Skiers Christmas Wish List!
Column by Heather Burke Dec 18, 2008

I fear the Grinch may steal some ski spirit this holiday season. Whether it’s the fault of the green Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge or the Wall Street spoilers, skiers and snowboarders are feeling the economic freeze like everyone else this season. But if Mainers ever needed fresh air, and healthy outdoor fun – this would be the year.

I hope many Mainers bought their ski passes last spring, when they were available at deep discounts, before the Dow plunged and the economy went down hill with it. If you bought your pass in advance, then your ski fun is booked and paid for. Phew.

If a season pass has not yet been procured, a Maine Winter Activity Pass may be just the ticket (at $19) for yourself or an alpine acquaintance on your holiday gift list. Ski Maine is the brain behind this 26-coupon deal now in its third year.

The Passholder receives a 50% discount on two ski days at 14 Maine alpine ski resorts, and six days at Maine’s 21 Nordic centers. So on your first visit to Saddleback or Mount Abram, you’ll recoup your $19.95 investment on a half price lift ticket. You also get two $10 off vouchers for Sunday River, Shawnee Peak or Sugarloaf lift tickets.

But wait, it gets better. The Maine Activity Pass also includes $10, $20 and $30 off coupons at ski shops including Joe Jones, Arlberg, Rodgers, Kittery Trading Post, and National Bike and Ski. To get yours, call Ski Maine at 773-SNOW or go online www.skimaine.com

Here are a few more affordable gifts that keep on giving for the skier and snowboarder on your list.

If you have a history buff that likes snow sports, a membership to the Ski Museum of Maine is a feel good gift. The non-profit organization in Farmington is preserving the history and heritage of Maine skiing – your price of $25 for membership has its benefits including a frequent newsletter packed with anecdotal articles about the way skiing used to be in Maine, and invitations to events at the Museum and throughout the state celebrating the proud past of skiing from car-engine powered rope tows to hand cut ski trails that formed today’s world-class resorts in Maine.

Wouldn’t your ski buddy be pleased to receive a Gondola car or a ski boot? For under ten bucks at the New England Ski Museum at Cannon Mountain New Hampshire, you can purchase great ski ornaments like ski boots, skis or a bright red gondola car to decorate their tree (or desk) for years. You can buy a Pisten Bully groomer (albeit toy size) for the corduroy lover in your clan, that will set you back $60, but imagine the raves your recipient will share. The snowboarder in your annual gift swap would probably love Monopoly – The Snowboard Edition.

You don’t have to drive over to Cannon Mountain to do your shopping - unless you want to go ride the Tram, which turns 70 this year. All these ski and snowboard gifts, plus vintage ski posters and books, are available at www.skimuseum.org and your money supports the Ski Museum’s mission to collect, preserve and display the history of skiing in New England.

Another thought, bring your camera to the slopes and take photos of your friends skiing. What a nice mountain memento, whether you frame it for them or email it as a screensaver image. It will remind them of fall line fun while they work toward their next ski day.

Finally, I am a huge hand warmer fan, especially after exposing your digits taking digital photos in the cold. Disposable hand warmers are the ultimate cheap thrill. Give your friends or family members some of these little hot packets (at $2 a pop) and you will warm their hearts and hands for “up to 8 hours.”

Of course, I know what many Mainers want for Christmas is free, has four letters (but doesn’t rhyme with pain), and falls from the sky in giant flakes. So let it snow.   

Read More Ski Columns