WINONA, Minn. — Ski slope operators have fingers crossed that they can generate enough artificial snow to open by their usual Thanksgiving weekend target. The eight-day forecast isn’t promising: Lots of afternoon highs to be in the 30s. The usual point at which artificial can be created is with a wet bulb temperature of 28. There may be assistance from Mother Nature on Tuesday with a 70% chance precipitation. The big question: If it’s snow, will it stick? Hoping for the best, operators have posted these prices for lift tickets:
> Coffee Mill, near Wabasha: $38 to $60.
> Mount LaCrosse, near LaCrosse: $40 to $80.
> Steeplechase, near Mazeppa: $45 to $55.