The Mt. Ashland Ski Area sent out an early Christmas present to skiers today with news that the mountain will be open for business on Thursday, Dec. 6.

Depending on weather, either three or four lifts will be in operation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the ski area said.

The mountain presently sports a base of 26 to 43 inches of unpacked snow, according to the Mt. Ashland snow report, and the forecast calls for varying amounts of snow every day between today and Wednesday.

In past years the resort has operated on a Friday-to-Sunday schedule prior to the holiday break, but after a slow start to the season last year, ski area officials decided to start off with a five-day operating schedule this year.

The mountain will go to seven days per week during the holiday break from Friday, Dec. 21, to Monday, Jan. 7, and twilight skiing will begin Thursday, Jan. 10, officials said.

For information, see mtashland.com or call 541-482-2897.