Ski resorts open, at least partially, on Saturday; it is the earliest opening ever for one

At least two of the Milwaukee area's popular ski resorts opened for the 2017-'18 season with one saying it was its earliest start ever.

Rick Schmitz, co-owner of Little Switzerland in Slinger, said it had been making snow around the clock since Thursday and opened Saturday with a 2-foot base. He said it was the ski hill's earliest ever opening.

"We always open as early as we can. And this year the temperatures cooperated," said Schmitz.

Sunburst Winter Sports Park near Kewaskum opened its South Terrain area, which includes jumps, rails and other features favored by snowboarders. But Director DJ Burns said it was not yet opening its ski runs because the temperatures didn't allow it to get adequate snow.

Schmitz said the company's New Rock Snowpark in Franklin, which it acquired in July, has been making snow since Wednesday and is expected to open on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving.