Deny the approach of winter all you want. Between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, evidence of the looming season fell right from the sky.

By morning, there was snow — not the fake stuff that comes out of a machine — in the mountains. A dusting of it covered the top of Saddleback, sending officials there into a paroxysm of glee nearly two months before the opening of the resort.

“We were pretty thrilled when we woke up to a white mountain,” said Conrad Klefos, director of marketing and sales at Saddleback Mountain ski area. “Nov. 27 can’t come soon enough for skiers and snowboarders …”

Sugarloaf/USA in Carrabassett Valley had a trace of snow on its summit, as well. It wasn’t much to look at, but the very presence of snow was enough to prompt officials at that ski resort to post a photograph of the peak.

“First official snow of the season on the summit!” exclaimed the caption beneath the photo. You have to squint to see the snow.

At Mount Washington in New Hampshire, snow showers Thursday morning left behind a dusting that was nonetheless described as “drifting snow” later in the day.

“It was 1 inch,” said National Weather Service meteorologist John Cannon. “I guess if the winds are 30 to 40 mph, it will drift.”

Elsewhere, most of the state was treated to cold air and drizzle throughout the day. More of the same is expected into the weekend.