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Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Sliding on the Cheap! 20"+ New Snow, Resort Updates, Holiday Values, Weekend Weather, Swag, More!

Hello Holiday Sliders!

Yes, we heard that rumor too...the Grinch was planning to drop a
cloud-full of rain after Christmas... Not to worry, dear sliders.
Cold air dropped down and it snowed heavily last night and continues
snowing outside the (secret) mountain hideout of SOTC. Up to 20"
of new snow reported this morning and it's likely that at 7,000
feet, another 10 inches will be on the slopes before morning. The
skiing and riding is fantastic, but make sure to get to your favorite
resort early (it's Christmas holiday, after all) to get the best
groom and avoid parking and lodge congestion.

Mike Pechner, SOTC and KCBS meteorologist says to expect excellent
weather through New Year's with clear skies and cold temperatures
keeping the snow in good shape. Scan the newsletter, pick out a
few choice holiday deals and head on up to Tahoe or Bear Valley!

Ever want a live look-see at I-80 while planning your trip? Surf
to http://magnifeye.com/ and catch a live video feed of westbound
I-80 at Kingvale, as well as other Cal Trans cams. You can also
check road conditions at 1 800 427-7623. Carry chains, dear
sliders--you won't get over the pass without them today.

*Buy It Cheap!
Sports Basement, with three locations offers 10% off all purchases
(in store) to SOTC readers! Just say you want the "Sliding on the
Cheap" discount at checkout. Where are the stores? Presidio,
Sunnyvale and San Francisco! http://www.sportsbasement.com

*Slidingonthecheapgear.com!
Closeout gear courtesy of backcountry.com Skis, boards, boots,
clothing, racks...you name it! Limited sizing, but fantastic prices
if you find what you need.

*Verticals!
Purchase Vertical Sunglasses at our Ebay Store! Polarized, Soft
Frames, Iridium Lens, Goggles, Superlight Zero Gravity half frames
and Speed Freeks! http://stores.ebay.com/slidingonthecheap

*Quickie Holiday Suggestions For Our Readers!

Sierra-at-Tahoe
3-Paks are back! You get three lift tickets to Sierra, valid any
day and you don't have to use them consecutive days. $129.00 which
means you're sliding for just $43.00 a day. Valid Holidays! Another
great quickie choice for short commute from Sacramento or San
Francisco. Big resort with smallish family feel.
http://www.sierraattahoe.com/

*Lift Ticket for $25.00?
Yes! Try night skiing or riding at Boreal! 3:30pm-9:00pm. Just
$25.00 over the holiday. While everyone else is jammmed packed in
a local eatery, you're getting great groomed slopes without the
mayhem. We love it, so will you! http://www.rideboreal.com/

*Northstar-at-Tahoe Holiday Saver!
Purchase them at participating Northern California/Nevada Safeway
Stores, find them near the gift cards. Ski or ride two out of three
days for $109.00. Save $29.00 over the walkup lift ticket price.
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/

*Online Purchase? Yes!
Kirkwood offers last year's price on tickets if they're purchased
online. Check your favorite resort to see if they have special
deals for online purchase.

*Stay in Reno (cheap)
Plenty of lodging and great Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe Ski & Stay packages.
You won't find cheaper lodging anywhere this holiday.
http://www.skirose.com/

Sure, the Casinos offer great food. But if you're enjoying the
southshore over the holiday and want to get the local's insider
view, check the list below. Thanks to Tracy Owen-Chapman for the
insider tips!

*Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe on Lake Tahoe Boulevard - -
Quesidillas, salads, veggie crunch sandwiches and burritos at Sprouts
Natural Foods Cafe on Lake Tahoe Boulevard - - open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Locals rave about the fresh fruit smoothies.
530-541-6969

*Freshies
Fish Tacos at Freshies on Lake Tahoe Boulevard - - known around
town for having the best fish tacos north of San Diego. Also famous
for their vegetarian and vegan dishes. 530-542-3630

*Off The Hook
Off The Hook is South Shore's newest sushi restaurant. Featuring
over 70 rolls, Off The Hook blends Asian Fusion with a twist of
California using non-traditional ingredients including garlic,
basil, cilantro, and macadamia nuts. Located on Lake Tahoe Boulevard
halfway between Stateline and the 'Y', Off the Hook offers sushi
lovers moderate prices and a zen atmosphere. 530-544-5599
(4:30pm - 6pm Monday thru Friday is a killer happy hour.)

