Its almost here, Sliders. A whole new year! A whole new year to drink and be merry. A whole new year to party. A whole new year to make and break resolutions. But this year, I'm challenging you to make one resolution and keep it: a promise to slide as often as possible. If you do this one thing I can guarantee you will be a much happier slider! And to help you with your new resolution I have found some new super savers to help keep the costs down and the sliding readily available. So let's go sliding on the cheap

But first, some weather...

Snow is on its way! You can expect snow showers through the weekend and through the new year, making for some awesome sliding. Temperatures are dropping and will get down to the single digits, so bundle up sliders! Go to www.weather.com for more!

The SOTC Skinny Okay, after sorting through all the information, we at SOTC know what to expect in Colorado for the coming week, and there's a lot to get through. I'm talking about ticket deals, various group and student discounts, holiday promotions, tons of special offers, and a whole bunch more!

But what, you say you're not a subscriber? Dude, what's up with that?! That's definitely not kosher! Without a subscription you won't know about some of the sweetest deals around. So why not give yourself a gift this holiday season and sign up here: www.slidingonthecheap.com

Oh yeah, and while you're checking out the site, you might want to check out our other regional newsletters. It just might help you plan that extra special sliding vacation, and heck, it really is a fun read. So head on over, its just a hop, skip and jump away!

Okay sliders, grab your boards and skis and get ready, this will be a bumpy ride...

5th Graders Ski FREE

Are you in the fifth grade? Well, here's you ticket to ride for free. The Passport provides fifth grade students with three lift tickets to EACH of our 23 member resorts. That's more than 65 days of skiing and snowboarding. Plus, you'll receive other discounts on lessons, rentals, tickets for mom and dad and more. The best news is that it's all FREE! Go to http://www.coloradoski.com/5passport/ for more information.

GEMS Card

Colorado is home to some of skiing and snowboarding's best hidden treasures, but sometimes you have to get off the interstate to discover them. These are the Gems. With a variety of terrain for everyone from families to fanatics we know there is a Gem or two (or seven) that is sure to become your favorite. Be free of crowds. Free of paid parking. Free of sushi lunches and fancy après. And while the prices aren't free, they are still down-to-earth. You'll save up to $10 on adult lift tickets and $5 off child and senior lift tickets at eight Colorado ski areas. Deadline to register is December 31, 2004. Go to http://www.coloradoski.com/Gems/card.cfm for more information!

Arapahoe Basin

How does $38 for a ticket sound? Simple print out this coupon and you too can ride A-Basin for only $38!! Have fun and rip it up guys! http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/1/c/984

Another great print out coupon gets you a child's lift ticket for only $15! Print it out already and get those kids out there, we need some new sliders! http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/1/c/1070

Like A-Basin, but wanna slide Keystone or Breckenridge too? Have I got a deal for you. Get your 2004/2005 Arapahoe Basin Bonus Pass for only $229. Bonus Pass includes unlimited skiing or riding at A-Basin for the 04/05 ski season plus 5 ski days valid at Keystone or Breckenridge. One ski day can be used at Vail or Beaver Creek. Call 888-ARAPAHOE ext. 2 or visit www.arapahoebasin.com

If you just want to slide A-basin, then don't pass up their awesome season pass deal. For only $179 the pass includes unlimited skiing or riding at A-Basin for the 2004/2005 ski season. Call 888-ARAPAHOE ext. 2 or visit www.arapahoebasin.com

$10 Beginner Lift Tickets. Beginners ski for $10 at the Molly Hogan learning center!

Learn to Ski or Snowboard!! For just $200 you get: 4-2 hour lessons, recreational rentals for the day, and a 2004-2005 Arapahoe Basin Season Pass. How cool is that!

Aspen Highlands

Book your winter trip by January 1 and receive: Up to 40% off airfare (based on published fares as of 10/28/04), 10% off already-discounted lift tickets available all winter long! (that's nearly 50% off window rates), and choose from the largest available selection of lodging in Aspen/Snowmass. To receive these great discounts, mention the Mountain Saver Package when you call 888.649.5982, or e-mail info [at] stayaspensnowmass.com to have a customized quote sent to you via e-mail.

www.stayaspensnowmass.com/plan.spec.mtnsaver.php

Breckenridge

Wanna save on Lift Tickets? Okay, I've told you before, join PEAKS! When you pre-purchase your multi-day lift tickets in advance you'll save $8 - $20 per day at Breckenridge. http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/1/c/2321

Copper Mountain

Ever said, gee, I wish I could ski for only $27 a day? Online lift ticket deals are back for the 2004-2005 season. It'll only cost you a pressing $27 when you buy your multi-day tickets online. Four days are just $108 for early season. Simply logon to www.coppercolorado.com and click on Tickets.

