The zippy chill in the air of natural snow and the unmistakable sound of snowmaking in the mountains is enough to gladden the heart of anyone who revels in the idea of plunging down a powder covered trail on skis and boards.      Thanks to a helpful amount of natural snow, an arsenal of snow guns and temperatures that put the rose in a slider's cheeks, Pennsylvania winter sport resorts are enjoying one of the earliest openings in years.      State-of-the-art automated snowmaking systems are covering more terrain and doing it faster. But as the sun rises to put a winter tan on skiing faces, temperatures can still meander toward the warm side. But with nightfall and falling mercury, the snow farmers go back to work. With the morning light, the peaks and runouts are covered in white.    Ski Areas Opening Days Open Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Big Boulder, Blue Knob Resort, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain Resort, Eagle Rock Resort, Elk Mountain, Hidden Valley Resort, Jack Frost, Liberty Mountain Resort, Montage Mountain, Roundtop Mountain,Seven Springs, Ski Big Bear, Tussey Mountain, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Ski Denton, Ski Sawmill, Whitetail. Upcoming 12-24 Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort  Gift Ideas for the Holidays Need an office party gift or stocking stuffer?    The perfect last-minute holiday gift is a click away. Put a smile on their faces now, and again when they go skiing or snowboarding! Check with your favorite local ski area to see what Gift Card options and deals are available.   Last Chance for the First Time Ski /Snowboard Program! Deadline to purchase is Dec 20, 2013(Based on availability.)     For only $39 you can give a friend or family member an experience they will remember for a lifetime. This package includes: one beginner lift ticket, one beginner group lesson, and complete rental equipment. You can even choose which ski area to go to (while supplies last). These programs can be used anytime! Including weekends and holidays.      Visit the websitehttp://www.skipa.com/deals/first-time-offer for available resorts and to purchase. For the Kids    Do you have a 4th or 5th grader in the house? Sign them up for the Snowpass Program. Although they will ski or snowboard for free, they don't have to know that! For a $30 processing fee, you'll have an expensive looking gift that will not break the bank.      This program includes (1) FREE Learn to Ski/Board Package and three (3) coupons for a complimentary children's day lift ticket at each of the 21 participating resorts in Pennsylvania. Child must be accompanied by a paying adult (as determined by member resorts) Please visit the website, skipa.com, for areas with blackout dates and paid adult lift restrictions. Gift Cards    Have a picky person on your holiday list? Or someone that seems to have everything? Why not get them a gift card? Ski Area gift cards can be used for a variety of services-so the receiver has a ton of options. For a ski area near you, go here. http://www.skipa.com/resort-info/resort-map-directions  Contests    Do you hate to wait? If so, you'll love our Instant Win Learn to Ski/Board Contest. Enter to Win one of 4 weekly and one grand prize Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages from these Pennsylvania Ski Areas: Bear Creek, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Shawnee, and Whitetail. Choose the ski area near you to Learn to Ski or Snowboard this winter 2013-14. Didn't win the first week, go ahead and try again the next week. You can enter each day to increase your chances.   Follow SKIPA on Pinterest and enter our Pin to Win Contest For a Chance to Win Lift Tickets Each Week Worth Over $50!    Show your Pintastic photos of skiing, snowboard, and tubing in PA. Send us your picture on Pinterest to become the Fan of the Week! We have weekly prizes available including lift and tubing tickets to PA ski resorts. For details and to enter now, go here: http://bit.ly/1h013rp   Conditions (Click to View)    Check out our full list HERE