*The Red Hut Cafe
A Tahoe breakfast and lunch institution since 1959. 530-541-9029;
775-588-7488

*Sandwiches rule at The Divided Sky
Sits on highway 50 in Meyers, 1/4 mile past Hwy 89 intersection
before leaving the Tahoe Basin 530-577-0775

*Alpen Sierra! (We agree...Tahoe's best Joe!)
Alpen Sierra Coffee Shop is located on Lake Tahoe Boulevard adjacent
to the newly renovated Town Center and serves up freshly made coffee
drinks, pastries and sandwiches. Alpen Sierra's roasting house
is certified organic and they now sell green beans for home brewing.
(530) 544-7740

*What is Sliding on the Cheap?
The Sliding on the Cheap newsletter is free and is delivered once
a week during the season and twice monthly during the fall! What
will you find? A complete INSIDER guide to skiing and riding Lake
Tahoe's world-class resorts.

Yeah. Sure. We got cheap tickets, hotel, lodging, food ... but
we've also got the best up to date scoop on Tahoe happenings--anywhere
on the planet. To sign-up (or drop) go to
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com/. Yes, and we give away FREE lift
passes, (and swag) to SOTC readers selected at random from our list
each and every week!

Yes! We cover the entire planet! (Well, not really--let's just
say 99% of where you'd want to ski or ride.) Sign-up for our
newsletters covering: Lake Tahoe/Northern California/Nevada, Southern
California, The Northwest Colorado, Utah, New England. Go to
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com to sign up for any one of our
cherished FREE email blasts...

*Mike Pechner's Snowcast

Snow showers today, another 2-6+" inches on top of the 16"-20" that
fell last night. Clear and cold tonight, Sunny, clear and cold
through New Year's Eve. Weak system possible New Years, should be
nothing to worry about regarding mountain commute.

*Free Swag For Our Readers!
Do you see your email address below? If so, send a note to
kwtinto@aol.com to claim your (awesome) prize! Note: You MUST be
receiving our newsletter to win swag!

Won a FREE PAIR of our (super cool) Vertical Soft Frames!

jane.bond-webster@********.com
amanda_pain@***.**.gov
kailyn@*********.net
tce061857@***.com

Great styling and lens for a fraction of the regular price. Lose
them in the snow? You're out $15 not $150! And we have them at:
http://stores.ebay.com/slidingonthecheap

Won a Ticket to Northstar-at-Tahoe/Sierra-at-Tahoe!

luvtheshmoo@***.com
stafing123@*****.com
sosnow@******.net
drjross@*******.edu

http://doublewhammypass.com/info/lp.asp?WT.mc_id=ptr_SOTC

Won Two Tickets To Boreal!

ratgirl66@*****.com
almondnutjoy@*****.com
rita252525-safe@*****.com
viven_gee@*****.com

http://www.rideboreal.com - Terrain Park Heaven, top of summit,
Interstate 80!

*Let's go Sliding on the Cheap!

*Sierra-at-Tahoe
15" of new snow overnight. Sierra has 33 open trails, 28 are
groomed! 7 of 12 lifts operating. Surface conditions you ask?
Open powder and machine groomed powder.

If you're planning a quickie ski or snowboarding day during the
holiday, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers a short commute from both Sacramento
and San Francisco Bay Area.

SOUTH SHORE COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE
Running daily, staring at 8 a.m., the South Shore Complimentary
Shuttle services more than 40 gaming and lodging properties in South
Lake Tahoe, providing South Lake Tahoe lodging guests with an easy,
convenient way to get to Sierra Resort without having to drive.
For more information or shuttle schedules, visit Sierraattahoe.com
or call 530.541.7548 (SKI TAHOE).

Sierra-at-Tahoe--$199 season pass still in the house! Sierra-at-Tahoe
$199 Sierra Season Pass still available! Better yet, turn in your
all-day lift ticket, (end of day, of course) and get FULL CREDIT
toward a $199 Sierra season pass...and that's not all!
http://www.sierraattahoe.com/

*Northstar-at-Tahoe
12 of 16 lifts open today and 35 trails, Including the new Tahoe
Zephyr Express Sixpack, replacing the old Pioneer chair. Use the
Zephyr for quick access to the backside, with a newly cut backside
run (Drifter). Groomer's Run of the Day is Burnout on the backside.

