VERNON, New Jersey — Snowmaking has begun at Mountain Creek, with the powerful SnoLab26 taking advantage of the cold temperatures that have settled in, and turning its full force on key sections of Vernon and South peaks in preparation for opening day next Saturday, December 8th.

Every year around this time, it seems that every employee at Mountain Creek begins monitoring multiple weather forecasts, quoting meteorologists and all three versions of the Farmers Almanac, and talking about obscure readings like “wet bulb,” as the snowmakers fire up one of the largest snowmaking installations in North America and bring copious amounts of snow to the Jersey mountains.

As final touches are applied across the operation, skis and snowboards begin to appear in offices, tags are removed from new gear, and equipment is tuned in eager anticipation of opening day. Just like you, we’re dreaming of first tracks, the first sick-day worthy snow storm, the launch of the Largest Park in the East at South, and checking out the ???backside’ of Vernon.

Well those dreams are about to come true, snowmaking begins full tilt tonight??В¦with some natural snow in the forecast over the next week to help bring in the winter season.

The long term predictions are calling for a long, cold, snowy winter, with our area “taking the brunt of Old Man Winter’s fury.” And The Farmers Almanac is predicting snowfall several times throughout December, as well as a white Christmas. So don’t miss out, both All Access and 5×7 Season Passes are still available at a great price, and the My Mountain Card is on sale through December 24th at Mountain Creek, mountaincreek.com and your local Sports Authority store. Whichever product is right for you, you’ll save big, so don’t miss out.