On Posting and Saving Money.

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the great response this blog has been getting! It really seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people. I know there are women skiers out there -- yes, I mean you and you and you -- and it's great to know I'm not alone in my love for this fantastic sport.

Between now and the beginning of ski season, I'll probably post just once or twice a week (that'll change when the season kicks in). So if you don't check back every day, don't sweat it. In the meantime, if anyone has any ideas for things they'd like covered, feel free to post 'em. Let's get this thing rolling!

Now on to something that's near and dear to all our hearts: saving money. After all, the first step to getting more women on the slopes is to make it as affordable as possible. And a good way to do that is to buy your season's pass for next winter NOW, while many ski areas are selling them at a discount. You might want to check with your favorite ski area to see when these discounts end. For example, here in Vermont, discounts end April 28 at Okemo and Stratton; May 2 at Killington and Mount Snow; May 3 at Sugarbush, and May 31 at Burke.

It's really incredible how much you can save with a season pass. I have a mid-week pass at Okemo, which is also good at Stratton and Sunapee. Last year this cost me around $260. (this may not be the exact amount -- can't remember -- but it's close enough). I skied 32 days at Okemo (5 days elsewhere), which brought my cost down to just over $8. a day! Compare that to $63. for a daily lift ticket at Okemo, and it's easy to see how fast the savings add up.

There are lots of other early season pass discounts out there. If you know of any good ones, post 'em here! And tell your friends! Better yet, buy a pass yourself.