Complimentary Fire & Ice New Year's Eve Party! Located in the
Village Center Plaza. Fireworks, live music, entertainment. Open
to all ages! For adults: New Year's Day: Gourmet Bloody Mary's at
the Big Springs Lodge.

Slider's Tip: If you're planning to have lunch at the resort, choose
Summit Deck and Grille at the top of Mt. Pluto. Short lines and
plenty of place to sit.

Shop Tickets are back January 2nd-13th. That's right. Pick up a
voucher at participating ski and snowboard shops. Ski or ride for
just $44.00. See the website for list of participating shops.
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/

*Sugar Bowl
Near 100% operation and coverage is excellent. 18" to 24" last
night, still snowing (heavily) as we type.

Matchstick Productions newest (Movie) product "PUSH." Introduction
by Darren Rahlves. Friday Night, 6:30pm at the Village Hall.
Fireworks on New Year's Eve, on Mt. Disney.

Join the Core Mountain Club and save $10.00 a day on your holiday
lift ticket! Save gas money and time. Sugar Bowl is the closest
resort to the Bay Area and Sacramento, avoid all that nasty Lake
Tahoe traffic.

If you're planning a quickie ski or snowboard trip to the high
sierra, plan on Sugar Bowl as your fastest into and out of Tahoe
ski experience Combine that with a high base elevation, you'll have
a great ski or snowboard day.

*Squaw Valley USA
14" to 20+" of new snow with a base of 54-82". Lots of new snow,
especially at the top of the mountain. With clearing skies in the
forecast and light winds, the upper mountain should be in near full
operation tomorrow with plenty of open powder and machine groomed
slopes available. Night Skiing/Riding and High Camp are scheduled
for tonight until 9pm. The Olympic Ice Pavilion at High Camp is
scheduled from 11am-9pm.

Slider's Tips for Squaw:
Get to the mountain early, catch the first tram to High Camp and
get a hour on the upper mountain, almost by yourself.

Frequent Skier Card a must for Squaw Valley skiers and riders.
Children 12 and under ski for just $5.00.

Multi-day ticket a huge saver! Ski/ride Squaw over the holiday!
Save up to $106.

Visit High Camp with the family over the holidays and enjoy Ice
Skating and Dinner! After 4:00 PM, Evening Value Price: $15.00,
adult, includes cable car, ice skating and rental. Kids 12 and
under, just $12.00.

Twilight Dinner Package at High Camp! $35 includes: Cable Car Ride
and three course dinner at Alexander's Cafe. Info at http://www.squaw.com

*Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows has received 10 inches of new snow at the base lodge
and 14" at mid mountain snow stake last night. We expect to see
another 6-10" today. Add that to the 20" that dropped last week,
and you'll find Alpine in great condition for the balance of the
holiday week, and into the New Year's holiday.

Locals recommend: Red Green Trail, North-facing side. Great early
morning run due to it's north-facing location. Access off the
Roundhouse chair. (Take a left)

Alpine Meadows at $55 is great value over the holiday!

Slider's holiday tip: When you drive into Alpine, make the first
left turn once reaching the parking lot, then make a quick right.
Park as close to the Tahoe Adaptive Ski School lodge as you can.
Purchase your ticket here--there's generally no line! Ride the
Subway beginner chair and access the mountain from there. They
have a snack bar and if you purchased your lunch at Safeway, you
can almost slide right up to your car for a quickie lunch without
the crowds.

Free Shuttle! Get to and from Alpine Meadows via a free shuttle
from many locations around the Lake. http://www.skialpine.com

*Boreal
Boreal Mountain Resort reports 12 inches of new snow at its base
lodge and 16 inches of new snow at its summit. Still snowing as
we type, which means fresh powder for all skiers and riders this
afternoon and tonight for night skiing.

Slider's Tip: One of the best resorts to learn snowboarding and/or
improve your skills. For the holiday, a high base elevation means
some of the best snowbase in Tahoe and you'll avoid the traffic
woes of Truckee, Tahoe City and the highways around the lake.

Bargain holiday lift ticket price of $44.00! (December 23rd-December
31st). Open for night skiing/riding from 3:30pm-9:00pm seven days
a week. $25.00 for night skiing! Boreal is known for hosting one
of the most innovative terrain park programs in the High Sierra.
http://www.rideboreal.com

*Soda Springs
Will have Planet Kids open daily through the holiday. Designed for
children 10 and under. Includes: Magic carpet, tubing, sledding
and miniature snowmobiles! http://www.skisodasprings.com
Adults Lift Tickets: $25.00.

