If you're a skier or snowboarder you know by now that the Cascade Mountains haven't received any new snowfall for more than a week.

But, the blue skies and decent snow coverage on the hillsides from recent storms is still something to get excited about.

That weather pattern looks like it won't be changing in the coming days as high pressure continues to push most wet systems away from us, and just a few snow showers are expected by Sunday as a weak system pushes through.

The long-range forecast does call for wet weather systems to arrive during the middle of the month, which should bring fresh snow in time for the extended holiday break.

In the meantime, there are a lot of activities and special offers happening at ski areas and resorts.

The Summit at Snoqualmie is offering an early season "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket deal on Tuesday. An added bonus is offered: upgrade your ticket to a season pass on the same day, and they'll give you full price of the ticket toward the season pass.

Visiting season passholders from any other ski resort in North America can get $10 off a lift ticket at Snoqualmie until Dec. 20. Present your valid season pass at the ticket window. For details, visit www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting the Mount Baker Ski Area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the White Salmon Day Lodge if the weather is good outside, and inside the new Raven Hut Lodge if the weather is not so nice. Photos are a $15 donation. For more details, visit www.mtbaker.us.

The Crystal Mountain Resort is offering a 2-For-1 Deal on Tuesday. Purchase one full-price lift ticket and receive the second for free. Purchaser must mention 2-For-1 Tuesdays in order to be eligible. For more details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.

The Stevens Pass Resort is also getting into the 2-For-1 Deal on Tuesday. For more details, visit www.ridestevenspass.com.

At the White Pass Ski Area, the White Pass Village Inn is offering a three-night weekender special by adding a Sunday or Thursday night at 50-percent off to your stay, which is available until April during non-holiday times.

Those who stay at the Village Inn two or more midweek non-holiday nights (Sunday to Thursday) can also enjoy great savings. White Pass also has more lift and lodging specials. For details, visit the www.skiwhitepass.com.

At 49 Degrees North enjoy the Roberts Mansion Ski and Stay Special that offers a one-night stay in a selected suite and get a ski pass for $129 per night Sunday through Thursday, and $179 Friday and Saturday nights. For details, www.ejrobertsmansion.com.

The Ski Bluewood Resort has discount accommodations, continental breakfast and an all-day lift ticket for double occupancy special. For details, visit www.bluewood.com.

The Whistler-Blackcomb Resort's "Dress like Santa Day" is 8 a.m., Dec. 17, and a free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 75 people to check in at the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler Mountain in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire.

The costume must include red or black pants or a skirt for Mrs. Claus, a red jacket with white trim, a black belt, a beard for Santa and a Santa or Mrs. Claus hat. A group photo will be taken at the bottom of the Emerald Express and a drawing will take place for prizes. For details, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

The Mount Seymour Ski Area on Vancouver's North Shore area offers the Discovery Snowshoe Trails showcase with views of old-growth forest during a Saturday evening "Chocolate Fondue Snowshoe Tour," a two-and-a-half-hour excursion. For details, visit www.mountseymour.com.

Looking further ahead:

The American Ride Shakedown, an international snowboarding slopestyle competition, is returning to The Summit at Snoqualmie on March 16-17. The prize purse is $50,000, and the winner of the main event (jump-to-rail) will get $20,000.

The competition includes the mastery of two distinct disciplines: the jump (Big Air) and an original rail feature unveiled only on the first day of competition. There will be Ride Shakedown qualification events throughout the winter in the United States and Canada. For details, visit www.rideshakedown.com.

The International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals are coming to Panorama Resort in British Columbia on March 13-16. For more details, visit www.panoramaresort.com.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com