Ski At A Discount Program Good At 110 Ski Areas

The U.S. Recreational Ski Association offers a great discount program for its members at 110 ski areas in the United States and Canada.

Members receive discounts on lift tickets, equipment rentals and selected lodgings, and one National Lift Ticket good for a free day of skiing at any of the 45-plus participating ski areas, 10 of which are within a day’s drive of Spokane.

Members receive an ID card and a brochure listing all participating ski areas and lodgings, and the ski-free days. For example, a member could ski free at any of the Snoqualmie Pass areas on Dec. 9 and 10 and March 30 and 31 or at Lookout Pass on March 24. A member could purchase a $34 lift ticket at Schweitzer Mountain on Dec. 9 and ski free on Dec. 10.

For an avid skier or snowboarder, the membership benefits are a big savings. An individual membership is $49 and family memberships range from $83 to $123, depending on number of members. For additional information, contact USRSA Member Services at (714) 634-1050 or (800) 31-USRSA.

Skiing America ‘96 is an updated and expanded guidebook to more than 100 ski resorts in the United States and Canada. Schweitzer and Silver Mountain in Idaho are covered in a chapter.

The guidebook also describes easily accessible cross-country trails surrounding the resorts, as well as special snowboarding facilities, parks, halfpipes and activities at each major resort. The book helps skiers to choose the perfect ski resort that fits their vacation needs.

The author, Charles Leocha, believes that deciding where to spend a ski vacation is more than a basic question of room cost, number of lifts and vertical rise. Each resort has its own unique personality, and the resorts need more of a description than simply prices and statistics. Some resorts are perfect for families with children, others cater to singles. Some feature tiny inns and hotels, others are filled with condos. Some are quiet and romantic hideaways, while others are filled with partiers.

Most of these nuances won’t be found in the typical ski brochure, so the author has taken the guesswork out of the equation for you. The guidebook is available in most major bookstores or can be ordered by credit card by calling (800) 444-2524. Ask for “Skiing America ‘96” by Charles Leocha. The retail cost of the 496-page book is $18.95.

WomenSki is one of the latest books on the market promoting skiing for women. The author, Claudia Carbone, helps women understand how they can ski better and enjoy skiing as a lifelong activity.

Carbone says women “need to be comfortable skiing their own way, without intimidation.” She reports that the ski industry has begun a quiet revolution to recognize the reality that women don’t, can’t and shouldn’t ski like men.

The book is available in most major bookstores, or it can be ordered with a credit card by calling (800) 444-2524. Ask for “WomenSki: Everything You Need to Know to Really Enjoy Skiing,” by Claudia Carbone. The 308-page books retails for $14.95.

The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering a large selection of outdoor adventure programs for the skier and snowboarder. Courses include adult and youth downhill ski and teen snowboard schools at Silver Mountain, and family and senior criss-country skiing lessons and trips, and more. For details, call (509) 625-6200.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is hosting a SARS Christmas Camp, Dec. 27-31. The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School offers this five-day camp to three age groups. The STARS group is for ages 5- 7 and costs $125. The Mitey Mites group is for ages 7-14 and costs $125. The Juniors group is for ages 13-18 and costs $300. The fees are determined by skiing level and training group assignment.

SARS is a nonprofit group of racers, coaches and parents working together to promote and sponsor a program of instruction, training and racing for skiers from ages 5 to 18. The Youth Ski League Program also will begin on Dec. 27. For more information on any of the SARS programs, call (208) 263- 1081.

Loulou’s at 428 E. Pacific in Spokane offers indoor skiing simulation on its Magic Mountain. If you can walk, you can ski. Here’s just the place to learn without the additional problems of getting cold and wet. Lessons also are available for intermediate and advanced skiers.

The ski shop offers several programs, which include private lessons on its Magic Mountain and trips to local mountains to apply what you’ve learning in the classroom. For details, call (509) 624-2422.

Bed, Breakfast & Bluewood is the named for the combined offerings of Ski Bluewood and the Weinhard Hotel and Blue Mountain Motel in Dayton, Wash. The ski escape packages are priced for two or more skiers, with additional discounts for groups, children, seniors and first-time skiers. The packages include overnight accommodations, continental breakfast and full-day lift ticket. Adult rates range from $37-$55, depending on choice of lodging. For more information and reservations, call (509) 382-4032.

Mark your calendar:

Dec. 1-17: Kids ski free at Brundage Mountain, McCall, ID; (208) 634-4151 or (800) 888-7544.

Dec. 20-23: Snowboard Camp at Big Mountain, Whitefish, MT; (406) 862-2911.

MEMO: Larry Earl’s ski column appears every other week. Send information to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.