x
Breaking News
More () »

Ski Season Opens Thanks to Deep Freeze

HERRICK TOWNSHIP — The cold temperatures that blasted into the area recently are just what the ski resorts in our area have been waiting for. Elk Mountain...
Sequence 2

HERRICK TOWNSHIP -- The cold temperatures that blasted into the area recently are just what the ski resorts in our area have been waiting for.

Elk Mountain in Susquehanna County opened Tuesday and skiers as well as snowboarders rejoiced they could finally hit the slopes.

Finally, snow groomers on Elk Mountain have something to groom. Skiers and snowboarders have something to ski and board on as well after a deep freeze let crews make lots of snow.

"Unbelievable where it is from then to now. They do a phenomenal job blowing snow up here," said Kathy Stone of Clarks Summit.

Less than a month ago, the man-made snow was melting away on Elk and because of the warm weather opening day had to wait until after the holiday season.

"I think it's exactly a month later than last season, so it's a relief as you can see the skiers are here, they're excited to be here even though it's very cold," said Bob DeLuca with Elk Mountain.

So cold, in fact, that the single digits and even below-zero temperatures help increase the amount of snow that Elk can make. That makes it possible to open five trails in less than a week.

"They're pumping a lot. It's going everywhere, mounds all over. If the weather holds, keeps cold overnight, we'll be in good shape in a week," said Arch Jenkins of Nicholson.

"It's been tough, yeah, this El Nino has hurt everybody but they've done a good job," said Deede Rothenburg of Clarks Summit.

It's the very first day Rothenburg could use her season pass and despite the cold, she's enjoying the chance to ski at last.

"I'm so excited. It's been a long wait, but conditions are great. It's nice to be out."

If the weather stays this cold, Elk hopes to double the number of open trails to 10 by this weekend.

Before You Leave, Check This Out