PALMERTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- Blue Mountain opened its ski season at 9 a.m. Friday, drawing early-morning crowds eager to take advantage of cold weather conditions that officials say are helping the resort start strong.

Skiers and snowboarders said the slopes were in good shape for opening day.

"It looks beautiful. It's perfect," said Isaiah Gregory of West Oak Lane.

Caleb Bringle of Phillipsburg, N.J., added, "We're out here every year for opening day. This is the best day of the year."

The resort opened 40 acres and 13 freshly groomed trails, with five chairlifts spinning for day one. Some visitors arrived hours before the first runs.

"We're going to be here until they tell us to get off the mountain," said Zachary Evans of Phillipsburg, N.J.

Michael Mann of Allentown said the start of

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