Lack of snow delays Blacktail opening

Despite a forecast for snow, Mother Nature didn't cooperate, and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area at Lakeside won't be open for Christmas Eve.

"We had hoped to open on Friday, but we didn't get the snow they forecast," Blacktail office manager Arla Rosso said. "We're still on a day-to-day status. We hate having to tell people they'll have to wait."

Blacktail is on the verge of having the latest season opener in the seven years it's been in business. Two years ago, the resort opened Dec. 26.

The resort currently has a 25-inch snow base at midmountain. Blacktail has no snowmaking machines and relies on natural snowfall for its base.

Skiers can check daily snow reports and get information about opening day on the Web site: blacktailmountain.com