all over it, get the Five of Four package - includes 5 nights lodging for two in a studio at the Purgatory Village Condominium Hotel and lift tickets for two for 4 days, price starting at $386/pp. www.durangomountainresort.com

LOVELAND:
Skip the Ice-enhower Tunnel and pick up on one of the Land of Love's Ski & Stay packages, starting at $119, by calling 1-800-225-LOVE. Get the Loveland Flex Pass, perfect for those who don't have an entire day to ride. Purchase a full day adult lift ticket for $43 and return the ticket to any Loveland ticket window within four hours from the time of purchase to receive a $10 refund. Six-packs still available for $204/adults, $90/kids, and they're UNRESTRICTED! Feel the Love and be one with the Basin at www.skiloveland.com.

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN:
This Land of the Ski, Home of the Brave will get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping at the inaugural Big Mountain Party. Dean Cummings, H2O Heli Skiing, and Skiing Mag will all be there from Ladies' Night drink specials and giveaways at Grady's Bar on the hill beginning at 6 PM to the Italian (after my own heart!) famiglia-style dinner to the Raging Sacrifice of the Skinny Skis with emcee Dean Cummings. Ongoing festivities at the Grand Imperial Hotel will round out the mountain's successful first year. www.silvertonmountain.com

STEAMBOAT:
Remember, they’re a destination resort, and the savings are in the packages. Consider all they offer as well, and choose how you’d like to save! Snow Saver packages will get you 15% off lodging and lifts, f’rinstance $289/pp for 4 nights motel, 3 days lifts; Stay & Ski Free packages offers 4 nights lodging, 4 days lifts for the price of 3 each, starting at $285/pp; and Snow Flight will fly you R/T into Steamboat and includes 4 nights lodging and 3 days lifts, starting $582/pp/Dallas. There’s more Ski Town USA news and specials at www.steamboat-ski.com.

TELL-U-RIDE:
Even luxury is affordable at Das Ride! Ski-in, ski-out at the Inn at Lost Creek (sounds yummy already!), 3 nights lodging, 2 days lift tickets, free wax/de-burr, ski valet, Tell-U-Ride air transport, and more in your marble-bathed, stone-fireplaced, kitchenetted, mountain-viewed suite from $175/pp/pn. Add on the foot of freshies Baby New Year left there today, and it can only get better at www.tellurideskiresort.com.

VAIL RESORTS:
Beaver Creek, Brecken-fridge, Keystone, Vail There’s nothing new under the sun, but if it’s good and it works, why change it? Buy the Perfect 10 Pass for $329, ski all five resorts (that includes Heavenly in CA), blackouts will be done this weekend, but must ski your first day by January 31 when the sale ends! www.snow.com

WINTER PARK/MARY JANE:
Buy three nights of lodging, get the fourth night free, and when the holiday crowds disperse so will the prices! Pick up your discount lift tickets also at Front Range King Soopers for only $45/adults. Are you a beginner skier? Ride the Galloping Goose chair all day, every day, for only $5! It’s all here at www.winterparkresort.com!

WYOMING:
JACKSON HOLE:
It’s also a destination resort, but the Go Big or Go Home resort knows once you get here, you’ll be in NO hurry to leave. Think packages: the more the merrier on the Powder Package. Get six folks together for 5 nights lodging, 4 days skiing, stay in a 2 bedroom condo at the JH Racquetball Club, and it’ll set you back only $284/pp. There’s more at www.jacksonhole.com

GRAND TARGHEE:
$69/night Sunday – Thursday on select rooms at the Teewinot Lodge. Hey, it’s the TETONS, it’s only 5 hours from Salt Lake City, and it’s 100% open with an 80-inch summit base! Who’s going to stay in the room?!?! www.grandtarghee.com

NEW MEXICO:
TAOS:
You’ll find extreme savings at the Loop de Chutes. Stay 3 nights in Taos Ski Valley Village, plus get 3 days of lift tickies, starting at $299/pp. Stay in the “taon” of Taos, same deal, starting at $247/pp. Ski, eat, sleep, ski, repeat when necessary at www.skitaos.org!

BACKCOUNTRY NEWS: The Telluride Avalanche School (TAS) conducts its 12th
annual Level I Avalanche Course from 1/3/03-1/5/03 for backcountry enthusiasts. At the end of the three-day course, all participants receive an American Avalanche Association Level 1 Certification. Those one-day courses won't work, and Tell-U-Ride has some of the best terrain and instructors for learning to dig snow-pits, evaluate avalanche terrain and safe route-finding, learn how to use avalanche beacons and practice rescue techniques. Course is an unbelievable $175, a mere pittance when it comes to saving your life! Bring warm, waterproof clothing, adequate headgear, a daypack, snow shovel, 457 compatible transceiver (rentals available), a water bottle or thermos and a sack lunch. Call the San Juan Field School at 970-728-6250.

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