Sno Mountain Opens for Winter Season

Scranton, Lackawanna County-- More snow in the forecast is welcome news for the financially-strapped Sno Mountain ski resort on Montage Mountain.

They're banking on a lot of people hitting the slopes this season.

Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders standing in line on opening day were a positive sign at the start of this do-or-die winter season for the folks at Sno Mountain.

Debbie Shilenski, of Shavertown, couldn't wait to hit the slopes for the first day of skiing and snowboarding here on Friday.

She listed, "Fresh air, exercise, and it's beautiful at the top of the mountain."

But perhaps no one was more excited than 9-year-old Ethan Shilenski, who fancies himself the "pro" of the group.

He noted good balance and a fearless attitude for his strong skiing skills, and says he wins when he races mom down the trails.

Sno Mountain employee Nancy Kaminski says they've been awaiting this day for several weeks now.

Sno Mountain's financial troubles have been well-documented.

They're tens of millions of dollars in debt.

And they had to borrow another half million just to open this winter.

So this season is just about as 'make-or-break' as they come.

Kaminski explained, "This season, like every season, means a lot. We're just happy to be open. We're restructuring, but we are open for the season, and we're grateful."

People like Debbie Shilenski say the potential loss of this asset in our area would be devastating.

She added, "That would be disappointing. This is really convenient for us. All of us bought ski passes for the year. So hopefully that will help towards their bottom line."

Sno Mountain's creditors and investors filed for bankruptcy last year.

If this winter doesn't prove to be profitable, the place could be up for sale as early as this coming spring.