Snow brings rough commute, great skiing

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — What's been a snowy, icy commute for mountain drivers Wednesday was a welcome sight for area ski resorts.

A blast of winter hit the Cascades after a quiet couple of weeks.

Outdoor enthusiasts who have been itching to hit the slopes all season need only look outside to know this was their day.

"This season seems kind of slow. Kind of a slow start but I'm eager to get it going," said snowboarder Rick Kaye.

The Summit at Snoqualmie was buzzing with skiers and snowboarders after getting 7 inches of snow -- good news since the season has been lacking when it comes to snowpack.

"But you know we're coming into the February month and February tends to be a good snow month," said spokesperson Guy Lawrence.

Summit Central and Alpental opened first, followed by Summit West.

"We've been really waiting for the snow and it really feels great today," said one skier.

It was a great day for skiers but the wintry weather created quite a mess out on the roads.

Snowplows did their own delicate maneuvering along Interstate 90 overnight and into Wednesday.

Many drivers were forced to chain up for traction, but even that didn't prevent problems from Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum.

"They're not slowing down so we've had pretty good amount of wrecks and collisions as a result," said Darren Wright, State Trooper in District 6.

The lesson here: Slow down and be ready for winter driving conditions if you're hitting the slopes.

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