Signs of the waning ski season are everywhere these days. Temperatures are warmer, liftlines shorter (non-existent midweek), snow softens quickly. It's the time of "variable" trail conditions that can mean anything from packed powder to slush.

While most areas have a few weeks left for their season, many skiers and snowboarders have already called it quits, undoubtely persuaded by Connecticut's balmy temperatures and greening lawns. Already some Connecticut areas like Mohawk in Cornwall and Mount Southington have weekends-only hours. Expect Catamount and Butternut in Massachusetts to do the same.

Overall it's been an excellent season in the East; snowfall was above average and weather cooperated during the prime vacation times. Even the dark recession had a silver lining with gas prices more than a dollar cheaper than last year and Eastern areas seeing more people giving up western ski vacations for local hills.

And like spring flowers, bargains are popping up daily. Bromley in southern Vermont has reduced its weekend lift tickets from $63 to $39 and on Wednesday, April 1, you can ski or ride for free if you donate three non-persishable food items at Okemo, also in Vermont.

Pick any major resorts and you'll likely find end-of the season bashes from the legendary Bear Mountain mogul challenge on April 4 at Killington or Mount Snow's downright silly Duct Tape Derby on March 29, when sleds built out of cardboard, duct tape, paint and zip ties

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slide down Charlie's Chase trail.

And another sure sign of the season's end -- pond skimming -- happens at these Vermont resorts on April 11 at Stratton, April 18 at Jay Peak and on Killington's projected closing date, April 19.

SEASON PASSES: It's not too early to think about next season, especially if you want to save serious cash. Many areas have announced prices for a 2009-10 pass, most offering steep discounts if you buy early. Killington in Vermont has actually lowered its rates and Okemo is keeping the same prices if you buy by April 30. Next season, Okemo's Ultra Pass ($1,259) gives you 10 percent all its restaurants and allows you on the lifts 15 minutes before anyone else weekends/holidays. Okemo also has a Sunday-only pass for $299, one of the best weekend deals around. Killington is offering the option of paying for the pass in three installments (April 30, July 1 and Sept. 1); the cheapest K pass is $349 for midweek, the highest $999 good anytime. If you now buy a Stratton season pass, they will give you a full refund by Sept. 1, no questions asked. Butternut in Great Barrington, Mass. is charging $229 for a '09-10 season pass ($30 more than this year) and let's you ski for free until it closes later this month. Expect most season passes to rise up to a few hundred dollars if you wait until next December. So check out the Web site of your favorite resorts to see what season pass deals they have. To date, there is no all-inclusive season pass for all CNL Lifestyle-owned Eastern resorts (Okemo, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon, Bretton Woods, Sunapee and Jiminy Peak). Who knows by next season.

BE GOOD: In in this last column of the season, some parting advice.

The most important thing you should do is properly storing away your equipment and clothing. Getting skis tuned with an extra layer of wax for storage is one of the smartest thing you can do for your boards; the extra wax prevents warage. Cleaning your clothes, gloves, mittens, thermals etc. and putting them together in a storage container (slapped tight with some ski resort bumper stickers) is a good way to end the season.

It's something you'll be thanking yourself next season.