When Old Man Winter comes a knockin’ at your  door, it’s best to embrace the crusty old feller with a hot drink and a positive mental attitude. Whether you like it or not, he’ll be setting up shop and won’t be leaving any time soon. And with any luck, there’ll be a decent snowpack to show for it. Here’s a candid look at the first signs of what we hope will shape up to be a long, healthy visit.

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  Forest Bello lays down a warm blanket of straw over the Environmental Center’s demonstration garden at Fort Lewis College.

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  A snowmobile catches some early morning rays at Durango Mountain Resort.

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  Feathery hoar frost grows on a willow branch near Cascade.

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  The sole chairlift at Ski Hesperus awaits...