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I know it wasn’t more than a dusting, but snow has finally landed upon UVM. 

This snow should be gladly received by skiers and snowboarders alike as a sign, a hope, that a good season is in the cards. So be happy.

While many of us are sleeping with our pajamas inside out and doing routine snow dances, the upcoming ski season already looks more promising than last year’s. 

Yes, Northern Vermont’s average snowfall ranges from 80 to 100 inches, but last season barely even brought out the snowplows.

To make the most of your season, a couple of tips should be noted. 

I know it isn’t ideal to cram into a yellow school bus with skis and boots falling everywhere, but it beats not going. 

If you don’t have a car, UVM’s Ski and Snowboard Club offers at least one bus to the different mountains where season passes are offered. 

It is a good idea to bring some water on the bus to drain out the prior night’s juice. 

And beware: all around, everywhere you look, people are hungover. 

In terms of food, the only way to go is to bring your own. 

The ski resorts realize that you work up an appetite on the hill and accordingly bump their prices to charge you an arm and a leg for a Pop-Tart. 

By using your points the night before or grabbing some food to go from an unlimited dining hall, you can save money.

While it may seem like a great idea to lend your pass to a friend so that he or she can ski on one of your off days, I highly recommend you think twice.

 I know it sounds like more of a foolproof plan than the Taco Bell diet, but the fact is you will get caught. 

A lot of people working at the surrounding mountains once had the same mentality, resulting in a keen eye that knows what to look for. 

If you get caught, they call the police and take your pass. Bummer. 

That’s upward of $350 down the drain. I know it’s nice to help a friend out, but in this case it’s not worth it. 

Have a great ski season, and let’s hope Mother Nature doesn’t screw us over for screwing her over.

Snow or no snow, life is good.