Stay and Ski Free!

Buy at least 3 nights lodging and 3 days of lift tickets, and get an additional day and night free. And when you lodge with us, you'll get Beeline Advantage lift tickets which give you your own designated lift line at our most popular lifts. Copper's scheduled opening is November 5th which is right around the corner! Call 888.219.2441

Durango Mountain

Getting off to the right start is important in any sport, and DMR is renowned for its excellent learning terrain and professional ski & snowboard school. Stay 3 nights mountainside and get 2 ski or board lessons, as well as 3 days of rental equipment and 3 days lift tickets for just $299 per person. Based on double occupancy, some holidays restricted. Please call 800-982-6102 or visit www.durangomountainresort.com

Sneak away to Purgatory Village for two nights and get a half day Total Adventure Ticket for two people for just $59 per person/ per night. The TAT gives you access to teh Climbing Wall, Alpine Slide, Human Maze, Miniature Golf, and Chair 4 uplift for mountain biking and hiking. Based on 2 night stay, double occupancy. Package total is $238

Sneak away for the weekend with the Rocky Mountain Highway Getaway: For $99 get 1 night slopeside lodging and 2 days lift tickets—it's that simple. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, some holidays restricted. Please call 800-982-6102 or visit www.durangomountainresort.com for information and reservations.

Loveland

Want to learn to ski or ride? How does a free season pass sound? If you like the idea then make sure to take advantage of Loveland's 3 Class Pass programs. Loveland's awesome ski school staff will help you get started, they can also help improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. As a reward for learning how to ski or ride you will receive a FREE season pass for beginners or $100 season pass for intermediates after the completion of three lesson packages. For more information or any questions contact Loveland Ski School at skischool [at] skiloveland.com or call 303-571-5580 x170. http://www.skiloveland.com

Kendall Mountain

So the holidays have left you with little to no cash, no problem, I got your back! Wanna slide the cheapest resort in the West? Head on over the Kendall. Ready... $7. That's it. For only Seven dollars you get to slide for the day! I don't think I need to say much more. Here's the coupon. http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/84/c/3048

Keystone

Wanna save on Lift Tickets? Okay, I've told you before, join PEAKS! When you pre-purchase your multi-day lift tickets in advance you'll save $8 - $20 per day at Breckenridge. http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/1/c/2319

PowderHorn

Found another great deal sliders. Just listen, okay, ready. Slope side suite. Ski in... ski out. Only $99. And, if you stay anytime Sunday-Thursday you get free lift tickets for the next day! Awesome! Call (970) 268-5170 for Reservations.

San Juan Ski Company

Okay, San Juan is awesome! Get yours butts in gear cause I've got a great discount for you. Print out this coupon and you'll save $30! It really doesn't get much better! http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/52/c/3019

Load up the crew and come to DMR for a San Juan Family Adventure—and Kids Ski Free. Stay four nights in the deluxe slopeside Purgatory Village Hotel with your family of four, and kids lift tickets are included—-that's just $976 for four days on the mountain for the whole crew, and full breakfasts are included to get the engines running. Based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12, some holidays restricted. Please call 800-982-6102 or visit www.durangomountainresort.com for information and reservations.

