Oregon’s Timberline Lodge did a surprise preview this past weekend, opening Pucci and Bruno’s lifts Sunday for a day of skiing and snowboarding. They closed just as quickly, with no official schedule for reopening. Have to say the early conditions looked pretty darn good…Word from Colorado is that Loveland will open Friday morning with the usual Chet’s Dream run; statement says “Temps have been staying cold and our snowmakers are working around the clock to put the finishing touches on our opening day run.” Loveland took a hit with some warm temps last week, but as usual they will have the most vertical among the early openers…tough news out of Maine this week, Skowhegan’s Eaton Mountain will not be operating this season. Eaton’s had some fits and starts and setbacks over the years, and owner David Beers is taking a year off to try and regroup. Says he’s not permanently shutting nor liquidating and hopes to be back in operation next season…other news from Maine, Ski Maine executive director Greg Sweetser has announced that he’ll retire in May 2020. Sweetser has played a key role in the state’s drive to engage kids in winter sports, and we’re sad to see him go…New York State’s small but mighty Mount Peter is installing a new beginner carpet for the coming season…