BUFFALO, N.Y. — From the skating rinks to the slopes, there's a lot to celebrate in Western New York this time of year. Thanks to a change in the weather, it's finally starting to feel like winter.
Seasonal activities are now open. Kissing Bridge had its opening day, and Canalside Ice Rink reopened for the season.
"The first day, it's interesting. I was here the last day of the season, and now I'm here the first day. So, it's interesting, but it's the first day," Paulette Jakiel says.
She was sitting by the firepit at Kissing Bridge Ski Resort when 2 On Your Side came across her. She says it's a family tradition to be at the resort opening day.
"Being out in nature it's very refreshing, and even though it's challenging, believe it or not, it is peaceful to come out here, and it's beautiful to look at the snow and the snow on the tree," Jakiel says.
Except Kissing Bridge has a green start to its season. Not much snow was on the ground for skiers to enjoy.
"They did the best they could, with what they have, and at least they got open today," Jakiel says.
To be fair, temperatures haven't been low enough for the resort to make lasting snow. Opening day was supposed to be in mid-December but got pushed back until now. Mike Bouquard with Kissing Bridge says the snow on the slopes was just made recently.
"We left it in piles so we can conserve on the melt. We have piles of snow from our South area to the North," Bouquard says.
Two trails opened, Holly Hill and the beginner hill.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, the ice at Canalside re-opened for the second time. They temporarily closed because of the warm weather also.
"It's just fun to be here- be around the people. It's a fun activity, and you do stay active. It's something to come out and do in the winter," says Joe and Katie.
They were at Canalside for a date night. They're enjoying the ice along with everyone else.
"It's been a hot minute since we came down here and skated, but it's the first time this season," Katie says.