GLENWOOD, N.Y. (WIVB) – All weekend long, skiers and snowboarders took to the slopes around Western New York. Thanks to the weather, Kissing Bridge Ski Resort opened the earliest it has in years.
"I mean this is amazing,” said skier Claire Seller. “We have not been able to get out before Christmas, definitely in 20 years."
Western New Yorkers dusted off their gear, eager to hit the slopes at the Glenwood resort.
"It feels great and yes, this is one of the earliest openings we've had in a very long time,” said Rachel Fanelli, a Kissing Bridge employee. “We're excited. It feels great to have all the skiers and snowboarders out on the slopes and throughout the lodge."
“Feeling really good that we can open this early and we're going to drive that through the rest of the year," said Rhett McNulty, the owner of Kissing Bridge.
After several rough seasons, a change in ownership, and upgrades to snow making technology, skiers are looking forward to what the future has in store at Kissing Bridge.
"People are really excited and appreciative that Kissing Bridge is back open and we've been lucky to get Mother Nature on our side and hope that continues to add to the additional snowmaking that we put in this year," McNulty said.
"It's great, we've had some bleak seasons here,” said skier Richard Robison. “Yesterday's snow was better than 90 percent of the days last year. I mean, that's how we're getting off to a good start."
Fanelli said the resort is anticipating a wonderful winter and that both the resort and its customers deserve it, especially after the past few seasons.
“Mother Nature, if you're listening, let it snow," she said.
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.
