Sweet, Delicious Anticipation

Seattlest loves it when winter arrives with a flourish. Just mere weeks ago we were riding our bike either up at the Whistler bike park, or at favorite local spots like Tiger Mountain or numerous trails out off Hwy 410. In fact, barely over one month after a fantastic ride out at the Palisades trail not far from Crystal Mountain, those trails are already covered in snow. This morning while driving to work, we revelled in the sensation of being down here while we know it is dumping up there--a phenomenon that occupied our daily thoughts growing up and during most winters since moving to Seattle, but was suspiciously absent last season.

Welcome back anticipation, we missed you so.

Crystal Mountain is leading the pack of early openers in Washington and B.C. this season, firing up the chairs tomorrow morning. At Crystal's heels is Whistler's Blackcomb mountain, which thrills us to no end as we've been planning to spend this coming weekend up there for a while now and we apparently hit the jackpot. (We also predict lottery numbers for a small fee.)

Below is the ski resort roundup for opening dates. Washington is far ahead of other states' opening dates thanks to the most recent glut of inclement weather. You can essentially take your pick from anywhere within 5 hours of Seattle, with the exception of the Summit/Alpental. Come on Alpie, we know you've got commitment issues but everyone else is throwing their hat in so let's see it.

Crystal Mountain: Friday Nov. 3
Blackcomb (Whistler): Saturday Nov. 4
Mt. Baker: Tuesday Nov. 8
Stevens Pass: Wednesday Nov. 9
Summit/Alpental: Shrug, wave hands, look uncertain. Such a shame.