Western Washington’s first new lift-serviced terrain is finally ready to open – maybe. Crystal plans to open its new Northway lift Saturday if conditions permit. The ski area had previously hoped to open the lift Dec. 8, but the weather did not cooperate. The steep terrain accessed by the new lift needed more snow to be skiable.

Santa Claus will be skiing Crystal’s slopes Saturday and Sunday. Crystal Mountain’s Express Bus has started operation for the season. Ride from Gig Harbor, Tacoma or Puyallup for $80 including your lift ticket. Call 1-800-665-2122 to make reservations.

The Summit at Snoqualmie is finally open. After a power outage Sunday morning, the resort gave free lift tickets to visitors in the afternoon.

Alpental and the Summit tubing center opened for the season Wednesday. Summit Central is set to open Friday along with the Summit Nordic Center.

The National Weather Service is predicting snow in the Washington Cascades today through Monday.

At Whistler Blackcomb, a free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 100 skiers or boarders who show up Saturday dressed like Santa Claus.

For those looking for fun on their own, the snow play area at Paradise is set to open Saturday. Steady snow early this week has supplied the base of 5 feet needed to protect vegetation in the play area.

Craig Hill, The News Tribune