Taos Ski Valley was pelted with over 38 inches of snow just in time for their opening day Dec. 14. Taos is primed for its best opening in years, from top-to-bottom on both the front-side and in Kachina. Steeper terrain will open as soon the patrol puts ropes in place and completes avalanche control. The resort now plans to be nearly 100 percent open by Christmas. "We haven't seen early season conditions like this in a long, long time," said Mountain Manger Bill Etchemendy. "Now the challenge is to get the mountain set up so we can open all the terrain." The same storm dropped 12 inches of snow on Angel Fire Resort. Cooler temperatures also notched the snowmaking operation into full force throughout the mountain. "We personally tested the conditions today to see how the slopes are shaping up for our Benefit Day Friday, Dec. 14," said Christy Germscheid, public relations manager. "Oh yes. Things are definitely looking up." Tickets on Benefit Day run $15 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to a local nonprofit music group from Angel Fire. Season passes are valid starting Dec. 15.