Ski Resort in Austria Opens Early Thanks to Storm Boris

vienna - While parts of Austria are still dealing with storm Boris, a ski resort in the Austrian state of Salzburg has already opened its slopes due to heavy snowfall.

While emergency services in the lower-lying areas of Salzburg are overwhelmed with calls regarding flooding, the storm has benefited the Hochkeil am Hochkönig ski resort, where a significant amount of snowfall has allowed the slopes to open early on Sunday morning.

"At first, we didn't even consider it, but when we saw the amount of snow, we sent out our snowplows for necessary repairs," said a resort staff member. "We know it may not last long, but why wait? It's just amazing."

Messages were shared on social media announcing the opening of the slopes at 10:30 on Sunday morning, a rare occurrence so early in the season. To put it in perspective, back in 2009, the Arthurhauslift slopes were the first to open on October 18th. The lift was last used this year on April 7th, meaning the official summer break was only five months long this year.