Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Ontario's Blue Mountain, which started running its lifts for this winter's season at the end of November, is offering a lift ticket discount card during the holidays. The Double Down Cards are on sale in December just in time for gifts.

The Double Down Cards entitle owners to two lift tickets during the season. Purchasers redeem their lift tickets throughout the winter for a combo day-night lift ticket.

One card costs $89, saving $43 off two regular day-night combo tickets and $23 off adult day lift tickets. Cards must be purchased by 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Some conditions apply to use of the cards. They are not good for use Dec. 27-30, but can be used any other day of this season. Also, only one lift ticket may be redeemed per day. Call the resort at (705) 445-0231 to purchase the Double Down Cards.

Families visiting Blue Mountain this winter can look forward to an improved ski area for kids. The resort upgraded the children's ski area by installing two magic carpets to haul little skiers up the slopes. Terrain exclusively for kids was also expanded behind the South Base Lodge near the Kids at Blue Childcare Center.

Visit OnTheSnow.com's 2008 Holiday Guide for a library of news stories and features about special holiday events from visits by Santa (even his reindeer) to where the best parties are planned for New Year's Eve at the world's mountain resorts.