REGIONAL SKI REPORT

Wyoming

Big Horn Mountain -- Plan to open 12/17

Grand Targhee --1.5" new, packed powder, machine groomed, 44-52 base, 76 of 76 trails, 5 of 5 lifts

Hogadon -- Snowing Wednesday, packed powder, machine groomed, 12-24 base, 14 of 18 trails, 2 of 3 lifts.

Jackson Hole -- 2" new, packed powder, machine groomed, 38-39" base, 44 of 96 trails, 4 of 12 lifts

Pine Creek -- Closed until further notice

Snow King -- Trace new, frozen granular, machine groomed, 29" base, 2 of 16 trails, 1 of 4 lifts

Snowy Range -- Reopen 12/18

White Pine -- packed powder, machine groomed, 38" base, 25 of 25 trails, 2 of 2 lifts

Jackson Hole XC -- Plan to open 12/17

Pahaska Tepee XC -- Plan to open 12/17

Colorado

Arapahoe Basin -- powder, machine groomed, 31" base, 20 of 69 trails, 4 of 6 lifts

Aspen Highlands -- packed powder, machine groomed, 28-34" base, 76 of 130 trails, 4 of 4 lifts

Aspen Mountain -- packed powder, machine groomed, 18-24" base, 54 of 76 trails, 6 of 8 lifts

Beaver Creek -- packed powder, machine groomed, 28-36" base, 71 of 146 trails, 10 of 14 lifts

Breckenridge -- packed powder, machine groomed 36-43" base, 64 of 146 trails, 11 of 27 lifts

Buttermilk -- packed powder, machine groomed, 17-20" base, 35 of 42 trails 6 of 9 lifts

Copper Mountain -- packed powder, machine groomed, 41" base, 62 of 125 trails, 10 of 22 lifts

Crested Butte -- packed powder, machine groomed, 26-35" base, 62 of 85 trails, 9 of 14 lifts

Durango -- packed powder, machine groomed, 36-38" base, 46 of 85 trails, 6 of 11 lifts

Eldora -- packed powder, machine groomed, 34" base, 28 of 53 trails, 8 of 12 lifts

Keystone -- packed powder, machine groomed, 23-29" base, 67 of 116 trails, 14 of 19 lifts

Loveland -- packed powder, machine groomed, 37" base, 41 of 77 trails, 5 of 11 lifts

Monarch -- packed powder, machine groomed, 39-41" base, 50 of 55 trails, 4 of 5 lifts

Powderhorn -- packed powder, machine groomed, 31" base, 3 of 4 lifts

Silverton Mountain -- Plan to open 12/16

Ski Cooper -- packed powder, machine groomed, 25-26" base, 26 of 26 trails, 3 of 4 lifts

Snowmass -- packed powder, machine groomed, 23-31" base, 48 of 87 trails, 8 of 21 lifts

SolVista Basin -- Plan to open 12/15

Steamboat -- packed powder, machine groomed, 34-40" base, 105 of 164 trails

Sunlight -- packed powder, machine groomed, 26-28" base, 26 of 67 trails, 2 of 4 lifts

Telluride -- packed powder, machine groomed, 36" base, 66 of 84 trails, 11 of 16 lifts

Vail -- packed powder, machine groomed, 31-42" base, 176 of 193 trails, 29 of 34 lifts

Winter Park -- packed powder, machine groomed, 36-46" base, 91 of 134 trails, 15 of 21 lifts

Wolf Creek -- packed powder, machine groomed, 52-63" base, 77 of 77 trails, 6 of 6 lifts

Idaho

Bogus Basin -- wet snow, 25-52" base, 25 of 52 trails, 3 of 7 lifts

Brundage -- Plan to open 12/17

Lookout Pass -- packed powder, machine groomed, 18-42" base, 15 of 24 trails, 2 of 3 lifts

Magic Mountain -- Reopen 12/17

Pomerelle -- hard packed, machine groomed, 46-61" base, 24 of 24 trails, 3 of 4 lifts

Silver Mountain -- wet snow, machine groomed, 12-29" base, 19 of 67 trails, 4 of 7 lifts

Soldier Mountain -- Plan to open 12/17

Sun Valley -- packed powder, machine groomed, 30-54" base, 49 of 75 trails, 5 of 19 lifts

Tamarack -- packed powder, machine groomed, 24-42" base, 18 of 25 trails, 1 of 5 lifts

Montana

Big Mountain -- 1" new, hard packed, 13-52" base, 75 of 91 trails, 5 of 11 lifts

Big Sky -- packed powder, machine groomed, 22-33" base, 50 of 150 trails, 8 of 17 lifts

