It's time to hit the slopes

There's snow out there and it's time to hit the slopes. It was frigid last week in the Midwest but snow was meager.

So this weekend we'll join the media at Heavenly for the annual Wakeup Call. It's a great weekend and this one is stacking up fine. If you're skiing Heavenly this weekend, see you on the slopes.

Here's the latest from Colorado, thanks to former Heavenly info chief Molly Cuffe, now working there.

"The snow conditions are truly phenomenal across the state, one of our best seasons in more than 20 years. Resorts are reporting more than 13 feet of snowfall so far this year and as of this weekend, all 25 resorts will be open for skiing and snowboarding."

Homewood is about the only resort that hasn't reported opening, but since that area gets a lot of snow you can pretty well be assured it will be open.

COUPE DE' SHRED

The Second Annual War between the shores or "Coupe De' Shred" will take to the battlefield Saturday at Sierra-at-Tahoe, pitting North Shore riders against South Shore boarders.

Last year's event saw 155 competitors, so this year Sierra made room for 200 participants. Competitors will be divided into three groups: women only, amateur and pro. This is a free event to enter and registration will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. The park will be open for rail practice from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and the competition will begin at 11 a.m. in Sierra's Upper Main park. Coupe De' Shred is a rail jam event open to snowboarders only.

Top finishers will be awarded with a complete gear set-up, including a new Stepchild snowboard, Flux bindings, Celsius boots and Grenade outerwear. Each Rider will be given a bandana upon signing up and claiming their shore.

Spectators are welcome to attend this event. Call (530) 659-7453 or visit SierraAtTahoe.com.

KIRKWOOD SNOWY

Kirkwood has 32 to 54 inches of fresh powder, guaranteeing excellent early season conditions from top to bottom.

The resort opened several hundred acres of terrain Friday, served by four of its most popular chairlifts - Nos. 1, 5, 6 and 11. Base depths average 18 to 36 inches with powder and packed powder conditions. Lift ticket prices for the weekend are reduced by about 20 percent off of regular rates.

Discounted Stay & Ski Packages start as low as $64 per person, including a lift ticket. Call the toll-free snow report at (877) KIRKWOOD.

DIAMOND PEAK DISCOUNTS

Diamond Peak Ski Resort opened Thursday with some early season discounts. Resort Manager Ed Youmans anticipates opening with 30 percent of the resort's terrain and three lifts. Lift tickets range from $35 to $10.

These prices will be in effect until the resort opens more terrain or Dec. 24, 2005 whichever comes first.

Call (775) 832-1120. Current Ski conditions are also available 24 hours a day on the Snow Phone at (775) 831-3211.

SQUAW VALLEY

The verdict is in: It was worth waiting for. Squaw Valley opened last week to a crowd of skiers and riders after a three-day massive storm. Twelve lifts are open, including the Cable Car and the Funitel, and a variety of upper mountain runs. The mountain is now open from top to bottom. The lifts open this weekend include Siberia, Gold Coast, Shirley Lake, East Broadway, Belmont, Links, and Bailey's Beach, as well as the Cable Car, the Funitel, two magic carpets and a pony tow.

On top of great early season conditions throughout the upper mountain, one terrain park was open this weekend. Belmont Park currently boasts nine features, including a series of boxes and rails. All nine of the boxes and rails are brand new this season, which makes for smooth sliding.

SODA SPRINGS CHECKS IN

Soda Springs Winter Resort has opened, offering two lanes for snow tubing from the Little Dipper lift. The Dipper tube tow is 500 feet in length and is fine for smaller tubing guests.

BOREAL OPEN TO THE TOP

Cold temperatures and 10 inches of recent snowfall have allowed for optimum snow play conditions, such as tubing.

MT. ROSE - Nearby Mt. Rose is open for business with limited operations and some price adjustments. No, the Chutes aren't open yet. Reported 80 percent open.

ALPINE MEADOWS - Ten of 10 of 100 trails, 60 percent open, 4 of 14 lifts.

DONNER SKI RANCH - Open are 26 of 52 trails, 3 of 6 lifts.

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE - Open are 29 of 72 trails, 40 percent open, 5 of 16 lifts.

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE - Running are 33 of 46 trails, 5 of 12 lifts.

SUGAR BOWL- Open are 20 of 84 trails, 3 of 13 lifts.

SICK AND TWISTED

Snow Bomb's "Sick and Twisted" series is bringing a rail competition to Squaw Valley on Saturday. The Snow Bomb Rail Comp will be held on the bottom of Exhibition, easily accessed by foot. You don't need to buy a lift ticket to spectate or compete in the event.

The SnowBomb Rail Comp is open entry. There will be four categories: Male and female skiers, male and female snowboarders. Prizes including skis, snowboards, and some rad gear will be awarded to the best in each category. The entry fee is $10. Competitors who are 18 years or younger must have a parent present to sign a release form and helmets are mandatory for all.

Registration will run from 8:30-10 a.m., practice jibs will be going on between 10 and noon. There will be a meeting for all competitors at noon and then the competition will get going. Competitors will be scored on best out of 2 runs. The competition will be followed by an award ceremony at 4 p.m. in front of Le Chamois.

Between 8:30 and 10 a.m. bring $10, a helmet, and your mom or dad (if you're under 18) to the registration tent outside Dave's Deli. This is your chance to compete for cool prizes and show off your jibbing skills.