There are signs locally that winter is approaching. The Village of Catskill this week hung holiday lights and took down the statue of Rip Van Winkle at the top of Main St. for the winter so it is not hit by snow plows. After opening early on Nov. 16 and 17 for the area's first skiing, Belleayre Mountain closed again, and will open for the season on Nov. 24. Windham Mountain's website does not hint when they will start skiing, and Hunter Mountain's website also does not say when it will open and reports no snowfall yet this season.