Whistler, BC (November 26, 2009) -- The Blackcomb side of Whistler-Blackcomb opened today to blue skies, blower pow, and a mid-winter snowpack--a good omen for the Olympic year.

Leah Evans is more than an up-and-coming athlete from Rossland, BC--at just 21 years of age, the University of Victoria student and big mountain competitor is also living the Canadian dream and pushing current and future generations of females to shred harder through her company, Girls Do Ski.

Maybe the abbreviated hill is just a flirting taunt at the season yet to unfold. Perhaps these early days help us to appreciate the epic storms and closed-passes that are (allegedly) sure to materialize in scant weeks. But I know this much- that even on opening day, skiing is fun.

There is only so much print space for every feature. But, with a week at Retallack Lodge and an hour-and-a-half long interview, we were left with too much good content. So, without further adieu, click here for some bonus coverage from my time spent with The Mentor: JP Auclair.

The second interview from TGR’s "On the Couch" series, brought you by The Ski Journal, this time featuring Seth Morrison. Enjoy.

Part 2

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.

The first installment in a series of interviews by Teton Gravity Research and brought to you by The Ski Journal. On the Couch, with Dana Flahr. Look for more in the coming weeks.