Big Mountain opens on Saturday

Big Mountain Resort will begin limited operations on Saturday, five days earlier than the planned Thanksgiving Day opener.

Ample snowfall and a 30-inch settled snow base at the summit played into the decision by Winter Sports Inc. to step up opening day.

Limited skiing and snowboarding will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Chair 7 (North Face, Big Creek Express) with at least six marked runs, although snow conditions at time of opening will dictate trail openings, resort spokesman Brian Schott said.

There is a 12-inch settled base at the bottom of Chair 7. No beginner access is available yet. The resort will open additional trails and lifts as conditions permit.

Food and beverage facilities open include the Summit House, Bierstube, Hellroaring Saloon, Big Drift, and Aunt B's. Rental and retail operations open include Snowghost Outfitters, Big Mountain Rentals, General Store, The Treehouse, Cabin Creations, Montana Tom's, Crazy Bear and Mountain Photography, Stumptown Snowboards, Perkin Beans, Mountain Gems, and Remedies Day Spa.

The Outpost, Moguls, and Big Mountain Kids (day care) will not be open until Nov. 24.

For the early opening, Big Mountain Snowsports Center will offer intermediate and advanced private lessons only, with advanced reservations. The Snowsports Center will offer additional programming, including group and private lessons for all ability levels as terrain conditions permit.

Lift tickets for the early opening will be $25. The early season ticket price of $39 through Dec. 16 will go into effect as additional terrain opens.

Regular adult tickets after Dec. 16 are $49.