Blacktail Mountain -- Plan to open 12/17

Bridger Bowl -- packed powder, machine groomed, 34" base, 69 of 69 trails, 5 of 7 lifts

Discovery -- hard packed, machine groomed, 8-18" base, 2 of 6 lifts

Great Divide -- Reopen 12/15

Lost Trail -- Plan to open 12/16

Montana Snowbowl -- open Fri-Sun

Moonlight Basin -- packed powder, machine groomed, 24-27" base, 24 of 76 trails, 4 of 5 lifts

Red Lodge -- packed powder, machine groomed, 13-38" base, 17 of 71 trails, 4 of 8 lifts

Showdown -- Reopen 12/15

Teton Pass -- Plan to open 12/18

South Dakota

Terry Peak -- Reopen 12/18

Utah

Alta -- packed powder, machine groomed, 84-92" base, 115 of 115 trails, 7 of 12 lifts

Beaver Mountain -- packed powder, machine groomed, 33" base, 46 of 45 trails, 5 of 5 lifts

Brian Head -- packed powder, machine groomed, 54-82" base, 53 of 53 trails, 6 of 9 lifts

Brighton -- packed powder, machine groomed, 78" base, 66 of 85 trails, 6 of 14 lifts

Deer Valley -- packed powder, machine groomed, 52" base, 66 of 90 trails, 18 of 21 lifts

Park City -- packed powder, machine groomed, 48-67" base, 60 of 100 trails, 9 of 14 lifts

Powder Mountain -- packed powder, machine groomed, 67" base, 63 of 85 trails, 6 of 7 lifts

Snowbasin -- variable, 77" base, 33 of 53 trails, 8 of 13 lifts

Snowbird -- packed powder, machine groomed, 77" base, 76 of 89 trails, 8 of 13 lifts

Solitude -- packed powder, machine groomed, 76-80" base, 64 of 64 trails, 8 of 8 lifts

Sundance -- hard packed, machine groomed, 53-54" base, 90 of 41 trails, 3 of 4 lifts

The Canyons -- packed powder, machine groomed, 50-87" base, 129 of 146 trails, 13 of 16 lifts

EVENTS

*Dec. 17-18 -- An INDOOR ARENA CROSS WINTER SERIES continues with races 7 p.m. Friday, and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sweetwater Events Complex. Other races are scheduled Jan. 7-8, Feb. 4-5, March 25-26 and April 8-9. Info: (307) 352-6789 ext. 200

*Dec. 18 -- MEADOWLARK AUDUBON hosts the Kane Christmas bird count. Counters will meet at 6:45 a.m. at 247 Highway 32, three miles south of Lovell, then return at 4;30 p.m. for a light meal. Info: (307) 527-5030 or email tpeters@tctwest.net.

*Dec. 18 -- MARIE AUDUBON SOCIETY hosts its 56th annual Christmas Bird Count near Casper. Counters will meet at 7 a.m. at the Agriculture Resource and Learning Center at 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. Info: 265-6213 or 234-7455

*Dec. 19 -- MEADOWLARK AUDUBON hosts a Christmas bird count near Cody. Participants will receive route maps by mail and email, and may begin counting as early as they wish. Counters will meet at Christ Episcopal Church at 6 p.m. for a soup and carry-in supper. Info: (307) 527-5030 or email jcicco@tritel.net.

*Feb. 27 -- The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the first leg of its Triple Crown competition in The Arena at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Info: (307) 237-1762

*April 2 -- BOWHUNTERS OF WYOMING will hold its winter meeting at the Holiday Inn in Cody. Wayne Carlton is scheduled to be the guest speaker. Info: (307) 587-6181 or (307) 587-9663

*April 3 -- The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the second leg of its Triple Crown competition in The Arena at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Info: (307) 237-1762.

*May 1 -- The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the final leg of its Triple Crown competition at the Hat Six rocks east of Casper. Info: (307) 237-1762.

