November's always an exciting and busy month for Inland Northwest skiers and snowboarders, as Opening Day announcements are within sight. Some Canadian resorts like to beat us to the punch with Opening Days, as they begin snowmaking earlier, benefiting from early-season low temperatures and precipitation.
In particular, there's a lot of buzz locally this November, after last year's great winter season, and with snow falling in the mountains and in the valleys so early. Snowmaking has already begun at ski areas equipped with snow guns, ski movie premieres are in progress, seasonal employment fairs and hiring have commenced, and area resorts are eagerly getting ready to open for winter operations, as soon as Mother Nature and Ullr do their thing. Lookout Pass, for one, opened runs last weekend.
Before the season ramps up, we're excited to be putting the final touches on our sixth annual Inlander Winter Party, featuring the Snowlander Expo and PowderKeg Brew Fest, Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Spokane Convention Center. Flip over this section to find the Winter Party Guide, with details surrounding this year's event, including all of the regional breweries, retailers, resorts and all of the other vendors — and the live music lineup — in place to help you get stoked for the season.
So until we get all those Opening Day announcements, continue your preseason conditioning workout, do your snow dances, and make sure those snow blowers are ready to go, because as we all know, winter is around the corner. Once it hits, we'll want to make the first chair, chase the powder-day storms and take advantage of all the season has to offer.
See you at the Inlander Winter Party!
— JEN FORSYTH
Snowlander Editor
