It is getting to be that time of year when many finally get serious about going skiing or snowboarding. It's true. There are a lot of people who don't necessarily like the "cold" associated with the best of winter sports so they wait until winter is over before venturing out on the slopes.
Warmer, sunnier weather isn't the only attraction either. There are bargains to be had toward the end of the season, on-and-off the mountain. Ski equipment goes on sale and so do lift tickets. Here are a couple of examples.
At Big Bear, which is enjoying one of its best "snow" seasons in recent memory, the sales start the weekend of March 20th. Lift and lodging packages drop 25% on weekends. Those same lower prices are already available during the week. And, says Big Bear Lake Resort Association CEO Ken Brengle, "That includes Easter Weekend." Bear Mountain and Snow Summit plan on continuing operations well into April.
Of course, April is almost "mid-season" up at Mammoth Mountain. They've got so much snow they've already announced plans to stay open through Memmorial Day - maybe longer. If the interest is there and the crowds continue to make the trip, they could stay open into summer (a couple of times they've made it to July 4th).
Not only will "mammoth" discounts soon be available but for the first time in a long time the resort is making season passes available to the general public. Their MVP passes are usually limited to their "hot list", the customers who buy them every year. The $576 price tag may seem steep but you only need to use it for a week for it to pay for itself.
