KILLINGTON, Vermont ??” Killington Resort will open for top-to-bottom skiing and snowboarding Saturday at 8 a.m.

“Thanks to 29 inches of snow this week and colder temperatures that have allowed us the opportunity to crank up the world??в„ўs largest snowmaking system, we will be offering a quality top-to-bottom skiing and riding product this weekend,” said Dave Rathbun, vice president of brand management for Killington Resort.

Killington will open with 12 trails served by the K-1 Express Gondola and the North Ridge Triple Chair. Hours of operations will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

While portions of the mountain have been blessed with fantastic early-season snow conditions, the lower third of the mountain required man-made snow to complement the natural snowfall received this week to ensure a quality surface. However, with the current weather forecast calling for a warming trend early next week, Killington will cease operations after 4 p.m. Sunday.

“Our position is that Killington Resort will open when we can provide a quality top-to-bottom experience,” Rathbun added. “We are opening for Saturday and Sunday because we can provide this quality experience. After Sunday we are not as confident. We are setting appropriate expectations now for our guests by announcing that we will close after operations cease Sunday and that snowmaking will resume as soon as weather conditions permit.”

Lift ticket prices for this weekend will be:

Adult: $39 (1-day), $72 (2-day)
Young Adult (13-18): $31 (1-day), $57 (2-day)
Junior (6-12)/Senior (65+): $25 (1-day), $47 (2-day)

The K-1 Lodge will be open with limited services, including retail, rental, food and guest services. The Season Pass Office will be open at the Snowshed Lodge from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. all weekend.