Good deals await on the slopes

The X-rays are in and it's two broken ribs after the blindside by the snowboarder at Sierra-at-Tahoe a couple of weeks ago. But at least Doc Yamamoto says I don't have to wear the wraparound bandage unless I want to. He said I'll be able to return to the slopes March 15 and in the meantime I should be happy to hike around Carson City, rain and all.

I'm still weighing skiing without a helmet so I can hear the scraping sound of snowboarders behind me and risk the noggin, or wear the helmet and stick to the less-used trails. Generally, I stick to the sides of the trails,which most people avoid because of fear of hitting the trees, so maybe that will help.

Anyhow, the season continues and my new $60 pant shells have barely tasted the snow; got them at Heavenly marked down from $240. My old shells were at least 20 years old and didn't fit anymore, " kept slipping to my knees. I was hoping to break the new shells in at the Pro Ski Instructors Steeps and Bumps clinic at Squaw Valley Monday but figured I would miss it. I did, and happily the weather was so bad I could never have skied it.

So after a trip back to Ohio for a funeral, I'll be back on the slopes soon.

DIAMOND PEAK DEALS

Diamond Peak is offering 2009/2010 season passes on sale March 16 through Sept. 30. The major advantage of purchasing next year's season pass now is that you get to ski the rest of the '08/'09 season for free. Purchase a non-resident full adult season pass for $454 or a non-resident midweek adult season pass for only $363 at the Early Bird rate.

You can purchase your '09/'10 Diamond Peak season pass by visiting www.diamondpeak.com, mailing or faxing in your application or in person by visiting the Diamond Peak Guest Services window. Call 775-832-1177.

Diamond Peak also has a full schedule of events coming up in March, including the 4th Annual Vertical Challenge, Uphill Downhill Race, 9th Annual Dummy Downhill, the Diamond Peak Jiblet and more. For more March specials and deals, visit www.dia

mondpeak.com.

At the 4th Annual Vertical Challenge March 7, the best woman/man and youngest/oldest who skis/telemarks/snowboards the most vertical feet in a seven-hour period will win Diamond Peak mini-passes. The event will have two separate divisions for men and women and the contestants who slide over 50,000 vertical feet will receive $50 off a '09/'10 full season pass. The entry fee is $10 and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Registration will be held in the base lodge from 8 to 9 a.m. and the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An awards ceremony will be held on the base lodge deck following the competition (weather permitting). Prizes include Diamond Peak swag, Snowbomb Tahoe Cards and Aloha Skin Spa gift certificates.

HOMEWOOD DEALS

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy ticket prices and peak snow conditions this spring at Homewood Mountain Resort, at the shores of Lake Tahoe. Full-day, adult lift tickets start at $25. Thanks to a series of strong storms, February's total snowfall accumulation reached 10 feet, which has prepared the mountain for unparalleled spring snow conditions.

$25 adult tickets for passholders from ANY mountain:

Season pass holders have a perfectly good reason to pack their season pass from any mountain (California, Japan, Vermont ... anywhere!) when visiting Homewood on Thursdays. Skiers may present their 2008/2009 season pass at any Homewood ticket window to receive an adult full-day lift ticket for $25. Limit of one adult ticket per passholder, per Thursday.

$29 lift tickets:

An online exclusive, Homewood offers $29 full-day, adult lift tickets on select days throughout March and April. This value price equates to a savings of up to 50 percent. Visit SkiHomewood.com to view $29 lift ticket dates and to purchase tickets.

Even without a savings incentive, Homewood's "Dress-Up Days" are worth the extra effort. Guests who arrive at Homewood's ticket windows clad in the day's celebrated theme costume receive $5 off an adult, full-day lift ticket. Besides, Pirate Day (Saturday, March 14) just isn't the same without an eye patch, a plume-garnished hat, and red overcoat.

Dress-up Days:

Saturday - Superhero Day

Saturday, March 14 - Pirate Day

Saturday, March 21- Animal Day

Saturday, March 28 - Hawaiian Day

Saturday, April 4 - Pajama Day

Saturday, April 11 - Wizard of Oz Day

Live music is scheduled weekly throughout spring at Homewood. All concerts are free. All show times are 2-5 p.m.

Homewood Concert calendar:

Saturday, March 14 - Free Peoples.

Saturday, March 21 - 10 Mile Tide.

Saturday, March 28 - Mission Players.

Saturday, April 4 - Tracorum.

Saturday, April 11 - Rainmaker Trio.

Sunday, April 12 - Messy Guest Quintet.

ALPINE MEADOWS PASS

Spring events are always a celebration at Alpine Meadows and spring 2009 is no different. Favorites include the Beacon & Eggs Beacon Search and Rescue contest set for Easter Sunday, April 13; the Annual Snow Golf Tournament (top-to-bottom, on-snow, 9-hole round) scheduled for Saturday, April 11; the Mad Cow Downhill (a no-holds barred, top-to-bottom speed fest scheduled for Saturday, April 18); and live music every weekend all spring. Alpine Meadows resort offers free live music at the Last Chair Bar & Restaurant or the outdoor sundeck " both located at the base lodge:

Live music at Alpine:

Saturday, March 7 - Yacouba Diarra. All shows at 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 15 - Cuesta Ridge.

Tuesday, March 17 - DJ Dusty Love.

Saturday, March 21 - Truckee Tribe.

Saturday, March 28 - Kapi Kahi.

Saturday, April 4 - Leahy Leslie Connection.

Saturday, April 18 - Bayonics.

Saturday, April 25 - Izabella.

- Contact Sam Bauman at sambau

man@att.net or 841-7818.