*The SANDBAG SERIES cross-country ski races will be held at the following locations:

Dec. 18 -- Santa's Relays (freestyle), Teton Village

Jan. 1 -- Betty Woolsey Memorial (classic), Trail Creek

Jan. 8 -- Freestyle 10k, Teton Village

Jan. 15 -- Teton Ridge Classic, Driggs, Idaho

Jan. 16 -- Freestyle 10k, Grand Targhee

Jan. 20 -- Freestyle 5k, Jackson Hole High School

Jan. 22 -- Freestyle 10k, Trail Creek

Jan. 29 -- Susan Walker (freestyle), Teton Pines

Feb. 10 -- 10k Couples Relay (freestyle), Jackson Hole High School

Feb. 12 -- Spud Chase (freestyle), Teton Springs

Feb. 19 -- Moose Chase (freestyle), Teton Village

Feb. 26 -- Pursuit 10k (freestyle), Teton Village

Feb. 27 -- Pursuit 10k (classic), Trail Creek

March 19 -- Sandbag Finals (freestyle), Trail Creek

Info: e-mail dadams@onewest.net

The following cross-country ski races are not part of the Sandbag Series:

Feb. 5 -- Boulder Mountain Tour (freestyle), Sun Valley, Idaho

Feb. 26 -- American Birkebeiner, Hayward, Wis.

March 12 -- Yellowstone Rendezvous, West Yellowstone, Mont.

*Here are the WYOMING BOULDERING SERIES standings after two events:

Women

1. Liz Hajek (Laramie); 2. Lauren Blank (Jackson); 3. Sylvia Carl (Lander) and Carrie Barber (Rock Springs); 5. Ellen Bechtel (Lander); 6. Kelly Toups (Casper) and Esther Ludvicek (Casper); 8. Elizabeth Gutierrez (Gillette); 9. Jill Hunter (Lander); 10. J.J. Johnson (Laramie)

Men

1. Colby Frontierro (Casper); 2. Tim Long (Rock Springs); 3. Rio Rose (Lander); 4. Steve Bechtel (Lander); 5. Eric Brown (Laramie); 6. Collin Beecher (Laramie); 7. Jesse Brown (Rock Springs); 8. Ty Niles (Gillette); 9. Bryan Wolfe (Casper) and Bryce Straaka (Laramie)

The Wyoming Bouldering Series continues at the following locations:

Jan. 22 -- at The Peak in Casper. Info: (307) 472-4084

Jan. 29 -- at Teton Rock Gym in Jackson. Info: (307) 733-0707

Feb. 5 -- the championship final at The Backyard in Laramie. Info: (307) 472-4084

*Jan. 1-Feb. 28 -- Nominations will be accepted for the second class of the WYOMING OUTDOOR HALL OF FAME. The WOHOF was created to recognize individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to Wyoming's outdoor heritage. Nomination forms can be found on the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming's Web site at www.whfw.org. The 2005 induction ceremony will be held Sept. 9 at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Arena.

*PLATTE RIVER FLY SHOP offers FREE FLY-TYING CLASSES on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. Hooks, materials and tools are included. Info: 237-5997

*The WOMEN'S WILDERNESS INSTITUTE offers these upcoming courses in Colorado:

Jan. 15 -- Intro to Telemark Skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort. The $110 fee includes lift ticket, lunch and equipment.

Jan. 22 -- Beginning Skate Skiing clinic at Eldora Mountain Resort. The $95 fee includes trail pass, lunch and equipment.

Jan. 29 -- Intro to Telemark Skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort. The $110 fee includes lift ticket, lunch and equipment.

Feb. 12 -- Intermediate Telemark Skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort. The $110 fee includes lift ticket, lunch and equipment.

Feb. 19 -- Level I Ice Climbing in Boulder Canyon. The $110 fee includes lunch and equipment.

Feb. 26 -- Level II Ice Climbing in Boulder Canyon. The $110 fee includes lunch and equipment.

March 11-13 -- Snowshoe Yurt Trip in the Cameron Pass area. The $375 fee includes equipment and food.

March 26-27 -- Winter Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. The $190 fee includes food and equipment.

April 2 -- Mother/Daughter Snowshoe Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The $120 fee includes lunch and snowshoes.

For enrollment information, call (303) 938-9191

*A new ATLAS OF BIRDS, MAMMALS, AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN WYOMING is now available from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The 206-page collection contains the over 550 species of wildlife that can be found in Wyoming. The atlas can be found in an Adobe version on the Game and Fish Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us. Click on "Nongame wildlife" in the right sidebar. Compact discs can be obtained by writing: Andrea Cerovski, Nongame Bird Biologist, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 260 Buena Vista, Lander WY 82520.

*The local NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION is selling raffle tickets for a THREE-DAY, ALL EXPENSE PAID FISHING TRIP for two in Homer, Alaska. The cost is $10 per ticket, or three for $20. The fishing trip will be given away at the NWTF annual fund-raiser banquet March 12, 2005. Tickets will be sold at the NWTF booth at the Big Boy Toy Show at the Casper Events Center on March 12-14. Tickets are also available at Linton's Big R, or by calling Hugh Vogel at (307) 235-4631 or Darwin Griese at (307) 259-8338.

