The storm tracks that pounded the Pacific Northwest mountains most of January have moved on.

But bluebird skies, 3 to 15 inches of new snow in the past two days, and healthy snow base depths equal a good dose of excitement for skiers and snowboarders in the days to come.

Weather forecasters are saying this strong high pressure will sit over Washington until the middle of next week, so get out and enjoy the sunny weather and don't forget the sunscreen.

Those looking to travel out of state for their winter fun will be glad to know that the big snow days — up to five feet of fresh powder in less than a week at some resorts — were reported in British Columbia, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Colorado.

A big crowd is expected to come out for the Legendary Banked Slalom Snowboard Race at the Mount Baker Ski Area Feb. 10-12. The event has been ongoing since 1985. Maelle Ricker, winner of the gold medal in women's snowboard cross at the 2010 Olympics, will defend her slalom title. Ricker has won the event the past five years.

The Mount Baker Ski Area will host the Snow Safety Awareness & Introduction to Transceiver Use on Feb. 11 and Feb. 26. The course is a classroom and outdoors course on backcountry safety, decision-making and companion rescue. For details, visit www.mtbaker.us.

In the days and weeks ahead it is all about the winter celebrations.

The Winter Carnival Fiesta Pescado Blanco is Friday to Sunday., at Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana.

Kicking off the festivities is the Winter Gala at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant, featuring live music, a silent auction and a Mexican feast.

Among the weekend-long events is the Whitefish International Hockey Tournament, and Art Walk with displays at more than 30 merchants in town.

The main events Saturday include the Kiddie Carnival, Penguin Plunge, St. Charles Pie Social, grand parade, Black Star Beer Barter and torchlight parade and fireworks show. The finale is Sunday with the $8 Rotary Pancake Breakfast at Moose Lodge. For details, visit www.skiwhitefish.com.

The party gets started Feb. 17-26 when the Winter Carnival comes to Sandpoint in northern Idaho at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

On the first day of the carnival, Feb. 17, check out the Bio-Luminesce Fire Dancers performing at 6:30 p.m. at the Pend d'Oreille Winery. See them perform acrobatic moves, dance, yoga, and movements with fiery flames.

Then from 7-9 p.m. in the Jeff Jones Town Square of Sandpoint, the rail-jam contest on a 30-foot wide and 100-foot long rail will draw skiers and snowboarders showing off their freestyle moves.

Other events Feb. 18-19 include skiers and snowboarders doing tricks off jumps while being pulled by horses; Nastar racing; village scavenger hunt; poker skiing; snowshoe hike; night skiing; tubing sessions; snow volleyball; and a Wii dance tournament.

The weeklong event conclude Feb. 24-25 with night skiing, tubing, outdoor shows, Outrageous Air Show featuring Olympic and local skiers, and a torchlight parade with fireworks. For details, visit www.schweitzer.com.

Other upcoming slopeside activities:

• The two-day Roxy All-Star Snow Camps begin next month for women and girls 13 and older at Whistler-Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia.

The clinics on Feb. 11-12, March 3-4, March 17-18 and April 14-15, and the teen camp March 24-25 are open for any level of skier or snowboarder with options of learning park, pipe, freestyle and big mountain riding.

The women's camp is $219 and junior camp is $199. Lift tickets, rental equipment, and lodging are not included. For details, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

• The Crystal Mountain Resort Triple Crown of Washington State's Junior Freeride Championship is Feb. 11 and April 21. The event is open to skiers and snowboarders 11 to 18, with limited slots available. Registration is online and costs $85. Ski terrain used for the event will be Throne, Elk Chutes, the King, Silver Basin and Bear Pits. For details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.

• The White Pass Ski Area's Top of the Hill Adult Workshop is 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 10 and March 24. The workshop offers skiers and snowboarders over age 18 the opportunity to improve their technique, and is open from novice to expert levels. Cost is $65 per day and $250 for the entire series.

The Kids Clinic offers skiing or snowboarding for ages 5 to 12, with lunch, snacks and lift tickets included. Dates are Feb. 11-12, Feb. 25-26, March 10-11 and March 24-25. For details on both events, visit http://skiwhitepass.com.

• The Vertfest, a celebration of backcountry culture, is Feb. 18-19 at Alpental at The Summit at Snoqualmie. The festival kicks off Saturday with the Monika Johnson Memorial Rally, followed by the gear-filled awards ceremony and raffle, and live music with Head Like a Kite. Clinic day is Sunday.

The El Presidente Freestyle Camp, Feb. 18-19 at Summit Central, is open for intermediate or better snowboarders ages 8 and older. For details, visit www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

• A special at Mission Ridge for sixth graders provides a Basic Season Pass for $20 plus tax. For details, visit www.missionridge.com.

• Stevens Pass is offering a $75-per-person deal for the weekend at Stevens Lodge through April 1. It includes breakfast and dinner on Saturday (and Sunday if a holiday weekend). For details, visit www.destinationcascades.com/lodging/item/stevens-lodge.html.

Also, Stevens Pass is offering discounts on Thursday nights through Feb. 23. Ride the lifts from 3 p.m. until closing for $30. For details, visitwww.stevenspass.com.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com