The 2011-12 ski and snowboard season is off to a remarkable start, and with it comes the launch of this column, which will run every Friday. Despite early predictions of another La Niña cycle, which was hard on New Mexico last winter, we have received some significant early storms, with Wolf Creek setting a record opening date of Oct. 8.

Ski Santa Fe: Our local hill is reporting almost a foot of snow, but will need considerably more to hit its projected opening on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24. Crews created a new run this summer, off the Millennium Chair. Richard's Run drops off Highline into Highline Glade, then crosses Sunset and continues down that sweet north-facing slope of old growth pine toward Columbine. A two-story addition to the base area's La Casa Lodge has also been built during the summer. While it will not be finished and operational until next season, it will provide an enlarged dinning area seating 700, and expanded food services, rental facilities, lockers and retail sales. The lodge will host a job fair Friday, Nov. 11; from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Full- and part-time help are being sought. To get pumped for the season, check out the feature film Attack of La Nina by Matchstick Productions of Jackson Hole, Wyoming-screening at the CinemaCafe (on St. Michael's Drive), Friday at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, with proceeds going toward the laudable Adaptive Skier Program.

Taos Ski Valley: The snow gods have also smiled on TSV, which has a base of 30 inches or so. It will open on Thanksgiving, including chairs 1 and 2, to the lift-served summit. This is a first in many years. It will operate on a Thursday-through-Sunday basis until daily operations begin on Dec. 15. Resort representatives will be at REI in Santa Fe on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have purchased a TSV 2011-2012 Millennium, Full, Family, Youth, Teen, or Senior Pass, you may pick them up at this time. You may also activate your 2011-2012 Taos Card for just $20 at this time.

Angle Fire: It reports a base of 12 inches or so, and is looking toward an opening on Dec. 15. It will host a job fair at The Lodge on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Red River: Some 15 inches lie on the slopes above this vacation community strung out along the small river of the same name. The ski area will open Nov. 23-27, and then daily beginning Dec. 16. On Nov. 23, at noon, join in the "Frozen Turkey Races," in which kids and adults ride the rock-like gobblers down a short — thankfully — course. Winners take home the birds. That evening, watch the town Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. at the Conference Center.

Sipapu: This tiny mountain that roars is set for opening on Nov. 19, with at least one run open from top to bottom, and possibly a terrain park. It has some rockin' specials all season, including free tickets for active military personnel, kids 6 and under, any fourth-grader, person age 40 or person over age 70.

Pajarito: The overlooked Los Alamos ski area has only a few inches on the ground and will open when conditions permit. The latest Warren Miller film, Like There's No Tomorrow (filmed in Alaska, British Columbia, New Zealand, Norway, Chile, India, Colorado, Utah, California and New Hampshire), will be screened at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 in Duane Smith Auditorium in Los Alamos. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for those age 12 and under.

Sandia Peak: With a 4-inch base, this resort overlooking Albuquerque and the eastern plains will need more help from Mother Nature to hit its projected opening on Dec. 17. It will hold a job fair on Dec. 3. Call 505-242-9052 for details.

Ski Apache: The southern-most major ski area in the nation, and one of two owned by an Indian tribe, has not announced an opening date yet. The Inn of the Mountain Gods near Ruidoso will screen Ski Like There is No Tomorrow on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Admission is $7.

Wolf Creek: Sitting atop the Continental Divide has its advantages. This resort in the rugged San Juan range outside of Pagosa Springs, Colo., has picked up more than 100 inches of snow already this season. With some 48 inches resting at mid-mountain, things are looking pretty. It is now open daily, with all lifts running. Do I hear someone screaming "early season road trip"? Wolf Creek will hold it first College Day Nov. 13. Lift tickets will be just $33 for students with valid college photo ID. And, also on Nov. 13, join its first telemark clinic on the season. Telemarkers of all abilities can purchase a lift ticket and a two-hour lesson for $63.

Silverton: News from 13,487 Feet reports that this all-expert, recycled chair-lift, Quonset hut-served nonresort has been slammed by some big early storms as well. Check out the video of first tracks shot on Oct. 18. It opens for unguided and guided skiing Dec. 10-11, and again Dec. 15-18, Dec. 22-26 and Dec. 29-Jan. 2. Guided-only outings run Jan. 19-April 1.

Durango Mountain Resort: This San Juan resort is expected to open on Nov. 25, for weekends only until conditions allow for daily operations.

Monarch: Also sitting on the Continental Divide is this Colorado gem, one of Colorado's oldest ski resorts. It relies on natural snow, and usually gets it in spades. It's projected opening is Nov. 23. Monarch has the best ski pass in the world, with 21 different resorts in the U.S. and Canada-including Taos, Angel Fire, Red River, Pajarito, Sipapu and Ski Apache, as well as Durango, Silverton, Telluride and Ski Cooper — offering free days to cardholders.

Telluride: With a nice 22-inch base, T-ride looks certain to make its Nov. 24 projected opening date.

Crested Butte: In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Butte will offer free skiing and boarding on opening day, Nov. 23. Throughout the season it will also provide a free lift ticket to anyone on his or her birthday.

Contact Daniel Gibson at dbgibson@sfnewmexico.com