Happy Holidays Sliders,

The holidays bring us great snow conditions and more resorts open this week!

I hope you get all the gear you want for the holidays 'cause you're going to need it - Mammoth has lots of snow with more expected this week while most of the rest of our Southern California resorts will make snow to augment what they received last week. Want to learn to ski or ride before hitting the slopes? Or, do you need some help getting your ski legs back? Check out "carpet riding" - details below. There are so many deals to take advantage of so get out there and try that new gear......

Mammoth - 8 to 9 Foot Base!!
Mammoth has the best conditions - the entire mountain open, they have an incredible base and Santa is bringing more snow! They have an 8-9' base. Stay and Ski packages are a good deal (limited availability so call for details) - $70 per person per day slope side at Mammoth Mountain Inn or from as low as $105 at Juniper Springs Lodge, Sunstone and Eagle Run. Tamarack Lodge and Resort start 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). Call 800-Mammoth or visit the website. They will have entertainment everyday this week so check out the incredible lineup and locations on their website. Check gear and clothing deals at Canyon Outlet and Wilderness Outfitters. If you don't have New Year's plans, head up for the big party at Canyon Lodge - doors open at 8:30 to 12:30 for only $15 advance tickets get you a live band, "Los Mocosos", dancing, full bar and snacks will be available. Call 800-Mammoth for tickets. Holiday prices in effect - multi-day ticket packages 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 - 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. www.mammothmountain.com

June Mountain - Powder Galore
June has 4-6' of snow with powder conditions! JM2 Unbound project is a must for you boarders - lots ofgreat features! Season passes are now $500. All day adult tickets are $47, ages 19-23 are $42, teens 13-18 are $37 and children and seniors are $27. If Mammoth is crowded, hit June -only 20 minutes north of Mammoth and less people. Call Boulder Lodge for their $52 and up room rates - (800) 4JUNELK www.junemountain.com

Bear Mountain Resorts - Nearly 100% Open
During this holiday period, your ticket will not be interchangable on holiday sell out days at the two resorts and since they limit tickets sale to keep the crowds manageable, call to reserve your tickets - (909) 866-5841. They will offer extended hours at both resorts and night riding at Summit through 1/4/03. Holiday rates are in effect until 1/5/03 - adults $50 and 7-12 yr.olds are $21. Looking for a New Year's Party? Try a 50's theme at Summit or cage dancing at Bear - $25 will getyou champagne, hor d'oeuvres and party favors. Call (909) 866-5766 x241 for tickets. If you can only ski/ride half day, hit the slopes in the morning and turn your ticket in by 1pm -they'll give you a voucher worth $14 to $17 (depends on your original ticket price)to use another day. Ride free on your birthday with I.D. (For lodging discounts, print the coupons at www.bigbearinfo.com) www.bigbearmountainresorts.com

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 expected much of this week in Mammoth but only a chance of snow in the rest of the Southern California resorts around Christmas eve. Conditions will be good for snowmaking. www.weather.com.

Adventure Ski & Snowboard School
Free Ski or Snowboard Lesson! Two people get their first beginner private lesson at the same time (on a revolving carpet) for the price on one. Valid weekdays until 2/15/03 when you mention Sliding on the Cheap when calling for an appointment. You must print and bring this offer when you go!! Call (760) 942-2188 to sign up. Know before you go! They offer a dynamic instruction program ideal for all ages and abilities. With it's warm, dry and wide revolving carpet, the Ski Machine simulates a day of continuous skiing/riding on the mountain without the distractions of cold, crowded slopes, chairlift lines or adverse weather conditions. The revolving carpet is perfect for developing efficient habits and skills and improving your physical strength and conditioning. A full-length mirror at the bottom of the slope lets you see while you learn and monitor your improvement. One lesson can accomplish as much or more than a full day of group lessons on the snow. Considering the cost of snow vacations, a lesson program on the revolving carpet is a wise investment! Adventure Ski and Snowboard School is located at 1105 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA www.adventureski.com

Mountain High - No Holiday Price Increase
Mountain High has 12-36" and expects a chance of snow on Christmas Eve. Rates are - $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. They still offer the 6-pack for $149 ($139 to reactivate an old ticket) - good all season but only offered through 12/31/02. The 3-peat for $99 is the way to go for you first timers. 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!! Check out the USASA Friday Night Bordercross and Atomic Skiercross on 12/27/02. On 12/28/02, they will have the Team RADD Celebrity Snow Jack Festival No Rules and Fender Guitar Contest #1 and a Coors Promo at Bullwheel. Bring I.D. to ride free on your birthday. Police and Fire personnel can get a $7 discount on the 8 hour ticket with Work I.D. and photo I.D. www.mthigh.com.

Ski Sunrise - Open this week
Sunrise wasn't scheduled to open until January 2003 because of a massive renovation but they changed their mind and opened this week. Tickets are $25 midweek and $35 on weekends. They also offer a $75 season pass. This resort is less crowded and smaller than Mt. High (it's right across the road from Mt. High). It's a nice little place with beautiful tree-lined runs and views of the Antelope Valley. They won't have food service this week so pack a lunch if you head up there. www.skisunrise.com

Snow Valley - Open Top to Bottom
Snow Valley has an 18-30" base. Holiday rates are $51 adults, Seniors (65-69) $26, kids (6-12) $18.  Learn to ski/ride packages are $59 - you get lower mountain lift ticket, 1.5 hour lesson and rentals. They also have a Snowplay area for $17 including sled rental or $12 without sled. Kids 5 and under are free with paid adult. Free ticket on your birthday with I.D. www.snow-valley.com

Mt. Baldy - Limited Terrain Open
I was right, the last storms allowed Baldy to open with limited terrain - only the Learn to Ski beginner's area is open. Tickets are $40 adult, $10 for kids 9 and under, $25 for 10-15 yr. olds, students are $30 (non-holiday weekdays) and $20 for 65 yrs. and up. Their $199 season pass is a good deal. 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. XTC Tours also lists trips to other resorts - see the website. www.xtctours.com

Yvette
Southern California Editor SOTC