According to Punxsutawney Phil, we have six more weeks winter, and we are LOVING that report. Rodents aside, the weather clearly looks like winter this week with heavy snow from the Rockies to New England. Here’s the scoop in this week’s SnoCast.

Halloween weekend and first days of November will feature forecast tricks and treats. With a leftover hurricane delivering snow to New England and ski areas opening in the west, this time of year is always a treat to build ski season excitement.

The final weekend of January delivers fresh, snowy conditions for both the west and the east. Some areas will measure in the feet. Read on for more details of this weekend’s weather outlook.

If you're looking for the best deal on New Hampshire season passes, now is the time to buy. Many ski areas are offering additional incentives when you purchase before this season ends.

Valentine’s Day sweethearts across New England can celebrate the holiday of love with unique events at New Hampshire ski areas. Romantic celebrations will include chairlift speed dating, festive on-slope games, moonlit skiing, a couples ski race, and more.

As we bid a fond farewell to 2018, the editors at SnoCountry take a look at the news that shaped skiing and riding at mountain resorts across North America over the year.

“Wow, that’s inspiring but I don’t think my knees will last that long!” exclaimed a thirty-something dude on the chairlift.

I had shared that I had just photographed members of the 70+ Ski Club racing, including some in their eighties and nineties.

The arrival of ski swaps each fall reminds winter enthusiasts that snow is on the way and that the ski season is right around the corner. Now is the time to get the best deals on ski and snowboard equipment, and ski swaps are a great way to purchase gently used or even new gear for short money. Swaps are not just for buying gear; you can also turn in your used gear that still has life left in it and earn back some of your investment. 

The State of New Hampshire has approved the transfer of the lease of Mount Sunapee Resort to Vail Resorts.

New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain Resort is now boasting the highest disc golf course in New Hampshire, a scenic 18-hole course that starts at the 2,733-foot summit of Loon Peak. 

The sale of the lease and operating agreement of New Hampshire’s Mount Sunapee to Vail Resorts was discussed at a public information session Wednesday night at the resort's Sunapee Lodge. Many attendees of the meeting came for reassurances that the new owners of the lease would continue stewardship of the state park’s natural resources and protection of affordable outdoor recreation.

Thanks to continued investment in snowmaking and grooming, along with the snows of Miracle March, Ski New Hampshire is reporting skier visit just off average by five percent for the 2017-18 season.

Vail Resorts launched another salvo in the battle to own the winter destination market and a larger slice of the ski marketplace with the purchase of Vermont’s Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire, Crested Butte in Colorado and Steven Pass in Washington Monday.

Women to Women looks to take all women skiers to new levels of confidence, excitement and freedom. (Blizzard Ski/Facebook)

Leslie Baker-Brown, Blizzard Tecnica Marketing Manager, was on an athlete summit in Portillo, Chile, a few years ago when one of the pro skiers she was with made a comment that stopped her in her tracks: she gets intimidated when walking into a ski shop.

Lake Sunapee views from the top of Mount Sunapee. (Mount Sunapee/Facebook)

Less than two hours from Boston and close to southern New Hampshire’s cities, Mount Sunapee is a favorite for many looking for a resort with a big mountain feel and local hill charm. Parents don’t worry about kids getting lost and the grooming team makes morning corduroy a dream.

Epic skiing and riding under the orange bubble chair at Okemo. (Okemo/Facebook)

Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire, Okemo, Vermont and Crested Butte, Colorado have entered into a multi-year season pass partnership with Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, bringing the total number of Epic Pass mountain resorts to 64 in eight countries.

Happy boarders at Mount Sunapee. (Mount Sunapee)

One of the absolute best reasons to rise and shine early for your trip to the mountains is the sweet reward of laying down some tracks in freshly groomed corduroy. The zip of your edges into those fine lines makes the first turns of the day often the most satisfying. While finding a powder day is never guaranteed, these resorts are known for their grooming finesse. So grab your coffee, boots and boards and head out for first chair.

With both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, everyone can relax and unwind after a hard day on the slopes. (Airbnb) 

A perusal of Airbnb shows the concept of direct online rentals has caught on in ski towns nationwide. Airbnb rentals are popular for the savings and convenience they can afford and in some places supplement limited mountain or town accommodations.

Guided family hikes take in Presidential Range views at Bretton Woods. (Bretton Woods)

New Hampshire’s mountainous playgrounds plan to celebrate with family-friendly events across the state Labor Day weekend.

Going for the basket at Gore Mountain. (Gore Mountain)

Want to add a little friendly competition to your mountainside hike? Disc golf at your favorite Eastern resort is a great way to get outside with your buddies, perfect your throw and explore the mountain from a new perspective. Scoring is the same as golf - count the number of throws needed to get the disc in the basket.