Skiing season still far from over

Season's far from over, although Heavenly will close Stagecoach lift Monday. Gondola and California base lift will run through May 1.

Alpine Meadows and Squaw are looking at running well into May, and who knows? We may go back to the old Squaw tradition of skiing on July 4 this year.

Diamond Peak has announced it will close on April 10 with a Community and Passholder Appreciation Day. Anyone who lives within a 50 mile radius of Diamond Peak can ski for only $15! Local ID is required for the discount ticket. Diamond Peak season passholders can take advantage of free ski and snowboard clinics, a free race and a free barbecue lunch.

For current more information about Diamond Peak call (775) 832-1177 or visit diamondpeak.com. No word on other closings as yet.

The shops are beginning their season-end sales. At the Sporting Rage on South Carson Street, telemark boots are going for $50, a real buy. Lots of other gear on sale as well, but nothing in rain pants. I've found rain pants work just fine all season with just a pair of silks underneath. Lots lighter and comfortable. Snowboarder shells come in a lot pricier and skiers just don't need that extra padding. At least I don't.

I don't know if I'll ever make it to Bridger Bowl in Montana, but if I do I'll want to take "Stepping Up, A Guide to the Ridge at Bridger Bowl" ($9.95) by Travis Campbell and Sam Cox along. I've never seen anything like it as a guide to a ski area. It isn't actually about the ski area but about the upper reaches above the area. Bridger has long held the reputation as the pristine area for advanced and expert skiers and boarders, and this book details all the lines that adventurers can take. Not a book for every snowsporter, but for those who do the impossible it's a must have.

HOMEWOOD NEW HOURS

Homewood Mountain Resort is shifting its schedule around a bit. The resort will be closed to the public Tuesday and Wednesday but reopen Thursday with $25 lift tickets. Friday lift tickets will be $15 as customer appreciation day. April 16-17 will be regular days with lift tickets $35.

ALPINE MEADOWS BENEFIT DAY

Alpine Meadows will host its annual Community Benefit Day Sunday. The adult lift ticket price is set for $20.

Lift ticket proceeds from Alpine's Community Benefit Day will be donated to area non-profit organizations in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Call (530) 581-8321, or visit www.skialpine.com.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI SALE

It's time to purchase equipment for next year's ski season as Northstar-at-Tahoe's Nordic Center is selling its entire stock of skate and telemark skis Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Nordic Center at Northstar's mid-mountain.

Several skis are still for sale including K2, Black Diamond and Rossignol Telemark skis and Fisher skate skis. All skis range from $200 to $300 and include bindings and a base prep.

RAIL WARS AT SQUAW

The Village at Squaw Valley USA is hosting the third annual Rail Wars competition in the Village Events Plaza on April 16 from 2-6 p.m. Industry pros such as C.R. Johnson and Sean Field will battle it out for more than $2,000 in prize money. A custom rail has been constructed specifically for Rail Wars and will be used for the first time during the event.

Local riders will also have the chance to compete in a preliminary competition, and the top two riders and skiers will move on to contend against the pros. The Nervous Return, Hellbound Glory and ADD will also be performing in the Village Events Plaza along with an all day expo and a drawing featuring prizes from all the top names in the snow sport industry.

This year has been a record year for Squaw Valley USA with 430 inches of snow to date and a base of 16 feet on the upper mountain.