Skiers itching to ride the slopes may want to cross their fingers for chilly temperatures to stick around.

That's because the colder the weather, the greater the chance Blue Mountain Ski Area near Palmerton could open this weekend.The ski area hopes to open at 8 a.m. Saturday, though such a move is predicated on cold temperatures, as well as whether it can make snow each night through Saturday morning.If all that holds true, Blue Mountain will open Saturday with three trails: Easy Out, Vista, and Come Around Park.With temperatures in the 20s, the ski area has been able to make snow on over 15 trails, and plans to continue to do so at every opportunity. If it's able to open this Saturday, lift tickets will be available at a heavily discounted rate of $15."With dreams of opening right around the corner, I couldn't be more excited to dust off my skis and hit the slopes," said Heidi Lutz, director of sales and marketing. "I know our guests are equally excited for the possibility of this early opening."Other factors that could be attributed to the potential early start would, in part, be 10, new fully automated TechnoAlpin fan guns that were installed during the recent offseason. In addition, the ski area also upgraded a number of guns in an already impressive fleet. To get the winter fun started, Blue Mountain is running a snow dance video contest through Facebook. All participants need to do is upload their best snow dance video, and each person in the winning entry will get a season pass.Visit

http://www.facebook.com/SkiBlueMt for all the details.Blue Mountain Ski Area is a premiere winter and summer recreation destination that offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Not only does Blue Mountain offer Pennsylvania's highest vertical, but it also has the most trails in the state. From beginners to experts, there are trails for all ability levels, including three runs near or over a mile long.No matter what the season, guests can enjoy the newly renovated Vista Ballroom. The spacious event facility offers breathtaking views, and can easily host 250 guests for weddings, banquets, and conferences.For more information, visit

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