You can thank the Michigan legislature, Governor and the state's budget woes, but all lift tickets sold in the state after Dec. 1 will have a six-percent service fee assessed on them. Ski park operators will now be required to pay the tax on all lift tickets sold, which will most likely be passed on to customers. Many ski and snowboard areas in the state sell pre-season lift tickets, at a discounted rate, which can be used later in the season after the snow arrives. Those tickets will now represent additional savings if purchased before Dec. 1. Contact your favorite area and see if they have such a program.