JAY — Despite unusually warm weather so far this year, officials at Spruce Mountain Ski Area were hoping colder temperatures last weekend would allow enough snow to be made for a Dec. 26 opening.

It has been a tradition for the ski area to open the day after Christmas. Earlier this year, President Ron Jacques said the slopes have successfully opened the day after Christmas for as many years as he can remember.

Jacques said last week, “We are crossing our fingers and hoping for the cold weather this weekend. Our hopes are to make snow Saturday and Sunday of this week on the beginner trail.”

On Monday, video and pictures on the ski area’s Facebook page showed snow being made over the weekend.

A decision on whether the ski area will open as planned will be announced this week.

“Under the right conditions, we can make enough snow in two days to open one trail,” Jacques said. However, weather predictions for this week list temperatures in the 40s and 50s.

Updates and photographs will be posted on Spruce Mountain Ski Area’s Facebook page.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net