Time for winter-weather speculation and time to make it clear – there is no guesswork about when June Mountain Ski Area will crank up the gear this winter. It's December 15th, of course, weather permitting.

General Manager Carl Williams is upbeat and confirmed that for many weeks now community members in June Lake and Mammoth Lakes have put their heads together to come up with a good plan for June Lake's future. Not just skiing, either.

Last year's early ski area closure really hurt and gave local folks time to ponder a way to avoid this kind of pain in the future. Williams said that since Intrawest has decided to move ahead with the Rodeo Grounds project, it's a good time for everyone to work together. He said that about 15 people sat down with a facilitator last month to talk about a community vision for June Lake.

In early September, a larger group sat down to talk about the same thing. Another meeting is scheduled for early October.

Ski Area Manager Williams said they are talking beyond skiing to a year-round facility. The idea of a multi-generational family resort has come up, with the Ski Area as part of the picture.

Williams was glad to make it very clear that June Mountain Ski Area is prepared to open December 15th, depending on snow.