Skiers and snowboarders seeking a late-season fix will have to do so fairly soon, because both area ski resorts are scheduled to close within a few weeks.

Terry Peak Ski Area is scheduled to close April 6, and Deer Mountain Ski Area will shut down March 30 - barring any late season snow that would prompt officials to keep the mountains open a little longer.

So far, representatives from both resorts are pleased with the season.

"It's been a fabulous season," Deer Mountain marketing official Pete Torino said. "It's one of the best that we've ever had."

Torino said there have been more opportunities for night skiing at the mountain this past year than in the past 12 years. The mountain had over 200 inches of snow this year, he said.

Terry Peak marketing director Linda Derosier said the resort has had 137 inches of snow this year, as opposed to 96 total inches last year. More than 100 inches of snow have fallen since Jan. 1, she said.

"Our ski season has been very good, and the snow has been the best it's been in years," she said.

Derosier believes the ski area probably did more business this year but won't know for sure until the final numbers are calculated.

"We probably finished out a little bit ahead," she said.

Last year, Terry Peak closed about the third week of March, according to Derosier.

Deer Mountain was closed about mid-March last year, Torino said.

He said snow fell the right times throughout the season, which has helped create ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders. More than 300 inches fell at the mountain last year, but a majority of the snow came too late to benefit skiers, Torino said.

Torino said the mountain may extend its season if a barrage of snow falls towards the end of the year, but officials will most likely stick with the March 30 date.

He said that when the weather warms, people tend to flock to other activities such as golf and riding motorcycles.

Derosier said Terry Peak officials would consider lengthening the Terry Peak season if much snow falls toward the end of the season. She also said interest in skiing begins to wane with warmer spring weather.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com