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Skiers keep with holiday tradition despite warm weather

Families are building memories that will last long after the snow melts.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — It doesn't exactly feel like winter. But that's not stopping skiers from gearing up and heading out on the slopes at Elk Mountain Ski Resort in Susquehanna County.

"I'm hot already," jokes Kathy McAleer of Montgomery County.

Some skiers, like Andrew Dickson of New York, enjoy the warmer temperatures.

 "It's like spring skiing. It's nice, It's nice," said Dickson.

While there's not much snow on the ground, there's plenty of fresh powder to be found at Elk Mountain. Grant Fronheiser made the trip up with his friends from Berks County.

"We came in from the other side of the mountain, and there was nothing. We thought, 'are in the right place?'. We came around the bend and full of snow," he said. 

The Elk Mountain Ski Resort General Manager, Gregg Confer, says there are 10 trails open. He hopes the rain expected this week won't put a damper on skiers' plans. 

"It's been a crazy year weather-wise, but we're thrilled we have as much terrain open as we do. And hopefully, this weekend, it'll get better when we can finally make some snow again," said Confer. 

Even though it's a little bit warmer, many families are not breaking from their holiday traditions.

"It's about making memories, it's family time- the holidays, it's really nice," said Dickson.

The kids are on the slopes, taking full advantage of Christmas break.

"I just wanted to get some skiing in before I had to get back to school," said 15-year-old Jim McAleer of Montgomery County.
Dickson brought his five-year-old son, Cole, to teach him the ropes of the slopes.

"He started when he was three. He's not a pro yet, but he's getting there," said Dickson.

While the three Hughes brothers were bringing out their competitive side. 

"Yeah, I'll race them, and I'll beat them every time," laughs 10-year-old Nolan Hughes.

Building memories that will last long after the snow melts. 

"It's fun to hang out when you're skiing down a mountain, and it's just a fun time to be hanging out with your brothers," said Hughes. 

No matter the weather, this season in Susquehanna County.

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