Mount Baker Ski Area announced a short time ago it will begin seven-day-a-week operations on Friday at 9 a.m.

Forecasts for the North Sound are calling for 25-40 inches of new snow at Mount Baker today and Thursday. That is in addition to the existing base of 29 inches. With temperatures expected to remain cold through the weekend, ski area officials moved ahead with plans to open.

At this moment, according to the news release, some of the details are still being worked out. An announcement is expected Thursday afternoon for details such as base area and chairlift operating schedules.

UPDATED AT 2:43 P.M.: Crystal Mountain ski area has announced it will open on Friday, serving skiers and snowboarders with four chair lifts. Tickets will be just $20 for opening day.

After getting 16-18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours, the ski area this afternoon is reporting 16 inches of snow at the base and 35 inches at the summit. The Discovery and Quicksilver chairlifts will open at 9 a.m. and Chinook Express and Forest Queen around 11 a.m., said Tiana Enger, spokeswoman for the area.

Mount Baker is scheduled to open a day later, starting …

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If you don’t have plans for Veterans Day, considering digging out your snow ride gear.

The 2009-2010 ski and snowboard season in the South Sound will officially open on Wednesday when Crystal Mountain begins operations, albeit on a limited basis.

The ski area announced this morning it will open the lower mountain by running the Discovery, Chinook Express, Quicksilver and Forest Queen lifts. The ski area will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ski school, rental shop, plus food and beverages areas will be open as well.

There are two feet of snow on the ground now, …

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