Ski resorts continue to open

The good news continues, snow falling and temperatures holding cold. Winter resorts opening this weekend include Squaw Valley 9-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, lift tickets adults all day $39, juniors 13-15 $19, seniors 65-75 $19, seniors 75 free.

Alpine Meadows opens Saturday as well, 9 to 4, lift tickets $39 for adults, $15 for kids 7-12, $39 for those 65-69 and $15 for those 70 and over.

Sugar Bowl also opens Saturday with four lifts running: Jerome Hill, Christmas Tree, Lincoln Express and Nob Hill. No word of ticket prices yet but figure on the lift tickets going for discout prices.

Boreal is running two lifts, Accelerator and Gunnar's. Lift tickets are $36 adult, $10 for kids 5-12, $22 for seniors 60-69, seniors 70 and over $5, kids 4 and under free and $15 for Playland Sledding. No word on Kirkwood tickets.

Boreal and Kirkwood opened last weekend. At Kirkwood it was like midseason with parking lots full and short lines. But the snow was darned good, deep in places with enough to cover all but the tallest brush. Chair 5 was the choice, with No. 11 the Reut fun, although the steep side was chopped up. Maybe Cornice chair this weekend, where there is plenty of snowmaking pipes around.

This weekend we'll try Alpine Meadows, see how the new village and base lift works. The new base lift augments the old gondola of many years.

Last weekend I used my newly uncanted skis with my newly canted boots and the nice thing was I couldn't notice any difference. No chance to wax the skis or tune the edges, but with the soft snow it didn't seem to matter, except when I stopped for a moment on the hill. Then the bases clogged up. No problem, a slip back and forth and all was well. I'll try and hot wax before going out Sunday, take a diamond stone to the edges as well. You might want to do the same.

• "Soul Purpose" film takes an introspective look at the driving forces behind an athlete's devotion to skiing and boarding and its lifestyle. Shot on vibrant 16mm film and a soulful integration of still photographs, Teton Gravity Research's fall release is one of the most progressive, original and creative ski/snowboard films to date, critics say. On Nov. 4 ski enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the film in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget. KRZQ's Jeremy Smith will be on hand to M.C. the event. Tickets are $8.

Soul Purpose features Sage Cattabriga-Alosa continuing his laid back and stylish assault of big mountain lines; Jeremy Jones being long-lined via helicopter into a 3,000-foot couloir and Erik Roner ski BASE jumping off 3000-foot cliffs in Italy.

Enter to Win: A Heli Trip with Alaska Rendezvous Heli Guides, a trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or a TGR Sponsor gear package.

Calling (800) 648-1177.

• This season, in addition to the advantage of access to two mountains, Northstar and Sierra-at-Tahoe Double Whammy season pass owners will receive added benefits.

The Double Whammy Pass starts at just $299 for adults, $249 for college students and young adults and $79 for children.

Sierra and Northstar have also teamed up with many local and regional businesses including lodging, restaurants and retailers for discounts and benefits. Examples of these benefits include a free fondue upgrade at Moody's Bistro & Lounge in Truckee, 25 percent off a full Wintersteiger tune-up at Rainbow Mountain Ski & Board Shop in South Lake Tahoe, and $5 off the Super Wash at Mission Car Wash in Reno.

For a list of Double Whammy Pass offers and to purchase a 2004-05 Double Whammy Pass visit www.DoubleWhammyPass.com.

• Squaw Valley Institute announces the Second Annual KT Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Resort at Squaw Creek. Awards will be presented to honor individuals and businesses that make the life unique to Squaw Valley. As KT-22 Mountain symbolizes the pinnacle of skiing challenges, the KT Awards symbolize the pinnacle of achievement of those who have played a vital role in our community.

In addition to honoring individuals, businesses, young racers, and living legends, there will be a silent auction, including a base jump with Shane McConkey and a day of skiing with Shannon Barke. Call (530) 581-4138.

Sam Bauman is a Nevada Appeal Staff Writer. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.