In Sussex County, it’s time for snow. The ski resort Mountain Creek is up and running and ready for visitors.

They are gearing up for a big weekend. Temperatures are great and the snow is blowing. What a change here for Mountain Creek. It’s the earliest opening for the ski resort in a decade.

“We’ve had so much snow. We’re really, really thrilled about it,” said marketing manager Jackie Cerra.

Thousands of guests came out last weekend to make the most of the early December access.

Mountain Creek Resort saw a 30% increase in visitors over opening weekend compared to last season.

“Last year was a little bit challenging,” said Cerra. “The weather really dictates our business, so to have cold temps this early in December has been really exciting.”

In addition to the colder temperatures, they are crediting new equipment with giving them a competitive edge this winter.

“We made a huge $5 million investment in our snowmaking,” said Cerra.

There are 40 new snow machines. They are automatic, temperature activated, firing up as soon as the weather is right.

The snow it’s producing – mountain creek tells us, is the perfect texture.

“With the temps as low as they have been we’ve been able to put out a really consistent product. The snow is super crunchy, when you step on it, you hear that little squeak, exactly what we want,” said Cerra.

The season is open three weeks earlier and with double the terrain. It’s a strong start for the ski resort, that means so much to people.

“Being able to have such a fantastic mountain, close to home, convenient, its special to me, it’s special to a lot of our guests,” said Cerra.

The snow machines are working, getting the terrain ready for visitors. Saturday, snow tubing opens.

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