'It's an exciting day': Area ski hills opening for season

SLINGER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Even after 18 years on the job, you still can't wipe the opening day excitement off the face of Little Switzerland co-owner Rick Schmitz.

"It's an exciting day," Schmitz said. "It's the payoff of all the work and improvements we do in the offseason.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Slinger's Little Switz joined Alpine Valley in Elkhorn as two of the first hills in southeastern Wisconsin to open for the season. The Rock in Franklin is set to open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Sunburst in Kewaskum will be opening at 9:30 Friday morning.

CEO Rob Friedl tells CBS 58 he has some big expectations for the new season.

"I think we're going to give the best customer experience that we've ever had," Friedl said. "We still got the best tubing you'll find anywhere, and we have awfully darn good skiing and snowboarding."

Schmitz and the crew at Little Switzerland share that confidence 15 miles south.

"We just can't wait to have everyone out here," Schmitz said. "We can't wait to welcome all our winter friends back."