Snowfall lets Hoodoo open for holiday skiers

Finally, and just barely, Hoodoo Ski Area opened on Sunday.

"We got some snow at the tail end of the windstorm and it snowed all day Thursday," said Hoodoo General Manager Mike Obymako. "We have up to 18 inches on the stake (used to measure snowfall)."

While Hoodoo likes to have 24 inches on the slopes before they open all the ski runs, what they did have was enough to open the Manzanita and Red chair lifts. The trail from the top of Manzanita over to the Red chair was also open.

"We are hoping by the end of next week to have the Green Chair open as well," Obymako said.

Lift tickets prices have been reduced to compensate for the partial opening, said Obymako. Adult tickets have been cut to $17 for an all day pass, with tickets for juniors pegged at $12.

Obymako said between 400 to 500 skiers took advantage of the lower rates on the opening Sunday. "It was a little slow, but all in all, not too bad," he said. "It is good quality snow. We just wish we had more of it."

Obymako said Hoodoo would be open every day through January 2. Starting January 3, Hoodoo will be closed Wednesdays until spring break. Night skiing will begin December 26.