MOUNT SNOW, Vermont -??“ Mount Snow announced an opening day of Thursday, November 23, Thanksgiving Day. And with the first lift at 8:00 a.m., no mountain in Southern Vermont will open sooner.

Colder temperatures started Saturday and lasted into the early part of the week, allowing snowmakers to prepare trails on the upper part of the mountain, including Upper Canyon, River Run, and Chute. The limited terrain will require downloading, according to Mount Snow Managing Director, Kelly Pawlak.

“Our guests our telling us they want to get on the mountain so we’re going to open, even though our preference would be to have top-to-bottom terrain,” says Pawlak.

Ticket prices will be reduced to $39 for adults (ages 19-64), $29 for young adults ( ages 13-18 ), and $25 for juniors and seniors (ages 6-12, or 65 and over). Children ages 5 and under ski for free.

Pawlak reminds those planning to visit the mountain that trails on the upper part of the mountain and North Face are recommended for intermediate and advanced level skiers. Launch Pad, a beginner level run on the lower part of the mountain, is also being prepared.

“We know people have their holiday plans in place, so we’re doing everything we can to make it the full Mount Snow experience,” says Pawlak.

Other activities scheduled for Thanksgiving Weekend at Mount Snow include:

Thanksgiving Raffle: November 23-25
Visit Mount Snow Sports at the Grand and receive raffle tickets for holiday pies, dinners at Harriman’s and the White House, Marker vests, Smartwool hats and Kombi gloves. No purchase necessary; receive one ticket for visiting the shop, two tickets with a purchase, and five tickets for purchases of $100 or more. Drawings will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Warehouse Sale: November 24-25
Mount Snow Sports will be cleaning out the stockrooms with apparel and accessories up to 50% off. The sale will take place in the Main Base Lodge, outside of Mount Snow Sports, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00. Plus, all sunglasses are 20% off at Mount Snow Sports.

Snow Barn Grand Opening: November 24-25
Due to overwhelming demand, the adam ezra group will open the Bud Light Concert Series and the 2006/2007 Snow Barn season Friday night with the sound that’s been featured on MTV’s “Real World” and the Dave Matthew’s episode of VH1’s “Driven”. Saturday night will feature the female fronted roots rock of Oddway.

Ted E. Makers: November 25
Make your own teddy bear in the Main Base Lodge Saturday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Fireworks Celebration: November 25

Starting at 6:00 p.m. in the base area, there will be a fireworks display and the annual lighting of the tree. There will also be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and The SnowMonsters.

For lodging packages and more information, call 800-245-SNOW or visit www.mountsnow.com.