Finally, the Northeast ski season seems as if it might have actually begun, even if it meant having to take pleasure in other people’s pain.

We speak of course, of the storms that brought snow to some places and deadly ice to others up north. More snow is forecasted for next week – what would be super is if it could bring with it a lower death toll than last week’s mess, thanks in advance.

Just so you know, Ski Vermont reports that some resorts will be as much as 90 percent open by the weekend. Unfortunately, though, all conditions are not created equal, and you’re looking at everything from ice slicks at Stratton, to packed powder at Stowe. Killington’s having a rough time of it, with less than half its trails open as of today. For more information, check out the conditions page here.

New Hampshire tells a similar story, with many, many hills less than 50 percent open. Their conditions can be found here.

As for the rest of the driveable region, you’re still pretty much looking at fake snow. And with that being all there is, might as well just sit it out and pray for a snowy spring.

Image:Smugglers Notch, via Ski Vermont