It’s not always about snow, especially when you’re skiing in the Midwest.

This weekend is shaping up to be really warm and sunny, with highs in the 40s and sun expected to shine across many Midwest ski areas.

According to OpenSnow, areas in the Twin Cities and Wisconsin are expected to have a high of 41 degrees Friday, a high of 44 degrees Saturday and a high of 37 Sunday. (As of Thursday morning)

Given this week’s low temperatures, many hills were working hard to make snow as the snowmaking season wraps up.

Also, sources in the meteorology community say January is expected to be very mild this year overall, so snowmaking could be difficult for the next few weeks. Don’t skip sunny days!

Snow up north?

The best chance for snow this weekend in the Midwest will come Sunday night through Monday up North.

According to OpenSnow (again, the best forecasting service out there), places like Lutsen (MN), Mt. Bohemia (UP) and Boyne (MI) are expected to see some snow Sunday night through Monday.

Lutsen shows the most modest amounts with just 1-2″ Sunday night and 1-2″ Monday. Boyne Mountain, which is on Michigan-proper, should see the most with 2-4″ falling Monday.

Bohemia is the most interesting location because the hill is opening for the first time today (Jan. 3). That means everything that has fallen there will be fresh for riders this weekend. Monday’s snowfall will just fill in the tracks.

Eyes West: Pacific Northwest

Feeling like an aggressive chase? Or are you already in the region? If so, the Pacific Northwest is the place to be this weekend.

From Schweitzer in Idaho (barely PNW, I know) to Whistler, the snow is falling hard up there right now and will through the weekend.

Whistler is projecting 45″ in the next 5 days and, if you’re patient, 92″ in the next 10 days. Wow.

Nearby, in Washington, Mt. Baker is looking at 49″ in the next 5 days and Crystal and Stevens Pass are both looking at 20+” 5-day totals as well.