Turner Mountain opening planned Friday, Dec. 15

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Bruce Zwang didn't mind shoveling 12 inches of weekend snow from his driveway.

Nor did the certified accountant mind clearing another 8 inches outside his downtown Libby office on Monday morning.

"Anytime you get snow this early, it's an indication things are looking good," Zwang said.

That's because the Thanksgiving holiday's blast of snow means Turner Mountain Ski Area will tentatively open at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, said Zwang, president of Kootenai Winter Sports. The non-profit group oversees the all-volunteer operated ski area 22 miles north of Libby off Pipe Creek Road.

As of Saturday, 12 inches of snow had accumulated at the bottom of the hill and 28 inches on top.

"There's no doubt that changed after last night's storm," Zwang said Monday.

The National Weather Service in Missoula reported a 2-foot snowfall in the Libby area at elevations over 4,000 feet between Sunday and Monday. Turner's summit is at 5,952 feet.

Eighteen inches in Turner's parking lot is needed to open.

"That's what it takes to get everything covered up - a good solid base for skiing," Zwang said. "If we have that at the bottom, we have more at the top."

The earliest Turner opened in its history was the weekend after Thanksgiving. Mid-December is the goal in hopes of attracting Christmas holiday skiers. Last year, the resort didn't open until New Year's Day.

"There wasn't enough snow," Zwang said.

When skiers return to Turner this year, they will see $100,000 in improvements to the two-mile road that goes from Pipe Creek Road to the ski area's parking lot.

"The access road has been reconstructed," Zwang said. "I think folks will really like the extra width."

Workers also removed blind corners, installed more turnouts and applied gravel.

This year's rates will remain the same.

A full-day lift ticket for adults is $26; half day, $21; and season pass, $330. A full-day pass for juniors and seniors is $21; half day, $16; and season pass, $230.

A family with two adults and two children can ski the season for $720; each additional child is $85 for the season.

Five-day vouchers are available for $105 for adults, and $85 for juniors and seniors before Dec. 24. Call Zwang at 293-8326 for vouchers and passes.

Those 6 and under ski free.

Turner Mountain Ski Area will host its annual Fun Night fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 2, at Red Dog Saloon on Pipe Creek Road. Drinks will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a pizza and salad dinner at 7. Cost is $18.