Mountain Creek ski resort in Vernon Township was able to open ahead of schedule this year because colder temperatures allowed them to make and keep snow on the trails.

The resort's first day of the season was Wednesday, three days ahead of schedule. About 1,200 people showed up to ski and snowboard.

Mountain Creek officials say they are hopeful for this season. Temperatures last winter were above average for that time of year, and they say it was difficult to keep snow on the trails.

"There's obviously a lot of pent up demand from last season, the season that never was, and we're off to a great start this year," says general manager Jason Bays.

New Jersey is in the midst of well-below-average temperatures this week, pushing many of the skiers and snowboarders to have to bundle up.

"It's all a part of it. That's why we like snowboarding. We love being in the snow," says one snowboarder. "Summer is kind of a drag. Coming down in the winter, you cool down a little bit and it's all good."

Mountain Creek officials say that this Christmas they will do something they haven't done in 16 years. Every single ski lift will be open from all four mountain peaks.