Downhill skiers in Northeast Oregon can hit the slopes Dec. 7 at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

Those holding season passes to the ski area in the Elkhorn Mountains, about 35 miles northwest of Baker City, get to start a day earlier, on Dec, 6. The ticket booth will open at 8:30 a.m. for skiers to pick up their passes. Lifts will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chelsea Judy, Anthony Lakes marketing director, said officials had considered opening during Thanksgiving weekend, but a storm earlier this week brought just a few inches of new snow rather than the 8 or more inches that appeared possible a few days ago.

With a base of about 21 inches, a few more inches won’t be quite enough to open this weekend, Judy said.

Storms earlier this month have created a solid snow base, Judy said.

“We’re in a really good spot,” she said. “The mountain is in really good condition.”

Anthony Lakes will be open Dec. 7 and 8 and the following weekend, Dec. 14 and 15. The resort will then be open every day except Christmas Day from Dec. 21 through Jan. 5.

The usual schedule, open Thursday through Sunday, begins Jan. 9.

Snow updates available at www.anthonylakes.com.