The first trace of snow in the area has arrived early at Blue Mountain Ski area in Palmerton.

Last week's unseasonably winterlike weather dropped three inches of snow on the ski area, much to the delight of many.So much so, that skiers, snowboarders, and riders have already begun to prepare for the ski area's opening day.That could come as early as late-November, weather and conditions permitting, according to Heidi Lutz, director of marketing.We're already getting calls, (asking) when are you opening," Lutz said. This first snow of the season signals that winter is right around the corner, and Blue Mountain is slated to start making snow in the next 30 to 35 days."In an effort to supplement the natural snow, Lutz said the ski area has increased its automated snowmaking system by adding high efficiency guns.Blue Mountain is always striving to have the best snowmaking capability in the region," she said. We advise skiers and snowboarders to book early" for the best savings.Guests who purchase a season pass by Nov. 16 should see significant savings, Lutz said.New to the ski area this year is a brand new trail known as Nightmare, which Lutz said pushes its number of ski trails to 34.For more information, visit

www.skibluemt.com, or call (610) 826-7700.