Mad River Mountain opens today for the first time in November since 1996, bringing more than 350 seasonal jobs to area until mid-March.
"We've had unbelievable snow-making conditions this week," general manager Greg Fisher said. "It's been a while since we've been making snow in November."
The ski resort expects more than 150,000 visitors this season. The resort had snow-making training for its rookies last Saturday and its self-proclaimed "Operation Extra Stuffing" started that day.
"We were originally planning to blow some piles and open up early in December," marketing director Mike Mihnovets said. "It was definitely a little bit of rush. We weren't expecting it to get as cold as it did."
The general manager said when officials made the call to open this weekend, they wanted to make much snow as possible before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Some staff at the resort actually ate Thanksgiving dinner in the lodge on Thursday.
The hill is currently covered with an 18- to 30-inch base of snow, and 75 percent of the trails are open.
Fisher explained that for the snow to be good, Mad River really just needs it to stay cold outside.
"The long-range forecast looks really good. This next week's temps are in mid 40's, and then it drops again," Fisher said.
For those who do not ski or snowboard, the tubing hill will open in mid-December, and it requires no skill, according to Fisher.
Mad River Mountain will open Saturday at noon and Sunday at 10 a.m.
An all-day lift ticket costs $35, or $25 for children younger than 12 and seniors older than 65.
More information about upcoming hours and ski rentals can be found at skimadriver.com.
