MANSFIELD — Snow Trails will officially open its slopes for skiing and snowboarding at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.
Now in its 58th season, the resort, located at 3100 Possum Run Rd., will open from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of the Vertical Descent Tubing Park, which will open at 5 p.m. the following Friday, Dec. 14 as part of its annual Kick-Off Weekend.
“We need to build a base of snow to then build lanes on top. It takes more snow-making and depth to construct those lanes on top,” said Nate Wolleson, Snow Trails marketing manager.
Snow Trails will close again from Monday, Dec. 10 through Thursday, Dec. 13 before starting regular hours on Friday, Dec. 14. Wolleson explained that while the weather has been “cooperative,” the extra time is needed to prepare more snow for what he expects will be a busy weekend.
“We started snow making Nov 13, and since then, we had some warm ups — oddly enough on weekends, like over Thanksgiving weekend. But we’ve stockpiled our snow to have it better protected from the elements,” Wolleson said. “We leave it in piles until we’re ready for it, and then push it edge to edge across the slopes. That’s the best way to preserve it if there’s any type of warm up.”
On opening weekend, Snow Trails will offer special pricing on lift tickets and equipment and discounts for children age 12 and under. The Last Run Bar & Deli, The Snowflake Loft Bar and Joe’s Cafeteria will be open for the occasion.
Snow Trails will hold its annual Kick-Off Party Saturday, Dec. 15 with a performance from Swagg in The Snowflake Loft at 9 p.m. The Children’s Learning Center will also open for the season Saturday, offering Children’s Polar Programs for 4 to 9-year-olds. Lessons will be available on opening weekend.
Hours for snow tubing vary; during peak days, glow tubing, a popular activity that was previously offered on a limited basis, will be offered every Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as space in the tubing park is limited.
Hours for the slopes are typically 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and peak days, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on non-peak days. The slopes will stay open until midnight every Friday.
