Hi sliders,

Well love is in the air and we're celebrating President's Day this long weekend.  Soooo, take your Valentine to the slopes - the weather may cooperate with some new snow this week!!   While holiday rates are in effect at most Southern California resorts,  there are some deals to be found.  Jiffy Lube will give you a Big Bear Mountain Resorts childs ticket if you purchase an adult ticket, Ralph's supermarkets are still offering the $33 Mountain High lift ticket deal and Ford Motor Company will give you a voucher for a Mammoth Mountain lift ticket if you spend $50 or more at their service department (and they have batteries for $59).  So read on to find out about this weeks deals......    

Lake Tahoe has been radically lowered!  (prices, not the mountains! :) It doesn't get any lower than this: Stay and Ski from $79* weekdays and $99* weekends. The Stay & Ski Package includes lodging through Lake Tahoe Central Reservations, the lake's largest reservation service offering: hotels, condos, cabins or homes. How about a Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable lift ticket valid at any of the following premier resorts: Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Call 888-434-1262 or surf to www.mytahoevacation.com for information! (Price is per person, per night with a two night minimum, based on double occupancy.  Subject to availability.  Some restrictions apply.)

Mammoth - Terrain Parks Rated #1

According to US magazines and surveys, Mammoth's terrain parks are #1!  Mammoth has a 6-8' foot base and expects snow midweek with clear skies for the weekend!  Ford Motor Company is offering a voucher to anyone spending $50 or more at their service department &  batteries are on sale for $59 so buy a battery (or something else) and ski free!  Holiday rates apply this weekend - $60 adults, $45 ages 13-18,
$30 ages 7-12 & 65-79.  Season pass holders - swipe your pass at selected chairs midweek, non-holidays for a chance to win a Ford Escape XLT with sport Package!!!  Mammoth's Stay and Ski packages are a deal starting at $70 per person per day (or $49.50 during value season beginning April 22nd) slopeside at Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Lodge, Sunstone, Eagle Run and Tamarack Lodge and Resort -  you get 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).
The 3-7 night, midweek packages are the best deal.  Call (800)-Mammoth or visit the website for details.  Non-holiday, multi-day ticket packages range in price depending on the number of days and which days you ride (not applicable this holiday weekend) - check the website for details.   This weekend, visit the President's Fine Arts & Crafts show in town or enjoy Mammoth's Concert Series on Saturday at Little Eagle Lodge featuring Alex de Grassi.  www.mammothmountain.com

June Mountain - Snow is Coming!

June has a 2-4' base and snow is on the way - Tuesday night through Friday - and a sunny weekend is forecasted.  No holiday price increase - all day adult tickets are $47, ages 19-23 are $42, teens 13-18 are $37 and children and seniors are $27.  Multi-day passes are the best deal -  two day adults tickets are $85 and the savings get better with the more
days you buy.   If Mammoth is crowded this weekend, head 20 minutes north to this peaceful resort that is loaded with boarder features.  Season passes are $500.  Call Boulder Lodge for their $52 and up room rates - (800) 4JUNELK  www.junemountain.com

Big Bear Mountain Resorts - Jiffy Lube Ticket Deal

Summit and Bear have 12-24" bases and made snow 169 hours this past week!!  They expect some snow (mostly at the higher elevations) and limited opportunity for snowmaking this week.  Jiffy Lube will give you a free kids ticket if you purchase an adult lift ticket - visit your nearest Jiffy Lube for details.  Reservations are recommended if you plan to ski/ride this holiday weekend  - they limit sales to keep the crowds  down for your enjoyment - (909) 866-5841.  Holiday tickets for adults are $50 and kids are $30.  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)  Law Enforcement, EMS and Firefighters can get a discounted ticket on 2/12 & 2/13 - bring your  badge to the ticket window - and if you want to compete in the Snow Summit  1st Annual CPO Foundation GS race, register at the Bear Bottom Lodge
 from 8:30 - 10:30am.  On 2/16, visit the Roxy Winter Classic SnowboarderX
for women - you could win prizes and participants get goodie bags!!  On Valentine's Day, KROQ will host a Singles Party and you can listen to live Raggae music on Saturday and Sunday at Bear Mountain's Trapper Bar from 4-8pm.  www.bigbearmountainresorts.com

Weather.com Link

All 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!   Snow expected this week at Mammoth and June with snow at higher elevations for the balance of the Southern California resorts.  Since this is a warmer storm, there will be limited ability for snowmaking this week.  Clear skies expected this weekend.  www.weather.com

Adventure Ski & Snowboard School - Offer Extended!!!

