The staff at Mt. Sima are hard at work this week to get everything 100 per cent ready for their Dec. 5 opening day.

This is the earliest Sima has opened for the season, and area manager Guillaume Rochet said it is due to organization and improvements at the hill.

"It's the earliest opening, it's never happened before,” Rochet said.

Rochet estimates between 70 and 80 per cent of the hill will be skiable this weekend, with the remaining runs opening later as snow conditions permit.

The ski hill's terrain park is already being formed, and Rochet promises the more adventurous skiers and riders out there that there are already two big jumps ready to be hit, with more in the works.

The half-pipe is still being made, Rochet said, but should be operational by next weekend if all goes well. It is remaining closed for now due to a safety issue.

The weather has been cooperative so far, despite the recent above-zero temperatures.

"It seems cold but pretty steady,” Rochet said. More snow in addition to snow making on the hill will help open the remaining runs faster.

That difference in the organization and staff can already be seen at Sima, where snow making has been ongoing since temperatures dipped to optimal levels in early November.

"We're going to make more snow probably till Sunday,” Rochet said. The snow machines were set to start up at 6 a.m. this morning, and continue through the weekend.

Staff worked tirelessly throughout the summer on the lifts and other areas of the ski hill to prepare for the opening day, and Rochet said that the ski hill's guests will notice the difference.

"That's why we're ready to open to the public,” Rochet said. "It's the first time we've had year-round (work).”

This year Mt. Sima will feature a brand new kitchen staff to serve the public.

"It will be a huge difference,” said Rochet.

Besides getting people on the hill, Mt. Sima is preparing for a whole host of new activities.

Snow shoeing will begin this year at the mountain, and Equinox Adventures has moved their ice climbing operations to the ski hill.

"We already have a lot of activities going,” Rochet said.

Mt. Sima will soon be offering combination passes for the two new activities, as well as skiing, Rochet said. The passes will hopefully be available in time for Christmas.

The ice tower is already being formed, and should be ready for next weekend.

Sima is preparing for a kid's ski camp at the snow school for the budding skier.

Lesson packages will be available for Christmas. For more information, drop by the Ski School at Mt. Sima, Rochet said.

"I'm excited to see people on the slopes,” Rochet said.

While Rochet is excited, his staff and himself still have a few more last minute things to do before the hill can open to the public Saturday.

"It's a big, big rush to get ready,” Rochet said.