SkiCooper

Wanna get a free lift ticket. Right now, buy one adult lift ticket get one free. Buy one full price adult lift ticket ($34) receive the second one free. Both tickets must be used the same day. Valid opening to Jan 14, excluding Dec 17 to Jan 4, 2005. Discount valid on adult full day tickets. One discount per coupon. Not good with any other discount. No cash value. http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/15/c/810

SkiCooper has an awesome deal for anyone over the age of 11. Right now you can learn to ski and get everything you would ever need, to ski at least, for the low price of $40. The ski package includes a two hour group lesson, ski rental and finally a beginner lift ticket. Ski classes begin at various times throughout the morning for your convenience. http://www.skicooper.com

Steamboat

How does a savings of $24 sound? Well, I found the savings for you, so now fulfill your part of the deal and get out there and slide! Its called an mETicket. Want more details, go to http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/4/c/2962

Steamboat SnowSaver Packages allow you to get the most out of your Steamboat vacation (lodging/lift) while getting the most for your money. These packages include four night motel accommodations and a three-day lift ticket or six night condo accommodations and five-day lift ticket during certain time periods of the season. Visit www.steamboat.com/snowsaver or call toll-free 877-237-2628 for more information on SnowSaver Packages.

White Sale Snowsaver: Jan. 4 - Feb. 16, 2005 As low as $271* - 4 Night/3 Day Hotel Package As low as $515** - 6 Night/5 Day Condo Package Spring Saver: Feb. 23 - April 2, 2005 As low as $281* - 4 Night/3 Day Hotel Package As low as $479** - 6 Night/5 Day Condo Package Last Chance Snowsaver: April 3 - 10, 2005 As low as $263* - 4 Night/3 Day Hotel Package As low as $434** - 6 Night/5 Day Condo Package

Sunlight

Sunlight Mountain Resort and Glenwood Springs have everything that you need for your spring time get a way! Ski, Swim and Stay package provides you with discounted lodging, discounted pool passes to the world's largest hot springs pool and discounted lift tickets to ski or ride at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Prices are as low as $54.00 per person for a great night in Glenwood. Take a look at www.sunlightmtn.com or call 1 888-445-3696 or 1 800 445 7931 for reservations.

Telluride

I have gotten so many e-mails asking about deals for Telluride. Well, after some long searching I found them... here ya go, and let me tell ya, its good! Buy a transferable 5 pack, meaning you or anyone else can use them, and it'll only cost ya $275! That's only $55 a day! Rock on! http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/54/c/3123

Kids Season Pass for all season long with absolutely no black out dates is only $69! http://www.skicoupons.com/coupon.cfm/r/9/g/54/c/3123

Winter Park

You can't go wrong with Winter Park Resort's Lodging and Lifts Free 4 All- Buy three nights of lodging and three days of lift tickets and receive a fourth night and fourth lift ticket, free! This $332 package is per person, based on four people in a two bedroom condo. Even better news is that this package is offered all season long (Nov. 17, 2004-April 17, 2005)! To book this packages or to create an individualized itinerary, call Winter Park Central Reservations at 800-729-5813 for complete trip organization and the answers to the dozens of questions that help assure a hassle-free, dream vacation. http://www.winterparkresort.com

Looking for a great way to spend the holidays?!?! Hot Deals! * Delight the family by spending the holidays at Winter Park Resort! For just $54 per person per night, you and your loved ones can spend the holidays in downtown Winter Park, or for just $78 per person per night, slopeside at the resort. Prices based on 4 people in a 1 bedroom condominium. Rates valid Dec 26, 2004 - Jan 2, 2005. The week before Christmas and after New Year's are priced at even better values. For more information and other great lodging deals visit www.skiwinterpark.com or call 800-979-0332.

Rentskis.com

How does saving money on rentals sound? Well www.rentskis.com has a great offer to you, the readers of SOTC! RESERVE SKI/SNOWBOARD RENTALS ONLINE & SAVE! 10% off for any ski or snowboard rental during regular season or 20% off during value season. Visit www.rentskis.com

Wanted: New and Hot Deals! Here at SOTC the search never ends! We stay up night and day looking for the ultimate in deals and steals. So here's the deal, you send it, we post it! Think of it as a karma thing; its always a good thing to help your fellow Sliders!

So marketing managers, resort aficionados, and everyone else, send in Hot Deals and Events, cause we'll gladly post it for you. As the saying goes, if we don't know about it, we can't tell the Sliding Team, so send it already!

Need some extra info for your trip to Colorado? Don't know which resort to go to? Feel free to send in any questions! Rants, raves, suggestions, complaints, and inane comments are all welcome, just email me at: jellis1323 [at] yahoo.com

Thanks for reading, now go rip up that mountain, and until next week, have some fun in the snow!

Johanna
jellis1323 [at] yahoo.com