WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you stepped into 2026 without weekend plans and still haven’t committed to any New Year’s resolutions, fear not.  Our first Lifestyle Lookout of the new year features plenty of activities in Whatcom County to nourish mind, body and spirit.

The Mount Baker Ski Area currently has the deepest snow base in the Pacific Northwest with 55 inches at Heather Meadows and 98 inches at the top of Pan Dome.  The deep snow base will make for spectacular skiing and riding and with more snow in the forecast this weekend, conditions should keep getting better and better.

If you are a first-timer, the ski area offers rentals and lessons.  You can also rent your gear in Bellingham at Backcountry Essentials or Yeager’s Sporting Goods or stop by the Glacier Ski Shop on the way up the mountain.

Mount Shuksan from the top of Pan Dome at the Mount Baker Ski Area. Photographer: Adam Smith

While snow in the mountains means hiking trails in the North Cascades are closed, there are plenty of options in the lowlands of Whatcom County to get out and stretch your legs.

Horseshoe Bend in Glacier, Sumas Mountain in Everson, Whatcom Falls and the Chuckanut Mountains in Bellingham, and Berthusen and Hovander Parks in Lynden and Ferndale respectively, all offer hiking and walking trails to explore throughout the winter months.

Washington Trail Association and All Trails both have apps with updated trail condition, so there is no excuse to pass on a good hike this winter.

If you want to exercise the mind instead of the body, The Upfront Theatre in Bellingham is offering year-round drop-in improv classes.  Every first Saturday of the month, aspiring comedians, actors and folks who simply want to exercise the mind can pop in for an hour of improv.

Registration for Drop-In Improv Classes is recommended by not required.  Payment is improvised too because you can pay what you want/can. Go to theupfront.com for all the details.

If healthy eating is on the docket for the new year, head down to Squalicum Harbor.

Bellingham Dockside Market runs every first and third Saturday of the month.  Stop by Fisherman’s Pavilion between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to purchase fresh seafood from local fishers and vendors.

SNAP beneficiaries can use EBT cards at the information table to purchase Dockside tokens for use at participating vendors.  For all the details, go to portofbellingham.com.

Our featured live show this week is at Shakedown in downtown Bellingham on Saturday, Jan. 3 and if you like heavy metal rock and roll, you are in luck.

Old Dirty Buzzard is bringing their brand of crossover to the stage for a night of sweaty fun and debauchery. Fans of Zeke, Motörhead and Metallica do not want to miss this one.

Opening up for Old Dirty Buzzard are Witch Agony and local boys Gunnysack. The show starts at 9 p.m. For tickets, go to the shakedownbellingham.com.

Listen to Lifestyle Lookout every Friday on the KGMI Morning News (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on KGMI 790 AM and 96.5 FM. Streaming at MyBellinghamNow.com and on the free MyBellinghamNow app.)