Each October the buzz over the impending ski season lights up the blogoshpere. Shops are getting their new gear collections, mountains are turning on the snow guns, skiers and snowboarders are checking the weather forecast and snow lovers the world over are doing whatever dance, jig or sacrifice they can think of to please the gods of Winter.

So far this month, there's been some promising early returns. NOAA forecasters are predicting a shift from El Nino to La Nina conditions, which means more snow for the places like the pacific northwest. While this, in turn, may mean southerly locations like Arizona (Toas) and Southern Calfornia (Big Bear) may be drier, powder paradise's like Tahoe, Washington and British Columbia will benefit.

The rockies and the east coast are also in play, but each La Nina cycle is different and its hard to predict just how these areas will be impacted. Regardless, there are some sure bets out there for those looking for earlier than usual opening days or at least pre-season hiking opportunities.

Below are some relatively sure bets that also happen to be some of our favorite destinations to find the snow.

With spots like Sunday River, ME and Loveland, CO already open, now's the time to get your butt in gear to gear up for winter 2010-2011. In no particular order...

Whistler - Oct 24, 2010

1. Whistler, BC

Two hours from Vancouver, Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America, making it no surprise that the 2010 Winter Olympics were partially hosted there. It also happens to be smack in the Coast Mountains a magnate for big storms that hit British Columbia. Not only can you have the best party of your life in Whistler but you can also score chest deep pow before Thanksgiving.

Mt Baker - Oct 24, 2010

2. Mt Baker, WA

Holder of the world record for snowfall over 1100 inches in 1998, Baker is famous for it's deep pow and backcountry style terrain - all accessed by lifts and relatively light crowds. If you want lif accessed deep pow -- there's no place better than Mt. Baker.

Squaw - Oct 24, 2010

3. Squaw Valley, CA

The marquee big mountain spot on the north side of Lake Tahoe, Squaw is where legends are born and the #1 choice for many of Tahoe's most die-hard locals. With snow already covering Squaw Valley's peaks (photo courtesy of Unofficial Squaw) , 2010-2011 is shaping up to be a banger season at the Lake.

Loveland - Oct 23, 2010

4. Loveland, CO

Right of I-70 in Colorado, Loveland began turning it's lifts on October 24th marking the official start of the season in Colorado. If you're dying to hit the slopes, now you know where to go. Check out Loveland's opening day gallery.

Snowmaking is underway in Killington

5. Killington, VT

East Coasters know Killington well. Annually Killington offers the longest season of any New England resort, typically open by Nov 1st with skiable terrain available until May. With one of the longest gondola's east of the Rockies, early turns on Killington's K1 Gondola are a great way to burn off Halloween candy.

Sunday River - Oct 23, 2010

6. Sunday River, ME

Maine gets cold very cold. That's good for snow lovers and snow makers. Already enjoying fresh snow and lots of man-made stuff, Sunday River is open for business and a must visit if you're a Red Sox fan, ie, you live in Boston.

Wholly always has a his eye pointed at the sky! October snowfall in Mammoth.

7. Mammoth Mountain, CA

A California favorite, Mammoth's opening weekend celebrations are legendary, so is its snowfall. Big storms roll of the pacific and can easily dump 5-7 feet of fresh in 24-48 hours. This can happen as early as October or as late as June.

Pow beginning to pile up at the Bird, Oct 23, 2010

8. Snowbird, UT

The best snow on earth is UTah's state motto and there's now better place to experience it that the Bird. Burly steep terrain, a huge tram and endless acres of waist deep lines are what keep locals and vacationers frequenting Snowbird's slopes year after year.

When the snow hits Teton Village - the locals get restless.

9. Jackson Hole, WY

The Grand Tetons in Wyoming are picturesque 365 days a year, but never more than in winter. Adding to that, the locals in Jackson are some of the best in the world. They love their town, they love their mountain and they know how to ride. If you want to test your skills, both on-hill and behind the bar, the rugged terrain and locals of Jackson Hole will show you how.

The grandeur of Lake Louise with snow guns blazing.

10. Lake Louise, AB

20 minutes outside of beautiful Banff alberta is the glacial blue beauty of Lake Louise, which reflects the monstrous peaks of Lake Louise Ski Area. The chill of alberta might steel your breathe in the dead of winter, but the scenic magnificence and high-altitude wonder of Lake Louise will no doubt steal your heart, and the early season offers the best chance of experiencing it without getting Canadian frostbite.