By Greg Whittaker

It’s here snow lovers. The last snow cycle covered the rocks and gave us hope that the NW Mountains will be off the hook yet again!

Based on first-hand observations today, the last storm cycle included a warm front that consolidated the six–or-so inches at Crystal Mountain. Then it turned cold Friday night and another 6-12 inches fell and wind drifted to fill in holes and cover rocks. West Seattle locals Marshal Bennet, David Levin, Jonathan Streeter and I hooked up at the top of Green Valley and helped a sizable Friday crowd of stoked skiers and boarders track out a bunch of fresh snow. Not quite visiting the “white room,” but getting close. No worries on the fresh pow front though. It was snowing solidly when we left and by the end of the day it was softening up again.

The Discovery Chairlift is open for beginners, so the whole family can enjoy the mountains no matter what the skill level. Rumors on the hill suggest a possible Rainier Express opening tomorrow for the weekend crowds. We heard bombs going off for avalanche control on Powder Bowl and continued snow is expected. Pictures from today at Crystal Mountain are below.

Mt. Baker is fully open and riding well. Lots of stoked boarders and skiers are coming in the store with big grins and stories of good runs. The storm was dumping an inch an hour at the base this morning and two feet of fresh snow is expected by Sunday. Get your fat boards out if you are headed north, eh.

Mission Ridge opened the Friday after Thanksgiving because they have good snowmaking capacity. However, five inches of real snow fell in the last 24 hours - they say additional terrain is opening. Someone swing by the shop and give us a first-hand update if you’ve been up there!

White Pass is opening tomorrow, Dec. 5 for those of you headed that way. With bases of 14 inches at the bottom and 31 inches at the top, they’re predicting a limited opening with access to the upper mountain coming as soon as they can pull it off.

Stevens Pass is open as well, with the highway now at least partially clear. The snow kept falling throughout the day today, allowing Hogsback to open at noon. The untracked pow may have been a bit on the heavy side, but it was smooth and glorious nevertheless. Tomorrow Stevens pass will be running the Daisy and Hogsback chairs from 9a.m. - 4p.m., and will open Skyline and Brooks from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. They'll also have one Magic Carpet in the learning area, and the Rope Tow with a rail park. Snow is forecasted through the weekend.

Summit at Snoqualmie is also on its way. Noelle in Group Sales reports, “The snow is currently falling outside my office window and the runs just off of Pacific Crest Chair at West are turning white! Winter is here.”
Here are links to local ski areas so you can visit their sites for the most up to date info. If you want to contribute, come by Mountain to Sound Outfitters to let us know how your trip was or feel free to post in the comment section. Who’s been to Whistler?

Crystal Mountain Resort
Summit at Snoqualmie
Stevens Pass
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Mission Ridge Ski Area
White Pass Ski Area
Loup Loup Ski Bowl

Make sure you check the WSDOT Pass Reports for driving conditions.

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 gear that wont fit in your trunk.