SKI DENTON SET TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND

Operators of Ski Denton in central Potter County have been scurrying around to prepare for this weekend's season opening.

Mother Nature has cooperated, providing some natural snow, as well as cold enough weather to allow for snowmaking.

As a result, it's all downhill this Saturday and Sunday, with the ski resort open for skiers and snowboarders from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Co-owner Shawn Schoonover said four slopes will be open for sure and a fifth, coming off of Doe Run, may also be open. Open will be Snowflake, Liberty Bell, Frostbite and Katy-O. Two poma lifts will be operating.

Discount prices are in effect this opening weekend. Full-day passes for adults are $25; children will pay $15. Four-hour tickets will be sold for $15 and $10, respectively. Those five and under and 70 or older can ski for free.

Co-owners Scott and Jody Carts and Shawn and Celeste Schoonover, along with their staff, have been burning the midnight oil to prepare for the weekend.

Cold temperatures Wednesday night and Thursday morning had the snow-making jets running at full throttle.

"Conditions are nice," Schoonover said. "We now have a good 10- to 12-inch base."

Ski Denton hopes to be open for the Dec. 14-15 weekend, depending on weather conditions. Additional information is available at 435-2115 or on the Internet at skidenton.com.