Ski season is upon us

KELLOGG — Ski bums rejoice as both Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain will be kicking off their winter season this Saturday.

After a week of getting pounded by high elevation winter storms, both popular ski resorts are ready for everything skiers and snowboarders can give them.

As of Thursday, both mountains received more than a foot of new snow and are expecting even more.

“The storm systems are finally headed our way and we are excited to get the season rolling,” said General Manager Jeff Colburn.

Silver Mountain is expected to run Chairs 1 and 2, as well as the carpet lift for the beginner run. The tubing park will be open and gondola rides will also be offered.

This week’s winter storms are expected to bring 12-20 inches of fresh snow and with that new snow, the amount of ski-able terrain available will be determined the day of opening.

“We have track packed Silver Belt and just needed a bit more snow on the lower mountain to get open," Colburn added. "This storm is coming in at the perfect time.”

For more information regarding Silver Mountain conditions, visit www.silvermt.com.

Twenty miles east, the folks at Lookout Pass are expecting to have 13-14 trails open. They have announced that they are ready to unveil their new SkyTrac Quad Chairlift called Peak 1 Quad and their beginner area Chair 4 Triple for those who want to get started on their lessons.

Matt Sawyer, Lookout’s director of marketing and sales is excited and ready to go.

“We’re calling out Old Man Winter and forcing him to deliver the goods,” Sawyer said. “We’re done fooling around. It’s time to get this party started. Dust off your skis and boards and make plans to join us.”

For more information on Lookout Pass Recreation Area, visit www.skilookout.com.

Both mountains are scheduled to open Saturday.