BILLINGS, Mont. - The recent snowfall in Montana has been a welcome change for ski resorts and shops gearing up for the winter season.

Avery Patrick, VP and marketing director at Showdown Montana, commented on the shift in weather patterns.

"It was a pretty rough November. It was really warm and not a lot of precipitation. So, we were a little worried. But things did a 180 pretty quick," said Patrick.

With fresh snow and colder temperatures, ski resorts across the state are preparing for skiers and snowboarders.

Local ski shops are also getting ready for what they hope will be a busy season. Scott Kinne, owner of The Ski Station in Billings, expressed optimism about the recent storm's impact.

"This last storm really helped to speed things up as far as people shopping and getting even

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