Are there any programs or organizations in the area that run car control events? I'd like to get some more experience learning how to better control my car when I lose grip, preferably with some coaching. I know skip barber runs such a program, but it's quite pricey ($1600!) and in California.

www.carsonice.ca

For incar coaching at Mission there is no one better than inside-line
http://www.theinsideline.ca/
Just pick a day when it's raining and thats not too hard around here.  They will let racecars run with pre-approval and a passenger seat. 

To get a better feel of a car on loose surface with coaching
https://www.dirtfish.com/

And to endorse what Keith said....   there is nothing cheaper than ice racing and the rubber on ice class is pretty traction limited. 

WCIRABC 2014 Ice Race Dates
January 4/5
January 18/19
February 1/2
February 15/16

www.carsonice.ca

Does anyone rent cars for ice racing? I've thought about doing it for years, but don't really have room for another car! I'd love to try it..

I think the BMW club still organizes a winter driving skills training session in Maple Ridge (at the autocross lot by the airport. Probably not quite what you're looking for, though, it's really aimed at accident avoidance, etc).

They do setup a small skid pad and spray it with water to practice dealing with oversteer/understeer, but not really enough time to fully get the hang of it.

There's always waiting for the snow to fall and finding a big enough, empty parking lot or industrial complex! :D No, no, don't do that...

I'm really looking for practice on pavement. Some safe environment where they'll let you intentionally slide your car around corners. Most organized event/training don't let you do it on purpose :(

Autocross might be an option, but I think they frown on people having too much fun :D I think there's also some sort of drifting course in WA, Bremerton maybe? As much as I dislike the whole drifting scene/culture, it would be pretty good practice.

Edit: they have a school today and another in a few days.. http://www.evergreendrift.com/

Tiago
$450 to share my Civic on Barnes Lake; you bend it, you buy it  ;D!!

It's on snow, what could possibly go wrong?  ;D

Let's stay in touch, we have a delivery at work around mid-February, but if I can take a weekend or two off, I'll take you up on that offer for sure!

I would pay to see your expression when the lake / ice relieves it's growing pains as the crack goes right between your legs.. ;D Priceless. Keith will have you hooked before you finish the trip there.....have a great time.

Hey for a fee, I'll hook up a GoPro to my head, pointing at my face the whole time! Say, $450? :D