Ski Brule, normally the first to open and one of the last to close in the Midwest, plans on opening Nov. 9, weather permitting. They have been making snow, off and on, as the weather permitted, since Oct. 24. It looks like the ski and snowboarding season is about to get underway across the upper Great Lakes. There should be at least four ski areas open the week before Thanksgiving, if Mother Nature cooperates, which is normally thought of as the traditional opener for Heartland ski areas located in the upper Midwest. You can call (906) 265-4957 or log onto skibrule.com. to check Brule's latest conditions.