Hello Sliders,

Spring has sprung for our Southern California resorts - but not for long - another storm is headed our way and should hit this weekend! In the spirit of spring, our resorts are beginning to advertise their season pass deals for next season. And....these are some pretty sweet deals!!! So check out the Mammoth/June and Big Bear Resorts season pass deals. So catch some rays with these deals....

Mammoth - 2003/04 $399 Value Pass!!

For the third straight year, Mammoth is offering a great deal on next year's season pass - $399 for adults, $299 ages 13-18, $199 ages 7-12 & 65 and over. This is a 75% discount from the regular season pass rate!!!!! The catch is they only offer a limited number and they are only available from 4/1/03 to 5/31/03 - not too bad a "catch," huh? The added benefit here is that you can use the pass this season beginning 5/31/03 to season end, in the summer you can ride the gondola and you can ski/ride at June Mountain as well. Mammoth has a 7-9' base and snow is expected this weekend and into next week. The Stay and Ski packages start at $70 per person per day (or $49.50 during value season beginning April 22nd) 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) - call (800)-Mammoth or visit the website. If you only need the lifts, regular adult tickets are $57 midweek and $60 on weekends but multi-day ticket packages will save you some money. Multi-day tickets range in price depending on the number of days and which days you ride - check the website for details. Motel 6 will give you a $15 discount if you call and ask for the "internet rate" - (800) 4motel6. If you have a Tahoe Card you can save $9 on your lift ticket - get the Tahoe Card at www.snowbomb.com. www.mammothmountain.com

June Mountain - Season Pass Deal

The Mammoth Season Pass deal is good for June Mountain so get that pass! June has a 4-6' base and should get freshies this weekend! All day adult tickets are $47, ages 19-23 are $42, teens 13-18 are $37 and children and seniors are $27. That Tahoe Card will save you $9 on your lift ticket here as well - get the Tahoe Card at www.snowbomb.com. Multi-day passes are a good deal - two day adults tickets are $85 and the savings get better with the more days you buy. www.junemountain.com

Big Bear Mountain Resorts - Spring Conditions

Both Bear and Summit have spring conditions with an 18-30" base. Don't forget to get your season pass for next season now and start using it beginning 3/10/03. The Screamin' deal season pass is also good for summer mountain biking!! The pass will only be sold until June 1st. Prices range so visit the website - they start at adult dual mountain anytime for $549 and ages 13-22 for $449. Or the one mountain adult anytime, non-holiday passes are $299 and ages 13-22 are $249. Need a lube before you head out to the mountains? Jiffy Lube will give you a free kids ticket with your lube and the purchase of an adult ticket - visit your nearest Jiffy Lube for details. Reservation are recomended if you plan to ski/ride here as they do limit sales to keep the crowds down for your enjoyment - (909) 866-5841. Regular tickets for adults are $43, ages 13-19 are $35 and 7-12 yr.olds are $14. 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. March 15th will be Summit's final night session. Visit the Active Ride Shop's Sponsorme Amatuer Contest on 3/16/03. www.bigbearmountainresorts.com

Free Tickets for Subscribers!!

Subscribe to any one of the "Sliding on the Cheap" newsletters and get a chance to win free tickets. This weeks winners are:

teolona [at] yahoo.com

colinfis [at] usc.edu

edkim33 [at] yahoo.com

muffett819 [at] aol.com

Winners should email slidecheap [at] aol.com within seven days to claim their prize!!

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! Mammoth and June - snow this weekend and into next week. Other Southern California resorts may get snow on Sunday and next week.

Adventure Ski & Snowboard School - Last Week!!!!

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 - Last Week For Ralph's Deal

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 - visit a Ralph's near you!! Mt. High's $59 Quad ticket saves you 40% on four fully transferable night tickets but starting 3/31/03, these tickets can be used for day skiing/riding - that's a 60% savings on day tickets - this offer is only available at select stores and they are only available until 3/21/03 (see the website for details). They have a 12-24" base and spring conditions. They expect some some snow at the higher elevations on Sunday with lower level snow next week. Regular rates are $43 for 8-hour, $39 for 4-hour and $25 for night skiing/riding. Make a reservation at (888) 754-7878 or preactivate your Express Pass to ensure you can ski/ride. Express Passes are free with your first lift ticket purchase and it will get you $4 off adult tickets and $3 off children's tickets, no ticket lines when preactivated, hands free access and guaranteed reservations - see the website for details. The $29 Mountain Access Card that 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). 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. 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. Visit happy hour at the Bullwheel Bar& Grill for $1.75 domestic drafts and well drinks. On 3/13/03, they'll have the Option Snowboards/Val Surf Demos, on 3/14/03, they have the KCXX live Radio Broadcast at night and on 3/15/03, they have the ROKKA Giant Slalom. www.mthigh.com

Snow Valley - Nice Change of Pace

Snow Valley has a 10-20" base. They expect some snow this weekend into next week. Snow Valley is taking spring break night party reservations for groups of 20 or more so gather up your friends and join the fun - reservations can be made by calling (909) 867-2751. Win free tickets each month and enter for a chance to win a trip to Jamiaca at their website! If you just want to play in the fresh white stuff, visit the Snowplay area - $17 gets you a sled rental ($12 without a sled) and kids 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Reserve your tickets ahead of time to be sure you can ski/ride. Try the 2 for1 on Tuesdays!! Regular rates are $40 adults (13-64), Seniors (65-69) $20, kids (6-12) $13 and free if you're 5 and under of 70+. Valley Values include a $47 package that gets you a midweek learning deal (except holidays) - regular price for the Learn to Ski/Ride packages are $63 - you get lower mountain lift ticket, 1.5 hour lesson and rentals. The Family Pack is a great deal at only $79 good midweek - you get 2 adult and 2 kids tickets but you must order online 48 hours in advance! Don't forget to ride free on your birthday with I.D. Locals ride for $27 on Fridays. They'll have Snowjam on March 2nd with samples, games, music and more!! www.snow-valley.com

XTC Tours

XTC's last Mammoth trip is 4/18-20/03 and you can sign up now! The ride up will feature giveaways and refreshments and the Saturday night dinner will include lasagne, beer and wine! If you reserve your spot by 3/15/03, prices are $293 with 2 lifts or $185 without lifts. After 3/15/03, the prices are $308 with lifts and $200 without. 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.

Sierra Pet Time - Doggie Sitters

Have a doggie that you'd love to take with you but don't know where to leave him when you're on the slopes? Call Sierra Pet Time at (760) 934-0194 or visit their website - only $25/day and they pickup and drop off at your hotel.

Yvette