Skiers hit slopes on opening weekend in t-shirts - KOTA Territory News

Skiers hit slopes on opening weekend in t-shirts

You might not believe it judging by the weather, but it's finally time to break out the skis and snowboards.
 
Terry Peak Ski Area in Lawrence County opened up Stewart Slope Saturday, as well as the top of Little Phil.

The ski area has struggled this year with little natural snow and warmer-than-average temperatures that prevented them from making their own snow.

Snow makers had a few opportunities throughout this last week and managed to get enough powder down to let people onto the mountain.

But some think the warm days might be keeping people away.
 
"I'm afraid the golf courses and the biking going on out there and the motorcycling is probably our competition this weekend," said Terry Peak marketing director Linda Derosier.
 
For some, the lack of skiers on the slopes Saturday was actually a bonus, and they didn't mind the fact that only a couple hills were open.
 
"For me right now, this is good," said Dustin Brunke of Broadus, Mont. "Just trying to learn out here."
 
"For a beginner like me," added Allen Eckmann of Huron, S.D., "that's fine, because I'm only going to use the kiddie side anyway. But I bet the other people are waiting for it to open up."
 
Terry Peak will be open only on weekends until it's cold enough to get snow on the rest of the mountain.

Management hopes that'll happen by Christmas.