A last blast of winter 2012-13 from Peek’n Peak’s terrain park:

Until next year… from Peek’n Peak on Vimeo.

Peek’n Peak got 16 inches of fresh snow over a 24-hour period late this week and has 27 trails, five lifts and the terrain parks open for business.

In fact, it’s good news from the Skiing Weatherman for all of New York’s ski resorts.

Think the winter ski season is over? Think again, says Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman. Peek’n Peak and the other western New York resorts are at or near full operation.

Join Evergreen Outfitters for its final snowshoe hike of the winter March at 10 a.m. on the Overland Trail near Panama, N.Y.

Meet at Evergreen Outfitters, 4845 Route 474, Ashville, NY — about 50 minutes from Erie — and carpool to the Panama trailhead off Route 474. Hikers will heard northwest for about an hour, then turn around and hike back to the parking area.

Cost is $15 for those who need to rent snowshoes and poles, and $5 for those who have their own equipment. Reservations are required; call (716) 763-2266.

Wednesday’s lake-effect snow might not have been great news for those with long driveways to shovel, but skiers and resorts in western New York have plenty of reason to be excited.

Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman, drops in with great forecasts for Peek’n Peak, Holiday Valley, Swain, HoliMont and elsewhere in his weekly video report:

Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman, advises that conditions at Peek’n Peak and Swain should be “fantastic” this weekend, and that Holiday Valley conditions will be “superb.” Saturday is the Boarding for Breast Cancer Board-a-thon at Holiday Valley as well.

Feb. 9 is Snowman in the Forest Day at Cook Forest State Park.

Join in the snowman-building contest if you like, but plan for a day of other winter activities at the Sawmill Center for the Arts complex on Forest Road:

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, snowman-building contest, K-9 rescue demos, face painting, box hockey.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Snowshoe interpretive hike in the old-growth forest along Black Bear Trail; meet at the firepit.

1 p.m.: Happy dog contest.

1-2 p.m.: Wildlife presentation by park ranger Steve Mazik in Sawmill Classroom.

1-2 p.m.: Snowshoe interpretive hike within the old-growth forest along Black Bear Trail; meet at the firepit.

2 p.m.: Door prize awards.

Try samples during the Free Chili Cook-Off. Hot chocolate, coffee, fire, and heated Sawmill Classroom will help take the chill off. The event is sponsored by Cook Forest Vacation Bureau.

Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman, filed his weekend forecast for the New York resorts ahead of a forecast storm that could make conditions optimal for the state’s slopes. Peek’n Peak is likely to get moderate fresh snowfall and Holiday Valley and HoliMont will get boosts in an already snowy week.

Asbury Woods Nature Center, 4105 Asbury Road, has a series of programs for outdoors lovers in February:

February 9, 23 – Cross-country Ski Clinics. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing and enjoy the trails around the nature center. Equipment is provided; no experience is required. A minimum of 6 inches of snow is necessary for the program, call ahead (835-5356) for snow conditions. For adults and children 8 and up; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center; $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Register day of program only, please arrive 15 minutes early for equipment fitting. Maximum of 20 per class.

February 9, 23 – Snowshoe Saturdays. Hike with a naturalist and discover the fun of showshoeing. Equipment is provided and no experience is required. A minimum of 6 inches of snow is necessary for the program; call ahead for snow conditions. For adults and children 8 and up; 1:30-3:00 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center; $10 for members, $13 for non-members. Register day of program only, please arrive 15 minutes early for equipment fitting. Maximum of 20 per class.

February 9 – An Expedition to Antarctica. Dr. Mike Elnitsky, an expert in animal survival in extreme temperatures, will present a program on the U.S. Antarctic Program at the Palmer Station. Learn about one of the coldest places on Earth. For adults and children 12 and up; 1-3 p.m., at the Nature Center; $5 for members, $8 for non-members.

February 13 – Succulent Gardens. It may be too early to begin working in the garden, but we can dream of spring. Create your own indoor, succulent garden and enjoy its lovely colors while the snow still blows outside. Gerlach’s Garden and Floral Center will provide the plants and moss as well as a choice of up-cycled containers. Feel free to bring gardening gloves and, if you have one, a container approximately 8 inches in diameter. For adults; 6:30-7:30 p.m. This program will be held at the Nature Center; $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, call 814-835-5356.

February 23 – Winter Active Adventures. Enjoy outdoor activities, hot cocoa and lessons about animals winter survival skills with one of our naturalists. Great for the whole family; 1-3 p.m. These activities will start from the Nature Center; $5 for members, $8 for non-members.

Peek’n Peak is just one of the western New York resorts rich with packed powder after this week’s snowfall. Holiday Valley, Kissing Bridge, Swain and Holimont also offer sweet conditions for the weekend, according to Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman:

The Skiing Weatherman – Western New York – 01/24 from Jux House Media on Vimeo.