The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts 3-D INDOOR SHOOTS on Sundays and Mondays at Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex in Casper. Shoots begin at 6 p.m. on Sundays, and 7 p.m. on Mondays. The Club is planning two or three five-week sessions depending on participation. Shooters pay $3 per night. Archers may also get their first night free by joining Lost Arrow Archers. Annual memberships are $25 for family, $15 for a single, and $5 for youth. Info: (307) 237-1762

*The LOST ARROW ARCHERS are seeking donations of artificial Christmas trees to use as props for indoor archery tournaments in February and April. To arrange pickup, call Brad Moore at (307) 237-1762.

*The INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER in Ely, Minn. has announced its schedule of learning vacations. Called Wolf Country Learning Adventures, the wolf-focused learning vacations are offered in northern Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior and the Canadian Northwest Territories. Ranging from two to six days, the themed programs are designed for families and adults. All of the programs include expert instruction with a naturalist/guide from the International Wolf Center, and most programs include lodging and meals. Yellowstone programs are scheduled May 18-22 and May 24-28, 2005. Info: (800) 359-9654, ext. 25

*Xanterra Parks and Resorts offers a complete lineup of packages that highlight the WINTER SEASON IN YELLOWSTONE PARK. The packages include self-guided options, as well as the popular "Lodging and Learning" programs, and are offered in collaboration with the Yellowstone Association Institute. Info: (307) 344-7311, (307) 344-2294 or on-line at www.travelyellowstone.com

*Winter activities in GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK have begun. A number of recreational pursuits are available, including ranger-led snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Info: (307) 739-3300

*The 2004-05 WYOMING SNOWMOBILE PERMITS are now available at over 150 locations statewide. The permits cost $15 for both residents and nonresidents. Fees collected through the program are used for marking, improving and grooming the Wyoming Snowmobile Trails System. Info: Call (877) 996-7275 or go on-line at www.wyotrails.com.

GROUPS

*Dec. 20 -- OUTDOOR WOMEN OF WYOMING meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse. Info: 265-3932 or 232-9021

*Dec. 30 -- The LARAMIE AUDUBON SOCIETY meets in the Albany County Public Library the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Info: (307) 766-2628 or (307) 742-5623

*Jan. 6 -- The NORTH PLATTE CHAPTER OF WALLEYES UNLIMITED meets the first Thursday of each month at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Casper office at 7 p.m. Info: 472-5349

*Jan. 6 -- The CENTRAL WYOMING CHAPTER OF SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Casper Petroleum Club. All hunters are welcome. Info: 234-2058

*Jan. 12 -- The WYOMING FLYCASTERS club holds its general meeting at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in the Izaak Walton Clubhouse, 4205 Fort Caspar Rd., Casper. Info: 265-3932

*Jan. 10 -- The FORT FETTERMAN SPORTSMEN ASSOCIATION holds its meetings at 7 p.m. the second Monday each month in the Douglas National Guard Armory. Info: (307) 358-3468

*Jan. 10 -- The Pathfinder chapter of the BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN meets the second Monday of each month at the Myra Fox Energy Institute at Casper College. Info: (307) 265-8597

*Jan. 19 -- The PLATTE RIVER ROD AND GUN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department building, 3030 Energy Lane in Casper. Info: 234-1318

*The GHOST TOWN SHOOTERS host action pistol shooting on the first and second Saturdays of each month at the Stuckenhoff Sport Shooters Complex beginning at 9 a.m. The sessions are conducted under International Practical Shooting Confederation and International Defensive Pistol Association rules. Info: 234-2266, 265-3805 or 472-5367.

*The CASPER SHOOTERS CLUB shooting range at the Stuckenhoff Sport Shooters Complex is open to the public from 9 a.m. until dusk Saturdays and Sundays. Nonmembers pay $4 for a day pass to shoot. Info: 265-2535. Archers may shoot for free beginning at 6 p.m. Sundays.

*The ROCKY MOUNTAIN GUN CLUB is open for public trap shooting. The range is located east of Casper at 6100 Cole Creek Road, six miles north of the North Platte River. Info: 235-8067 or 234-7732.

