Wolf Creek Ski Area will open Thanksgiving Day after a storm earlier this week dropped 16 inches of snow.

The mountain has a 24-inch base, allowing the ski area to open 50 percent of its terrain.

"We feel extremely lucky we got this snowfall," said Rosanne Pitcher, vice president of marketing and sales.

The Raven, Bonanza, Nova, Treasure, Stoke and Elma lifts will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The groomers are skiing great," she said.

Alberta Lift will open Saturday with access to more challenging terrain.

Some early-season obstacles exist, but the compaction from skiers on steeper slopes helps create a stable snow pack, Pitcher said. It takes about 48 inches of snow to cover all the obstacles.

Lift tickets will be at the local appreciation rate of $44 for adults, $27 for seniors and $24 for children at least through Sunday, Pitcher said. Skiers who are interested in only the Nova Lift can pay $27 for all ages.

mshinn@durangoherald.com