SKI Deals 2002: Far West

ALPINE MEADOWS, CALIF.,

continues to offer its popular Bed & Boards package. The standard package starts at $59 a night, and includes either a lift ticket or a beginner package, which gets you a lesson, a beginner lift ticket and equipment rental. It’s valid seven days a week before Dec. 18 and after April 3. From Jan. 3-April 2, the package is good Sunday-Thursday. The Lift & Lodging package is a similar deal, but starts at $79 per night and is available weekends and holidays Dec 18-April 2. Call 800-441-4423, or visit www.skialpine.com.

BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF., repeats its value-charged midweek Learn to Ski or Snowboard Free Package, December 10-14. The package includes an all-day beginner lift ticket to Snow Summit or Big Bear Mountain, a four-hour lesson and free gear rentals for guests registered at participating accommodations. Valued at $60. A one-night stay is required. Call 800-424-4232, or visit www.bigbearinfo.com.

MISSION RIDGE, WASH., starts its Stay-and-Play packages at $80 for one night’s lodging with two adult lift tickets, which are also valid at Stevens Pass, 57 miles to the northwest. Dates vary according to each participating property. Call the Wenatchee Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-572-7753, or visit www.missionridge.com or www.stevenspass.com.

MT. ROSE, NEV., runs a stream of specials, including $20 Bonus Mondays (present previous Saturday or Sunday lift ticket to purchase), Two-Fer Tuesdays and $90 Runs ‘N Roses (two adults and two kids). Call 775-849-0704, or visit www.skirose.com.

MOUNTAIN HIGH, CALIF., offers the $139 6-Pack, which includes six eight-hour, fully transferable lift tickets-knocking the price down to $23 apiece. Tickets are valid all season, except holidays, and are on sale from Oct. 1-Dec. 31 at 225 sports shops throughout Southern California, and on Mountain High’s website at www.mthigh.com.

The area also has a $99 3-Peat, which buys beginners three two-hour lessons, lower-mountain lift tickets and equipment rentals. When the lessons are completed, participants are given a free eight-hour all-mountain lift ticket. Call 760-249-5808, or visit www.mthigh.com.

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE, CALIF., offers Stay and Ski/Snowboard Free packages during value season periods and Sundays-Thursdays during peak nonholiday periods. The packages, which include two nights’ lodging and up to two free lift tickets per day per bedroom, start at $91. Call 800-466-6784, or visit www.skinorthstar.com.

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE, CALIF., has teamed with Embassy Suites to bring you a $119 vacation package this winter. It includes a night’s stay, a day’s lift ticket and breakfast.

No matter where you stay, if you’re an intermediate or advanced skier, you can receive a free 1 1/2-hour lesson daily. Meet at the top of the Grandview chair at 11:30 a.m. Call 800-362-2779, or visit www.sierratahoe.com.

SQUAW VALLEY USA, CALIF., offers the Ski Daze package, which includes a night’s lodging, a lift ticket, a gourmet breakfast and more. The midweek package is valid Sundays-Thursdays for $185, opening day-December 20, and April 15-closing day. A $225 weekend rate is available Dec. 20-April 14. Call 800-401-9501, or visit www.squawcreek.com. TAOS, N.M.’S Pillow & Powder Sale lets you on the Taos slopes for up to 40 percent off the regular season package price. The lift-and-lodging packages are offered by more than 30 Taos properties through Dec. 14, the month of January and the last two weeks of the ski season. For more information, call 800-776-1111, or visit www.skitaos.org.