Snow is currently falling in the Baltimore/Washington area. Above: The view outside DCSki’s suburban headquarters.

The first significant snow storm of the season is currently hitting the Baltimore/Washington area, covering the landscape with several inches of fresh snow and closing many area schools. Ski resorts to the north and west are also enjoying the natural snow; as of Thursday morning, most are reporting 3-6 inches of new snow, adding to healthy amounts already being made through snowmaking.

The snow is expected to taper off this afternoon with total accumulations reaching as high as 6 inches. The low tonight will be around 20, with winds picking up and dropping wind chills well below zero. The five-day forecast is calling for continued cold temperatures with a chance of additional snow on Sunday. In the mountains, highs for the next few days will have trouble climbing above the freezing mark.

The snow and continued cold temperatures are great news for area resorts, many of which suffered through a string of unseasonably mild winters. Cold temperatures throughout the past week have permitted around-the-clock snowmaking, and the extended forecast shows no threat to continued snowmaking. Over the next few days, many local resorts will be able to open the majority of their terrain - a feat that was not possible in recent winters for many resorts close to D.C. Base depths continue to grow, which will help the resorts survive any mid-winter warm spells, and hopefully allow the resorts to stay open well into March.

A brief summary of conditions at some area resorts:

Maryland

Wisp Resort, the only ski resort in Maryland, is reporting 4-6 inches of new snow with fresh powder and packed powder conditions on all 18 trails. Base depth ranges from 20-50 inches.

Virginia

Bryce Resort now has a base depth of 18-44 inches, boosted by four inches of new snow. Eight trails are open with machine groomed conditions.

Massanutten Resort has 6 inches of new snow this morning and now has 12 trails open with a base depth of 26-36 inches and machine groomed conditions. The Tubing Park is also open.

Wintergreen Resort had received 4 inches of new snow by 7 a.m. this morning. Packed powder conditions can be found on 13 open trails with a base depth of 24-40 inches.

West Virginia

Canaan Valley has 26 trails open with a healthy base depth ranging from 28-78 inches. 7 inches of new snow have resulted in powder and packed powder conditions, and the cross-country skiing at Canaan Valley should also benefit from the fresh snow.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is reporing 6 inches of new snow this morning, adding to additional fresh snow received over the past two days. All 56 trails are open, with a base depth of 29-79 inches and groomed packed powder conditions.

Timberline Resort is reporting a 38-54 inch base with machine groomed, packed powder conditions on 19 open trails.

Pennsylvania

Blue Knob has received about 10 inches of new snow over the past day. 12-16 trails are expected to be open today with a base depth ranging from 25-45 inches.

Blue Mountain is reporting 2-3 inches of new snow; 26 trails are open with a base depth of 24-48 inches and machine groomed conditions. The Tubing Park is open and the Halfpipe is expected to open on Friday.

Laurel Mountain has received a few inches of snow and has 12 trails open, including Upper and Lower Wildcat. Average base depth is 30 inches with groomed packed powder conditions.

Seven Springs is expected 3-6 inches of natural snow today. 16 slopes and 14 trails are open with a base depth of 20-34 inches and powder, packed powder conditions.

Ski Liberty has a base depth of 20-29 inches on 14 open trails, and expects to receive several inches of snow this morning. Surface conditions are machine groomed, packed powder.

Ski Roundtop has received 2 inches of natural snow by early morning, and has packed powder conditions and a base depth ranging from 16-32 inches on 14 trails. All trails except Gunbarrel and Barrett’sTrail are now open.

Whitetail Resort is reporting 3-6 inches of fresh snow with packed powder conditions on 13 open trails. Base depth ranges from 20-32 inches. The Halfpipe opens today; additional intermediates should open today or tomorrow.