While the dearth of snowfall over the past six weeks has been maddening, skiers and snowboarders did get some good news this week as the path for expansion and improvements at Mt. Bachelor took a step forward as the U.S. Forest Service approved the ski resort's Master Development Plan.

Included in the agreement are plans for a new ski lift -- and trails -- east of the Rainbow Chair, a new parking lot and base lodge, a relocation of the tubing hill, and a new learning area near the Sunrise lodge, among other changes.

There were also some interesting summer additions, including more downhill mountain bike access and hiking trails, as well as a zip line tour.

The plan is just that -- a plan -- as of now, and no projects have been authorized by the USFS at this time. All projects will undergo an environmental assessment before implementation.

This is the first full master plan update at the resort since 1981, and according to Mt. Bachelor President and G.M. Dave Rathbun, has been two and a half years in the making.