Fat Lady hasn't sung yet, we're still snowsporting

I know, it's a cliche but the Fat Lady hasn't even taken a deep breath yet. We'll be skiing and riding until May 31 at Mammoth Mountain resort. I'll be skiing there when you read this and will report on conditions there next week.

Squaw Valley is also open and will be so until May 10, resort staffers said. Lift tickets are $64, which may sound high but don't forget there's K-22 and Shirley Lake lifts going and Granite Chief as well for the advanced skiers and riders.

And the Olympic Museum is well worth taking 30 minutes after the last run of the day. It's free although it's tucked away in a corner of the Gold Coast facilities.

Mt. Rose will close on Sunday but there are real bargains until then, such as $10 for the cheapest ticket for geezers, with other prices adjusted for the reduced snow runs. The Mt. Rose deck is one of the best for enjoying the sun and refreshments and chatter.

Kirkwood will close Sunday; I've skied there a lot toward the end of this season. As always the runs are in fine shape, although the back bowl is closed.

That back bowl, incidentally, is a takeoff point for tracing the old Mormon Battalion trail that the 49er emigrants took over after the Mormons cut the trail. Sacramento Mormons will re-create the trek this summer as they do annually.

The Red Cliffs Lodge is pretty well closed and all the action is at the new lodge and cafe. That's another great place to soak up the sun after some morning runs.

Yes, Kirkwood is a 100-mile round-trip from Carson, but until gas prizes reach $4 again it's worth the drive " Hope Valley is lovely right now.

MAMMOTH ACTION

The West Coast Invitational is back for its eighth consecutive year today through Sunday with an all-star lineup of pro riders and talented up-and-comers.This year's event will go off with the Vans Fiesta de la Pipa and the Village evening Rail Jam. Come see these riders take on Mammoth's Spring Pipe and a three-story high jib set-up for the 2009 WCI title and huge cash purse. Enjoy nonstop spring partying throughout the long weekend with special musical performances by Dilated Peoples, My G and more. There's a WCI Package for $139 per person per night that includes lodging, lift ticket for each night stayed and an event T-shirt for each adult on the reservation.

STOWAWAY TIPS REVISITED

I recently suggested that skiers back off their bindings before putting skis away for the summer. A couple of readers asked for clarification.

Bindings have screw slots in the back (usually) that allow for the tension of the bindings to be released, keeping bindings in good shape.

To back off the bindings first check and make a note of the number indicated on the bindings' face, usually one to 10. That's your current safe level of tension. That may change as you age or your skiing level changes, but it's a safe place to start.

Then with a heavy Philips screwdriver reduce the number on the toe and heel to zero.

It's best to hang skis from something rather than stand them on tails, which can affect the camber.

And on the subject of waxing before storing, if you're not comfortable applying hot wax, take the skis (and snowboards) to such shops as the Sporting Rage on South Carson Street and have them do it. They'll also take out the nicks and burrs that you created on the slopes.

NOT ONLY WINE IMPROVES WITH AGE

Had anyone told me when I first started skiing some 50 years ago that I would still be skiing today as a super senior, I would have jeered. Yes, maybe I don't do a lot of black diamond runs or the bumps anymore, but the pleasures of a tough blue run are still worth all the effort. Contemporaries may think I'm crazy, but then they never got into skiing.

- Contact Sam Bauman at 841-7818 or at Sam Bauman@att.net.