Christmas in the mountains runs deep with traditions. But a number of resorts try to work outside the box and be creative with their celebrations.

Heading through the Christmas holiday, multiple storms will make their way across the U.S. and Canada. Question is, will these bring the gift of snow to your favorite spot?

Multiple storm systems and a steady plume of moisture will stream into the Pacific Northwest, bringing big totals into the weekend.

Kids instinctually love to play in the snow, and you can share with them the thrill and camaraderie of a day on the slopes, the anticipation of new fallen snow that blankets the world white, the exhilaration of turns on skis. All across the country, you can find programs that offer a chance for kids to try out skiing and riding, most with just a small fee to get started.

Last season, portions of Idaho were among the few locales in the West that got normal snowfall, so hopes are high for an even better season in the Gem State.

Thanksgiving weekend will be especially tasty in the western United States and Canada with multiple helpings of snow storms.

We’re turning the calendar to November in this SnoCountry SnoCast, and with that comes more signals that winter is coming. A weather pattern featuring frequent storm systems will impact both the western and eastern areas this week.

As a new season begins, skiers and snowboarders head to the hills, always looking for what’s new at their favorite resort – and what improvements they might find if they venture to other areas.

Here’s a look at a quintet of resorts in Colorado, Idaho and California that expect to drop the ropes in early November.

With the proliferation of Smartphones and digital cameras, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture the beauty of the West – especially in the mountains.

A staple on the activity slate at many ski and snowboard resorts in the Rocky Mountains is the fast-chargin’, whip-turnin’ mountain coaster.

Summer vacationers often seek out lakefront property to cool off, and a number of ski and snowboard resorts across the West are blessed with a lake within spittin’ distance.

Summertime at ski and snowboard resorts in the Great Northwest packs in all manner of adventure, food and new perspectives.

Resorts all over the West put gravity mountain biking on the top of the summer attractions. Those who crank up the lifts in the off-season put on bike racks and bring riders to great heights.

The annual Masterfit Boot Test concluded after a 5-day ordeal in which some 35 volunteer testers donned 98 boot models and sallied outside to put them through their paces at Silver Mountain, Idaho.

A late-night fire at the Warm Springs Day Lodge at Sun Valley has caused heavy damage to the 25-year-old base lodge, but no one was inside at the time of the blaze as the resort closed four days prior.

Hittin' the deep stuff. (Schweitzer/Facebook)

Nestled high in the Selkirks of northernmost Idaho, Schweitzer has the feel of a locals’ mountain and a burgeoning destination resort. Its 2,900 acres sit 45 miles from the Canadian border and above lumber town Sandpoint and Lake Pend Orielle. In a season like 2017-2018, Schweitzer gets plenty of snow but conditions can be variable – and weather foggy -- because it’s fed by moisture-laden Pacific storms.

Plenty of trees to navigate at Lookout. (Lookout Pass/Facebook)

This season, the snow gods have smiled mostly upon the Northern Rockies, just in time to debut a new trail at Lookout Pass and produce optimism for planned upgrades.

More pow' in the trees at Tamarack. (Tamarack Resort/Facebook)

Early season snow storms are tracking right over the Cascades and Northern Rockies, and many resorts have already opened – some with improvements made over the summer.

Arcing a jump at Sun Valley terrain park. (Sun Valley/Facebook)

Keepin’ up with ever-changing terrain park trends presents a challenge to all resorts, and Sun Valley is one that is making sure it’s current … and cool.

Lookout Pass has popular Learn to Ski & Ride and Bring a Friend programs that run all season long. (Bob Legasa Freeride Media)

There’s never been a better time to find ski/snowboarding discounts, freebies, and deals.