Great Bear Ski Valley delays opening date

Because of unseasonably warm weather, Great Bear Ski Valley is delaying its tentative opening day for skiing and snowboarding to Jan. 5 with limited runs.

The tentative opening for tubing is Jan. 12.

“With a significant amount of snow still to make, the tentative opening days are a realistic goal based on the 10-day forecast,” Great Bear said in a statement.

“Thankfully, some snowmaking temperatures are forecasted to return this weekend.”

Great Bear Ski Valley will assess conditions again after New Year’s Day, so there could be more updates.

Last week, the park was targeting Jan. 1 for skiing and snowboarding and Jan. 6 for tubing. Even those dates would have broken the record for the latest opening.

The snowmaking team is looking for temperatures consistently below 25 degrees with low humidity. Ideal temperatures are daytime highs in the teens and overnight lows in the single digits. The snowmaking crew will work 24/7 when the temperature allows to get the hill open as soon as possible.

“We’re eager to welcome our guests and are looking forward to a great season,” general manager Dan Grider said.

Online ticket sales and lesson reservations are not yet available.

Ski season stalls with soaring temps