Prison Hill east for Labor Day hike

If you've done the west side but not the east side of Prison Hill, Labor Day might be a nice time to explore the east. The views are different and the trail perhaps more interesting, particularly once you've done the heavy lifting to get to the plateau-like area near the top. That's a couple of hundred feet of vertical and perhaps three miles, depending on what sidetracks you take.

Take Fifth Street east through the traffic circle and then a right on Carson River Road. Watch for the Silver Saddle turnoff on the right and follow that until it makes a sharp left turn. You can park just below the turn and save maybe a half-mile of dull, flat walking from the Ranch. The Prison Hill Trail is a gated dirt road, mostly flat until you enter the canyon trail. This starts off moderately steep and then follows a valley with a steep drop off to the right.

From there on it's a narrow trail between canyon walls passing the rusted remains of an old pickup truck - how it ever got there is a bit of a puzzle.

Once on the high flatter area heading for the top, there are many trails leading to who-knows-what. Exploring them all would take a week. At the top there are fine views of Carson City.

If you continue to the Silver Saddle Ranch, seemingly deserted these days, the trail head is behind the red shack and it crosses a flat area of sage and other brush, adding to the hike's length.

Lots of geological interest along this trail - white stripes of mineral are caught between red rocks, showing how the upheavals of the earth pushed the land around.

If you've time, there is a steep trail in the flat area off to the right that looks interesting, but I didn't have time to explore it. Had to get ready to go to Burning Man.

Heavenly deals

Heavenly is sticking to the past with its Labor Day tent sale plus making a cutoff date for season passes.

Labor Day will be the last day to purchase or renew a 2009-10 Heavenly Pass at the 2007-08 summer roll-back rate of $349, a $150 savings off the $499 retail price.

Most locals know how good a season pass deal is. It allows you to get up on the hill for just a couple of hours when there is fresh powder. Financially it works well for those of us who get at least 10 or more days on the hills, with daily lift tickets going for $70 and up.

Heavenly is celebrating Labor Day by offering an extra incentive to prospective pass buyers. Those who purchase a Heavenly pass at the 23rd annual Heavenly Sports Tent Sale at the California Lodge will receive a $25 voucher to be used with any purchase of $250 or more to be used that day.

The hours for the tent sale are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.

Those purchasing a Heavenly pass also receive unlimited half-price tickets at any of Vail's Colorado resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.

New passes can also be purchased or renewed online at www.heavenlypass.com or in-person at the Heavenly season pass office at the Gondola.

Seniors get a very good price and I never go for the "anytime" pass; I'm just as happy not being on the slopes during the holidays. Spring season is unrestricted and that's the best skiing of the year.

With just about 10 weeks remaining before Heavenly starts making snow in preparation for the coming season, skiers and riders can save money on winter gear at Labor Day sales. Heavenly Sports will host the 23rd Annual Labor Day Tent Sale at Heavenly's California Lodge parking lot with prices reduced as much as 75 percent.

Mt. Rose passes

Mt. Rose is also making season pass deals. Purchase an Unrestricted Mt. Rose Season Pass (the Pink Slip) for $333 before Oct. 1 and take advantage of savings and discounts. The Fully Loaded Pink Slip is valid every day of the season, including weekends and holidays. Passes for seniors, 65-75 years, are $222, and super seniors - those 75 and older - can get a pass for $111. Teen passes (13-17 years old) are $222, and children 6-12 years can get passes for $111. Kids 5 and under ski free with the purchase of an adult season pass.

New for college students: Save more than $100 off the Unrestricted Season Pass by purchasing a college pass with two of your college buddies. College Pink Slips cost $222 when buy in a 3-pack.

Mt. Rose has a new lodge at the base of the Slide Mountain side, replacing the old one that dated back to the 1960 Olympics. Combine with the deadly-but-fun Chutes, Rose is an advanced skier's hot plate.

Northstar sales

Northstar-at-Tahoe is also holding a Labor Day Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale today through Monday. Stores will offer deep discounts on merchandise.

While guests are strolling around taking in some amazing deals they can enjoy fun entertainment. From 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, there will be magicians, stilt walkers, clowns, and more wandering the Village, as well as a tie-dye station at the Northstar Logo Co. And there will be live music 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday on the Village Stage.

Don't miss the Double Whammy Season Pass sale going on during Labor Day Weekend. Receive $20 off a young adult or adult Double Whammy Season Pass when you spend $200 or more at True North, The North Face, Mine, 001 Oakley, Butterbox or Northstar Logo Co. during the Labor Day Sidewalk Sale. The Mountain Bike + Hike Park will be open Labor Day Weekend.

• Contact Sam at 841-7818 or sambauman@att.net.