With Christmas less than a week away, thoughts are turning to where to ride this holiday season. It's been a bit of a challenging beginning to the season throughout the U.S., but despite a warm and dry November, most resorts are ready to rock and roll in the coming days. Although many western resorts are operating with less than 50% of their terrain available, the fact that the resorts are so large helps out. For example, Vail is only 30% open, but that 30% translates to over 1,400 acres of open terrain. Unless a major storm rips through the Rockies between now and the end of the year, leave your powder boards at home - it's going to be a carving vacation this year!

As for the east coast, the massive storm that hit over the weekend is getting all the headlines today, but even if your favorite resort wasn't on the receiving end of some serious snowfall, things are looking pretty good in the east for the upcoming holiday period. Resorts up and down the east coast, from the Carolina's to Northern Maine are open and have been making snow at every opportunity over the past few weeks, and most if not all have received at least one good dump of natural snow. Okemo has 65% of its terrain open, while Mt. Snow clocks in at 55% and Killington is reporting just over 50% of its available terrain as open.

Remember, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, resorts offer tons of other activities and events throughout the holidays, like torchlight parades, movie nights, contests and more. I know I'm heading to the mountains for some fun next week...are you?

Eastern tree skiing mecca Jay Peak debuted its new Tram Haus Lodge today, and the resort is offering a steal of a deal to commemorate the opening of the hotel. From today until December 25th, ski and stay packages are being offered for just $99 - that includes both lodging and lift ticket!

Jay has long been known for three things: Killer tree skiing, tons of snow, and a dearth of lodging. The introduction of the Tramhaus Lodge has taken care of that lodging issue, meaning there's more room for skiers and riders looking to experience those killer trees and great snow.

According to a resort spokeswoman, Jay plans on having up to 55 trails open this weekend (including glades), and will be running all 8 lifts. If you've never been to Jay, I highly recommend a trip. It's worth the drive!

If you're like me, your holiday shopping list is probably still a work in progress. Sure, you can buy Dad a tie and Mom a new bathrobe, but what about little Johnny, the resident shredder in the family? Fear not - I have some great gift ideas for the snowboarder on your list!

All these items can be found on my Top 10 Gifts for Beginner Snowboarders, although it's important to note that many of the items are not beginner-specific.

We'll start with a key safety item: Wristguards. Snowboarders have a tendency to shoot out their hands when they fall, which can easily lead to a wrist injury. Wristguards are comfortable, fit under just about any glove, and can help prevent wrist and forearm injuries.

Along the same lines, Pro-Tec makes a great padded short, much like those worn by NFL, NHL, and NBA players. Aside from protecting the rear, the shorts also prevent the cold from seeping in during extended on-snow chat sessions (snowboarders tend to sit when chatting, in case you hadn't noticed).

The last safety item also plays a big part in helping a snowboarder look the part: goggles. Priced anywhere from $50 on up, goggles protect the eyes from harmful UV-rays, impacts, and the occasional wayward snowball.

From a more practical standpoint, snowboard locks and snowboard pocket tools make great stocking stuffers. Unless I'm at my home mountain where I have access to an employee locker room, I always lock up my snowboard. Gotta protect the investment, ya know? While I don't always carry a lock with me, I treat my snowboard pocket tool like my Amex card - I don't leave home without it. Whether it's my bindings that need a quick adjustment or those of a friend, my little screwdriver never lets me down.

Warm winter clothing is always popular for snowboarders during the holidays. New Snowboard socks are, to put it bluntly, awesome. There's just nothing like a soft, fluffy pair of new blankets for the dogs! My fiancee also claims new snowboard socks smell much better than the old ones, which is probably true. Continuing with the clothing ideas, gloves and mittens are always welcome - cold fingers are not awesome, which is why a quality pair of gloves is so great.

Last but not least is a bag to transport all this gear. Check out the latest pack designs from companies like Burton or Dakine. Most packs these days come with thoughtful little touches like fleece-lined goggle pockets, space for a hydration pack (like a Camelback), and the near-ubiquitous iPod storage area.

No matter what you decide to get the snowboarder in your life this year, remember one thing: positive, snow-centric thoughts are always appreciated, and they cost nothing.  Think snow!

Now THIS is more like it! After an abysmal start to the season (pretty much across the country), resort's from west to east have been picking up inches, in some cases even feet, of natural snowfall over the past several days. A massive winter storm that began earlier this week dropped upwards of a foot of snow on Vail, Colorado. That storm then paid homage to skiers and snowboarders further east as it moved across the country, dropping eight inches (and counting!) of new snow at Boyne in Michigan before slamming into New England, where it deposited 14" at the summit of Okemo in Vermont.

All this new snow is lifting spirits as well as increasing trail counts at resorts all over the country. With just a few short weeks before the much-anticipated Christmas holiday, mountain managers are surely thanking Ullr, Old Man Winter, and Mother Nature for the new snow!