It's October. Life quickly changes from carefree days enjoying summer activities in the warm sun to pulling out cold weather gear. It happens overnight. One day it's sunny and 77 degrees; the next brings 50 degrees with cold rain and forecasts of winter storm watches in mountains. To some people this is the painful part of the next six months. But Inland Northwest skiers and snowboarders are smiling as the anticipation of the upcoming ski season becomes more of a reality.
October brings ski movie premieres, ski swaps and the last-minute realization of the need to get into shape for ski season. Some mountains in the West have already had a dusting of snow this season, as early as the beginning of September. Most of that snow has come and gone. October brings more snow, some of which will stick around for the season.
And November is right around the corner, which means Snowlander Expo and PowderKeg Inlander Brew Festival. Over the past few years, this has meant a time of winter celebration, catching up with winter friends, imbibing craft beers from all over the Pacific Northwest, previewing the latest ski films by Teton Gravity Research and getting the best deals of the season from area retailers. Mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, .and make sure to pick up the November issue of Snowlander or check out snowlanderexpo.com for all of the details.
As a parting note, just remember that the rainy, cold days ahead mean snow in the mountains. It'll only be a matter of time before the chairlifts are turning and ski season will be in full swing. So until then, wax those skis and snowboards, keep doing your ski season workouts and continue the countdown until Opening Day — 43 days, to be exact.
Think snow!
