Save your $$$

*In case you’re wondering, I do not benefit in any way from the deals I recommend here.

Blue Hills Gets New Owner
Blue Hills Ski Area, our favorite local bump, has a new owner. The state has given the license to the people who run Campgaw Mountain of New Jersey. It’s been a difficult time for this throwback to the days of leather ski boots, with very little snow to speak of last year and major issues with the previous owners. But it’s a new day, and many of the instructors who work at the mountain (including myself) are optimistic that things will get better.

The scuttlebutt is that Campgaw is a well-run local hill, and given that they’re just 20 miles north of New York City, keeping their hill covered in white all winter must be an even more challenging task than it is here in Boston. It’s a good sign that the new owners have already purchased a new groomer and four snow guns. The new equipment will be able to cover the hill with snow in just 48 hours (weather permitting of course.)

Challenge Yourself and Save $$$$
Mad River Glenn has been dubbed the most challenging mountain in New England by Ski magazine with lots of steep terrain and a philosophy of grooming as little of it as possible. (Is this really a philosophy, or are they just trying to save money?) And here’s a deal to let you try it for cheap. The mountain is offering the Mad Card, which lets you ski for any three days during the season for just $119. For those of you who are math impaired, that’s just $39.60 per day. With the card you’ll also be able to buy midweek tickets for just $30/day. You need a good dumping there to make it worthwhile, but when they get one, this is a good deal. As they say “ski it if you can.” (No snowboarders allowed.) You can purchase the Mad Card online www.madriverglen.com/?Page=price.php#mad or call 802-496-3551.

Save Even more $$$
For those of you out there who are do-it-yourselfers, consider learning to tune your own skis. I started a couple of years ago, and not only have I been saving money, but my skis are in better shape and I have a better sense of whether they’re tuned properly or not. (Only because I tune them more often, not necessarily because I'm any better at tuning than the shop.)

Unfortunately, there is a fairly large initial outlay. You’ll need a ski vice (which attaches to your work bench), an edging kit and a waxing kit. The total will come to a little under $200, but you’ll make your money back in a season or two, especially if there are several people in your family.

Tuning is not difficult and you can tune a pair of skis in about 15 minutes. You’ll probably still want to take your skis to your local shop for major issues, but for frequent tuning it’s the way to go. The most comprehensive place to buy ski tuning equipment and educational material is Tognar Toolworks www.tognar.com

Correction
My friend Dick Paret informs me that Sunday River and Sugarloaf ski areas in Maine are no longer owned by the American Ski Company. My bad.

Tell Your Friends
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See you again next week.