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 3/15/03 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 made lots of snow this past week and they have a 12-24" base  - high elevation snow expected this week.  The East resort will remain closed
 until storms deliver enough snow but West is open.  Regular rates apply this
holiday weekend - $43 for 8-hour, $39 for 4-hour and $25 for night skiing/riding.   Make a reservation at  (888) 754-7878.  Ralph's Supermarkets offer a $33 ticket with the Ralph's Club card (beginners can change this to  a beginner package  ticket for $12 at the resort) - good through March 18th at a Ralph's near you. 
A $29 Mountain Access Card will get you $10 off 8-hour tickets, $5 off night  tickets, a free 8-hour ticket after every 5 visits, hands free lift access,
guaranteed admittance during sellouts, 10% off non-sale retail items and lessons - a good deal if you plan to ski/ride here alot (credit card required).   Or, the $59 Quad ticket (a 40% savings!!) will get you four fully transferable  night & late season tickets - this offer is only available at selected stores
 (see the website for details).  Beginners can try the 3-peat for $99 - you get 3 complete lessons, rentals and lower mountain lift packages with lesson levels progressively increased, plus a free 8-hour lift ticket and a membership to the Mountain Access Club.  Skip the lines with the $59 Swatch watch that can be programmed with your prepaid lift program allowing you to go straight to the lifts. Season passes are $499 for adults and $199 for kids!  Visit their website and signup to  win tickets and other great stuff!!  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 - except this holiday weekend.  On Valentine's Day, X103.9 FM Night Party will go from 7-9pm.  Visit the Coors Promo at Bullwheel on theSaturday and get Power Bars on Sat. and Sun.   www.mthigh.com

Ski Sunrise - Closed for Now

Still no snow so they are closed until more storms hit. Sunrise 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) but its a great place to beat the crowds and/or to learn  to ski/ride. Sunrise has beautiful tree-lined runs and views of the Antelope Valley. www.skisunrise.com

Snow Valley - Made Snow this Past Week!

Snow Valley has an 8-15" base and they are hoping for some freshies this week.  For skiing and riding, reserve your tickets ahead of time.   Try the Two-for-one on Tuesdays!  Holiday rates are $51 adults (13-64), Seniors (65-69) $26, kids (6-12) $18 and free if you're 5 and under or 70 and over.  Their $47 Valley Value package gets you a midweek learning deal (except holidays - regular price for the Learn to ski/ride packages are $63 so this is a sweet deal) you get a lower mountain lift ticket, 1.5 hour lesson and rentals. The midweek $79 Family Pack gets you 2 adult and 2 kids tickets but you must order online 48 hours in advance!  Enter to win a trip to Jamaica  at their website!  Don't forget to ride free on your birthday with I.D. and locals
ride for $27 on Fridays.  The Snowplay area is $17 including the sled rental or $12 without a sled and kids 5 and under are free with a paying adult.   www.snow-valley.com

Mt. Baldy - May Reopen this Week!!

Baldy was making snow this past week and may reopen for skiing/riding this week if snow arrives as predicted.  Until then, they're offering scenic  rides on chair 1 - tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids - see great views of L.A.and the ocean on clear days!  You can hike or lunch on the mountain, too!  Regular lift 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.  
The best deal is the $99 Club Card - you ski/ride for only $10 per day and friends and family can ski half price, you can get 1/2 off the Learn to Ski or Board  packages, 1/2 off lessons - see the website for details!  Try the Learn to Ski for $45 adult and $30 kids - comes with lift, lesson and  rentals.  Or, try the Learn to Snowboard package - $55 adults and $35 for kids
and it includes lift, lesson and rentals. www.mtbaldy.com

XTC Tours

XTC 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