Get Ready for Snow!

All the signs are there, for anyone who cares to look: The calendar says it's October, we've had some chilly nights, and hard freezes in the northern valleys. Mount Washington saw its first snow of the new season (on September 21). Colorado is open for skiing and riding. It's unmistakable: another snow season is almost upon us.

If history is any indication (and let's pray that there's no repeat of last year's "winter that wasn't"), some snowsports resort in New England will start turning its lifts sometime later this month or, more likely, in early November.

My bet is always on either Killington (800-621-6867; www.killington.com ) in Killington, Vermont or Sunday River (207-824-3000; www.sundayriver.com ) in Newry, Maine. These two are always among the first, if not THE first to open each season, and both are planning to open around November 10 for top-to-bottom skiing and riding.

The Who's On First" race is often fun to watch. For years, until Killington was purchased by the American Skiing Company, which owned Sunday River, these two giants duked it out each year for first-tracks honors. Last year, though, the wildcard Wildcat (1-888-SKI WILD; www.skiwildcat.com ) in Pinkham Notch, N.H., took the honors by opening on October 28 thanks to four feet of natural snow. Killington opened the next day. Then everyone had to shut down when the weather warmed and the rains came. A couple of years ago, tiny Woodbury Ski Area (203-263-2203; www.woodburyskiarea.com ) in Hotchkissville, Connecticut blew a patch of snow, hit the light switch and let some local kids ski and board the night before Killington opened with top-to-bottom skiing. They had fun tweaking the giant's nose . . .

To most of us, it matters very little which resort opens first, as long as someone has the snow, we'll enjoy getting out on the slopes with our planks and boards. There's (going to be ) snow on the slopes (very soon)! Winter's too short - enjoy it while you can!

Top Tips

Here are four tips to help you enjoy your first days on snow this season:

1. Get your equipment ready now.
   If you're a snowboarder, make sure that your boots still fit, your bindings still hold your boots securely, and that your board has wax on the base and sharp edges. If you're a skier, start wearing your boots around the house to reacquaint your feet to them. Get your release bindings tested and your skis waxed and tuned before the snowguns fire up.
    
2. Get yourself ready now.
   There's still time to tune up the most important item of your equipment: you. Gym work is okay, but most mountain resorts have hiking and mountain biking trails. Use them. Climbing uphill to admire the views will strengthen your thighs and calves. Riding a mountain bike uphill will do the same, and when you turn around and ride down, you'll be sharpening your reflexes and reactions.
    
3. Shop around for early season bargains.
   Thanksgiving is an important holiday for most eastern ski resorts most years. Last year set records. You aren't going to find many deals over Thanksgiving, but before the holiday, and between Thanksgiving and Christmas and after are both wonderful times to find cheap lift tickets and accommodations.
    
4. Plan for a midweek getaway.
   The actual opening days at most resorts will see crowds of skiers and riders seeking bragging rights. The early weekends, too, are likely to see too many skiers and riders packed onto limited terrain. Get there midweek, however, and you're likely to have the slopes to yourself, especially early in the day. If you must ski on an early weekend, try December 16 and 17-most people are too busy with Christmas to take time to have fun. Their loss, your gain.

HERE'S THE DEAL

The Comfort Inn and Suites in St. Johnsbury, VT (802-748-1500; www.vermontvacationland.com) has what may be the best ski-and-stay package of the entire season. Reserve by Nov. 20, and between Dec. 9 and 25, two adults get a room, breakfast and two adult lift tickets for $99.