According to local weather reports, somewhat colder weather should prevail this week, which is music to skiers and snowboarders’ ears.

These snow lovers are chomping at the bit to hit the slopes and with weather permitting, they may get their chance this weekend. Cold means ski areas can make snow. And the colder the better as the snow guns can spew more quality snow.

Last year Bear Creek Resort in Macungie and Blue Mountain in Palmerton, had extremely late openings because of unseasonably warm weather and rain. This season will hopefully be better for both.

Up in the Poconos, those resorts will likely open sooner because of their higher elevations and colder temperatures that allow them to blow snow around the clock. It’s still best to check their websites or skier hotlines to make sure they’re open.

Up at Blue Mountain, they started blowing snow two weeks ago when temperatures dipped. But that came to a halt after the weather turned warm and we had two days of rain. Bear Creek, because of their southern most location, may have to catch up with snow-making to cover their 21 trails, terrain parks and snow tubing area. And although Blue Mountain is determined to open, they too may not have all trails, tubing area and terrain parks fully open.

So you may ask what’s new at our two local ski areas. Well, both resorts are offering a myriad of special packages to entice patrons, along with some upgrades to the resorts themselves.

At Bear Creek, they’re offering attractive midweek skiing and riding deals including rewarding their loyal ski club members with special Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (non-holiday) all day skiing pricing of just $22 with their club membership. There’s also a special offer to college students. With a valid college ID, students can also ski all day Tuesday-Thursday for $22.

“These deals,” says Jeff Zellner, Bears Marketing and Public Relations Manager, “offer the flexibility and affordability to satisfy the needs of frequent, loyal skiers throughout the upcoming winter.”

As for on the slopes, Zellner said they’ve expanded their already robust snow-making with equipment upgrades that will allow for the best conditions for its guests.

The resort is also offering their Mid-Week Ski & Stay Package that includes overnight accommodations at their 116-room hotel, 2 extended day lift tickets for day of arrival (Monday-Thursday), 2 extended day lift tickets for the following day and 40 percent off rentals and Discovery lessons if needed.

For more information check www.bcmountainresort.com or call 866-754-2822.

Up at Blue Mountain Resort, Melissa Yingling said they are offering their 2016-17 Shred Packs that includes 3 tickets to be used throughout the season and are available through Dec. 24. The Shred Package is priced at $99 with five packages available that include: Midweek Tickets; Weekend and Holiday Tickets; and Lesson Packages with and without rentals.

Blue is also offering a Beginner Shred Package for the season. It includes 3 Beginner lift tickets and lessons, which is meant for those looking to learn in a safe environment. Upon completion of the third lesson, graduates of the program are eligible to receive a free season pass valid after Presidents Day Feb. 20.

“The Season Pass incentive,” says Yingling, “is only valid to guests who have never had a Season Pass with the resort.”

For more information on Blue Mountain check www.skibluemt.com.