One common reason I hear when talking to some of my non skiing friends is, “It costs too much.” I could counter, “compared to what?”

Lift tickets at the biggest ski resorts are not as expensive as a round of golf at the top courses. And the most expensive golf clubs cost more than skis, boots and bindings. But all golfers don’t play the most expensive courses or buy the top clubs. It’s the same with skiing. There are plenty of places to ski where the prices are much lower than the big mountains, and when we study the various deals, even the top resorts have affordable skiing. I won’t get into equipment because I have pointed out in previous columns how there are very good skis in the $400-600 range, including bindings.

I did check out a bunch of ski areas to find economical skiing. In general, it’s best to ski midweek, be in college or be old. Of course, retirees fill the slopes mid week and I know a number that have mid week only season passes and ski every day. But everyone can get deals with a little effort.

Next month will be a good time to start. January is Learn to Ski Month and there will be deals on lifts, lesson and rental packages everywhere. It will be a good time to learn. After Christmas, check the websites for packages.

One problem is perception. The price we hear most is the one day weekend ticket price. That’s like a supermarket where the most expensive cuts of meat are the ones in the window. We know the sale prices are in the window and the flyers. But the perception in skiing is that the one-day weekend price is what everyone pays. Actually it’s paid only when an individual walks up to the ticket window on a weekend or holiday and buys a single day ticket. Everyone else pays less by buying a package, a multi day ticket, season pass or purchasing online. And just as there are lower price golf courses, there are lower price ski areas.

Not only does L-A have Lost Valley nearby, but there are a number of smaller areas in the circulation area of the Sun-Journal. A mid-week all-day adult ticket at Lost Valley is $24, and there are hourly rates if you have only a few hours to ski. Weekends are $45. The Valley also has great learn-to-ski packages that include a lesson a week for six weeks. Other deals include $18 on Monday, if you bring in a ticket from another area, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are two for one, two skiers $24. They also have a three-day package with Sunday River and Sugarloaf. Start with a beginner lesson at Lost Valley, get a lift ticket for another day and get a third day lift and rentals at Sunday River or Sugarloaf, $89.

The Twofer started years ago at Wildcat in New Hampshire. and Wednesdays they are always busy. Look for these types of offers at many areas.

Skiers in the Rumford/Mexico area have Black Mountain for $29 a day and season passes for $249.

Saddleback is $50 weekends and $35 mid week, and there are ski-and-stay packages at $68 per day. They also give students a reason to study as Maine honor students can buy a season pass for $59. There are also special rates for military, seniors and college students. Maine days, the first Sunday of each month, are $29 for Maine residents, and first responders, fire personnel, police and EMT’s can purchase a season pass for $299.

Mount Abram, which operates Thursday through Sunday, is $49, with two-for-one Thursdays and carload for $75 Fridays. There are also special rates for seniors and season-pass rates for college, military and students in SAD’s 17 and 44.

At Shawnee Peak, the adult rate is $56 weekends and $39 midweek, with other rates for nights and multi-day discounts. Mondays are carload days $79, and a nights only season pass is $169. College students can get a season pass for $199. Active military and dependent season passes are $250 and dependents of those deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan ski free.

At the top are Sunday River and Sugarloaf with a day ticket price of $79 and $74 respectively, but there are multi day discounts and frequent skier programs that can reduce those rates. Season pass rates vary from the Gold New England Pass, good anytime, at the two Maine resorts and Loon in New Hampshire at $1,275 for an adult to $459 for a senior. Obviously, with the huge bed bases at both mountains, there are plenty of lift and lodging packages.

This is just a quick overview demonstrating that by shopping around, lift prices can be found for almost any budget, and some of the smaller community areas are even less expensive than those listed. Nearly all areas now have websites where  details on the deals can be found. You can link to Maine ski areas at www.skimaine.com and New Hampshire at www.skinh.com.

For children, the Winterkids program can help. There are several facets to this program, but basically it gives kids of certain ages free tickets when an adult purchases a ticket. All the details can be found at www.winterkids.org.

Finally, watch for ads offering discount lift tickets at various businesses. See you on the slopes and Merry Christmas.