SOUTH EGREMONT, Massachusetts ??” Catamount Ski Resort in the Berkshires plans to open Catapult, the steepest trail in the Berkshires, this weekend.

“We’ve been taking advantage of this weeks cold temperatures to pound out snow on Catapult,” said Bill Gilbert, general manager of the resort. “It’s our signature trail for accomplished skiers and riders.”

Gilbert said that because current cold temperatures permit maximum snowmaking output, base depths on the trail will approach five feet when the trail opens on this weekend.

Catapult features pitches in excess of 60 percent, making it the steepest run in the Berkshires and one of the steepest in New England.

Catamount is also making snow for its halfpipe. “It takes a lot of snow and a lot of grooming,” Gilbert said, “but if all goes well, we may have that open this weekend as well.”

Gilbert noted that the resort’s Megaplex terrain park was already open with a wide array of elements for park skiers and boarders.

With cold weather predicted throughout the forecast period, Catamount expects to make snow around the clock for the foreseeable future.

“Our next priority will be to add snow to all open terrain,” Gilbert said. “After that, we’ll start making snow on the last two major runs yet to open ??“ Colonel’s Caper and Turnpike. Once those are completed, Catamount will be wide open.”

The resort saw excellent business levels over the three-day Martin Luther King holiday weekend.