SKI RESORTS SEASON HAS OPENED

HANCOCK - The light amount of snow that fell in the lower lying areas of the Capital District turned out to be quite an asset for area ski facilities.Though much of the area saw about an inch or so, places at higher elevations, such as Jiminy Peak, saw several inches.

"We are extremely excited, and the fresh snow makes it even more beautiful here," said Director of Marketing Sally Johnstone. "We've been making snow since Monday, and the groomers have said that the temperatures have made this some of the nicest snow we've ever had for an opening weekend."With the solid snowmaking conditions, where about 12 million gallant of water were turned into snow, there will be eight interconnected path that will be open, with 2.5 miles of skiing on 30 acres of snow.

Also awaiting the skiers are four new trails and Coyote Ridge, a freestyle terrain area that includes a halfpipe for skiers and snowboarders alike. Johnstone expects that there will be a solid crowd, comprised mostly of the diehard skiers and season ticket-holders. It is traditionally around Christmas that the recreational crowd picks up.

But that does not detests from the excitement."Everyone here has been really looking forward to the first runs of the season," said Johnstone. "Absence really does make the heart grow fonder." Johnstone also noted the irony that despite similar temperatures and a much better snow base, March skiing is not quite as popular as the first runs in November.Aside from Jiminy Peak, Killington in Vermont has also opened for business. Snowmaking at Whiteface Mountain began on Nov. 5 with a tentative opening date on Nov. 20. West Mountain in Queensbury will be opening in December.