Get ready to get skiing

Time to wax up the skis and snowboards again — Lookout Pass Ski Area opens today, but bring the rock skis.

Skiers and boarders who have waited for months to hit the slopes can celebrate the holiday at a reduced rate, slicing and shredding down the mountain as the recent snows mark the start of the 2015 ski season.

According to Jason Bergman, marketing and sales director, Lookout has 14 inches of packed snow atop the mountain and 8 inches at the base.

“It is fair to say these are early season conditions,” he said, and recommended bringing the rock skis.

Bergman said there is only enough snow to open the front side of the mountain. It would need 30 to 36 inches of snow to open the back side.

Nine runs of machine-groomed snow will be open on the front side of the mountain. There are two runs open for beginners, six for those at the intermediate level, and one for the advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Lookout Pass is known for opening before any of the other ski areas in the region and has a longer ski season as well.

“We are anticipating a longer and better ski season this year than last year,” said Phil Edholm, president of Lookout Pass.

It is also known for its free ski lessons, which start every Saturday beginning Jan. 9 through Jan 23. Beginning skiers can register for lessons online, Bergman said.

Both lift No. 1, which offers top-to-bottom skiing, and the beginner lift on chair four will be in operation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Friday, the lifts will turn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reduced ticket rates will be in effect throughout the holiday weekend. Adult tickets are $28 and junior and senior tickets are $20. In addition, all services will be open including the Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop, Snow Sports School, Base Lodge Food and Beverage, The Loft Pub & Grub and the Retail Store.