With snow 2-feet-deep and ready to go, visitors rolled in to Seven Springs Friday for the resort’s opening day of the ski season.

“This is like Christmas for us,” said Hopewell resident Dale McCoy.

Resort officials said they took one look at the forecast and made the decision to open about five of their 31 slopes early for a discounted price.

Dick Barron, director of skiing at the resort, said they typically open in late November or early December. After two bad seasons for the past two years, he said he hopes this is a preview of good things to come.

He said the “one-tank trip” might attract more local families this year who might have otherwise taken a ski vacation out west.

To sweeten the deal, the resort is promoting many new ski packages for families, but moreover, they’re boasting their biggest renovation project since the resort opened. Seven Springs has spent millions of dollars for new cafes, restaurant, spa and terrain park with the hopes of attracting new visitors.

Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort is also planning an early season opening. The resort will open on Nov. 28 through Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The resort will then close and reopens on Dec. 6 and 7. There will be no charge for ski tickets on those days, officials said.