Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Season passes at Sugar Mountain are discounted until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. The cost is $621 instead of $690 if purchased by that date. A second family member can get a pass for $403 and a third family will pay $296; after Oct. 14, those rates go up to $450 and $330.

Qualifying family members are spouses and dependent children under the age of 21 living at home. Dependent children under the age of 25 who have a valid college ID also are included.

Passes can be mailed or picked up at Sugar's administration office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Application forms are online.

If you plan to pick up passes at the mountain consider going on Friday, Oct. 9 and staying for the 19^th annual Oktoberfest that weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Oct. 10 and 11. Admission and parking are free.

There will be plenty of beer, Bavarian cuisine, an Oom Pah band, chairlift rides and exhibits by more than 40 artisans and crafts people. Vendors will display chair caning, wooden toys, oil paintings, stain glass, handmade furniture, dolls, copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, bird houses and more. A children's activity center will operate noon until 4 p.m. each day. There is a $7 per child fee.

More information. Or call 828-898-4521.