Stillwater, MN (Learfield Wire Services) -  It’s a sure sign winter has arrived in Minnesota -- Afton Alps ski area in Stillwater will open the slopes Friday at 10 a.m.

Lutsen Mountains ski area on the North Shore opened Thanksgiving Day but skiers won’t be able to use the new gondola just yet. The grand opening of the Doppelmayr gondola has been pushed back to December 11th. The ski area is slated to have three runs and two lifts open on Ullr Mountain Thursday, with an additional lift and two runs slated to open on Eagle Mountain this weekend.

Spirit Mountain Recreation Area in Duluth is hoping to open a run for skiing and snowboarding over the long holiday weekend.

Mont du Lac Recreation near Superior and Giants Ridge near Biwabik each have set tentative opening dates of December 5th.

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