By Staff Writer Richard Irwin

And while the weather in British Columbia was brisk, I couldn’t wrap my head around the centigrade system so I didn’t really know how cold it was. It was about 23 degrees Fahrenheit at the lodge and 17 halfway up Red Mountain.

The lifts close at 3 p.m., 3:30 after Feb. 15. That may seem early, but there are virtually no lift lines, so you’ll get in so much skiing that you will be tired by mid-afternoon anyway.

Red’s lift tickets are $72 per day for adults, compared to more than $100 at comparable ski resorts. Lift tickets for youth 13 to 18 are $58, juniors 7 to 12 cost $36 and seniors 65 and older pay $47.

We prefer the package specials. Book three nights of lodging at Red Mountain Resort Lodging with three days of lift tickets and you’ll get two more nights and lift tickets for free.

Even better, book four nights and lift tickets to get three free nights and lift tickets. This special offer is valid Jan. 6 to 17.

Call Red Mountain Resort Lodging at 877-969-7669 to book or send an email to lodging@redresort.com.