You gotta love how the ski areas creatively manage their weather reports. Don't get me wrong now, 'cause we love you guys. But one has to admire your ability to massage the message sometimes.

Take today at the Loaf, for example. The boxed in weather report reads "Todays Weather: Showers and drizzle, rain possible this afternoon." Pretty accurate description I'll bet.

But just below that, in Today's Update, and with more room to maneuver, a much rosier picture: "Snow conditions are spring-like here at Sugarloaf right now, with soft, edge-able snow all over the mountain." And further... "The rest of our terrain is nice and soft and just waiting for you to carve it up."

You guys kill me! Did you write this while slurping down a few Pick Pole Pale Ales in The Bag?

Let me interpret: It's raining cats and dogs up here. The snow is goopy slush. You'd better wear a raincoat. Be prepared for fog thick enough to cut with a knife. And, oh by the way, there's only three trails open.

No matter, we love you guys anyway. And we're coming up there for New Year's
regardless of the weather forecast. So shove over a stool or two there at The Bag. And put another batch of popcorn in the popper. We're on our way. Soggy confetti, hats, horns and all.

We may get some turns in. We may not. But we'll have fun dammit. Just in case, though, I'm bringing a book and my cribbage board...