Making up for what Mother Nature failed to deliver in previous winter storms, Brandon Waters, manager of Chapman Hill ski hill, checks the spread from a snowmaking machine Thursday, the first day of snowmaking operations. With cooperation from the weather, the area expects to open for skiing Dec. 21, the first day of Durango School District 9-R winter break.

Brandon Waters, manager of Chapman Hill ski hill, adjusts a snowmaking machine Thursday. At least a foot of snow is needed to open the hill, the Durango Parks and Recreation Department said in a news release.