It also means many people are going to be dusting off their skills and stretching muscle groups little used since last season’s last run .
While there will be a sense of urgency to hit the slopes for that first day of winter fun, there are steps you can take to make your first day on the slope safer and more enjoyable.
“Whatever it takes to keep people smiling. It’s all about having fun, going out and having a good time in the snow,” said Dave Sanford of The Alpine Experience in Olympia.
Here are some early-season tips:
DRIVE SAFELY
Nothing will spoil the mood of the season opening quicker than spinning out on an icy road. Check www.wsdot.wa.gov for the latest on highway conditions. Also be sure to take it easy on access roads to ski areas, such as Crystal Mount Boulevard. Drivers headed to Crystal should note there is some construction on Highway 410, 13 miles east of Enumclaw, but state officials do not expect it to affect traffic.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Nothing will ruin your day faster than being wet and/or cold on the slopes. Here are two rules of thumb.
One, cotton kills. It may be comfy for jammies, but when cotton gets wet, it’s slow to dry. It sticks to your skin and sucks the heat from your body. Think synthetics.
And two, layer. Start with a thin, synthetic base layer to draw moisture away from your skin. Then, a slightly heavier and warmer layer, like a fleece pullover or sweater. Finally don a shell or parka to protect you from the elements. A hat will keep heat from escaping out the top of your head.
Gloves are another essential. But also pack a couple of hand warmers in your pockets. If you’re not used to being in the cold yet, that will help you out. They are fairly cheap, costing $1 to $1.50 each.
Chad West of Sturtevant’s Ski Mart Tacoma recommends wearing goggles over sunglasses. “It’s just good protection, especially if we get that icy rain. It prevents burning your eyes from the glare and wind.” He said make sure the goggle lens are not too scratched and give them a fresh coat of anti-fog spray.
TEND TO YOUR EQUIPMENT
Make sure all the binding screws are there and the pressure settings are all on the same number, or where they should be for skiing, West said.
“Many people turn them way down in the summer to ease the tension on the springs, and then they forget to reset them and are falling all over the place,” West said.
If you have the time before hitting the slopes, have your skis waxed, Sanford said. Most skis and snowboards have been garage-bound since last season and the wax has rubbed off or degraded.
“It will help you glide over the snow and helps you control your skis easier,” Sanford said.
Of course, that might be difficult to do if your buddy calls to encourage you to skip work to carve some turns.
GET EQUIPMENT THAT FITS
These tips apply whether you are renting equipment at the ski area or from a local ski shop.
Most ski rental operations have a cattle-call feel: you’re herded to the boots, you’re herded to the skis, you’re herded to the poles. The tendency is to get you in and out as quickly as possible. Resist the tendency.
Above all, make sure your boots fit. They should be snug, but not tight. If you can’t wiggle your toes a bit, there’s a problem. Ask for help in buckling them if you need it.
One idea is to wear socks made for skiing and snowboarding. Many people will wear extra thick socks assuming that will keep their feet warmer.
“You don’t want to cramp everything down so tight that it cuts off the circulation to your toes. That will make your toes colder quicker than anything,” Sanford said.
STAY HYDRATED AND FED
Sanford suggests putting a hydration pack underneath your ski jacket. That will keep the water from freezing, so you can stay hydrated. Being dehydrated will lead your body to chill quicker than normal.
He also said to pack your pockets or pack with high-energy food, even something as simple as a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich and M&Ms. He suggests nibbling on something each time you ride up the lift.
“I’m a big fans of bagels with Havarti cheese and Black Forest ham,” Sanford said.
“Staying hydrated and keeping your energy level up will help keep you warm and keep you skiing longer.”
TAKE A BREAK
Even if you nosh between runs, it’s still a good idea to stop for lunch and break for hot cocoa once or twice in the afternoon. Since most everyone stops for lunch, it can get crowded about noon. Avoid the crowds by breaking early (before 11:30 a.m.) or late (after 1 p.m.).
LIMIT YOUR RUNS
Remember that the season just started. “The snow will be here for a while. Take it easy and don’t overdo it,” Sanford said.
You’ll be using muscles you don’t use on a regular basis, muscles that may begin to cry uncle midday. You may be having so much fun that you don’t hear their plaintive cries. You don’t want to cut short your season with an injury the first time out.
BE PREPARED
“Get your stuff together the night before,” West said. “You don’t want to wake up in the morning and be rushing around. Be sure you don’t get too excited and leave something behind.”
GET A DEAL
While many areas are offering discounted lift tickets these first days, you also can stop at places like Sturtevant’s for a discount coupon.
McClatchy Newspapers contributed to this report.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
Cascade ski area status
Crystal Mountain
Opened Wednesday. Now running the Discovery, Chinook Express, Quicksilver, Forest Queen, Rainier Express and Green Valley lifts. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lift tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for youths and seniors, free for kids 10 and younger. 360-663-2265; skicrystal.com
Mount Baker
Opened Thursday, with 67 inches of snow at the base. Both base areas are open and all lifts are operating. Running from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Area will charge midweek rates, $39.50 for an adult ticket. 360-734-6771; mtbaker.us
White Pass
Will be open today through Sunday, then open daily starting Nov. 20, conditions permitting. The Carpet, Platter, Quad and Triple lifts will be running, with Chair 4 to be decided. Hours will be 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. 509-672-3101. skiwhitepass.com
Stevens Pass
Still needs more snow before opening. There were 30 inches of snow at the base Wednesday. 206-812-4510; stevenspass.com
Summit at Snoqualmie
No announcement. 425-434-7669; summitatsnoqualmie.com
Mission Ridge
Has begun making snow, and hopes to open Thanksgiving weekend. 509-663-6543; missionridge.com
Jeffrey P. Mayor, The News Tribune
