At least right now, when ski season gets officially under way Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 20-26), conditions at Southwestern Colorado ski areas should be outstanding.

Telluride reports that three weeks of early-season snow storms have covered Telluride in snow, with the last storm system bringing more than eight inches. Telluride is now reporting a 29-inch base.

"Another system is lining up to hit Telluride Tuesday night (today)," Terry Fernald, vice president of mountain operations for the Telluride Ski and Golf Company, said. "Opening day is a week away and with all the natural snowfall and with great snowmaking conditions, it certainly looks to be a good one."

Telluride, located about 65 miles north of Cortez, opens with Donation Day on Nov. 21. All lift ticket proceeds will benefit the Telluride Ski and Snowboard clubs. Lift tickets will be $20 per person and $40 from Nov. 22-Dec. 16.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, located about 25 miles north of Durango, reports eight inches of snow has fallen. The all natural snow depth at mid-mountain is 30 inches and growing.

Purgatory will hold Benefit Day on Nov. 22 with proceeds being donated to a worthy community cause.

Reports from Wolf Creek Ski Area, located at the top of Wolf Creek Pass east of Pagosa Springs, say skiing and snowboarding is excellent right now.

The area opened Oct. 28 after some late fall winter-like storms put down a base of 75 inches with 65 inches at midway. A total of 44 inches has fallen within the past 72 hours. The surface conditions are excellent on powder and packed powder. A total of 90 percent of the mountain is open with six lifts operating. The Water Fall Area, Knife Ridge, and Alberta Peak are all open. The area is open from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. daily.

In fact, the United States Mogul Team is working out there while taking advantage of the early-season conditions. The team consists of 24 men and women from around the country ranging in age from 16-35. They will compete at the World Championships in January and several are vying for the 2002 Winter Olympic Team. The team includes four past Olympians and seven members off the 2000 Goodwill Games. Of those Jonny Moseley, 1998 gold medal winner at Nagano Olympics; Donna Weinbrecht, 1992 gold medal winner at Albertville Olympics; and 2000 National Mogul Champions Hannah Hardaway and Evan Dybvig are skiing the mountain.

The adult all-day lift ticket is $38 and $25 for children aged 12 or younger.

Ski Hesperus is not open but has received several inches of snow. That is a good sign because the small area did not even open last year and only was open a few days over the past two years.