Getting fresh tracks before the middle of November is always nectarous, but when the snow is light and bottomless--and then the sun comes out, no less--you know you have it good.

A series of storms tracking south from the Gulf of Alaska paid Washington, Oregon, and southern British Columbia a welcome visit last week, causing Mt. Baker, Crystal Mountain (pictured), Mt. Hood, White Pass, and Whistler to scramble to find enough employees to get lifts and lodges open for eager skiers and riders.

Ski Journal staff members, never ones to work when turns can be had, took advantage of conditions on Baker's opening day (which really felt like a continuation of the last day of last season) by graffiti-tagging everything in sight. On Sunday a rally to Crystal Mountain proved worthy, as the resort remained white and fluffy despite the threat of rising tremperatures. Topping out at 7,012 feet has its advantages, and as usual, the mountain delivered the goods. Not bad for Nov. 15.

North of the border, Whistler continued to get pounded. Originally set to open on Nov. 26, the resort instead opened a week and a half early. If reports are to be believed (and our Canuck connections are generally spot on if not several cans of Kokanee deep into a blurry night), it was epic.

Alpental and Stevens Pass need a few more feet of snow to open, but with the forecast looking good later this week through Turkey day, Cascade skiers should have their pick of powdery destinations near and far.

Here's hoping you get yours very, very soon.