Although the winter season is still many months away, Whitetail Ski Resort began accepting orders for 1998-98 ski season passes, hoping pre-season discounted prices will help skiers forget the balmy 1997-98 ski season.

Skiers and snowboarders purchasing a pass prior to July 31, 1998 will receive significant discounts. Passes range in price from $15 for skiers under 7 or over 70, to $1,495, which will buy no-restriction passes for an entire family. A regular unlimited pass will be $425. A midweek pass, good any non-holiday weekday and any evening (including weekends and holidays) runs for $275. (DCSki prefers this pass; you only lose crowded weekend days with it.) Small discounts are also provided for students and seniors.

After July 31 but prior to October 31, season passes rise in price, topping out at $1,695 for the unlimited family pass. Passes purchased after November 1 will be regular price, topping out at $1,995 for an unlimited family pass.

Whitetail is also offering pre-season discounts for group tickets, lessons, and rentals. Whitetail provides complete details and a season pass application on their web site.