New snow keeps local ski hill open

Snowfall on Monday effectively halted steps to shut down Bear Paw Ski Hill and helped extend the local ski season at least one more weekend.

"About seven inches of snow fell on Monday and we still haven't lost much," Eagle Creek Ski Patrol board member Ed Hill said today. "(Ski hill manager Dave Martens) skied with a couple of guys yesterday and said it was powder all over the place."

Hill, who is also a member of the Snowdance Ski Association board of directors, said existing snow should stand up well under this weekend's predicted warming trend.

"I'm sure this snow and this base will make it through Sunday," he said.

The ski hill is located on the Chippewa Cree Recreation Area 29 miles south of Havre. The chairlift will be in operation from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.