January 23, 2004 -- With snow piled up to their eyeballs, the North American West is heaven for you slope mavens, especially with this slew of priced-right packages.
From now through January 26, 2004, you can get a good deal from United Vacations at Whistler, Canada's marvelous skiing Valhalla. The four-night package, with roundtrip airfare to Vancouver, three-day lift tickets, and more, starts from $754 out of San Francisco and Los Angeles; $824 from Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta; $844 out of Washington, D.C. and Houston; and $864 from New York or Boston. In addition, customers staying longer will get an offer of five days of skiing for the price of four during this period and again from March 29 through April 25, 2004. Prices do not include airport fees and taxes. Contact United Vacations at 888/328-6877 or online at www.unitedvacations.com.
At Jackson Hole in Wyoming, among many other offers, two stand out: A Family Reunion Package, good from now through April 4, 2004 (with some blackout dates) includes four nights' lodging in a one- or two-bedroom suite, a free in-room movie and movie goody basket, tickets to the Wildlife Museum with Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride, and full-day scenic snow mobile tour. Rates start at $408 per person, based on two adults and two children. Contact Teton Mountain Lodge at 800/801-6615 or www.tetonlodge.com.
In California's rugged Sierra Nevada range lies Mammoth Mountain, on the eastern slopes of the ridge, along scenic highway 395, just 165 miles south of Reno NV. Calling itself the leading four-season mountain resort in the state, Mammoth is owned by a group that also operates June Mountain and other properties nearby. In addition to their regular rates, they have several deals and packages that sound attractive. One is the Stay & Ski Free package, which means you ski free if you pay to stay at the Village at Mammoth, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Properties or Tamarack Lodge & Resort. You get one all-day lift ticket for each person each day of your stay. Package is based on double occupancy and requires a minimum two-night stay. There's also a 50th Anniversary Lift & Lodging Package. If you stay three to seven nights at the same lodgings mentioned above, you get a gift pack per person that includes lift tickets for each night of your stay, and some trinkets (mug, pin, etc.). The January Midweek Madness event takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here, if you phone three days in advance, you can get an adult lift ticket for $45 (regular price $57), and other ski and snowboard packages at a discount.
The complex has recently opened The Family Center, which they say is the first of its kind in the ski resort business, offering a state-of-the-art facility aimed at those with kids aged 4-12. The center has rental equipment for all ages, sports school coordination, storage and direct mountain access via a sky bridge to the Village Gondola. For all these programs, phone 800/MAMMOTH or visit www.mammoth-mtn.com.
We'd also like to remind you about Single Parent Tours and its escorted trip for a snow-shoeing weekend in Estes Park, Colorado (just outside Rocky Mountain National Park) from March 19 through 21, 2004. The land-only package starts at $487 for one adult and one child, and includes two nights' lodging at the Inn of Estes Park, a welcome Mexican dinner and get together on Friday evening, breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings, snow shoeing for all ages in the park, private group lunches both days, a pizza/bowling party, a ghost tour at the Stanley Hotel (inspiration for the movie, The Shining), entrance fee to the park and a signed copy of the Single Parent Travel Handbook. The author, Brenda Elwell, will be leading the group. Contact her for more information or to sign up at www.singleparenttours.com or at 877/GOGO-SPT.
