RUMFORD — While many skiers may be wondering where all the snow is, Black Mountain Ski Resort has no worries.

Using a pair of new snow cannons that, according to Marketing Director Paige Carter, “make snow at marginal temperatures,” Black Mountain has been able to continue making snow to prepare for its Dec. 22 opening day, despite above-normal December temperatures.

“Normally, for us to make snow, it has to be below freezing,” Carter said, “but these new snow cannons are fantastic. Besides the two new guns, we have nine other snow guns going right now.  Together, they can make snow on half of the mountain all at once.”

In addition to the new snow guns, Carter said that in order to prepare for opening day, Black Mountain also installed an upgraded electrical system, as well as a water pump that runs to the top.

“The thing about the water pump is that it provides more water pressure for the guns,” Carter said. “Before, we’d have issues if we ran all of them at the same time. Now, the water pump solves that problem.”

Carter added that the staff has the stumps from a trail that was initially difficult to ski through, and as a result, created a new mile-long trail for novices to ski down from the top.

Black Mountain also did renovations inside the resort, Carter said.

“We expanded our bar upstairs, installed some new chairs, and even put a little bar to the side for the children so they can feel awesome, too,” Carter said with a laugh. “We also got a large flat-screen TV for sports.”

Carter pointed out a new program at Black Mountain called the Chisholm Youth Cross-Country Program.

“The program lasts eight weeks and is offered to children aged from 6 to 10,” Carter said. “I consider cross country to be a part of Maine’s ski heritage. We’re just trying to get people excited about cross-country skiing again.”

While the ski resort won’t open until Dec. 22, it’s hosting a Hill Climb on Dec. 21 that all residents are invited to attend.

“The Hill Climb is where snowmobilers can race and drive on the trails,” Carter said. “The gates open at 3 p.m., preregistration begins at 4 p.m. and the races themselves start at 6 p.m.”

Black Mountain ski lift tickets will be $15 this year, while the season passes are $150.

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