"We're ready to go:" Skiers enjoy fresh-made powder at Little Switzerland Ski Area
SLINGER -- The temperatures dropped low enough this week for the owners of Little Switzerland Ski Area to make snow. And while not all their slopes are covered, it's a drastic change from just one week ago.
The anticipation is over. Little Switzerland now has snow covered hills.
"I'm pretty excited to ride here. I've never ridden here before," siad Eli Kallio, skier.
Little Switzerland Ski Area
And the folks at Little Switzerland have been waiting all winter to begin it.
"It took a little longer to get here this year, but it's here and we're ready to go. We have about 20 guns in operation right now. High pressure water mixes with the fan in this gun and it nuclides and makes snow. It's an amazing process." said Schmitz.
Mike Schmitz
Running the machines 24-hours straight, overnight crews worked to make sure the slopes were covered.
"There may not be snow in your backyard, but there's always snow in Little Switzerland," said Schmitz.
It's a drastic change from just one week ago, when temperatures reached above 50°, they reopened the downhill mountain bike paths and for one day only bikers ran the course right alongside the skiers.
Little Switzerland Ski Area
"We'll take every opportunity and get 100% open as soon as we can," said Schmitz.
But the ski area needs cold temperatures in order for the snow to form, and that magic number is anything below 28°.
Rob Langjar and his daughter, Cecilia, are thankful the temperatures finally dropped.
"It's super special. Just good being outside enjoying the snow before Christmas," said Lanjar.
Avid skiers, the daddy-daughter duo was anxious to bundle up and hit the slopes.
"We're super excited to be here. It's a beautiful bluebird day," said Lanjar.
And they aren't alone, Eli Kallio drove three hours to come enjoy the snow.
"It's pretty awesome that they're able to make so much because, in Alman, where I'm from, there's a couple of hills around but all of them closed down because of not having enough snow," said Kallio.
Little Switzerland Ski Area
Right now, Little Switzerland's land is about 40% covered in snow but that will change over the weekend.
"It looks like we'll be able to run through this Sunday morning, and then a few more windows possible Monday -- and then some later next week," said Schmitz.
The owners will let the snow making machines run overnight in hopes to open slope numbers 5 and 6 on Sunday. Their goal is to have all 18 slopes open in the coming weeks.
Little Switzerland Ski Area
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