Hi Snow Seekers,

It looks like our resorts can make more snow this week and some natural white stuff is on the way in time for weekend skiing/boarding. The holidays are upon us and if you're getting stressed, it's time to slide - therapy, right? Get out to your favorite mountain to relax and/or pickup some lift tickets as gifts. Check these deals.......

Mammoth - Stay and Ski Free
Experience Mammoth's epic terrain from only $70 per person per day slopeside at Mammoth Mountain Inn or from as low as $105 at Juniper Springs Lodge, Sunstone and Eagle Run. How about a charming wooded alpine cabin? Try Tamarack Lodge and Resort from only $75. Your stay includes a lift ticket for each person, each day - two nights minimum stay and minimum two per room (extra guests can be added at a discounted price). This offer is valid through December 19, 2002 and midweek from January 5, 2003 to January 30, 2003 then again from April 22, 2003 to season end. Call 800-Mammoth or visit the website. Mammoth has 2-4 feet and more snow is on the way. They have runs open from top to bottom! 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. Check out Vans Unbound Freestyle Series - Halfpipe on Sunday. www.mammothmountain.com.

June Mountain - Opening this Weekend
June is opening this weekend and you boarders should check the JM2 Unbound project - lots of exciting stuff! The $250 season pass for any age is only available until December 15th - after that it goes up to $500. All day adult tickets are $47, ages 19-23 are $42, teens 13-18 are $37 and children and seniors are $27. June is only 20 minutes north of Mammoth but with less crowded slopes, it feels like a whole new world. 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 one pass gets you both mountains! They are open with 12-18" and they are still making snow. They have some top to bottom runs open now. Ticket prices - $43 for adults, ages 13-19 are $35 and kids 7-12 are only $14!! 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:

 derekraycraft [at] aol.com
 mfrenchie3 [at] juno.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. You can get up-to-date weather conditions and forecasts for all ski resorts plus so much more - check it out! Snow is on the way. www.weather.com.

Mountain High - Cheap Early Season Rates
Mountain High is making snow and expects some natural snow this week. They offer early season rates - $35 for 8-hour, $30 for 4-hour and $25 for night skiing/riding. 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. Again this year, they offer the 6-pack for $149 and the 3-peat for $99. If you hate lines, get 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!! This Friday X103.9 broadcasts live from 7-10pm. 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

XTC Tours

This Company offers tour packages to Bear and Mammoth and if you get a group of 15 or more on one of their tours, you ski/ride free!! Mammoth trips include roundtrip bus, condos with spa, saunas, fireplaces, lift tickets, deli meal en route, transfers to the mountain each day and a guide - all for $293 and up. The Bear day trips include bus ride, lift ticket, and a beverage and movie on the way home. Trips leave from San Diego, Orange and L.A. www.xtctours.com

Yvette
Southern California Editor SOTC