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Alaska Airlines is relaunching its “Ski Free” promotion, giving free lift passes to skiers and snowboarders at resorts across the U.S. and Canada when they show their boarding pass. 

The focus for cold and snow this week stretches from British Columbia, down the Northern Rockies to the Great Lakes, bringing the potential for base-building snow. In the east, a mainly soggy storm mixes with snow in the colder peaks of New England. 

If you're heading up into the mountains, grab your hiking boots and mountain bike.

While lurking past closing hours in the mountain resort parking lot has always been the domain of the dirtbag, more ski areas are bringing the practice of overnight stays out of the shadows—and some are downright embracing the car-bound camp movement. This focus on ski resort winter camping, which accommodates visitors of lesser means—as well as nomadic adventurers—is a refreshing step back from the luxury demographic. that the ski industry habitually targets.

Mother Nature has begun to smile upon on the West, particularly the northern and central Rockies where significant amounts fell on resorts from Alberta to southern Colorado.

Early on, above-freezing temps kept snowfall down in the Pacific Northwest. But lately, the temps have dropped and the depths have risen. Pacific storms have stayed north, pummeling the Cascades and intermountain region with snowfall measured in feet.

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

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.

Midwest resorts are in prime location to pick up several inches of snow and keep it around. (Boyne Highlands/Facebook)

Cold air dominates most of the United States and Canada through Christmas, leading to favorable conditions for snowfall in many areas.

A summer chairlift ride includes eye-popping views. (Schweitzer Mountain Resort/Facebook)

Idahoans and visitors alike escape the summer heat down below by heading into the mountains of the Gemstone state.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort includes the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. (Glenwood Hot Springs)

Looking for a little personality to your ski lodgings, but still don't want to break the bank? Chain hotels are great for a standard room, but these accommodations will put you up in style with a personal touch. Innkeepers will have local intel, and you'll have a few bucks left to explore restaurants and shops in town, too.

Ropes are dropping on trails from California to Maine as snowstorms and snowmaking weather offer up one of the best starts to a winter in recent memory. As your options open up, mountain general managers from across the country shared with SnoCountry.com their not-to-miss routes for fun on the hill.

Rendering shows what new three-story lodge will look like. (Schweitzer Mountain Resort)

For the first time, skiers and snowboarders on Schweitzer Mountain will be able to unbuckle and kick back right on the mountain.

Ari Gutman, a physician from Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, has been named the Ski Ambassador of the Year for the Learn to Ski and Snowboard (Month)/Bring a Friend initiative. Dr. Gutman took his two sons, Jonathan (14) and Matthew (13) to Spring Mountain, Pennsylvania for lessons and entered the Bring a Friend Challenge.

Ski and snowboard resorts all over Idaho have lifted the ropes on the 2015-2016 season as timely snow and low temps have produced solid bases at most of the state’s 17 mountains.

Last year’s tough winter in Idaho hasn’t deterred projects at a number of resorts that aim to upgrade everything from mountain terrain to on-mountain lodges to overnight accommodations.

After all the great early snowfall this season, right now is the time to plan your last-minute holiday getaway.  Although many lodging options may have been booked up months in advance, there’s still room at the inn for that perfect mountain winter retreat.

This summer in Idaho saw crews working on trails, lodges and terrain parks at mountain resorts, and the fruits of those labors are now ready for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Eight resorts announced improvements and upgrades that were completed during the offseason, and one, Tamarack Resort, is back to a full-week schedule under new ownership.

Idaho is known for its wild and powdery backcountry that can be reached slowly on foot, or for those less patient, by snowcat at seven locations and helicopter at one.

In an effort to attract top regional racers, Schweitzer Mountain Resort spent some serious cash over the summer to cut a new downhill course that has been certified by national and international bodies.