Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Four of Montana's smaller ski areas discount their season passes in spring. Those skiers and snowboarders who buy passes at these areas get one big benefit: they can receive full-day lift tickets for half-day rates at all Montana ski resorts.

Showdown Ski Area runs their Super Duper Season Pass sale through closing day Apr. 5. Only adult passes on are sale, and they are priced at $289. They are good for the remainder of this year's ski season, too. Showdown's regular pass sale, which runs through Sept. 30, discounts all individual and family passes, saving up to $45 on adult passes. Call the Great Falls office at 406-727-5553 for rates.

The Great Divide pass sale saves skiers and snowboarders about $100 per pass. During the sale, passes for children in grades 1 - 5 cost $99, and student passes cost $199. Adult season passes, which have seen no increase for three years in a row, sell for $299 during the sale. Great Divide also added a new family plan pass for $199-a pass for the parent of a child or student passholder. Prices go up to regular rates after the last day of the season. But the gamble for those who wait is when the last day of the season will happen. The lifts run on Saturdays and Sundays only in April, and the owners like to run them as long as possible. Last year, lifts finally closed down on Apr. 26. Call the snow phone at 406- 447-1310 for operations information and 406- 449-3746 for pass details.

Discovery Ski Area operates their lifts through Apr. 6, but runs their spring season pass sale until May 1. The sale is for those who are renewing passes only. Adult and teen renewals cost $229, while child renewals run $99. Rates go up for the sale open to everyone from May 2 through Sept. 1. Call 406- 563-2184 for more information.

Lookout Pass runs their Early Bird Season Pass sale until May 3. Adult passes cost $199, while teen passes go for $129 and junior passes for $119. Family, midweek, and senior passes are also available. Next year's passes are also good for the remainder of this ski season. Lookout plans to host its annual slush cup over closing weekend on Apr. 4-5, but the ski hill may open again for Saturday skiing on Apr. 11 and 18. Call Lookout at 208- 744-1301 for pass information and additional Saturday openings.