By Greg Whittaker

It has been a December to remember for the faithful NW ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The best powder (yes newbies we have powder) in 2 years has fallen during our holiday season, with consecutive snow cycles that lead to 9 inches on 12 inches on another 10 inches falling. After a while, you couldn’t find the bottom, and the lucky visited the white room. The white room is an expression for skiing and boarding whereas snow flies over your head to such an effect that the only color that exists is a lack of color, or white.

The last week of high pressure has been fantastic with sunny days and incredible cascade and volcano views. Snow depth has been holding strong with cold evening temps and we are set for a great season, as now the season is truly starting for the skiers and snowboarders. A majority of kids lessons launch this upcoming week, so moms and dads, go through those gear bags and make sure everything is fitting. A lot of times the kids complain the boots are “too tight” this time of year, however they are actually fitting like they should. Bring them in for a shell fit to your local brick and mortar ski shop so the boot techs can coach your kids in what they should be feeling in a good fitting boot.

The snow returns this week with the high-pressure system beginning to break down. It’s chilly up there today, however the snow levels are predicted to rise to 4000 feet early Tuesday. Not to worry however, the levels should drop back down to 3000 feet by Weds/Thurs with continued snow showers through the week. According to the Northwest Avalanche Center, we have been getting more precipitation than models have been forecasting, so good news on the snowpack front. It is anticipated that about .5 to 2 inches of precipitation will fall this week, and we can estimate about 10” of snow per inch of precipitation in the Cascades (depending on moisture content). So keep an eye on those freezing levels, and when it snows, its time to go because a warm front can follow closely on the heels of a fresh foot of snow.

A viscous karaoke invoked ankle injury during the holidays has waylaid this skier and a depression sets in when the attempt to create the Westside Snow Report, so pardon the lack of reporting. However, moving forward I will continue to embrace the spirit of the snow and bring first hand reports. Please email any reports to kayakalki@gmail.com or swing by the shop and chat us up on how your trip was.

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 this dialogue, come by Mountain to Sound Outfitters and let us know how your trip was or feel free to post in the comment section.

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 vehicle so you can carry all that gear that won’t fit in your trunk.