WELCOME BACK SLIDERS,

It's that time of year - the turkey is gone and old man winter is on the way. You know what that means? It's time to wax up those skis/boards and hit the high country for some snow sports. Mammoth opened in early November with a killer dump and some of our pals further south opened after making snow for the Thanksgiving weekend. I've been busy identifying the early season deals and found several for you (don't forget holiday gift giving ideas!) so check these out and get up there....

Mammoth - Lots of Terrain Open
Mammoth's season started off with a big storm that even forced a one day closure on opening weekend! I was up over that weekend and experienced some of the best opening conditions I've ever seen. It was so good that they were even able to open the upper mountain their second week in operation!! It could be true that it's going to be an El Nino year. Stay and Ski Free packages are available starting at $70 - some restrictions apply - call (800) Mammoth for details. Multi-day ticket packages have been changed this year and range in price depending on the number of days and which days you ride - packages over weekends and holidays are most expensive but midweek days can save you some money. For instance, a 2 day pass for a holiday weekend runs $120 but 2 days midweek is only $103. Regular adult weekend lifts are $60 and midweeks are $57. There are many variables on ticketing so check their regularly updated website for the latest. While you're there, sign up for snow condition emails. www.mammothmountain.com.

June Mountain - Boarders Paradise
June is pumping big bucks into their JM2 Unbound project. Their big break is the $250 season pass for any age. It's only available until December 15th - after that it goes up to $500. June is only 20 minutes north of Mammoth, it has a more intimate feel and is usually less crowded than big sister Mammoth. Call Boulder Lodge for their $52 and up room rates - (800) 4JUNELK www.junemountain.com

Bear Mountain Resorts - 2 Resorts in 1
Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have joined forces and you're the beneficiary -- one pass gets you both mountains! They are open with limited terrain and early season prices - $33 for adults, ages 13-19 are $28 and kids 7-12 are only $10!! Check their website for season pass info. - some passes are already sold out but deals are still available. www.bigbearmountainresorts.com

Free Tickets for Subscribers!
Subscribe to any one of the Sliding on the Cheap newsletters and get a chance to win. This week's winners are:

novmac [at] mail.com Volcom86j [at] hotmail.com

Winners - Email slidecheap [at] aol.com to collect your Mammoth Ticket!

Weather.com Link
All the Sliding on the Cheap regional newsletters can be accessed through our link at Weather.com. Plus you can get up to date weather conditions and forecasts for all ski resorts plus so much more - check it out! Snow chance this weekend!! www.weather.com.

Mountain High - So Many Ticket Deals
Mountain High is making snow and is open for early season riding. Again this year, they offer the Quad Discount - $59 for night & late season riding and you get four fully transferable night passes - this offer is only available at select stores and not at the resort so see the website for details. They still have the 6-pack for $149 and the 3-peat for $99. Or, try the $59 Swatch watch that can be programmed with your prepaid lift program allowing you to go straight to the lifts. Season passes are only $299 for adults and $99 for kids - a lot less than last year!! www.mthigh.com.

Ski Sunrise - Remodeling
Sunrise won't open until January 2003 because of a massive renovation. However, they offer a $75 season pass. If you hate crowds and don't mind a smaller resort, this is a nice little place and it's just across the way from Mountain High. They have beautiful tree-lined runs and views of the Antelope Valley. www.skisunrise.com

Mt. Baldy - Challenging Terrain
Baldy is not yet open but they are offering a $199 season pass. www.mtbaldy.com

Yvette
Southern California Editor SOTC