December 12, 2003

After Hours: It's time to hit the slopes

SKYKOMISH -- Stevens Pass Ski Area has opened for the season, and today, its snowskate and inner tube parks also come online. Night-ski operations began on Wednesday.

"Stevens Pass' snowpack is just outstanding for this time of year," said John Gifford, general manager at Stevens Pass.

Stevens Pass has 51 inches of snow in the village and 58 inches at the summer, according to recent a snow report.

Night skiing and riding will be offered at Stevens Pass 4-10 p.m. daily. All-day lift tickets are $44; tickets purchased after 4 p.m. are $28.

The 4,000-square-foot snowskate park contains rails, boxes, tables, a quarter-pipe and other snow features. Fees are $5 for access to the park and $15 with the addition of snowskate rentals.

Tube City, the inner tube park, offers tubes, a tow and groomed lanes.

Stevens Pass is located off Highway 2, approximately 50 miles east of Monroe. For more information, visit www.stevenspass.com.

Other regional ski areas have also opened for the season, including Summit West at Snoqualimie, White Pass, Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker.

Free parking for downtown shoppers

SEATTLE -- Do you like doing your holiday shopping in downtown Seattle, but hate paying to park?

You're in luck -- parking at the Rainier Square garage at will be free all day on Saturday, Dec. 13.

"It's Rainier Square's gift to downtown Seattle shoppers," said John Miller, a spokesman for Unico Properties, which owns the garage.

Drivers may enter the valet-parking garage from Union Street, between Fourth and Fifth avenues. Each parker that day will receive a book of holiday coupons and special offers for shops at Rainier Square.

The garage will be open from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Know your rights as a traveler

NEW YORK (AP) -- Do you need a loss-damage waiver when you rent a car? Can you get a refund if your tour operator skips a scheduled stop?

"Traveler's Rights: Your Legal Guide to Fair Treatment and Full Value" (Sphinx Publishing, $21.95) provides the answers to these and many other questions. The book was written by two experts, lawyer Alexander Anolik, who co-founded the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates, and John Hawks, executive director of the Consumer Travel Rights Center.

As for the answers to those questions:

• In most cases, the authors write, if you have insurance on your personal automobile, you are covered for car rentals and do not need loss-damage waivers.

• Most tour companies post notices reserving the right to change itineraries, but if the tour was changed substantially from what was promised, the authors say you may be able to claim breach of contract.

Previous columns:

• After Hours: Seattle's Concorde open for tours, 12-05-2003
• After Hours: Explore space at Pacific Science Center, 11-21-2003
• After Hours: New romantic comedy opens at the Rep, 11-14-2003
• After Hours: Leibovitz portraits on show at EMP, 11-07-2003
• After Hours: Marking 100 years of Seattle car culture, 10-31-2003
• After Hours: Rockettes kick it up for Christmas, 10-24-2003
• After Hours: EMP Bernstein show exposes his influence, 10-17-2003
• After Hours: 'Gingerbread Man' takes the stage, 10-10-2003