With the forecast calling for an additional six to 10 inches of snow early this week, Pitcher said they are in a great position to have a majority of the mountain open by Christmas.

"It is likely we will have the backside open by then," he said.

That includes the grand opening of its new triple chairlift, named Silver Chief, adding 1,000 vertical feet from the bottom of Winning Ridge.

Silver Chief grows the backside with 10 new, mostly intermediate slopes totaling 200 acres, Pitcher said.

"It's always fun to have new terrain and new places to ski," he said.

Installed just before the start of last year's season, Silver Chief never opened while it struggled to collect enough snow for a safe ride.

The base at Silver Chief is 1,080 feet lower than that at the Anaconda lift, translating to less snowfall but better retention without as much direct sunlight, Pitcher said.

The Granite and Limelight lifts will likely open first on the backside, Pitcher said, but Silver Chief will follow just as close as possible.