MT. HOREB (WKOW) – On the slopes, cold is a state of mind. But with extreme cold and wind chills in southern Wisconsin, ski slope operators aren’t taking chances.

“Safety is always our primary concern,” said Tyrol Basin Owner and General Manager Nathan McGree. “We don’t want people getting frostbite.”

Friday night, Tyrol Basin closed early due to the cold. Saturday night they will as well.

“I was very pleased to see that they closed early last night,” said Pete Curtis, a crew chief with the ski patrol stationed at Tyrol Basin.

“Most of us know, especially if we live in a cold climate, to wear a hat when it’s cold,” he said. “But maybe not everybody’s aware that we lose a tremendous amount of heat through our necks.”

Curtis said people should be sure to cover all exposed skin, especially on their necks, to make sure they don’t get frostbite. He says people should use the buddy system, and if they see white spots they should seek help immediately.

Thankfully, ski patrol didn’t have to treat anyone due to cold-related injuries at Tyrol Basin early Saturday.

“This was one of the coldest,” Curtis said. “This morning it was 24 below.”

He says it’s also incredibly important to stay hydrated and remember to eat. Dehydration is something Curtis says he sees too frequently, and eating food will help your body to produce more heat to stay warm.

Ed Peters was on the slopes Saturday with his family.

“I’ve got hand warmers inside here,” he said. “I’ve got three layers, and the helmet. Though they say it’s for safety, I usually use it to stay warm too.”

Peters said he was concerned about the low temperatures and was making sure his family was staying warm.

“A little bit of worry,” he said. “Make sure you’re bundled up and covered, especially exposed areas.”

With even colder weather on the way, managers at Tyrol Basin say they’ll decide soon whether they’ll even open at all Wednesday or Thursday.