Hopes for an early start to the ski season were raised in mid-November when temperatures dipped and Mid-Atlantic resorts began making snow. Those hopes were dashed with the arrival of unseasonably warm temperatures, but a cold front passing through Monday brought with it the return of frigid temperatures. Skiers are hoping the cold will stick around this time.

Area ski resorts are, too. Waiting patiently for temperatures to drop, many resorts in the region had their snowmaking teams on standby Monday. Those teams lurched into action and restarted snowmaking efforts once the mercury fell. Snowmaking was in force Monday night at resorts including Seven Springs, Wisp, The Homestead, and Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Virginia’s Homestead Resort was able to make snow Monday night. Photo provided by The Homestead.

In Virginia, The Homestead Resort took its brand-new snowmaking system for its second spin of the season on Monday and Tuesday nights. The Homestead plans to resume snowmaking this weekend.

Snowshoe is building up a strong base in preparation for a December 5 season opening. Photo provided by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

On Monday, “temperatures began to drop and by mid-afternoon the snowmaking crews were out on the mountain,” said Snowshoe’s Loryn Kasten.

On Tuesday morning, temperatures had fallen to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and Snowshoe was running 169 guns. Nighttime snowmaking may proceed throughout the week, with even colder temperatures -; and possibly some natural snow -; arriving by the weekend. Snowshoe’s current plan is to open for skiing and boarding on Friday, December 5, conditions permitting. Although slopes won’t be open, Snowshoe still has many Thanksgiving activities planned.