Downhill skiing around the Tri-Lakes of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake without a season pass can put a dent in a parent’s pocketbook. So here are a few tips and discounts available if you plan on skiing Whiteface, Titus and Big Tupper.

Though Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington has been making snow since November, there is finally some fresh power on the trails. My family was there this past weekend working the Empire State Games and was thankful for each run that was squeezed in between races.

For any weekend warriors it pays to buy your lift tickets online. Children (six and under) are always free and multiple day passes already include a discount. If that doesn’t work try to ski mid-week with the Coca-Cola “Why Not Wednesdays.” Just present any Coca-Cola product at the ticket office and the ticket will be $42 on any non-holiday Wednesday. You can also try planning ahead and ski on a Super Sunday (March 16 and April 6) where a $40 ticket is available.

Big Tupper in Tupper Lake finally opened last weekend, running the Mitey Mite and Chair 2 on Saturday and Sunday. Since Big Tupper doesn’t rely on snowmaking, snow conditions are completely dependent on the weather. “With day passes for only $25 a person, it’s one of the cheapest lift tickets around. Children (six and under) ski for free as well as anyone over 70 or with a valid Military ID. For those of us on a budget, there is a 10-day “Powder Pass” that lowers the individual ticket price to $20. Big Tupper has scheduled extended days throughout President’s week (February 14-23) to accommodate student holidays, but always call the Lodge at 518-359-3730 to make sure that Mother Nature is keeping the snow on the trails.

Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake is the least expensive place to bring your family to ski. Adult weekday lift tickets are only $15 and $20 on the weekends while children (under seven) are always $9.00. Pisgah has been busy making snow and this family-friendly mountain has the added benefit of lighted slopes for night skiing, an adjacent tubing hill and nearby snowshoe/cross-country trails.

Titus Mountain has also been making snow and our friends report back that conditions have been great. Though its in the foothills of the Adirondack Park, Titus is a great family mountain and worth the trip to Malone. There are a limited number of discounted online tickets available so if you can, plan ahead. You can use your savings at the restaurant. Titus is unique in that it also offers a tubing park and night skiing. If you are skiing Thursday through Saturday the all-day ski pass is good for night skiing as well. Children (five and under) are free with a paid adult ticket and active-duty Military always receive a $5.00 discount off any lift ticket. There are even special discount days for college students.

I hope these discounts will put some change in your pocket. Then you can enjoy more of the mountain and not be worrying about the cost. Enjoy the snow!

Photo courtesy the Olympic Regional Development Authority.