Libby-area skiers will be able to hit the slopes Saturday morning and ski daily until the end of the holiday season when Turner Mountain powers up its lifts and begins shuttling people to the top of the snow-covered hill.

Bruce Zwang, president of Kootenai Winter Sports, the local nonprofit group that runs the ski area under a use agreement with the United States Forest Service, said he is thrilled to be able to open the mountain for the holiday season.

“This is great for us to be open for the holidays,” he said. “It’s really important for the ski area. We like to be open any day the kids are out of school.”

Zwang said as of Wednesday there were 17 inches of snow at the base of the mountain, with 26 inches at the top, with more snow expected throughout the week. The groomers were active Monday and Wednesday, preparing trails for weekend use.

Zwang said grooming will continue Saturday morning and conditions should be fantastic for opening day.

Turner Mountain has 22 runs, providing terrain for skiers of all skill levels.

“It’s good family fun for anyone who wants to ski,” Zwang said.

Because Turner Mountain is managed by a nonprofit organization and staffed mostly by volunteers, Zwang said, it is able to keep costs down and make sure skiing is affordable for everyone.

All-day lift passes are $37 for adults, $20 for children age 7 to 12, $25 for teens age 13 to 17 and $30 for seniors 62 and older, college students and active-duty members of the U.S. military. Children 6 and under ski free.

Turner’s unique qualities, Zwang said, make it an ideal location for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

“You’re not going to find this anywhere,” he said. “The beauty of Turner Mountain is its real home-town feel. There are no crowds, no lift lines. You can park very close to the lift and the lodge. It’s the perfect place to ski for the holidays.”

Turner will switch to a weekend-only schedule Jan. 4, remaining open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. “for as long as the snow holds,” Zwang said.