By Greg Whittaker

Hey snow lovers, many of us anxiously await to see what this winter will bring and we are right there with you. Even an average year is fantastic for skiing in Washington, so the staff at Mountain to Sound Outfitters is teaming up with The West Seattle Herald to give you snow updates as the season progresses. Our goal is to bring you first hand accounts from our crew, and bits of knowledge from the skiers and boarders that come through the shop with their reports. If you suffer from the winter blues around here and are dreading the short wet days of winter, just remember 45 degree rain means snow up in the hills, and its good for the soul to be surrounded by snow in the mountains.

For those of you new to the area, here's the lowdown on what's what for the commonly visited ski areas surrounding us. Seattle is a ski town, and we have some serious fun up in our mountains. This is not an entire list of the areas in the state, so don't let it limit your exploring.

Summit at Snoqualmie:
While this has the lowest elevation in the region, it is the closest area to West Seattle, just get on I-90 and head 50 miles east. Encompassing four different base areas, the Summit at Snoqualmie offers family friendly terrain as well as some of the steepest lines in the region. Night operations make this a valuable resource for the ski community and the lifts spin till 10 pm. Beginners can learn at Central or West, and head to Alpental when they are ready to challenge steep ungroomed terrain. East (formerly Hyak) has had new lifts put in during the last couple seasons and also offers access to the Mt. Catherine Loop and a variety of nordic and snowshoe trails. A tubing center is also operated here for people who want to slide out of control and get in a snowball fight.

Crystal Mountain:
This is the biggest area in Washington. Panoramic views of Mt. Rainier make it a destination for folks who just want to ride the Gondola as well, so even non-skiers can enjoy a day up here. As far as terrain, you get it all. Simple beginner runs all the way up to lift access backcountry that is deep and steep. If you enjoy cruising the easier terrain, Forest Queen is perfect for a fun day. Apres at the lower lodge or head on over to the Snorting Elk for some pizza and brew. Its an easy 1:45 run from West Seattle up to the lifts at Crystal.

Stevens Pass:
North east out of Monroe Highway 2 takes you up to Stevens Pass. This area is a favorite among many, not just for the affordable seasons pass (you want to plan ahead and get the early season discount), but the variety of terrain. Stevens Pass offers night operations as well. Daisy is great for beginners, and if you are up for some pucker factor, head on up the short double chair to 7th Heaven or up Double Diamond. Mill valley offers a backside that you should check out, as this mountain offers surprises abound for mountain folk, so just keep exploring all the lifts and aspects and you'll have a great day. There is a nordic center a few miles east of the main summit as well for cross country and snowshoe excursions.

Mt. Baker:
The northern most US volcano, Mt. Baker, flanks the Mt. Baker Ski Area on 542 East out of Bellingham, but the jaw dropping views are of Mt. Shuksan if the weather clears. Holding the world record recorded snowfall, this family owned and operated area is especially influenced by the cold Fraiser Valley air as it slams into our pacific storms which equals dumpage. In bounds slides are not uncommon and I will always take my avi gear when I ride here. There are some fun family and beginner terrain, and a bunch for the expert. Tranceivers, shovels, packs, a friend, and the ability to use them all are required if you want to access some amazing lift access backcountry. Head through the gates off the top of Chair 8 to access Hemispheres or Shuksan Arm, but please go with a local as the wrong turn can lead to some serious exposure, and you don't want to be in Rumble Valley during the wrong conditions.

White Pass:
As a lifelong NW skier/boarder, I have to say I am going to visit this area for the first time this upcoming winter. That said, being on the eastern flank of the Central Cascades lends itself to dryer snow, and White Pass riders are die hard fans. Recent expansion has opened up what was once backcountry into a great place to find untracked freshies. White Pass is a family friendly area that has lodging down in Packwood, so I'm gonna make a weekend out of it when I explore this mountain.

Whistler/Blackomb:
Is awesome. Go. Its like you're in another country.

Oregon:
Has amazing skiing and boarding as well.

Updated as conditions warrant, the Westside Snow Report provides current
reliable reports on snow, pass, and driving conditions for Western Washington
and beyond to get you out on the slopes.

Summit at Snoqualmie:

Snow levels have been hovering around 4000 ft, so the top of Silver Queen and Alpental have been getting snow, but we need snow at the base. A strong cold front is expected Saturday-Sunday, so lets keep our fingers crossed that we get a good base going here. Status: Currently Closed.

Crystal Mountain:

Rumors of a weekend opening are the word on the street here. With about 15" on top and counting, we need to get a good dumping at the base to get things fully open. Opening will consist of Green Valley off the Gondola most likely. Status: Currently Closed.

Stevens Pass:

Again, some accumulation on top, and we need more snow at the base. Reports are for 4-8 inches the next few days, and hopefully the weekend storm produces what we need to solidify the base. Status: Currently Closed.

Mt. Baker Ski Area:

There are about 6 inches sitting at the base. I believe it take at least 20" to open here, so not too far off! Status: Currently Closed.

White Pass:

Patches of snow at the base, and about 15" up top. Status: Currently Closed.

Greg Whittaker is the owner of Mountain to Sound Outfitters your West Seattle ski, snowboard, kayak, and paddle board experts that can also rack out your car so you can carry all that big gear. www.m2soutfitters.com