With just a light dusting of snow in recent days, we're on pace for a record dry December.
It has been cold enough that the snow coverage -- including a light dusting of new snow -- is still near normal levels. Grooming has been outstanding on all the slopes.
There is a wide range of activities and special offers throughout the Northwest for the holidays.
The Stevens Pass Ski Area is offering a discounted $25 special rate now through Sunday at their Top Phlight Terrain Park. Snowboarders and skiers can only ride the Brooks Lift, and the park has lots of different rails, boxes, booters and the new Stunt Ditch. You can upgrade to a full-mountain ticket for $37 (adult lift-ticket price) by visiting guest relations. For details, go to www.stevenspass.com.
The free Mission Ridge Mountain Music Festival and New Year's Eve Party is Saturday. Skiers and snowboarders can also take to the hill under the lights of Chair 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for only $15. Mission is also hosting the Twilight Snowshoe Trek at 5 p.m. at the Hampton Lodge, which is guided by the Mission Ridge Patrol. The area is also offering discounted daily lifts tickets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday. For details, go to www.missionridge.com.
Crystal Mountain Resort is offering a First Tracks Special for early birds on weekends. Get a mountain-sized breakfast buffet at the Summit House Restaurant and early uploading privileges on the Mount Rainier Gondola.
Come check out the sunrise on the mountain while eating breakfast, then once Ski Patrol gives you the OK, you'll hit the wide-open slopes of Green Valley and get one or two runs in before the public arrives.
Cost is $29 for breakfast (includes tax and gratuity) and early skiing and snowboarding in Green Valley. That doesn't include a lift ticket, and foot passengers must purchase a scenic lift ticket. Advance reservations are recommended. Call 360-663-3050 at least 24 hours in advance.
Mount Rainier National Park is offering daily scenic snowshoe walks now through Jan. 1, and on weekends Jan. 7 to March 25. The walks are offered at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center information desk at Paradise beginning one hour before the start time.
Snowshoe walks cover approximately 1.5 miles and last up to 2 hours. Snowshoes are provided, or visitors may use their own. A donation of $4 per person is requested.
Snowshoeing is a moderately strenuous activity, and participants must be at least 8 years old. Remember to wear sturdy boots and dress in layers. Group snowshoe walks begin at 10:30 a.m. For details, call 360-569-6575 or go to www. visitrainier.com.
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club "Ski For Health Day" is from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 8 on Icicle River Trail. The club offers free nordic rentals, lessons, refreshments and trail passes; demo skis, boots and poles from local ski shops; a Swix wax demo (get your skis waxed and learn about the latest Toko products); and learn about avalanche beacons from Northwest Mountain School. For details, go to www.skileavenworth.com.
The Summit at Snoqualmie is ringing in 2012 with a New Year's Eve Party at 8 p.m. Saturday at Alpental. Activities include live music, a torchlight parade at 11:45 p.m. and plenty of other merriment at the Denny Mountain Lodge. Cover is $5 (21 and over only).
For details, go to www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.
