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PrintA four-day trip for two to Sun Valley, Idaho, including a day of heli-skiing with former Olympians Reggie and Zach Crist.
And an opportunity to win one of 50 prizes valued at $20,000, including five-day trips for two to Park City, Utah, and Smuggler's Notch, Vt., and a two-day trip to Lake Placid, N.Y. The trips include lodging, lift tickets and apres ski activities.
Think of it as a "cost-conscious" way for snow sports enthusiasts to start the new year. To qualify for the Sun Valley Burning Turns Heli-Ski Sweepstakes, register at www.visitsunvalley.com/skiwiththecrists.
And a donation of $10 to the Winter Feels Good program sponsored by SnowSports Industries America makes you eligible for the trips mentioned above as well as downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards, snowshoes, clothing, boots, helmets, goggles and other gear.
The Sun Valley trip includes airfare, luxury lodging for four nights at the Thunder Springs condominiums, lift tickets for three days at Bald Mountain, the day of heli-skiing, rental equipment from Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters, an Avis rental car and ski outfits from First Ascent by Eddie Bauer.
Snowsports enthusiasts who spend time online will find bargains on lodging, lift tickets and off-mountain activities at many resorts.
In fact, that may be the only way to get them.
Look for packages that offer an extra night's lodging if you stay a minimum of three nights. Some include "Stay Free, Ski Free" features for young children. Ask if the package includes discounts on lift tickets, lessons and rental equipment.
Inquire about savings cards such as Mount Snow's $99 FANfare that offers 50 percent off midweek lift tickets, 25 percent off weekend rates and 10 percent off holiday rates. Pico Mountain's $24 discount cards, which are valid every day throughout the season, knocks $16 off the price of lift tickets.
After reviewing a resort's Web site, call its toll-free number and ask the reservation specialist if he or she knows of any specials not on the Web site. There might be a money-saving midweek package, the benefits of which include uncrowded slopes, minimal/nonexistent lift lines and group lessons where the "group" may be you and/or one or two others.
Also ask about lodging upgrades that may cost a little more but may provide ski-in, ski-out capability, indoor parking, day care and an extra bedroom or bathroom, fireplace, etc.
It literally pays to shop around. Every resort has been affected by the sagging economy, some more than others. The smart ones have lowered their prices to fill their beds, lifts and restaurants. But it may take time to find them.
The Crist brothers said they are "field testing" the First Ascent Line of expedition-quality gear and outerwear while traveling in an "Airstream Mobile Lab" to ski resorts around the country.
Someone has to do it.
You can monitor their progress at blog.FirstAscent.com. In addition to the sweepstakes, which takes its name from the leg "burn" skiers and snowboarders experience while carving turn after turn after turn in pristine powder, the spirited snow siblings are promoting their hometown of Sun Valley as one of the country's top ski/snowboard resorts.
It was opened in 1936 by the Union Pacific Railroad, featured the nation's first chairlift, reveled in a name coined by a sun-seeking public relations agent and attracted scores of Hollywood celebrities.
Unfortunately, the resort slumbered in that era for decades before waking up and finally installing state-of-the-art snowmaking, high-speed lifts and new base and on-mountain facilities.
Sun Valley, which averages 120 sunny days during its 150-day season, has 75 slopes and trails spread on 2,054 acres on Bald and Dollar mountains. The runs are served by 19 lifts, including a new eight-passenger gondola, nine quads, five triples, two doubles and two Magic Carpets. The vertical drop is 3,400 feet on Bald and 628 feet on Dollar.
The resort is hosting a Nordic Festival from Jan. 30 to Feb. 7.
Winter Ski Free Packages start at $94.50 per person per night, double occupancy, for those staying in a standard or medium room at the Sun Valley Lodge or the Sun Valley Inn. Guests who stay three nights at selected condos and homes get the fourth night free. There also are "Kids Stay and Ski Free" packages.
For more information, go to www.sunvalley.com or call toll-free 1-800-786-8259.
The fundraising raffle for Winter Feels Good will support an education outreach program that helps children learn "best practices" about downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing before they get on the snow. One of its goals is to combat childhood obesity.
Participants can purchase more than one raffle ticket and win more than one prize.
Information: 1-703-556-9020 or www.WinterFeelsGood.com.
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