Cooper Spur will open to downhill and cross-country skiiers Wednesday, an early start for the Hood River-area ski area.

The resort, located on the north side of Mount Hood, about 23 miles outside Hood River, was the last to open last ski season. It took until the end of February to receive enough snow to open.

This year, the resort already has a 10-inch settled base of snow, after more than a foot of new snow from the week’s snow storm.

Cooper Spur will run the Homestead chairlift and a beginner tow rope from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until Jan. 1.

After the new year, the resort will operate on its normal schedule of 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tubing has not opened yet, but will when more snow falls.

At $39 for an adult lift ticket, Cooper Spur is a cheaper option than bigger resorts like Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows. The resort also has more than four miles of trails for skating, traditional striding and snowshoeing at its nordic center which is $15 a day to use for adults.

The weather is supposed to be great for skiing over the holidays.