Eager skiers and boarders hit the slopes

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN - Local skiers and snowboarders got a treat from the snow that fell in the Cascades overnight - the slopes are open!  Well, not all of them, but Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass Resort, Whistler and Big White are open for (limited) skiing today.  Crystal Mountain reports that they have two lifts running Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  This is the second early opening day of this year - Crystal opened for one day on October 1.  Depending on weather and snow conditions, the resort may stay open on Sunday.

Stevens Pass Resort is open Saturday thanks to the 20 inches of new snow (they already have a 29-inch base).  Hours of operation are Noon until 4 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Note: Stevens Pass reminds everyone  that early season conditions exist "so ski and ride with caution!"