The Northwest Awakens

Thanksgiving was especially apt for the northwest snowboard scene this year. Riders from Washington and Oregon are giving thanks for the start of the winter season as resorts from Mt. Baker to Stevens Pass to Mt. Bachelor all opened this week. On Mt. Hood, Meadows fired up the chairs and Timberline opened some lower-mountain terrain, too.

Word from Meadows is that it was as good as an opening day can be. And that's not just the company line, even Yobeat agrees.

Bachelor dropped a quick opening day edit, too. Cameos from Austin Smith and Curtis Ciszek at the end. Looks like they got it good.

Baker, to the surprise of no one, is claiming the deepest base on the continent. They have all of their lifts firing.

Yes, folks, happy days are here again. Get out there and get it, but remember to ease into it. Remember how to drive in winter conditions. Remember that rocks, stumps and small woodland animals lurk just under the shallow fall base. And remember, if you play your cards right, you could have a long and happy winter. Check your landings and start your winter beards. Let the good times roll.