Let it snow — and get your downhill gear on.

Mt. Ashland Ski Area opened the season to passholders on Friday, and the public was invited for an official opening day planned for Saturday, Dec. 7.

The ski area originally had scheduled to open Dec. 14, but a solid if not spectacular early season snowpack led officials to move up the opening. 

The big news for the mountain this year is the planned opening of the new Lithia Chair, which was brought about by a $500,000 donation from Sid and Karen DeBoer and another $2 million gifted from their foundation.

According to updates in early November, the chair is expected to open in late December or early January and will provide access to low and intermediate level terrain.

Meanwhile, the Ariel chair lift will not be open to start the season after a tree fall damaged Ariel Tower 8 on Nov. 22, a release from the ski area said.

The nonprofit ski area is planning a Winter Kick-Off Party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the lodge located at 11 Mt. Ashland Ski Road in Ashland. It will feature live music, food vendors and a preview of what’s new. For more information and to see lift tickets and season passes, check mtashland.com. Also the Ashland Ski & Gear Swap runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 8, at Southern Oregon University.

Holiday happenings around the Rogue Valley

Holiday events are in full swing around the Rogue Valley, and you can a giant list online at rv-times.com/go_rogue and in the print edition of GO! Rogue throughout the season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year if you enjoy holiday festivities, and for Southern Oregonians, there’s something for just about everyone.

Events include a host of holiday concerts and community tree lightings across the valley, among many, many others. Also, for those interested in promoting their holiday bazaars, the Times is selling space in our classified advertising section. Call 458-488-2042 or place your ad at rv-times.com.

Recent stories in the Times

Here are some recent stories that you can only read in the Times, some of which are subscriber-exclusive to offer our best reporting to loyal readers:

North Medford rides scoring surge to 6A title win over South Medford

PHOTO FOCUS: North, South football fans brave a frosty night for 6A title game

‘Move the needle’: Trash, vandalism plague Medford city parks, director says

Annual ACCESS food drive supports Rogue Powerpack Program

Rogue Theater Company’s ’25 season has 4 productions, Shakespeare series

Bedazzled boughs: Providence’s 33rd annual Festival of Trees is coming

If you haven’t subscribed to the Times, which can include digital-only or a print edition/digital subscription, we invite you to sign up at rv-times.com/subscribe or by calling us at 800-781-3214. For businesses looking to advertise in the Times — online and in print — reach out to our advertising staff at sales@rv-times.com.

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— Troy Heie, editor; theie@rv-times.com / 458-488-2038