Local ski resorts are anxious to see many beginners and returners to hit the slopes this holiday season.

Blue Mountain

Located in Palmerton and home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical, Blue Mountain Resort currently has 28 trails and 11 lifts open for the holiday rush.

“Typically, the Christmas week, Presidents’ weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. weekend are our busiest times. On the day after Christmas, we had 5,500 people on the trails,” marketing manager of Blue Mountain Resort Ashley Seier said.

The resort’s 40th and latest trail “Coming Soon” is ready for future snowfall as it relies primarily on natural snow, but that will not hinder skiers from trying new trails.

Trails “Dreamweaver” and “Nightmare” just opened for the season.

For beginners, Seier recommends taking a lesson.

“Always take a lesson. Don’t let your friends teach you,” she said.

There is a family and friends package which includes rentals, a lesson and a beginner lift ticket for three people. Additional people cost $50.

From now until Jan. 1, the trails are open from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and tubing from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Jack Frost

Located in White Haven, Jack Frost Ski Resort currently has 15 trails and eight lifts open.

Aside from daily skiing and snowboarding, Jack Frost offers seasonal programs for individuals to refine their skills. Programs include junior development teams, junior competition teams, parents’ mountain class and midweek race training.

For college students, every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., there is a special rental rate and lift ticket. Students must show their valid college ID.

Extended holiday hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for skiing and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for tubing.

Big Boulder

Located in Lake Harmony, Big Boulder Ski Area has eight trails and four lifts open.

There is a discovery program package which includes three lessons, rentals, lift tickets and helmet for one person.

Like Jack Frost, Big Boulder also offers the Wednesday special for college students.

“Whenever I’m home from college, I try to get out as much as I can,” Chris Pelc of Delaware County said. “My favorite thing is to go on the different slopes and trails.”

“I snowboard. I love carving out the slopes early in the day — that’s the best time to go out,” Danny Turnbull of Delaware County added.

Holiday hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. for skiing and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for tubing.