It was the first day of the season that the venue offered continuous top-to-bottom skiing, and for the hardcore skiers and snowboarders, it was an extra special day as Whiteface celebrated its season pass holders’ appreciation day.

For that one day only, the mountain opened just for its season pass holders. As is common toward both ends of the season, the weather wasn’t exactly what you might think of when envisioning skiing conditions. It featured balmy temperatures and a thick, stubborn cloud of mist — the latter of which isn’t atypical for the mountain.

The rain that had been forecast managed to hold off for most of the ski day. When the skies finally opened up and “liquid snow” — as some mountain faithful would put it — began to fall on the slopes, the day’s fun didn’t stop.

That’s because the season pass holders’ apres ski party was just getting underway in the Cloudspin Bar, complete with live music, drink specials and free hors d’oeuvres and pizza. Amid the jamboree, Whiteface General Manager Aaron Kellett took a few minutes to recognize the mountain’s leadership, highlighting how each of those employees, and the departments they are either with or oversee, all play their own integral part in delivering Whiteface’s skiing and riding experience each winter.

Despite the warm temperatures that day, snowmaking at the mountain has been on a roll. Because of the hefty base snowmakers were able to put down on select trails when the weather allowed, the mountain was able to shift into its daily operations beginning on Nov. 21, except for a Thanksgiving Day closure to allow its staff to celebrate the holiday with their families. Originally, daily operations weren’t slated to begin until Friday, Nov. 28.

On Monday, Nov. 24, the mountain was operating with 14 (of 94) trails serviced by two (of 12) lifts — the Cloudsplitter Gondola and the Summit Quad. Snowmaking is expected to resume after Thanksgiving, as colder temperatures return following a two-day pre-Thanksgiving warm spell.

The next round of trails for prioritized snowmaking include John’s Bypass, Victoria, Connector, Easy Street, Boreen Loop, Upper Boreen, Lower Valley, Fox and the majority of trails at the beginner-friendly Bear Den Learning Center, formerly known as the Kids Kampus. Bear Den, which includes its own lodge separate from the main base area, is set to open for the season on Saturday, Nov. 29.

All plans are subject to change based on weather and operating conditions. The latest snow report is available at whiteface.com/mountain/conditions.