*Bear Valley
10"-12" of new snow at Bear Valley. Expect to find the new Polar
Express High Speed Quad open. Bear says they've got 80% of terrain
open for the holiday weekend.

Need a discount for the New Year holiday weekend? Purchase a
discounted Bear Valley lift ticket from participating Bay Area ski
shops. Check http://www.bearvalley.com for listings. Save up to
$9.00 These are direct to lift tickets, which means you skip the
lift ticket window! http://www.bearvalley.com

*Diamond Peak
Crystal Express, Lakevew Quad, Lodge Pole and School House lifts
open. Diamond Peak got 10" of new snow at the top of the mountain.
Before leaving Home! Purchase the Costco 2-Pack $63.99 for two
tickets. Valid during Christmas holiday!

Slider's Tip for Diamond Peak:
If you live or are staying at Incline Village, you can take a free
shuttle to and from Diamond Peak all day long. Save yourself a
long walk from the parking lot over the holiday! Check
http://www.diamondpeak.com/ for details. (Got teenagers? Tired
if driving them too and from the resort? Have them take the free
shuttle!)

Great for Kids and Parents! Child Ski Center, All-Day Value Package
Children, 4-7 10am-4pm. Drop off the kids and enjoy the slopes!
Includes: All-day group lesson, lunch, pre and post child accommodation.
Frequent Private Lesson Program. Take five lessons and you get the
sixth lesson free. Can use over multiple visits!

Purchase a Mini Pass, valid for 2,3,5 or 7 days. You can ski/ride
for as low as $30.14 a day using the Mini Pass. The Mini Pass is
valid daily, including holidays and is transferable.

Learn to Ski/Ride Cheap! Take advantage of Diamond Peak's Family
and Friends semi-private lesson program, 2-5 people, similar ability
you can learn for as little as $20.00 per person.
http://www.diamondpeak.com

*Heavenly
Skiheavenly.com just kicked off it's new state-of-the-art website!

8"-14+" inches of snow fell overnight and the winds have dropped
off. Our local insiders tell us that Heavenly has done a pretty
awesome grooming job, especially on the long Nevada-side cruisers.
Plenty of snow at Heavenly and enough runs open that you won't feel
crowded.

Slider's Tip: Park on the Nevada side of the mountain, lockers at
the top of the gondola are well positioned to access your lunch,
extra clothes, jacket etc.

Pipes and parks are operating and in great shape. Want a look-see?
http://www.skiheavenly.com/mountain/parks_pipes/gallery/

http://www.skiheavenly.com/tickets_rentals/albertsons/lift_tickets.php
Save up to $15 on Heavenly Adult Lift Tickets*. Also, save $20 on
Ski or Snowboard Lessons. Child ($125) and Adults ($95). *single
day only, based on holiday pricing

*Homewood
Buy consecutive day tickets at a discount! http://www.skihomewood.com

*Kirkwood
Over a foot of snow fell overnight at the base of the mountain and
near two feet on top. The backside, Chair 3 and 4, will remain
closed today so there will be plenty of fresh tracks for Sliders
making their way up tomorrow.

Great Kirkwood value! Want to get last year's lift ticket price
today and valid holidays too? Purchase online at Kirkwood.com.
Adventure Pass for $249.00. This gives you Season Pass, Unlimited
lessons and Rentals! Need More? Call the toll free snow phone at
877 KIRKWOOD. 1 800 967-7500. http://www.kirkwood.com

*Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe
12" 16" of new snow at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe. Just opened Northwest,
Waterfall and Greg's Gamble! Locals recommend Kit Carson Bowl for
great blue groomer. Rameys also open for more advanced...

Elvis Day Coming January 6th. Dress up like Elvis, you get a free
ticket! More information at the website. http://www.skirose.com/

The Weekend Extender is valid during the holiday. Purchase three
consecutive lift tickets for the discount rate of $99.00 using the
Weekend extender. Valid for purchase on Friday and Saturdays.
Learn-to-ski/ride for just $49.00. Are you planning a holiday
ski/snowboard vacation? Reno offers ski and stay from as low as
$59.00. A great way to enjoy a holiday ski vacation at affordable
rates. http://www.renolaketahoe.com/ and http://www.skirose.com/

Clear weather on the way, sliders. Forget cleaning out that garage
over New Year's--drop what you're doing and head up to Lake Tahoe!

Kevin Tinto + Crew
Editor-in-Chief
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