If you didn't get a chance to head up to the Cascades over the long holiday break, now is the time to do it.

The December drought is all but a faded bad memory in the minds of Washington skiers and snowboarders who are now knee deep in fresh new snow.

A series of weather fronts pushing through the Evergreen State has bumped up snow base depth levels at all areas with most receiving anywhere from 2 to 20 inches of new snow in the past 48 hours. Blue skies are predicted this weekend, and more snow is expected Monday.

That will keep the groomers busy on the hillsides.

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month

There are lots of special deals offered this month for those looking to learn about skiing and snowboarding.

Get a lesson from instructors at any resort in Washington, anytime this month. A gift card good up to $50, based on the cost of a lesson, being offered at www.skis.com and www.snowboards.net.

The Learn to Ski or Snowboard package at 49 Degrees North is just $79, which provides a one-day lesson, rental equipment, and a beginner lift ticket. The 1 ½ hour group lessons are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Get both lesson sessions and an all-access lift ticket for $39 more. For details, visit www.ski49n.com.

Crystal Mountain Resort has a group first-time lesson package for $89 per person. It includes a five-hour lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket. Another special is the Learn to Ski or Ride 1-2-3 Lesson Package for $175 per person. Get rental equipment, five-hour group instruction and a three-day lift ticket. For details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.

The Loup Loup Ski Area has a "Never Been Package" for $58 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m. It includes rental equipment, lower-mountain ticket and a one-hour lesson. For details, visit www.skitheloup.com.

Mission Ridge has a "First Track" special for $69 that includes a lesson, rental and lift ticket. The "Three-Pete or EZ 1-2-3 Ski or Snowboard" specials are $169, and includes three lessons, three rentals and three lift tickets. Mission also has a season beginners package for $349, which includes season rental, pass and three beginning level lessons. For details, visit www.missionridge.com.

At Stevens Pass try out the "Easy Starter Package" for $89, which includes a single-day lesson, rental equipment and lift ticket. An additional afternoon lesson is $25 more. For details, visit www.stevenspass.com.

The Summit at Snoqualmie has an "EZ 2 Learn" deal. It includes three group lessons, three-day beginner lift tickets, and three days of equipment rental for only $119. A "First Turns" package is $79, and offers a lift ticket, lesson and rental. For details, visit www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

The beginner bargain is the White Pass "EZ Ski/EZ Ride 1-2-3" deal for $115 to $125. The packages include instruction, rentals and progressive lift tickets. For details, visit www.skiwhitepass.com.

Other activities happening on the slopes:

• The 49 Degrees North 2-fer-Tuesdays continues through April 8. Stop by a participating Papa Murphy's in Spokane, Colville, Hayden and Post Falls to pick up a voucher good for two tickets for the price of one. Based on the higher price of the two tickets. For details, visit www.ski49n.com.

• The Ski Bluewood 2-for-1 Pepsi Wednesdays promotion is being offered through April 1. Bring in six empty Pepsi product cans or bottle tops Wednesdays when you purchase an adult all-day lift ticket and get a second one free. For details, visit www.bluewood.com.

• Crystal Mountain Resort has a special offer through Jan. 31 — buy five ski passes and save $50. The five day "GO Card" is transferable, but only one ticket can be used daily. Also, Crystal's Military Appreciation Day offers half-price lift tickets by bringing a valid Military or Department of Defense ID. For details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.

• A special at Mission Ridge for youth in sixth grade provides a Basic Season Pass for $20 plus tax. For details, visit www.missionridge.com.

• The North Cascade Heli season begins soon, and discounts for their opener on the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. The single-day trip is $950 per person, plus tax. The three-day trip is $2,625 per person, plus tax. For details, visit www.heli-ski.com.

The White Pass free test-drive event, a two-hour workshop for skiers and snowboarders 18-years-and-older, is 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 8. For details, visit www.skiwhitepass.com.

The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club "Ski For Health Day" is noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 8 on Icicle River Trail. The club offers free nordic rentals, lessons, refreshments and trail passes; demo skis, boots and poles from local ski shops; a Swix wax demo and learn about avalanche beacons from Northwest Mountain School. For details, go to www.skileavenworth.com.

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