The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON -- In previous years, Ski Bluewood may have waited to open with a minimal snow base of 20 inches. But this year, the new owners were prepared with the right equipment to pack a solid foundation for the rest of the ski season.

Ski Bluewood opened last weekend and will remain open just on weekends until a high pressure system surrenders its grip on the Pacific Northwest and allows some more moisture into the region for additional snow fall on the mountain, coowner Mike Stephenson said Tuesday.

About 70 percent of the mountain is open to skiers so far, offering smooth sailing down its freshly groomed runs.

Last year, when it was the Stephensons' first season and the ink was barely dry on their purchase agreement with previous owners Stan and Nancy Goodell, the mountain also opened in early December.

This year, Ski Bluewood was armed with a Pistenbully, which Stephenson describes as the "Cadillac" of groomers, a six-figure investment that helped packed the mountain's early-season snow and form a solid under layer for the rest of the season.

"This is one of the best foundations of snow we've had for many years," said Stephenson, who has been a ski instructor at Bluewood for more than a decade and a half.

Attendance during the first weekend was as good as can be expected with a season opening at such short notice, he said.

"Everybody had a great time," said Stephenson, who runs the resort with his son Travis. "Those smiling kids' faces just melt you," he said. "It puts you in the season. You see their rosy cheeks and the world is good."

Walla Walla skier Darius Fleck said he was happy with conditions on opening day.

"I was excited to see several improvements on the mountain," he wrote on Ski Bluewood's Facebook. "Most notably: painted lodge exterior, painted interior and new snow cat. I don't remember such good quality grooming this early in the season."