Snow shortfall means there is still no skiing at Marble

Winter enthusiasts hoping to hit the slopes atthe Marble Mountain ski resort will have to wait a little longer.

The resort usually opens on Boxing Day, but a lack of real snow has delayed the start of the ski season.

General manager Chris Beckett said the lack of activity has an impact on more than just skiers.

"It affects a lot of people in the region here," he said, "and we want to get open for two reasons; we want to go skiing and snowboarding, but there's also a business side."

"We want to get open so that people here in the region can come and enjoy the facility, and enjoy accommodations around us. So, there is an economic spin off for being open through the Christmas period for sure."

Snow-making operations began Monday.

Meanwhile, Beckett said the delay is giving crews more time to focus on installing a new ski lift.

The old one was destroyed by fire caused by lightning in August.

Beckett said the lift should be operational within a couple of weeks.