SNOWSHOE, W.Va. -- A mild fall and no snow have prompted Snowshoe Mountain Resort to delay next week's opening of its ski slopes.

The resort had planned to open Wednesday, but only 4 inches of snow has fallen on the mountain since October. The weather also has not been cold enough to support sustained snowmaking on the mountain, which stands 4,848 feet above sea level.

If the weather cooperates, the resort says the 2009-10 ski season will start Dec. 4.

West Virginia's three other ski resorts don't plan to open until Dec. 10 or 11.

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. -- A mild fall and no snow have prompted Snowshoe Mountain Resort to delay next week's opening of its ski slopes.

The resort had planned to open Wednesday, but only 4 inches of snow has fallen on the mountain since October. The weather also has not been cold enough to support sustained snowmaking on the mountain, which stands 4,848 feet above sea level.

If the weather cooperates, the resort says the 2009-10 ski season will start Dec. 4.

West Virginia's three other ski resorts don't plan to open until Dec. 10 or 11.