AGENCY

*The BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST is seeking comments on management actions being considered for a 14,603-acre planning project area 20 miles north of Sundance. An environmental assessment discloses effects of the No-Action Alternative and three action alternatives. For information on the project, or to obtain a draft EA, contact Elizabeth Krueger at (307) 283-1361, or go on-line at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/projects/nepa. Comments will be accepted until early January.

*CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS to harvest trees on national forests are available at the following locations:

Bighorn National Forest: $8 per permit, each permit for one tree up to 10 feet tall. Permits are on sale at Forest Service offices in Sheridan, Buffalo and Lovell and selected private businesses. Info: (307) 674-2600

Black Hills National Forest: $8 per permit for a tree up to 20 feet. Permits available by mail from Forest Supervisor's Office, 25041 North Highway 16, Custer, S.D. 57730; the Forest Service offices in Newcastle and Sundance, and Rapid Stop Conoco in Sundance. Info: (605) 673-9200

Bridger-Teton National Forest: $5 for a tree less than 6 feet; $10 for tree 6-12 feet; $15 for tree 12-25 feet; and $25 for tree over 25 feet. Permits are available at Forest Service offices in Kemmerer, Big Piney, Pinedale, Greys River (Afton), Jackson and Moran, as well as the Jackson Hole/Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson. Info: (307) 739-5500

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests: $10 per permit, 5 permits per household. Permits are available at Forest Service district offices, including the Centennial Forest Service Visitor Center; and the Bureau of Land management offices in Cheyenne and Rawlins. Info: (307) 745-2300

Shoshone National Forest. $8 for tree up to 20 feet high, additional permit required for taller tree. Permits are available from all Forest Service district offices and the following businesses:

Cody: Exxon Food Mart, (307) 587-5554

Dubois: Dubois Mercantile, (307) 455-2455

Lander: Popo Agie Onestop Convenience Store, (307) 332-4402

Meeteetse: The WEA Market, (307) 868-2518

Powell: One Stop Shop, (307) 754-7241 or War Surplus Store, (307) 754-2694

Ralston: Shell, (307) 754-2452

Riverton: Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, (307) 856-7687

Info: (307) 578-1200

*Dec. 31 -- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is accepting comment on the DRAFT GRIZZLY BEAR OCCUPANCY MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL. The proposal outlines areas considered suitable for grizzly bear occupancy Written comments will be accepted through Dec. 31. Mail comments to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Director's Office, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne WY 82006.

*Jan. 3 -- Written comments on expanding the scope and providing more comprehensive definition of the Game and Fish Commission regulation OVERSEEING SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL PERMITS will be accepted through 5 p.m. Mail comments to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Regulations, 3030 Energy Ln., Suite 100, Casper WY 82604. Copies of the proposed regulation are available at the same address.

*Jan. 14 -- *The BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST has extended the comment period on its long-range planning document. The Forest Service has identified Alternative Six as its preferred alternative. Alternative Six maintains species viability for all emphasis species, best reduces fire and insect hazards, and recommends five research natural areas (RNAs) to provide for more species conservation. This is not a final decision, but an aid to the reviewer to help focus comments. The plan is available on-line at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/projects/planning. Email comments to bhnf-phase2@saic.com. Written comments can be sent to:

BHNF Phase II Amendment

P.O. Box 270990

Littleton, CO 80127-0017

*The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2004-05 MIGRATORY WATERFOWL HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP is now available at Post Offices nationwide. The annual stamp, which is required for waterfowl hunters 16-and-over, costs $15 and 98 percent of the proceeds are used directly for habitat conservation. Information on the Federal Duck Stamp program can be obtained on-line at http://duckstamps.fws.gov.

*WALK-IN AREA ATLASES are available at license agents and Game and Fish Department offices. The free 56-page atlas features 384 areas in 21 counties. It is also posted on the agency Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us.

{M3Wyoming Game and Fish Department calendar:

*Dec. 17 -- The NORTHEAST WYOMING SAGE GROUSE WORKING GROUP meets at 9:30 a.m. at Williams Production Company.

*Dec. 18 -- DUCK SEASON reopens in Zone 2 of the Central Flyway.

*Dec. 18 -- DARK GOOSE SEASON reopens in Zones 1 and 2 of the Central Flyway.

*Dec. 31 -- DARK GOOSE SEASON closes in the Pacific Flyway.

*Jan. 8 -- DARK GOOSE SEASON closes in Zone 2 of the Central Flyway in all counties except Big Horn and Fremont.

*Jan. 13 -- The SHIRLEY BASIN/BATES HOLE SAGE GROUSE WORKING GROUP meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Casper regional office.