Buck Hill is officially open for its 70th season.

“We got about 50% of the terrain open today, still making snow with the hopes over the next few days to get the rest of the resort open,” said Chief Operations Officer Nate Birr.

This is the week the Buck Hill management usually aims to open on, Birr said.

“Any day after is a little bit of a downer, anything before is gravy on top. So, we’re happy with the Black Friday open,” he shared.

For some, like skier Romeo Lebaron, hitting the slopes is a family tradition.

“It feels like you’re just gliding or flying, I can’t really explain it,” he said.

“I just love the free will,” added snowboarder Rowan Neang. “No one’s holding me back.”

82-year-old Paul Mascotti was out skiing with his daughters who were visiting. He said the Friday trip to Buck Hill would likely be the first of about 70 for the season.

“I’ve been at it a long time. I’ve been a certified ski instructor for 62 years, so it’s just part of our life,” Mascotti shared. “It’s just good to be out. Thanksgiving was a good day, just lucky to be alive. Period.”

You can ski and snowboard until 6 p.m. on Friday, and $30 gets you all-day lift tickets.

Open trails include Teacher’s Pet, Deer Run, and School Yard. Redtail Ridge Park and several lifts will also be open, as will Buck ’54 Bar and Grill.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS’ Buck Hill camera captured an empty lift around 10 a.m. — excitedly waiting for the first skiers and snowboarders of the season.

More information can be found here.