Winter is here. The days are shorter and the nights colder and longer. The mountains are covered with a good blanket of snow and it's time to get out your ski and snowboard gear and head to the slopes.

Powder alert
The western mountains of Maine are supposed to get a good dump of maybe 14 to 18 inches of powder tonight and tomorrow, just in time for a great weekend of skiing and riding.

But before you head down the slopes for that first run, take a minute to check out the Skiers and Riders Responsibility Code. It's for your safety.

Skiers and Riders Responsibility Code
• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Shawnee Peak opening this weekend
Three of five lifts are expected to run, as round the clock snowmaking has laid down a ton of snow on trails of all ability levels at Shawnee Peak for this weekend's opening.

Sunday, December 14, you can help the hungry and ski for less. Bring three non-perishable or canned food items to Shawnee Peak ticket window and you get to ski or ride all day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for just $20. And on December 19, do the same and you ski/ride all day and night for just $15.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet.