Steamboat Springs — Expert and intermediate skiers and riders will be able to take their first runs down the face of Howelsen Hill on Saturday.

Novices, however, will have to wait.

No beginner terrain will be available on Howelsen Hill’s opening day because of insufficient natural snowfall for green trails, ski area supervisor Jeff Nelson said Wednesday.

All open terrain will be accessible to skiers and riders via the Poma lift beginning Saturday, Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services Department staff assistant Susie Kleman said. The Barrows chairlift will not be in use, Kleman said.

Final terrain decisions will be made this weekend, weather-permitting, Nelson said.

Several more feet of snow still are needed on Howelsen Hill’s green runs, though the ski area hopes to be able to open additional terrain next weekend, Nelson said.

The slopes will be open this season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and 3 to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Lift tickets are $16 for adults, $11 for children ages 7 to 18, and $6 for children ages 6 and younger.

Howelsen Hill’s popular night skiing hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Kleman said. Lift tickets for night skiing are $8.

Ski area staff will be working to open Howelsen Hill’s terrain park in time for Christmas break, Nelson said.

The ski area also will offer an adjusted schedule from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 while local schools are on vacation, Nelson said. On weekdays during Christmas break, the slopes will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nelson said.