Colder weather a good thing for Villa Olivia

Monday's blast of wintry precipitation isn't all a bad thing, especially if you are eager to hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard.

Bartlett's Villa Olivia hasn't been open yet this season to people who enjoy getting down a hill on skis, tubes and snowboards, but Operations Manager Jason Poblocki says the promise of cooler temperatures and Monday's wintry mix means it's time to start making snow.

"The weather is laying down a nice base layer today," Poblocki said.

Villa Olivia, a facility of the Bartlett Park District, likely will start manufacturing snow Tuesday night, Poblocki said. He anticipates some slopes will be open for tubing and youth lessons this weekend.

"The whole facility will hopefully be open by the middle or end of next week," Poblocki added.

Conditions for making snow often aren't right until the end of December, so this year isn't too much unlike any other. The most favorable conditions include temperatures no higher than 28 degrees and low humidity.

"Last year it was the same as this year. It was the beginning of January when we opened for the season," Poblocki said. "And we budget to start making snow at the end of December."

It takes about seven days for the entire facility to fill with snow after they start the manufacturing process, he said.

To check the conditions of the slopes before heading out, call the facility's snow phone at (630) 540-4199.